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Posts published in “WNBA”

Caitlin Clark named AP Female Athlete of the Year

December 26, 2024

After being honored as TIME’s Athlete of the Year, Indiana Fever and WNBA Superstar Caitlin Clark is named Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year, which was due to “her impact on and off the court.”

Doug Feinberg, reporting for AP;

A group of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members voted on the award. Clark received 35 votes, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles was second with 25 and boxer Imane Khelif was third, getting four votes.

Clark is only the fourth women’s basketball player to be honored as the female athlete of the year since it was first presented in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995) and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).

To think, this is just her 1st year in the WNBA!

I recommend that you read the entirety of the AP article, which explains why she got the award.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announces Candidates for the Class of 2025

December 23, 2024

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame just announced the candidates for the Class of 2025, these includes Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Dwight Howard, Doc Rivers and more.

You can find the complete list of eligible candidates from the official statement of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

A quick look at the list, here are notable names;

  • Carmelo Anthony – Top 10 in the NBA All Time Scoring Leader, 10× NBA All-Star, NBA scoring champion, NBA All-Rookie First Team, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic bronze medal and 3x Olympic Gold medal
  • Sue Bird – 4× WNBA champion, 13× WNBA All-Star, 5× All-WNBA First Team, 5× EuroLeague champion and 5x Olympic Gold medal
  • Maya Moore – 4× WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, WNBA MVP, 6× WNBA All-Star, 5× All-WNBA First Team, WNBA steals leader, WNBA scoring leader, WNBA Rookie of the Year and 2x Olympic Gold medal
  • Dwight Howard – NBA champion, 8× NBA All-Star, 5× All-NBA First Team, 3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team, NBA All-Defensive Second Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team, 5× NBA rebounding leader and 2× NBA blocks leader.
  • Doc Rivers – NBA champion, NBA Cup champion, NBA Coach of the Year and 4× NBA All-Star Game head coach
  • Lisa Bluder – 5× Big Ten tournament champion, 2× Big Ten regular season champion, 4× MVC tournament champion, 3× MVC regular season champion and 3× Big Ten Coach of the Year.
  • Marc Gasol – NBA champion, 3× NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Liga ACB champion and FIBA EuroCup winner.

Finalists will be selected on Feb. 14 in San Francisco at NBA All-Star weekend, and the enshrinement class will be revealed on April 5 in San Antonio at the men’s NCAA Final Four.

Video – Interview of Caitlin Clark after being named by TIME’s Athlete of the Year

December 12, 2024

TIME Athlete of the Year Caitlin Clark shared her excitement for the future of the WNBA—and women’s sports as a whole—during a conversation with NBC sports producer and broadcaster Maria Taylor at the “A Year in TIME” event in New York on Dec. 11.

Coinciding with the release of TIME’s Person of the Year issue, the event also included a performance from TIME’s Icon of the Year, Elton John and a conversation with TIME’s CEO of the Year, Lisa Su.

Complete result of Golden State Valkyries 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft

December 11, 2024

The results of the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft presented by State Farm are as follows:

Player Former Team Pos Ht Yrs College/Country
Iliana Rupert Atlanta Dream C 6-4 3 France
Maria Conde Chicago Sky F 6-1 0 Florida State/Spain
Veronica Burton Connecticut Sun G 5-9 3 Northwestern
Carla Leite Dallas Wings G 5-9 0 France
Temi Fagbenle Indiana Fever C 6-4 4 USC/United Kingdom
Kate Martin Las Vegas Aces G 6-0 1 Iowa
Stephanie Talbot Los Angeles Sparks F 6-2 6 Australia
Cecilia Zandalisini Minnesota Lynx F 6-2 3 Italy
Kayla Thornton New York Liberty F 6-1 9 Texas-El Paso
Monique Billings* Phoenix Mercury F 6-4 7 UCLA
Julie Vanloo Washington Mystics G 5-8 1 Belgium

I’m not surprise that Kate Martin was picked up by the Golden State, it will be more beneficial for her to be with the Valkyries than stay with the Aces, since she will have more playing time with her new team. The shocking draft for me is Temi Fagbenle, since she’s been playing well and have good chemistry with Caitlin Clark, one could just assume that she will be protected by Indiana.

