DOUG FEINBERG Basketball Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike plays against the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game, Sept. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

WNBA’s newest offer makes small revenue sharing increases, housing concessions AP sources say

February 7, 2026

The WNBA’s newest proposal to the players’ union that was delivered Friday made small increases to its revenue sharing offer and concessions on housing according to two people familiar with the negotiations. The people spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Saturday because of the sensitive nature of the discussions. The major sticking point continues to be revenue sharing. Union president Nneka Ogwumike told the AP on Friday — before the league’s proposal was submitted to the union — that the two sides weren’t close on that topic in their effort to strike a new collective bargaining agreement.

WNBA union president says significant work remains for season to begin on time

February 6, 2026

Nneka Ogwumike is confident there will be a WNBA season this year, but knows a lot has to happen for it to start on time. For that to happen the league and the union will have to come to a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement and the two sides still aren’t very close right now on key issues like revenue sharing and salaries according to Ogwumike and the clock is ticking. Ogwumike re-iterated a few times that the union is still waiting for a response from the league to a proposal that it sent more than six weeks ago.

NYU coach Meg Barber leads Violets to brink of record-breaking Division III winning streak

February 6, 2026

NYU coach Meg Barber was a player for the Violets when rival Washington University of St. Louis was approaching the Division III winning streak record. Now Barber has NYU two victories away from breaking the longtime mark held by Washington University of 81 consecutive wins set from 1998-2001. The Violets will have a chance to tie the record Friday night when they visit Case Western University. A win there would set up a chance to break it Sunday at Carnegie Mellon.

WNBA and players’ union meet for 3 hours to try to push forward stalled CBA negotiations

February 2, 2026

The WNBA and the players’ union met for a few hours Monday for the first time in several weeks to try to move the stalled collective bargaining negotiations forward. Union president Nneka Ogwumike walked out of the NBA offices and said she couldn’t say anything. She was joined by executive committee members Brianna Turner and Alysha Clark. Kelsey Plum and Napheesa Collier planned on being at the meeting, but had flight issues so Zoomed in along with Breanna Stewart. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and members of the labor relations committee were in attendance as well as New York Liberty owners Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai.

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, left, talks with Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell, right, before an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

No. 1 UConn hands Tennessee worst loss in storied rivalry, routing Lady Vols 96-66

February 1, 2026

Azzi Fudd and UConn got a measure of revenge for the team’s most recent loss, handing Tennessee the largest defeat in the history of the storied rivalry between the teams. The No. 1 Huskies were up by four midway through the third quarter before using a 14-0 run to close the period and put the game away in the 96-66 victory Sunday. The 30-point margin topped the Huskies’ 79-56 victory in 2002 that was the previous worst loss in the series for Tennessee. It’s the second-worst defeat ever for the Lady Vols, only surpassed by a 31-point loss to Texas in 1984 according to the school’s record book.

UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) shoots in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

No. 1 UConn crushes Tennessee 96-66 in the Lady Vols’ worst loss in the history of the rivalry

February 1, 2026

Azzi Fudd scored 27 points and Sarah Strong added 26 to help No. 1 UConn beat 15th-ranked Tennessee 96-66 on Sunday, handing the Lady Vols their worst loss in the storied rivalry. The Huskies only led 57-53 midway through the third quarter before scoring the last 14 points of the period to blow the game open. Strong got the run started with a 3-point play and the Huskies sliced through Tennessee’s pressure defense for layups. The Lady Vols never threatened to get back in the game in the fourth and the margin of defeat topped the team’s 23-point loss to UConn in 2002. It’s the second-worst loss ever for Tennessee, only surpassed by a 31-point defeat to Texas in 1984.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley calls to her team against Coppin State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

SEC sets record with 10 ranked teams, a 1st in 50-year history of women’s AP Top 25; UConn, UCLA 1-2

January 26, 2026

The Southeastern Conference has set a record with 10 teams in The Associated Press women’s Top 25 basketball poll. Georgia enters at No. 23 after defeating then-No. 11 Kentucky. This gives the SEC the most teams ever in a single week in the poll’s 50-year history. UConn remains the unanimous No. 1 choice and is the only undefeated team in women’s college basketball. UCLA moves up to No. 2 after South Carolina’s overtime loss to Oklahoma. After the SEC, the Big Ten has seven ranked teams. The Big 12 has four teams in the Top 25.

