Caitlin Clark Is the MVP Favorite 👀

Did someone share this email with you? Get daily women’s basketball updates straight to your inbox. Sign up here!

What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Caitlin Clark Opens the Season as MVP Favorite 👀

The WNBA season hasn’t even tipped off yet, but sportsbooks are already placing their bets. According to FanDuel, Caitlin Clark is the early favorite to win 2025 WNBA MVP, edging out three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who’s widely considered the league’s most dominant player.

(Also worth noting: Paige Bueckers is the current favorite to win Rookie of the Year.)

👉 See the full list of MVP odds heading into the season

WHY IT MATTERS: MVP odds reflect how analysts and bookmakers weigh talent, team situation, and projected impact. The fact that Clark, coming off her rookie season, is leading the pack speaks volumes. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game last season, and now she has more talent around her and a full offseason under her belt.

2. Sue Bird’s New Role Could Reshape USA Women’s Basketball 🇺🇸

We mentioned this earlier in the week, and now it’s official: For the first time ever, USA Basketball has appointed a managing director for the women’s national team—and they’ve handed the reins to none other than Sue Bird. (ESPN)

WHY IT MATTERS: This is a major shift for the women’s program. Previously, roster and coaching decisions were made by committee. Now, Sue Bird will be the decision-maker, mirroring the U.S. men’s side, where Grant Hill leads Olympic strategy. Bird, who won five gold medals as a player, will be solely responsible for building the coaching staff and player roster for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

She admitted this is all new, but emphasized that she’s bringing decades of experience, insight, and player perspective to the role.

🎥 Watch Bird discuss her vision for USA Basketball

3. 9 Ways You Can Show Up for the WNBA 📣

With tip-off just one week away, now’s the time to show up for the WNBA. We put together 9 simple, powerful ways you can support the league, whether you live near a team, watch from home, or just want to help grow the game.

👉 Read the full list here and pick one to do this week.

WHY IT MATTERS: The WNBA is growing, but sustained growth depends on fans taking action. Buying a ticket, tuning into games, rocking a tee, or even sharing a highlight clip helps build visibility, boost revenue, and support players in real, measurable ways.