It’s never fun pulling up to a game thinking you look fly and then clocking that everyone is wearing the same thing as you. One other person, fine, whatever. But at least five in every section? I know you’ve felt it too…

Sports Innovation Lab and Klarna valued women’s sports merch at $4 billion a year back in 2024. Yet, the inventory of that amount still has not quite showed up.

Front Office Sports puts the ratio at roughly nine pieces of men’s merch on shelves for every one piece of women’s, which is why the stands start to look like a uniform. Nobody’s taste is converging because everyone is shopping the same small rack.

You can only wear the WNBA tie or the same Playa Society graphic tee so many times before your camera roll starts repeating itself. Not because they aren’t good. They’re some of the best things in the category. It’s that when the good stuff is a handful of pieces from a handful of independents, you wear it into the ground.

Esther Wallace built Playa Society as a former Division I player who couldn’t buy what she wanted. Round21 licenses its WNBA work with the players’ union rather than only the league. Two independents covering a gap an entire industry left open, and they shouldn’t have to.

The demand isn’t subtle either. Pinterest searches for “WNBA game outfits” are up 70%, which is what demand looks like when it has nowhere to go. It piles up in a saved folder instead of a cart.

Leave it to the dedicated fan to fill this gap herself: cut up jersey, thrift a warmup, bedazzle the night before. Every fanbase has its DIYers, but this one has a whole economy of them working in public, for free, solving a merchandising problem that a $4 billion market hasn’t.

And that DIY isn’t a workaround. It’s research and development the industry hasn’t paid for.

Off Season is the proof. It started as a jacket Kristin Juszczyk made for herself because nobody was selling what she wanted, and now it’s a licensed brand with a WNBA collection. The fans with scissors are showing the industry what they want before the industry has worked out how to sell it to them.

What they’re designing toward is bigger than a game day fit.

What she’s actually after is stadium-to-street: fandom that travels into her work and her social life instead of living in a drawer between home games. A jersey you wear eleven times a season is an occasion outfit. A jersey you’d wear to dinner is a wardrobe.

That difference is what turns a fangirl aesthetic into an entire universe, and a once-a-year purchase into a lifestyle.

So let’s see them

If you’re a DIYer, this is your moment. We want the reworks, the cut-up jerseys, the bedazzled everything, the warmup you found at a thrift store and made yours.

Send an email to: olivia@shopdamecore.com and we’ll spotlight the best of them on the page.

The brands will catch up eventually. Until then, the best WNBA merch in the building is homemade.

Overview

• Apple TV drops a new documentary showcasing the real grit behind UConn women’s basketball’s dynasty and its 2025 NCAA Championship run

• Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride and her sister are opening a coffee shop in North Carolina

• Ballhalla and the Bay were announced as the league’s 2027 All-Star Weekend hosts

• It’s Mascot Mania in the W as expansion teams the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire reveal the newest members of their squads

• Only weeks in, Natisha Hiedeman’s RunBudz has already secured a Hoka sponsorship and a local news segment

• Te-Hina Paopao‘s tunnel fits are stopping everyone in their tracks

• Nneka Ogwumike announces her WNBA retirement after a legendary 15-year career

• DeWanna Bonner buyout sends the vet to the Atlanta Dream

Apple TV Goes Behind the Curtain on UConn’s Dynasty

Apple TV’s new three-part docuseries, “The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,” premiered Aug. 21, spotlighting the program’s rise under head coach Geno Auriemma. It’s been 40 years since his 1985 arrival, and in that time, his impact has grown beyond the program. Indirectly shaping the sport itself, he’s trained legends like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Rebecca Lobo, all of whom appear in the series, as well as today’s stars like reigning No. 1 picks Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers. Fudd and Bueckers also go beyond basketball, opening up publicly about the start of their relationship as college teammates and the real strain their 2025 championship season put on their mental health and bonds with teammates and coach. Auriemma’s coaching style has since sparked plenty of debate across social media, but it’s hard to argue with the results. Few coaches in any sport have produced the caliber of athlete he sends out of Storrs.

Kayla McBride Is Brewing Up a New Business

Kayla McBride’s latest venture doesn’t involve basketball at all. The Minnesota Lynx guard is teaming up with her sister, Karlee, to open 1122 Coffee, a community-focused coffee shop in downtown Concord, North Carolina. The official grand opening is set for September 5th, conveniently landing right around next month’s FIBA World Cup break. The name comes from the sisters’ childhood home address, and the two designed the space to feel like their own living room. McBride first shared the dream publicly back in May, then teased it again in July while serving fans at Unrivaled‘s Coffee Club activation during All-Star Weekend in Chicago — calling it a passion project she’s building all while still breaking records in the WNBA.

Ballhalla and the Bay Are Hosting the 2027 All-Star Game

The WNBA is bringing its biggest weekend to Ballhalla. The league announced that Chase Center, home of the Golden State Valkyries, will host the 2027 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game on July 31st, with the 3-point contest and skills challenge the night before. A deserving win for a franchise that’s sold out all of its home games since debuting last year in 2025, and became the first team in the league to hit a billion-dollar valuation. The Bay Area has solidified itself as one of the biggest basketball markets in the country, so this move only seems right for the Valkyries and the league.

Mascot Mania Hits the W

Two expansion franchises welcomed three new mascots this week. The Toronto Tempo introduced Dez the snapping turtle and Dot the Arctic hare, a distinctly Canadian pair playing on the tortoise-and-the-hare nursery rhyme, representing the calm and chaos in the Tempo’s squad. Meanwhile, in Portland, the Fire unveiled Rose, a glitter-loving dragon, after a week of mysterious pink glitter teasers and cryptic messages kept fans on their toes. All three mascots made their debuts during halftime, welcoming fans into a new era of their team’s atmosphere.

RunBudz Already Has a Shoe Deal and a News Segment

What started as a casual Tuesday jog has turned into a full-blown movement in just two weeks of Natisha Hiedeman’s RunBudz. As organic moments keep turning into marketing opportunities across women’s sports, Hoka wasn’t about to miss its chance, swooping in to claim a stake in the booming Seattle-based run club with a fresh sponsorship deal. Nearly 400 runners showed up to the group’s latest Green Lake outing, greeted by Hoka hats and local news cameras. Hiedeman clearly has a gift for building community; first among teammates, and now in her new city.

Te-Hina Paopao’s Tunnel Fits Are Unmatched

Te-Hina Paopao has quietly become one of the league’s most fun fashion follows. The Atlanta Dream guard has begun treating every tunnel fit as its own moment, working alongside her stylist, who goes by Blvkindigo the Stylist, to bring unique visions to life. Recently, Paopao made waves in baby blue fur shorts, a colorful Kid Super tee, and a mini bag, finished off with classic heels and statement sunglasses. It’s the same fun and range you see in her game, just translated into an outfit.

Nneka Ogwumike Announces Her Retirement

The league is losing one of its most important figures. Nneka Ogwumike announced she will retire from the WNBA at the end of the 2026 season, closing out 15 years that included a 2016 championship and MVP with the Los Angeles Sparks, 11 All-Star selections, and a decade leading the players’ union through two landmark Collective Bargaining Agreements, including this year’s deal that saw the salary cap jump from $1.5 million to $7 million, ensuring she left the league better than she found it. Ogwumike is still playing at an All-Star level, averaging 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds a game, which makes the decision less about decline and more about control. In her own words, she’s learned there’s power in knowing when to walk away and she’s choosing to do it on her own terms, at the top of her game.

Atlanta Adds a Title Chaser in DeWanna Bonner

DeWanna Bonner is chasing one more title, and she’s doing it in Atlanta. The 17-year veteran agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, clearing waivers before signing with the playoff-bound Dream. Mercury GM Nick U’Ren said the move was made out of respect for what Bonner built in Phoenix, giving her the shot at what could be one of her final postseason runs. She joins an Atlanta squad already locked into the playoffs at 25-13, led by Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese, and brings serious credentials with her. Bonner is third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list with two championships and 98 career playoff games.

