UConn Star Returns to Connecticut

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. The Mystics Make Another Monster Trade 😲

The Mystics have been busy. Just before Thursday’s trade deadline, Washington shipped forward Aaliyah Edwards to Connecticut, landing Jacy Sheldon and the right to swap 2026 first-round picks. (ESPN)

WHY IT MATTERS: Washington is all-in on the 2026 WNBA Draft. They’re effectively pushing 2025 playoff hopes to the side to focus on securing top players eligible for the WNBA next year. Potential top prospects include Azzi Fudd (UConn), Lauren Betts (UCLA), Olivia Miles (TCU), and Flau’jae Johnson (LSU).

2. Former Maryland Hooper Is Youngest NBA GM 🏀

If you haven’t heard of Katie Benzan, you will soon. The former Maryland guard has been named general manager of the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. At 27, she’s now the youngest active GM in the G League, and the youngest female GM in league history. (NCAA)

WHY IT MATTERS: Benzan, like many other college players, is a reminder that there are growing opportunities for women in sports management. We’re far from gender equity in this field for men’s leagues—she is one of just two active female GMs in the G League. But executives are starting to better understand that talent is talent, and it can come from the women’s game as well as the men’s.

3. The Valkyries’ Giant Violet Egg Mystery 🥚

This week, a giant violet egg “mysteriously” appeared outside Chase Center, the Golden State Valkyries’ home arena. The team even set up a live “Nest Cam” so fans can watch for… whatever might hatch. (Golden State Valkyries)

👉 Watch the Chase Center Nest Cam

WHY IT MATTERS: This has all the makings of a mascot reveal. The Valkyries, in their first season, still don’t have one. WNBA mascots have been getting serious star power lately (just look at the New York Liberty’s Ellie the Elephant). Monday could be the day we find out what’s inside the Valkyries’ egg.