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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Shea Ralph Signs Extension at Vanderbilt ✍️
Her hard work has been rewarded. Vanderbilt has locked in head coach Shea Ralph with a contract extension after one of the best seasons in program history. The Commodores went 29–5 and reached the Sweet 16 this past year. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: With the team’s success under Ralph, this doesn’t come as a shock. In her five seasons at the helm, she’s taken the program from a decade-long NCAA Tournament drought to three straight appearances and national prominence. Attendance at Memorial Gym has nearly doubled as well.
🗳️ What’s next for Vanderbilt under Shea Ralph?
2. Val Ackerman Announces Retirement 🏝️
One of the most important executives in sports is stepping down. Val Ackerman is set to retire as Big East commissioner, closing out a career that has touched nearly every level of women’s hoops. (The IX Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: Even if newer fans don’t recognize the name right away, her impact is everywhere. Ackerman was the WNBA’s first president and helped launch the league in 1997. She later guided USA Basketball from 2005 through 2008 and went on to lead the Big East for 13 years through a period of major media growth. She was also one of the early women’s players to earn a scholarship at Virginia in the late 1970s. This is one of those moments where it’s worth pausing and recognizing just how much one person has shaped the path of the sport.
3. WNBA Releases 2026 TV Schedule 📺
Grab your game snacks. The WNBA released its 2026 national TV schedule, and it’s a big one. A record 216 games will be nationally broadcast, covering 65% of the league’s full slate. (WNBA)
WHY IT MATTERS: More games on national TV means more visibility and more momentum. This is a record number of games being broadcast, thanks to the WNBA’s new media deals. The Indiana Fever will set a record of their own, with 100% of their games scheduled for national broadcast this season, reflecting the team’s growing fanbase.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Ticking Clock: WNBA vets Natasha Cloud and Tina Charles remain unsigned as the season approaches. Track the latest players transactions here.
Sneaker Shift: 4x All-Star Kelsey Plum is moving on from Under Armour and is now a sneaker free agent.
Game Ready: It’s a new season, do you have your new gear? Check out the unique league-inspired merch at the Home School Hoop Shop.*
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🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked if the Lynx need Napheesa Collier back and healthy to compete this season. The response was clear, with 89% of you saying “Yes, absolutely.”
