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Good Morning! ☕️
Before we get into today’s news, a quick note. Kim has been working on something new behind the scenes, and it’s a little different from what we usually send. It’s personal, it’s thoughtful, and it’s something you’ll actually be able to hold onto. We’re excited to share more very soon.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. A’ja Wilson Signs Largest WNBA Contract Ever 💰
I’ll have what she’s having. A’ja Wilson is staying in Las Vegas, reportedly signing a three-year, $5 million fully guaranteed supermax deal with the Aces. This is the largest contract in WNBA history. (Yahoo Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a massive moment for both A’ja and the league. Two years ago she took less than the max to help build a championship roster, and now that bet has paid off in a big way. More importantly, this shows the financial impact of the new CBA for star players. For elite stars that still play overseas during the off-season (Wilson does not), deals like this make the WNBA the financial priority rather than another stop on their year-around playing schedule.
2. Vegas Takes Gamble on Chennedy Carter 😲
Las Vegas has been busy this week. In addition to the historic deal above, they signed guard Chennedy Carter to a training camp contract, bringing in one of the league’s most talented, and debated, players. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
WHY IT MATTERS: Carter can flat-out play. She averaged 17.5 points in 2024 with Chicago and last year led her league in China in scoring. The question is not about talent. Rather, it’s composure. If there’s a locker room built to support her growth, however, it’s one led by A’ja Wilson. This is a potentially risky move for the Aces, but with considerable upside if Carter can keep her cool in the desert.
3. WNBA Draft Draws Big Audience 📺
Monday’s WNBA Draft averaged 1.5 million viewers, making it the second most-watched draft in league history, second only to 2024’s historic night. (ESPN Press Room)
WHY IT MATTERS: Maybe it was the young stars, or maybe it was the unpredictability of the evening with no clear No. 1 favorite. Either one, fans showed up. This year’s viewership was up 20% over last year. It’s another sign that interest in the women’s game isn’t tied to just one class or one player. People are invested in the sport as a whole.
Make Your Game Gift Feel Like a Moment 🎟️
Taking someone to a WNBA game this season? This is a really fun way to level it up.
Download a custom ticket template, print it out, and add your game details. It turns a simple gift into something they can actually hold onto and remember.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
One Week, Two Signings: This year’s No. 4 pick Lauren Betts continues her good week with the announcement of a new shoe deal with Reebok.
On The Road Again: Veteran guard, and journeywoman, Odyssey Sims has signed a training camp deal with the Dallas Wings.
Restless: Less than 48 hours after the draft, No. 2 pick Olivia Miles was in Minnesota getting shots up with the Lynx.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked how many of you follow the WNBA pre-season closely and it seems that most of you, 77%, are like us, keeping close tabs on training camp and pre-season moves.
