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Happy Thursday! ☕️
Before we jump in, a quick tease: Part Two of our WNBA-inspired holiday collection drops tomorrow. Just in time for your favorite fan’s stocking.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. The Unrivaled Club Rosters Are Official 🏀
Unrivaled revealed its full 2026 club rosters in a live stream last night, dividing 48 players across eight clubs. Paige Bueckers was selected by The Breeze, one of two new clubs. Kelsey Mitchell joins The Hive, while Kelsey Plum will play for The Phantom.
WHY IT MATTERS: We now have real Unrivaled teams for Season 2 and can start to choose our favorites.
The league also unveiled its new development pool that includes Hailey Van Lith, Aziaha James, Haley Jones, Emily Engstler, Laeticia Amihere, and Makayla Timpson. This pool ensures teams can quickly replace injured players, while also giving the players a chance to train alongside the best this offseason. The Unrivaled season tips off January 5.
2. Nneka Ogwumike Signs With Project B 🌍
WNBA veteran and players’ union president Nneka Ogwumike has signed with Project B, a new international women’s basketball league launching in 2026. Her deal includes both a salary and an equity stake, with the league planning tournaments in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: Ogwumike is the first player to sign, a significant move as she also leads WNBA players in ongoing CBA talks as union president. Project B has been positioned as a competitor to the WNBA, promising higher pay for its 66 players. The inaugural season will run from November 2026 through April 2027, meaning no overlap with the WNBA calendar.
Because of her player union leadership role, her decision is not only about more playing opportunity. Her action is also a statement to the W about the importance of a new, player-friendly business model for professional women’s basketball.
3. The 2025–26 Wade Watch List Is Out 🏆
The Wade Trophy Committee released its preseason watch list for the 2025–26 season, highlighting 15 of the nation’s best Division I players. The group includes Lauren Betts (UCLA), Audi Crooks (Iowa State), and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame). UConn, South Carolina, and LSU each have multiple players featured.
WHY IT MATTERS: The Wade Trophy is the oldest and most prestigious player of the year award in women’s college basketball. Last year’s winner, JuJu Watkins, averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game as a sophomore. This season’s field gives us an early glimpse at who might dominate the 2025–26 season.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Showdown Set: Powerhouses UConn and South Carolina will meet next year during the regular season in the 13th Annual Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase on November 24, 2026, at Mohegan Sun.
Azzi Energy: Azzi Fudd has inked a new NIL deal with Celsius energy drink.
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