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May 28 WNBA power rankings: Have the Las Vegas Aces stumbled from No. 1? Sabreena Merchant 15 Who will gain an edge in this week's showdown: Angel Reese or Cameron Brink?
May 20 WNBA power rankings: Can Arike Ogunbowale carry the Dallas Wings? Sabreena Merchant 14 Read The Athletic’s latest edition of WNBA Power Rankings.One week into the 2024 WNBA season, it’s easy to tell which teams have continuity and which are starting from scratch. Of the 14 games, 12 were won by the team with the experience advantage.Consider the New York Liberty. A year...
May 18 WNBA opens investigation into Aces players receiving $100,000 sponsorships Ben Pickman and Mark Puleo 136 One day after the Las Vegas Tourism Board announced that every player on the Las Vegas Aces would receive a $100,000 sponsorship, the WNBA opened an investigation into the bonuses, a league spokesperson confirmed. The Next first reported news of the investigation.Aces coach Becky Hammon and star...
May 18 Every Aces player receives $100,000 sponsorship from Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Mark Puleo and Sabreena Merchant 141 The Las Vegas Aces’ week started with players receiving a championship ring and the team hanging a title banner for the second consecutive home opener. The week only got sweeter come Friday, when each player was gifted a $100,000 sponsorship by the Las Vegas Tourism Board.The announcement was...
May 13 Don’t forget the Las Vegas Aces set the standard as WNBA popularity explodes Sabreena Merchant 14 "This year is going to be harder than last year, and last year was hella hard," coach Becky Hammon said as the Aces begin three-peat quest.
May 13 WNBA preseason power rankings: Can anyone catch the Las Vegas Aces? Sabreena Merchant 13 Sabreena Merchant lists all 12 WNBA teams.
May 11 A’ja Wilson named Nike signature athlete, sets sneaker collection release for 2025 Ben Pickman 55 In February 2023, A’ja Wilson received a surprise message from someone she’s spoken with thousands of times before. It was then that Wilson’s coach at South Carolina, Dawn Staley, informed her that she would be a Nike signature athlete. She would have a collection and a signature sneaker.
May 7 Aces star A’ja Wilson signs multi-year deal with Gatorade Mike Vorkunov 11 Wilson is one of just a handful of women's basketball players to ink multi-year deals with the brand.
May 1 Will the Las Vegas Aces three-peat? Answering your WNBA mailbag questions Sabreena Merchant 14 How competitive would South Carolina be in the WNBA? What impact will expansion have on the league?
Apr 29 Candace Parker’s goodbye, without cheating the game, herself or her fans Chantel Jennings 35 Parker went out as she always was — a winner, an incredible teammate and an advocate for the game.
Apr 28 Candace Parker, 3-time WNBA champion and 2-time MVP, announces retirement: ‘It’s time’ Sabreena Merchant 41 One of the all-time greats is walking off into the sunset.Candace Parker — a two-time MVP, two-time NCAA champion, three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, among many other accolades — announced her retirement from basketball Sunday.“I promised I’d never cheat the game...
Apr 18 WNBA’s Aces, Storm, Sparks, Sky, Mercury, Sun add new jersey design for 2024 season Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 29 As the WNBA heads into its most anticipated season in recent memory, half of the league’s teams are getting a new look.Six franchises — Chicago, Connecticut, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Seattle — are adding new “Rebel” jerseys for the 2024 season. When Nike took over...
Apr 16 WNBA Draft grades: Fever earn A for picking Clark, Sky receive C+ even with Angel Reese Sabreena Merchant 134 The Sparks were busy on draft night. What grade did Sabreena Merchant hand them after picking Cameron Brink?
Apr 16 WNBA expansion headed for 16 teams, commissioner says. Portland, Toronto, Philly options Mike Vorkunov 86 The league hopes to reach its number by 2028, Cathy Engelbert said.
