Run of Show:

* The Cold Open: Hoops, Labor, and Power merging lanes.

* Block A: Unrivaled Receipts:

* Phantom (64) vs. Mist (61): A defensive grind; Phantom owns the glass (44-33).

* Laces (84) vs. Lunar Owls (72): Laces wakes up; Owls are in trouble.

* Block B: The Unrivaled Tier List:

* Tier A: The Rose Problem (3-0, +24 diff).

* Tier B: The Contenders (Phantom, Breeze, Mist, Laces).

* Tier C: Frisky Vinyl.

* Tier D: Code Red (Hive, Owls).

* Block C: The WNBA Freeze: Why the league and union agreed to a free agency moratorium.

* Block D: Project B Wakes Up: Tokyo announced as a host city; Mai Yamamoto signs on; the “global circuit” threat.

* Block E: Volleyball Tonight:

* MLV: Columbus vs. Grand Rapids (YouTube, 6pm CT).

* LOVB: Austin vs. Atlanta (USA Network, 7pm CT).

* The Close: Looking ahead to Friday’s slate.

Show Notes & Links:

* Unrivaled: Latest Standings & Schedule

* Volleyball Watch Guide: MLV on YouTube | LOVB on USA Network

* Project B News: Global Circuit Announcement

Quote of the Day: “Both sides know the game has outgrown the old math. Now, they are in a street fight over who actually gets to hold the checkbook for the new era.”

Stay Locked In:

* Follow Ms. Main Event on social media.

* Subscribe to The Daily Run so you never miss a briefing.

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko-Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.

Coffee and midday libation donations:

https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

Run of Show:

* Block A: Unrivaled Chronology: Rose’s 3-0 weekend, Phantom’s 94-point explosion, and Vinyl’s bounce-back.

* Block B: MLV Recap: Orlando’s record-breaking 15-4 fifth set; Indy Ignite’s bench mob; Atlanta Vibe’s sweep.

* Block C: LOVB Recap: Salt Lake’s statement in Houston; Madison’s polished debut; Austin’s 2-0 start via the marathon route.

* The Close: Tonight’s Unrivaled Preview (Mist vs. Phantom).

Links:

* Unrivaled: Monday Night Schedule

* Volleyball: MLV Results | LOVB Results

Run of Show:

* The Cold Open: A Friday traffic jam of hoops and volleyball.

* Block A: Unrivaled Preview:

* Vinyl vs. Rose (7:30 ET): Can Vinyl score on the champs?

* Breeze vs. Hive (8:45 ET): The “Expansion Bowl”—is the hype real?

* Block B: The CBA Deadline:

* Today is Jan 9.

* Breanna Stewart’s “Good Faith” comments.

* The WNBPA’s new “Player Hubs” contingency plan.

* Block C: Volleyball Receipts:

* LOVB: Austin takes the 5-set thriller vs. Nebraska; Salt Lake sweeps Houston.

* MLV: Columbus spoils Atlanta’s home opener (3-1) despite Leah Edmond’s scoring.

* Block D: AU Basketball:

* New team identities: Gold Rush, Glow, Rhythm, Eclipse.

* Season tips off Feb 4.

* The Close: Your weekend viewing assignment.

Show Notes & Links:

* Unrivaled: Tonight’s Schedule on TNT/truTV

* Volleyball: LOVB Results | MLV Schedule

* WNBPA: Updates on the new Player Hubs and negotiations.

Quote of the Day: “We are literally looking at a calendar with zero offseason.”

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.

https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

Episode Summary: Today is the kind of day women’s sports fans used to dream about. Tasha breaks down a packed week where we are truly “spoiled for choice.” We’ve got the Unrivaled weekend viewing guide (including a Friday night doubleheader you can’t miss), the kickoff of LOVB Season 2 tonight with a championship rematch, and the big-arena launch of MLV tomorrow. Plus, a check on the WNBA CBA clock as the silence gets loud just 48 hours before the deadline.

Run of Show:

* The Cold Open: Why today proves the ecosystem has officially leveled up.

* Block A: Unrivaled Weekend Guide: Previewing the Friday night TNT doubleheader (Vinyl vs. Rose, Breeze vs. Hive) and why the “experiment” talk is dead.

* Block B: LOVB First Serve: A breakdown of tonight’s season opener (Austin vs. Nebraska) on USA Network and the “club-meets-pro” vibe.

* Block C: MLV Arrives: What to expect when Major League Volleyball brings the big-arena energy and Bolt6 tech starting tomorrow.

* Block D: Business & Future: The WNBA CBA deadline looms (Jan 9), plus a look ahead to the diamond leagues (PSL & WPBL) joining the summer calendar.

* The Close: Tasha’s viewing challenge for the week.

