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What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. WNBA All-Star Weekend Brings In Big Numbers đş
ESPN, ABC, and Disney+ just dropped the viewership stats for 2025 All-Star Weekendâand it was one for the books. (ESPN Press Room)
The Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest on Friday brought in 1.3 million viewers, up 89% from last year.
The game on Saturday drew 2.2 million viewers, making it the second-most watched WNBA All-Star Game ever.
WHY IT MATTERS: Yes, the game drew 36% fewer viewers than last yearâs star-studded Team USA vs. Team WNBA matchup (which featured a healthy Caitlin Clark). But letâs zoom out: this is only the second time the game has cracked 2 million viewers. Plus, it drew 52% more viewers than the game in 2023. Thatâs a huge deal.
The growth is real, and this kind of momentum bodes well for the leagueâs long-term visibility.
2. Second-Half Power Rankings Are In đ
The second half of the WNBA season is here, and with it comes new power rankings. ESPN has the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty at #1 and #2, while the Seattle Storm made a big leap to #5. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries slid two spots to #9.
WHY IT MATTERS: Every game matters nowâand these rankings offer a real-time look at which teams are finding their rhythm (and which still need to). This point in the season is when things start to get serious. With the playoffs roughly two months away, teams are under pressure to go on winning runs so they clinch one of those 8 playoff spots.
3. Natisha Hiedeman Leaves Game Early With Injury â¤ď¸âđŠš
One half of the beloved âStud Budzâ may be sidelined. Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman exited Tuesday nightâs game in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: Hiedeman has been a vital spark off the bench for the Lynx and is in the running for Sixth Player of the Year. Her presence is felt off the court, tooâthanks to her hilarious partnership with teammate Courtney Williams.
Together, theyâre the Stud Budz, a duo thatâs won fans over with their chemistry and content. Their 72-hour live stream over All-Star Weekend drew nearly 500,000 viewers, giving fans a rare, unfiltered peek into the life of WNBA playersâand showing how powerful personality can be in growing the game.
OVERTIME âąď¸
Alma Mater Love: Caitlin Clark sent pairs of her Kobe 5s to both the menâs and womenâs teams at Iowaâlove to see it.
Want to rep Kate Martin?: Grab this new soft-as-butter tee from Homage.*
Late Night Support: Adam Sandler wore Sabrina Ionescuâs signature Nike Sabrina 3s on Fallon. We see you, Sandman.
*This is a recommendation from our team. When you buy through this link, 30 Second Timeout may earn a commission. If you do, then THANK YOUâ it helps us keep doing what we do.
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