FILE - Ohio State guard Chance Gray (2) runs during an NCAA basketball game against Maryland on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Mike Buscher, File)

Chance Gray’s family legacy adds special meaning to Coretta Scott King Classic for Ohio State guard

January 19, 2026

Getting a chance to play in the Coretta Scott King Classic has special meaning for Ohio State senior Chance Gray. Her great grandfather Benjamin Hooks worked with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr and was onetime executive director of the NAACP. Gray remembered when she was young hearing stories from Hooks, who died in 2010. Gray’s team _ the No. 14 Buckeyes _ faces 10th-ranked TCU on Monday in the opener of the women’s basketball doubleheader. Fifth-ranked Vanderbilt plays No. 8 Michigan in the second game. It’s the second year of the tournament.

WNBA, players’ union agree to moratorium, halting initial stages of free agency

January 12, 2026

The WNBA and its players union agreed to a moratorium for league business Monday. The moratorium, which was confirmed by the league, was necessary because the sides failed to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement or an extension of the current one by Friday night’s deadline. The moratorium will halt the initial stages of free agency in which teams would seek to deliver qualifying offers and franchise tag designations to players.

WNBA and players’ union fail to reach new CBA, negotiations continue without extension

January 9, 2026

The WNBA and its players’ union weren’t able to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement by the Friday night deadline, and now the league enters a “status-quo” period with no new extension reached. Negotiations will continue with the current CBA in effect. The league and the players had two previous extensions, with the most recent expiring Friday night. The sides have met several times this week, but are still far apart on many key issues, including salary structure and revenue-sharing.

WNBPA and WNBA will not extend CBA deadline; sides will continue to negotiate ‘in good faith’

January 8, 2026

WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart says the players’ union and WNBA will not agree to another collective bargaining agreement extension after the deadline passes Friday night. Stewart told reporters Thursday that the players would continue to negotiate in good faith. The league wouldn’t confirm that the two sides won’t reach an extension by the deadline. A WNBA spokesman said the league would “continue to negotiate in good faith with the goal of reaching a deal as quickly as possible.” The league and the players have had two previous extensions and have met in person several times this week. Any stalled negotiations could delay the start of the 2026 season.

UConn's Azzi Fudd (35) drives past Iowa's Chazadi Wright (11) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Fudd and Strong power No. 1 UConn past No. 11 Iowa in Women’s Champions Classic

December 20, 2025

Azzi Fudd scored 27 points and Sarah Strong added 23 to help No. 1 UConn beat 11th-ranked Iowa 90-64 on Saturday in the Women’s Champions Classic in New York. Strong also had seven rebounds and six steals for the Huskies (12-0), who remained unbeaten on the season heading into the holidays. No. 16 Louisville routed 17th-ranked Tennessee 89-65 in the opener of the doubleheader. Strong, the sensational sophomore, dominated the first half with 20 points and five steals as UConn led 42-31. Hannah Stuelke scored 17 points and Chazadi Wright added 16 for the Hawkeyes.

WNBA players union authorizes negotiators to call a strike if needed during CBA talks

December 18, 2025

The WNBA players have authorized their union’s executive council to call a strike if necessary. That’s according to an announcement Thursday by the WNBPA. The union and league have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement for the past few months, extending the deadline a couple of times with the latest one set to expire Jan. 9. This move gives union negotiators another tool to use in talks. The union said there was overwhelming support in the vote to allow the executive council to call for a strike when it sees fit. Players and owners have been negotiating regularly.

Caitlin Clark (17) brings the ball upcourt during a training camp for the U.S women's national basketball team, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Caitlin Clark says CBA negotiations are the ‘biggest moment in the history of the WNBA’

December 12, 2025

Caitlin Clark understands the gravity of the WNBA’s current collective bargaining negotiations, calling it the biggest moment the league has seen. Owners and players are currently in negotiations and meeting regularly. They extended a Nov. 30 deadline until Jan. 9 a few weeks ago. Increased salaries and revenue sharing are two big areas that the sides aren’t close on.

FILE - Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers works the floor against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Aug. 1, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese bring a youth movement to USA Basketball camp

December 11, 2025

There’s a youth movement at USA Basketball camp this weekend with young WNBA players Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese making their debuts with the senior national team. They’ve been competing against each other in college and the WNBA over the past few years and Bueckers was happy to have them as teammates again. Many of the young players had competed together for the U.S. on American youth teams.

