WNBA

Notre Dame's Olivia Miles, a projected top-5 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, is undecided about whether she will enter the draft or return to college for another year following the team's Sweet 16 loss.

"I am still thinking about what I want to do, but leaning towards the draft," Miles told reporters after the game. "But tomorrow, I might wake up and be like, 'I want to come back.' So, it just changes every day. I love college. I think I've outgrown it a little bit, though, so that makes my decision tougher to stay. It's comfortable, a place where you have security."

The senior guard is draft-eligible but has one year of college eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2023-24 season with a knee injury, leaving her to decide her future in the coming year.

"The W ... the volatility is up and down. So I don't know. I'm deciding between a bunch of factors," Miles added.

Following the No. 3-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish's 71-62 Sweet 16 loss to No. 2 TCU on Saturday, the question of where Miles will end up became a focal point. The senior has until April 4th—10 days before the WNBA draft on April 14th—to renounce her college eligibility or declare for the draft.

OLIVIA MILES 🔥🔥🔥

📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/dB7RHmR3vZ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 29, 2025

In Bleacher Report's latest WNBA mock draft, Miles is projected to go No. 3, where the Washington Mystics hold the pick.

The 5'10" guard averaged 15.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists her senior season while shooting 48.8 percent from the field.

The idea of such a quick turnaround from the tournament into the WNBA season "is a bit daunting," according to Miles, who noted she could use the summer to recover from an ankle injury she suffered during the tournament's first round, per ESPN's Michael Voepel. However, she emphasized that this factor will not determine her decision.

"(Potentially being) a lottery pick is a lot to give up. I've worked hard for that," Miles said. "I truly believe I've put myself in great position for teams to look at me and see my value at that level. I have to trust myself with whatever decision I make; either decision would be good for me. I need to make a few calls and talk to some people. But I'll be prepared and confident in the decision."

Not that there was ever any real doubt, but Breanna Stewart is returning to the New York Liberty for the 2025 WNBA season.

The Liberty announced on Saturday that Stewart has signed a new contract to return to the reigning WNBA champs.

The reigning WNBA Champion NY Liberty have re-signed 3x WNBA Champion, 3x Olympic gold medalist, 2x @WNBA MVP, 2x WNBA Finals MVP, 6x All-WNBA First Team, 6x WNBA All-Star, 6x All-Defensive Team selection, W25 honoree, and the fastest 5000-point scorer in league history,… pic.twitter.com/wZkZMmgJf7

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) March 29, 2025

Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb issued a statement about Stewart returning to New York for another season.

A true vet. Stew York City is staying home.🗽 pic.twitter.com/o7jJ7EosHK

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) March 29, 2025

Per Madeline Kenney of the New York Post, Stewart's one-year deal will pay her a guaranteed salary of $208,400. This figure comes in just under the WNBA max salary for 2025 at $214,466.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Stewart has signed a one-year contract. She began going on a year-to-year basis in 2022, her final season with the Seattle Storm.

Stewart said before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals last season that she wanted to maintain flexibility, particularly with the uncertainty about the collective bargaining agreement:

"I am under a one-year, and I’m going to sign another one-year. Just so I can continue to have that kind of flexibility going forward. It’s kind of hard to tell, because you don’t know obviously if we opt in or opt out, but with the potential from the new TV deal—how does everything play into effect. How long are things going to be lasting? But I don’t mind the one-years. I’m going to burn my core."

The WNBPA announced on Oct. 21 that it would opt out of the current CBA, which will expire on Oct. 31, 2025. The league's financial future is going to change significantly thanks to its 11-year, $2.2 billion television rights deal that begins with the 2026 season.

Stewart's move to the Liberty as a free agent in February 2023 shifted the balance of power in the WNBA. New York won a franchise-record 32 games and lost in the Finals in her first season after finishing under .500 in each of the previous five years.

The Liberty once again won 32 games last season and got over the hump in the playoffs, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in five games for their first championship.

Stewart won her second WNBA MVP award in her first year in New York. She finished third in MVP voting last season, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in 38 starts.

New York will begin its title defense against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center on May 17.

UConn star Paige Bueckers has confirmed that she will enter the 2025 WNBA draft at the conclusion of the 2024-25 women's college basketball season.

ESPN's Rebecca Lobo broke the news Friday, noting that there had previously been speculation regarding Bueckers playing in the Unrivaled three-on-three basketball league out of college before entering the 2026 WNBA draft.

