The MidMajors

A’ja Wilson put on a playoff MASTERCLASS as the Las Vegas Aces blew out the Indiana Fever, while Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty took control against the Minnesota Lynx.

Tacarra, Coach Chynna, and Courtney break down both WNBA playoff matchups, including what went wrong for Olivia Miles and Minnesota, how New York’s experience and three-point shooting changed the game, and why the Fever had no answer for A’ja Wilson.

The crew also discusses Caitlin Clark’s playoff performance, Stephanie White’s adjustments, Indiana’s offensive struggles, and what both the Fever and Lynx need to change moving forward.

IN THIS EPISODE:

TIMESTAMPS

00:20 – Intro

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#WNBA #WNBAPlayoffs #AjaWilson #CaitlinClark #NewYorkLiberty #MinnesotaLynx #LasVegasAces #IndianaFever

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The WNBA playoffs are here, and Tacarra and Courtney are back together to break down their 2026 WNBA Awards predictions, including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Player of the Year, All-WNBA teams, All-Defensive selections, and All-Rookie picks.

Before getting into basketball, Tacarra shares a personal update following the passing of her grandmother, her ongoing IVF journey, and what the support from the Mid-Rangers has meant during an emotional stretch.

Then it’s time to talk hoops.

Who deserves WNBA MVP? Is A’ja Wilson still the standard, or does Kelsey Mitchell have a legitimate case based on her scoring, efficiency, and importance to her team? Tacarra and Courtney debate what “valuable” should actually mean when comparing players with completely different roles and team situations.

The awards conversation also gets heated with Angel Reese for Defensive Player of the Year, Olivia Miles for Rookie of the Year, Shakira Austin vs. Jessica Shepard for Most Improved Player, and Janelle Salaün for Sixth Player of the Year.

Then comes the hardest part: building the All-WNBA teams. With players like Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Jackie Young, Paige Bueckers, Allisha Gray, A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, and Kelsey Mitchell in the conversation, somebody has to get left off.

Finally, the Mid-Majors turn their attention to the WNBA Playoffs, potential first-round matchups, Indiana’s options, and why Atlanta could be one of the most dangerous teams entering postseason play.

00:00 — We’re back! Playoff mode and getting back in sync

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The WNBA playoff race is heating up as the regular season reaches its final stretch. Tacarra breaks down the latest standings, the teams fighting for postseason positioning, and why Angel Reese deserves serious All-WNBA consideration after her breakout season.

Before getting into basketball, Tacarra shares a personal update following the passing of her grandmother and thanks the Mid-Rangers for all of the love and support during a difficult week.

She also talks about major season milestones from Rhyne Howard and Kelsey Mitchell, why teams are beginning to manage minutes ahead of the postseason, and some of the potential playoff matchups she’s most excited to see.

Then it’s time for the All-WNBA conversation. Tacarra makes her case for Angel Reese, shares her First Team picks, and explains why Angel deserves at least Second Team recognition.

Plus, the Mid Majors Podcast is getting ready to go all-in for the postseason with a playoff pre-show, game recaps, live streams and more coverage throughout the WNBA Playoffs.

Subscribe and follow The Mid Majors Podcast so you don’t miss the postseason coverage.

Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic.

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Talia Goodman joins The Mid Majors to break down the transfer portal, NIL chaos, roster movement, and the rapidly changing landscape of women’s college basketball.

Tacarra and Courtney sit down with one of the sharpest reporters covering women’s college basketball to discuss how NIL and revenue sharing have transformed the transfer portal, how agents are influencing the market, what happens when players enter the portal and don’t find a new home, and why mid-major programs still have an important place in the sport.

Talia also explains how the transfer portal market is actually being set behind the scenes — including how a single program entering the race can dramatically change a player’s value. The conversation gets into whether NIL has gone too far, why the old amateurism model no longer works, and whether college basketball eventually needs a salary cap, collective bargaining agreement, or another system to create structure.

The crew also discusses the Colorado ruling, NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams in 2027, and whether additional tournament bids will actually benefit mid-majors or simply create more opportunities for power-conference programs.

Plus, Talia gives her mid-major teams to watch, including Grand Canyon, Murray State, Fairfield, Colorado State, Toledo, Miami (Ohio), and UNLV.

If you follow women’s college basketball, the transfer portal, NIL, or mid-major hoops, this conversation gives you a look at where the sport is now — and where it could be headed next.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How Talia Goodman became a women’s basketball reporter

️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Intro: Why Talia Goodman is one of the reporters to watch in women’s college basketball

THE MID MAJORS

Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic.

Subscribe for women’s college basketball, WNBA coverage, transfer portal news, mid-major hoops, interviews, reactions, and more.

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Team USA survived an ugly matchup against Italy, but the performance raised some serious questions about the U.S. offense moving forward.

Tacarra breaks down USA vs. Italy and reacts to a rough shooting night, struggles against Italy’s 2-3 zone, missed opportunities around the rim, and the lack of a consistent go-to scorer when the game tightened up.