FILE - Golden State Warriors assistant coach Chris DeMarco stands before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in San Francisco, Oct. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco excited to take over as coach of New York Liberty

December 10, 2025

Chris DeMarco is excited to get started as coach of the New York Liberty. He’ll have to wait a few more weeks to officially get going as he won’t begin until Jan. 1. For now he’ll continue as an assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors. Ironically, his last game with the Warriors is in Brooklyn against the Nets right before the start of 2026. DeMarco has been with the Warriors for 13 years in a variety of positions, including player development coach and assistant, and helped the franchise win four NBA championships.

WNBA and players union extend CBA deadline to Jan. 9

December 1, 2025

The WNBA and players union agreed to an extension of the current collective bargaining agreement to Jan. 9 just before their current extension ran out Sunday night. Just like the previous extension, both sides have the option to terminate the extension with 48 hours advanced notice. The two sides had announced a 30-day extension to the original Oct. 31 deadline. That extension was set to expire Sunday night just before midnight. They met over the holiday weekend hoping to come an agreement.

WNBA’s latest CBA proposal would put max salary over $1.1M with revenue sharing, AP source says

November 18, 2025

The WNBA’s latest collective bargaining proposal would include revenue sharing with a maximum salary of more than $1.1 million available to more than one player per team growing each year, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. WNBA officials updated the board on the latest proposal at meetings this week. The new league minimum would be more than $220,000 with an average of more than $460,000. Those numbers would start in the first year of the deal for more than 180 players and increase over the length of the CBA.

FILE - WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference before the WNBA All-Star basketball game, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

WNBA and players union agree to 30-day extension for CBA negotiations, AP source says

October 30, 2025

A person with knowledge of the decision says the WNBA and players union have agreed to a 30-day extension to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The league offered on Tuesday to push back the deadline and on Thursday the union accepted, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made. The current CBA was set to expire on Friday and tensions have been rising in recent weeks as the sides try to work toward a new deal.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks prior to Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

WNBA offers 30-day extension as CBA deadline looms, AP sources say

October 29, 2025

Two people familiar with the decision say the WNBA has offered players a 30-day extension to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The people spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday night on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made. The current CBA is set to expire on Friday and tensions have been rising in recent weeks as the sides try to work toward a new deal. In 2019, when the last CBA deal had expired, the two sides agreed to a 60-day extension and eventually ratified the current CBA in January 2020. ESPN was the first to report the extension offer.

Napheesa Collier cancels meeting with WNBA Commissioner Engelbert amid tensions, AP source says

October 4, 2025

Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier canceled a meeting with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expected to take place next week, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Saturday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about it. Engelbert said Friday that she had talked to Collier earlier this week after the Lynx player said the league has “the worst leadership in the world” and a commissioner who lacks accountability in a blistering assessment. The two had planned to meet next week, either in person or virtually. ESPN first reported the meeting was canceled.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to speak for 1st time since Napheesa Collier’s blistering comments

October 3, 2025

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert typically highlights the league’s successes over the past season at her annual state of the league address. This year’s speech might be a little different. Engelbert will speak Friday night ahead of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals for the first time since Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier’s blistering assessment that the league has “the worst leadership in the world” with a commissioner who lacks accountability. The best-of-seven championship series is between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury. It is in many ways being overshadowed by the off-court issues facing Engelbert and the league.

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon watches during first half of Game 3 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series against the Indiana Fever, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

WNBA Finals coaches Hammon and Tibbetts share South Dakota roots

October 3, 2025

WNBA Finals coaches Becky Hammon and Nate Tibbetts share a South Dakota heritage with both growing up there. Hammon actually played against a team coached by Tibbets’ father, Fred, when she was in high school. Fred Tibbets was one of the most successful high school coaches in the state’s history winning 111 games in a row at one point. Although they are the same age, the two didn’t really know each other until both got jobs in the NBA as assistant coaches. Hammon was with the Spurs and Tibbets with the Cavaliers, Trail Blazers and Magic.

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, second from right, yells at officials as she is restrained by Lynx associate head coach Eric Thibault, center, and Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman, right, after being ejected after earning a second technical foul during the second half of Game 3 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series game against the Phoenix Mercury Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

WNBA fines Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve a record $15,000 for conduct and comments: AP Source

September 30, 2025

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve has been fined $15,000 by the WNBA for her comments and conduct after her team’s Game 3 semifinal loss to the Phoenix Mercury, a person familiar with the penalty tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement was made. The fine is believed to be the biggest for an individual coach or player in league history. The WNBA doesn’t publicize the amount of fines. Additionally, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon were fined $1,000 each for their public comments on WNBA officiating in which they defended Reeve.