Show Notes & Links:

* Unrivaled Schedule: Friday Night on TNT/truTV

* LOVB Schedule: Watch Austin vs. Nebraska

* MLV Schedule: Opening Week Info

* WNBA CBA: Latest reporting on the “uncapped” revenue sharing negotiations.

Quote of the Day: “We used to beg for a game. Today? The calendar is packed, your remote is confused, and my job is to make it simple.”

Stay Locked In:

* Follow Ms. Main Event on social media for live reactions to First Serve.

* Subscribe to The Daily Run so you never miss a briefing.

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.

https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

Unrivaled Opening Night Recap:

* Mist (72) vs. Hive (56): The Superteam is real.

* Laces (58) vs. Vinyl (42): A defensive clinic and a shutout 4th quarter.

* Rose (80) vs. Lunar Owls (60): Chelsea Gray (35 pts) is not bored.

* Breeze (69) vs. Phantom (62): Paige Bueckers (24 pts) arrives, and the expansion Breeze prove they are contenders.

The CBA Countdown:

* 3 days until the Jan 9 deadline.

* The “Uncapped” Revenue Sharing vs. Salary Cap ($10.5M) debate.

* Why Toronto and Portland are stuck in neutral.

Volleyball is Back:

* LOVB Season 2 starts Wednesday, Jan 7 (USA Network/ESPN).

* MLV’s upcoming launch on Roku/CBS/ION.

* Tasha’s assignment: Pick a team, don’t just watch.

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

Now, before we get into the matchups, I gotta address the elephant in the room.

I’ve been living in the comments section on the Substack this week—shoutout to the day-ones, I see y’all—and my DMs have been blowing up. And I’m noticing a vibe.

You guys are excited... but you’re also a little skeptical. You’re used to the precision of the 5-on-5 game, and you’re worried this is going to look like chaos.

I grabbed five of the best questions I received this week to set the record straight before tip-off. Let’s get into it.

1. The “Glorified Practice” Factor

From Sarah in Chicago (via Email):

“I want to support the ladies, but be honest with me: Is this just going to look like a glorified practice scrimmage? I don’t want to pay to watch warm-ups.”

My Take: Sarah, I hear you. We’ve all seen All-Star games that look like nobody is trying. But here is the difference: The money. With the salaries these women are making and the equity on the line, the intensity is going to be through the roof.

Also, forget what you know about Olympic 3x3 half-court sets. Unrivaled is played on a compressed full court (70x50). It eliminates the “jog back on defense” phase. It is a sprint from start to finish. It’s not a warm-up; it’s a track meet with a basketball.

2. Is it just “Hero Ball”?

From @HoopsLover99 (Substack Comments):

“I love good passing. If it’s just three people, is the game flow gone? Am I just watching one person dribble for 15 seconds while two people watch?”

My Take: Actually, it’s the opposite. In 5-on-5, you can hide a weak defender or a player who is “resting” in the corner. In 3x3, there is nowhere to hide.

Because there is no help-side defense coming to save you, the offense has to move. If everyone stands still, the defense wins every time. You are going to see a lot of “pick-and-roll” and “give-and-go” action. The spacing is huge, which actually highlights high-IQ passing more than a crowded 5-on-5 lane does.

3. The Math Problem

From Davina (via DM):

“Please tell me the scoring isn’t weird. I hate when 3x3 counts shots as 1s and 2s. Does a 3-pointer still count?”

My Take: Great question, Davina. One of the biggest complaints about FIBA 3x3 is that it devalues the deep ball by making it worth 2 points and inside shots worth 1.

Unrivaled knows their audience. They know we are here for the shooters. While they have experimented with specific scoring rules to keep the pace up, the philosophy of this league is to highlight elite skill. You are going to see the sharpshooters rewarded properly. This is a league built by players for players, they aren’t going to nerf their own shooting stats!

4. The Fatigue Factor

From Tasha (via Email):

“The rosters look small. What happens when players get tired or in foul trouble? Do we just run out of bodies?”

My Take: This is where the strategy gets interesting. 3x3 is anaerobic—it is short bursts of high intensity. You don’t pace yourself like you do in a 40-minute WNBA game.

You are going to see frequent subs. It’s “hockey line change” style. A player goes hard for 90 seconds, gets gassed, and the next woman is up. It actually keeps the product better because you are almost always watching players at 100% energy, rather than watching tired players jog through the fourth quarter.

5. Physicality vs. Danger

From “ClarkEffect22” (Substack Comments):

“I know 3x3 is supposed to be ‘grittier,’ but I don’t want to see anyone get hurt before the WNBA season. Is it going to be a foul-fest?”

My Take: This is the biggest balancing act. Yes, the refs generally “let them play” more in this format. You’ll see more hand-checking and more contact in the lane.