The U.S. shot just 28.6% from the field, went 1-for-12 from three, made only 16 field goals, and committed 14 turnovers. Italy struggled offensively too, but this was the type of performance that could cost Team USA against a stronger opponent.

Caitlin Clark finished 0-for-6 from the field after the conversation surrounding her usage in the previous game, while A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum also struggled to establish themselves offensively. Tacarra discusses who Team USA can trust to create a bucket when the offense stalls and whether this roster has enough reliable three-point shooting.

There were positives. Angel Reese made an impact defensively, Breanna Stewart helped on the glass, and Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray made important winning plays late. But overall, Team USA never established a consistent half-court rhythm.

This isn’t a panic game — it’s a film-session game.

With France up next and the ultimate goal of winning gold in Berlin, Team USA has to reset, adjust to the physicality of international basketball, and find its offensive identity.

TIMESTAMPS

0:20 – Opening reaction to a messy game

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#TeamUSA #USABasketball #CaitlinClark #WomensBasketball #FIBA

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Cathy Engelbert’s time leading the WNBA included historic league growth, expansion, increased franchise valuations, and a massive $3 billion media rights deal. But as the WNBA enters its next era, Tacarra believes the league needs leadership that can rebuild trust with players, protect the WNBA’s identity, control its own narrative, and be visible when difficult issues arise. In this episode, Tacarra explains why she believes Engelbert’s departure comes at the right time and what qualities should define the next WNBA commissioner. She also makes the case for Nneka Ogwumike, pointing to her experience as a player, advocate, and longtime WNBPA leader. Key Topics Cathy Engelbert retiring as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s legacy and accomplishments WNBA growth and league expansion The $3 billion WNBA media rights deal What the WNBA needs from its next commissioner Rebuilding trust between WNBA leadership and players Why the league needs stronger control of its narrative The importance of visibility and accountability from WNBA leadership Could Nneka Ogwumike become WNBA Commissioner? What comes next for the WNBA Timestamps 00:00 - Cathy Engelbert’s retirement announcement and opening reaction 00:47 - Why Tacarra thinks the move is the right one 01:13 - What Cathy Engelbert accomplished during her tenure 01:42 - The $3 billion media rights deal and CBA impact 02:13 - Why the next commissioner must protect the WNBA’s identity 02:41 - Chaos, drama, and controlling the league narrative 03:11 - Rebuilding trust with WNBA players 03:37 - Why visibility and accountability matter 04:04 - Why Tacarra wants Nneka Ogwumike as commissioner

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Kate Koval has spoken out about her decision to withdraw from LSU women’s basketball, and her statement makes it clear that this situation goes far beyond what happens on the court.

In this episode, Tacarra reacts to Kate Koval’s statement and breaks down the circumstances surrounding her decision to step away from the LSU program. With Koval’s personal connection to the ongoing war in Ukraine through her family, Tacarra discusses why athletes sometimes have to make decisions based on their values, family and personal circumstances — not simply basketball.

This conversation also raises bigger questions about college athletics, coaching decisions, player empowerment and the expectations placed on student-athletes.

KEY TOPICS

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Skylar Diggins’ postgame comments have sparked a major conversation around the Chicago Sky, player health, rehab resources and WNBA facilities. Tacarra reacts to the viral discussion surrounding Diggins and breaks down why her decision to return to Notre Dame for rehab may say more about trust and resources than people realize.

Was Skylar Diggins really “crashing out,” or was she being honest about the realities players face when trying to stay healthy during a difficult WNBA season?

In this episode of the Mid Majors Podcast, Tacarra breaks down Skylar Diggins’ comments, the Chicago Sky’s injury-plagued season and the larger conversation surrounding WNBA facilities, medical staffs, rehabilitation and player development.

Tacarra explains why Diggins choosing to rehab at Notre Dame stood out and why professional players need access to elite physical therapy, recovery, training and medical resources without having to travel significant distances to receive them.

The conversation also turns to the Chicago Sky organization. With injuries impacting the roster throughout the season and numerous close losses, how much blame should fall on the coaching staff? Should Chicago make changes, or does the current staff deserve another opportunity with a healthier roster?

Tacarra also pushes back against the idea that Skylar Diggins quit on her team. When a season is effectively over, should veteran players prioritize their long-term health instead of pushing through injuries?

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Tacarra and Courtney react to the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 25 rankings and debate which teams deserve the hype heading into the 2026-27 season.

Is South Carolina the clear No. 1 team? Are Duke and Michigan ranked too high? Where should LSU actually be ranked? And which teams like Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Oklahoma could surprise people this season?

The Mid Majors break down Post Her Hoops’ early Top 25 and compare it with another women’s college basketball rankings list. Instead of just looking at the numbers, Tacarra and Courtney dig into roster construction, transfer portal additions, freshmen, returning players, depth and player development to determine which programs actually have the pieces to justify their rankings.

WAY-TOO-EARLY WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 REACTIONS

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