New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello watches the first half of Game 2 in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

New York Liberty part ways with championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello

September 23, 2025

The New York Liberty will not renew coach Sandy Brondello’s contract for next season. Brondello led the Liberty to its first WNBA championship in 2024, but the team struggled with injuries to star players Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu this year. New York earned the No. 5 seed in the playoffs and lost in the first round to the Phoenix Mercury. Brondello was the winningest coach in franchise history, going 107-53 in her four seasons with the team. The Liberty got off to a franchise-best start, winning nine straight games, only to stumble over the next few months as injuries took their toll.

Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) passes the ball to guard Sami Whitcomb (33) during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs against the New York Liberty, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

WNBA playoffs: Three decisive Game 3s highlight a balanced season

September 18, 2025

It’s fitting that many of the opening round playoff series are going the distance after the balanced regular season the WNBA had. They’ll be three decisive Game 3s over the next two days. That’s the first time that’s happened since 2015. Last season all four opening round series were sweeps. The WNBA changed its playoff format this season giving each team at least one home game in the opening round which probably has helped. In the past few years, the better seeded team would have the first two games at home. Indiana and Seattle evened up their series on their homecourt Tuesday night and Golden State came within a point of beating No. 1 Minnesota to make it 4-for-4 on series going the distance.

Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2), defended by New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9), heads toward the basket during Game 2 in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Sabally, Thomas help Phoenix beat New York 86-60 to even best-of-3 WNBA playoff series

September 17, 2025

Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas each scored 15 points to help the Phoenix Mercury beat the New York Liberty 86-60 in Game 2 on Wednesday night. That forced a decisive Game 3 on Friday night in Phoenix. Sabally was coming off one of the worst shooting games of her career when she was 2 for 17 in Game 1, but said in practice Tuesday that she was confident she’d bounce back. New York had a huge emotional lift before the game with Breanna Stewart able to play after spraining the MCL in her left knee in overtime of Game 1 on Sunday. But she was mostly ineffective with just six points in 20 minutes.

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) grimaces after getting fouled by the Phoenix Mercury during the second half of Game 1 during the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Liberty’s Breanna Stewart questionable for Game 2 after injuring left knee in playoff opener

September 16, 2025

Liberty star Breanna Stewart’s status for Game 2 of the WNBA playoffs against the Mercury is questionable after she injured her left knee in overtime of the postseason opener. Stewart didn’t practice Tuesday and coach Sandy Brondello said they’d see how the forward felt after shootaround on Wednesday. Stewart had an MRI on Monday and the coach said it was “relatively clean.” Stewart watched from the sideline during the portion of practice that was open to media and had a sleeve on her left leg. The Liberty won the opener in overtime over Phoenix on Sunday and if the Mercury win on Wednesday, Game 3 would be Friday in Phoenix.

WNBA playoff matchups will be decided on final day of regular season

September 11, 2025

The WNBA enters the final day of its regular season with the eight playoff teams set, but three of the four first-round matchups are still to be determined. Minnesota, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Phoenix, New York, Golden State, Indiana and Seattle all reached the postseason. The only three seeds that are locked in ahead of Thursday night’s regular-season finale are Minnesota at No. 1, Phoenix at 4 and New York at 5.

FILE - New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart holds the ball during a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, June 22, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, file)

New York Liberty are set to enter playoffs healthy and confident despite No. 5 seed

September 9, 2025

The New York Liberty are finally healthy heading into the playoffs and the defending champions have confidence they can win another title. The road won’t be easy as the team is a No. 5 seed and will most likely have to start the postseason on the road in Phoenix. Since the WNBA changed its playoff format in 2016 to the top eight teams regardless of conference making the postseason, no five seed has ever won a championship. The only team not in the top two to do it was Chicago in 2021, which was a six seed.

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) reacts to a play during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow)

Alyssa Thomas regains single-season assist record a year after losing it to Caitlin Clark

September 6, 2025

Alyssa Thomas took back the WNBA single-season assist record, topping Caitlin Clark’s mark of 337 set last season. Thomas needed six assists coming into Saturday’s game against Connecticut, where she starred for so many years before leaving for Phoenix this season as a free agent. She got the record-breaking one on a 3-pointer by Kathryn Westbeld in the corner with 4:45 left in the second quarter. Thomas held the record in 2023 with 316 assists when she played for Connecticut. Clark broke it a year later as a rookie. Now the 33-year-old Thomas, who also holds the WNBA record for triple-doubles in a season and career, has it back again. She only needed 37 games to reclaim that mark.