However, these are the best players in the world. They know how to be physical without being dirty. Plus, because the court is shorter, there are fewer high-speed collisions in transition (which is where a lot of scary injuries happen in 5-on-5). It will be physical, but think “playoff intensity,” not “flagrant foul danger.”

Want more Unrivaled coverage? I’m dropping a breakdown of the opening week matchups this Sunday exclusively for subscribers of the Substack. Hit that button below so you don’t miss out!

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

We kick off 2026 with a massive shakeup in the Unrivaled league: Co-founder Napheesa Collier is officially OUT for Season 2. Ms. Main Event breaks down the injury, the replacement (Temi Fagbenle), and how this completely reshuffles the Power Rankings just days before tip-off.

Plus, the WNBA labor clock is ticking. We look at the staggering gap between the league’s latest offer ($5M cap) and the union’s demand ($10.5M cap) as the January 9th deadline looms. Also on the docket: Gabby Thomas drops a bombshell on Grand Slam Track, and we set the schedule for next week’s “Volleyball Wars.”

In This Episode:

* The Lead: Napheesa Collier undergoes double ankle surgery; out 4-6 months.

* CBA Watch: Gross vs. Net Revenue: Why the players and owners are miles apart.

* The Strategy: How the Unrivaled “Miami Bubble” is acting as a War Room for the WNBPA.

* Track & Field: Gabby Thomas moves to the 400m and says “No” to returning to Grand Slam Track.

* The Power Rankings: A revised look at the Unrivaled field without Phee. Why the Hive is still #1.

* Volleyball Preview: LOVB (Jan 7) vs. MLV (Jan 8) — where and when to watch next week.

Join the Conversation: With Phee out, does the Lunar Owls’ title window close? And whose side are you on in the CBA fight—Gross Revenue or Net? Let me know in the comments.

Connect with Ms. Main Event:

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.

https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Tasha opens with a WNBA CBA reset, explaining why December 31 is not a technical deadline, but still feels like one. She breaks down the 40‑day CBA extension, the 48‑hour termination clause that could trigger a January work stoppage, and why “no press release tonight” might be the only good sign fans get. The focus is on the league’s “middle class” rather than just the stars, asking whether owners will finally build a system where the 9th and 10th players on the bench can breathe instead of just celebrating the handful of seven‑figure contracts. She also lays out how Portland and Toronto are stuck in expansion limbo, unable to draft, sign, or plan with a compressed offseason looming the longer this drags on.​

From there, the show moves to the track. Tasha walks through Grand Slam Track’s mounting financial crisis, noting reports of roughly $13 million in unpaid prize money and appearance fees from its debut season and Michael Johnson’s public vow that there will be no 2026 season unless athletes are made whole. She highlights the whiplash between new signings and canceled events, calling it a dangerous wobble for a league that was supposed to revolutionize track and field but now risks burning trust with many of the world’s best runners. She closes the segment with a quick Unrivaled check‑in, reminding listeners that the 3‑on‑3 league tips off in five days and that it is quickly becoming a core part of the women’s hoops offseason.​

The Main Event dives into what Tasha calls the “volleyball duopoly.” She breaks down how Major League Volleyball (MLV) and League One Volleyball (LOVB) are both launching next week but selling very different vibes and products. MLV leans into big‑arena spectacle, Bolt6 tech, frequent substitutions, and a Friday‑night‑out feel that mirrors the pro leagues fans already know. LOVB, by contrast, emphasizes community, international‑style substitution rules, Olympic‑caliber six‑rotation play, and rosters loaded with current or recent Team USA stars. Tasha explains where to watch each league, from ION and The Roku Channel for MLV to ESPN, USA Network, and the free Victory+ app for LOVB, then offers a simple verdict: if you want the party, go MLV; if you want the purity, go LOVB.​

She closes by inviting listeners to pick a side: Will the WNBA get a deal, can Grand Slam Track actually find the money, and which volleyball league are you rolling with in 2026?

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In Block A, she breaks down why stops matter more than bucket‑trading in this format, how an untimed fourth quarter changes end‑game math, and why the Hive’s combination of rim protection and on‑ball pressure gives them a real shot at it all once games start.

In Block B, the show moves to the net for a look ahead at “Volleyball Super Week,” with LOVB’s second season opening January 7 and Major League Volleyball’s 2026 season starting January 8, and why the simultaneous launches are a big deal for U.S. pro volleyball fans and athletes.​

Then it’s all business on the track: Tasha walks through Grand Slam Track’s bankruptcy and court‑supervised reorganization, the tens of millions in liabilities, and the open question of whether athletes will trust Michael Johnson’s league again even if a rescue plan comes together.

In the Main Event, she returns to the Hive and makes the case for Saniya Rivers as Unrivaled’s breakout offensive star, explaining how a shorter court, fewer defenders, and smart spacing next to Sonia Citron could turn her from solid rookie to problem in this 3‑on‑3 environment.​

The episode closes with a call for listener picks: Are you riding with the Hive, or backing another Unrivaled squad entirely as the league gets ready to tip off?

