A Tech Giant, a CEO, and a Supermodel Walk Into a WNBA Investment Round...

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Liberty’s New Investors to Fund $80M Training Facility 💸

The New York Liberty announced that investors from their recent fundraising round, that pushed the value of the franchise to a record $450 million, will be funding the construction of the team’s future $80 million, 75,000 square-foot training facility that is expected to open in 2027. (Front Office Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: In addition to big money coming in, the team has big names coming in. The latest group of Liberty investors includes Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, TIAA President & CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett, Samantha Lasry of the Bucks’ Lasry family, and supermodel Karlie Kloss. This lineup has the means and clout to help elevate the team financially and strategically by bringing in fresh business leadership to the league.

👉 See what’s coming for the Liberty

2. Kayla McBride Returns to the Court—and the Scoresheet 🎯

After missing the first four games of the season for personal reasons, Kayla McBride returned to the Minnesota Lynx lineup Tuesday, and didn’t skip a beat. The 11-year vet dropped 15 points on 50% shooting from deep in the Lynx’s 82–77 win over Seattle. (Canis Hoopus)

WHY IT MATTERS: At 5-0, the Lynx are already off to a strong start this season, led by MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. But Tuesday’s matchup with Seattle marked their first real test of the season. McBride made an immediate impact in the Lynx pulling out the win.

McBride has been a key part of the Lynx line-up since 2021 and helped Minnesota reach the championship series last season, averaging 15 PPG and 3.2 APG. Her return bolsters an already strong roster with veteran poise and perimeter shooting.

👉 Watch Kayla McBride reflect on her emotional return to the court

3. FIBA Moves 2030 Women’s Basketball World Cup to Late Fall 📅

FIBA announced a major scheduling change: the 2030 Women’s Basketball World Cup will now be held from November 27 to December 7, instead of the usual September timeframe. (The Next)

WHY IT MATTERS: This shift is a win for WNBA athletes. The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is a significant international tournament and offers the winner a qualifying bid into the Olympics. In past years, its overlap with the WNBA postseason forced tough decisions. Players had to leave playoff-bound teams early or compete for their national team with zero rest. While the 2026 World Cup will still take place in September, this move for 2030 better aligns with WNBA priorities and helps protect player health.