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark cheers during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Caitlin Clark becomes a Nike signature athlete with shoe coming out next year

August 25, 2025

Caitlin Clark is Nike’s newest signature athlete, expanding the athletic wear company’s partnership with the WNBA star. Nike has revealed a new logo of interlocking Cs to represent the Indiana Fever player. Clark’s first signature shoe and apparel collection will debut next year. Her logo collection will launch on Oct. 1. A T-shirt in the Fever’s colors of yellow and navy blue will come out a month earlier. Clark has had a huge impact in women’s basketball ratings and attendance over the last few years, dating from her time setting the NCAA all-time scoring record at Iowa.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks on from the bench during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

WNBA ratings and attendance are still strong despite top stars missing games with injuries

August 12, 2025

Even with many of its top stars sidelined, the WNBA has still had strong ratings and attendance numbers this season. Injuries have kept Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese out, but that hasn’t dampened fan interest. ESPN games are up slightly over last season and games on ABC are up 17%. Attendance has also still been strong, thanks to the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, who have sold out all of their home games. Still, it’s not all been rosy with negative attention coming with a number of sex toys being thrown on the court at various arenas.

New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart (30) blocks a shot by Indiana Fever's Natasha Howard (6) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Injuries to key players dampen excitement for WNBA’s inaugural Rivals Week

August 5, 2025

The WNBA hoped to create some buzz with its inaugural Rivals Week, which is slated to begin on Saturday. Unfortunately, injuries to key players like Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has dampened some of the excitement. The week was set to tip-off with a primetime matchup between Clark’s Fever and Reese’s Sky on Saturday night. Clark is definitely out while still recovering from a groin strain that’s sidelined her already for a few weeks. Reese has missed four of the past five games with a back injury.

FILE - Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca at the team's practice facility in Waltham, Mass., June 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Celtics minority owner reaches deal to buy Connecticut Sun for record $325 million, AP source says

August 2, 2025

A group led by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca has reached a deal to buy the Connecticut Sun for a record $325 million and move the team to Boston, according to a person familiar with the sale. The franchise wouldn’t play in Boston until the 2027 season. Pagliuca also would contribute $100 million for a new practice facility in Boston for the team, the person said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday because the deal hasn’t been publicly announced. The sale is pending approval of the league and its Board of Governors.

FILE - Emma Meesseman (11), of Belgium, reacts to a three pointer during a women's bronze medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Emma Meesseman will suit up for the Liberty against the Sun

August 1, 2025

Emma Meesseman is ready to help the New York Liberty on their quest to repeat as WNBA champions. The 2019 WNBA Finals MVP will suit up for the team Friday night against the Connecticut Sun. She last played in the league in 2022. Her arrival is a boost for the squad that is without Breanna Stewart for a few weeks while she recovers from a bone bruise in her right knee. New York also is without Nyara Sabally because of a knee injury and Kennedy Burke because of a right calf strain.

FILE - Los Angeles Sparks' Cameron Brink shoots during the team's WNBA basketball game against the Chicago Sky, May 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

Los Angeles Sparks riding hot start as 2nd half of season is underway

July 29, 2025

No team has been playing better since the All-Star break than the Los Angeles Sparks and they’ve been doing it with a stellar offense. The Sparks won five straight games, including three on the road, before falling at home to Las Vegas on Tuesday night. It’s only the third time in the past five years that Los Angeles has won five or more games in a row. The Sparks had a nine-game winning streak in 2020 and a six-game one in 2023.

New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart dribbles during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game against Team Clark, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Liberty’s Breanna Stewart avoids significant injury on right leg, AP source says

July 27, 2025

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart avoided a significant injury when she hurt her right leg in a game Saturday night, according to a person familiar with the situation. The All-Star forward had imaging done and nothing major turned up, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because no official statement had been made. Stewart will travel with the team on its four-game road trip that begins in Dallas on Monday night. She had three points and a rebound before she left the Liberty’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks about 3 1/2 minutes in.

Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner celebrates a Mercury score as Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

DeWanna Bonner returns to Phoenix: ‘The love and welcome was very much needed’

July 26, 2025

DeWanna Bonner is thrilled to be back in Phoenix. She spent the first decade of her career with the Mercury before moving to Connecticut and Indiana. Earlier this month, she signed with Phoenix again. Bonner is focused on her future with the team and not dwelling on her short time with Indiana. She moved into third place on the WNBA all-time scoring list in the season opener. Phoenix starts a five-game road trip in New York on Friday with a loss. Bonner hopes to lead the Mercury to another championship, having already won two with them.