Overview

• Natisha Hiedeman trades basketball shoes for running sneakers to bring RunBudz to the Seattle community

• August 16th is officially Diana Taurasi Day in Arizona, as the GOAT gets immortalized during the Phoenix Mercury’s Ring of Honor game.

• Pinterest steps into sports for the first time ever, teaming up with the New York Liberty for a one-of-a-kind partnership.

• The future of Unrivaled has arrived, as fans meet the nine members of the league’s Class of 2026.

• Nielsen data confirms what fans have felt all year: women’s sports are bigger than ever.

• Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, Chamique Holdsclaw, and the 1996 USA women’s team are headed to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Natisha Hiedeman Brings Community to Seattle With RunBudz

Natisha Hiedeman is building something new in her new city. The Seattle Storm guard just launched RunBudz, a community run club with a playful nod to StudBudz, the viral duo she and Courtney Williams built in Minnesota before Hiedeman signed with Seattle this offseason. Where StudBudz was built on a livestream, fans tuning in from around the country, RunBudz is built on community, giving Seattle fans an actual reason to show up and move alongside her. It’s a smart pivot for an athlete who’s already proven she can turn her personality into a brand.

Diana Taurasi Day Arrives in Phoenix

The GOAT is heading to the rafters after a week of send-offs in Arizona. On August 16th, the Phoenix Mercury retired Diana Taurasi‘s No. 3 and inducted her into the Ring of Honor at a home game against the Portland Fire, closing out a 20-year run that made her the league’s all-time leading scorer with 10,646 points. She joins Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom, Bridget Pettis, Michele Timms, and her wife, Penny Taylor. Phoenix has been building to this all week: a street sign near the Mortgage Matchup Center was updated with her final scoring total, and an interactive mural of her career went up just days before the ceremony. Three championships, 11 All-Star nods, an MVP, and two decades in the Valley end with an official day of honor from DT’s city.

Pinterest Makes History With the New York Liberty

Pinterest just made its first-ever move into sports, and the deal traces back to one meeting. Three years ago, Liberty CEO Keia Clarke sat in a strategy session where her team’s head of sponsorship went around the room asking what platform everyone used most. Clarke said Pinterest. That answer eventually became a full partnership: curated boards, editorial content, community outreach, and a new series called “Away Game Fashion” built around at the intersection between women’s hoops and style. Pinterest is also funding backboard refurbishments at courts across New York, putting real money into the community and growing the game along the way.

The Future of Unrivaled Has Arrived

Nine of women’s college basketball’s biggest names are landing in Miami as Unrivaled’s newest NIL class. For the third year running, the 3-on-3 league announced its “Future is Unrivaled” group: KK Arnold, Madison Booker, Jaloni Cambridge, Joyce Edwards, Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Olson, Sarah Strong, Jada Williams, and Mikaylah Williams. Between the nine, that’s 21 NCAA Tournament trips, nine Final Fours, and two national titles. They’ll spend a few days at Unrivaled headquarters for skill sessions and content shoots, following the same track rookie stars like Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, and Flau’jae Johnson participated in just last year. Co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled is doing more than running a league. They’re getting ahead of the curve and securing the future of the league’s talent before a pro point is even scored.

Nielsen Confirms It: Women’s Sports Have Never Been Bigger

Nielsen‘s newest report puts a real number behind what fans already felt. 28.6 billion minutes of women’s sports viewership in the U.S. through the first half of 2026, an 18% uptick from last year, with 122.5 million Americans now calling themselves fans. The WNBA alone has already pulled 3.8 billion minutes watched prior to All-Star weekend, putting this season on track to be the most-watched in league history only halfway through. It’s not just basketball carrying the number, either. It’s time women’s sports stop being treated like a moment and start being acknowledged as the powerhouse market they are.

Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, and Chamique Holdsclaw Enter the Hall of Fame

Three careers that shaped the women’s basketball game are officially enshrined. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame‘s Class of 2026 includes Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, and Chamique Holdsclaw, alongside the legendary 1996 U.S. Women’s National Team, honored during festivities in Springfield and at Mohegan Sun. Delle Donne’s story alone is a lot — Rookie of the Year, two MVPs, a title with the Washington Mystics, all while fighting through Lyme disease and a back injury that nearly ended her career before she retired in 2025. Hall of Fame president John L. Doleva called this class some of the most accomplished players the women’s game has ever seen. Hard to argue.

Team USA announces its FIBA World Cup roster, sparking real conversation around the league’s lean toward young talent.

Paige Bueckers and Gatorade‘s continued partnership reaches her hometown, as the duo refurbishes the court that sparked her love for basketball.

The WNBA season crosses the halfway mark, and the playoff race is heating up as teams clinch and get eliminated by the day.

Jazzy Davidson stars in Nike‘s new Studio Fleece sportswear campaign.

Legends Billie Jean King and Anna Wintour sit courtside together in New York.

It’s raining “McBuckets,” as Kayla McBride becomes the first player in WNBA history to hit 10 threes in a single game.

Sabrina Ionescu brings her childhood hustle to Brooklyn to celebrate her new Sabrina 4s.

Team USA Unveils Its FIBA World Cup Roster, Led by a Wave of Newcomers

Team USA’s 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup is stacked with fresh faces. Seven players will make their World Cup debuts in Berlin: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston, Rhyne Howard, Jackie Young, and Napheesa Collier. It’s a serious changing of the guard, with USA Basketball leaning into its next generation while still anchoring the roster with proven leaders A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Kahleah Copper. The tournament runs September 4-13 in Berlin, and the WNBA will pause its season from August 31 through September 16 so the roster can compete on the international stage.

The one surprise omission: Sabrina Ionescu, a two-time gold medalist, was left off the final roster — a signal, more than anything, of the baton passing to the next generation.

A Sweet Homecoming for Paige Bueckers as She Returns to Her Roots at Blackstone Park

Paige Bueckers gave her hometown a full-circle moment. A day after the Dallas Wings played the Minnesota Lynx, Bueckers surprised girls from the Minnesota Aces AAU program in St. Louis Park with the unveiling of a newly refurbished basketball court at Blackstone Park. Bueckers grew up running drills on that same concrete, and now she returns to sign autographs and play as a hometown hero. It’s the latest chapter in a Gatorade partnership built around Paige’s individuality — from her revived Shirley Temple flavor to this chance to invest in the community that raised her.

The WNBA Season Crosses the Halfway Mark, and the Playoff Race Is Heating Up

The 2026 season has officially entered crunch time. The Minnesota Lynx became the first team to clinch a playoff spot, holding a league-best 27-7 record, while the Seattle Storm became the first team eliminated from contention — though Seattle snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 97-88 win over the Chicago Sky Monday night, improving to 7-28 on the season. Between those two extremes sits a jammed middle of the standings, with several teams separated by just a few games as they battle for playoff seeding. With every remaining game carrying real weight, there’s never been a better time to tune into the intensity of the W.

Jazzy Davidson Fronts Nike’s New Sportswear Campaign

USC guard Jazzy Davidson stars in Nike’s new Studio Fleece collection alongside track star Sha’Carri Richardson, Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, and others. It’s the latest proof of how quickly Davidson’s off-court profile has caught up to her game — a lifestyle campaign that has nothing to do with box scores, sitting her alongside athletes and artists whose identities are just as tied to style as they are to their craft. For a player who already has her own personalized Nike logo and two player-exclusive sneakers to her name before playing a single professional minute, the Studio Fleece campaign is proof that Nike sees Davidson as a future face of women’s basketball.

Billie Jean King and Anna Wintour Sit Courtside Together

Two icons took over New York Liberty‘s CeLIBERTY Row. Billie Jean King and Anna Wintour sat side by side at Barclays Center alongside team owner Clara Wu Tsai as New York beat Seattle. It’s a fitting image for where the league is right now: the woman who fought for equal pay in sports witnessing the results of the league’s new CBA, sharing a row with arguably the most powerful woman in fashion, as players like Flau’jae Johnson and Breanna Stewart turn tunnel fits into spectacle with every new look.

