The Connecticut Sun are shining bright, and all their hard work on defense is paying off. Samantha gives a huge nod to Briann January for bringing her defensive skills as a player to her new job as an Assistant Coach. Meanwhile, in the wake of Candace Parker’s indefinite absence, the Las Vegas has signed some new talent that has everyone excited, Joslyn included. The tide quickly shifts as Samantha and Joslyn have a bone to pick, and they aren’t sure if they’re more upset with mainstream media, so-called fans, the league, or individual teams, but they are OVER Black women being villainized in the league so they talk about it head on. Skylar Diggins-Smith and Chennedy Carter are two of the hardest working players of today and have never strayed away from speaking their truth. It’s about time they got the respect they deserve. Listen up! The ladies have spoken! Lastly, Samantha and Joslyn’s breakout stars have become X-factors for their respective teams, and Joslyn and Samantha share why. Be sure to join us on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ and follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We would love to hear your thoughts!

P.S.-If you're in New York City any time through August 20th, Samantha highly recommends you check out Flex at Lincoln Center Theater! This all-Black female cast tells the story of five high school basketball players with big dreams of making it out of rural Arkansas and into the WNBA. First, they have to be willing to get out of their own way as they juggle the pressures of being young, Black, and female in their small town.

*trigger warning* In this episode, Joslyn and Samantha discuss the seriousness of domestic violence (DV). Beyond the Bleachers does not condone DV of any kind, and we send our prayers to all those that may be involved in situations of DV. If you are in need of support related to DV, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org/ to live chat with a support person.

The Aces have found themselves in the midst of hot topics once again. Samantha is lamenting over the news that her girl Candace Parker is out indefinitely after having left foot surgery, and Joslyn and Samantha have a touching conversation on domestic violence in lieu of Riquna Williams recent arrest. Then, we are joined by another Sophisticated Spectator-Joy Tharrington, the new Director of Player Development for East Tennessee State University. She shares her thoughts on a little bit of everything-NIL, the NCAA transfer portal, her transition from player to coach, and the players that she looked up to in the W. We love a Maya Moore fanatic! Joy has nearly a decade of coaching experience under her belt and it shows in how she talks about the game! Lastly, Joslyn and Samantha were on the same wavelength with the same breakout star of the week-Kayla McBride-who showed that sleeping on the Lynx is never a good idea! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us!

The second half of the season is underway! Some teams have gained momentum, while others still struggle to find their ground. Samantha and Joslyn received a special request to give our thoughts on a new Sophisticated Spectator's favorite player, which led us to talking about the new Unrivaled league being started by two WNBA superstars and UConn alum. How does this league match up with the already established AU Pro Sports women's professional basketball league? Plus, our breakout stars will have you craving for more as they both work their way back from injuries but are quickly finding their way and making waves. Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us!

We are officially at the halfway point of the 2023 WNBA season. Samantha and Joslyn go through the past, present, and future by highlighting their favorite moments of the season thus far, their favorite moments from All-Star Weekend, and their predictions for the winners of the top awards at the end of the WNBA season (Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Sixth Woman of the Year). Which players have taken their game to new heights and which are still struggling to find their rhythm? What teams are on a roll so far and which ones are quickly falling out of it? What was your favorite moment from All-Star Weekend, and are we excited for next year's festivities in Phoenix? Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us!

This episode is a little longer because we have a lot to say! Las Vegas has been defeated once again. We told you last week that its all in the hair and this week Alysha Clark proved our theory to be correct. Meanwhile, it's the elephant in the room. The big E. You guessed it. We're talking about the almighty ego. We all have one, but when does it go too far? We talk team success vs personal gains. Plus, Sabrina lonescu is on the cover of NBA 2K24. The streets are talking and so are we. Is she deserving? Who would have been a better choice? Is it even that big of a deal? After the episode we want to hear your thoughts. Also, Lexie Hull started the season rocky has recently elevated her game to new heights, and Jackie Young may be quiet but her game is far from it. Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We’d love to hear who you think is an unsung hero of the W!