Bueckers, who is a senior, helped the Huskies advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA women's basketball tournament Monday with a 91-57 win over South Dakota State.

In 2020, Bueckers arrived at Connecticut as one of the top recruits in the nation and she didn't disappoint, winning National Player of the Year honors after averaging 20.0 points, 5.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game as a freshman.

Bueckers was limited to 17 games in 2021-22 due to ankle and leg injuries, and she missed the entire 2022-23 campaign after tearing her ACL.

She returned last season and immediately returned to an elite level, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per contest.

So far this season, Bueckers is averaging 19.2 points on 54.2 percent shooting, along with 4.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals for the 33-3 Huskies.

Despite being a No. 2 seed, UConn may be the team to beat in the NCAA tournament, especially considering the state of USC, which is the top seed in USC's region.

Superstar guard JuJu Watkins, who is a leading Player of the Year candidate along with Bueckers, tore her ACL during the Trojans' second-round win over Mississippi State, meaning she will miss the rest of the tourney.

Winning a national title is the one major accomplishment missing from Bueckers' résumé, but she has a golden opportunity to make it happen before turning pro.

The Dallas Wings own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, and it will be a shock if they don't use it to select Bueckers.

Since the Wings have finished .500 or worse in eight of the past nine seasons, Bueckers has a big job ahead of her, but she should be up to the task given her impressive skill set and winning track record.

Before the WNBA, Bueckers is focused on finishing her college career on a high note, and the next step on that journey is a Sweet 16 clash with third-seeded Oklahoma on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Sparks will honor Candace Parker by retiring her No. 3 jersey on June 29, the team announced Thursday.

Sparks to Retire Legend Candace Parker's No. 3 Jersey on June 29.

📝 https://t.co/Dx8ECZXFCn pic.twitter.com/hhIaUjP22l

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) March 27, 2025

The ceremony will take place at halftime of the Sparks' home game against the Chicago Sky.

Parker, who played her first 13 WNBA seasons with the Sparks, retired from her playing career in 2024. She joins Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and Penny Toler (No. 11) as the third player to have her number retired by the franchise.

The celebration will honor Parker's impact on "the franchise, the WNBA, and the game of basketball," the Sparks said. The on-court ceremony will feature appearances from Parker's former teammates and coaches, according to the team.

Magic Johnson, co-owner of the Sparks, called Parker "the best all-around player that has ever played in the WNBA" in the team's announcement.

Selected by the Sparks with the top pick of the 2008 draft, Parker went on to become the first and only player in WNBA history to be named both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.

Parker made history again in 2013 as the fifth WNBA player to receive multiple MVP honors and then picked up her first Finals MVP award while leading the Sparks to a championship in 2016. She was named Defensive Player of the Year during her final season with the franchise in 2020.

By the time Parker left to join her hometown Chicago Sky in 2021, she had earned the all-time franchise lead with 1,331 career assists.

“Holding the record for assists reminds me that basketball is never just about individual success — it’s about elevating others and being a part of something bigger than yourself," Parker said in a statement shared by the Sparks. "This jersey represents all the moments, all the connections, and all the love that got me here.”

Parker finished her Sparks career having averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists while adding 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals in 337 regular-season games.

After two seasons and a championship with the Sky, Parker finished out her playing career with one campaign for the Las Vegas Aces. She has since worked as an analyst and commentator for Turner Sports.

The New York Liberty announced Thursday they're planning a new dedicated practice facility in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that's slated to open in 2027.

Liberty building new $80M practice facility 🔥🗽

(via @nyliberty) pic.twitter.com/t9TNl1Fu1S

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 27, 2025

A new era is coming! 🙌

The NY Liberty are thrilled to announce the opening of its 75,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art practice facility opening in 2027 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn! From custom player suites to top-tier recovery & training spaces, this facility will be built for… pic.twitter.com/qKwfU5T1UY

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) March 27, 2025

Check out the sneak peek of our game-changing, 75,000 sq. ft practice facility set to open in 2027!

From custom player suites and cutting-edge training rooms to breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, this is more than just a building – it’s a HOME for our players 💪 pic.twitter.com/PIqRJI41hR

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) March 27, 2025

"We are a player-first organization and investing in health and wellness has always been a priority for us," team governor Clara Wu Tsai said. "The New York Liberty deserve a facility of their own: one that reflects their tremendous talent, work ethic, and ambition. This facility is a sign of our commitment to the team, to the city of New York, and to the advancement of women's sports."

