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Good morning! ☕️
It’s a big night around the WNBA. The playoff seeds will be finalized tonight, while the Sun is officially setting in Connecticut. The Connecticut Sun play their final home game at 7 PM ET before the franchise moves to Houston next season.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Atlanta Locks Up Home Court 🔒
The playoff picture is almost in focus. The Atlanta Dream beat New York on Wednesday night to lock up the No. 4 seed and first-round home-court advantage. The result also secured New York at No. 8 and Dallas at No. 7. (Sports Illustrated)
WHY IT MATTERS: Atlanta’s win took the No. 4 seed out of Indiana’s reach, so the Fever will open the playoffs on the road. It also means the four teams with first-round home court are set: Minnesota, Golden State, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. Half the bracket is now locked in, while seeds No. 2, 3, 5, and 6 will be decided tonight.
🗳️ Do you think the standings will see any changes tonight?
2. Meet the Nashville Vibe and Baltimore Starlings 🏀
Looks like Upshot is still on the upswing. The Upshot League announced the names of its two newest teams, which will join the league in 2027: the Nashville Vibe and Baltimore Starlings. Upshot also announced a new group of investors who will help to grow the development league. (Yahoo Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: The expansion brings high-level women’s basketball to two cities without WNBA teams, giving fans in those markets access they haven’t had before. And the investors coming onboard are an impressive group, including former WNBA players Murriel Page and Chamique Holdsclaw as well as current WNBA player Lexie Brown. Investment terms weren’t disclosed, but the news shows that support for Upshot is still growing.
3. Nneka Ogwumike Plays Her Final WNBA Game ❤️
Madame President is saying goodbye. Nneka Ogwumike will play the final game of her 15-year WNBA career tonight when the Sparks host the Golden State Valkyries. (The Orange County Register)
WHY IT MATTERS: Fittingly, Los Angeles is honoring Ogwumike on the same night the franchise celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its 2016 championship. Ogwumike was the WNBA MVP when the Sparks won that 2016 title, one of the biggest moments in a career that also included 11 All-Star selections and the 2012 Rookie of the Year award. Her impact reached well beyond the court too. She has served as players’ union president since 2017 and helped lead players through two CBA negotiations. Tonight should be an emotional sendoff for one of the defining players of her generation.
If You Could Revisit One Season… 💭
With the WNBA playoffs almost here and college teams back in the gym, this time of year is a reminder of how quickly women’s basketball moves from one season to the next.
If you could revisit one moment or season in the game for just one more day, what would it be?
That question is at the heart of October’s Post-Up Club issue. Kim will tell you more about it tomorrow.
OVERTIME ⏱️
New Threads: Unrivaled is swapping Under Armour for Adidas in a multiyear uniform and apparel deal.
Big Deal: Napheesa Collier has a new national brand partnership with GEICO.
Cowgirl Kelly: The Wings signed Deja Kelly, 2026 Upshot Championship MVP, to a developmental player contract.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked if your favorite team is in the playoffs this season, and 92% of you said yes. Looks like most of us have a fun and stressful few weeks ahead!
