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#ShrinkTheGame Vol. 7
A lil sumn sumn for your Sunday morning
Fred S
March 16, 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
Team by Team Updates
Atlanta Dream
Not much has been happening in Magic City, but the Atlanta Dream made a move by signing Ashley Joens to a training camp contract. The former Iowa State forward has been bouncing in and out of the league since 2023 and is currently playing in the Greek Women’s Basketball League. Here's hoping she can carve out a permanent spot this time!
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Brittney Griner - one year $214,466 | Lorelai Cubaj | Laeticia Amihere |
Brionna Jones one year $214,466 | Maya Caldwell | |
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough - one year $150,000 | Holly Winterburn- 66,079; Ashley Joens |
Chicago Sky
The Sky bolstered their training camp roster with two additions: Alex Wilson and Morgan Bertsch. Bertsch, a true journeywoman since entering the league in 2019, has had stints with the Mercury, Sky, and Wings but has yet to secure a long-term spot. Meanwhile, Wilson, who currently plays for the Perth Lynx in the Australian WNBL, was named to the All-WNBL First Team. She could be an underrated pickup for Chicago!
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Michaela Onyenwere One-Year Deal for $125,000 unprotected | Alex Wilson, Morgan Bertsch | The rights to Nikolina Milić were traded to CT with Lindsey Allen for Rebecca Allen |
Kia Nuse. One-Year deal for $145,000 unprotected | Dana Evans | |
Rebecca Allen- One Year deal for 160,000 protected veteran | The # Trade in the draft for Ariel Akins | |
Courtney Vandersloot -One-Year Deal for $185,000 unprotected |
Connecticut Sun
The Sun has added Kamila Borkowska and Haley Peters to their training camp roster. Borkowska, a Polish center, is currently showcasing her skills in the EuroCup with her club team in Poland. Peters, meanwhile, first entered the league with the San Antonio Stars (now the Aces) and is looking to make a return. Time will tell if they can make it past training camp.
On the roster front, Sun president Jen Rizzotti recently spoke with Locked on Women’s Sports about the decision to keep Natasha Cloud and Marina Mabrey. She emphasized that Connecticut gave up a lot to acquire Mabrey last season, so they want to see how she fits with this new-look squad. The decision suggests the Sun still intends to compete, which seems like the only logical reason to hold on to Cloud. As for Mabrey, don’t nobody want that contract. It’ll be interesting to see how the team navigates things going forward—though, personally, I’d love to see Cloud on the Liberty!
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Tina Charles - $170,000 | Caitlin Bickle accepted her qualifying offer | Rebecca Allen for the rights to Nikolina Milić and Lindsay Allen($90,000) |
Diamond Deshields - $115,000 unprotected | Robyn Parks signed a rookie scale contract for $66,079 | |
Leïla Lacan signed a rookie-scale contract for $72,455 | Mya Hollingshed- $66,079 | |
Yvonne Anderson signed a two-year deal - $85,000 | Kariata Diaby, Amy Okonkwo, Abbey Hsu, Kamila Borkowska, Haley Peters |
Dallas Wings
Dallas had some fun this week welcoming its newest players, including NaLyssa Smith. The Wings also signed former USC standout McKenzie Forbes, the 28th overall pick in the draft, to a training camp contract. Forbes spent the offseason competing in Athletes Unlimited, and she’ll now look to earn a roster spot in Dallas.
Preseason Schedule
Friday, May 2nd at 7 PM vs Las Vegas Aces at Norte Dame Tickets can be found here
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Myisha Hines-Allen was signed to a one-year deal $203,000 | Luisa Geiselöder, Joyner Homes,Kaila Charles, Mai Yamamoto, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan | Jacey Sheldon, Kalani Brown, Sevgi Uzun, and Jaylen Brown |
McKenzie Forbes |
Lyss felt the love 🫶
@NaLyssaSmith joined @dallasmavs GEM Celebration to chat with young female athletes from across DFW.
@MavsOffCourt | #DallasWings
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings)
9:48 PM • Mar 10, 2025
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State is still rounding out its roster—and paying big money to role players to get them to sign. They just gave Cecilia Zandalasini a $100K contract, a massive jump from the $64,154 she made with the Lynx.
