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#ShrinkTheGame Vol. 2
Basketball: A Welcome Escape
Fred S
January 23, 2025
Welcome! 🎉 In an effort to stop spamming my friends with constant women’s basketball updates, I’ve created this newsletter. I know—so generous of me. No need to thank me! I’m here to keep you informed on most things WBB.
Table of Contents
WNBA News
Free agency kicked off on January 21st, allowing teams to begin negotiating with free agents. However, no deals can be officially signed until February 1st. This also means that Draft picks are now eligible for trade as well.
I included a chart with some key updates from free agency this week but here are a few resources I use to stay up-to-date with free agency moves.
The WNBA also dropped a comprehensive guide detailing the full list of unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, cored players, reserved players, and signed reserved players.
My 5 Free Agency Questions
Where will Tina Charles land? The legend—and notorious ring chaser—was spotted chatting with Cheryl Reeve, who even flew out to watch her play (and Emma Meesseman!!!!). Tina could definitely push the Lynx over the edge. That said, I could also see her coming back home 🙂. Then again, knowing Tina, she might just end up on a totally random team!
Where does Chennedy land? Despite everything, CC has proven she’s far too talented to be left off a roster. I think she ends up in Vegas—Becky seems like the perfect coach to harness all that fire.
Who needs Alyssa Thomas the most? Where would she fit best while still maximizing her impact? And if she moves, would that team also make room for DB? Because they are definitely a package deal.
Does New York need Satou? I’m torn. I don’t usually like change (lol), so the idea of losing another core Liberty piece like Betnijah is tough. But could sticking with the same roster mean settling for defeat?
Why don’t Vegas and Seattle just swap? Similar stars, top-notch facilities—no step down for either player—and it gives both KP and Jewell a chance at a fresh start.
(Lol Annie dropped this right after I finished writing this)
Jewell Loyd not expected to land with the Sky; wants to play for the Aces, per @AnnieCostabile.
Chicago’s top target at point guard is Courtney Vandersloot.
— Underdog WNBA (@Underdog__WNBA)
7:53 PM • Jan 23, 2025
Free Agency Updates as of Jan 23rd, 2025
Team | Core | Qualifying Offers | Other Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta Dream | - | Lorela Cubaj, Maya Caldwell (Accepted) | |
Chicago Sky | - | Dana Evans, Michaela Onyenwere, Nikolina Milić | - Chennedy Carter was not offered a qualifying offer from Chicago - Other Players not offered include Diamond Deshields and Isabelle Harrison |
Connecticut Sun | Alyssa Thomas | Caitlin Bickle (accepted), Dijonai Carrington | |
Dallas Wings | Satou Sabally | Jaelyn Brown( accepted), Sevgi Uzun(Accepted) | |
Golden State Valkyrie | Temi Fagbenle, Cecilia Zandalasini, Julie Vanloo, Veronica Burton | - They stole KT and for that, they are my sworn enemies | |
Indiana Fever | Kelsey Mitchell | - | |
Las Vegas Aces | Kelsey Plum | - | |
New York Liberty | Jaylyn Sherrod (accepted), Marine Johannès, Rebekah Gardner (accepted), Ivana Dojkić | - The Liberty want Burke back! - MJ wants to come back, but will she be traded? | |
Phoenix Mercury | Natasha Mack (accepted), Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Amy Atwell, Natasha Mack, Celeste Taylor(Accepted) | BG To Test Free Agency. DT to Retire??? | |
Seattle Storm | Gabby Williams | Jewell Loyd requested a trade after a messy situation in Seattle. | |
Washington Mystics | - | Emily Engstler, Sug Sutton, Bernadett Határ | EDD was NOT cored. It looks like Shatori Walker - Kimbrough is considering leaving the Mystics |
Unrivaled: Week One!
Unrivaled. Week one was certainly interesting. It feels like one big All-Star game and the content is so fun. I enjoy watching hoops without being emotionally tied to anyone winning or losing. I came in ignoring all the pre-season ranking and just judged based off the games. Here’s my ranking:
In my opinion, the Laces are the best squad right now. KMac and AT have such incredible chemistry— it’s a bit scary and I hope Cheryl Reeves doesn’t get any ideas. For my sake specifically. TIP Hayes is looking phenomenal too.
As for rookies, I think Kate Martin has shown the most growth so far. She’s shaping up to embody exactly what the veteran Laces stand for: elite role players (besides AT, of course). The kind of role players that win championships (besides last season of course 😉 ). And the wildest part? They don’t even have Jackie back yet!
Lunar Owls - Phee is doing Phee things. Court is hooping. Skylar is SO fun to watch, and Allisha is a DOG. Shakira could’ve used a few more months to get back into playing shape but I am just happy to see her on the floor again. Also Love Cam Brink content.
Vinyl- Dearica is not playing around at all—she's an absolute monster! I’m so glad new fans are finally seeing how great Rhyne is. Arike is not only hooping but also passing like we always hoped she would. I’d love to see Rae and Aliyah get more comfortable and find their rhythm too.
Mist- Stewie said she spent the off-season eating cheese and drinking wine, and I’m fully here for it, CHAMP! But she is out of shape right now for sure,lol. There are definitely flashes of greatness with this team, but they’re a little inconsistent. I still think they have a lot of potential!
Rose - They’re cute! A lot of y’all are playing on Azurá’s top! She can hoop and is a 3×3 gold medalist.
Phantom………Please Practice!!! Sabrina is in Paris right now and got a game tomorrow at 7:15 PM. So, I just know they about to be 0-4 lmfao
CP x Sabrina x Tony Parker Spurs/Pacers in Paris is next on NBA TV!