Fever’s Caitlin Clark is TIME’s Athlete of the Year

December 11, 2024

After a historic rookie season in the WNBA, Fever’s Caitlin Clark is named as Time’s Athlete of the Year. In the article, Clark talked about her journey from setting the new NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball scoring record to winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year. She also talked about her approach regarding fans and the game as well as “white privilege” and women’s basketball, also all the “controversies” surrounding her going to the WNBA.

The 6,000 plus word article is worth reading specially if you a fan of Caitlin Clark or Women’s Basketball as a whole.

WNBA release full schedule for 2025 Regular Season will tip-off on May 16th

December 3, 2024

As early as today, the WNBA has release the full schedule of the full schedule of the 2025 Regular Season and it will start on May 16th.

Here are some of the notable dates/games for the coming season.

May 17th

  • Indiana vs Chicago – A well rested Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Two of the top rookies.
  • Las Vegas vs New York – A rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals.

June 27th

  • Indiana vs Dallas – Indiana’s ROTY Caitlin Clark will face-off Paige Bueckers, for the first time in the W, UConn Star Paige Bueckers is projected to be the No. 1 draft pick and expected to be in a Dallas unis.

2025 WNBA SCHEDULE: SEASON TIP OFF PRESENTED BY CARMAX

Day Date Visitor Home Local Time Eastern Time
Fri. May 16 Atlanta Washington 7:30 PM 7:30 PM
Fri. May 16 Minnesota Dallas 6:30 PM 7:30 PM
Fri. May 16 Los Angeles Golden State 7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Sat. May 17 Chicago Indiana 1:00 PM 1:00 PM
Sat. May 17 Las Vegas New York 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
Sat. May 17 Seattle Phoenix 7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Sun. May 18 Washington Connecticut 1:00 PM 1:00 PM
Sun. May 18 Minnesota Los Angeles 3:00 PM 6:00 PM
Mon. May 19 Seattle Dallas 7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Tue. May 20 Las Vegas Connecticut 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
Tue. May 20 Atlanta Indiana 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
Wed. May 21 Dallas Minnesota 7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Wed. May 21 Washington Golden State 7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Thu. May 22 Indiana Atlanta 7:30 PM 7:30 PM
Thu. May 22 New York Chicago 7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Fri. May 23 Connecticut Minnesota 6:30 PM 7:30 PM
Fri. May 23 Washington Las Vegas 7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Fri. May 23 Golden State Los Angeles 7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Fri. May 23 Phoenix Seattle 7:00 PM 10:00 PM

Additionally, WNBA teams can begin negotiating with free agents on Sunday, Jan. 21. Free agents can begin signing contracts with teams on Thursday, Feb. 1.

Dallas Wings secures the No. 1 pick for the 2025 WNBA draft

November 18, 2024

The Dallas Wings today won the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery and will have the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft slated on April 14, 2025. Dallas bested Chicago,
Washington and Los Angeles for the first overall pick in the coming WNBA Draft. All 4 teams are the bottom teams of the last WNBA season.

The Dallas Wings is expected to pick college star Paige Bueckers, who is currently playing her last season at UConn.

Here is the results of the WNBA Draft Lottery 2025

  1. Dallas Wings
  2. Los Angeles Sparks
  3. Chicago Sky
  4. Washington Mystics
  5. Golden State Valkyries
  6. Washington Mystics from Atlanta Dream (15-25) via Dallas Wings (Allisha Gray, 1/21/23) (Stephanie Soares draft rights, 4/10/23)
  7. New York Liberty from Phoenix Mercury (19-21) (Mabrey, DeShields, Onyenwere, 2/11/23)
  8. Indiana Fever (20-20)
  9. Seattle Storm (25-15)
  10. Chicago Sky from Connecticut Sun (28-12) (Marina Mabrey, Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, 7/17/24)
  11. Minnesota Lynx (30-10)
  12. Phoenix Mercury from New York Liberty (32-8) (Mabrey, DeShields, Onyenwere, 2/11/23)

Indiana Fever official introduce Stephanie White as the Team’s Head Coach

November 5, 2024

It’s official, Indiana Fever has introduce Stephanie White as the Fever’s Head Coach. Joining her in the introductory press conference, is newly minted Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Amber Cox, Kelly Krauskopf, the Fever’s President of Basketball and Business Operations, with Fever Superstars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull.