Meanwhile, it looks increasingly unlikely that Temi Fagbenle will return to the WNBA anytime soon, as she’s been cast in the upcoming film Children of Blood and Bone. Exciting! I am glad they are finally casting some got damn African people.
Preseason Games
Against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center at 7 p.m. on May 6- Find Tickets HERE
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | TC |
|---|---|---|
Monique Billings, a free agent selected in the expansion draft, officially signed a one-year deal. | Veronica Burton (expansion draft pick) | |
Laeticia Amihere has been claimed off waivers | Julie Vanloo (expansion draft pick) | |
Kyara Linskens - rookie scale contract | Janelle Salaün- French player | |
Cecilia Zanfalasini, 100K |
Sources confirm that Cecilia Zandalasini signed with the Golden State Valkyries for one year, $100,000, unprotected. GSV using some of their copious cap space to give Zandalasini a bump up from the vet minimum and encourage her to spend another summer in the US. #WNBA
— Richard Cohen (@richardcohen.bsky.social)2025-03-08T18:32:15.597Z
The ‘Children of Blood & Bone’ film has added 8 new cast members. Saniyya Sidney, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayra Starr, Pamilerin Ayodeji, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, and Temi Fagbenle. Ayodeji and Garuba were cast through an open casting call in Nigeria. (via Deadline)
— Black Film Alerts 🎥 (@blackfilmalerts.bsky.social)2025-03-10T22:35:55.908Z
Indiana Fever
I don’t remember if I mentioned this already, but the Fever has officially suspended Kristy Wallace’s contract as she’ll be staying in Australia this season. Honestly, the way Indiana keeps getting players to suspend their contracts and accept buyouts is suspicious—if this were the Aces, there’d be multiple investigations already lmfao But hey, credit where it’s due—amazing work by their GM, Amber Cox.
Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham is already thriving in Indiana and looks like she’s going to fit right in. But—I’m not posting any MAGA Barbie content. 😂
Preseason
Saturday, May 3 vs. Washington Mystics – 3 p.m. ET -
Sunday, May 4th vs. Brazilian National Team- 6 PM ET - ( SOLD OUT)
Saturday, May 10 at Atlanta Dream – 3 p.m. ET
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
DeWanna Bonner- one-year deal for $200,000 | ||
Victoria Saxton, Kristy Wallaces (contract suspended) | ||
Kelsey Mitchell signed her core deal for the Supermax for $294,446 | NaLyssa Smith - traded to Dallas | |
Brianna Turner - $85,000 | Katie Lou Samuelson (contract buyout) |
Las Vegas Aces
The Aces have been busy rolling out the red carpet for their new players. They held a press conference and even had a “Welcome Jewell” day to celebrate their big offseason addition. Rookie Liz Kitley also got her official welcome. Other than that, it’s been pretty quiet in Vegas.
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Queen Egbo-one-year deal for $78,831 | ||
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus- one-year deal for $78,831 | ||
Dana Evans (received from Chicago) | Elena Tsineke | |
Crystal Bradford |
We love a self aware queen @elizabethkitley
— Bri Lewerke (@brilewerke)
2:43 AM • Feb 26, 2025
Los Angeles Sparks
The biggest news coming from the Sparks is that they are looking for practice players!
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Kelsey Plum- signed a below supermax deal of $202,000 | Zia Cooke (waived) | |
Oydessy Sims -re-signed to a one-year $130,00 deal | Anneli Maley | Lexie Brown (Traded) |
Shaneice Swain- rookie scale contract for $69,267 | ||
Mercedes Russel, one year, $160,00 |
come get cooked ☺️
— RJ👑 (@iamthathooper)
7:28 PM • Mar 13, 2025
Can’t be soft!!!!! 😏
— Dearica Marie Hamby (@dearicamarie)
6:07 PM • Mar 13, 2025
Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx have added two more players to their training camp roster, signing Camryn Taylor and Christyn Williams. Interestingly, they brought both players in last year as well, so this could just be a case of filling out camp spots. We’ll see if either can make a real push for a roster spot this time around.