Apr 15 In post-Caitlin Clark era, how can women’s college basketball keep TV momentum? Richard Deitsch 50 Women's college basketball is coming off a record-smashing season for TV viewership. Now how can they build off it?
Apr 15 Is Caitlin Clark’s star power strong enough to spike WNBA fandom? Ben Pickman and Mike Vorkunov 119 Clark was a must-watch as a senior at Iowa. Will she have the same impact on the WNBA as a rookie?
Apr 10 2024 WNBA mock draft: Where will Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso land? Sabreena Merchant 61 UConn's Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Mühl are potential first-round picks.
Apr 8 With the WNBA Draft nearing, what’s next for Caitlin Clark? Shannon Ryan 20 Caitlin Clark will likely be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft ... in a few days.
Mar 28 Anonymous WNBA GMs scout forward prospects: How will Angel Reese transition to the pros? Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 25 "At our level, there will be a transition, but I think she’ll figure it out and find a way," one GM said of Reese.
Mar 21 Will Angel Reese go to the WNBA or return to LSU? Explaining draft eligibility Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 14 What have Caitlin Clark, Cam Brink and Paige Bueckers decided about their future playing careers?
See Also
GAME RECAP—Three Aces Score 20+ Points to Lead Las Vegas to 107-95 Win Over Host Sky - Las Vegas AcesGAME RECAP—Young's 34, Wilson's 32 Help Erase 16-Point 1st Quarter Deficit in 103-99 Win Over Mercury - Las Vegas Aces3 takeaways: Aces surge in record quarter, hold on to end 3-game skidEvaluating Golden Knights' draft history: Hits and misses since 2017 Mar 20 WNBA Mock Draft: Where will Angel Reese land? Who will be picked after Caitlin Clark? Sabreena Merchant 51 Who can stand to gain favor with WNBA GMs in NCAA Tournament?
Mar 8 The Caitlin Clark business is booming. Here’s how her WNBA sponsorships are lining up Mike Vorkunov 56 Clark has proven to be a transcendent star on the court and in gaining endorsem*nts. Experts don't expect that to stop in the WNBA.
Feb 21 Sue Bird: Caitlin Clark can be a WNBA All-Star as a rookie, would encourage Iowa star to go pro Richard Deitsch 117 The Athletic has live coverage of Caitlin Clark and Iowa vs West Virginia in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.Caitlin Clark’s transcendent play, from her logo 3-point shooting to her unique skills as a “get ahead” passer, has captivated basketball fans from Maine to...
Feb 21 Granny style: Can an 84-year-old make the WNBA? She’s got their attention Ben Pickman 39 Shirley Simson is working out with her grandkids, hoping to catch the WNBA's attention.
Feb 7 Candace Parker returning to reigning WNBA champion Aces on 1-year deal Ben Pickman 18 WNBA star Candace Parker is returning to the Las Vegas Aces, the team announced Wednesday.Parker will play on a one-year deal, her agent Boris Lelchitski of SIG Sports confirmed to The Athletic.“I am honored to announce that we have re-signed one of the greatest basketball players of all...
Feb 2 WNBA free agency: Where will Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike and DeWanna Bonner land? Sabreena Merchant 19 Skylar Diggins-Smith started free agency with a splash. Who will make the next big move?
Jan 10 WNBA free-agency advice: Sparks? Re-sign Nneka Oguwmike. Dream? Go after Skylar Diggins-Smith Sabreena Merchant 14 Sabreena Merchant breaks down every team's free-agency needs ... and gives some guidance.
Dec 18, 2023 WNBA unveils 2024 schedule with 40 regular-season games, new Commissioner’s Cup format Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 14 The WNBA will play 40 games during the 2024 regular season, which kicks off on May 14 and includes the defending champion Las Vegas Aces facing the Phoenix Mercury.The league released its 2024 season schedule Monday, unveiling changes to the Commissioner’s Cup format and a break for the Paris...