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind: https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod.

The “Pre-Season” begins now.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Daily Run! We are walking into one of the busiest Januarys in the history of women’s sports, and I’m here to help you make sense of it all.

Today, Ms. Main Event sets the table for the “Super Month” ahead. Even though the scoreboards are quiet this morning, the business side is moving fast. We’re tracking the Unrivaled players in Miami, prepping for the launch of two professional volleyball leagues next week, and keeping a close watch on the WNBA CBA deadline.

Grab your coffee.Time to start the run.

In This Episode:

* The Daily Run Concept: Why we need a daily briefing for the culture, business, and scores.

* Unrivaled Season 2: We are officially 7 days away from tip-off (Jan 5). A look at the new 4-night schedule and the training camp vibes coming out of Miami.

* Volleyball Super Week: Clearing up the confusion between LOVB (starts Jan 7) and MLV (starts Jan 8).

* The Business Ticker: Why January 9th is the most important date on the WNBA calendar (CBA Deadline).

Join the Conversation: Which league launch are you most excited for next week? Are you locked in on Unrivaled hoops, or are you ready to see LOVB/MLV take the stage? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social. You’ll find me on Threads, Insta, and BlueSky: @MsMainEventPod

Connect with Ms. Main Event:

* Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MsMainEventPod

* Buy a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

* Read the Substack:

Welcome back to Ms. Main Event! Today, we are putting feelings to the side (mostly) and looking at the cold, hard facts. I’ve developed the Total Competitive Index (TCI)—a composite score blending offensive and defensive efficiency—to determine which Unrivaled roster is mathematically built to dominate.

In this breakdown, I reveal why The Mist is statistically the team to beat, led by the undeniable consistency of Breanna Stewart. But numbers can’t measure heart, momentum, or chemistry. That’s why, despite the data, I’m making a bold prediction about The Hive and why rookie Saniya Rivers might be the league’s biggest sleeper.

Plus, we have to talk about The Rose. I break down the direct statistical comparison between Angel Reese and her replacement, Shakira Austin. The drop-off in rebounding and turnover ratio might be more critical than people think.

In this video, we cover:

* The Methodology: What is the TCI and how does it rank the teams?

* Top Dogs: Why Breanna Stewart makes The Mist #1 on paper.

* The Contenders: Breaking down the Lunar Owls, Phantom, and the “split identity” of the rosters.

* The “Gut” Pick: Why I think *** **** will upset the odds.

* The Angel Reese Effect: A deep dive into the stats—comparing Angel’s production vs. Shakira Austin’s efficiency.

Drop a comment below: Do you trust the numbers (The Mist) or the vibes (The Hive)? Who is your pick to win it all?

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Unrivaled by the Numbers 0:54 - What is the Total Competitive Index (TCI)? 1:40 - The #1 Ranked Team: The Mist 3:00 - The Risks: Lunar Owls & Phantom 4:50 - The Value of Consistency (Stewart vs. The Field) 8:55 - Why Stats Aren’t Destiny (The Breeze & Momentum) 12:15 - My “Gut” Prediction: The Hive & Saniya Rivers 15:30 - The Rose Analysis: Angel Reese vs. Shakira Austin Stats 20:15 - Final Thoughts & Outro

Support the Channel: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: Ko-Fi @msmaineventpod📝 |📲 Follow on Socials: @MsMainEventPod | Subscribe on Substack:

In this video, I’m addressing a common sentiment from fans who are upset that I’m reporting Caitlin Clark’s full 2025 season statistics without “cherry-picking” her pre-injury numbers. While many want to blame her shooting struggles entirely on a groin injury, we have to look at the objective reality of the box score.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this video, we discuss:

* The “Cashier” Analogy: Why professional accountability matters, whether you’re handling $3,000 in a casino or shooting 1-for-23 from deep.

* Slump vs. Injury: Why a “slump” describes the result, even if an injury is the reason.

* Professional Responsibility: If a player is cleared to play and suits up, they are judged by the same standard as everyone else on the floor.

* The 2025 Reality: Breaking down the “gray area” of when her groin injury actually affected her play versus when the slump began.

I wish Caitlin Clark a healthy 2026 season, but we cannot “baby” professional athletes by only reporting the positive. If you’re on the court, you have to accept the result.

What do you think? Does an injury “erase” a bad stat line, or is the box score the final word? Let me know in the comments.

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind:

https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

🇺🇸 Team USA's Next Era: The Women's National Team training camp opened at Duke University, signaling the next era—dubbed "Young and Turnt"—is underway.

The Architects: Kara Lawson is fully in the driver's seat as head coach, teamed up with Sue Bird as managing director.