Kayla McBride Makes WNBA History

They call her “McBuckets“ for a reason. Kayla McBride set a WNBA single-game record with 10 three-pointers, torching the Dallas Wings for a career-high 43 points in Minnesota’s 103-90 win. The 34-year-old, now in her 13th WNBA season, broke the previous record of nine — a mark shared by six players — and became the first Lynx player in a decade to score 40 in a regular-season game. McBride said Minneapolis has become home in a way she never expected, and on a night like this, the feeling was mutual: the Target Center crowd chanted her name as she walked to the bench.

Brooklyn Gets a Taste of Sabrina Ionescu’s Childhood

Long before the signature shoes and sold-out arenas, Sabrina Ionescu and her brothers were running their own hustle: challenge the neighborhood, play dumb about her skills, then cash in the win with a Slushy. That memory came full circle this week when the Sabrina 4 Slushy Truck, put on by Nike, rolled into Brooklyn, turning a local court into a pop-up celebration of hoops, frozen drinks, and her newest signature sneaker. Young hoopers ran games on a custom court branded in Ionescu’s colors, all built around a shoe literally named for the treat she used to earn by playing. It’s proof that the best marketing moments don’t come from a stat sheet — they’re drawn from someone’s real life, brought back to its roots.

Dallas Wings Jobs

• Graphic Designer - Arlington, TX · Entry Level

• Staff Accountant - Arlington, TX · Entry Level

• Senior Manager of New Business Development - Arlington, TX · Manager

• Manager of Inside Sales - Arlington, TX · Manager

• Manager of Group Ticket Sales - Arlington, TX · Manager

• Angel Reese‘s foundation gives back to Atlanta, hosting 1,000 kids for a Back-to-School Bash in her new city.

• Allisha Gray teams up with Nike Vision to put her signature goggles front and center.

• Over 100 women’s college basketball players are backing the UCAA, setting the stage for a real collective bargaining push.

• Li Yueru becomes Under Armour‘s first Chinese women’s basketball signee.

• Cleveland “Sirens” reveal name and branding for expansion WNBA team.

• The WNBA trade deadline sends shockwaves through the Sparks and Sun as both franchises are set to embrace change.

• Atlanta Dream host first-ever Barbie Game Day, celebrating Angel Reese’s signature Barbie doll.

• Paige Bueckers turns her favorite things — LEGO, puzzles, and Gatorade into full brand rollouts.

• Kelsey Mitchell balances her best statistical season yet with a PhD at Liberty University.

Angel Reese Brings Back-to-School Bash to Atlanta

Angel Reese is settling into her new city one act of service at a time. On Saturday, the Angel C. Reese Foundation hosted its first-ever Atlanta event, the Back-to-School Bash, at the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA, giving 1,000 first-through-eighth graders clear backpacks stocked with school supplies, along with food, music, and games for the community. It’s the foundation’s first local event since Reese’s blockbuster move to the Dream, marking a deliberate step in building roots beyond the box score. Reese launched the foundation in 2023 to empower girls and women through sports, education, and financial literacy, and this weekend’s turnout proved the mission continues to thrive in the A.

Allisha Gray and Nike Vision Team Up on Her Signature Look

Allisha Gray’s goggles have become as recognizable as her jump shot, so a partnership with Nike Vision couldn’t be more aligned. Gray, a Nike athlete already known league-wide for her goggles on the court, is putting her signature style behind the brand’s Flyfree Shield line, built for high-quality vision and protection during game time. It’s a natural next step for a two-time All-Star who’s turned a piece of protective gear into a personal brand — proof that in this league, the accessories are just as much a part of the story as the stats.

Over 100 Women’s College Basketball Athletes Join the Push to Unionize

A movement is building, and it’s bigger than any one school. More than 100 women’s college basketball players have signed union authorization cards with the United College Athletes Association (UCAA), marking the largest formal push yet for collective bargaining rights in the sport. As part of the campaign, Oregon State‘s team filed a petition with state regulators, and UCAA leadership says the goal is a real seat at the table. Similar to the WNBPA’s asks, players are fighting for fair pay, safety, and academic protections — a moment that mirrors the pro game’s own labor fights, with veteran players paving the way for future generations in real time.

Li Yueru Signs with Under Armour, Makes Brand History

Li Yueru just made history for Under Armour. The Dallas Wings center has signed with the brand, becoming Under Armour’s first-ever female Chinese professional basketball athlete, with the partnership centered on youth basketball development, growing women’s sports, and community engagement across China and globally. Yueru brings serious credibility to the deal with a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup and a title at the 19th Asian Games. With signings of global talent like Yueru and new leagues like Project B emerging, it signals just how global the brand battle for women’s basketball talent has become.

Cleveland Reveals Team Name Ahead of Expansion

Cleveland’s newest franchise is having its moment before the big reveal. A “HEAR THE CALL” sand sculpture appeared at Edgewater Beach over the weekend, fueling speculation the team will land on the Sirens — one of several names trademarked earlier this year alongside Novas, Riveters, and Crown. It would fit a growing trend of WNBA teams leaning into myth and legend for their identities, following the Golden State Valkyries‘ own mythical branding. On Aug 4. Cleveland confirmed the Sirens as the future of the franchise, replacing the city’s original franchise, the Rockers, which played from 1997 to 2003, and this new era arrives as part of the WNBA’s ambitious expansion to 18 teams by 2030.

Trade Deadline Shakes Up the Sparks and Sun

The WNBA’s trade deadline reshaped two franchises. Amid rumors that Kelsey Plum would leave in free agency, the Sparks chose to trade rather than risk losing her without gain — sending the five-time All-Star to the Phoenix Mercury for guard Monique Akoa Makani and two future draft picks. L.A. now leans into a youth core built around Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell, alongside veteran leadership from Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Sun dealt forward Aneesah Morrow to the Toronto Tempo, continuing a rebuild ahead of the franchise’s relocation to Houston next season. Both moves reflect a league still adjusting to its new CBA — and two teams betting on the future over the present.

Barbie Game Day Brings Atlanta’s Biggest Stars Courtside

The Atlanta Dream hosted their first-ever Barbie Game Day against the Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena, celebrating the launch of Angel Reese’s signature Barbie doll — making her the first-ever Black WNBA star to receive one. The doll, complete with Reese’s headband, pink nails, and a mini pair of her latest Reebok Angel Reese 1 Barbie colorway, debuted at TOGETHXR House during All-Star Weekend, alongside a limited-edition apparel collection. It’s the natural next chapter of a nickname Reese has worn since her LSU days, “Bayou Barbie,” one she’s turned into a full marketing rollout: a doll, a shoe colorway, and now a night at the arena built entirely around her. Reese called the doll a dream come true, one meant to show girls there are no limits to what they can build.

Paige Bueckers Turns Her Favorite Things Into a Brand Empire

Paige Bueckers has quietly built one of the most personality-driven portfolios in the league, and the proof was on full display this week. At the tunnel before facing the Atlanta Dream, Bueckers sported a LEGO rose boutonniere she built herself, brick by brick, paired with rose-petal jeans — a natural extension of her LEGO partnership, born out of an organic interest in the brand she’s shared publicly since her UConn days. That same night, she debuted her “Paige by the Numbers“ Nike GT Cut 4 PE, a colorway inspired by her childhood love of coloring puzzle books. The deals don’t stop there: her custom Shirley Temple-inspired Gatorade flavor is set for a revival alongside a Cherry Limeade-colored “Shirley Buckets“ PE. Toys, sneakers, and a signature drink, all pulled straight from her own personality — Bueckers isn’t chasing trends, she’s turning the things she already loves into deals brands are lining up for.

Kelsey Mitchell Is Balancing the Books and the Box Score

Kelsey Mitchell is putting up career numbers on the court and coursework off it. The Indiana Fever guard is in the midst of her best statistical season yet, averaging a career-high in points per game and chasing a franchise scoring record that’s stood since 2003 — all while pursuing her PhD in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. Mitchell has said the discipline of grad school keeps her honest, the same way film study and reps do. Most players clock out after practice; Mitchell clocks in for round two.

