Locked On Women's Basketball – Daily Podcast On The WNBA

Jaksot

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  WNBA MVP Race: Why A’ja Wilson Is Running Away With It + 2026 Award Predictions 16.09.2026 27min

  The WNBA is back, and with the playoffs approaching, it’s time to make our 2026 award and All-WNBA projections. A’ja Wilson has been dominant all season — is another MVP already a foregone conclusion? We break down the MVP race and make our picks for every major WNBA award, including Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Player and Coach of the Year. Then, we reveal our projected All-WNBA and All-Rookie teams before putting two eliminated teams on the chopping block. 🔥 In this episode: A’ja Wilson for MVP? Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year Olivia Miles for Rookie of the Year Jess Shepard for Most Improved Player Janelle Salaün for Sixth Player Cheryl Reeve for Coach of the Year Our All-WNBA projections Our All-Rookie projections What’s next for the Los Angeles Sparks How Phoenix can rebuild around Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper The biggest roster-building questions heading into 2027
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  Lynx vs. Liberty Could Decide the WNBA Playoff Race 👀 | Biggest Games Left + Offseason Plans 15.09.2026 28min

  The WNBA regular season is coming down to the wire, and the final games could have major implications for the playoff race and postseason seeding. The Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty on Sept. 18 headlines a loaded final stretch, but there are several other matchups that could shape the playoff picture — including the Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream and the Lynx vs. Indiana Fever. On today’s show, we break down: 🏀 The most important games remaining in the WNBA regular season 🔥 Why Lynx vs. Liberty could be one of the biggest games of the year 👀 Dream vs. Liberty and its potential impact on playoff seeding ⭐ Lynx vs. Fever and the battle between two talented teams ⚡ Why Mystics vs. Fever could be another must-watch matchup 📋 WNBA offseason priorities for teams already eliminated from playoff contention 🔵 What the Chicago Sky need to do to become legitimate playoff contenders 🔥 How the Portland Fire should approach their second season 🛡️ Portland's biggest needs: size, rebounding, defense and half-court offense 📈 What each team needs to accomplish heading into 2027 The WNBA playoff picture is about to get VERY interesting.
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  Team USA DOMINATES France to Win 5th Straight World Cup | WNBA Playoff Schedule REVEALED 14.09.2026 28min

  Team USA is once again on top of the world! 🇺🇸🏀 The U.S. women's basketball team overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat France 97-79 in the FIBA Women's World Cup Final, winning its fifth consecutive World Cup title and 12th overall. Breanna Stewart led the way with 22 points and 9 rebounds and was named tournament MVP. On today's episode of Locked On Women's Basketball, we break down how Team USA flipped the game in the third quarter, outscoring France 30-12, and why its defense continues to separate the Americans from the rest of the world. We'll also dive into the FIBA Women's World Cup awards, including: Breanna Stewart winning tournament MVP The All-Star Five and All-Second Team Gabby Williams earning Best Defensive Player Iyana Martin being named Rising Star The tournament's other major individual honors Plus, the WNBA has released its 2026 playoff schedule. The first round begins September 27 with a best-of-three format, followed by best-of-five semifinals and a best-of-seven WNBA Finals beginning October 17. And yes... Game 7 on Halloween night. 🎃🏀 What do you think of the WNBA playoff schedule? And can anyone stop Team USA's dominance on the international stage? Subscribe to Locked On Women's Basketball for daily coverage, analysis, and discussion of the biggest stories in women's basketball.
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  USA vs Spain SEMIFINAL Preview + Why the Mystics & Wings Are Ahead of Schedule 12.09.2026 28min

  Team USA is headed to the World Cup semifinals — and Spain may be its toughest test yet. 🇺🇸🇪🇸 On today’s show, we break down the semifinal matchups, including what Spain needs to do to slow down the Americans and whether Germany can pull off another massive upset against France. Then we turn to the WNBA and two of the league’s biggest young surprises: 🏀 Washington Mystics: Sitting at 24–16 and fourth in the East, Washington has emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young teams. Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin are building a foundation that could make the Mystics a legitimate contender sooner than expected. 🏀 Dallas Wings: After going just 10–34 last season, Dallas has made a massive leap to 24–16 and is firmly in the playoff picture. Paige Bueckers has become the centerpiece of the franchise alongside veteran scorer Arike Ogunbowale — but how quickly can the Wings become a true Western Conference contender? In this episode: 🇺🇸 USA vs Spain semifinal preview 🇩🇪 Germany vs 🇫🇷 France upset potential Key matchups and keys to victory Washington Mystics' surprising 2026 season Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen & Shakira Austin's emergence Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings' massive turnaround What the Mystics and Wings could look like in the playoffs and beyond
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  TEAM USA DOMINATES! 🇺🇸 Defense Leads USA to FIBA World Cup Semifinals | MIP Race Heats Up 10.09.2026 28min

