Did someone share this email with you? Get daily womenâs basketball updates straight to your inbox. Sign up here!
Good morning! âď¸
One canât-miss matchup to keep on your radar this weekend: Minnesota visits Las Vegas on Saturday night. The Lynx and Aces tip off at 8:00 PM ET on CBS and Paramount+.
What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. WPBA Pro Development League Begins Tomorrow đ
The Women's Premiere Basketball Association (WPBA) begins its new season tomorrow, June 13. The pro development league will feature eight teams based in Oakland and San Leandro, California, with games played on weekends through August 16. (WPBA)
WHY IT MATTERS: The WNBA doesn't have a developmental system like the NBA's G League. While the WPBA has no official connection to the WNBA, it was created to help fill that gap by giving players another place to continue their professional careers and stay on the radar of teams. The league says it has helped launch more than 100 professional careers over its lifespan, and several former players have gone on to earn invitations to WNBA training camps.
2. Fever-Liberty Game Peaks at 3 Million Viewers đş
Last Saturday's matchup between the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty peaked at 3.02 million viewers, making it the second most-watched WNBA game, regular season or playoffs, since 2000. (Bleacher Report)
WHY IT MATTERS: The 3.02 million peak was up nearly 60% from the Fever-Sky game that aired in the same CBS primetime window last year. It's another sign that interest in the WNBA isn't slowing down. The Fever remain one of the league's biggest draws, and more fans than ever are tuning in to watch women's basketball.
3. A UConn Mainstay Is Stepping Away đ
UConn assistant coach Jamelle Elliott is leaving the program to pursue opportunities outside of coaching. Elliott spent 22 seasons with the Huskies as both a player and coach and was part of seven national championship teams along the way. (UConn Blog)
WHY IT MATTERS: Head coaches often get most of the attention, but successful programs are built by strong staffs. Elliott has been part of UConn's story for more than 30 years, helping the Huskies win their first national championship as a player in 1995 before returning years later as an assistant coach. Few people know the program better, and her experience and connection to the Huskies will be difficult to replace.
đŹ For The Fan Who Already Has Everything
Looking for a unique gift for a womenâs basketball fan? The Post-Up Club is available as a gift subscription and makes a great option for birthdays, anniversaries, Fatherâs Day, or just because. Each month, theyâll receive a thoughtfully written letter and a few womenâs basketball-themed surprises in their mailbox.
OVERTIME âąď¸
Earned Her Stripes: Kelsey Plum has officially signed with Adidas after months of speculation and appearances in Adidas gear.
Lost Bet: Breanna Stewart arrived to the Liberty-Dream game wearing Allisha Gray's South Carolina jersey after losing a National Tournament bet.
Sky High: Undrafted Chicago Sky rookie Sydney Taylor had a career high night of 30 points against the Fever on Thursday.
đłď¸ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked whether you plan to follow college program summer workouts, and it looks like most of you will keep your focus on the WNBA this summer, with 47% of you saying "probably not."
