Rose BC Makes History as First-Ever Unrivaled Champions 🏆

March 18: Rose BC claims the inaugural Unrivaled title as Chelsea Gray takes MVP. Plus, Natasha Cloud lands in New York, and Bird & Taurasi bring back their must-watch Final Four show.

March 18, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Rose BC Captures First Unrivaled Championship 🌹

Rose BC made history Monday night, defeating Vinyl BC 62-54 to claim the inaugural Unrivaled championship.

Brittney Sykes led the charge with 21 points, including a clutch game-sealing free throw, while Azurá Stevens dominated the boards with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Chelsea Gray delivered an elite 18-point, 8-assist performance to earn Finals MVP honors. (Unrivaled)

WHY IT MATTERS: This victory is especially sweet for Rose BC, who entered the season ranked dead last in ESPN's preseason predictions. Each champion takes home a $50,000 prize, capping off a successful debut season for Unrivaled—a league that has provided WNBA players with a highly competitive offseason alternative while expanding professional opportunities in women’s basketball.

🎥 Watch and relive the championship action 👉 Rose Vs Vinyl Highlights

2. Natasha Cloud Heads to Liberty in Surprise Trade 🔄

The New York Liberty have acquired veteran guard Natasha Cloud from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the No. 7 pick in the 2025 draft and a 2026 first-round pick. Cloud, 33, brings elite playmaking and leadership, having averaged 11.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.1 rebounds with Phoenix last season before being traded to Connecticut in February. (Sports Illustrated)

WHY IT MATTERS: Cloud’s second trade in just over a month highlights the WNBA’s chaotic offseason. For New York, this move signals title intentions, as they add Cloud’s veteran presence and playmaking to an already stacked roster. She now goes from a rebuilding Connecticut squad to the defending champion Liberty.

📖 What does this move mean for the Liberty’s championship hopes? Full breakdown from The Next 👉 The Next

3. The Bird & Taurasi Show Returns for NCAA Final Four 🎙️

Fan-favorite alternate broadcast The Bird & Taurasi Show is back for the 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four. Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi will once again bring their signature mix of expert analysis, storytelling, and humor to the biggest stage in college women’s basketball, continuing their successful run that began in 2022. (ESPN PR / X)

WHY IT MATTERS: Bird and Taurasi's alternate broadcast has quickly become a must-watch viewing option, offering unfiltered insight from two WNBA legends. Their chemistry, deep game knowledge, and off-the-cuff banter make the Final Four even more entertaining. And for casual fans, the duo provides an accessible entry point to appreciate the high-level play of the Final Four.

🎥 Missed past editions of The Bird & Taurasi Show? Watch some of their best moments from last year’s Final Four 👉 The Bird & Taurasi Show Highlights

OVERTIME ⏱️

  • Bracket talk: Elle Duncan, Chiney Ogwumike, and Andraya Carter joined Robin Roberts on Good Morning America to break down the women’s March Madness bracket.

  • Data-backed picks: Her Hoops Stats crunches the numbers to identify the five teams most likely to win it all.

  • More postseason action: Brackets are set for the WBIT and WNIT, giving more teams a shot at postseason glory.

  • Pure magic: Chelsea Gray delivered an incredible spin-pass assist to Brittney Sykes in last night’s Unrivaled final.

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