  Team USA is heading to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup semifinals after a historic 108-56 demolition of Hungary! 🇺🇸🔥 The Americans put together one of their most complete performances of the tournament, forcing turnovers, flying around defensively and moving the ball at an elite level. The 108 points set a World Cup quarterfinal scoring record, while USA’s 31 assists were also a quarterfinal record. With the win, Team USA extends its World Cup winning streak to 34 straight games. In today’s episode: 🏀 Team USA advances to the semifinals USA crushes Hungary 108-56 Historic offensive and defensive performance Kara Lawson praises the team’s defensive activity and ball movement Who will USA face in the semifinals: Spain or Australia? 🏀 More World Cup quarterfinal action 🇧🇪 Belgium vs. 🇩🇪 Germany 🇦🇺 Australia vs. 🇪🇸 Spain Our picks, predictions and biggest storylines Could Germany pull off the upset? Why Spain vs. Australia is the game to watch
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  WNBA Playoff Race: Can the Indiana Fever’s Defense Hold Up? | Fever, Dream & Liberty Breakdown 09.09.2026 28min

  The WNBA playoff race is heating up, and the Indiana Fever, Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty are all fighting for the best possible path to the championship. The Fever have proven they can score with anyone, but can their defense become consistent enough to survive four rounds of playoff basketball? Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston give Indiana plenty of offensive firepower, but the real question is whether they can hold up against the league’s elite. We also break down what the Atlanta Dream need to do to make a championship run, including Angel Reese’s dominance on the glass, Rhyne Howard’s ability to become a playoff closer, and why Atlanta’s defense could be their biggest advantage. Plus, the New York Liberty are looking to climb into the top four behind Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. With Satou Sabally out for the season, can the defending champions find enough depth and athleticism to make another run?
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  Team USA Is BACK! Stewart Dominates as Women’s Basketball World Cup Bracket Is Set 08.09.2026 28min

  Team USA is BACK on track. 🇺🇸🔥 After a frustrating performance against Italy, the Americans responded in a huge way, dominating Czechia 105-XX and looking much more like the tournament favorite. Breanna Stewart led the way with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists on 8-of-11 shooting — all in under 17 minutes, while Team USA got major contributions up and down the roster. Six Americans scored in double figures as the offense finally clicked. Now the knockout bracket is set — and the path to the championship is becoming clear. In this episode: 🇺🇸 Why Breanna Stewart's dominant performance matters 🔥 Team USA's offensive explosion after struggling against Italy ⭐ Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Napheesa Collier and the rest of the USA depth 🇫🇷 France's record-setting 22 three-pointers 🇧🇪 Belgium's statement win over Australia 🇪🇸 Spain bouncing back after the Mali upset 🇩🇪 Germany keeping its tournament alive 🏀 The complete knockout-round bracket 👀 A potential USA vs. Spain semifinal 🔥 A potential USA vs. France championship matchup 🏆 Can Team USA keep this momentum and make it all the way to the final? The first-round knockout games are set, with Spain, USA, France and Belgium earning byes into the quarterfinals. Potential semifinals: 🇪🇸 Spain vs. 🇺🇸 USA 🇫🇷 France vs. 🇧🇪 Belgium Potential final: 🇺🇸 USA vs. 🇫🇷 France Italy exposed some weaknesses. Czechia got the angry response. Now the real test begins. Can Team USA keep rolling all the way to the final?
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  TEAM USA DOMINATES CHINA 🔥 | Aces Take Major Injury Hit | FIBA World Cup Breakdown 05.09.2026 28min

