If you'd like to see the charts I'm referencing in this episode, visit the Ms. Main Event Substack: https://msmaineventpod.substack.com/

Welcome back to Ms. Main Event! Today, we are putting feelings to the side (mostly) and looking at the cold, hard facts. I’ve developed the Total Competitive Index (TCI)—a composite score blending offensive and defensive efficiency—to determine which Unrivaled roster is mathematically built to dominate.

In this breakdown, I reveal why The Mist is statistically the team to beat, led by the undeniable consistency of Breanna Stewart. But numbers can’t measure heart, momentum, or chemistry. That’s why, despite the data, I’m making a bold prediction about The Hive and why rookie Saniya Rivers might be the league’s biggest sleeper.

Plus, we have to talk about The Rose. I break down the direct statistical comparison between Angel Reese and her replacement, Shakira Austin. The drop-off in rebounding and turnover ratio might be more critical than people think.

In this video, we cover:

* The Methodology: What is the TCI and how does it rank the teams?

* Top Dogs: Why Breanna Stewart makes The Mist #1 on paper.

* The Contenders: Breaking down the Lunar Owls, Phantom, and the “split identity” of the rosters.

* The “Gut” Pick: Why I think *** **** will upset the odds.

* The Angel Reese Effect: A deep dive into the stats—comparing Angel’s production vs. Shakira Austin’s efficiency.

Drop a comment below: Do you trust the numbers (The Mist) or the vibes (The Hive)? Who is your pick to win it all?

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Unrivaled by the Numbers 0:54 - What is the Total Competitive Index (TCI)? 1:40 - The #1 Ranked Team: The Mist 3:00 - The Risks: Lunar Owls & Phantom 4:50 - The Value of Consistency (Stewart vs. The Field) 8:55 - Why Stats Aren’t Destiny (The Breeze & Momentum) 12:15 - My “Gut” Prediction: The Hive & Saniya Rivers 15:30 - The Rose Analysis: Angel Reese vs. Shakira Austin Stats 20:15 - Final Thoughts & Outro

Support the Channel: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: Ko-Fi @msmaineventpod📝 |📲 Follow on Socials: @MsMainEventPod | Subscribe on Substack:

Stop with the weird Caitlin Clark takes.

In this video, I’m addressing a common sentiment from fans who are upset that I’m reporting Caitlin Clark’s full 2025 season statistics without “cherry-picking” her pre-injury numbers. While many want to blame her shooting struggles entirely on a groin injury, we have to look at the objective reality of the box score.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this video, we discuss:

* The “Cashier” Analogy: Why professional accountability matters, whether you’re handling $3,000 in a casino or shooting 1-for-23 from deep.

* Slump vs. Injury: Why a “slump” describes the result, even if an injury is the reason.

* Professional Responsibility: If a player is cleared to play and suits up, they are judged by the same standard as everyone else on the floor.

* The 2025 Reality: Breaking down the “gray area” of when her groin injury actually affected her play versus when the slump began.

I wish Caitlin Clark a healthy 2026 season, but we cannot “baby” professional athletes by only reporting the positive. If you’re on the court, you have to accept the result.

What do you think? Does an injury “erase” a bad stat line, or is the box score the final word? Let me know in the comments.

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind:

https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

The Reset: Tasha breaks down the weekend starting December 12th, calling it a reset for women's basketball with actual footage, movement, and substance after weeks of recycled debates.

🇺🇸 Team USA's Next Era: The Women's National Team training camp opened at Duke University, signaling the next era—dubbed "Young and Turnt"—is underway.

The Architects: Kara Lawson is fully in the driver's seat as head coach, teamed up with Sue Bird as managing director.

Veterans & New Wave: The camp included Olympic champions like Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper, and Chelsea Gray, alongside the new wave of stars like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink.

High-Stakes Auditions: Though the US has already clinched a spot, the World Cup qualifiers in March in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be live auditions for the 2026 Berlin tournament.