You can watch the 28-mins Introductory Press Conference below;

An Indiana native, Stephanie White earn the moniker Indiana Miss Basketball at Seeger High School in West Lebanon, then in college while in Purdue, led the Boilermakers to the 1999 NCAA National Championship.

Stephanie White spent five seasons in the WNBA, the majority with the Fever, joining the team for their inaugural season in 2000. Her contributions to the franchise are significant, as she ranks among the top 20 in games played, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made.

Stephanie White is a seasoned WNBA coach, spending 17 seasons of experience as a player and coach in the league. She previously led the Indiana Fever, guiding them to the 2015 WNBA Finals and the 2016 playoffs. Her coaching journey also includes assistant roles with the Fever, Chicago Sky, and various collegiate teams, highlighting her diverse experience and strategic acumen.

Here’s an exclusive 1-on-1 interview of the new Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White with Pat Boylan.

Indiana Fever has let go of head coach Christie Sides after a Historic Season with Rookie Superstar Caitlin Clark

October 28, 2024

It appears that Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will have a new Head Coach next season, as the team announced that they have parted ways with Christie Sides.

In their announcement, “We are incredibly thankful to Coach Sides for embracing the challenge of leading us through an integral transition period over the last two seasons, while also positioning us well for future growth,” said Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf. “While decisions like these are never easy, it is also imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which includes maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana. Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future.”

Christie Sides still have 2 years remaining in his 4-year contract with the team and in those two years she had 33-47 (.413) regular-season record, which includes the 20-20 this season and making it to the playoffs since 2016. It’s unclear why Sides was let go but it could have been the 1 – 8 “slow” start of the season and the sweep in the postseason, even though the team had the best offensive rating (109.6 points per 100 possessions) in the league after the Olympic break.

Indiana Fever will be the sixth WNBA team to part ways with their coach, together with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics. Then add the management change of the Las Vegas Aces.

Caitlin Clark drains 25-straight threes during an offseason workout

October 26, 2024

Caitlin Clark is entering Steph Curry territory with her shooting!

It is currently off-season for Caitlin and the entire WNBA. Clark is schedule to participate in the coming LPGA pro-am at The Annika this November.

In an article on Sports Illustrated, Scott Agness of “Fieldhouse Files with Scott Agness” explained that Catlin Clark is practicing in the old practice court of the Indiana Pacers, “Fever use the practice court inside The Fieldhouse, what used to be for the Pacers. Now the Pacers have a $50M facility across the street, the St. Vincent Center, which opened in 2017,”

New York Liberty defeats Minnesota Lynx in OT to win their first WNBA Championship (67 – 62)

October 21, 2024

New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a classic Game 5 OT to take home the franchise first WNBA Championship. It was a low scoring ballgame, which is understandable, since both team have a defensive mindset right out of the gate. By the end of regulation, both team only managed to score 60 points, compare to the last 4 games, where the winning team scores at least 80 points.

Breanna Stewart has a chance to tie the game but misses both of the free throw with 38 secs remaining in regulation but Minnesota Lynx failed to capitalize on the possession and gave Breanna Stewart another chance to redeem herself by sinking bother of her free throw to tie and send the game to over time. Then in OT, Liberty took over by limiting Lynx to just 2 points while scoring 7 points; a 23-footer three point jumper by Leonie Fiebich, a two point lay-up by Nyara Sabally of a steal and a 2-for-2 free throw by Breanna Stewart to seal the game.

Like in the previous game, Minnesota Lynx was able to limit New York Liberty’s stars; Breanna Stewart just scored 13 points but was a monster on the boards, grabbing a game high 15 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu just scored 5 points but impacted the game by keeping her teammates involved in the game by dishing 8 assists with 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Jonquel Jones, who won the WNBA Finals MVP, scored a team high 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Prior to the 2024 WNBA season, NY Liberty is one of the eight original franchises of the league that has yet to win a championship and the team have been in the WNBA Finals 5 times before winning it all this year.

