The Storm & Mystics Trade We Didn't See Coming

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Trade Alert: Sykes to Seattle, Clark to Washington 🚨

Two days before the WNBA trade deadline, we’ve got a blockbuster. The Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm swapped key pieces, sending All-Star Brittney Sykes to Seattle and Alysha Clark plus Zia Cooke to Washington.

Washington also picked up one of Seattle’s 2026 first-round picks—and immediately waived Cooke.

👉 See the full trade details here

WHY IT MATTERS: This is a statement move for both teams. The 6th-place Storm are going all-in on a playoff push, adding Sykes and her averages of 15.4 points and 4.4 assists per game.

Washington, sitting 9th and just outside the playoff picture, is building for the future. Trading away their top scorer is bold, but they’ll now have three first-round picks in 2026.

The deal is also a surprise change for Clark, a 13-year vet who played her first nine seasons in Seattle and rejoined the team this past offseason. Many expected her to retire there, but now she’ll bring veteran leadership to Washington’s promising rookie duo.

2. Nigeria Makes AfroBasket History 🏀

The Nigerian women’s national team made history Sunday, winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a 78–64 victory over Mali. It’s their fifth consecutive championship, a feat no other country has ever done. (FIBA)

WHY IT MATTERS: This championship not only qualifies Nigeria for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, one of the premier international competitions, it also cements them as a global powerhouse. The team has not lost an AfroBasket game since 2015. Look for Nigeria to be a tough challenger in next year’s World Cup.

3. Unrivaled Has Filled 90% of 2026’s Roster ✍️

The 3-on-3 professional league Unrivaled has already signed 90% of its roster for next season. They’re also expanding the player pool from 36 to 42, creating a 6-player developmental group for injury subs, and increasing player salaries. (Front Office Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: Founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled was built to give top WNBA players a high-paying offseason option in the U.S. In its debut season, players earned an average of $220,000 for an eight-week schedule. More roster spots and higher salaries means more top talent may choose to stay stateside instead of heading overseas.