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Good morning! âď¸
Before we get to today's stories, one quick invitation: if you'd like to spend a little more time with women's basketball away from screens, today is the last day to join The Post-Up Club in time for the July issue. I'm putting the finishing touches on the next mailing now, and I'd love to have you join me. You can sign up here.
What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. Kelsey Plum Will Miss At Least A Month đ¤
Kelsey Plum will be sidelined for at least four weeks with a lower leg injury, the Los Angeles Sparks announced Wednesday. Plum, who has already missed time this season with an ankle sprain, is averaging a career-high 23.9 points per game and currently ranks second in the WNBA in scoring. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a major blow for a Sparks team that has leaned heavily on Plum's production all season. Los Angeles is already fighting to stay in the playoff picture, and replacing nearly 24 points per game, along with Plum's veteran leadership, won't be easy.
đłď¸ Can the Sparks make the playoffs without Kelsey Plum?
2. Sophie Cunningham Stalking Case Highlights A Growing Concern đ
A 48-year-old Indianapolis man has been charged with stalking, intimidation, and harassment after allegedly sending threatening messages to Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham through social media. (Yahoo Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: The rapid growth of women's basketball has brought more attention to players, but it has also created new safety concerns. This is the second time someone has been charged with stalking a Fever player after a Texas man was sentenced to prison for stalking Caitlin Clark last year. Paige Bueckers also dealt with a stalking case during her time at UConn. As the sport continues to grow, keeping players safe away is becoming an increasingly important issue.
3. Players Are Already Challenging The NCAA's New Rules âď¸
Less than 24 hours after the NCAA approved its new five-year eligibility model, 15 women's and menâs basketball players filed a lawsuit challenging the decision. The athletes argue that the new rules unfairly exclude players who used up their eligibility this past season from receiving an additional year to compete. Attorneys representing the group say more lawsuits could be filed in the coming days. (Front Office Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: Athletes, schools, conferences, and lawmakers all have different ideas about what the future of college sports should look like, especially when it comes to eligibility and athlete rights. This lawsuit is another example of players being unafraid to challenge the NCAA in court.
đşđ¸ For WBB Fans Across the Country
Women's basketball fans know loyalty doesn't stop at one team. Maybe you cheer for A'ja in Vegas, Paige in Dallas, and your favorite college star on Team USA. This cap is a fun way to celebrate the players and teams that keep us watching all year long.
*If you buy through this link, 30 Second Timeout may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting our work.
OVERTIME âąď¸
This Spark is a Fire: Sania Feagin is heading to Portland after the Fire claimed the former Sparks forward off waivers for a developmental contract.
All-Star Favorites: The second fan returns for WNBA All-Star voting are in, and Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark now sit atop the overall vote totals.
Whoâs Missing?: The WNBA unveiled a commemorative 30th anniversary poster and fans quickly began debating which current and former stars were left out.
đłď¸ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked whether you liked the NCAA's new five-year eligibility rules, and it's clear most of you are on board with the change. Eighty percent of you answered "yes."