FILE - New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison (21) goes to the basket against Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga, left, during a WNBA basketball game, June 22, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

New York Liberty’s Isabelle Harrison is raising awareness about her brother’s struggle with lupus

July 25, 2025

Isabelle Harrison of the New York Liberty spent much of All-Star weekend visiting her brother Daniel in the hospital. Daniel has been battling lupus since he was 13. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. Harrison says it’s prevalent in the African American community and three of her 12 siblings have been diagnosed with it. Her sister Danielle died of lupus in 2017. Daniel is on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, but he needs to be healthy to receive a new kidney.

New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu, left, talks with Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game against Team Collier, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Caitlin Clark’s injury woes continue, misses second straight game against New York

July 22, 2025

Caitlin Clark missed her second straight game against New York while recovering from an injury to her right groin. The Fever’s star guard also was absent from the team’s game against the Liberty before the All-Star break. She was supposed to compete in the 3-point contest as well as Saturday’s All-Star Game, but missed both events. Clark told reporters on Saturday night that she had been getting treatment during the festivities, which took place in Indianapolis. She was injured in the final minute of last Tuesday’s victory at Connecticut.

Los Angeles Sparks's Kelsey Plum, left, goes to the basket against Seattle Storm's Gabby Williams during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

WNBA set to quickly tip off second half of season after short All-Star break

July 22, 2025

The WNBA tips off the second half of its season on Tuesday night with 10 of the 13 teams playing. Players weren’t thrilled having to play so soon after the All-Star break and hope to add more of a break in the next collective bargaining agreement that they are currently negotiating with the league. Atlanta has back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday while New York and many other teams have three games this week.

Belgium's Emma Meesseman, center, tries to score against Spain's Andrea Vilaro, during the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 final match between Spain and Belgium at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus near Athens, Greece, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)

Emma Meesseman will join the Liberty in her return to the WNBA

July 22, 2025

Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP who last played in the league in 2022, is joining the New York Liberty. The 32-year-old forward last played in the league in 2022 and has been focused on leading the Belgium national team. The timing of Meesseman’s arrival in the U.S. will be determined by how long it takes to get her visa. Kolb said that a contract hasn’t been signed yet, but Meeseeman committed to joining the franchise. New York has a busy second half of the season with 23 games left over the next few months. The two-time All-Star led the Washington Mystics to the 2019 title.

Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier, right, shoots against Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson during the second half of a WNBA All-Star basketball game, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Napheesa Collier’s record-breaking performance leads her team to victory in WNBA All-Star Game

July 19, 2025

Napheesa Collier sets a scoring record in the WNBA All-Star Game, leading her team to victory over Team Clark. The game, filled with 4-point shots and minimal defense, broke the previous scoring record for an All-Star Game. This year’s event also highlighted ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations, with players wearing shirts demanding fair pay. Caitlin Clark, sidelined by injury, served as an ambassador for the weekend. The game featured unique rules like a 20-second shot clock and live substitutions. Rookies Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen made history as the largest rookie group since 2011. Celebrities and WNBA legends attended.

Washington Mystics players Georgia Amoore instructs international campers at the annual Basketball without Borders camp at All-Star weekend on Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Doug Feinberg)

WNBA All-Star Basketball Without Borders camp is opportunity for international players to be seen

July 19, 2025

Georgia Amoore went to an international basketball camp at the 2019 Final Four and was seen for one of the first times by Virginia Tech coaches. That led to a scholarship at the school where the Australian guard eventually led the Hokies their first Final Four four years later. Now the Washington Mystics rookie is an instructor at a Basketball Without Borders, which is in its third year, that’s connected to the WNBA All-Star Game this weekend.

Ionescu wins 3-point contest, Cloud claims skills competition in Liberty All-Star sweep

July 18, 2025

Sabrina Ionescu won the 3-point contest and her New York Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud was the skills champion at All-Star Friday night. Ionescu, who won the title in 2023 with a record performance, had a strong final round, scoring 30 points. It was less than her record-breaking effort of 37 two years ago when she made 25 of 27 shots — the most ever in either the WNBA or NBA.

Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fagbenle (14) loses the ball against Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor (13) and guard Erica Wheeler, right, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

WNBA players say league’s proposal for new CBA falls short after All-Star bargaining meeting

July 17, 2025

WNBA players and league officials met Thursday before the start of the All-Star weekend festivities for discussions on a new collective bargaining agreement. All-Stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese were among about 40 players who took part in the first face-to-face meeting featuring players since December. Players opted out of the current CBA last October and are seeking a better revenue sharing model, increased salaries, improved benefits, and a softer salary cap. The sides are far apart in preliminary discussions and agreed to another meeting this weekend.

WNBA All-Stars dazzle fans with stunning fashion on the Orange Carpet

July 17, 2025

WNBA All-Stars kicked off their weekend with a fashion showcase on Thursday night in Indianapolis. Players turned the orange carpet into a runway, delighting fans with bold outfits and stylish looks. Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum and Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston both enjoyed the event, highlighting its fun and fan-focused vibe. Fashion has become a growing trend in the league, with players gaining attention for their pregame “Tunnel Fits.” Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, and Natasha Cloud all made memorable appearances. The event added excitement to the All-Star festivities, blending sports and style seamlessly.

Caitlin Clark sidelined again with another injury heading into All-Star weekend

July 16, 2025

The Indiana Fever might be without star guard Caitlin Clark again for a bit after she injured her groin Tuesday night late in a win over the Connecticut Sun. It will be a busy week for the league’s young star if she can play at all. She sat out the team’s 98-77 loss against New York and her status for WNBA All-Star weekend, which Indiana is hosting, is up in the air. Clark is supposed to compete in a loaded 3-point contest Friday night and is captain of one of the All-Star teams.

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark (22) reacts with a possible injury beside Aliyah Boston (7) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and Allisha Gray headline WNBA All-Star 3-point contest

July 16, 2025

Caitlin Clark will hopefully be in a 3-point contest for the first time in her pro career as the Indiana Fever guard is set to compete Friday night in the WNBA All-Star competition. Clark injured her groin on Tuesday night in the last minute of the Fever’s game against Connecticut and it’s unknown if she’ll be able to participate this weekend in either the contest or the All-Star Game. She’ll be joined by contest record holder Sabrina Ionescu, who is back in the 3-point contest after a one-year hiatus. Ionescu last entered the contest in 2023 and set a record hitting 25 of her 27 shots in the final round, scoring 37 points. It was the most shots made in a 3-point contest in either the WNBA or NBA.

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark dribbles during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

WNBA ready for the spotlight with All-Star Game in Indiana this weekend

July 15, 2025

The WNBA finishes off the first half of its season this week before heading into the All-Star break in Indiana, which will be a showcase for young star Caitlin Clark. The Fever have three all-stars with Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell all playing in the game Saturday. Clark, who is one of the captains, took both her Indiana teammates for her team in the game. Before Saturday’s contest, the Fever have a busy week with back-to-back games against Connecticut, in Boston, and New York.

WNBA players and the league are far apart on new CBA talks ahead of in-person discussions

July 15, 2025

The WNBA players union and league officials have much to discuss when they sit down this week for their first in-person talks as a group since December about the new collective bargaining agreement. The two sides are hoping for a transformational new collective bargaining agreement. After sharing initial proposals, Phoenix Mercury forward and union rep Satou Sabally said the league’s offer was “a slap in the face.” The two sides are scheduled to have their first face-to-face meeting in Indianapolis on Thursday. Increased salaries, revenue sharing and roster size are three areas where the union hopes to see major changes from the current CBA.

Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston (7) goes to the basket against Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Aces star A’ja Wilson injures her right wrist vs. the Liberty and will get an MRI

July 8, 2025

Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson injured her right wrist on a drive to the basket against the New York Liberty and left the game midway through the second quarter. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson will have an MRI Wednesday morning. The three-time MVP had a quiet first half Tuesday night before getting hurt with 4:13 left in the period. Wilson drove down the lane and landed awkwardly. She was on the floor for a few minutes as her Aces teammates rushed over to her side. Wilson got up and walked to the Las Vegas bench to an ovation from the Barclays Center crowd.

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, middle greets teammates during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Clark takes Indiana teammate Boston No. 1 in WNBA All-Star Game draft. Collier picks Stewart

July 8, 2025

Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote. She had said there was “a high chance” that Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever would be on her team. Collier and Stewart started the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this past winter. They were college teammates at UConn. Clark’s other starters were Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson and Satou Sabally. Collier took Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike and Paige Bueckers.

Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) drives to the basket against Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins, left, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle uses solid defense to disrupt teams and climbs up WNBA standings

July 8, 2025

The Seattle Storm have been disruptive on defense this season behind stars Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike. They have the versatility to switch who they are guarding on screens which makes them more difficult to score against. The group also is great at being active in passing lines that has created more steals and turnovers. Diggins, who is averaging 1.3 steals, joked that she might be the worst of the group defensively. Seattle has won three of its past four games and has a home-and-home with lowly Connecticut in its next two. The team is 12-7, one game behind Phoenix for second place in the standings.

The hair of Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams bounces as she faces the New York Liberty during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

WNBA All-Star Game: Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron among reserves

July 6, 2025

Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron will be making their All-Star debuts in Indianapolis later this month as they were all chosen on Sunday as reserves for the game. Thornton has been in the league for nine years and finally is getting her chance to play in the exhibition game. She was selected in the expansion draft by Golden State last year and has helped the expansion team get off to a good start. Williams has been in the league for six seasons, although she’s missed time to play with France’s national team. She’s having a strong season for Seattle this year.

New York Liberty return home struggling after disappointing road trip

July 1, 2025

The New York Liberty return home after a disappointing road trip that saw them drop three of their four games. Help is on the way, though, as Leonie Fiebich will return from playing in the EuroBasket tournament for Germany. That will give New York back one of its two missing starters. Jonquel Jones is still recovering from a sprained ankle and is out for a few more weeks. The team has really missed the two starters as its defense has struggled lately, giving up at least 89 points in three of the four road contests — including all three defeats.

Indiana Fever players, from left, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark react on the bench during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier chosen as captains of WNBA All-Star Game by fan vote

June 29, 2025

Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier will captain the WNBA All-Star Game next month the league announced Sunday. Clark received 1,293,526 votes from fans while Collier had about 100,000 fewer. The pair will draft their fellow starters from a group that will be revealed on Monday. The Indiana Fever star, who is sidelined with a groin strain, is averaging 18.2 points and a career-high 8.9 assists per game. She also led the fan voting last season, her rookie year, but the All-Star format was the U.S. Olympic team playing against a select group of WNBA stars so no captains were chosen.

Jeremiah Fears celebrates with family after being selected seventh by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Moms take centerstage at NBA draft as sons appreciate all the effort they’ve put in

June 25, 2025

It was mother’s day at the NBA draft Wednesday night. The moms of the NBA draftees took centerstage, receiving hugs and wiping away tears from their sons. Kelly Flagg, whose son Cooper went first to the Dallas Mavericks, was a strong player in her own right. She starred for the University of Maine in the late 1990s. The 1998-99 team she was on made school history when they won the programs’ first-ever NCAA Tournament game, upsetting Stanford,

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) attempts a shot in the second half of an WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever, Thursday, May, 22, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta Dream off to hot start under new coach Karl Smesko and play of Allisha Gray

June 17, 2025

The Atlanta Dream made a lot of moves in the offseason, hiring Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast and bringing in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to complement Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. So far the moves have paid off as the Dream have the third best record in the league behind Minnesota and New York. Atlanta at 8-3 is off to one of the franchise’s best marks through 11 games since coming into the league as an expansion team in 2008. The 2016 team also won eight of its first 11 games but then went on to drop its next six games.

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots in front of Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

New York and Minnesota still leading the way, both unbeaten Commissioner’s Cup play begins

June 3, 2025

The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx picked up right where they left off last season when reaching the WNBA Finals. Both teams have gone undefeated so far this season games with the Lynx improving to 8-0 with a win over Phoenix on Tuesday night in a Commissioner’s Cup matchup. The Liberty and Lynx faced off last season in the in-season tournament final with Minnesota taking the title. New York got revenge, winning the WNBA championship for the first time in franchise history. With New York at 7-0 this season, it marks the latest that more than one franchise had been undefeated this long into the season since 2016.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) points during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Paige Bueckers gets first win as a pro in return to Connecticut as she scores 21 points

May 27, 2025

Paige Bueckers scored a season-best 21 points in her return to Connecticut to earn her first win as a pro in Dallas’ 109-87 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night. It’s been a week of homecomings for Bueckers as the former UConn star played in the state of Connecticut for the first time since helping the Huskies win the school’s 12th national championship nearly two months ago. Six days earlier she played in Minnesota where she grew up. With the victory, Bueckers remained unbeaten at Mohegan Sun Arena, where the Sun plays their home games. She went 15-0 at the arena, including winning four Big East championships while playing for UConn.

DOUG FEINBERG Basketball Writer.