Minnesota Lynx forces a “Winner-Takes-All” Game 5 of WNBA Finals behind Bridget Carleton Free Throws (82 – 80)

October 20, 2024

WNBA;

Bridget Carleton made two free throws with 2 seconds left, and the Lynx beat the New York Liberty 82-80 on Friday night. The teams will meet Sunday night in New York in the first Game 5 of the Finals since 2019, when Washington topped Connecticut.

All of Minnesota Lynx starting five scored in double-digits; Kayla Mcbride, lead the team with 19 points, Courtney Williams added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Napheesa Collier chipped-in 14 points and 9 rebounds with 4 assists and 4 steals. Both Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton scored 12 points apiece but it was Carleton final free throw that sealed the game for the Lynx.

It was a close game and the largest of any team is just 6 points and there have been 14 lead changes and 13 ties.

Lynx was able to contain Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina to a combined 21 points, and limit their impact to the game. Lynx appeared happy to just let other Liberty players score particularly Jonquel Jones, who scored a game-high 21 points and 8 rebounds.

Game 5 of the WNBA Finals will this Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Here’s the high-lights of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.

NY Liberty takes Game 3 behind Sabrina Ionescu’s step-back 3 with 1 sec left (80 – 77)

October 17, 2024

If Minnesota Lynx stole Game 1 from the New York Liberty, it appears that NY Liberty did the same to the Lynx by stealing Game 3 of the WNBA Finals behind Sabrina Ionescu’s step-back 3 dagger. Liberty came back down-15 in the first qtr and crawl their way back for more than three qtr.

But before Sabrina Ionescu heroics took place, it was Breanna Stewart to anchored Liberty’s comeback scoring 30 points, 11 rebounds and blocking 4 shots. Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich added 13 points a piece. Sabrina Ionescu ended the game with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, before burying the Lynx with that dagger three, Ionescu was 2-7 from behind the line.

Before the game, WNBA named Sabrina Ionescu as part of the All-WNBA second team.

Four Minnesota Lynx players scored double-digits point; Napheesa Collier lead the Lynx with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals. Bridget Carleton scored 14 points, Kayla Mcbride added 19 points and Courtney Williams, the hero of Game 1, contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists.

Game 4 will be this Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at the Target Center Minneapolis. NY Liberty will have a chance to wrap-up the finals for the franchise’s first WNBA Championship.

WNBA announces 2024 All-WNBA First Team headline by Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier

October 17, 2024

Just hours before Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, the league announced the 2024 All-WNBA First Team which is headline by the Caitlin Clark, who was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year; A’ja Wilson, the first unanimous MVP and Napheesa Collier, who was named as the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Caitlin Clark is the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to be selected to the All-WNBA First Team, and the fifth rookie so honored since 2000, joining Sue Bird (2002), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Diana Taurasi (2004).

Joining Clark, Wilson and Collier, the league also named Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart as part of the 2024 All-WNBA First Team.

The 2024 All-WNBA Second Team consists of Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper, Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale and Liberty center Jonquel Jones.

New York Liberty evens the series behind Stewart and Laney-Hamilton (80 – 66)

October 14, 2024

Doug Feinberg – AP Basketball Writer via WNBA;

Breanna Stewart wasn’t going to let history repeat itself.

With the Minnesota Lynx making another fourth quarter run, the two-time league MVP refused to let the New York Liberty lose again.

Stewart scored 21 points and had a WNBA Finals record seven steals to help the Liberty beat the Lynx 80-66 on Sunday in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.

Just like Game 1, New York built a double-digit lead in the first half, only to see it evaporate. This time they didn’t completely collapse, holding on to even the series 1-1 as it shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Wednesday night.

New York Liberty made sure that Minnesota Lynx won’t be stealing this game, even after the Lynx erasing the Liberty’s 9-point lead early in the 4th qtr, to just 2 points. But from the 3:40 mark in the final qtr the New York Liberty went on a 12 to nothing run to build a 14-point cushion to end the game.

There are four Liberty players who scored double-digits points, you have the regulars like Breanna Stewart who lead the team in almost every category, she had 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and 1 block. Sabrina Ionescu, because of the “Caitlin Clark” treatment that she received, was not able to score in the 2nd half but was a big contributor in the first half. She added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

Then you also have the towering Jonquel Jones who was also a monster on the boards and got some timely tip in to help secure the W for the Liberty. Jones scored 14 points, a game-high 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Then there’s Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who was the unlikely-hero of the team by draining 4 pressure packed three-pointers, she end up with 20-points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

The next two games of the WNBA Finals will be hosted by the Minnesota Lynx. Game 3 will be this Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at the Target Center Minneapolis.