Angel Reese's Off-Court Impact: Angel Reese made noise off the court, partnering with the 53 Families Foundation for a massive holiday toy drive in Chicago, where she was the top donor. Her philanthropic focus includes giving girls access to sports, education, and financial literacy.

The Signature Shoe Uproar: Tasha discusses the growing, unified push from fans calling out sneaker brands for their slow approach to women's signature shoe lines, noting the success of A'ja Wilson's A'Ones and the immediate sell-outs of Angel Reese's AR Ones.

Unrivaled League Update: The three-on-three league is doubling down for Season 2 with a new $50,000 free throw challenge.

A Sobering Note: Satou Sabally has been ruled out indefinitely from Unrivaled due to lingering concussion symptoms from the WNBA finals in October. Tasha stresses that player health cannot be the cost of the sport's momentum.

Deep Dive Recommendation: Listen to Tasha's episode "Player First or Promise First: What project B can learn from Grand Slam track" for a deep dive on alternative leagues.

✉️ Connect with Tasha (Ms. Main Event):

Email: [email protected]

Socials (Facebook, BlueSky, Threads, Instagram): @msmaineventpod

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Project B is being billed as a revolutionary global women’s basketball league with million dollar salaries, equity stakes, and elite WNBA stars already signed on. On paper, it sounds like a dream.

But if you have been around long enough, you have seen this movie before.

In this episode, I break down why Project B is giving me serious Grand Slam Track vibes. We revisit Michael Johnson’s ambitious track league, what it promised, how it unraveled financially, and how athletes were left chasing money after the league filed for bankruptcy following its very first season.

From there, we look closely at Project B’s business model, its funding opacity, the Saudi partnership questions, and the growing gap between public promises and financial transparency. This is not about rooting against women’s basketball. It is about asking the right questions before athletes and fans are asked to buy all the way in.

Big ideas can move women’s sports forward. Weak financial foundations can burn everyone involved.

Episode Highlights

What Grand Slam Track was supposed to be and why it collapsed

The warning signs that appeared before the bankruptcy filing

How much athletes like Melissa Jefferson Wooden were actually owed

What Project B is promising players and why it feels unprecedented

The funding questions Project B still has not answered publicly

The Saudi partnership conversation and why fans care about the distinction

How Project B differs from Grand Slam Track in meaningful ways

Why Unrivaled matters as a comparison point

The questions athletes should always ask before joining a startup league

Follow Ms. Main Event Pod on all platformsSubscribe on Substack for deeper dives into women’s sports business and cultureSend your thoughts to [email protected]

THE PULSE: 2025 Women's Basketball Top 5 Stories

Host: Tasha Pierce

Duration: 42 minutes

---

STORY #1: PAIGE BUECKERS' HISTORIC ROOKIE DOMINANCE

#1 draft pick, Dallas Wings

Wings: 10-34 record (worst in league)

Paige: 19.2 PPG | 5.4 APG | 3.9 RPG | 1.6 SPG

Double-digit scoring in every game

WNBA rookie record: 44 points vs LA Sparks

3rd most points by rookie (692)

2nd in rookie assists (194) - surpasses Sue Bird

Only rookie in top 10 for points, assists, AND steals

2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year

---

STORY #2: UNRIVALED'S BREAKOUT SUCCESS

New 3-on-3 league launches January 2025

$30 million in revenue (double projections)

221,000 average viewers on TNT/truTV

Championship game (Rose BC vs Vinyl BC): 364,000 viewers

Finals MVP: Chelsea Gray (18 pts, 8 ast)

