Locked On Women's Basketball

WNBA preseason is officially here, and we’re already getting some major clues about how this season could unfold. On today’s episode, Sophia Jones breaks down the biggest storylines from early matchups: Caitlin Clark’s return and evolving role with the Fever Liberty’s new system and how their stars will mesh Chicago Sky’s completely revamped roster debut Phoenix Mercury adjusting without Satou Sabally Injury challenges for the Lynx and opportunities for young players LA Sparks roster battles and preseason auditions Seattle Storm’s fresh identity heading into the season Plus, we dive into the latest women’s basketball movement, including international updates and top recruiting news. Preseason might not count in the standings—but it tells you a LOT   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your

The WNBA is leveling up in a BIG way for 2026—and the Indiana Fever are right at the center of it all. On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Kalia Butler (Chicago Sky sideline reporter) and Sophia Jones (Portland Fire radio analyst) break down the biggest storylines heading into the new season:

South Carolina is doing something in today’s transfer portal era that almost feels impossible… they kept EVERYONE.

Audi Crooks is headed to Oklahoma State—and she might be the centerpiece of one of the most intriguing roster rebuilds in women’s college basketball

Is Caitlin Clark about to take an even bigger this year?   On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Kalia Butler (Chicago Sky sideline reporter) and Sophia Jones (Portland Fire radio analyst) break down why Clark could surpass her historic rookie season—and what’s changed heading into WNBA training camp.   We dive into:   Clark’s improved health outlook and evolving role alongside Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston Key roster updates and injury impacts across the league How Angel Reese fits with Atlanta’s fast-paced system     Plus:   Expansion teams on the rise, including Golden State’s blueprint for success Portland’s innovative system inspired by modern player development trends EuroLeague Women recap, including Emma Meesseman making history with another title  

The Chicago Sky didn’t just have a good offseason — they might’ve hit the FREE AGENCY JACKPOT. On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Kalia Butler (Chicago Sky sideline reporter) and Shimmy Miller break down how Chicago is going ALL-IN on a win-now model — starting with the addition of Skylar Diggins-Smith and what she brings to the offense, leadership, and structure. We also dive into: Chicago’s key additions: Azurá Stevens, DiJonai Carrington, Rickea Jackson & Gabriela Jaquez How the new pieces fit with the returning core (Kamilla Cardoso, Courtney Vandersloot & more) Can this roster actually contend for a championship? PLUS: UCLA makes HISTORY in the WNBA Draft with a record-breaking class What’s next for the Bruins after losing elite talent to the league A’ja Wilson’s record-setting deal and how it resets the WNBA market     Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our memb

NO ONE is more deserving than A’ja Wilson to become the highest-paid player in WNBA history — and now it’s official. On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Sophia Jones breaks down A’ja Wilson’s historic 3-year, $5 million fully guaranteed supermax deal with the Las Vegas Aces — what it means for the league, her legacy, and what could be next for the four-time MVP. We also dive into: The Aces’ latest roster moves, including Chennedy Carter’s training camp deal and how she fits into a LOADED backcourt Key WNBA free agency signings across the league (Odyssey Sims, Alysha Clark, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton & more) Transfer portal shakeups in women’s college basketball — major names heading to LSU, UCLA, Ole Miss, and beyond From historic contracts to roster reshaping, we’ve got you covered.       Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointm

Natasha Cloud might be the MOST overlooked free agent in the WNBA right now — and we’re breaking down exactly why  On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Kalia Butler (Chicago Sky sideline reporter) and WNBA analyst Sophia Jones dive into:  - Why Natasha Cloud deserves WAY more attention in free agency - The top available free agents, including Tina Charles, Emma Meesseman, Aari McDonald, and Tiffany Hayes - Why Caitlin Clark & Raven Johnson could become one of the most fascinating teammate duos in the league - The real conversation around online criticism and player experiences -  Other exciting teammate storylines — including Azzi Fudd & Paige Bueckers reuniting - The growing issue of WNBA draft picks getting waived due to limited roster spots   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more

Nneka Ogwumike is heading back to the Los Angeles Sparks — and it could change everything. After a five-year playoff drought, the Sparks are making serious “win now” moves by bringing back their former MVP. We break down how Ogwumike’s leadership, efficiency, and experience could immediately translate to wins in LA — and what it means for the rest of the roster. Plus, we dive into: The Sparks’ aggressive roster moves, including trade talks involving Ariel Atkins and Rickea Jackson Why Jackie Young re-signing with the Las Vegas Aces is a HUGE deal Other key WNBA free agency updates around the league Early WNBA Draft storylines and why UCLA prospects could dominate     Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Support

