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Happy Friday! ☕️
We’ve got championship basketball coming up, and something fun of our own on the way. Next week we’ll be revealing a brand-new holiday collection of WNBA-inspired merch. Perfect for gifting (or keeping 👀). Stay tuned…
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Aces vs. Mercury: Finals Begin Tonight 🏆
The WNBA Finals tip off tonight in Las Vegas, with the Aces hosting the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1. Expect big plays from two of the top players in the league as they face off for the championship. (ESPN)
📺 When to Watch:
Game 1 - Tonight, 8:00 PM ET on ESPN
Game 2 - Sunday, Oct 5, 3:00 PM ET on ABC
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a Finals rematch with two of the league’s best going head-to-head. A’ja Wilson, fresh off her fourth MVP, faces Alyssa Thomas, the WNBA’s all-time triple-double leader. They last met in the Finals in 2022 when Thomas was with Connecticut. Since then A’ja has two championships to her name. Expect Thomas to come out strong, looking to claim her first title and create her own championship legacy.
2. Unrivaled Announces First Tour Stop ✈️
Unrivaled Basketball, the 3-on-3 league entering its second season, revealed its first-ever tour date: two back-to-back games in Philadelphia on January 30, 2026. (Unrivaled Basketball)
WHY IT MATTERS: The league played its entire debut season in one location - Miami, Florida - but 2026 brings a new chapter with games on the road. Kicking off in Philly is strategic. The city has a history of women’s hoops talent and is also set to welcome a WNBA expansion team in 2030. This stop is about growing the league while connecting with a fan base that’s already buzzing.
3. Four More Players Join Unrivaled 🌟
Unrivaled’s 2026 roster continues to take shape, adding Kelsey Plum, Dana Evans, Jordin Canada, and Li Yuero to the 2026 lineup. The two last remaining roster spots are still to be confirmed. (Yahoo Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: Plum was originally slated for Season 1 but had to step back, so her addition is a boost for both her and the league. Li’s signing is intriguing because the fast-paced 3-on-3 format could help further expand her game beyond the post.
As for the remaining two spots, with last-season names like Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, and Jewell Loyd still unannounced as returners, expect the 2026 season to look quite different.
OVERTIME ⏱️
Picture of Health: A’ja Wilson and Dawn Staley share the cover for the latest striking issue of Women’s Health.
Hawkeye Win: McKenna Woliczko, the No. 6 Class of 2026 prospect, committed to Iowa. She’s coach Jan Jensen’s highest rated recruit in the post-Caitlin Clark era. Watch the team’s reaction.
Record Audience: Aces vs. Fever Game 5 was the most-watched WNBA semifinal game ever with 1.8 million viewers.
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