All Things W with the Monday Night Squad: Mid-Season Check-In, Rookie Love, and Expansion

The Monday Night Squad is back!

Monica and Sara are joined by Tiandrea and Kaycie for a mid-season WNBA check-in full of hot takes, personal updates, and playoff predictions (or refusals to predict). From All-Star Weekend recaps to trade rumors, they dig into the storylines, player moments, and behind-the-scenes vibes that make the W so much more than just stats.

They also get into:

🔥 The rise of the Valkyries (even without a superstar)

👟 Stud Buds, Diplo, and the off-court joy of All-Star Weekend

🧢 Expansion excitement with Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philly

💬 Ref drama, coaching shakeups, and the difference a good team culture makes

🧡 Why Paige Bueckers is already the league’s favorite (and has the tunnel fits to match)

This one’s part mid-season roundup, part WNBA lovefest. If you care about women’s sports, storytelling, and the power of community, it’s a must-listen.

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1heF5erajpY6FBDt0wT3vh8kyAQ3Dd2OrBU7qCecvMv4/edit?usp=sharing

Fact Check Notes

• WNBA All-Star Game Viewership vs. NBA
  The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game drew a record 3.44 million viewers, but the NBA All-Star Game still had higher viewership at approximately 4.72 million. The WNBA did not surpass the NBA in ratings, though it hit a historic high for the league.
• WNBA Players' Revenue Share
  WNBA players currently receive about 9.3% of league revenue, compared to 49–51% for NBA players. This is accurate and reflects the existing revenue gap between leagues.
• WNBA Expansion Team Count for 2027
  The WNBA is currently at 13 teams and has announced plans to expand to 18 by 2030. While there’s significant momentum, reaching 18 teams by 2027 is not confirmed.