- 30 Second Timeout
- Posts
- Two WNBA Teams Could Lock Playoff Spots This Weekend
Two WNBA Teams Could Lock Playoff Spots This Weekend
August 29: Dream and Mercury could clinch, NCAA adds coach’s challenge, and Tamika Catchings mentors in East Africa.
April Abeyta
August 29, 2025
Did someone share this email with you? Get daily women’s basketball updates straight to your inbox. Sign up here!
Good morning! ☕️
It’s a big weekend in WNBA hoops: playoff spots are on the line!
Quick reminders: Sunday is your last chance to enter our giveaway (scroll down 👇), and we’ll be off Monday for Labor Day—see you back here Tuesday. Enjoy the long weekend!
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Dream and Mercury Could Clinch This Weekend 🔒
With only 14 days left in the regular season, nearly every game matters. The Atlanta Dream could lock their postseason spot by Labor Day if they beat Dallas tonight and Connecticut on Monday. The Phoenix Mercury also have a shot to punch their ticket, but it’s tougher—they’ll need a win over New York on Saturday plus some help with a pair of Sparks losses.
WHY IT MATTERS: Six playoff spots remain after Minnesota and Las Vegas clinched earlier this month. Eight teams are scrapping for those spots, so clinching early gives Atlanta or Phoenix the luxury of resting key players before the playoffs—an advantage other teams may not get.
2. NCAA Adds Coach’s Challenge Rule 🔍
The NCAA is adding a coach’s challenge for the 2025–26 season, which tips off in less than a month. Coaches will now be able to request a review in limited situations like out-of-bounds calls, backcourt violations, possession changes before a foul, and ensuring fouls are assigned to the right player. (NCAA)
WHY IT MATTERS: The coach’s challenge has been, at times, a key tool for fair officiating in the pros. Now it’s coming to the college game, but with a twist. Teams won’t need a timeout to request one, but an unsuccessful challenge will cost them a technical foul. Expect coaching staffs to be selective about when to use their challenge.
3. Tamika Catchings Mentors in East Africa 🇷🇼
WNBA legend Tamika Catchings joined the NBA and FIBA this week at the first-ever Basketball Without Borders Africa camp held in East Africa. She worked with some of the top high school talent from across the region. (WNBA)
WHY IT MATTERS: Despite being home to 515 million people, East Africa has very few opportunities for women’s basketball. With Catchings and NBA leaders stepping in to mentor the youth, they are growing the game by sowing seeds for future talent.
Daily News for Curious Minds
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 4 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.
Overtime ⏱️: Last Chance to Enter!
We’re giving away an autographed Kate Martin mini-basketball as a thank you to our 30 Second Timeout community. Entires close Sunday, August 31. Don’t miss out!
Win a Kate Martin Autographed Mini Basketball 🏀Entering is free! Just click either option below to enter (both mean Yes - we just wanted to give you options 😉). |
*Giveaway runs through August 31, 2025. Must be an active subscriber to win (being a subscriber is free—click here to subscribe). See full sweepstakes rules here.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked who you think should win MVP this season. A clear favorite emerged: Kelsey Mitchell, who earned 45% of the vote.
Reply