Dec 11, 2023 WNBA 2024 mock draft: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Cameron Brink headline Sabreena Merchant 48 Where does LSU's Angel Reese fall in our WNBA mock draft?
Dec 11, 2023 With No. 1 WNBA Draft pick, Indiana Fever can change future with Caitlin Clark Ben Pickman 29 For the second straight season, the Fever earned the top pick in the draft.
Dec 10, 2023 Will Caitlin Clark go pro? A WNBA Draft Lottery explainer Ben Pickman 38 The Indiana Fever are likely to get the first pick in the WNBA Draft. The televised lottery takes place Sunday afternoon.
Dec 8, 2023 Young women’s college basketball players may sue to join WNBA earlier, Fever GM predicts Ben Pickman 26 "One of these freshmen is gonna file a lawsuit and say: 'I’m ready to turn pro. Why can’t I? The men can,'" Lin Dunn said.
Nov 9, 2023 Candace Parker says she won’t ‘play in pain anymore,’ will return for another WNBA season if healthy Ben Pickman and The Athletic Staff 12 WNBA star Candace Parker indicated she’s considering retirement in an interview with “Good Morning America” on Thursday, saying the decision will come down to whether or not she’s healthy. Here’s what you need to know:“If I’m healthy, I’m gonna...
Oct 31, 2023 WNBA free agency tiers: Where do Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Skylar Diggins-Smith rank? Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 20 This offseason might not have as dramatic changes in free agency as last season, but these names could still reshape the league's landscape.
Oct 24, 2023 Las Vegas Aces back up talk with WNBA championship bragging rights Sabreena Merchant 6 A'ja Wilson harnessed disrespect this season as fuel for championship run.
Oct 23, 2023 ESPN hires Andre Iguodala, Austin Rivers, more as studio analysts: What to expect from them on-air Richard Deitsch and The Athletic Staff 80 Four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala has a new gig, just three days after he retired from basketball. ESPN has hired Iguodala as a studio analyst. Here’s what you need to know:Former NBA guard Austin Rivers and former New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry are also joining ESPN as...
Oct 23, 2023 Where will Skylar Diggins-Smith land? A question for every WNBA team heading into the 2024 season Lyndsey D'Arcangelo 20 Does Las Vegas need to change anything? Can the Liberty make another run?
Oct 20, 2023 Las Vegas Aces headed for WNBA three-peat … especially if they add Jonquel Jones Sabreena Merchant 24 The Aces have enough to win again, but they could make a bold offseason move and snag a top Liberty player.
Oct 19, 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend needs this twist. Plus, are the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics built for title runs? Zach Harper and Shams Charania 18 Zach Harper and Shams Charania catch you up on leaguewide news.
Oct 19, 2023 The Las Vegas Aces cement a dynasty, plus the Astros’ ALCS comeback Chris Branch 4 This is the digital version of The Pulse. If you want it earlier, start every morning with The Pulse delivered to your inbox. Sign up here.Good morning! You’re off the table in James Harden trade talks.So much of the conversation after Las Vegas’ Game 3 loss in the WNBA Finals was...
Oct 19, 2023 ‘This one’s sweeter’: Las Vegas Aces capture second straight WNBA championship Sabreena Merchant 16 The Aces overcame the loss of two key players to win a title on the Liberty's court and cap a historic season.
Oct 19, 2023 Becky Hammon was built for the championship moment, just like her players Jim Trotter 11 In the minds of some, injury-riddled Las Vegas was overmatched. But Hammon and her Aces are now repeat champs, which shouldn't surprise.
Oct 19, 2023 Aces close out Liberty in thrilling Game 4: How Las Vegas won its second straight WNBA title Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 47 The Las Vegas Aces captured their second consecutive WNBA title Wednesday, rallying to defeat the New York Liberty 70-69 on the road in Game 4. Here’s what you need to know:After trailing at 39-30 at halftime, Las Vegas roared back to outscore New York 23-12 in the third quarter. The Liberty...
