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Good morning! ☕️
Tonight’s national TV lineup is stacked, and it’s a perfect excuse to unwind with some hoops. North Carolina–Texas, South Carolina–Louisville, LSU–Duke, and Notre Dame–Ole Miss all tip throughout the evening on ESPN and ESPN2, starting at 7 PM ET. Here’s the full slate.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Mikayla Blakes Reaches 1,000 Career Points, Fast 🎯
Vanderbilt sophomore Mikayla Blakes became the fastest player in program history to reach 1,000 career points, hitting the mark last night in Vandy’s win over Virginia. She’s also just the ninth women’s player in the NCAA era to hit 1,000 in 42 games or fewer. (The Tennessean)
WHY IT MATTERS: Blakes is one of the most elite scorers in college basketball right now. She reached 1,000 points as only a sophomore while averaging 25.4 points per game this season.
2. Players Say They “Don’t Feel Valued” in Latest CBA Proposals 🤝
Details on the WNBA’s newest CBA proposals continue to roll in, including a mandatory pre‑draft combine where invited rookies must participate to stay draft‑eligible. Players who skip without an excused absence could see their base rookie salary cut in half. (SB Nation)
WHY IT MATTERS: Negotiations between the league and players’ union remain tense with a Jan. 9 deadline still in place. Union president Nneka Ogwumike told The Athletic that players “don’t feel valued in these talks as they stand today.” Beyond salary growth and revenue sharing, the union is pushing to eliminate core designations, shorten rookie-scale contracts, and set league-wide standards for facilities and staffing.
3. Angel Reese Gives Back to Saint Frances Academy 💛
Angel Reese and Reebok are teaming up to sponsor the girls’ basketball team at Saint Frances Academy, her former high school in Baltimore. The partnership includes Angel Reese 1 shoes, custom Reebok gear, and on‑court guidance directly from Reese herself. (The Grio)
WHY IT MATTERS: Reese continues to invest in the next generation of girls and young women through sports, education, and financial empowerment. She often credits Saint Frances for shaping her belief in her own potential, and now she’s returning that investment with real resources and mentorship.
Show Your Team Spirit on the Tree
These WNBA-themed ornaments bring team pride and player love to the center of your holiday traditions.
OVERTIME ⏱️
Desert Sky Show: The Phoenix Mercury lit up the skyline using drones to debut their new branding.
Freshman Firestarter: Oklahoma freshman Aaliyah Chavez put up a career‑high 33 points and lifted the Sooners to an OT win over NC State.
High Earner: Caitlin Clark is the highest‑paid women’s basketball player, and the 6th highest‑paid female athlete overall, with an estimated $16 million earned in 2025.
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