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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Athletes Unlimited Is Back 🏀
Athletes Unlimited tips off today, kicking off its fifth season of women’s pro basketball. The player pool features familiar WNBA faces, including Alysha Clark, Kaitlyn Chen, Te-Hina Paopao, and Tina Charles, all competing in AU’s unique player-driven format.
WHY IT MATTERS: Athletes Unlimited has become a go-to offseason option for pro players who want to stay in the U.S., stay sharp, and stay on fans’ radar. Five seasons in, this league feels established. And for fans, it fills the calendar with more high-level basketball, especially in a market like Nashville that doesn’t have a WNBA team to rally around. And it’s easy to watch, too. Games air on ESPN and the ESPN app, with additional streaming available on the WNBA app.
2. VCU Parts Ways with Beth O’Boyle Midseason ✂️
Virginia Commonwealth has fired head coach Beth O’Boyle midway through her 12th season. O’Boyle leaves as the winningest coach in program history with a 191–168 record. This season, though, the Rams have struggled, sitting at 8–15 overall and 4–7 in conference play. (AP News)
WHY IT MATTERS: Midseason coaching changes are common in the pros, but they’re still unusual in college, especially when a coach has a long history of success. This move is another sign of how much pressure now exists at the Division I level. With more money tied to winning than ever before, athletic departments are looking for results now, not later.
3. Unrivaled Announces 1-on-1 Tourney List 👑
Who will be the “one”? Unrivaled has officially revealed the 32-player field for its returning 1-on-1 tournament, set for Feb. 11, 13, and 14 at Sephora Arena in Florida. The group includes Paige Bueckers, Dominique Malonga, Sonia Citron, Saniya Rivers, Veronica Burton, and Kelsey Mitchell. (USA Today)
WHY IT MATTERS: The 1-on-1 format is a fast-paced unique format where the pros really get to prove who’s the best of the best. No other pro basketball league has a tourney like this. It’s a rare chance to see the stars compete outside of team basketball and lean fully on their individual skills.
Give Them a Good Day
Everyday is a good day to watch women’s sports, and now your Valentine will be reminded of this with year-round with this positive, uplifting mug. 😍
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Hot Shots: Naismith unveiled its midseason top 10 candidates for the 2026 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, spotlighting the best college shooting guards.
CBA Clarity: ESPN shared details from the WNBA’s presentation to players this week, outlining where the league stands on key CBA proposals.
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