Oct 18, 2023 From players to coaches, how Becky Hammon and Sandy Brondello are forging paths in the WNBA Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 4 This is the first time two former players are going up against each other as head coaches. Are doors opening for current players?
Oct 17, 2023 Aces’ Chelsea Gray, Kiah Stokes out for Game 4 of WNBA Finals vs. Liberty Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 15 Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray and center Kiah Stokes are out for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty with foot injuries, Aces coach Becky Hammon announced Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:Gray exited Sunday’s Game 3 loss in the fourth quarter with the...
Oct 17, 2023 Is WNBA headed for super-team era after success of Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty? Sabreena Merchant 19 "If you don’t get on par with New York and Vegas on how you treat your players, you’re just not gonna get free agents," Becky Hammon said.
Oct 16, 2023 With Chelsea Gray’s injury, Las Vegas Aces’ WNBA championship hopes suddenly in peril Sabreena Merchant 9 The fragility of the Aces' roster was exposed in their Game 3 loss to the Liberty.
Oct 15, 2023 Liberty force Game 4 vs. Aces in WNBA Finals: How Chelsea Gray’s apparent injury could impact series Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 12 The New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-73 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday at Barclays Center to stave off elimination and force a Game 4. Here’s what you need to know:Jonquel Jones led the scoring for New York with 27 points to go along with eight rebounds and three...
Oct 15, 2023 Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas headline All-WNBA first team Ben Pickman 3 Each of the top three finishers in the 2023 WNBA MVP race was unanimously named to the 2023 All-WNBA first-team, as New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas highlight the group of five players selected. Here’s what...
Oct 13, 2023 WNBA playoff charter flights highlight need to make it the standard Ben Pickman 20 "It's just beneficial for everybody's bodies," Liberty star Breanna Stewart said.
Oct 12, 2023 How a WNBA Finals clash of super-teams has turned into a Las Vegas Aces’ masterclass Sabreena Merchant 21 With one more win, the Aces can become among one of the most accomplished champions in sports history.
Oct 12, 2023 Aces dominate Liberty in Game 2, close in on WNBA Finals sweep: Is there any hope for New York? Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 27 The Las Vegas Aces thoroughly dominated the New York Liberty, winning Game 2 104-76 on Wednesday to move within one win from sweeping the WNBA Finals. Here’s what you need to know:Las Vegas came out of the gates hot, sprinting out to a 21-4 lead as New York limped through the opening frame,...
Oct 11, 2023 Does the WNBA have an officiating problem? Coaches cite high turnover, inconsistency Ben Pickman 24 “I believe our officiating was the worst this year than it had been in 15 years,” a WNBA general manager says.
Oct 10, 2023 How the Las Vegas Aces receive a spark from this comedic bench player Sabreena Merchant 8 Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance's comedy show is an example of how WNBA players use their platforms outside of basketball.
Oct 9, 2023 NBA preseason musings; Aces take Game 1 vs. Liberty; previewing the Pelicans and Raptors Zach Harper 22 Zach Harper catches you up on leaguewide news.
Oct 9, 2023 Why Jackie Young is key to happiness for Las Vegas Aces in WNBA Finals Sabreena Merchant 5 Young took advantage of the Liberty's lapses in defense for a playoff career-high 26 points.
Oct 9, 2023 How do the New York Liberty avoid falling into a 2-0 WNBA Finals hole? Ben Pickman 6 'We let things get away,' Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot said.
Oct 8, 2023 ‘It’s showtime’: Las Vegas Aces making WNBA Finals the place to be Tashan Reed 17 With LeBron James, Tom Brady and Sheryl Swoopes courtside, the Aces proved they're the main show in Vegas.