Minnesota Lynx stole Game 1 of the WNBA Finals from the the top-seeded New York Liberty in OT (95-93)

October 12, 2024

ESPN;

The Lynx, who trailed by as many as 18 points, are the first team in WNBA postseason history to win a game after trailing by 15-plus points in the final 5 minutes of regulation.

Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals will forever be a classic. This was a game that New York Liberty should have won, or must win. Since this is just a best of 5 series, one win could swing the whole series and this is a great start for the Lynx.

Three Lynx players scored 20-plus points; Courtney Williams, who went berserk in the 4th quarter and made a 4-point play in the last 5.5 seconds left in regulation, scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Napheesa Collier finished the game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 steals. Kyla McBride added 22 points and 4 rebounds.

Game 2 will still be at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY this Sunday, Oct 13, 2024.

WNBA to change Game Format of Playoffs and Finals of 2025 Season

October 12, 2024

WNBA just announcedx that they will change the game format of First Round of the WNBA Playoffs and the WNBA Finals.

The league said “the WNBA Board of Governors has approved a new, best-of-seven format for the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, effective with the 2025 season, replacing the best-of-five format. The Board has also approved a 1-1-1 setup for the best-of-three First Round of the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 3 and its opponent hosting Game 2 – a change from the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2 and its opponent hosting Game 3.”

Currently, the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs is 2-1. From a financial perspective, the current 2-1 format benefits the higher-seeded team. This is because they host the entire first round, assuming they sweep the series. This gives them an advantage in ticket sales, broadcast revenue, and other game-related income.

A good example, is the first round series between the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever. The Fever got swept in the series, since the first two games was hosted by the Sun, both games got an attendance of total of 17,820. If there was at least 1 game being played in Indiana, them being the most popular team because of Caitlin Clark, we can assume that the attendance will be similar to their last home game in the regular season, with an attendance of 17,274.

The WNBA announced an increase in regular-season games to 44 per team starting next season, up from 40 games in the past two seasons. This is to accommodate the addition of the Golden State Valkyries as the league’s 13th franchise. Each WNBA Teams have played 40 regular-season games in each of the last two seasons.

“We are seeing an incredible demand for WNBA basketball, as reflected in the number of cities pursuing expansion franchises, fans attending games and engaging with our social and digital platforms in record fashion, and game broadcasts and streams being consumed like never before,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “The incredible demand for WNBA basketball makes this the ideal time to increase the regular season to 44 games per team and expand the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV to a best-of-seven series,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “These changes will create more opportunities to watch the best players in the world compete at the highest level and give our fans a championship series format that they are accustomed to seeing in other sports.”

Minnesota Lynx eliminate the Connecticut Sun to advance to the 2024 WNBA Finals (88-77)

October 9, 2024

via ESPN;

Collier had 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting and 11 rebounds and Courtney Williams contributed 24 points and both-ends-of-the-court energy to lead the Minnesota Lynx past the Connecticut Sun 88-77 and into the WNBA Finals for the first time in seven years on Tuesday night.

Collier, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, added four blocks in a vintage all-around performance.

They will face the NY Liberty who eliminated the defending champs, the LV Aces, two days ago.

Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled this Thursday, October 10, 2024, and will be hosted by the NY Liberty in Barclays Center.

Caitlin Clark bags 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award

October 5, 2024

WNBA News:

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, the WNBA announced today. She gives the Fever back-to-back winners of the annual award after Indiana forward-center Aliyah Boston earned the honor last season.

Clark received 66 votes from a national panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received one vote.

After weeks of waiting, the WNBA has officially named Caitlin Clark as the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. The announcement of the ROTY award have been controversial, since the league had been delayed its announcement, the league announced the MVP awards, took home by A’ja Wilson, last Sept. 22nd.