  Team USA is off to a dominant start at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, cruising past China and showing why they’re one of the favorites — but this team is just getting started. 🇺🇸🏀 On today’s show, we break down the USA’s opening game, including the veteran-heavy starting five of Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Angel Reese’s battle with 7’3” Zhang Ziyu, and Jackie Young’s early impact. We’ll also preview the biggest games on the FIBA schedule, including Spain vs. Germany, Hungary vs. France, and Belgium vs. Türkiye, with our picks, projected scores and the matchup to watch in each game. Then we tap in with the Las Vegas Aces, who are heading into the final stretch of the regular season with their sights set on playoff seeding — but now have to navigate the loss of NaLyssa Smith for the rest of the season. Can A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray keep the Aces in the championship conversation? And which team has the biggest chance to challenge them in the playoffs?
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  DEVASTATING: Satou Sabally OUT FOR SEASON, Can the New York Liberty RECOVER for Playoff SURVIVAL? 03.09.2026 28min

  Satou Sabally is out for the rest of the WNBA season—can the New York Liberty stay playoff-ready without their Unicorn? Sophia Jones breaks down Sabally’s injury fallout, the Liberty’s playoff seeding battle, and how Chris DeMarco’s positionless system is shaping New York’s strategy. Key topics: 🏥 Sabally’s season-ending injury 🏀 Liberty’s playoff outlook and roster depth 🏆 August WNBA awards: A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Mitchell, Olivia Miles 💪 Golden State Valkyries’ defensive surge under Coach Natalie Nakase 🔥 Key matchups and playoff implications across the WNBA
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  Skylar Diggins’ Season Is Over… But She’s Not Done With the Chicago Sky | World Cup + NCAA 02.09.2026 27min

  Skylar Diggins’ 2026 WNBA season is officially over after the Chicago Sky announced she will miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a lingering right knee injury. But this isn’t the last time we’ll see Skylar in a Sky jersey. We break down what the injury means for Diggins, the Chicago Sky and what comes next for one of the league’s biggest stars. Plus, we look ahead to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and ask: Who can actually challenge Team USA? France, Belgium, Australia, Japan, China and Nigeria all have reasons to believe they can make a run. And finally, there is BIG money entering women’s sports. The 2026 Players Era Women’s Basketball Showcase is set to feature a seven-figure NIL pool, with powerhouse programs including South Carolina, USC, Texas and Duke heading to Las Vegas. In this episode: Skylar Diggins’ season-ending injury and what it means for the Chicago Sky Why this may not be the end of Diggins’ time in a Sky jersey Which countries could challenge Team USA at the World Cup France, Belgium, Australia, Japan, China and Nigeria’s chances The massive NIL money coming to women’s college basketball The 2026 Players Era Women’s Basketball Showcase
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  A'ja Wilson & Kelsey Plum OUT: Can Team USA Still Win the World Cup? | WNBA Power Rankings 01.09.2026 28min

  A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are major losses for Team USA heading into the FIBA Women's World Cup — but USA Basketball has some intriguing replacements in Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. Can Team USA overcome the losses of two of its biggest stars? Plus, the latest WNBA Power Rankings are here. The Minnesota Lynx have been dethroned from the top spot, while the Golden State Valkyries continue their incredible rise. And we take a deep dive into the Minnesota Lynx as they head into the final stretch of the 2026 season. Can Minnesota hold onto the No. 1 seed? What does the FIBA break mean for the Lynx? And are the recent losses to Golden State and Atlanta a warning sign heading into the playoffs?
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  Atlanta Dream SHATTERS Doubt With Ferocious Lynx Win After Portland Fire Loss 31.08.2026 28min

  Atlanta Dream silence doubters with a convincing win over the Minnesota Lynx, quickly rebounding from a setback against the Portland Fire. DeWanna Bonner’s debut, Allisha Gray’s perimeter shooting, and Angel Reese’s record-breaking double-double run have the Dream poised for a deep title chase. Can Atlanta keep this fire burning as the playoffs approach? Key topics include: 🏀 Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark’s historic backcourt performances for the Indiana Fever 🔥 Emily Engstler’s breakout night with the Portland Fire 🌍 Global stars Emma Meesseman, Gabby Williams, Ezi Magbegor, Julie Allemand, and Han Xu ahead of the FIBA World Cup break
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  The Golden State Valkyries Are COMING for the WNBA Playoffs 👀 + 2026 MVP Debate 28.08.2026 28min