• Producer-Editor, YouTube - California/New York · Mid-Senior level

• Graphic Design Intern - Remote · Intern

• Social Media Intern - Los Angeles, CA · Intern

• Audience & Insights Manager - Los Angeles, CA · Marketing & Communications, Data Science · Full-time

Read more

Overview:

• Lauren Betts is stacking hardware and advocating for mental health by taking home the ESPY for Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports.

• The StudBudz are giving fans déjà vu, running back their 72-hour livestream for WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago.

• Tyla is bringing Afrobeats to the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game as this year’s halftime headliner.

• Kahleah Copper stars in Adidas‘ latest women’s basketball campaign, backed by Candace Parker‘s vision for the brand.

• Napheesa Collier gets her flowers with her first-ever Jordan Brand Player Exclusive sneaker.

• Maddy McDaniel steps away from the South Carolina Gamecocks to put her mental health first, and Dawn Staley has her back.

• The Toronto Tempo just broke the WNBA‘s regular season attendance record — in a city that doesn’t even have a team.

• Angel Reese and Sandy Brondello spark a conversation about respect, cultural differences, and league accountability.

Lauren Betts Adds an ESPY to Her Rookie Run

Lauren Betts is proving that leaving college a champion was just the beginning. The Washington Mystics center and fourth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft took home the 2026 ESPY for Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports, adding another accolade to a UCLA career that ended in a national title. Betts has been candid about her mental health journey throughout her time in college, and she brought that same honesty to the ESPYs stage, reminding the room that mental health isn’t separate from success — it’s the foundation underneath it. As she settles into her rookie season in Washington, the recognition is a reminder that Betts’ impact was never going to be confined to the box score.

Maddy McDaniel Steps Away to Protect Her Peace

South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel is stepping away from the program to focus on her mental and emotional well-being, and head coach Dawn Staley is meeting the decision with nothing but support. Staley made clear the program will give players the space and grace to work through whatever they’re facing, calling McDaniel’s choice a “difficult one for a young person to make.” It’s a moment that reflects a broader shift in how college athletics is starting to treat mental health — not as an afterthought, but as a legitimate part of an athlete’s care.

Tyla Set to Headline WNBA All-Star Halftime

The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game just got a global pop moment. Two-time GRAMMY winner Tyla will headline the halftime show on July 25th at Chicago’s United Center, arriving just a day after the release of her sophomore album, A*POP. It’s a fitting pair given both forces are riding serious momentum — a league in the middle of its biggest cultural moment yet, and an artist who’s already made history in their debut era, spending a cumulative 100 weeks atop Billboard‘s U.S. Afrobeats chart.

Napheesa Collier’s PE Cements Her as a Jordan Brand Cornerstone

A Player Exclusive (PE) sneaker is the kind of recognition that can’t be bought; it has to be earned. With her first-ever Jordan Brand PE, the “Queen Phee” Heir Series 2, Napheesa Collier moves from contributor to centerpiece of the brand’s women’s basketball push. Collier isn’t just rocking the shoe; she’s shaping her brand. She adds her touch to the Heir Series 2 by personalizing it in Minnesota Lynx colors, with a nod to her daughter Mila’s name stitched on the tongue. For a five-time WNBA All-Star and cofounder of Unrivaled who quickly became one of Jordan Brand’s defining faces, the PE is just the next step in building out Collier’s brand.

Kahleah Copper Fronts Adidas’ Latest Chapter, Narrated by Candace Parker

When Candace Parker puts her voice behind a campaign, it carries weight. She’s not just a brand ambassador; she’s President of Adidas Women’s Basketball, shaping the vision from the inside. Her narration in Adidas’ latest push isn’t typical; it’s Parker speaking as someone who has walked the same path she’s now building for the next generation. And there’s no better face for that message than Kahleah Copper. A WNBA Finals MVP, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the league’s most respected competitors, Copper embodies exactly what Parker has been trying to say with campaigns like this — that competitors can lift each other up without losing their edge. Parker’s words aren’t just narration over Copper’s highlights; they’re a passing of the

torch from one era-defining Adidas athlete to the next.

StudBudz Return for Round Two in Chicago

Former Minnesota Lynx teammates Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman are back behind the camera, bringing their 72-hour StudBudz livestream to WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. The duo turned heads last year in Indianapolis with an unfiltered, all-access look at the weekend that outdid the league’s own marketing efforts. What makes StudBudz work isn’t just the chaos — it’s the access. Two players, fully themselves, showing fans a side of the league that polished broadcasts never capture. A year later, they’re proving it wasn’t a one-off. It’s a brand.

Montreal Shows Up for a Team That Isn’t Even Theirs

The WNBA’s newest regular-season attendance record didn’t happen in a city with a team. It happened in Montreal, where 20,996 fans packed the Bell Centre to watch the Toronto Tempo take on the Dallas Wings, breaking the previous mark of 20,711 set by the Washington Mystics in 2024. The Tempo lost that night, but the moment wasn’t about the score. As Canada’s only WNBA franchise, the Tempo have made it their mission to represent the whole country, and Montreal’s response — a sold-out arena for a visiting team — suggests the appetite for women’s basketball north of the border runs far deeper than one city.

Angel Reese and Sandy Brondello: A Reckoning Over Language and Accountability

An in-game outburst turned into a league-wide conversation about race, language, and accountability. Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello referred to Atlanta Dream‘s Angel Reese as a “protected species” while arguing a foul call, a phrase she said is common shorthand in her native Australia for players who get favorable officiating. In the U.S., the same words landed very differently, and Reese didn’t let it slide, calling out Brondello publicly on X. The moment lands amid real racial tension in the league, following Alyssa Thomas and Chelsea Gray both going public with slurs and threats tied to gametime incidents. Reese’s response modeled something powerful: the importance of advocating for yourself. It’s a moment that captures where the league is right now. Fast-growing, closely watched, and unwilling to let cultural blind spots go unaddressed.

Playa Society Merch Cookout

Date: Thursday, July 23rd - Saturday, July 25th

Location: McCormick Place: 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL

Overview:

Playa Society is cooking up some new merch and restocks for occasion. Find them in Chicago at McCormick Place next week Thursday-Saturday. More details to be announced on their Instagram soon.

Registration link pending

Hoop House All-Access presented by Hoop Vision at Chicago All-Star Weekend

Date: Thursday, July 23rd - Saturday, July 25th

Location: Revealed upon registration

Overview:

Hoop House is a 3-day experience during WNBA All-Star Weekend (July 23-25, 2026) at a stunning downtown Chicago penthouse with panoramic rooftop views. Players, creators, fans, and brands all in one place.

​Capacity intentionally limited.

​All-Access to The House Includes:

• ​Entry to events throughout the weekend: The Build AI Innovation Lab (presented by Dream Big Tech), Care Beyond the Court (presented by Planned Parenthood), Creators Lounge (presented by Tunnel Fits Podcast), Happy Hour + Fireside Chat (presented by David Rushing @YoRush The Mayor of NBA Threads), Recovery/Wellness Lounge, The Creators Court (presented by Sprout Social), All-Star Watch Party + Player Meet-and-Greet + Live DJ

• ​Full penthouse and rooftop access

• ​Direct access to players, creators, and brands

• ​Open bar all weekend

• ​Light bites at each event

• ​Recovery Lounge services: guided yoga, assisted stretching, hydration drip, massage and compression therapy, wellness product giveaways, and more

• ​Hoop House exclusive gift

​Early Bird Price: $300 per ticket.

Register here

Off The Court - A WNBA All-Star Activation

Date: Thursday, July 23 • 12 PM - 3 PM

Location: 2015 S Laflin St., Chicago, IL

Overview:

A Powerful Off-Court Brand Celebration

“Off The Court” is an interactive networking event designed to highlight the businesses, passions, projects, and talents of professionals in the women’s sports world. There is so much talent and personality in this industry that often gets overlooked. Our goal is to bridge that gap between the on court achievements and the off court talent by giving those personalities a platform to shine! This event will spotlight prominent WNBA players, entrepreneurs, and more to expose guests to the diverse range of career opportunities that arise when you’re able to build a notable personal brand in the sports industry and beyond.

