It’s 2025, but somehow women sports fans are still being overlooked. That’s according to a new study that stopped me in my tracks. If people need another example of just how massive this fanbase has gotten, let me present: the nearly 82,000 people at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. While others still catch on, I’m just learning about Trinity Rodman’s latest off-field plays in fashion. I’m anxiously awaiting a future clothing line to drop. In the meantime, I’m taking some style notes from the F1 WAGs and maybe even some makeup tips from the guys at ESPN SportsCenter (they know what a T-zone is). Now, let’s get to what else is making sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Psst…Don’t miss this weekend’s NWSL matchups. Things kick off Saturday, October 4, at 7:30 pm ET on ION with the NC Courage vs Racing Louisville. Then on Sunday, October 5, don’t miss the Washington Spirit vs San Diego Wave at 1 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN+.
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What to look out for in our latest episode.
The WNBA Drama Just Escalated
What's going on: The Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces will tip off the WNBA Finals on Friday — but that’s not the only thing that’s top of mind for fans and players. On Tuesday, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa “Phee” Collier — Unrivaled cofounder and vice president of the players’ union — went scorched earth on league leadership. During her end-of-season presser, Phee said the WNBA has “the worst leadership in the world.” She specifically called out her boss, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, for dismissing players’ and coaches’ concerns over officiating and its potential link to player injuries. Engelbert’s response? She said she was “disheartened” by Phee’s comments and vowed to maintain her commitment to the players. Many are now questioning whether she’ll even be around next season, although a league spokesperson has denied those reports.
Our take: Players and coaches have long complained about the league’s officiating, but Phee’s comments marked a breaking point — and many of her fellow athletes are standing with her. (Based on the memes, so is the internet.) The scathing review comes after the WNBA suspended and fined Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve last week for an altercation with referees during the semifinals. At least two other coaches received fines for backing Reeve up. Now, the league may be forced to reckon with what many see as systemic failures — from how officials are trained to how dissent is punished. The timing also couldn’t be bigger: Contract negotiations between the league and players are ongoing, and a potential lockout could be more likely than ever.