Rose BC wins 62-54

Chelsea's comeback narrative: overcame foot injury skepticism

---

STORY #3: CAITLIN CLARK'S INJURY HEARTBREAK

Quad strain on May 24 vs NY Liberty

Multiple injuries follow: groin, ankle complications

Out since mid-July through season end

Indiana Fever (without Clark): Make playoffs anyway

Five Fever players lost to season-ending injuries

Caitlin watches from sidelines as team competes in playoffs

---

STORY #4: NAPHEESA COLLIER'S 50-40-90 SEASON

Only second player ever to achieve 50-40-90 club

First to do it while averaging 20+ PPG

Stats: 53.1% FG | 40.3% 3PT | 90.6% FT | 22.9 PPG

Minnesota Lynx go 34-10 (tied most wins in single season)

Coach Cheryl Reeve: "Most unguardable player in the league"

---

STORY #5: A'JA WILSON'S HISTORIC TRIPLE CROWN

First player ever to win MVP + Finals MVP + DPOY in same season

Las Vegas Aces sweep Phoenix Mercury 4-0

Finals Game 4: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 17-19 FT

Aces' third title in four years

A'ja enters GOAT conversation

---

HONORABLE MENTION: ANGEL REESE'S SOPHOMORE SURGE & DRAMA

14.7 PPG | 12.6 RPG (led league)

Second consecutive All-Star

First player ever with 20-20 game in Unrivaled (22 pts, 21 reb)

Chicago Sky internal drama and suspensions

Trade speculation ongoing

---

BONUS: PROJECT B LAUNCHES

New 5-on-5 league launching November 2026

$5 billion fundraising

Players offered $2 million annually

Athlete-centric model (player names over city affiliations)

Global format: tournaments across Europe, Asia, Americas

Signed stars: Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Lloyd, Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas

---

KEY PLAYERS & TEAMS:

Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) | Chelsea Gray (Rose BC/Unrivaled) |

Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) | Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) |

A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) | Angel Reese (Chicago Sky)

LEAGUES MENTIONED:

WNBA | Unrivaled | Project B | Athletes Unlimited

---

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind.https://ko-fi.com/msmaineventpod

This episode digs into the real story behind one of the most electric players in basketball and asks the question the league has avoided for too long. How does a talent this undeniable end up outside the WNBA looking in?

We walk through her entire arc. Texas A&M phenom. Instant impact rookie. Friction in Atlanta and Los Angeles. A takeover overseas where she put up video game numbers. A return to Chicago that proved she can still dominate when given the keys. And now, a future that feels wide open again with WNBA expansion on the horizon.

This is a look at Chennedy Carter: the player, the perceptions, the labels that stuck too easily, and the talent that never stopped leveling up. It is also a look at what the league risks when it cannot make space for players who do not fit the mold.

In this episode:• Why Chennedy’s overseas run changed everything• How perception overtook production in her early WNBA years• Why her game is built for expansion era basketball• What teams lose when they shy away from high ceiling players• How the CC vs CC moment distorted the narrative instead of grounding it• Why her return could be one of the great comeback stories in league history

If you care about women’s hoops, if you care about nuance, if you care about the players whose stories deserve more than surface level takes, this one is worth the listen.

If you like rolling with me on Ms. Main Event, do not be shy. Tap in on Substack, hop over to YouTube, jump into the convo on Threads, or lurk on Instagram and Facebook. I am even on BlueSky trying to figure that place out.

It is all the same handle: @MsMainEventPod.

And if you want to help keep these deep dives coming, Ko Fi is where you can put a little love behind the grind. Same tag, @MsMainEventPod.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

WNBA CBA Negotiations: Show Notes

Ms. Main Event Podcast | Hosted by Tasha Pierce

Episode Overview

A deep dive into the WNBA's ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations, what both sides want, where things stand, and expert predictions on what comes next.

Recording Date: December 3, 2025Episode Length: 40+ minutes

TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS

[0:00 - 1:30] OPENINGWelcome to the episode. The stakes of the WNBA CBA negotiations and why this moment matters for women's basketball history.

