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Good morning! ☕️
The 2025–26 women’s college basketball season rolls on after yesterday’s opening games. Among today’s can’t-miss matchups: No. 8 Tennessee vs. No. 9 NC State (4 PM ET, ESPN2) and No. 20 Louisville vs. No. 1 UConn (5:30 PM ET, ESPN).
And a little surprise: we’re unveiling Part 2 of our WNBA‑inspired Holiday Collection this week.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. How Unrivaled’s Next Draft Will Work 🏀
Now that Unrivaled has announced its full 48-player league roster for the 2026 season, it’s time to divvy them up into clubs. Yesterday, the 3-on-3 league unveiled how it will all go down. Let’s just say you can expect plenty of change from Season 1.
WHY IT MATTERS: Many originally thought Unrivaled rosters would stay mostly the same each year, but the league introduced this new selection format to help keep things competitive. Here’s the short version: Playoff teams from Season 1 will each have two protected players, while non-playoff teams get one. The two new clubs, Breeze and Hive, will get the first draft picks.
Coaches will then take turns drafting one player from six position-based pods, and the final rosters will be revealed during the Club Roster Reveal Show on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 PM ET on Bleacher Report’s YouTube.
2. Iliana Rupert Named EuroLeague October MVP 🌍
Golden State Valkyries forward Iliana Rupert was named EuroLeague Women Player of the Month after leading Fenerbahçe to a 4–0 start. She averaged 15 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists through October. (FIBA)
WHY IT MATTERS: Rupert gave the Valkyries a midseason boost last season with her versatile scoring and size presence, and she’s keeping that momentum going while overseas. It’s easy to see why the Valkyries were excited to add her to their frontcourt mix.
3. Oui Play 2026 Lineup Unveiled 🇫🇷
Next year’s Oui Play doubleheader in Paris will feature South Carolina, Maryland, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. (South Carolina Women’s Basketball)
WHY IT MATTERS: Oui Play began in 2023 and has already become one of college basketball’s premier season openers. Yesterday’s 2025 edition featured Cal vs. Vanderbilt and Baylor vs. Duke. The event’s mission is to give the athletes a unique cultural experience while helping grow the women’s game internationally.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Sister Jean Remembered: Loyola Chicago’s men’s team will wear a patch this season honoring their beloved chaplain, who passed away at 106. She played girl’s basketball in her youth.
Community Assist: Iowa State’s Audi Crooks is helping her hometown amid the loss of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.
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