Oct 8, 2023 Aces pull off comeback win in WNBA Finals Game 1: How will Liberty answer? Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 11 The Athletic has live coverage of the WNBA Finals Game 2 featuring the New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas AcesThe Las Vegas Aces came back to beat the New York Liberty 99-82 in Game 1 of the 2023 WNBA Finals on Sunday at Michelob Ultra Arena. Here’s what you need to know:The Aces trailed 49-46...
Oct 8, 2023 2023 WNBA Finals: How to watch, Aces vs. Liberty season series results and key storylines Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 2 The matchup we've all been waiting for is here.
Oct 6, 2023 Is Aces-Liberty the biggest WNBA Finals ever? + previewing the Mavericks and Pacers Zach Harper and Shams Charania 22 Zach Harper and Shams Charania catch you up on leaguewide news.
Oct 6, 2023 Breanna Stewart versus A’ja Wilson: A championship rivalry the WNBA deserves Sabreena Merchant 8 Stewart's Liberty meets Wilson's Aces on Sunday. It's a rivalry likened to the Magic-Bird showdowns of the NBA.
Oct 4, 2023 Sparks forward Dearica Hamby files gender discrimination complaint against WNBA, Aces: Reports Ben Pickman 5 Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby filed a gender discrimination complaint last week with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the WNBA and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, according to the Washington Post and ESPN.Hamby, whom the Aces traded in January to the Sparks,...
Oct 4, 2023 A history of WNBA expansion as league set to announce Bay Area team Torrey Hart 16 The WNBA finally, officially will add another team — its first new franchise since 2008 after years of speculation.The league plans to announce Thursday that the Golden State Warriors will operate the team, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter. It will play games in San Francisco...
Oct 4, 2023 WNBA Finals: What gives the Aces an advantage? Where do the Liberty have the edge? Lyndsey D'Arcangelo 13 Will the Aces short bench hurt them in the playoffs? Lyndsey D'Arcangelo answers 12 questions about the finals.
Oct 3, 2023 Who wins WNBA Finals? Las Vegas Aces or New York Liberty? Our experts predict Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 24 Who will be named WNBA Finals MVP? Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman make their arguments.
Oct 1, 2023 Liberty headed to WNBA Finals after eliminating Sun: How Laney played key role for New York Ben Pickman and The Athletic Staff 6 The Athletic has live coverage of the WNBA Finals Game 2 featuring the New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas AcesThe New York Liberty will take on the Las Vegas Aces in the 2023 WNBA Finals after New York closed out its semifinal series against the Connecticut Sun in four games Sunday.Recently crowned...
Sep 30, 2023 Las Vegas Aces’ sweep for trip to WNBA Finals proves their mettle Sabreena Merchant 2 Vegas displayed its multitude of options in sweep of Wings. Now the Aces will go for back-to-back titles.
Sep 30, 2023 Aces sweep Wings, return to WNBA Finals: How Las Vegas overcame offensive struggles to close out Ben Pickman and The Athletic Staff 1 The Athletic has live coverage of the WNBA Finals featuring the Las Vegas Aces vs. New York LibertyThe Las Vegas Aces held off the Dallas Wings to win 64-61 in Game 3 of their semifinal series Friday at the College Park Center, sweeping the matchup. Here’s what you need to know:Freshly crowned...
Sep 29, 2023 WNBA Confidential: Which city would be best fit for expansion? GMs share in anonymous poll Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 36 Nine of 12 GMs shared candid thoughts about expansion, rule changes and travel issues.
Sep 28, 2023 WNBA Confidential: A’ja Wilson? Caitlin Clark? GMs make player pick in our anonymous poll Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 12 Nine out of 12 WNBA GMs took part in our anonymous poll: Who would make a great new head coach? Who's the W's best defender?
Sep 26, 2023 A’ja Wilson won’t be satisfied until Las Vegas Aces reach Bill Russell status Sabreena Merchant 12 "When you have a superstar that actually plays that hard all the time, it’s unguardable.”