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Natisha Hiedeman | Kiara Leslie | |
Camryn Taylor | ||
Marième Badiane | Christyn Williams |
New York Liberty
A few concerning updates for the Liberty this week. Betnijah Laney left Unrivaled with a knee injury, and after being eliminated from the Unrivaled playoffs, Breanna Stewart underwent a minor meniscus procedure. Both are worrisome, especially considering that Sabrina Ionescu also had surgery this offseason to repair her thumb (which, fortunately, went well). There’s still no update on Betnijah’s condition, which is concerning, but Stewie’s surgery appears to have been minor, with indications that she’ll be ready for training camp.
On the roster front, Stewie still hasn’t signed her contract—no clue why—and neither has Marine Johannès. Hopefully, we can lock MJ in soon. As for Stewie, I have a feeling they’re trying to lure a big-name signing.
Meanwhile, the Liberty signed French national team forward Seehia Ridard to a training camp contract. It’s interesting to see how the Olympics have boosted the profiles of French players in both the WNBA and NBA.
Preseason Games:
Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. ET vs. the Sun @ Barclays- you can find tickets HERE
Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET vs. Toyota Antelopes of the Women's Japan Basketball League @ Oregon's Matthew Knight Arena
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Kennedy Burke - one-year deal for $78,831 | Jaylyn Sherrod | |
Isabelle Harrison | Rebekah Gardner | |
Raquel Carrera, Seehia Ridard, Esmery Martinez, Kaitlyn Davis |
Here's some of Seehia Ridard’s catch-and-shoot threes in EuroCup action (albeit with Estudiantes).
Quick and fluid form. Definitely has the tools to be a catch-and-shoot threat. #WNBATwitter 🗽🏀
— Alford Corriette (@alfcorriette)
10:42 PM • Mar 13, 2025
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix has been busy on all fronts—signing more players to training camp, welcoming new additions, and giving Diana Taurasi a proper send-off as she steps into retirement.
However, they’ve also faced some criticism after Natasha Cloud called them out on multiple podcasts (listed below) for how poorly they handled her trade. According to Cloud, the Mercury didn’t even reach out to inform her directly, leaving her to via a goodbye text from one of the assistant coaches.
They have to be excited to see the amazing WNBL season Sami Whitcomb had and maybe she will bring that championship energy to Phoenix!
For the most part, though, the team has been tuning out the noise and focusing on celebrating their GOAT
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Sami Whitcomb -$125,000 | Lexi Held- $66,079 | Sophie Cunningham |
Satou Sabally (Satou/AT trade)-$215,000 | Anna Makurat-$66,079 | Natasha Cloud |
Alyssa Thomas (Satou/AT trade)-$215,000 | Natasha Mack-$66,079 | Rebecca Allen |
Amy Atwell- | Celeste Taylor-$66,079 | Mikiah Herbert Harrigan |
Kalani Brown- (Satou/AT trade) 2-year deal $128,750 | Sevgi Uzun (Satou/AT trade)- $66,079 | - |
Kitija Laksa $80,000 PROTECTED | Murjanatu Musa- Rookie scale contract; Shyla Heal; Monique Akoa-Makani |
She competed for our city for 20 years and embraced the community every step of the of the way.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury)
9:44 PM • Mar 13, 2025
20 years went by in the blink of an eye. But it was one hell of a ride 🧡
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury)
8:09 PM • Mar 13, 2025
Seattle Storm
Storm haven’t been doing much and have just been celebrating their players in Unrivaled and AU.
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded/Injury |
|---|---|---|
Li Yueru (got in Jewel Lloyd trade) | Jewel Lloyd | |
Jordon Hurston-torn ACL, out for season. Won’t be getting paid | ||
Brianna Fraser | ||
Katie Lou Samuelson |
Got things done in Nashville with @AUProBasketball 👏
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm)
12:15 AM • Mar 4, 2025
Meet our 2025 coaching staff ⛈️
📰 on.nba.com/4h4URkV
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm)
6:33 PM • Mar 5, 2025
Washington Mystics
They’re still just happy to be here.
Free Agency and Roster Updates
Signed | Training Camp Contract | Waived/Traded |
|---|---|---|
Ariel Akins | ||
Taylor Soule |
Sug's team got the win this week after she led her team in assists 😉 #MysticsOnTheMap@sugsutton
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics)
8:30 PM • Mar 14, 2025
Need a Miami recommendation? Kira, Aaliyah and Stef said Sexy Fish is it!
