The Race Is On For Player of the Year 🏀

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What To Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Wooden Award Late Midseason Watch List Announced 📣

The late midseason Wooden Award watch list is here, narrowing the field to the top 20 players in women’s college basketball. Presented by the Los Angeles Athletic Club and named after late coaching great John R. Wooden, the award recognizes the nation’s best player each season. This year’s list features some of the biggest names in the game, including Paige Bueckers (UConn), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), Lauren Betts (UCLA), and JuJu Watkins (USC).

📋 See the full list here 👉 ESPN

WHY IT MATTERS: Bueckers entered the season as an early favorite for player of the year awards, but UConn’s struggles against top-ranked teams have left the race wide open. Meanwhile, Hidalgo is leading Notre Dame to its highest ranking since 2019, and Betts is anchoring an undefeated UCLA squad. But don’t count out other record-breakers like Aneesah Morrow of LSU and Audi Crooks of Iowa State, who are also in the mix. Their postseason performances could be the ultimate decider.

2. Cities Want In on the WNBA 🌆

The WNBA’s next wave of expansion is heating up. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s vision to grow the league from 12 to 16 teams by 2028 took its first big step with the Golden State Valkyries (2025), Toronto Tempo (2026), and a yet-to-be-named Portland team (2026).

Now, the next round of expansion bids is in, and at least 10 cities want in. Engelbert and the league’s decision-makers have a big task ahead as they evaluate potential markets. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: The WNBA is thriving, and investors are taking notice. With franchise valuations soaring and fan demand at an all-time high, expansion is no longer a question of if, but where.

Cities that have submitted formal bids include:

3. Jordan Horston Will Miss Next WNBA Season 😢

Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston suffered a torn ACL while competing in Athletes Unlimited over the weekend. The injury will sideline her for the entire 2025 WNBA season as she undergoes recovery and rehab. (The Seattle Times)

WHY IT MATTERS: Horston was a key piece for the Seattle Storm last season, averaging 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while bringing defensive intensity and versatility. Her absence is a tough blow for Seattle’s depth and rotation. It’s also a harsh reminder of the risks players take when competing in offseason leagues to stay sharp and supplement their income. With Horston sidelined, the Storm will need to adjust their roster strategy as they prepare for the 2025 season.