Join us for a captivating panel featuring notable brand builders, followed by a business fair that will allow you to engage with the many off-court passions and businesses of your favorite WNBA players. Come ready to expand your network, bond with your favorite sports personalities, and learn what it takes to build a notable personal brand.

Register here

Drip Social - Surprise Guest Athlete Hat Reveal

Date: Thursday, July 23 • 7 PM - 11 PM

Location: Revealed upon registration

Overview:

​Drip Social is where basketball, culture, and community collide.

​Taking place during WNBA All-Star Weekend 2026 in Chicago, this signature Boxoutbrand experience brings together athletes, creatives, industry professionals, and tastemakers for a night rooted in style, connection, and the energy of the game.

​More than just an event, Drip Social is a cultural pre-game—a space where tunnel fits meet storytelling, where brands meet community, and where women in sport are celebrated in real time.

​What to Expect

• ​Curated Guest Experience
  A high-energy, intimate environment designed for meaningful connections and elevated vibes

• ​Tunnel Fit Energy
  Show up in your best—Drip Social is all about self-expression and style inspired by the game

• ​Live DJ + Atmosphere
  Sounds that move the room and set the tone for All-Star Weekend

• ​Brand Activations + Gifting
  Interactive moments, product drops, and curated experiences from emerging and leading brands

• ​KSUBI x Drip Social’s Official Style Partner
  Exclusive VIP perks & experiences

Ticket Pricing: $40 to $75 | 21+ Event

Register here

TOGETHXR - Unsupervised Live Podcast Show

Date: Friday, July 24 • 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

Location: 113 N Elizabeth St, Chicago, IL

Overview:

Join hosts Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance for a live episode at the TOGETHXR House before doors open to the public. The first 150 guests in line will get to witness the hilarious duo live in action, have first access to the house, and even get the chance to meet Syd & TP.

Register here

Parity - Precovery Party

Date: Friday, July 24 • 12 PM - 3 PM

Location: Babe’s Sports Bar | 3017 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL

Overview:

Start All-Star Weekend the right way.⁠
⁠
Before the games, before the events, before the chaos... Precover with Parity.⁠
⁠
Join Parity and DNA Vibe (@dna.vibe) for an afternoon of wellness, networking, athlete storytelling, and community to kick off WNBA All-Star Weekend.⁠
⁠
Here's what's waiting for you:⁠
Wellness + precovery experiences⁠
Athlete, Actually on the Mini Mic⁠
Athletes, brands, media & industry leaders⁠
Brand activations, curated gifting, complimentary food & drinks⁠
⁠
The first 200 guests receive a complimentary DNA Vibe Jazz Band, and you'll have the chance to experience the technology firsthand in the DNA Vibe Precovery Lounge.⁠

Register here

TOGETHXR - Everyone Watches Women’s Sports Live

Date: Friday, July 24 • 12 PM - 3 PM

Location: Babe’s Sports Bar | 3017 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL

Overview:

Start All-Star Weekend the right way.⁠
⁠
Before the games, before the events, before the chaos... Precover with Parity.⁠
⁠
Join Parity and DNA Vibe (@dna.vibe) for an afternoon of wellness, networking, athlete storytelling, and community to kick off WNBA All-Star Weekend.⁠
⁠
Here’s what’s waiting for you:⁠
Wellness + precovery experiences⁠
Athlete, Actually on the Mini Mic⁠
Athletes, brands, media & industry leaders⁠
Brand activations, curated gifting, complimentary food & drinks⁠
⁠
The first 200 guests receive a complimentary DNA Vibe Jazz Band, and you’ll have the chance to experience the technology firsthand in the DNA Vibe Precovery Lounge.⁠

Register here

TOGETHXR - Queen’s of the Court Panel

Date: Saturday, July 25 • 11:30 AM

Location: 167 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Overview:

The league isn’t emerging anymore, it’s arrived. The sold-out arenas, the record-breaking viewership, and the cultural influence are impossible to ignore. The biggest question isn’t whether women’s basketball has arrived; it’s who gets to shape what comes next. As players become brands, fans become communities, and partners become part of the ecosystem, what does meaningful investment actually look like?

In this conversation hosted by Ari Chambers and featuring Coach Dawn Staley, Diana Taurasi, Raven Johnson, and additional stars to be announced, we’ll explore the opportunities, tensions, and decisions shaping the business behind the boom.

Register here

Here is the link to shop early access reworked vintage lace shorts

1. ESPN announces "Life in the W," putting the off-court lives of A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and DeWanna Bonner on full display.

2. Dearica Hamby and her daughter, Amaya, are teaming up once again in the beauty space with amno brand, the "me first" self-care brand.

3. Olivia Nelson-Ododa brings her perspective on fashion and basketball to the latest TWNTY World issue.

4. Olivia Miles continues her explosive rookie season and graces the cover of SLAM.

5. Sophie Cunningham surprised fans by walking into the Octagon as a UFC ring girl at UFC 329.

6. Kelsey Mitchell has signed a multiyear deal with PUMA Basketball, becoming the first athlete to join Tyrese Haliburton’s signature Hali franchise.

7. Basketball star Syla Swords just became the first Canadian college athlete to sign an NIL endorsement deal with Nike.

8. The WNBA is bringing All-Star programming to the Obama Presidential Center, pairing industry leaders with youth basketball initiatives.

ESPN Pulls Back the Curtain on the W's Biggest Stars

ESPN's six-part docuseries "Life in the W" follows A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and DeWanna Bonner, providing authentic access to three of the WNBA's most accomplished and influential players during a groundbreaking year. The series premieres July 24, marking the 30th anniversary of the league's All-Star weekend, and promises a look beyond the box score into the sacrifice, family, and collective bargaining battles that shaped the players' 2025 season. It's the kind of access that signals just how far the league's media footprint has come: three superstars, six episodes, and a major network backing the impact of women's basketball.

Dearica Hamby and Her Daughter Amaya Call Their Own Number in the Beauty Space

Dearica Hamby and her daughter Amaya are turning their bond into a brand: AMNO — short for “Always Me, Never Others” — is the latest venture spanning body care, hair care, and self-care. It’s a new space for a pair who are no strangers to business partnerships, having already teamed up on their children’s book “My Mom, The MVP” earlier this year. Now the pair is extending that same playbook into beauty, betting on themselves rather than waiting for a brand to come calling. The name says it all — a reminder to put yourself first, something Hamby models daily as both a WNBA veteran and a mother.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa Gets Philosophical in TWNTY’s World Issue

Not every athlete feature is about the box score. TWNTY Magazine’s latest issue explores fashion, photography, and self-expression through the eyes of Connecticut Sun’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa. It strays from the typical athlete profile — less “how’d you get that block” and more a reflection on what it means to inhabit a body built for competition, framed through fashion and discipline. For a league increasingly shaped by athletes who double as creatives, Nelson-Ododa’s feature couldn’t have come at a more fitting time.

Olivia Miles Gets the SLAM Cover Treatment

Rookie hype doesn’t get much louder than this. Olivia Miles leads the Lynx in scoring and assists, and the numbers have made her the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year. Being named the only rookie WNBA All-Star starter this week wasn’t the end of Miles’s news cycle, as she lands on SLAM 263. It’s the kind of recognition reserved for players who not only make plays on the court but also change how a league is talked about in pop culture. Miles, nicknamed “The Show” by her coach, isn’t new to showing off her flair on and off the court. The cover isn’t just a nod to her stat line — it’s proof that the Lynx’s rookie point guard is already a star in her own right.

Kelsey Mitchell Joins the Haliburton Family at Puma

Nine years into her Fever career, Kelsey Mitchell has a shoe deal that came with a personal crossover with the NBA. Puma signed Mitchell to an endorsement deal built on Tyrese Haliburton’s vision to add high-caliber athletes to his signature Hali franchise, making her the first athlete to join the sub-brand. The two share a jersey number and an Indianapolis zip code, and Haliburton made the announcement personally, sending Mitchell a pair of Hali 1s with a video message welcoming her to the family. Mitchell had been wearing the shoes unsponsored all season, so the deal reads less like a marketing play and more like a natural next step in the WNBA star’s branding.