Veterans & New Wave: The camp included Olympic champions like Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper, and Chelsea Gray, alongside the new wave of stars like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink.

High-Stakes Auditions: Though the US has already clinched a spot, the World Cup qualifiers in March in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be live auditions for the 2026 Berlin tournament.

Angel Reese's Off-Court Impact: Angel Reese made noise off the court, partnering with the 53 Families Foundation for a massive holiday toy drive in Chicago, where she was the top donor. Her philanthropic focus includes giving girls access to sports, education, and financial literacy.

The Signature Shoe Uproar: Tasha discusses the growing, unified push from fans calling out sneaker brands for their slow approach to women's signature shoe lines, noting the success of A'ja Wilson's A'Ones and the immediate sell-outs of Angel Reese's AR Ones.

Unrivaled League Update: The three-on-three league is doubling down for Season 2 with a new $50,000 free throw challenge.

A Sobering Note: Satou Sabally has been ruled out indefinitely from Unrivaled due to lingering concussion symptoms from the WNBA finals in October. Tasha stresses that player health cannot be the cost of the sport's momentum.

Deep Dive Recommendation: Listen to Tasha's episode "Player First or Promise First: What project B can learn from Grand Slam track" for a deep dive on alternative leagues.

✉️ Connect with Tasha (Ms. Main Event):

Email: MsMainEventPod@gmail.com

Socials (Facebook, BlueSky, Threads, Instagram): @msmaineventpod

Support the Show: https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

But if you have been around long enough, you have seen this movie before.

In this episode, I break down why Project B is giving me serious Grand Slam Track vibes. We revisit Michael Johnson’s ambitious track league, what it promised, how it unraveled financially, and how athletes were left chasing money after the league filed for bankruptcy following its very first season.

From there, we look closely at Project B’s business model, its funding opacity, the Saudi partnership questions, and the growing gap between public promises and financial transparency. This is not about rooting against women’s basketball. It is about asking the right questions before athletes and fans are asked to buy all the way in.

Big ideas can move women’s sports forward. Weak financial foundations can burn everyone involved.

Episode Highlights

What Grand Slam Track was supposed to be and why it collapsed

The warning signs that appeared before the bankruptcy filing

How much athletes like Melissa Jefferson Wooden were actually owed

What Project B is promising players and why it feels unprecedented

The funding questions Project B still has not answered publicly

The Saudi partnership conversation and why fans care about the distinction

How Project B differs from Grand Slam Track in meaningful ways

Why Unrivaled matters as a comparison point

The questions athletes should always ask before joining a startup league

Follow Ms. Main Event Pod on all platformsSubscribe on Substack for deeper dives into women’s sports business and cultureSend your thoughts to msmaineventpod@gmail.com

Host: Tasha Pierce

Duration: 42 minutes

---

STORY #1: PAIGE BUECKERS' HISTORIC ROOKIE DOMINANCE

#1 draft pick, Dallas Wings

Wings: 10-34 record (worst in league)

Paige: 19.2 PPG | 5.4 APG | 3.9 RPG | 1.6 SPG

Double-digit scoring in every game

WNBA rookie record: 44 points vs LA Sparks

3rd most points by rookie (692)

2nd in rookie assists (194) - surpasses Sue Bird

Only rookie in top 10 for points, assists, AND steals

2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year

---

STORY #2: UNRIVALED'S BREAKOUT SUCCESS

New 3-on-3 league launches January 2025

$30 million in revenue (double projections)

221,000 average viewers on TNT/truTV

Championship game (Rose BC vs Vinyl BC): 364,000 viewers

Finals MVP: Chelsea Gray (18 pts, 8 ast)

Rose BC wins 62-54

Chelsea's comeback narrative: overcame foot injury skepticism

---

STORY #3: CAITLIN CLARK'S INJURY HEARTBREAK

Quad strain on May 24 vs NY Liberty

Multiple injuries follow: groin, ankle complications

Out since mid-July through season end

Indiana Fever (without Clark): Make playoffs anyway

Five Fever players lost to season-ending injuries

Caitlin watches from sidelines as team competes in playoffs

---

STORY #4: NAPHEESA COLLIER'S 50-40-90 SEASON

Only second player ever to achieve 50-40-90 club

First to do it while averaging 20+ PPG

Stats: 53.1% FG | 40.3% 3PT | 90.6% FT | 22.9 PPG

Minnesota Lynx go 34-10 (tied most wins in single season)

Coach Cheryl Reeve: "Most unguardable player in the league"

---

STORY #5: A'JA WILSON'S HISTORIC TRIPLE CROWN

First player ever to win MVP + Finals MVP + DPOY in same season

Las Vegas Aces sweep Phoenix Mercury 4-0

Finals Game 4: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 17-19 FT

Aces' third title in four years

A'ja enters GOAT conversation

---

HONORABLE MENTION: ANGEL REESE'S SOPHOMORE SURGE & DRAMA

14.7 PPG | 12.6 RPG (led league)

Second consecutive All-Star

First player ever with 20-20 game in Unrivaled (22 pts, 21 reb)

