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Good morning! ☕️
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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. DeWanna Bonner Wants One More Playoff Run 🏀
Could this signal the end for a long-time vet? The Phoenix Mercury have agreed to a buyout with DeWanna Bonner, giving the 39-year-old veteran a chance to join a playoff contender as her 17th WNBA season winds down. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: With the buyout, Bonner heads to the waiver wire. If no team claims her, she’ll become an unrestricted free agent and can choose where she wants to sign. Bonner and Mercury GM Nick U’Ren both made it clear that there are no issues between the two and that she wants another shot at the playoffs in what could be her final season. She has not formally announced her retirement plans, but she has a long history with Phoenix, having played 11 seasons there, winning two championships.
🗳️ Will another team sign Bonner for their 2026 playoff run?
2. France’s World Cup Roster has Eight WNBA Players 🇫🇷
Waouh! France has announced eight WNBA players who will join its 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup team, including Gabby Williams, Marine Johannès, Dominique Malonga and Janelle Salaün. The rest of the roster will be finalized after France plays two friendlies against Italy on August 27 and 28. (High Post Hoops)
WHY IT MATTERS: France may be Team USA’s biggest challenger in Berlin. The French came within one point of the U.S. in the 2024 Olympic gold medal game, and this group brings plenty of skill and experience to make another matchup tough. The World Cup tips off September 4 in Berlin, Germany.
3. The WNBA Leads Women’s Sports Merch Demand 👕
The WNBA leads women’s sports leagues in merchandise interest, according to new consumer insights data. Among U.S. adults surveyed, 34% said they are most likely to buy WNBA merchandise, ahead of the NWSL at 21% and WPBL at 20%. (Sports Business Journal)
WHY IT MATTERS: Merchandise is another place where the growth of women’s sports is showing up. Fans want unique ways to represent their teams and favorite players, and there is still plenty of room for leagues and brands to give them better options. For the WNBA, leading this list is another sign that fan interest is translating beyond tickets and TV audiences.
☕️ For Your Women’s Basketball Mornings
With the WNBA playoff race heating up and the FIBA Women’s World Cup around the corner, there’s plenty of women’s basketball to keep up with right now. This mug is for mornings just like these, when your day starts with coffee and figuring out what game you’re watching later.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Roll call: ESPN ranked the top 25 high school players in the country regardless of class.
New First: The Valkyries beat the Lynx for the first time in franchise history on Monday, and kept Minnesota from locking up the No. 1 seed.
Taking a Stand: Kim Mulkey announced that Ukrainian forward Kate Koval is leaving the program after LSU signed Russian recruit Anna Minaeva. Koval’s father is currently serving in Ukraine’s military during Russia’s invasion.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked if you think the Dallas Wings will clinch the final playoff spot on Tuesday, and you’re definitely feeling confident. 95% of you said yes.