Nike Canada Bets Big on the Next Generation

Nike Canada just made history, and Syla Swords is the reason why. The Michigan sophomore and Canadian Olympian has reportedly signed an NIL shoe deal with the brand — proof that companies are locking down standout guards well before the WNBA draft even calls their name. The timing matters: with the Toronto Tempo now up and running as the league’s first Canadian franchise, a homegrown pipeline is forming between rising talent and a professional stage to come home to. Swords is part of a new wave — one where Canadian basketball isn’t just producing players; it’s building a culture that expects them to stay.

The WNBA Makes History at the Obama Presidential Center

The WNBA is about to become the first professional sports league to host events at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center, and the symbolism isn’t lost on anyone. As part of 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend, the league will bring media day, team practice, its third annual Changemaker Day, and more to the center’s Home Court facility on Chicago’s South Side. It’s a natural fit for a league that has never shied away from using its platform for something bigger than basketball. From players speaking out on social justice to the WNBPA’s ongoing fight for a fairer collective bargaining agreement, the W has built its identity on players who lead as loudly off the court as they play on it. Hosting at a center devoted to civic engagement and the next generation of leaders is an extension of that work.

TOGETHXR

• Producer-Editor, YouTube - California/New York · Mid-Senior level

• Graphic Design Intern - Remote · Intern

• Social Media Intern - Los Angeles, CA · Intern

• Audience & Insights Manager - Los Angeles, CA · Marketing & Communications, Data Science · Full-time

Read more

Unrivaled

• Executive Assistant to the CEO - Miami, FL/Hybrid · Full-time

• Creative Producer - Miami, FL /Hybrid · Full-time

• Partnership Sales & Account Manager - Miami, FL /Hybrid · Full-time

• Partnership Account Manager - Miami, FL /Hybrid · Full-time

• Manager, E-commerce & Retail Operations - Miami, FL /Hybrid · Full-time

Overview:

• What does it take to build a WNBA franchise from the ground up? ESPN‘s four-part series, “Setting the Tempo,” is coming to a screen near you, showcasing how the newest expansion team was brought to life.

• Sophie Cunningham just went on a generational meme run, unintentionally bringing eyes to the W.

• Out but not down: Nika Muhl walks the runway during Paris Fashion Week amid injury recovery.

• All eyes are on Olivia Miles as she partners with Glasses USA to create her own eyewear collection fit for on and off the court.

• After three decades of ups and downs, the WNBA has never looked better, and the New York Liberty vs. Los Angeles Sparks anniversary game put the league's growth on full display.

• Coors Light and the Toronto Tempo are turning heads with limited-edition “Tall Girl” cans, blending humor, fandom, and meaningful investment in women’s basketball.

• Angel Reese celebrates one of her most iconic looks with the latest Poison Angel, AR1 colorway.

ESPN’s New Docuseries Takes Fans Inside the Making of the Toronto Tempo

ESPN just announced a new four-part docuseries, “Setting the Tempo,” pulling back the curtain on building a WNBA team from blueprint to tip-off. The series captures the complexity, grit, and determination required to bring a professional women’s basketball team to life in a new market. At a time when WNBA expansion is actively reshaping the league, “Setting the Tempo” arrives to meet the cultural moment amidst unprecedented audience growth. Produced by a collective of innovators who have championed women’s sports for decades — including Robin Roberts of Rock’n Robin Productions and Serena Williams — the series ensures the Toronto Tempo‘s story will inspire the next generation of W fans.

Sophie Cunningham’s Viral Fame Highlight

Sophie Cunningham went mainstream after an animated mid-game reaction took on a life of its own, well beyond the WNBA. The moment spread across pop culture, pulling in audiences with no prior connection to women’s basketball. While the virality brought real visibility to Cunningham, it also exposed a familiar double standard. The Atlanta Falcons were quick to jump on the meme for engagement, yet were called out by W fans for having never shown up for the Atlanta Dream. For the league, it’s proof that women’s basketball has the cultural force to move pop culture and simultaneously a reminder that the conversation about who actually supports the W goes beyond the highlight reels.

Nika Muhl’s Fashion Game Hits the Runway in Paris

Nika Muhl traded hardwood for the runway, appearing at Paris Fashion Week and proving her influence extends far beyond basketball. Muhl is no stranger to fashion, having shot with ELLE Croatia and been named the most stylish WNBA player of her rookie season by GQ. Muhl continues to thrive at the intersection of sports and high fashion, modeling a tracksuit from the Feng Chen Wang x Under Armour Spring/Summer 2027 collaboration. On one of fashion’s biggest stages, Muhl shone, all while recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus sustained in March 2026.

Olivia Miles Steps into the Fashion Space with a Clear Vision

Olivia Miles is taking her game off the court and into the fashion world, partnering with Glasses USA to launch her own eyewear collection. Glasses are practically part of her signature look, making this collaboration an authentic extension of who she is on and off the court. Miles is among a growing class of WNBA players proving that today’s athletes are as marketable for their individuality as their stat lines. For Glasses USA, aligning with the star Minnesota Lynx rookie puts the brand directly in front of women’s basketball’s most invested audience, and for Miles, it’s a platform to expand her influence beyond the sport in the early stages of her professional basketball career.

History Is Repeated and Rewritten at the WNBA’s 30th Anniversary Game

Thirty years in, and the WNBA is still making history. The New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks ensured the league’s anniversary was one to remember, being equal parts nostalgia and proof of progress. Recreating the WNBA’s inaugural 1997 game, the two franchises battled in Los Angeles once again, with Lisa Leslie and Kym Hampton running back the league’s first ceremonial tip-off. The Liberty secured that original 67–57 win in 1997, but on June 21, 2026, recently reelected WNBPA President and Sparks veteran Nneka Ogwumike rewrote history with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to seal a 98–97 Sparks win. Beyond the final score, the game highlighted the generations of players whose belief in women’s basketball laid the foundation that today’s stars build on.

Coors Light and the Toronto Tempo Launch “Tall Girl” Cans

Coors Light and the Toronto Tempo have partnered for limited-edition “Tall Girl” cans — a masterclass in leaning into humor and identity for mutual benefit. The “Tall Girl” name riffs on the standard “Tall Boy” 16-ounce cans found in arenas worldwide and will be available exclusively at two games in early July. Molson Coors Beverage Company is also donating $10,000 to the Tempo Basketball Foundation, proving their investment in one of the fastest-growing sports markets extends well beyond the product. Together, they’ve created something fans will actually want to collect and a partnership worth talking about.

Halloween Costume Turned Signature Shoe: Angel Reese’s Latest AR1 Drop

Angel Reese dropped the latest colorway of her Reebok AR1s — the Poison Angel, a neon green-and-red sneaker that calls back to her viral 2024 Poison Ivy Halloween costume. Reese has mastered main character energy and is quick to lean into it when it comes to business decisions. What started as an iconic moment became the foundation for a signature drop, proving Reese knows how to monetize and build off the spotlight. In a press release ahead of the drop, Reese said, “This colorway is for anyone who plays fearlessly, stands out from the crowd, and isn’t afraid to be seen,” perfectly in alignment with her unapologetic brand. With each campaign, Reese continues to cement herself as a cultural force across fashion, sports, and culture.

All images used for editorial and commentary purposes. Follow DAMECORE for weekly WNBA coverage, player spotlights, and culture content.

Written by: Janai Williams

Overview

• The WNBA‘s most decorated player is heading to the cereal aisle. A’ja Wilson has has been named the next Wheaties Box Champion, bringing women’s basketball into the homes of everyday consumers and a new generation of fans.

• Project B is Azzi Fudd’s Plan A. Fudd’s decision to join Project B instead of the expected Unrivaled route gives the emerging league a major boost and signals a new era of competition in women’s basketball.

• TIME’s inaugural 100 Sports list highlights the business behind the buckets. The mention of WNBA stars, coaches, and changemakers prove the league’s influence runs far beyond the court.

