The Sparks Just Went Big 💰

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

The Los Angeles Sparks announced plans for a brand-new, $150 million practice facility — the largest investment ever made by a women’s sports team. (LA Sparks)

🎥 Watch the announcement video with renderings

WHY IT MATTERS: This is a major turning point. The Sparks have historically lagged in investment, but this changes that story in a big way. LA, whose facility should be ready for the 2027 season, joins Chicago, Indiana, Portland, New York, and Dallas with upgraded facilities opening over the next two years. These facilities matter because they mean better training, recovery, and development resources for their athletes.

Six more stars are in for Season 2: returners Kate Martin, Dearica Hamby, Natasha Cloud, Aaliyah Edwards, plus newcomers Monique Billings and rookie Kiki Iriafen. We now know 18 of the 48 rostered players. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: Unrivaled continues to blend proven talent with rising stars. Iriafen’s addition is especially valuable as she preps for her sophomore season with the Mystics. Billings becomes the third Golden State Valkyries player announced, a sign that the league may be leaning into the passionate Bay Area fan base. And with more roster spots this year, more players can develop at home instead of overseas.

Rookie forward Aneesah Morrow (Connecticut Sun) has signed on for the 2026 Athletes Unlimited season. She’ll join Sun teammate Tina Charles, along with WNBA talent Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, Jacy Sheldon and others in this growing off-season league. (Athletes Unlimited)

WHY IT MATTERS: Morrow built her name on double-doubles in college and just finished her first WNBA season ranked 13th in rebounds despite averaging fewer than 19 minutes per game. AU offers her a platform to round out her game, such as developing a three-point shot, while going head-to-head with other pros.