It’s officially all-star season, as the WNBA has announced the 2023 all-star game starters! Find out which players we are most excited about, and which players we think should be reserves. Also, find out about the devastation that has hit the Connecticut Sun and what two players Samantha believes are the keys to their success moving forward. Here's a hint...one of them is her breakout star of the week! Also, is being a hothead player a good thing or a bad thing? Find out why Joslyn thinks it may not be such a good thing as we discuss Arike Ogunbowale’s recent ejection from a game while she was on the bench! Was it targeted or due diligence? Let us know your thoughts! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We would love to hear from you!

Samantha and Joslyn have a special guest this week-2014 McDonald's All American and Duke Blue Devil Lynee' Belton (@lynee_be). She shares her experience playing for a Power 5 program, her passion in advocating for mental well-being in and out of basketball, and the family ties she shares with Samantha. As an avid WNBA watcher herself and current AAU basketball coach, Lynee’ shows just why we dubbed her a fellow Sophisticated Spectator. She names the team she thinks will give the Las Vegas Aces a run for their money come playoffs and pinpoints what makes Dawn Staley and her Gamecocks stand out from the rest. Also, Joslyn and Samantha emphasize just how important it is to stay ready while highlighting some players that have gotten called on in some crucial moments this season. Plus, find out what has Samantha annoyed with the media this week! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We would love to hear from you!

Samantha and Joslyn have nothing but praise for the Connecticut Sun! They took time to highlight their win over the previously undefeated Las Vegas Aces and selected two of their starters as breakout stars this week. Then, they do team recaps and discuss what each team is doing well or needs to be doing in order to find success moving forward. They also share some opinions that they feel may be slightly controversial, including reigning in Dallas Wings superstar Arike Ogunbowale, trading New York Liberty’s own Sabrina Ionescu, and taming the big personality that is Phoenix Mercury living legend Diana Taurasi. Plus, are the Seattle Storm planning for a big move?! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We’d love to hear who you think is an unsung hero of the W!

Samantha and Joslyn have officially hit WNBA overload! June has sent the season into high gear and there’s no slowing down now. In noting the lack of diversity shown reporting on the league, they highlight the importance of Black media voices in and around the W and where you can find all the latest and greatest that mainstream media doesn’t tell us. Plus, is Napheesa Collier the next superstar for the Minnesota Lynx? Has Lexie Brown found a home with the Los Angeles Sparks? As always, go to our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us!

Black media voices to follow:

LaChina Robinson @lachinarobinson on Instagram and Twitter

Terrika Foster-Brasby @sheknowssports_ on Instagram, @sheknowssports on Twitter

Khristina Williams @khristinawilliams on Instagram, @khristina on Twitter

Subria Whitaker @subriawhitaker on Instagram and Twitter

Ari Chambers @ariivory on Instagram and Twitter

Rosters continue to change moment by moment, but one thing that remains devastating is being cut from the team. LSU standout and 2023 second round draft pick Alexis Morris was waived by the Connecticut Sun after one preseason game, but it’s her words in the days following that had the league talking. Samantha recounts those words plus the reactions around the W that ultimately lead to Morris’ apology on Instagram. Joslyn chimes in with her thoughts on the significance of competing for a spot in the best professional women’s basketball league in the world. Plus, hear what they have to say about the lack of respect the league gets from the media. Then, in speaking of elite players, Samantha and Joslyn give a special nod to some of the W’s “unsung heroes” and highlight some prolific players that they think aren’t getting enough shine. It’s one week into the season and these players already have us on the edge of our seats! Join us as we continue the discussion on our Instagram page @beyondthebleachers_ where you should follow (especially if you love giveaways!), like, comment, or DM us! We’d love to hear who you think is an unsung hero of the W!