Elite athletes, deserve elite resources 👏 pic.twitter.com/uJ3pgYTMeP

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) March 27, 2025

The 75,000-square-foot facility will have two full practice courts indoors and another court outside. Among the other features are a two-story training room, two family lounges, and a studio where players can make appointment for their hair, nails or makeup.

"The Liberty made this facility a true player-led endeavor, incorporating our insights to help us be our best, while strengthening our bond as a team and with the New York community," forward Breanna Stewart said. "As a mom, I'm especially grateful for the family rooms—it means everything to know my family is cared for while I stay locked in on my craft."

The Liberty have come a long way from the days when they were temporarily stationed at Westchester County Center and languishing under the ownership of James Dolan.

Clara Wu and Joe Tsai purchased the team in January 2019 and wasted little time in trying to turn it into a first-class organization that would attract star players. In April 2020, the Tsais unveiled a rebrand and signaled their intention to move the Liberty into Barclays Center on a full-time basis.

The hard work paid off when New York landed a pair of former MVPs, Stewart and Jonquel Jones, during the 2023 offseason. The franchise's first title arrived last year as the Liberty bested the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals.

When it comes to practice facilities, the Seattle Storm started the trend with their Center for Basketball Performance, which opened last year. It was the first training venue purpose-built for a WNBA team.

The league has a hard salary cap, so it's difficult for general managers outbid one another for the best free agents. Luxuries such as state-of-the-art practice facilities are one way for franchises to set themselves apart.

"There isn't an owner in this league that doesn't think that they will need a dedicated practice facility within the next two to three years to have a W team," Connecticut Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti said to Sportico's Eric Jackson. "… Whether they've announced it publicly or not, every owner knows that's a reality they're facing."

The Liberty just raised the bar.

The Golden State Valkyries have yet to play their first WNBA game, but they're already the first team in league history to sell 10,000 season tickets.

10,000 of the best fans in the game.

Thanks for making history with us time and time again. We can’t wait to see each of you @ChaseCenter this summer. pic.twitter.com/PWbaG9VqiX

— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) March 26, 2025

"This community has shown up, and then some to create this milestone," team president Jess Smith said to Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen. "This is something that we knew was possible and really just signifies the beginning of our journey in a way that will set a trajectory for the WNBA moving forward."

The WNBA announced in October 2023 it was putting an expansion franchise in San Francisco, and the Valkyries' name and branding arrived last May.

Fans wasted no time in getting behind the organization. Golden State said in November it had received more than 20,000 season-ticket deposits. No other women's sports team had ever eclipsed 15,000 deposits.

This is one area in which staging their home games at Chase Center is a big advantage.

The two-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces announced they sold out all of their season tickets for 2025, the second straight year in which that happened. The Aces play at Michelob Ultra Arena, though, which has a much smaller capacity (12,000) than Chase Center (18,064).

The WNBA's hard salary cap prohibits the Valkyries from spending their way to success out of the gate. Between how the expansion draft and free agency shook out, Golden State could finish with one of the league's worst records in 2025.

In terms of their overall infrastructure, though, the Valkyries have the potential over time to become a juggernaut.

Netflix teased an April 8 interview with WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark on its My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman show on Monday.

David Letterman will interview WNBA star Caitlin Clark in an upcoming episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. Coming April 8. pic.twitter.com/rWaHyDh6Bu

— Netflix (@netflix) March 24, 2025

In the clip, Clark discusses how the same competitive drive that has made her great on the court also has some repercussions off it, like angering her family and friends when she gets overly competitive during a game night or on Halloweens as a child, when she would race from house to house in her costume to end up with the most candy in the neighborhood.

Clark, the defending WNBA Rookie of the Year, will begin her sophomore campaign on May 17 against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.

Assuming she takes another step forward on the court, she will be one of the players to monitor in the MVP conversation.

Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink said she's starting to enter the "hardest part" of her recovery from the torn ACL that ended her 2024 WNBA season.

Brink said on the newest episode of her Straight to Cam (Wave Sports & Entertainment) digital series that she's "not an athlete right now" because her conditioning has suffered so much during her layoff. She said the same thing applies to her basic basketball skills.

.@cameronbrink22 gets real about the road to recovering from her ACL injury.