[1:30 - 4:00] WHAT IS A CBA?Breaking down collective bargaining agreements: what they cover, what they govern, and what the 2020 CBA accomplished (maternity leave, family planning benefits, housing support, childcare stipends).

[4:00 - 8:00] WHY THE OPT-OUT HAPPENEDThe massive changes between 2020-2024: the WNBA explosion with new generational talent, record viewership (Caitlin Clark's debut: 2.12 million viewers), $200 million media deal (triple the previous amount), expansion to Toronto and Portland, $250 million expansion fees. Why players decided they needed a new deal.

[8:00 - 12:30] WHAT THE PLAYERS WANTThe WNBPA's top priorities: (1) Revenue sharing tied to league growth, (2) Codifying charter flights, (3) Minimum facility standards, (4) Expanded benefits. Deep dive into revenue-based income (BRI) and why a percentage-based model is crucial. Kelsey Plum quote: "First, second, third is rev share and salary."

[12:30 - 17:00] WHAT THE LEAGUE IS OFFERINGLeague's latest proposal: $1 million max base salary (5x current), $5 million team salary cap, minimum over $225,000, average salary $500,000+. Why players rejected earlier offers despite massive numbers. The "math problem": $500K average x 12 players doesn't equal $5 million cap. Concerns about revenue-sharing architecture and shareable revenue definitions.

[17:00 - 20:00] CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSALSThe problematic proposals bundled with salary increases: (1) Training camps starting mid-March (conflicts with NCAA Tournament), (2) Eliminating team housing benefits. Why this feels tone-deaf to players and fans.

[20:00 - 23:00] THE TIMELINE & EXTENSIONSOriginal deadline: October 31, 2025. First extension: 30 days to November 30. Second extension: 40 days to January 9, 2026. Either side can terminate with 48-hour notice. Why extensions are normal (last CBA negotiation also extended). The urgency around 2026 expansion timeline.

[23:00 - 28:00] WHAT IF THERE'S NO DEALFour scenarios: (1) Another extension, (2) Status quo period, (3) League lockout (prevents facilities access, pay, trades), (4) Player strike or union decertification (the "nuclear option"). Why both sides want to avoid work stoppage. FIBA Women's World Cup in October 2026 creates hard deadline.

[28:00 - 35:00] THE BIGGER PICTURE: THREE KEY FACTORS

League's Financial Situation: Claims of $50 million losses vs. $200 million revenue. Charter flights cost $50 million annually. Economists questioning reported losses. WNBA books aren't public.

Alternative Leagues: Unrivaled (3-on-3 league, near break-even). Project B (new global league offering $2 million salaries to WNBA players). WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike has signed with Project B. These alternatives change negotiating dynamics.

Leadership Tensions: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert facing criticism. Napheesa Collier called WNBA leadership "the worst in the world." Multiple team owners dissatisfied with her leadership. Tension creates uncomfortable backdrop for talks.

[35:00 - 40:00+] PREDICTIONS: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Prediction #1: Deal will happen before 2026 season starts. Both sides have too much to lose from work stoppage.

Prediction #2: Revenue sharing will be included but not straight 50-50 like NBA. Expect tiered system where player share grows with revenue.

Prediction #3: Max salary lands $800K-$1M base (not full $1.2M proposed). Minimum $150K-$200K. Average $350K-$450K. Salary cap around $4-4.5M per team.

Prediction #4: Early training camps and housing elimination proposals get dropped or significantly modified. These were negotiating tactics.

Prediction #5: Charter flights codified permanently. Facility standards established (practice facilities, weight rooms, medical staff, accommodation standards).

Prediction #6: Deal will be 4-5 years (not 7). League changing too rapidly for longer terms.

Prediction #7: 2026 offseason will be extremely compressed and chaotic. Expansion draft, free agency, college draft all happening March-April. Rosters will look dramatically different.

