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Good morning! ☕️
Game 3 of the WNBA Semi-Finals are tonight on ESPN2! Both series are tied at 1-1. Catch the Aces at Indiana at 7:30 PM ET and Minnesota at Phoenix at 9:30 PM ET.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Liberty GM Speaks on Brondello’s Exit 👀
Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb addressed the team’s surprising decision not to renew head coach Sandy Brondello’s contract on Thursday. Brondello leaves as the winningest coach in Liberty history and guided New York to its first championship just one season ago in 2024. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: Brondello’s departure was shocking, given her success and connection to the roster. Kolb says the move was about being “proactive” and setting a new direction. His comments do not yet provide additional insight into their vision for the future, and with all but two players entering free agency, you may see a very different organization next season.
2. Unrivaled Adds Six More Players, Including Two Stand-Outs 🔥
The 3-on-3 league revealed another wave of stars for 2026: returners Napheesa Collier, Rae Burrell, Chelsea Gray, and Brittney Sykes, plus newcomers Kelsey Mitchell and Naz Hillmon. (Yahoo Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: Hillmon is coming off her best WNBA season, and just won the 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award. Mitchell, however, is the headline addition—an MVP candidate and one of the league’s elite scorers. Unrivaled is shaping up to be even more stacked for year two.
3. Athletes Unlimited Signs All-Star Ariel Atkins 👀
Chicago Sky guard Ariel Atkins has signed on for Athlete Unlimited’s fifth season. She joins an impressive roster that already features multiple All-Stars, top veterans, and promising rookies. (Athletes Unlimited)
WHY IT MATTERS: With new talent like Atkins, along with top returning talent, 2026 could be AU’s strongest lineup yet. WNBA All-Stars like Atkins elevate the competition while giving younger players a chance to test themselves against some of the league’s best.
The Importance of Women’s Sports
In honor of college women’s basketball starting this week, we’re sharing our college sports documentary After the Game: A 20 Year Look at Three Former Athletes. This film takes a unique look at the positive long-term impact of sports!
*When you rent the film through this link, 30 Second Timeout will earn a commission. THANK YOU!
OVERTIME ⏱️
Mark Your Calendar: The NCAA revealed the days, times, and TV details for the 2026 Women’s Final Four.
New Bar Alert: Babe’s, a women’s sports bar in Chicago, opens this Saturday, joining a growing movement for women’s sports fans.
🤝 From Our Partners: We occasionally share sponsored resources our readers might enjoy:
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