Chicago Sky internal drama and suspensions

Trade speculation ongoing

---

BONUS: PROJECT B LAUNCHES

New 5-on-5 league launching November 2026

$5 billion fundraising

Players offered $2 million annually

Athlete-centric model (player names over city affiliations)

Global format: tournaments across Europe, Asia, Americas

Signed stars: Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Lloyd, Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas

---

KEY PLAYERS & TEAMS:

Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) | Chelsea Gray (Rose BC/Unrivaled) |

Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) | Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) |

A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) | Angel Reese (Chicago Sky)

LEAGUES MENTIONED:

WNBA | Unrivaled | Project B | Athletes Unlimited

---

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

We walk through her entire arc. Texas A&M phenom. Instant impact rookie. Friction in Atlanta and Los Angeles. A takeover overseas where she put up video game numbers. A return to Chicago that proved she can still dominate when given the keys. And now, a future that feels wide open again with WNBA expansion on the horizon.

This is a look at Chennedy Carter: the player, the perceptions, the labels that stuck too easily, and the talent that never stopped leveling up. It is also a look at what the league risks when it cannot make space for players who do not fit the mold.

In this episode:• Why Chennedy’s overseas run changed everything• How perception overtook production in her early WNBA years• Why her game is built for expansion era basketball• What teams lose when they shy away from high ceiling players• How the CC vs CC moment distorted the narrative instead of grounding it• Why her return could be one of the great comeback stories in league history

If you care about women’s hoops, if you care about nuance, if you care about the players whose stories deserve more than surface level takes, this one is worth the listen.

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind. Same tag, @MsMainEventPod.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Ms. Main Event Podcast | Hosted by Tasha Pierce

Episode Overview

A deep dive into the WNBA's ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations, what both sides want, where things stand, and expert predictions on what comes next.

Recording Date: December 3, 2025Episode Length: 40+ minutes

TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS

[0:00 - 1:30] OPENINGWelcome to the episode. The stakes of the WNBA CBA negotiations and why this moment matters for women's basketball history.

[1:30 - 4:00] WHAT IS A CBA?Breaking down collective bargaining agreements: what they cover, what they govern, and what the 2020 CBA accomplished (maternity leave, family planning benefits, housing support, childcare stipends).

[4:00 - 8:00] WHY THE OPT-OUT HAPPENEDThe massive changes between 2020-2024: the WNBA explosion with new generational talent, record viewership (Caitlin Clark's debut: 2.12 million viewers), $200 million media deal (triple the previous amount), expansion to Toronto and Portland, $250 million expansion fees. Why players decided they needed a new deal.

[8:00 - 12:30] WHAT THE PLAYERS WANTThe WNBPA's top priorities: (1) Revenue sharing tied to league growth, (2) Codifying charter flights, (3) Minimum facility standards, (4) Expanded benefits. Deep dive into revenue-based income (BRI) and why a percentage-based model is crucial. Kelsey Plum quote: "First, second, third is rev share and salary."

[12:30 - 17:00] WHAT THE LEAGUE IS OFFERINGLeague's latest proposal: $1 million max base salary (5x current), $5 million team salary cap, minimum over $225,000, average salary $500,000+. Why players rejected earlier offers despite massive numbers. The "math problem": $500K average x 12 players doesn't equal $5 million cap. Concerns about revenue-sharing architecture and shareable revenue definitions.

[17:00 - 20:00] CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSALSThe problematic proposals bundled with salary increases: (1) Training camps starting mid-March (conflicts with NCAA Tournament), (2) Eliminating team housing benefits. Why this feels tone-deaf to players and fans.

[20:00 - 23:00] THE TIMELINE & EXTENSIONSOriginal deadline: October 31, 2025. First extension: 30 days to November 30. Second extension: 40 days to January 9, 2026. Either side can terminate with 48-hour notice. Why extensions are normal (last CBA negotiation also extended). The urgency around 2026 expansion timeline.

[23:00 - 28:00] WHAT IF THERE'S NO DEALFour scenarios: (1) Another extension, (2) Status quo period, (3) League lockout (prevents facilities access, pay, trades), (4) Player strike or union decertification (the "nuclear option"). Why both sides want to avoid work stoppage. FIBA Women's World Cup in October 2026 creates hard deadline.

[28:00 - 35:00] THE BIGGER PICTURE: THREE KEY FACTORS

League's Financial Situation: Claims of $50 million losses vs. $200 million revenue. Charter flights cost $50 million annually. Economists questioning reported losses. WNBA books aren't public.