[40:00+] WHY THIS MATTERS BEYOND BASKETBALLThis CBA negotiation sets precedent for women's professional sports. The 2020 CBA's groundbreaking maternity leave provisions pioneered new standards. If players win revenue sharing, it establishes a blueprint for next generation of women's leagues. If negotiations fail, it stalls momentum. Both sides have incentive to get this right.

[CLOSING]The next few weeks are crucial. Negotiations will go to the wire, possibly with more extensions. When dust settles, expect transformational agreement with significantly increased player compensation and meaningful revenue-sharing framework.

KEY FIGURES & QUOTES

Kelsey Plum (WNBPA First VP): "First, second, third is rev share and salary"

Nneka Ogwumike (WNBPA President): "The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still"

Sue Bird (on 2020 CBA): "We're going to be looked at as pioneers in the sports world"

Cathy Engelbert (WNBA Commissioner): League wants to "significantly increase" player compensation

KEY TERMS EXPLAINED

CBA: Collective Bargaining Agreement (contract governing salaries, benefits, working conditions)

Revenue Sharing / BRI: Basketball-Related Income (percentage of league revenue distributed to players)

Salary Cap: Maximum amount teams can spend on player salaries

Core Designation: Allows teams to retain one unrestricted free agent

Prioritization Rule: Requires WNBA players in market by training camp or face suspension

Opt-Out: Players' union's right to exit current agreement early

IMPORTANT DATES

October 21, 2024: Players union opts out of current CBA

October 31, 2025: Original deadline (passed)

November 30, 2025: First extension deadline (passed)

January 9, 2026: Current deadline for new CBA

March-April 2026: Expected timeline for expansion draft, free agency, college draft

October 2026: FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (hard deadline for season to end)

LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND:

What a collective bargaining agreement actually is and why it matters

Why 2025 was the perfect time for players to opt out

The difference between the league's proposed numbers and what players actually need

How Project B and alternative leagues give players negotiating leverage

What happens if negotiations break down

The most realistic outcomes for a new CBA

Contact Tasha Pierce / Ms. Main Event:

Email: [email protected]

Social: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky (@MsMainEventPod)

Substack: MsMainEventPod

The Ultimate Championships are coming in 2026, and World Athletics is calling it the biggest shakeup the sport has seen in years. Three days. All finals. Invite only. No warm up rounds. No safety nets.

In this episode of “Spikes On, Mics On,” I break down what this meet really is, how qualifying works, what events made the cut, who gets left behind, and what this means for the future of track and field. The money is big. The risks are bigger. And the choices World Athletics made will shape the sport for years to come.

If it hits the track, it hits this show.

Subscribe to Ms. Main Event for more coverage across women’s sports and global track and field.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This episode is not about slowing down. It is about building wisely. Because the boom is real. And with the right foundation, it becomes a new era instead of a fleeting moment.

In this episode• Why the surge of new leagues is both thrilling and risky• The tension between opportunity and oversaturation• How talent gets stretched when too many products hit the market at once• The hidden cost of nonstop play on athletes• What expanding fanbases bring to the culture• What sustainable growth should look like for women’s sports

Listen if you care aboutThe WNBA, Unrivaled, AU, Upshot, Project B, MLV, volleyball, Olympic sports, athlete health, league development, the future of women’s pro sports, and where all of this momentum is taking us next.

Call to actionIf this episode resonates, share it with someone who loves women’s sports as much as you do. Follow the show, tap into the community, and keep the conversation moving. The shift is happening, and the main event is only getting louder.

Thanks for reading Ms. Main Event! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

As betting scandals shake men’s sports, women’s leagues have a choice: react later or lead now.Integrity isn’t paperwork. It is the foundation of credibility.My latest piece for Ms. Main Event explores how women’s sports can protect their future.

Read here → https://open.substack.com/pub/msmaineventpod/p/when-cheating-in-mens-sports-threatens?r=6p1ttm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueMs. Main Event HQ: https://linktr.ee/msmaineventpod