Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up the WNBA 🌟

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What To Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Kelsey Plum Is Moving to LA 🌴

The WNBA free agency period has delivered a blockbuster trade. In a three-way deal involving the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, and Seattle Storm, All-Star Kelsey Plum is heading to the Los Angeles Sparks, while fellow All-Star Jewell Loyd joins the Las Vegas Aces.

Here’s the full breakdown of the trade, per ESPN:

The trade becomes official on February 1. (ESPN)

WHY IT MATTERS: This is one of the biggest shake-ups the WNBA has seen with All-Star shooting guards in recent years. And it’s the first to involve multiple number one draft picks (Loyd in 2015, Plum in 2017).

• Loyd made it clear she wanted out of Seattle, so a trade is no surprise. But, it is surprising that the Aces would part with one of their All-Stars to acquire her.

• Seattle is betting on the future, acquiring 25-year-old Li Yuera and two 1st round draft picks.

• The Sparks sacrificed their #2 pick for the next draft, but look to be in a great position for next season now that they have a championship-caliber shooting guard in Plum.

2. UCLA is Rewriting History ✍️

The UCLA women are off to their best start in program history. With a perfect 20-0 record, they are the only undefeated Division I program remaining this season. Behind standout performances from Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, the Bruins have held the #1 spot in the AP poll for nine consecutive weeks. (UCLA Bruins)

WHY IT MATTERS: For years, powerhouse programs like South Carolina, LSU, and UConn have dominated the women’s college basketball conversation. This season, UCLA is proving they belong in the spotlight.

While the Bruins have a storied history, including legendary Ann Meyers Drysdale—the first-ever women’s basketball scholarship player—they haven’t reached the Final Four since the AIAW days 45 years ago. With wins over top-ranked teams like South Carolina, Michigan, Baylor, and Maryland, UCLA is making a strong case to be the team to beat this March.

3. Coach Kim Caldwell’s Remarkable Return Tonight 📋

Just one week after giving birth to her first child, Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell is making her return to the sidelines. Caldwell will lead the Lady Vols tonight in a high-stakes matchup against #2 South Carolina. (ESPN)

WHY IT MATTERS: Coaching is unlike most professions, and taking parental leave during a season is a challenge, especially for those leading high-profile athletic programs. Caldwell gave birth to her son last Monday, missed one game (a tough loss to #7 Texas with assistant coach Jenna Burdette stepping in), and was already back at practice last Friday.

Tonight’s game is another thrilling ranked matchup: #2 South Carolina visits #17 Tennessee. Tune in:

• ⏰: 7 PM ET

• 📺: ESPN2