  The Golden State Valkyries just sent a message to the rest of the WNBA. Golden State dominated the New York Liberty 79-60, completed the regular-season sweep and held New York to its lowest scoring total of the season. Are the Valkyries a legitimate playoff threat? We break down Golden State’s statement win, Cecilia Zandalasini’s 20 points, Gabby Williams’ two-way impact and Veronica Burton’s incredible 13-assist, zero-turnover performance — plus what this loss means for Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty heading into the postseason. We also recap Georgia Amoore’s career night as the Washington Mystics rallied past the Phoenix Mercury before previewing tonight’s biggest games: 🔥 Portland Fire vs. Atlanta Dream 🔥 Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever 🏆 Toronto Tempo vs. Las Vegas Aces 🔥 Washington Mystics vs. Los Angeles Sparks Plus, we dive into the 2026 WNBA MVP race. Does A’ja Wilson remain the clear favorite? Can rookie Olivia Miles challenge her? Does Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring make her a legitimate candidate? And where does Caitlin Clark’s elite playmaking fit into the conversation? MVP candidates discussed: 🏆 A’ja Wilson ⭐ Olivia Miles 🔥 Kelsey Mitchell 🎯 Caitlin Clark
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  DeWanna Bonner Is EXACTLY What the Atlanta Dream Need for the Playoffs 28.08.2026 28min

  DeWanna Bonner is headed to Atlanta — and the Dream may have just added the veteran spark they need for a deep playoff run. 🔥 The 39-year-old veteran is joining the Atlanta Dream after reaching a buyout with the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner brings 17 seasons of WNBA experience, three Sixth Woman of the Year awards, elite playoff experience and a résumé that includes top-five marks in career points and rebounds. Can Bonner become Atlanta's difference-maker off the bench? Plus, we're previewing two important matchups: 🏀 Valkyries vs. Liberty Golden State has already beaten New York twice this season. Can Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty finally solve the Valkyries' elite defense? 🏀 Mystics vs. Mercury Washington has won the first two meetings and has a major size advantage with Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin. Can Phoenix find enough offense to keep this one close? And the WNBA continues to make history 📈 The Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky matchup averaged 3.31 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-watched regular-season WNBA game since the league's inaugural season in 1997. We're breaking down Bonner's fit in Atlanta, tonight's biggest games and what the latest viewership numbers say about the continued growth of the WNBA.
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  Dallas Wings CLINCH Playoff Spot | Unrivaled Expands & Angel Reese Goes Off 26.08.2026 28min

  The Wings have clinched the 8th spot of the playoffs but their job isn't over just yet. This team needs to climb the ranks to avoid facing the current 1 and 2 seed in the league. Unrivaled will play in four times as many "road" venues all across the country and Angel Reese is continuing to break her own records. Find out more on today's episode of Locked On Women's Basketball.
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  CONTENDERS: Golden State Valkyries STIFLE Lynx & Angel Reese BREAKS WNBA Rebounding Record 25.08.2026 28min

  Golden State Valkyries stun Minnesota Lynx with their stifling defense, and announce their status as WNBA title contenders. Sophia Jones breaks down Valkyries’ historic first win over the Lynx, Angel Reese’s record 26-rebound night for the Atlanta Dream, and a touching moment with Nneka Ogwumike. Will these powerhouse performances shift the balance in the playoff race? 🏀 Valkyries’ statement win 📈 Angel Reese sets single-game and season rebounding records 🇫🇷 Team France’s stacked World Cup roster primed to challenge Team USA 🔄 DeWanna Bonner’s buyout from Phoenix Mercury and top landing spots
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  Dallas Wings Can CLINCH the Final Playoff Spot! Plus Lynx vs. Valkyries & Dream vs. Sparks Preview 24.08.2026 28min

