Will DeWanna Bonner Return to Indiana?

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Still No Timeline for DeWanna Bonner’s Return to Indy 👀

Two-time WNBA Champion and six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner will miss her fifth straight game with the Indiana Fever tonight due to personal reasons. The team has offered no timeline for her return. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: Bonner was a major signing for the Fever this past off-season, but her role with the team so far has been unusually limited—averaging 21.3 minutes per game, well below her career average of 30.4.

Now, with teammate Damiris Dantas set to leave after tonight’s game against the Storm to join Brazil for the AmeriCup, the Fever’s front court is down two impactful players.

Whatever’s going on behind the scenes, we hope Bonner is okay.

2. The WNBPA Is Turning Up the Pressure 😤

The WNBA Players Union (WNBPA) is making it clear they’re serious about reaching a better deal. During recent media appearances, players like Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever, and Kayla Thornton and Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries, read prepared statements pushing for fairer compensation in the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA). (Front Office Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: The players opted out of the current CBA last October, a move that was expected after the WNBA’s major new media rights deal. With negotiations underway, players are looking to make real progress before the All-Star break next month. WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike told the New York Post yesterday that talks with the league are “on track.”

These coordinated public statements are part of an intentional push by the players to keep the negotiations front and center. As the WNBPA put it:

“It’s time. As the league grows, it’s time for a CBA that reflects our true value. We’re fighting for a fair share of the revenue we generate. If not now, when?”

3. Team USA Opens 3×3 World Cup Play Today 🇺🇸

Team USA starts FIBA 3×3 World Cup action in Mongolia today, playing two games on their journey to defend its 2023 gold medal. (USA Basketball)

WHY IT MATTERS: This year’s roster features a new-look lineup: Sarah Strong, Morgan Maly, Sahara Williams, and Mikaylah Williams. The U.S. will aim to grow its global dominance in 3×3 as group play begins this week.

This week’s group games include:

• June 24: vs Czechia (1:40 am ET) & Netherlands (4:20 am ET)

• June 25: vs Japan (11:50 pm ET)

• June 26: vs Chile (2:05 am ET)

📺 All games stream on the FIBA 3×3 YouTube Channel

🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: An overwhelming majority of you (71%) said you’re already voted for this year’s All-Stars, and nearly everyone else (27%) plans to. WNBA fans are the best!