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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Full Circle, Still Perfect 🔄
Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies (19–0) and Shea Ralph’s Vanderbilt Commodores (19–0) are the last two undefeated teams left in Division I women’s basketball, and they’re directly connected. (Essentially Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a true full-circle moment. Ralph starred at UConn from 1996 to 2001, won a national championship in 2000, and was named Most Outstanding Player before later spending more than a decade on Auriemma’s staff. Geno built a dynasty and a coaching tree. Now Ralph has Vanderbilt back in the national conversation. Two undefeated teams tied together by one shared history is rare. And pretty cool to see.
2. The WNBA May Buy Back Its Own Future 💼
The WNBA is exploring the possibility of buying back the 16% stake it sold in 2022 for $75 million. That sale happened coming out of the pandemic. Fast forward to now, and the league’s value has ballooned, with the league adding three teams and three more on the way. (Front Office Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a big swing. Buying back equity would give the league more long-term control at a time when women’s sports valuations are soaring. It also sends a clear message of confidence. The WNBA believes it is worth betting on itself. What happens next could shape how the league is owned and operated for years to come.
3. Sarah Strong Reaches Rare Air 💨
Sarah Strong became the third-fastest player in UConn history to reach 1,000 career points, hitting the mark in just 59 games. Only Paige Bueckers and Maya Moore got there quicker. (FOX Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: The scoring milestone jumps off the page, but it barely tells the full story. Strong leads UConn in points, shooting percentage, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, all while playing with a calm, almost effortless confidence. As a sophomore, she already feels like the engine of the program and a National Player of the Year frontrunner. When the only names ahead of her are Bueckers and Moore, she is firmly rooting herself in all-time territory.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
She’s Money: Paige Bueckers won Unrivaled’s inaugural Free Throw Challenge, earning a $50,000 bonus.
Back Again: Iowa cracked the AP Top 10 for the first time in two years, while UConn remained the unanimous No. 1.
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