  The Dallas Wings are in the driver’s seat for the final WNBA playoff spot — but can they hold off the Portland Fire? With a 6.5-game cushion and Paige Bueckers playing at an elite level, Dallas has a real opportunity to lock up No. 8. We break down why the Wings can finish the job, how Arike Ogunbowale factors in, and why Jessica Shepard’s potential return could be huge. We also look ahead to the WNBA teams that are already out of the playoff race but could be in the postseason conversation next year, including the Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Toronto Tempo, Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm. Then, we preview two huge matchups: 🏀 Golden State Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx The Lynx can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win, while Golden State is still searching for its first victory against Minnesota. Can the Valkyries finally solve the Lynx? 🏀 Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks Atlanta is fighting for playoff positioning while LA looks toward the future. Can Angel Reese continue her dominant post-All-Star-break stretch, and can Cameron Brink help the Sparks avoid another blowout? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Dallas Wings Playoff Push 10:00 WNBA Teams That Could Bounce Back in 2027 21:00 Golden State Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx Preview
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  Dallas Wings TAKE DOWN Indiana Fever | Playoff Race + Players Setting the Bar 21.08.2026 28min

  The Dallas Wings got a HUGE 91-85 win over the Indiana Fever — and it took much more than Paige Bueckers to get it done. Arike Ogunbowale exploded for a season-high 32 points, Jessica Shepard dropped a career-high 26, and Awak Kuier made history with a franchise-record 7 blocks. Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell scored 37 for Indiana, but Caitlin Clark was held to just 10 points. Plus, we break down Atlanta's 124-88 demolition of the Sparks, the Aces' dominant second half against Connecticut, and the biggest WNBA players setting the bar this season — including Angel Reese, Kelsey Mitchell, Rhyne Howard, A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Alyssa Thomas and Jessica Shepard. In this episode: 🏀 Dallas Wings 91, Indiana Fever 85 🔥 Arike Ogunbowale's 32-point takeover 💪 Jessica Shepard's career night 🛡️ Awak Kuier's franchise-record 7 blocks ⭐ Kelsey Mitchell's historic 21-game 20-point streak 👑 Angel Reese chasing the offensive rebounding record 🎯 Rhyne Howard's historic 3-point season 💥 A'ja Wilson continuing to dominate 🏆 The biggest games left in the WNBA playoff race
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  Azzi Fudd Is OUT for the Season — Can the Wings Still Make a Playoff Push? | Nneka Retires 20.08.2026 28min

  Azzi Fudd’s season is officially over, and the Dallas Wings now face a major challenge heading into the playoff race. After missing the team’s last five games, Fudd will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on her right knee. What does her absence mean for Dallas, especially with the Wings sitting at 2-7 since the All-Star break? We break down Fudd’s impact on the Wings, her impressive rookie season, and what Dallas needs to do from here — starting with tonight’s matchup against the Indiana Fever. Plus, we recap two key WNBA games: 🏀 Minnesota Lynx 77, Golden State Valkyries 66 — Olivia Miles leads Minnesota with 20 points and 7 assists before leaving with an ankle injury, while the Lynx continue their dominance over Golden State. 🏀 Washington Mystics 93, Toronto Tempo 82 — Kiki Iriafen posts 21 points and 13 rebounds as Washington controls the glass and eliminates Toronto from playoff contention. And finally, Nneka Ogwumike announces her retirement after 15 seasons in the WNBA. We look back at her incredible career and what her legacy means for the league. Chapters: 2:00 Azzi Fudd Is Out for the Season 7:00 What’s Next for the Wings? 10:30 Lynx vs. Valkyries Recap 15:40 Mystics vs. Tempo Recap 21:00 Nneka Ogwumike Announces Retirement
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  Are the Aces Slipping? 🚨 What Las Vegas MUST Fix for Another Championship Run 19.08.2026 28min

  The Las Vegas Aces suffered another setback, but should we really be hitting the panic button? We break down what’s going wrong for Vegas and why consistency—not talent—is the biggest question heading into the playoffs. Plus, the Indiana Fever keep rolling with their fifth straight win, Kelsey Mitchell drops 29 and Caitlin Clark adds 24, while the Chicago Sky stun the New York Liberty behind Natasha Cloud’s 35-point performance. Then we preview tonight’s matchups: 🏀 Lynx vs. Valkyries — Can Golden State finally solve Minnesota? 🏀 Tempo vs. Mystics — Can Washington continue its dominant stretch? And finally, the Golden State Valkyries are set to host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game, another major milestone for one of the league’s fastest-rising franchises. Topics covered: • Are the Aces actually slipping? • Indiana Fever win five straight • Natasha Cloud’s huge night against New York • Liberty playoff concerns • Lynx vs. Valkyries preview • Tempo vs. Mystics preview • Golden State Valkyries to host WNBA All-Star 2027