Hoops 360

Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down the heated on-court scuffle between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury. Did Caitlin Clark deserve her fifth technical foul of the season? And what should fans make of the flurry of technicals assessed to several star players during the tense matchup?

Caroline and Cass also celebrate the official start of the WNBA’s 30th anniversary season, highlighted by a thrilling game-winner from Nneka Ogwumike that lifted the Los Angeles Sparks to a dramatic 98–97 victory over the New York Liberty. They reflect on the league’s remarkable growth and point out former WNBA players who helped pave the way for today’s success.

Plus, a preview of the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. Which team will become the first in league history to win the Commissioner’s Cup twice?

TIMECODES:

01:56 - Takeaways from Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever's scuffle with the Phoenix Mercury

19:09 - Highlighting the official tip off to the WNBA's 30th season: Sparks take down Liberty 98-97 with buzzer beater

29:37 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup preview: Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty... are we surprised?

38:14 - Must-watch upcoming matchups

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton is joined by WNBA reporter, writer and podcaster Jackie Powell who dishes out the latest updates on all things Commissioner’s Cup. The duo dive into the New York Liberty’s unbeaten run through the Eastern Conference and debate who will emerge from the West: the Minnesota Lynx or the Las Vegas Aces.

Plus, 10x WNBA All-Star, WNBA champion, president of the WNBPA and LA Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike joins the show! She discusses why she decided to return to the LA Sparks, her experience watching the new CBA she fought for come to life and opens up about what it’s like playing with teammate Kelsey Plum.

Who do you have winning the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup Championship? Let us know in the comments! 

01:40 - What does the schedule expansion to 50 games in 2027 mean for the WNBA?

05:43 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup check-in: The West

20:37 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup check-in: The East

33:35 - What could cause Liberty to fall short of a WNBA championship?

40:15 - Nneka Ogwumike joins Hoops 360!

55:20 - Must-watch upcoming matchups

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down some of the biggest surprises of the WNBA season so far - for better or for worse. The Minnesota Lynx’s ability to stay on top continues to impress, while the Los Angeles Sparks are still searching for answers on the defensive end.

The duo also takes a closer look at the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty, two teams that have found their momentum, and examines where things stand for the Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics.

Plus, A’ja Wilson’s record-breaking performance on her way to 6,000 career points headlines this week’s Spotlight of the Week.

TIMECODES:

01:46 - Good: Minnesota Lynx still on top even without Napheesa Collier

06:25 - Good: Dallas Wings have turned things around for the better

09:21 - Good: New York Liberty are on track despite injuries

15:22 - Bad: Phoenix Mercury going from 2025 finals to bottom of standings

18:10 - Bad: Sparks having no defensive spark

25:47 - Bad: Young Mystics lacking consistent success without vets

32:33 - Spotlight of the Week: A'ja Wilson

34:24 - Spotlight of the Week: Connecticut Sun retire Jonquel Jones #35

36:11 - Must-watch matchups

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and ESPN women’s basketball writer Kareem Copeland dish out an early-season temperature check on notable teams in the WNBA. What did Caitlin Clark and Stephanie White’s sideline clash really mean for the Indiana Fever? Can anyone slow down the red-hot Minnesota Lynx? And are the New York Liberty experiencing early-season growing pains?

Plus, the 2026 Commissioner's Cup is officially underway. Caroline breaks down everything you need to know about this year's tournament, including the top contenders, what's at stake, the connection to playoff positioning, and the prize money on the line.

Who do you have winning this year’s Commissioner’s Cup? Let us know in the comments!

TIMECODES:

01:42 - Indiana Fever: What did Caitlin Clark, Stephanie White exchange really mean?

10:18 - Indiana Fever's Lexie Hull on Caitlin Clark and Stephanie White exchange

17:29 - New York Liberty: Are the Liberty experiencing early-season growing pains?

21:57 - Minnesota Lynx: How do the Lynx stay on top even without Napheesa Collier?

32:26 - Portland Fire: Are the Fire exceeding expectations?

44:36 - Everything you need to know about the 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup

46:46 - Upcoming games to watch

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women basketball writer Cassandra Negley run through all the big moments they liked and disliked this past week in the WNBA: Caitlin Clark continuing to carry the Indiana Fever, whether injuries could derail the Chicago Sky’s hot start, and if it was too early for Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez to call his locker room “selfish.”

Plus, with the league’s new CBA in place and player salaries rising dramatically, Cass takes a closer look at how WNBA players are approaching wealth management, saving, and spending.

We also hear from Portland Fire head coach Alex Sarama, who discusses managing expectations and building a culture for an expansion franchise in its inaugural season.

What stood out to you this week in the WNBA?

TIMECODES:

02:25 - Caitlin Clark is BACK back

05:59 - Did Dallas Wings' HC Jose Fernandez's 'selfishness' comments come too soon in the season?

13:06 - Olivia Miles' incredible start to her rookie season

14:48 - How will Rickea Jackson's injury impact the winning Chicago Sky?

18:34 - A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are just so good

21:17 - How are players saving and spending their higher WNBa salaries?

