The Portland Fire megasode is here! There was so much to discuss we had to bring on two expert guests.

We spoke with Bill Oram, an Oregonian columnist, about the history of the team, why we think the name really misses the mark, Oregon's prominent women's basketball culture, a deeper look at coaching staff picks and somehow, much more! We reference Oram's popular column about his opinion on the team's name, here: https://www.oregonlive.com/wnba/2025/06/portlands-wnba-owners-had-one-job-dont-name-the-team-after-the-disaster-destroying-our-state-bill-oram.html

Next, we spoke with Portland branding expert, Kate Sokoloff. She gave her professional reaction to the name and overall branding (spoiler alert: they could've done better). It's not all negative though! To end the episode we went through all 15 WNBA names/logos and had a rapid fire analysis of each.

Fun fact: Did you know the Portland Fire was the only WNBA team to have folded before every making the playoffs?

To follow along with all the images we mentioned, follow us on social media @homestanspod

Thank you so much to Bill and Kate for sharing your expertise with us!

What do YOU think of the Fire's name and logo?! Please let us know in the comments!

For this Player Spotlight episode, we are digging into the life and career of THE Big BG, Brittney Griner.

Throughout this episode, we refer to a few books and other pieces of media. Here is a list:

• "In My Skin" by Brittney Griner with Sue Hovey (2014)
• "Coming Home" by Brittney Griner with Michelle Burford
• Interview with BG and Cam Newton (2025)
• Expose on Kim Mulkey in Washington Post (2024)

With the meteoric rise of women’s basketball come new ways to watch—and new places for athletes to play. On today’s episode of HomeStans, Mia and Chris discuss how new professional women’s basketball leagues, Unrivaled and Project B, compare to the WNBA. They answer questions like:

• How does Unrivaled’s untimed fourth quarter work?• What is Project B’s involvement with the Saudi royal family?• Should the WNBA be nervous?!

Follow us on socials for more WNBA news, noticings, etc., etc., etc.

Instagram: ⁠@homestanspod⁠

TikTok: ⁠@homestans.pod⁠

Facebook: ⁠HomeStans Podcast⁠

X: ⁠@HomeStansPod

The Goat. The White Mamba. The LITERAL WNBA ICON (probably). On this episode of HomeStans, we dive into the life and career of Diana Taurasi.

*DISCLAIMER*

A lot of our research for this episode was from the recently-released, three-part documentary on Taurasi from Amazon Prime. While we go in depth and touch on a lot of the doc, we still recommend watching it. We both loved it and think it would be perfect for women's basketball lovers and people who aren't even really into sports at all. Here's the link to watch: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Taurasi/0GKYID7CSBH1VUEUR3LHGYNYQ1

Follow us on socials for more WNBA news, noticings, etc, etc, etc

Instagram: @homestanspod

TikTok: @homestans.pod

Facebook: HomeStans Podcast

X: @HomeStansPod

...Buhlieve it!!

I am breaking down everything you need to know about the StudBudz, the iconic duo of Minnesota Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman.

You'll learn about their high school and college days, how they became best friends and my thoughts on why their popularity skyrocketed this season (yes, it has something to do with their 72-hour livestream over All Star Weekend).

Articles used in this episode:

Vogue: It's StudBudz Season and Everyone is Watching

SLAM Magazine: StudBudz: Welcome to the Party

Players' Tribune: Courtney Williams is a Problem

Green Bay Press Gazette: Talents go beyond court for Southwest's Hiedeman

Helloooo women's basketball fans! For this episode of the HomeStans Podcast, we wanted to just reminisce for a bit. We are both giving our top 5 favorite moments of the season as well as analyzing some of our favorite tunnel fits.

For visuals, watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcG1NnBljnc

Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. @homestanspod

Producer's Note: This was recorded before Game 4 of the WNBA Finals (congratulations, Aces!).

Mia and Chris detail Game 3 of the WNBA Finals and dissect how the Aces got this far with such a shaky start to the season. There were also plenty of fun and important off-court moments this week, like developments with the CBA, Nate Tibbetts comments that continue to test Mia's patience, and the announcement of a WNBA player being the first professional athlete to be a Victoria's Secret Angel!

We also have a few hot takes on the final All-WNBA team awards...

Whew, quite a few headlines around the WNBA this week! Today, we discuss:

• Fever vs. Aces series
• Napheesa Collier's comments on WNBA officiating, pay and leadership
• Cheryl Reeve's fines and suspension and noticing those who have not voiced support (looking at you, Nate Tibbetts)
• Dallas Wings' Chris Koclanes is fired
• We find out while recording that Jane Goodall has passed away :( RIP
• Aces vs. Mercury finals match-up

We also mention Chris' good friend, Bonnie Ford and her very profound statement on Collier's statements. Mia mentioned Ford's book "Choosing to Run" about runner Des Linden. It's an AMAZING read. Here's a link to buy: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/choosing-to-run-des-linden/1141726885?ean=9780593186640

Mia is bravely putting her COVID-induced, stuffy voice on display to bring you the latest in 2025 WNBA Semifinals, wild coaching shakeups and why the Jonas Brothers have been dominating WNBA Twitter in the last few days.

Chapters:00:00-Introduction and Game Two Overview

01:26-Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx Recap

04:10-Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever Analysis

09:36-Coaching Shakeups in the WNBA

13:05-Sandy Brandello's Surprising Firing

23:33-Fashion and Coaching in the WNBA

28:14-Cultural Shifts in Women's Sports

Articles mentioned:

Ben Pickman for the Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6656968/2025/09/24/new-york-liberty-coaching-candidates-sandy-brondello/Emma Childs for Marie Claire:

https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/sandy-brondello-new-york-liberty-head-coach-work-style/

And then there were four! Chris and Mia break down the first round of the WNBA playoffs and the winners of Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Year and Co-Defensive Player(s) of the Year.

What went wrong with the New York Liberty? How will Mia survive the Seattle Storm getting so close to knocking out the Aces? We answer these burning questions and more!

Happy WNBA Playoffs to all who celebrate <3