Full episode with Cam, @SydelCurryLee, and @iamkaylanicole is out now! pic.twitter.com/NDC2V7OZMP

— Straight to Cam (@straight2cam) March 24, 2025

This is a relatable experience for anybody who has suffered a major muscle injury or something similar. The recovery is long and arduous, and it's a process that can't be rushed.

Nine-time All-Star Paul George missed almost the entire 2014-15 NBA season because of a leg fracture he suffered in a Team USA exhibition.

In 2018, he said he had reached out to fellow NBA star Gordon Hayward, who fractured his ankle in the opening night of the 2017-18 campaign. During those conversations, George emphasized the mental toll of rehab.

"That's one of the biggest things I told him because I knew it was going to be frustrating, where you feel like you're getting better, you're about to turn that corner and then you're going to have some setbacks," he said, per ESPN's Chris Forsberg.

"That's part of doing so well, putting so much stress on it, that sometimes it's going to get sore, sometimes it's going to feel like you shouldn't have did something. It's all part of the process. You gotta build, go through some walls. You gotta build some confidence and trust that leg all over again. But I told him there's going to be some good days and there's going to be some bad days."

It sounds like a lot of that applies to Brink as well.

The 23-year-old had an encouraging rookie campaign. Through 15 games, she was averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 21.9 minutes per contest.

Brink remains a large part of the Sparks' future, and the team is looking to make a jump in 2025 following the acquisition of three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum.

First-year head coach Lynne Roberts will hope Brink, when she's ready to suit up, can help L.A. make its first trip to the playoffs since 2020.

Mark your calendars accordingly because the WNBA is right around the corner.

After setting record viewership numbers last season, the league revealed its upcoming broadcast and streaming schedule for the 2025 campaign on Thursday. Fans across the country now know when they will get the opportunity to see Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and others this year:

🗓️ Mark your calendars!

The 2025 Broadcast and Streaming Schedule is HERE! Watch the biggest matchups on the biggest networks all season long.

📲 See the full schedule here: https://t.co/HF5BTlkwoC pic.twitter.com/TZuChZ8jT4

— WNBA (@WNBA) March 20, 2025

Colin Salao of Front Office Sports noted Clark and the Indiana Fever will be front and center with 41 of their 44 games being broadcasted or streamed to a national audience. Wilson's Las Vegas Aces are next with 33, while Stewart and the Liberty check in with 32.

Fever news: 41 of 44 games to air nationally, the most-ever for a WNBA team.

• 5 on ABC
• 3 on CBS
• 5 on ESPN
• 4 on CBS Sports Network
• 8 on ION
• 6 on Prime Video
• 10 on NBA TV

That’s 8 available free, over-the-air.

It all begins with Fever v Sky on May 17 on ABC.

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) March 20, 2025

Clark isn't the only high-profile second-year player who will be under a national spotlight, as Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky will be as well:

turn your tv ON, turn your tv ON 📺👀

our 2025 national broadcast schedule is here! which games are y’all looking forward to this season? pic.twitter.com/pulkfqZcCL

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) March 20, 2025

This comes after the league "delivered its most-watched regular season in 24 years, finished with its highest attendance in 22 years and set records for digital consumption and merchandise sales in 2024," per an NBA press release.

The WNBA has plenty of momentum and will look to capitalize with the 2025 schedule that includes a first Saturday of the regular season on May 17 that immediately stands out.

ABC will carry a doubleheader with the Aces facing the Liberty at 1 p.m. ET and the Fever facing the Sky at 3 p.m. ET. That means some of the league's most recognizable players with Clark, Wilson, Reese, Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, among others.

It will also give fans a chance to see the new-look Aces after they lost Kelsey Plum and added Jewell Loyd this offseason. Loyd is a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star who should fit in perfectly alongside Wilson.

Opposing defenses will have to pick their poison, as Loyd will be well-suited to take advantage of any additional spacing that double teams on Wilson creates.

That Las Vegas will face the reigning champions only makes that matchup all the more intriguing. Stewart. Ionescu and Co. will be under the spotlight throughout the season as they look to defend their crown, as the Aces provide quite an early test.

It will be followed by the latest chapter in the games between Clark and Reese, which date back to when they were both at the college level facing each other in the NCAA tournament. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Fever take another step this season and become a true contender after reaching the playoffs last season.

They brought back the trio of Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell all while adding DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham.

No team will be featured on national broadcasts more than the Fever, and they may end up being among the league's best.