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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. CBA Talks Are Still Stalled With 100 Days to Go ⏳
Nearly three weeks after the previous CBA expired, talks between the WNBA and the WNBPA remain stuck. The union sent a proposal about a month ago and says it is still waiting for a formal response. The league, meanwhile, has said the proposal was not meaningfully different from past ones and is waiting for something it views as more realistic. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: Free agency, the expansion draft, the college draft, and training camps all still have to happen before opening night, which is now just over 100 days away. Every quiet week shrinks the runway and adds more uncertainty for players, teams, and fans. At some point soon, both sides are going to have to move or the season timeline starts to slip.
2. Portland Fire Reveal Their Inaugural Jerseys 👀
Portland is moving full steam ahead, CBA questions and all. The expansion team unveiled its home and away jerseys this week. The white Heroine Edition features “Fire” across the chest, while the red Explorer Edition gives a clear nod to the city of Portland. Both designs include side-tape details inspired by the Willamette River.
WHY IT MATTERS: Expansion teams are built as much on momentum as rosters. Even with uncertainty around the 2026 season timeline, the Portland Fire are pushing forward and giving fans something real to get excited about.
3. Girls’ High School Basketball Participation Is Shrinking 📉
Consider this a yellow flag. Girls’ high school basketball participation in the U.S. has dropped by more than 20% since 2000, according to new data from the National Federation of State High School Associations. Some of the steepest declines came in Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Indiana, and Iowa. (AP News)
WHY IT MATTERS: The top of women’s basketball has never looked healthier, with record TV ratings, NIL money, and filled arenas. But the foundation matters too. Fewer girls playing in high school today means fewer college players tomorrow, and eventually a smaller pool feeding the pro game. Beyond that, sports like basketball help build confidence, leadership, and resilience for girls, whether they ever go on to play in college or not. That’s why this is a long-term issue the sport cannot afford to brush aside.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
2K Club: Audi Crooks hit the 2,000-point mark, becoming the fourth player in Iowa State history to do it and the fastest, reaching it in just 89 games.
All in the Family: Dearica Hamby announced the launch of her new children’s book, My Mom, the MVP, co-authored with her 8-year-old daughter, Amaya.
WBB To Dos: The fun gift your Valentine needs to stay organized this season.*
Huskies Honor: Aaliyah Edwards became the 24th individual inducted into UConn’s Huskies of Honor during a pregame ceremony at Gampel Pavilion.
*When you buy through this link, 30 Second Timeout will earn a commission. If you do, THANK YOU!
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