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What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. WNBA Preseason Tips Off This Weekend đ
WNBA preseason games start Saturday, with five matchups on the opening slate. You can stream every game for free on League Pass with a WNBA ID account, and Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty will also air on ION.
Hereâs what the first day looks like:
Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty â 3:00 PM ET
Nigeria National Team vs. Los Angeles Sparks â 3:00 PM ET
Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury â 4:00 PM ET
Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics â 7:30 PM ET
Seattle Storm vs. Golden State Valkyries â 8:30 PM ET
WHY IT MATTERS: These games donât count in the standings, but they still matter a lot. Teams are building chemistry, coaches are getting their systems in place, and front offices are making tough roster calls with only 12 active spots available. For us as fans, this is our first look at the league this season, including pro debuts for rookies like Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Awa Fam Thiam, and Lauren Betts.
đłď¸ Will you be watching any WNBA preseason games this weekend?
2. Oliviyah Edwards Commits to South Carolina đ
Five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 3 player in the Class of 2026, has committed to South Carolina after reopening her recruitment from Tennessee. (Greenville News)
WHY IT MATTERS: South Carolina is loading up again. After falling to UCLA in the title game, Dawn Staley is adding one of the most physical and talented prospects in the country. Edwards joins an already strong class that includes fellow five-star Jerzy Robinson, and this group has the pieces to keep the Gamecocks right in the national title picture.
3. Dominique Malonga Cleared for WNBA Season đ
Dominique Malonga has officially received her letter of clearance from FIBA, making her eligible to play in the WNBA this season. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: This wasnât guaranteed. Malongaâs situation was tied up in a contract dispute overseas, and without that clearance, she wouldnât have been able to play in the W this year. Now sheâs set to join Seattleâs young core, adding to a group that includes recent additions like Awa Fam Thiam and Flauâjae Johnson, giving the Storm a hugely important piece as they continue to build toward the future.
đŤ Last Chance for Mayâs Issue
Saturday is the last day to join The Post-Up Club for the inaugural month and get the first issue in May.
This is for anyone who wants something off their phone for a bit. Something you can open, read, and keep.
Each month, Iâll send a printed letter with my thoughts on womenâs basketball, along with a few handcrafted paper extras. Itâs meant to be something you can hold onto and come back to during the month.
If you want to be part of the first group, you can join here:
*Subscriptions placed after Saturday will start with the June issue.
OVERTIME âąď¸
Comets Complication: The WNBAâs plan to bring back the Houston Comets in 2027 has hit a snag due to a trademark dispute.
Bruins Reload: UCLA adds Iowa State transfer Addy Brown, giving the reigning champs a big frontcourt boost.
Happy Tears: Kim Mulkey got choked up sharing a heartfelt text from Flauâjae Johnson, thanking her and LSU.
đłď¸ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked whatâs next for Vanderbilt after Shea Ralphâs extension, and 60% of you said the Commodores will be a solid tournament team, but not quite a Final Four contender yet.
