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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Is Here 🏆
25 is the new 50. The John R. Wooden Award released its midseason Top 25 list on Tuesday, featuring Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong from UConn, Lauren Betts of UCLA, and Iowa State’s Audi Crooks, among others. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: The Wooden preseason watchlist started with 50 players, but by midseason, that list always tightens. The award honors the most outstanding player in college basketball, and it’s historical done a pretty good job of spotlighting players who go on to long, successful pro careers. Last year’s winner was USC sophomore JuJu Watkins, following WNBA All-Stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Breanna Stewart.
The 2026 Wooden Award winner be named shortly after the Elite Eight tips off in March.
2. Sarah Strong Named USA Basketball’s 2025 3x3 Female Athlete of the Year 🥇
This kid is more than alright. USA Basketball named Sarah Strong its 2025 3x3 Female Athlete of the Year after a standout run across international competition. (USA Basketball)
WHY IT MATTERS: USA’s 3x3 program featured a deep mix of college stars and WNBA veterans at events like the 2025 AmericaCup and 2025 World Cup, and Strong still stood out. Despite competing with and against seasoned pros at only nineteen years old, Strong made a clear impact. This is likely one of many national and international honors for this young star.
3. Breanna Stewart Sounds Optimistic on WNBA CBA Talks 📣
Are CBA negotiations turning a corner? During a SI Sportsperson of the Year red carpet interview on Tuesday, Breanna Stewart shared that she’s feeling optimistic about ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations. (BallIsLife.Com)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is the first notably positive public comment from a WNBPA leader in a very, very long time. Stewart, a vice president of the players’ union (the WNBPA), carries real weight in these discussions. While the two parties may not meet the current Friday, January 9th deadline, her comments and tone suggest momentum in the right direction. The potential that both sides are closing in on a deal sooner rather than later is great news for players, for the league, and for us fans.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Cordially Invited: A’ja Wilson pulled up to the Illinois–Ohio State game alongside Bam Adebayo after Illinois players invited her.
Ball for All: Check out this charming moment of USC icon Cheryl Miller showing a young UCLA fan how to dribble.
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