31:29 - Portland Fire HC Alex Sarama speaks about building a culture and identity in Portland's inaugural year

39:53 - Spotlight Moments of the Week: The Atlanta Dream, Brittney Sykes & Marina Mabrey

45:42 - Upcoming must-watch matchups

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women basketball writer Cassandra Negley react to the top takeaways from the WNBA’s 30th season tipoff. They highlight the most anticipated and historic Wings-Fever matchup, move on from the Aces ugly home opener, and shout out the young Mystics core who nearly took down the Liberty veterans.

The duo also take a deep dive into the differences they’ve seen in officiating from last season to this season. Will early-season growing pains around officiating settle down by All-Star Weekend? All that and much more!

What was your favorite moment from opening week? Let us know in the comments!

01:07 - Highlighting Dallas Wings 107-104 defeat over Indiana Fever

05:58 - What is the level of concern for Caitlin Clark's back injury?

10:17 - What is Azzi Fudd's status?

17:10 - There's no need to worry about the Las Vegas Aces

23:45 - Young Washington Mystics show grit against New York Liberty veterans

26:56 - Will the Los Angeles Sparks have the same issues as last season: Defense?

31:12 - Early impressions of expansion teams: Toronto Tempo & Portland Fire

37:54 - How are officiating changes impacting the game?

38:22 - Breanna Stewart on officiating

39:45 - Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on officiating

45:14 - Must-watch matchups

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down everything you must know heading into the 2026 WNBA season. From title contenders to teams under pressure to prove themselves, the duo lays out where every squad stands as opening tip approaches.

Plus, Caroline and Cass give their predictions for WNBA awards. Who will win MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and more. They highlight the biggest stars and rising names set to define the season.

Who do you think will win MVP this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 

TIMECODES:

01:38 - Who are the top tier championship contenders?

14:22 - Who are the mid tier championship contenders?

29:18 - Who are the bottom tier championship teams?

38:44 - 2026 WNBA Awards Predictions

39:11 - MVP

46:02 - Rookie of the Year

48:13 - Coach of the Year

49:30 - Defensive Player of the Year

50:43 - 6th Woman of the Year

52:18 - Must-watch upcoming WNBA matchups

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss whether the Golden State Valkyries can live up to their historic inaugural 2025 season. Is it possible the two-year-old franchise could reach a championship title in the next five years? Golden State Valkyries President Jess Smith stops by the show to give her insight on the team's origin, the philosophy shaping their winning culture and her future goals for the team.

Plus, Caroline and Cass dive into the latest free agency buzz, unpacking why standout guard Natasha Cloud remains unsigned and what the future might hold for veteran star Tina Charles.

What’s your biggest takeaway from Jess Smith’s insight? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 

01:43 - Can the Golden State Valkyries' second season live up to their inaugural season?

08:17 - Does the Valkyries' success put pressure on the Portland Fire & Toronto Tempo?

15:35 - Golden State Valkyries President Jess Smith joins the show

29:43 - Why hasn't WNBA guard Natasha Cloud been signed?

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton is joined by Dallas Wings reporter Myah Taylor of the Dallas News to break down the team’s mindset as they build toward the 2026 season. After finishing last in 2025, can the Wings make the leap to playoff contention in just one year?

The duo also reacts to No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd’s introductory press conference, highlighting how quickly players must adjust from college basketball to the WNBA. What kind of pressure comes with entering the league as a six-figure rookie, and how might Fudd handle it? Plus, stick around for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the team’s funniest off-the-court quirks.

Got a bold take? Drop it in the comments.

TIMECODES:

01:22 - Was Azzi Fudd the right selection for Dallas?

06:40 - Can the Dallas Wings make the postseason?

07:59 - What is Jose Fernandez like as a head coach?

13:55 - What to make of the Azzi-Paige relationship questions

21:46 - How has Azzi transitioned from college to pros?

25:30 - Azzi Fudd introductory press conference

30:39 - Biggest takeaways from Wings training camp?

34:58 - What are some funny behind-the-scenes quirks the Wings have?

35:54 - What to continue to keep an eye on for the Wings?

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Hoops 360 host Cassandra Negley is joined by CT Insider’s UConn women’s basketball beat reporter Maggie Vanoni to break down the biggest moments from the 2026 WNBA Draft. Were there any surprises among the top picks? And will the Flau’jae Johnson trade ultimately be the right fit for the LSU star?

Cass and Maggie also dive into the most impactful moves in WNBA free agency so far, including updates on the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, and more. Plus, they react to the WNBA Commissioner’s recent comments on the sale and devoted fanbase of the Connecticut Sun ahead of the team’s planned move to Houston in 2027.

Got thoughts on the draft or free agency? Drop your takeaways in the comments!

TIMECODES:

01:25 - Were there any surprises from top WNBA draft picks?

12:27 - What to make of Flau'jae Johnson trade to Seattle Storm

20:31 - Overall favorite moment from the 2026 WNBA draft?

23:46 - Reactions to Cathy Engelbert's comments on Connecticut Sun sale

29:44 - Reactions to Cathy Engelbert's comments on WNBA CBA

34:20 - What trends are we seeing in WNBA free agency?

48:40 - Who's a fringe finals contender this season?

Subscribe to Hoops 360 on your favorite podcast app:

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