Alternative Leagues: Unrivaled (3-on-3 league, near break-even). Project B (new global league offering $2 million salaries to WNBA players). WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike has signed with Project B. These alternatives change negotiating dynamics.

Leadership Tensions: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert facing criticism. Napheesa Collier called WNBA leadership "the worst in the world." Multiple team owners dissatisfied with her leadership. Tension creates uncomfortable backdrop for talks.

[35:00 - 40:00+] PREDICTIONS: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Prediction #1: Deal will happen before 2026 season starts. Both sides have too much to lose from work stoppage.

Prediction #2: Revenue sharing will be included but not straight 50-50 like NBA. Expect tiered system where player share grows with revenue.

Prediction #3: Max salary lands $800K-$1M base (not full $1.2M proposed). Minimum $150K-$200K. Average $350K-$450K. Salary cap around $4-4.5M per team.

Prediction #4: Early training camps and housing elimination proposals get dropped or significantly modified. These were negotiating tactics.

Prediction #5: Charter flights codified permanently. Facility standards established (practice facilities, weight rooms, medical staff, accommodation standards).

Prediction #6: Deal will be 4-5 years (not 7). League changing too rapidly for longer terms.

Prediction #7: 2026 offseason will be extremely compressed and chaotic. Expansion draft, free agency, college draft all happening March-April. Rosters will look dramatically different.

[40:00+] WHY THIS MATTERS BEYOND BASKETBALLThis CBA negotiation sets precedent for women's professional sports. The 2020 CBA's groundbreaking maternity leave provisions pioneered new standards. If players win revenue sharing, it establishes a blueprint for next generation of women's leagues. If negotiations fail, it stalls momentum. Both sides have incentive to get this right.

[CLOSING]The next few weeks are crucial. Negotiations will go to the wire, possibly with more extensions. When dust settles, expect transformational agreement with significantly increased player compensation and meaningful revenue-sharing framework.

KEY FIGURES & QUOTES

Kelsey Plum (WNBPA First VP): "First, second, third is rev share and salary"

Nneka Ogwumike (WNBPA President): "The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still"

Sue Bird (on 2020 CBA): "We're going to be looked at as pioneers in the sports world"

Cathy Engelbert (WNBA Commissioner): League wants to "significantly increase" player compensation

KEY TERMS EXPLAINED

CBA: Collective Bargaining Agreement (contract governing salaries, benefits, working conditions)

Revenue Sharing / BRI: Basketball-Related Income (percentage of league revenue distributed to players)

Salary Cap: Maximum amount teams can spend on player salaries

Core Designation: Allows teams to retain one unrestricted free agent

Prioritization Rule: Requires WNBA players in market by training camp or face suspension

Opt-Out: Players' union's right to exit current agreement early

IMPORTANT DATES

October 21, 2024: Players union opts out of current CBA

October 31, 2025: Original deadline (passed)

November 30, 2025: First extension deadline (passed)

January 9, 2026: Current deadline for new CBA

March-April 2026: Expected timeline for expansion draft, free agency, college draft

October 2026: FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (hard deadline for season to end)

LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND:

What a collective bargaining agreement actually is and why it matters

Why 2025 was the perfect time for players to opt out

The difference between the league's proposed numbers and what players actually need

How Project B and alternative leagues give players negotiating leverage

What happens if negotiations break down

The most realistic outcomes for a new CBA

Contact Tasha Pierce / Ms. Main Event:

Email: MsMainEventPod@gmail.com

Social: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky (@MsMainEventPod)

Substack: MsMainEventPod

In this episode of “Spikes On, Mics On,” I break down what this meet really is, how qualifying works, what events made the cut, who gets left behind, and what this means for the future of track and field. The money is big. The risks are bigger. And the choices World Athletics made will shape the sport for years to come.

If it hits the track, it hits this show.

Subscribe to Ms. Main Event for more coverage across women’s sports and global track and field.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode• Why the surge of new leagues is both thrilling and risky• The tension between opportunity and oversaturation• How talent gets stretched when too many products hit the market at once• The hidden cost of nonstop play on athletes• What expanding fanbases bring to the culture• What sustainable growth should look like for women’s sports

Listen if you care aboutThe WNBA, Unrivaled, AU, Upshot, Project B, MLV, volleyball, Olympic sports, athlete health, league development, the future of women’s pro sports, and where all of this momentum is taking us next.

Call to actionIf this episode resonates, share it with someone who loves women’s sports as much as you do. Follow the show, tap into the community, and keep the conversation moving. The shift is happening, and the main event is only getting louder.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Read here → https://open.substack.com/pub/msmaineventpod/p/when-cheating-in-mens-sports-threatens?r=6p1ttm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueMs. Main Event HQ: https://linktr.ee/msmaineventpod

In this episode, I'm giving you my full analysis and early predictions for all eight teams, including where the talent landed, the potential chemistry issues, and the sheer speed that's going to dominate this league.