The WNBA just released its official list of Core Players for the season… but don’t get it twisted — that doesn’t mean everyone is staying put. In today’s episode: We break down the FULL Core Player list and what it actually means for teams and contracts Why the Core designation does NOT guarantee a supermax — and how trades complicate everything The final year of current core eligibility rules and what changes could be coming Then things get interesting… Did a balloon company just leak Nneka Ogwumike’s next move?!

Satou Sabally is officially one of the MOST intriguing names in WNBA free agency — and her next move could reshape the league. On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Sophia Jones breaks down why Sabally is not expected to return to the Phoenix Mercury, what happened during her Finals run and injury situation, and which teams could be the best fit — including the Toronto Tempo, Los Angeles Sparks, and Golden State Valkyries. We also dive into the WNBA’s core designation rules — one of the most important (and confusing) parts of free agency — and what it means for stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, and more. Plus, a full breakdown of qualifying offers across the league, including restricted and reserved players you NEED to know.     Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and j

WNBA free agency is officially underway… and things escalated FAST.   On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Kalia Butler is joined by WNBA analyst Sophia Jones and special guest Shimmy Miller to break down one of the biggest storylines of the offseason — Angel Reese being traded to the Atlanta Dream.   We dive into:   How Angel Reese fits in Atlanta’s evolving system under Karl Smesko What this means for a Dream team led by Allisha Gray & Rhyne Howard Whether Atlanta is now a true title contender What’s next for the Chicago Sky after losing Reese — on and off the court   Then, we shift to the college game where the transfer portal is exploding:   Over 1,000 DI players enter on Day 1

The WNBA landscape just shifted in a BIG way — Angel Reese is on the move. In today’s episode, we break down the shocking trade that sends Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream, what it means for both teams, and how it could reshape the league heading into the season. We also cover UCLA’s dominant national championship win over South Carolina, led by a historic performance from Lauren Betts, and what this title means for the program moving forward. Plus, Geno Auriemma issues an apology following UConn’s loss — we discuss what happened and the reaction across women’s college basketball.

UConn vs South Carolina recap How UConn’s depth stepped up in a huge way Big performances from Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd, and the bench Why South Carolina’s “scrappy” mindset wasn’t quite enough Key matchup: Sarah Strong vs Joyce Edwards Rising stars turned dominant leaders Two-way impact that could define games Long-time competitors meeting on the biggest stage Texas vs UCLA breakdown How Texas controlled the game early Defensive pressure + physicality changing everything What UCLA struggled with (and nearly overcame) Championship preview: UConn vs Texas Can Texas bring the same intensity? Will UConn’s versatility be too much? X-factors that could decide the title WNBA Expansion Draft Update Portland Fire + Toronto Tempo enter the league What the expansion draft rules mean Key strategy shifts to watch               Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and g

Sarah Strong takes home National Player of the Year honors, and we’re breaking down exactly why she stood above a stacked Naismith field. On today’s Locked On Women’s Basketball, Kalia Butler and Sophia Jones dive into the full Naismith awards conversation — including standout seasons from Lauren Betts, Mikayla Blakes, and Azzi Fudd. We also discuss Coach of the Year candidates like Shea Ralph and Geno Auriemma, plus Defensive Player of the Year buzz around Hannah Hidalgo. To close, we react to big WNBA news as Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart confirm they’re staying with the New York Liberty.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intui

The NCAA Tournament Women's Final Four is set. Defending champion UConn takes on South Carolina. And, UCLA battles Texas.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. RobinhoodYou’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swa

The race for the 2026 Wooden Award is ON

All four one seeds have advanced to the Final Four in the women's bracket. UCLA handled Duke, Texas destroyed Michigan, South Carolina beat TCU, and UConn took down Notre Dame.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. RobinhoodYou’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.Now available across the U.S. Download

South Carolina isn’t just winning… they’re sending a message. This is a full-on revenge tour — and it’s leading straight to the championship.

  Control vs. chaos… and in the end, control won. On this episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Kalia Butler and Sophia Jones break down one of the WILDEST Sweet 16 rounds we’ve seen