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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. UCLA Shocks Everyone, Wins It All 🏆
We have a new champ. UCLA dominated South Carolina 79-51 to win the 2026 NCAA Championship, giving the program its first-ever NCAA title. (NBC News)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a historic breakthrough for UCLA. The program last won a national title in 1978 under the AIAW, when Ann Meyers Drysdale and Denise Curry were leading the way, before the sport moved to the NCAA. They were one of the best teams all season, but not the one most people picked to win it all.
The team quietly went about its business all year. Then on the biggest stage, they delivered a complete performance with a strong inside presence, unselfish offense, and a defense that never let South Carolina get comfortable. It’s also a big moment for head coach Cori Close, who reaches the top in her 15th season with the program.
2. Expansion Teams Make Their First Moves 🧩
After a four month delay, the expansion draft finally happened. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo selected a combined total of 22 players last Friday, including notable names like Marina Mabrey, Bridget Carleton, and Julie Allemand.
The draftees include:
Portland Fire | Toronto Tempo |
|---|---|
Bridget Carleton | Julie Allemand |
Carla Leite | Nyara Sabally |
Luisa Geiselsöder | Marina Mabrey |
Emily Engstler | Aaliyah Nye |
Maya Caldwell | Alexa Held |
Chloe Bibby | María Conde |
Haley Jones | Maria Kliundikova |
Nyadiew Puoch | Adja Kane |
Sarah Ashlee Barker | Nikolina Milić |
Sug Sutton | Kitija Laksa |
Nika Mühl | Kristy Wallace |
WHY IT MATTERS: This is the first step in building these teams. Portland and Toronto now have a group they can start shaping, both on the court and in how they connect with fans. There’s still a lot of movement ahead with free agency, especially with players like Mabrey and Carleton who are both unrestricted free agents, but now there’s something to build around.
3. Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Is Official 🏛
The full 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class is set, featuring Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, as well as newly announced Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Women’s National Team. (Hoop Hall)
WHY IT MATTERS: This group spans multiple eras of greatness. Parker and Delle Donne helped define what the modern WNBA looks like. Holdsclaw was one of the most dominant players of her time, from Tennessee to the pros. And the 1996 national team won gold while also helping launch the WNBA and grow the sport globally. It’s a reminder of how much the game has evolved, and who helped make that happen.
Keep the WBB Vibes Going
The college season is over but the W is just around the corner! Keep the good feelings going with this fun mug that’s sure to brighten up your day. 😎
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Baton Rouge Love: LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson was honored by the city for her impact on and off the court this weekend.
Silver Lining: South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards set a new single-season scoring record for the Gamecocks during the Final Four.
Free Agency Is Here: The WNBA calendar is picking up, with qualifying offers and core designations starting today, negotiations opening Wednesday, and signings allowed beginning Saturday.
🗳️ Poll Results from Friday: UCLA surprised a lot of fans on Sunday. We asked who you thought would win the national championship, and only 11% of you picked the Bruins.