My hot take? I predict a clash of styles in the finals between The Rose and the lightning-fast expansion team, The Hive. You heard it here first!

Key Roster Breakdowns & Discussion Points:

The Vinyl's Potential: We're talking Rhyne Howard and Dearica Hamby's pick-and-roll potential , and whether Brittney Griner's speed will be a liability.

The Rose's Core & New Additions: The champs return with Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, and Azura Stevens , but Shakira Austin is stepping in for Angel Reese.

The Phantom's Turnaround: Can last year's bottom team make a run with a stacked roster featuring Natasha Cloud, Kelsey Plum, and Aliyah Boston?

The Mist's MVP: We cover Breanna Stewart's health , and why this season might be an "audition for free agency" for Arike Ogunbowale.

The Laces: The Buffest Team? Alyssa Thomas (the "engine") , Jackie Young , and their dangerous chemistry with new additions like Jordan Canada and Brittney Sykes.

Expansion Teams: The Hive & The Breeze: Find out why I think The Hive, led by Kelsey Mitchell and Ezi Magbegor, will be the biggest problem in the league , and how the length of Cameron Brink and Dominique Malonga on The Breeze will create matchup nightmares.

This season starts January 5, 2026. Get ready!

🔥 Join the Conversation!

Who are your final two teams?

Do you want Ms. Main Event to cover the games via video, live stream, or keep the podcast format?

Let me know! Email me at MsMainEventpod@gmail.com or find us on social media @msmaineventpod.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Let’s break it down.

Nneka + Project B

Nneka Ogwumike didn’t tiptoe into the news cycle. She steamrolled straight into the middle of it. At a time when the WNBA is grinding through extended CBA negotiations, she became the first publicly announced player to sign with Project B. That single decision hit the league, the union, and the business side of the sport all at once.

Project B wants to be a global circuit. Six teams. Eleven players each. Seven tournaments in major cities across Asia, Europe and the Americas. The season runs November through April, which lets players do both Project B and the WNBA. It does, however, bump right into Unrivaled’s schedule.

The draw is simple. Bigger salaries. Real equity. Ownership in the product you help build. Nneka called that equity piece “striking”, and she is not lying. Women athletes have been asking for ownership opportunities for years. Project B is putting it in writing.

The business brain trust includes tech executives Grady Burnett and Geoff Prentice, with former WNBA All-Star Alana Beard running the basketball side. Investors include Candace Parker, Novak Djokovic, Sloane Stephens and Steve Young. It is a very intentional mix of credibility and capital.

The timing matters. With the WNBA still sorting out revenue sharing, salary growth and long-term working conditions, a league offering higher pay and ownership changes the math. It gives players leverage and sends a message that elite talent has choices.

Of course, there are risks. A league this global is expensive to run. A year-round playing cycle increases injury concerns. And fans who are just starting to follow the sport might feel overwhelmed by too many leagues launching at once. But this is where women’s basketball is heading. More options. More formats. More economic muscle behind the players. Nneka is betting on that future and placing the chips on herself.

Unrivaled Roster Reveal

On the court, Unrivaled had its big moment with the roster reveal. Some teams stayed true to their Season One identity. Others tore everything down to the studs and rebuilt from scratch. The expansion teams stole the show.

The Breeze loaded up with Aari McDonald, Kate Martin, Cameron Brink, Dominique Malonga, Rickea Jackson and Paige Bueckers under coach Noelle Quinn. That is not an expansion roster. That is a contending roster.

The Hive made an even louder statement. Their personality is attack from the opening tip. Monique Billings, Saniya Rivers, Natisha Hiedeman, Ezi Magbegor, Sonia Citron and Kelsey Mitchell with Rena Wakama steering the ship. This team looks like a track meet wrapped in a dope hoops uniform.

And then there are the champs. The Rose returned Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull and Azura Stevens. They replaced Angel Reese with Shakira Austin and added Sug Sutton for backcourt stability. Coach Nola Henry is back too. The champs are not here to give up anything.

The rosters are up on the Unrivaled website. So are the new jerseys for preorder. They are clean, they are sharp and they look like the league is ready to level up.

Unrivaled tips off in January and there is no clear favorite. The Breeze and the Hive look dangerous. The Rose looks steady. And the middle of the league is thick.

This season is going to be a ride.

Final Thoughts

The ecosystem of women’s basketball is expanding faster than the old guard expected. New leagues. New revenue models. New power structures. And the players are at the center of every major shift. That is the part I care about most. This is athletes shaping their own future, not waiting for someone to hand them a better deal.

Keep your eye on this space. Whenever the next episode drops, I’ll have the biggest stories and the conversations that matter.

Peace.Tasha

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.