And we got a book at practice today! Can’t wait to read Natasha Howard’s ‘The Vision Through My Lens: My Life in Basketball and Beyond” with the great @deyscha.bsky.social, my colleague at @theixsports.bsky.social! Preorder link below:
Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
@macsmith413.bsky.social
Professional Communicator. Writer. Proud Spartan. Come for the women’s hoops, stay for the unsolicited advice.
Full quote on Natalie Nakase’s answer to being asked about what she thinks about regarding the ongoing Sophie Cunningham/trans-athletes debate that's swept across the WNBA - kenzo fukuda on x "Im all about women, little girls deserving to play & that includes trans women...im all about inclusivity"
Sophie Cunningham isn’t rejecting politics. She’s cashing in on them www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...
Sophie Cunningham isn’t rejecting politics. She’s cashing in on them
Sophie Cunningham’s rise says less about basketball than the incentives of a sports culture where outrage, identity politics and attention have become lucrative commodities
theguardian.com
Disparate thoughts: 1) S Cunningham thing is starting to feel orchestrated by those who want to keep issue in front of people, er voters. The midterms are coming. 2) Not surprised Valks didn't move on Plum. Would have been too costly and in Year 2, GSV doesn't need to be in short-term rental biz.
With Kelsey Plum on the verge of leaving Los Angeles, @emilyadler.bsky.social and a roundtable of our WNBA reporters pitch trade packages for the star guard from potential landing spots around the league. www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
WNBA reporters pitch potential trades for Kelsey Plum | The IX Sports
The IX Sports' WNBA beat reporters weigh in on possible trade packages their teams could make for five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum.
theixsports.com
Support independent bookstores and women who write about women's sports! Come on out and let's talk about how Tara VanDerveer laid the groundwork for the incredible support that the @wgoldenstate.bsky.social enjoy!
Anyone who revels in the WNBA “mess” and then lectures others about player mental health should check themselves. Hard.
The Valkyries were the hottest team in the WNBA entering the All-Star break. But can they contend for a title? @macsmith413.bsky.social looks at the key questions facing Golden State as they get ready for the stretch run: www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
Valkyries rolling, yet face some stretch-run realities | The IX Basketball
Can the Valkyries challenge Minnesota or Las Vegas on the way to a title run?
theixsports.com
Caitlin Clark’s flopping isn’t just annoying — it’s becoming dangerous.
Caitlin Clark’s flopping isn’t just annoying — it’s becoming dangerous | Opinion
Clark has repeatedly berated refs after not getting calls replays show she doesn't deserve
usatoday.com
The Mystics upset the Valkyries in the Bay, 90-82, for their first-ever win over Golden State. Kiki Iriafen had a game-high 23 points (8-12 FG), 12 rebs and 4 assists. Shakira Austin added 15 and 15, and Sonia Citron had 17 and 6 assists. @theixsports.bsky.social #WNBA
Randoms from Chase Center tonight. Lines started forming for Hello Kitty giveaway before 4 p.m. 7,000 people were in the arena more than an hour before the game after they secured their treasure. Hello Kitty walked off the elevator with at least six handlers. It was like a fever deam.
Like everyone else, I worried about this World Cup. But what a joyful few weeks.
Summers are no longer something to be enjoyed but to be endured.
News writers...Mitch McConnell didn't "say" or "reveal" anything. It was a statement with his name on it. And you have no proof that he wrote it, or dictated it, or had any input in it at all. Lord, do the basic work here.
Great narrative on this stat from @macsmith413.bsky.social #WNBA www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
Valkyries' second unit contributions proving key to success | The IX Basketball
The secret to Golden State's success is their bench; the second unit doesn't just help starters rest, they help win games.
theixsports.com
Make it 6 in a row. A franchise record. First time in the W to 16 wins. Tied for first. Pretty remarkable stuff.
The IX Sports@theixsports.bsky.social · 4w agoAs the Valkyries wrap up Q1 against the Toronto Tempo tonight, check out @macsmith413.bsky.social's latest on how the Valkyries have built their strong defense: www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
He owes no apologies. And he is quickly becoming one of my favorite athletes.
USA TODAY Sports@usatodaysports.usatoday.com · 4w agoFolarin Balogun apologizes to US soccer fans after the team was eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium
Golden State Valkyries (WNBA) Bay FC (NWSL) Golden State Storm (WNFC) San Francisco Signal (LOVB) San Francisco Firebells (WPBL) PWHL San Jose Oakland Soul (USL) The Bay loves women’s sports
There is a very effective campaign ad in here somewhere. "Is your favorite team next?"
Too many people who “cover” the WNBA don’t and won’t account for who they are in the space they occupy. I am a white, middle aged, straight, cisgender woman. And yes I’ve covered the league for 30 years. But my opinion about some things just doesn’t matter. Just shut up and listen.
If everyone doesn’t pull their shit together about Caitlin Clark I’m going to lose mine.
Marina Mabrey drops 53 points in a win for the Tempo, tying the WNBA single game scoring record previously held by just A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey drops 53 points, tying WNBA record
Marina Mabrey tied the WNBA single-game scoring record, scoring 53 points for the Toronto Tempo in their win over the LA Sparks.
usatoday.com
No must-wins at this point in the season, but the @wgoldenstate.bsky.social s could use a big win (or a few) over one of the league's best teams in the Dream. If Vegas and Minnesota are the wall GSV needs to scale this season, matching up with and beating Atlanta, would be a good boost.
Worst loss of the season for the #Valkyries as they fall 92-73 to the #Aces. Just a cold night shooting + a brilliant offensive performance from the Aces. It won't get any easier as the next four will go: ATL 2x, NY, ATL again.
Tiffany Hayes just walked back to the Valkyries' locker room with the training staff. She came off a little bit ago, wincing in pain on the bench, and was holding her foot. @theixsports.bsky.social #WNBA #Valkyries
@wgoldenstate.bsky.social defense holding rookie sensation Olivia Miles to two points, two assists at the half.