Sep 22, 2023 Aces’ A’ja Wilson wins second consecutive WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award Ben Pickman and The Athletic Staff 5 The Athletic has live coverage of the WNBA Finals featuring the Las Vegas Aces vs. New York LibertyLas Vegas Aces star forward A’ja Wilson was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year Friday. Here’s what you need to know:Wilson, a five-time All-Star,...
Sep 17, 2023 A’ja Wilson’s historic performance powers Aces to playoff win over Sky: How Vegas’ star did it Ben Pickman and The Athletic Staff Aces star A’ja Wilson put on a record-breaking performance as Las Vegas swept the Chicago Sky in the first round of the WNBA playoffs with a 92-70 win on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:Wilson recorded 38 points, 16 rebounds, three steals and four blocks, making her the first...
Sep 15, 2023 Kelsey Plum’s guide to Las Vegas: The Aces star recommends her favorite places Sabreena Merchant 5 Plum shares where to get a great meal before Aces playoff games for tourists in Sin City.
Sep 12, 2023 Will the Dallas Wings go on a playoff run? Answering WNBA questions Lyndsey D'Arcangelo 20 Lyndsey D'Arcangelo breaks down the playoffs with 12 WNBA questions and answers.
Sep 11, 2023 South Carolina’s WNBA sorority: How Dawn Staley created a steady pipeline to the league Sabreena Merchant 10 A'ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston are among nine former Gameco*cks players thriving in the WNBA.
Sep 11, 2023 WNBA power rankings: Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty hold edge heading into playoffs Sabreena Merchant 13 Sabreena Merchant reveals her order of teams as the WNBA playoffs begin.
Sep 11, 2023 2023 WNBA playoff field set: Schedule, best first-round matchups, key storylines to watch Sabreena Merchant and The Athletic Staff 20 The eight-team field for the 2023 WNBA playoffs is official after the regular season wrapped up Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:The defending champion Las Vegas Aces (34-6 in the regular season) locked up the No. 1 seed when the No. 2 New York Liberty (32-8) lost to the Washington Mystics...
Sep 8, 2023 Aces’ Riquna Williams has charges dropped after domestic violence arrest: Report Sabreena Merchant Las Vegas Aces guard Riquna Williams had criminal charges against her dropped on Thursday after being arrested on July 25 in a domestic violence incident, according to the Associated Press. Williams had been assessed with five felony counts and four misdemeanor counts, but the prosecution could not...
Sep 7, 2023 Anonymous WNBA poll reveals more players want roster spots over expansion Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant 25 A third of the WNBA took our survey. Which coach and organization did they say they'd most like to play for?
Sep 7, 2023 Our experts pick WNBA Rookie of the Year. Was it unanimous for Aliyah Boston? Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman and more 11 Rookie of the Year has been a candidacy of one since the start of the season.
Sep 6, 2023 A’ja Wilson? Breanna Stewart? Alyssa Thomas? Our experts make their WNBA MVP picks Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman and more 15 Defensive player of the year? Most disappointing season? Best performance? We make our 2023 picks.
Sep 5, 2023 WNBA anonymous player poll: Which player is the future of the league? Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman 27 Almost a third of the league answered our anonymous poll. Who did they say is the W's biggest trash-talker? Who's the MVP? Most underrated?
Sep 1, 2023 How Las Vegas Aces’ star Kelsey Plum’s competitive fire is driving the WNBA forward Sabreena Merchant 9 “Highlights are great, but if you don't win the game, then who cares? Who the f--- cares?” Plum says.
Sep 1, 2023 Introducing The Athletic’s Women’s Basketball Show podcast Shannon Ryan 18 Listen twice a week to our new podcast all about women's basketball.
Aug 29, 2023 With limited WNBA space, hardship contracts can be a lifeline (or vicious cycle) even for top players Lyndsey D'Arcangelo 20 What's it like after being cut in the W? "Jumping around a bit, keeping your name out there, proving to people that you have what it takes."