• The WNBA is putting its heritage on full display, repping World Cup teams from across the globe — a testament to the league’s diversity and sport as a universal language.

• SportsCenter signs a NIL deal with 17 year old basketball star Kaleena Smith, showcasing how they are betting on the value of women basketball players from a young age.

• The WNBA calendar expands to a 50-game regular season in 2027, delivering on player demand for more women’s basketball, with new expansion teams joining too.

• Caitlin Clark continues to expand her universe within Nike with the unveiling of the Caitlin 1s. This launch cements Nike’s belief that Clark is more than a generational basketball talent but also a future face of the global brand.

• Unrivaled has officially launched its Season 3 rollout: a treasure hunt for the league’s future stars is underway, putting pressure on fans to decipher clues and determine who’s heading to Miami this offseason.

A’ja Wilson Adds a Wheaties Box to Her Trophy Case

A’ja Wilson’s star power has once again garnered her a new accomplishment — becoming the first WNBA player ever to grace the front of a Wheaties box. For athletes, a Wheaties box is the equivalent of a Vogue cover for models: a pinnacle of success. For decades, Wheaties has introduced generations of fans to the athletes who define the current era, and now Wilson’s image will help bring women’s basketball to even more audiences. Wilson’s resume as a three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist speaks for itself. Still, the limited-edition Wheaties box puts one of basketball’s most dominant figures in front of a new audience, giving the next generation a new athlete to admire.

Players Swap Jerseys for National Team Colors for the World Cup

From baggy denim to vintage finds, WNBA tunnels have crossed over with FIFA this week, highlighting how to elevate team spirit without sacrificing style. With the W being one of the most global leagues in sports, having upwards of 50 international players signed, it’s no surprise that players are repping their roots in the tunnel.

The Sabally sisters both pulled up pregame in Germany kits, paired with baggy denim styles — Nyara even rocking a classy pointed heel to complete the look. American player Sophie Cunningham opted to celebrate the global game by sporting a vintage Team USA windbreaker. Meanwhile, Connecticut Sun’s Canadian star, Aaliyah Edwards, joined the movement by partnering with Adidas to kick off the football festivities in Toronto, sporting her home team’s jersey. As the WNBA becomes more global, its athletes are increasingly showing up not just as basketball players, but as representatives of countries, cultures, and a broader movement across women’s sports.

The Future Is Signed: SC Bets on Kaleena Smith

Kaleena Smith landing a SportsCenter NIL deal is proof that the future of women’s basketball is reaching new heights. At just 17 years old, Smith is building her personal brand before ever stepping on a college court, giving her a rare opportunity to define her own narrative from the earliest stages of her career. Today’s athletes aren’t waiting for championship rings to establish themselves — it’s about creating influence from day one. Smith has already amassed over 125K Instagram followers, secured a deal with Adidas, and is a projected five-star recruit. Her SportsCenter contract makes her one of the first high school athletes to land an ESPN NIL deal.

The WNBA Is Expanding to Meet the Moment

As demand for women’s hoops continues to grow, the WNBA refuses to drop the ball, tacking on 6 additional games next season as part of a new era for the league. On June 17, it was announced that the 2027 regular season will expand to 50 games. The change comes alongside the new CBA, which outlines growth in player compensation, media deals, and overall league structure. With Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia teams all slated to tip off before 2030, the number of games is expected to climb each season, reaching 52 by 2029. “This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world,” said commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The Caitlin 1s Have Officially Been Revealed

After years of anticipation, leaked logos, and public speculation, Caitlin Clark’s first signature shoe has finally arrived — and the response was immediate, with pre-orders selling out within 24 hours of the reveal. The unveiling of the Caitlin 1s marks another milestone not only for Clark’s career but for women’s basketball, which keeps gaining ground at the intersection of fashion, culture, and sport. More than a signature shoe, the Caitlin 1s expand Clark’s Nike universe beyond the t-shirts and hoodies that came before, underscoring the creativity and collaboration happening behind the scenes since the brand signed the then-Iowa Hawkeye. With record-breaking ticket sales, major brand deals, and immense social influence already behind her, the royal blue Caitlin 1s are positioned for success well before they hit shelves this October.

TIME’s Inaugural 100 Sports List Highlights the Business Behind the Buckets

Women’s basketball is no longer defined by what happens on the court — it is becoming a full business ecosystem built by athletes, executives, creatives, and industry leaders who know the game inside and out. Nneka Ogwumike, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, Clara Wu Tsai, Brittney Hampton, Becky Hammon, Claudia Goldin, and several other leaders earned spots on TIME’s inaugural 100 Sports list. The revolutionary list has depth, not only highlighting players putting up points and rebounds but also emphasizing those driving long-term growth in women’s basketball. These featured women aren’t simply basking in the fruits of the sport’s growth; they’re actively building its culture with each business venture, bucket scored, or negotiation had. That’s what sets them apart.

Unrivaled’s Offseason Mystery Puts Fans’ Ball Knowledge to the Test

Unrivaled is proving once again that it doesn’t think like a traditional sports league. As the league began rolling out its player announcements for Season 3, fans are challenged to play detective and find the hidden treasure in a new pirate-themed campaign. Through cryptic social media clues, hidden references, and interactive posts, Unrivaled made its first major announcement with the unveiling of a multi-year deal sending Gabby Williams to join Unrivaled’s roster in Miami. The strategy highlights one of Unrivaled’s biggest strengths: understanding that modern sports fans want to participate in the story, not just watch the action from the bench.

Project B Lands a Big Win With Azzi Fudd Signing

Breaking news arrived Friday as Azzi Fudd starred in a new Project B campaign, solidifying her offseason plans. This announcement came as a shock to fans who had assumed the rookie would join Unrivaled after her participation in the 2025 Future is Unrivaled class during her final UConn season. Fudd joins the likes of 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith, No. 3 WNBA draft pick Awa Fam, WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, and other W legends at Project B. Unlike typical overseas or stateside contracts, Project B offers its roster the opportunity to gain global exposure through its seven two-week tournament schedule, bringing the game to cities such as Tokyo, Japan, and Valencia, Spain. Fudd’s announcement video leans less on basketball and more on player individuality, highlighting her sense of style and playfulness, aligning with Project B’s mission to “Create Global Icons” by leaning into player branding. The league may look small right now, but owners Grady Burnett and Geoff Prentice are making big plays, proving they are ready to compete.

All images used for editorial and commentary purposes. Follow DAMECORE for weekly WNBA coverage, player spotlights, and culture content.

Written by: Janai Williams

Chicago Sky

• Corporate Partnerships - Chicago, IL · Intern

• Chicago Sky Foundation Community Engagement - Chicago, IL · Intern

• Chicago Sky Marketing Intern (FOR EDUCATIONAL CREDIT) - Chicago, IL · Intern

• 50/50 Raffle Seller - Chicago, IL · Entry level

Atlanta Dream

• Director, Corporate Partnership Sales - Atlanta, GA · Director

Los Angeles Sparks

• Youth Basketball Coach - Los Angeles, CA · Part-time, Seasonal

• Executive Assistant to the President & General Manager - Los Angeles, CA · Manager

• Staff Accountant - Los Angeles, CA, Hybrid · Manager

Golden State Valkyries

• Junior Graphic Designer (GSV) - San Francisco, CA · Entry level

Washington Mystics

• Game Night Staff: Premium Hospitality Host - Washington, D.C. · Part-time, Seasonal

• Game Night Staff: Brand Ambassador - Washington, D.C. · Part-time, Seasonal

• Game Night Staff: Team Attendant - Washington, D.C. · Part-time, Seasonal

Dallas Wings

• Graphic Designer - Arlington, TX · Entry Level

Portland Fire

• Director of Ticket Sales - Portland, OR · Director

• Account Executive, Membership Sales - Portland, OR · Manager

SHOP HERE

Think about it: no one really remembers Princess Diana’s glamorous gowns. We remember her sporty, off-duty style — the bike shorts, the sweatshirts, the sneakers. More than thirty years after she owned that look, its influence has never faded. We can’t underestimate the power of off-duty.

