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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Aces Punch Ticket to the Finals ✨
The Las Vegas Aces outlasted the Indiana Fever in a thrilling overtime Game 5, 107-98, to earn their fourth WNBA Finals berth in six years. Next up: a desert clash with the Phoenix Mercury. (AP News)
📺 WNBA Finals Game 1: Friday, Oct. 3, 8 PM ET on ESPN
WHY IT MATTERS: The Aces are chasing dynasty status. They fell short in the 2020 Finals against the Seattle Storm, but won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. With two championships already and a 17-game win streak powering their second half of the regular season, a third trophy would cement them among the the league’s all-time greats.
Their win also closes the book on Indiana’s gritty, “never-quit” season—a run that pushed through major injuries and still came within a game of the Finals.
2. Collier Calls Out WNBA Leadership 💣
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier used her exit interview to deliver a pointed critique of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, saying league leadership is failing players. (CBS Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: A respected star like Phee speaking out like this could signal a massive shake-up within the league this off-season. Her rare public criticism, backed by her highly-relevant business experience (she co-founded Unrivaled) and player-first reputation, spotlights issues within league leadership that could complicate on-going CBA discussions.
🗳️ Do you agree with Napheesa Collier speaking out against WNBA leadership?
3. Dallas Cuts Ties With Koclanes After League-Worst Season ✂️
Dallas fired head coach Chris Koclanes on Tuesday after the Wings finished with the WNBA’s worst record (10-34). (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: The Wings had high hopes for the 2025 season with the arrival of new leadership. Curt Miller took over as GM, fired previous coach Latricia Trammell and hired Koclanes. The hire was questionable given Koclanes’ lack of head coaching experience, but Miller expressed confidence. The two worked together at Connecticut and Los Angeles, where Koclanes worked under Miller.
That confidence turned, however, as Koclanes faired no better than Trammell in 2025, despite having Rookie of Year Paige Bueckers on the roster.
OVERTIME ⏱️
Changemaker: Paige Bueckers lands on Time’s 100 Most Influential Rising Stars, with icon Diana Taurasi singing her praises.
Making the Cut: Unrivaled announced another six names for 2026—Cameron Brink, Arike Ogunbowale, Marina Mabrey, DiJonai Carrington, Maddy Siegrist, and Alanna Smith. See the updated roster here.
Rep Your Finals Team: Are you Team Phoenix or Team Vegas? Either way, Hope School Hoop Shop has your covered.*
*When you buy through this link, 30 Second Timeout will earn a commission. If you do, THANK YOU!
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked if you’ll be tuning into Unrivaled next season. The answer: a big yes—64% of you said you’re definitely in for Year 2 of the 3-on-3 league.
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