Caitlin Clark writes “Thank You” message to Fans after Historic Rookie Season

October 3, 2024

WNBA Rookie Phenom Caitlin Clark rookie season is now in the books and to appreciate all the supports that Clark has received, she posted an emotional “Thank You” message to her fans for their support in her first year in the league and then ended with a “See you all in year two 🖤💫”

Caitlin Clark helped the Indiana Fever reached the WNBA Playoffs (20-20 record) for the first time since 2016 and lead the team in scoring, assists and steals (19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 1.3 steals).

Clark also broke and set a number of WNBA records including the first triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history, set single-game record for assists (19), single-season rookie record for three-pointer, and accolades like “Unanimous Associated Press Rookie of the Year and AP All-WNBA First Team,” being named both WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month and WNBA Rookie of the Month for August, and much more.

Not to mention all the records for digital consumption and merchandise sales for the league.

The same message was posted to her official IG account (@caitlinclark22.

If this just the start of Caitlin Clark’s WNBA career, I’m sure that her fans will be excited to see what her second year will be, where we will be getting a full off season of rest and time for working on her game.

2024 WNBA Individual Awards   

September 29, 2024

Shams Charania via X (@ShamsCharania);

Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark has won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has been awarded the Defensive Player of the Year, sources confirm.

Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson received MVP and Connecticut’s DiJonai Carrington won Most Improved Player.

Except for Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson MVP award, WNBA has yet to officially announce this years 2024 WNBA Individual Awards.

It would have been great if A’ja Wilson was also named as the DPOY, since Wilson lead the league in blocks, and top 5 in steal and rebounds.

As for the Rookie of the Year, with all other rookies sideline by the end of the regular season, Caitlin Clark will be the runaway winner for ROY, I was thinking that Cameron Brink could at least make it to a interesting race at the start of the season.

Connecticut Sun sweeps Indiana Fever, will face Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Semifinals (87 – 81)   

September 26, 2024

ESPN;

Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun were happy to finally close out an opening round series at home in two games.

Thomas had 19 points and 13 assists to help the Sun sweep Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever out of the playoffs with an 87-81 win Wednesday night.

Compared to Game 1, Indiana’s “Big 3” played a much better game; Caitlin Clark scored 25 points and 9 assists, Aliyah Boston had 16 points and 19 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell added had 17 points but committed 5 turnovers. But it was Sun’s veteran players who carried the team with five players scoring in double digits points.

Connecticut Sun will now face Minnesota Lynx, who swept the Phoenix Mercury, this Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Target Center, Minneapolis.

New York Liberty sweeps Atlanta Dream, advances to 2nd round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs (91 – 82)   

September 25, 2024

ESPN News Services;

They moved one step closer as Sabrina Ionescu tied a franchise playoff record with 36 points to help the Liberty beat the Atlanta Dream 91-82 on Tuesday night and advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.

The Liberty shouldn’t have any problem advancing to the 2nd round, since the Dream barely qualified for the playoffs. They need to move past the Las Vegas Aces to advance to the 2024 WNBA Finals.

The first game of the 2nd round of the WNBA Playoffs will on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Caitlin Clark Named Unanimous Associated Press Rookie of the Year and AP All-WNBA First Team   

September 24, 2024

Indiana Fever, WNBA;

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was unanimously named the 2024 Associated Press WNBA Rookie of the Year, it was announced today. This recognition follows Clark’s achievement as a four-time WNBA Rookie of the Month, three-time WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week and WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month in August. Clark joins Aliyah Boston as the only Fever players to earn AP Rookie of the Year.

Clark was also named to the AP All-WNBA First Team with Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson. AP All-Rookie Team with Kamilla Cardoso, Leonie Fiebich, Rickea Jackson and Angel Reese.

2024 WNBA Playoff Bracket, First Round starts on the 22nd of September

September 22, 2024

Now that the 40 games WNBA regular season is done, we now have the complete picture of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs.

  • New York Liberty (1st) vs Atlanta Dream (8th)
  • Minnesota Lynx (2nd) vs Phoenix Mercury (7th)
  • Connecticut Sun (3rd) vs Indiana Fever (6th)
  • Las Vegas Aces (4th) vs Seattle Storm (5th)

This is the mechanics of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs;

Top eight teams with the highest winning percentage (regardless of conference) will qualify for playoffs. Bracket is NOT divided by East/West. First Rounds will be 2-1 (first two games hosted by the higher seed). Semi-Finals and Finals will be 2-2-1 (higher seed hosting the first two games and final game, if necessary).