The power of the off-duty look

That influence didn't just survive — it compounded. It still shows up in campaigns, in shoots, in the way an entire generation gets dressed. Hailey Bieber recreated Princess Diana's sport-chic looks in a Vogue shoot, and they were a primary reference on the Sporty & Rich moodboard. The look outlived the gowns, and it always will.

The pattern that keeps coming back

Today’s translation follows the same pattern: a sport piece, feminized by the accessories around it. Swoosh tracksuits, windbreakers, and our absolute favorite — basketball shorts. These looks reappear season after season, and they work for any occasion where you actually get to show up as yourself: a Tuesday coffee run, picking up the dry cleaning, walking the dog, meeting friends. When the paparazzi catch celebrities in their most authentic moments, this is exactly what they're wearing.

The formula

The formula is always the same: a sport piece feminized by the accessories around it. The more you layer, the more interesting it gets, but you can’t go wrong with a simple tank either. A sport piece, a pretty piece, something thrown over the top, and one accessory that elevates the whole thing. Basketball shorts with pearls and loafers. A sweatshirt with a silk scarf and a real bag. A tennis skirt with a vintage tee and a leather jacket. Take a look at my edit on how I like to style my basketball shorts.

Why off-duty tells the truth

What a woman wears off-duty tells you something the red carpet never can. The red carpet is the photograph someone took of you. The off-duty look is the photograph you’d take of yourself. That’s what makes it iconic — it always belonged to the girl who wasn’t trying.

Shop the look

That’s exactly what I set out to make: basketball shorts for the iconic girl.

You can now shop my lace sporty-chic shorts here — my own reinterpretation of the off-duty basketball short, built to bring femininity into the silhouette. The wearer is the artist here; it’s up to you how you want to complete the look. Shop the full Off-Duty collection here: a nod to the icons, made for the way you actually get dressed.

Overview

• Basketball is setting the equality standard. Half the WNBA’s viewers are men, 71% of women now watch women’s sports, and brands are scrambling to get players front and center.

• Connecticut is tanking on purpose. They waived Hailey Van Lith, re-signed her two days later, and the read is a controlled demolition to land a generational pick in 2027.

• The record book can’t keep up. Caitlin Clark: fastest ever to 1,000 points and 500 assists. Angel Reese: fastest ever to 900 rebounds. Same week.

• A debut jersey sold for $64,720. Paige Bueckers now holds the record for the priciest WNBA game-worn jersey, and she’s barely getting started.

• Dearica Hamby fused beauty and basketball. Her custom Ulta x Jordan “Heir Series” kicks prove women don’t have to choose between power and beauty.

• Lexie Hull’s teases new Forta product. After launching her hero Lock & Go setting spray, the performance cosmetics will drop a new product later this summer.

• Rookies are skipping the learning curve. Azzi Fudd torched the Aces off the bench. Olivia Miles played her way into the ROY race. This class is raising the ceiling, not waiting its turn.

The Stat Sheet Can’t Keep Up

Two players, two records, one week. Caitlin Clark became the fastest in WNBA history to reach 1,000 points and 500 assists, hitting the mark in 59 games — blowing past Sue Bird (82), Sabrina Ionescu (84), and Dawn Staley (101). She broke it on her third assist of the second quarter against the Golden State Valkyries on May 28. Days later, Angel Reese became the fastest to 900 career rebounds, in just 71 games. Not the fastest rookie — the fastest ever. The record book is being rewritten faster than anyone can read it.

Women's Basketball is Now the Most Gender-Balanced Fan Bases in Sport

Women's basketball is building one of the most gender-balanced fan bases in sports — roughly half of all WNBA viewers are men. And per Parity, 71% of women now watch women's sports at least a few times a year, meaning financial opportunities for WNBA players are growing fast. From Caitlin Clark moving jerseys at historic levels to JuJu Watkins co-designing a Nike sneaker before finishing college, brands are racing to put women's basketball players front and center. The W is one of the clearest showcases yet of what a modern, gender-balanced sport looks like.

Is the Sun setting? Hailey Van Lith waived then resigned

Connecticut waived Hailey Van Lith nine games in, then ran it back two days later on a developmental deal. Extremely weird move since HVL has been genuinely cooking with 47% from three, and now they're limiting her contributions. But the read is that this isn't a rebuild, it's a controlled demolition. Houston's calling in 2027, and the theory is the Sun are losing on purpose to set up a generational pick, eyes on JuJu Watkins. Tank now, cash later.

[Image 12 — Caption: Hailey Van Lith, Connecticut Sun #2. Playing for a franchise that might be playing a whole different game.]

Paige Bueckers’ Debut Jersey Sold for a Record $64,720

Paige Bueckers’ game-worn Dallas Wings #5 Nike Explorer Edition debut jersey sold at auction for $64,720, making it the most expensive WNBA game-worn jersey ever sold. She hasn’t even hit her stride yet. From UConn national champion to WNBA jersey auction record holder, Paige is already building a legacy that goes way beyond any stat line.

[New Image 1 — Caption: The Dallas Wings #5 Nike Explorer Edition. $64,720. The most valuable WNBA game-worn jersey in history.]

Beauty Deal Meets Shoe Deal: Dearica Hamby's Custom Ulta x Jordan Heir Series

Dearica Hamby laced up both her sponsorships at once, debuting her custom Ulta Beauty x Jordan Brand Heir Series sneakers against the Washington Mystics. Orange, loud, impossible to miss. In her words: a reminder that women in sports don’t have to choose between power and beauty. This wasn’t a typical shoe deal — it’s a crossover collab that makes the traditional shoe deals feel stale. A collab shoe like this adds to the player's story by merging the two sides of her that lean into more unique storytelling.

Lexie Hull Teases Her Next Product With Forta

Lexie Hull‘s venture alongside her career as a professional athlete is disrupting the beauty industry by leaning into “performance cosmetics” — redefining beauty as something that can keep up with athletes. In late March, Forta launched its first product, the Lock & Go spray, built to withstand heat and sweat, stay put, and remain acne-safe. Now Lexie is teasing her next drop, coming this summer.

Rookies Skipping the Learning Curve

First overall pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for 22 points and 3 rebounds to lead the Dallas Wings past the Las Vegas Aces — in her rookie season, against the league’s gold standard. That’s an offensive game every vet needs to start preparing for, and she’s not the only one. Olivia Miles tied the record for fastest to 100 points and 40 assists, quietly playing her way into the 2026 Rookie of the Year conversation. The No. 2 pick out of TCU has been playing like a vet while the spotlight pointed elsewhere. This generation isn’t waiting for its “Welcome to the W” moment — they’re skipping it entirely.

All images used for editorial and commentary purposes. Follow DAMECORE for weekly WNBA coverage, player spotlights, and culture content.

Written by: Lubaba Hussain

WAGTalk is looking for an organized, sports-savvy, and dedicated intern to join our team. You’ll play a key role in researching and tracking the stories behind athletes’ partners (“WAGs”), helping coordinate outreach for interviews and features, and contributing to the creative process that powers our growing platform.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and update an organized list/database of WAGs across major sports leagues (NBA, NFL, WNBA, etc.)

• Research players’ partners - career backgrounds, media appearances, and public profiles

• Track social media trends, viral moments, and news involving WAGs

• Assist in drafting outreach emails and communication templates for potential guests

• Provide creative input on story ideas, interview angles, and upcoming features

• Flag relevant cultural events and moments ideal for WAGTalk coverage

• Work alongside Enjoy Basketball’s team to create content

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in sports, media, and social storytelling

• Excellent organization and research skills

• Clear, professional written communication (especially over email and DM)

• Familiarity with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and proactive in tracking updates

• Experience in content, journalism, or influencer outreach is a plus (not required)

What you’ll gain:

• Hands-on experience in sports media, content production, and talent coordination

• Exposure to social and editorial content development

• Mentorship from Enjoy Basketball and WAGTalk’s production team

• A behind-the-scenes look at how stories are sourced, pitched, and produced

Details:

• Remote internship (~10–20 hours/week)

• Flexible schedule built around academic commitments

Fill out the google form here to submit an application.