— (@nba-mirror.bsky.social)2025-01-23T18:57:50Z
Quick Refresher:
What is it? Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 full-court league where WNBA stars can play as an alternative to playing overseas. The league will be based in Miami for the 2025 season.
Who is playing? In an IMPOSSIBLY LONG AND DRAWN OUT REVEAL, Unrirvaled revealed their 36-players, 6 team rosters. https://www.unrivaled.basketball/clubs
Ways to Watch: TNT Sports has acquired the broadcast rights, and will show Monday and Friday games on TNT and Saturday games on truTV. All games will be available for streaming on Max.
Opening night of @unrivaledwbb.bsky.social delivered strong 💪 viewership and engagement across TNT Sports platforms: 🏀 Most watched WBB games on TNT Sports platforms ever 🏀 WBB viewership record for Max 🏀 31m views of Unrivaled content on Bleacher Report platforms More ⤵️
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@tntsportsus.bsky.social)2025-01-21T22:58:52.207Z
Unrivaled wrapped up a big opening week of games, reaching a total of more than 3 million viewers across TNT & truTV 🏀🟣🏀🟣🏀🟣 @unrivaledwbb.bsky.social Week 2 tips off tomorrow night starting at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV and Max! ⛹️♀️💨
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@tntsportsus.bsky.social)2025-01-23T18:27:13.948Z
Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball
This year, AU will be based in Nashville with a Tip-off on February 5th at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are affordable and you can find them HERE.
How to watch? FULL SCHEDULE
14 games will be broadcast live for FREE on the WNBA APP
Fanduel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports) will carry 14 games
10 games will be on ESPN+
As a Belmont University alumna, I would LOVE to see AU do a piece on the women’s basketball pioneer, Betty Wiseman. “She founded the women's basketball team at Belmont, which became one of the first women's teams not only in the state, but throughout the southeast. […] Wiseman's summer basketball camps at Belmont became popular and served as inspiration for young players to follow in her footsteps. One of those was Pat Head Summitt.”
Additional AU Updates:
the 2025 AU Pro Basketball Player Executive Committee 🤩
a special welcome to the latest addition to the PEC, @OMG_itsizzyb
— AU Pro Basketball (@AUProBasketball)
4:44 PM • Jan 23, 2025
Liberty Corner: You Mind If I Wild Out?
My Lil’ Liberty Fan Section 🙂↕️
I just got some film back from the Fall! Check out a few shots from the Liberty Championship Parade!
StewYorkCity | CHAMPS
KT 🥹💔
Slooty & Allie | B & Lil JJ
FMVP 242 to the World
A horrible picture of Ellie and a badass picture of Stewie 🍷
Sabrina grabbing her thumb during Unrivaled on Monday had me worried. I need Clara and Joe to shut this down IMMEDIATELY. This is cute and all but Mama needs a Liberty repeat!!
so…can we have an update on Sab’s thumb, @Unrivaledwbb? I’m genuinely worried.
— Tanya (@ScriptedTanya)
4:33 PM • Jan 21, 2025
Rebekah Gardner has been rehabbing an Achilles injury here in Brooklyn and seems poised to play for the Libs for the 2025 season. Given that we have seen multiple successful Achilles recoveries (Kelsey Plum, Stewie for both Achilles and Alyssa Thomas) I am not too worried about her effectiveness on the court.
Listen, I love Slooty, but I’m okay with whatever she decides. It seems like she knows she’s nearing the end of her career and wants to finish on her terms with a starting spot. That ain’t happening in Brooklyn.
Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca and coach Tyler Marsh met with the team's former franchise player Courtney Vandersloot on Tuesday. But what are their chances of actually signing the five-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion? My take: chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-sky-...
— Annie Costabile (@anniecostabile.bsky.social)2025-01-22T21:01:00.363Z
Hoops & Hype: Media Picks
Check out some of the cool podcasts, videos, reads, and fashion I saw this week.
“Free agency starts today and Candace Parker predicts where WNBA superstars will go”
𝑈𝑛𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑑 connections 🏀⚽️
The @minnesotalynx's own Natisha Hiedeman stopped by following her @Unrivaledwbb debut!
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT)
9:43 PM • Jan 22, 2025
Film Session: WBB Highlights & Insights 📽️
Caitlin Clark on “Life Changing” Rookie Year, Chiefs Fandom, NBA Ratings Debate and More | Ep 117
Good Morning America: WNBA offseason side hustles: Players' surprising ventures
Quita Loves Sports: The Chennedy Carter era is officially over...
Unrivaled Week One, Monique Billings on Angel Reese and NIL + Kelsey Plum, & More
On Air: The WBB Podcast Rundown 🎙️
The Sixth Podcast of the Year: WNBA Centers, Ranked (With Eric Nemchock)
In Case You Missed It With Khristina Williams: Dominating on the Court and in the Broadcast Booth with Aliyah Boston
Pull Up with Myles and Owen
Booked & Busy: WBB Reads 👓
Drip Report 💧
BONUS: Power of the Dream
This past Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a powerful reminder of our collective strength. I know it’s easy to feel angry, to lash out, or to want to isolate ourselves—but that is not the answer. While the past four years may have felt relatively easier for many of us, it’s important to remember that communities in Red States have continued to face significant challenges. From attacks on reproductive rights to book bans, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and anti-immigration sentiments, the struggles are ongoing. Now is the time to harness our shared power and recognize the incredible impact we can make when we stand in solidarity. We got Us.
