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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Liberty Fire Head Coach Sandy Brondello 😲
The New York Liberty have parted ways with head coach Sandy Brondello, just a year after she led the team to its first championship. The move comes following New York’s first-round playoff exit this week. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: It’s a stunning decision given Brondello’s record: a 27–17 season and a playoff berth, one year removed from a title. It also highlights the uneven expectations across franchises. Noelle Quinn (Storm, 23–21) was dismissed Monday, while first-year coaches in Dallas and Chicago are expected to return despite each finishing the season 10–34.
2. Mercury and Aces Even Semi-Final Series 👀
What a night of swings in the WNBA Semi-Finals. The Phoenix Mercury pulled off the third-largest comeback in playoff history, rallying past Minnesota 89-83 in overtime. Out west, the Las Vegas Aces stormed back from their Game 1 loss with a statement win over Indiana, 90-68. Both series are now tied 1-1.
WHY IT MATTERS: No team wants to fall behind 2-0 in a best-of-five, and neither did here. The splits mean both series shift to the lower-seeded teams’ arenas with everything wide open. You can expect packed houses and high stakes as Game 3s tip off Friday.
3. Six More Stars Join Unrivaled ✨
Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, Lexie Hull, Azurá Stevens, Sonia Citron, and Veronica Burton are the latest players announced for Unrivaled’s sophomore season roster, kicking off play in January. The league is rolling out six names per weekday until October 1. (Yahoo Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: Unrivaled’s talent pool is deepening fast. Yesterday’s annouced group includes a former WNBA MVP and league founder (Stewart), an AP All-Rookie (Citron), and the 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player (Burton). The league’s 3-on-3 format pushes pace and demands versatility, creating an ideal environment for skill development. That’s especially valuable for rookies like Citron and for rising talents like Burton, who continue to expand their games.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Exec of the Year: Atlanta Dream GM Dan Padover made history this week, becoming the first to win WNBA Executive of the Year three times — and with two different franchises.
Boston and Bird: Aliyah Boston joins Sue Bird on Bird’s Eye View to talk about her teammates and break down the Fever’s playoff push.
Lawson’s Moment: New USA Basketball head coach Kara Lawson gets emotional as she reflects on the coaching legends who paved the way.
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