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Good morning! âď¸ Before we jump in, a heads up that we'll be off tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth.
Enjoy the long weekend, and if you're a women's basketball history buff, Sunday marks 30 years since the WNBA's first-ever game tipped off between the Liberty and Sparks. We'll see you Monday.
What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. Aces Join Liberty In Commissionerâs Cup Final đ
It took until the final day of Commissioner's Cup play, but the championship matchup is finally set. The New York Liberty will represent the East, while the Las Vegas Aces claimed the West spot with a win over the Phoenix Mercury, 86-76, on Wednesday night. The two teams will meet for the title on June 30. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is the sixth year of the WNBA's in-season tournament. There is a $500,000 prize pool, which can mean a real pay bump for players, especially those on rookie or veteran minimum contracts.
The Cup has a community impact too, and the finalists will earn an additional $5,000 or $10,000 for their charity of choice. The Aces are playing for the Public Education Foundation in Southern Nevada, while the Liberty are playing for the African American Policy Forum.
2. The WNBA Is Expanding to 50 Games đď¸
The WNBA announced that teams will play a 50-game regular season beginning in 2027, up from 44 games this year. It will be the longest regular season in league history after the league debuted with a 28-game schedule back in 1997. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: A 50-game schedule is another sign of the WNBA's continued growth. More games mean more visibility for teams, players, broadcasters, and sponsors as the league enters an era of expansion and bigger salaries.
One thing to watch is how the WNBA fits those extra games into the calendar. Will the season get longer, or will teams play more games in the same amount of time? That could have implications for player rest, travel, and injuries.
3. Caitlin Clark Reveals Her First Signature Shoe đ
Caitlin Clark unveiled the first full look at the Nike Caitlin 1, sharing photos of her upcoming signature sneaker on Instagram. The debut "Racer Blue" colorway features repeated motifs of Clark's initials and jersey number throughout the design, along with underfoot messages like "Shoot More Threes," "From Anywhere," and "It was never a long shot." (Sole Retriever)
đ See the Caitlin 1
WHY IT MATTERS: Clark signed a reported $28 million deal with Nike before she even played her first WNBA game, and fans have been waiting ever since to see what her signature shoe would look like. That makes the Caitlin 1 one of the most anticipated sneaker releases in basketball. Signature shoes are still relatively rare, putting Clark in a small group of players to receive one. The Caitlin 1 is expected to launch October 1, 2026 with a retail price of $140.
đłď¸ What do you think of the Caitlin 1?
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OVERTIME âąď¸
Early Returns: A'ja Wilson and Paige Bueckers lead the first round of WNBA All-Star fan voting. See the top 40 vote-getters.
Breakfast of 4x MVPs: A'ja Wilson is the latest athlete to land on a Wheaties box.
Well Deserved: Coaching legend C. Vivian Stringer will receive the 2026 Betty F. Jaynes Lifetime Achievement Award after a career that included 1,055 wins and helped shape generations of players and coaches.
đłď¸ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked who would earn the Western Conference spot in the Commissioner's Cup Championship, and it was nearly split down the middle. Fifty-two percent of you picked the Lynx, while 48% correctly predicted the Aces would claim the final spot.