The vibes? Immaculate ✨
The food? Hittin’ 😋
The laughs with friends? Perfect 🫶
Get the scoop on everything they ordered and what they recommended. #InnerCircleMag
😋: bit.ly/3Fg0CPf
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics)
3:00 PM • Mar 12, 2025
Unrivaled Updates and Playoff Preview
With the final week of play in the books, the playoffs are officially underway! The Semi-Finals will kick off on Sunday, March 16th, and the Finals will follow on Monday, March 17th. It’s about to get intense!
Unrivaled status report for 3/16 (Semifinals):
VINYL:
Arike Ogunbowale (R Leg) - QUESTIONABLEROSE:
Angel Reese (Hand) - OUT
Kahleah Copper (R Leg) - OUTLACES:
Kate Martin (L Leg) - OUT
Jackie Young (Illness) - QUESTIONABLE— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall)
7:07 PM • Mar 15, 2025
End-of-Season Awards
2025 Unrivaled First Team
2025 Unrivaled Second Team
Lunar Owls (12-1) - Clinched Number 1 Seed
I mean…. Owls are winning the championship LOL. The only thing that could stop them is a fully healthy Laces squad.
Next up, they face off against the #4 Vinyl at 8:30 PM on Saturday. Should be a good one, but an easy win for the Owls.
Napheesa Collier with 29pts takes the final @MillerLite Player of the Game for the Lunar Owls! 🦉
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb)
1:07 AM • Mar 11, 2025
Rose (7-6) CLINCHED
The Rose locked in their #2 seed and have been playing at an elite level. Angel’s growth has been incredible to watch, and her chemistry with Chelsea Gray is on another level. However, with an injury to her wrist (the same one she got surgery on last season) last game, she will not be playing in the semi-finals.
The Laces will be tough to beat especially without Angel. I’ve got the Laces coming out on top in this one. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM EST on TNT
Who else? BFFR... Chels held it down tonight with 33pts and the @MillerLite Player of the Game!
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb)
2:50 AM • Mar 11, 2025
Laces (7-7) CLINCHED
The Laces took out the Mist thanks to a monster performance from Jackie Young—she went off! Honestly, I don’t see the Rose getting past them, especially now that KMac, Alyssa Thomas, and Tiff Hayes are all back and healthy. They’re starting to look like a serious threat to the Lunar Owls.
That said, Jackie might be out for the semifinals with an illness, but hopefully, she’s back in time for when (not if) they handle the Rose and move on.
The final @icyhot Comeback of the Week goes to our very own Jackie Young. After sitting out for a good chunk of the season she came back last week and had combined 45pts and 10 rebounds leading her team to 2 wins to clinch a playoff spot!
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb)
3:57 PM • Mar 13, 2025
Vinyl (5-8)
The Vinyl are solid, but I think the Owls will take care of them pretty easily. If Rhyne goes cold, they don’t stand a chance, and Arike hasn’t been at her best or consistently available. She may be out again for the semi-finals. That said, I still expect a high-energy game with lots of effort from Hamby, Rhyne, and Jordin Canada.
Also, does anyone else feel like this was the most overlooked team in the league? Feels like they got the least coverage all season.
RHY WAS ON FIRE 🔥🔥
37 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb)
1:54 AM • Mar 9, 2025
Mist (5-9) ELIMINATED
The Mist tried to hang in there, but the Lunar Owls absolutely put belt to ass—LMFAO. Honestly, this is probably for the best since Stewie needed to get her surgery and rest up.
With more time to build chemistry and another year for their young players to develop, I think they’ll be a much stronger team next season. That said… they might need to reconsider Phil Handy as head coach. He might just be better suited as a development coach. 🤷🏽♀️
Phantom (4-10) ELIMINATED
Ah, the Phantom—here for the vibes only! 😂 Honestly, with a healthy Marina and Sab consistently in the lineup, they probably would've secured a few more wins. Marina came in and dropped 26 points, like it was nothing lol
I’m curious too, if a full WNBA season would have Satou looking more like her best self.
But yeah, despite everything, the vibes were on point—good energy, fun videos, and BG’s adorable baby definitely made it all worth it!
CHEF MABREY in the kitchen with the @MillerLite Player of the Game ✅
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb)
2:20 AM • Mar 9, 2025
Hoops & Hype: Media Picks
Check out some of the cool podcasts, videos, reads, and fashion I saw this week.