First Rounds will start this Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Portland, Oregon Awarded WNBA’s 15th Franchise   

September 19, 2024

WNBA;

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that it has awarded Portland, Oregon, the league’s 15th franchise. The Portland team, set to begin play in the 2026 season, will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Portland is the third expansion franchise awarded by the WNBA during this round of expansion, following the Golden State Valkyries and a Toronto franchise, bringing the league from 12 to 15 teams.

This is the best time to have your own WNBA team, since the value of your team will surely increase with the “Caitlin Clark effect” and the influx of new players from the college rank like Paige Bueckers and Juju Watkins.

I predict that before the next media deal, after 11 years, the league will add 5 more teams, making it to a total of 20 WNBA teams and the league will have at least 50 to 60 games per season.

Caitlin Clark WNBA records: Indiana Fever honors to know   

September 16, 2024

Keith Jenkins, writing for ESPN;

Here’s a look at Clark’s professional accolades:

▪︎ WNBA rookie single-season scoring record.

▪︎ WNBA single-season record for assists.

▪︎ Set franchise record for most double-doubles in a season with Indiana Fever.

▪︎ Set franchise record for most three-pointers in a season with Indiana Fever.

▪︎ First WNBA rookie to record two triple-doubles.

▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for three-pointers.

▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for assists.

▪︎ WNBA single-season turnover record.

▪︎ Most assists by a rookie in WNBA All-Star Game history (10).

▪︎ WNBA Rookie of the Month for July.

▪︎ WNBA single-game record for assists (19).

▪︎ First triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history and first triple-double in Fever history.

▪︎ Ninth rookie to be named a WNBA All-Star starter.

▪︎ Only player with more than 700,000 votes for the WNBA All-Star Game.

▪︎ Fastest player to reach 350 points and 150 assists to start a WNBA season (regardless of years in the league).

▪︎ Twenty points, three assists, two steals and 10 turnovers in her WNBA debut on May 14.

▪︎ No. 1 overall pick by Indiana Fever in 2024 WNBA draft on April 15.

Calling Caitlin Clark’s rookie season “LEGENDARY” would be an understatement.

Aces’ A’ja Wilson 1st Player in WNBA History to Score 1,000 Points in 1 Season   

September 16, 2024

Doric Sam, writing for Bleacher Report;

After setting the WNBA single-season scoring record earlier this week, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson added another unique distinction on Sunday.

Wilson became the first player in league history to ever score 1,000 points in a season during Sunday’s 84-71 win against the Connecticut Sun.

For context, this is the 2nd year that the WNBA is playing a 40 games per season. In 2022, the number of games was 36. The WNBA single-season scoring record last year was set by Jewel Lloyd, who scored 939 points, playing 38 games. Wilson set the 1,000 Points in 1 Season playing just 37 games.

Caitlin Clark breaks WNBA single-season assists record then set the WNBA rookie season scoring record in a span of 24 hours

September 16, 2024

Alexa Philippou, ESPN;

Rookie star Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA single-season assist record Friday night in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

Clark recorded her 317th assist of the season at the 4:55 mark of the second quarter when Kelsey Mitchell took her pass and scored on a drive. The rookie passed Alyssa Thomas’ 316 dimes from last season. Clark finished the game with nine assists, giving her 321 assists on the season.

This was in a loss against the Las Vegas Aces, where Aces’ A’ja Wilson set a record for points scored in a season.

Then after 24 hours.

Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer;

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark recalls Seimone Augustus being the first WNBA player she ever met when she went to a Minnesota Lynx game as a child.

On Sunday, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, previously held by Augustus, and called it a full-circle moment.

“I got my picture with her on my dad’s little phone — it was maybe like a BlackBerry back in the day,” Clark said after Indiana’s 110-109 win over Dallas. “I vividly remember it. I was always a fan of her game and the way she could shoot the ball.”

Clark now has 761 points in 39 games, so there is the caveat that Augustus — who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October — set her mark of 744 points in 2006, when the WNBA season was 34 games.

For context, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, while Seimone Augustus set the rookie scoring record when WNBA season was only 34 games a season.