HomeStans

Happy WNBA Finals Day! Here's a bit of a preview for the games ahead as well as a recap of some of the past few week's biggest stories:

• Our predictions. Well, they blew LOL.

• Liberty timeout scandal

• Venue chaos! 

• Player awards

• Sophie and Trump. Ew.
• Jonquel Jones’ interview w/Ryan Clark and her thoughts on CC, the Fever. Interesting!
• Predictions for Finals.

'Tis the season! The WNBA playoffs are finally here and we break down the storylines of each matchup, what we're most excited to see and, of course, our predictions on outcomes and player awards.

It's no secret that the WNBA has been under attack by right-wing extremists, grifters and freaks the last few months. So today, we wanted to bring only the positive headlines. True fans of this league love it for so many good reasons.

Media Mentioned:

Diana Taurasi Prime Documentary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH5JB22Y?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

HomeStans Taurasi Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/52RtopnrGrAUMCxzPmSyTf?si=HV5P1IhyRSSjxGF-OLlmfQ

This week, we recapped All-Star Weekend happenings, a WNBA betting scandal and other off court happenings. However, we spend the majority of out time discussing the anti-trans remarks Sophie Cunningham issued--why they're harmful, why it is quite hypocritical and why the issue surrounding trans athletes in women's sports is even an issue sooo many people feel so passionate about.

We want to extend understanding to people who may have complicated feelings on the topic. HomeStans is a space where we want everyone to feel included. We want to make it clear that we do not stand with Sophie Cunningham or other people making bad faith comments in an attempt to exclude marginalized communities. It's very disappointing.

Mia's rec of the week: This episode of the Diabolical Lies where they truly break down every part of this argument: https://www.diabolicalliespod.com/p/what-trans-athletes-actually-mean

Also, here is a link to a claim Mia cites about the manufacturing of the trans athletes in sports panic: https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/terry-schilling-trans-bathroom-bill-hb2/

Yep! Another yap sesh!

This week's topics:

• Caitlin Clark shoes: new colorways

• Chennedy Carter waived
• WNBA's approach to external comms...
• All-Star!
• Skylar Diggins criticizing the Chicago Sky organization
• Unexpected performances (good & bad)

Our "Oh My God Have You..." recommendations:

• The best weeknight recipe - Bang Bang Chicken Thighs from Caileeeats (Mia)
• "Trying" on AppleTV (Chris)

The 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup scene has been set. The Las Vegas Aces will face the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on June 30! There are a lot of fun storylines and kismet moments with this matchup and we break them all down. 

We start with some of the top headlines from around the league and reference Unrivaled and Project B, two other professional women’s basketball leagues. For more background on the two, listen to our episode where we break it all down: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/project-b-and-unrivaled-how-do-the-newest-leagues/id1828513002?i=1000743139206

We are coming to you this week with another informal chat about all the major headlines coming out of the WNBA at the start of this season. We try to get to the bottom of these new points of emphasis in officiating, dissect what's going so right and so wrong with a few of the teams and even scrutinize some of the comments we're seeing from coaches! I guess we're going back to our roots.

Follow us on socials @homestanspod

We are recapping the first few days of WNBA games. We break down the rookies who are already dominating and those who are taking a while finding their footing. We discuss the new style of officiating and whether we love it or hate it (listen to this episode if you're interested in more background on the tumultuous history of WNBA officiating: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4vzZPULC92b)

We also go share our VERY early predictions for MVP, ROTY, DPOY and 2026 Champion.

With the 2026 WNBA draft complete and training camp started, a clearer picture of the upcoming season is forming and we are diving into it! 

Did we agree with the No. 1 pick? What were our fashion highlights? Who were the “winners and losers” of the draft? Will Mia ever shut up about the Flau’Jae Johnson to Seattle trade?! 

That and more on this week’s episode of HomeStans! 

Follow @homestanspod on social platforms for more

We are deep diving the brand new WNBA CBA. A few top details:

• It solidifies the largest single season salary increase in all of sports history.
• Max salaries are increasing over 400%.
• It sets players past, present and future up for success.
• We will have a full WNBA season this year!!!!

We are seriously thrilled that the players' pay will be more reflective of what they deserve. We also wanted to credit great boots-on-the-ground reporting from Alexa Philippou, Annie Costabile and more.