WNBA: A’ja is one of TIME’s Women of the Year; Phee really is Unrivaled

Catch on big moves from some of the biggest names in women’s basketball, along with updates about WNBA hires:

A’ja is TIME-less

A’ja Wilson was named one of TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year, joining gymnast Jordan Chiles as the two athletes honored.

In the interview, Wilson discussed how she navigates issues of race and gender in sport, both at the personal and societal levels. She also talked about on-court matters, including why she decided against participating in Unrivaled, as well as if she could see herself playing for another WNBA franchise. Check out the interview here.

Phee really is Unrivaled

Napheesa Collier not only is fundamentally-sound basketball star, but also a fundamentally good person.

The Unrivaled co-founder who captured the league’s inaugural 1-on-1 Tournament, as well as the accompanying $200,00 prize, is splitting her winnings with all of Lunar Owls, dividing up $100,000 among the performance staff and assistant coaches. Her teammates already were rewarded with $10,000 apiece.

According to ESPN, “Collier wanted to make sure she found a way to show appreciation to the staff members pouring hard work into her startup league.”

Sheldon is getting a signature

Jacy Sheldon, who now is a member of the Connecticut Sun, is getting a signature shoe.

HOLO Footwear, which prioritizes creating sustainable, affordable shoes, is launching the HOLO JS:01 in May, exclusive to Dick’s Sporting Goods. In addition to receiving royalties from sales of her signature, Sheldon has equity in company.

Storm share first public statements since investigation

On Tuesday, Seattle Storm head coach Noelle Quinn spoke to the media for the first time since allegations of bullying and harassment led to an investigation into the Storm coaching staff; the external investigation found no violations.

Quinn called the situation “a learning experience,” explaining:

I believe that the organization did the right thing. Throughout this entire process, the communication level was tremendously high. I felt supported in a lot of ways and I know my staff felt supported as well. With anything like this, it is important to take the right steps and our organization did that.

General manager Talisa Rhea also expressed support for Quinn, emphasizing that the organization has “been locked in with Noelle this entire offseason,” further adding that players “believe in what we’re building here in Seattle. They want to play with Noelle. The group that we have here is totally bought in to that. So we’re very confident in Noelle and what she’s able to do with this group this year.”

Tempo introduce Wright Rogers as GM

On Thursday, the Toronto Tempo introduced the expansion franchise’s first general manager, Monica Wright Rogers.

Of Wright Rogers, who most recently worked as the Phoenix Mercury’s assistant general manager since 2023, Tempo president Teresa Resch said:

The unique combination of experience that Monica will bring to this team is incredible. She’s a proven champion who understands the game from so many different perspectives. And she’s so much more than the collection of her experiences. Monica is an incredible relationship-builder with a sharp eye for talent who embodies everything we want the Toronto Tempo to stand for: she’s warm, welcoming, smart, driven and fiercely competitive. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on board.

The former WNBA player who won two titles with the Minnesota Lynx (2011, 2013) after a standout college career at Virginia expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, sharing:

The excitement about this team, and around women’s sports in general in Canada right now is palpable. To have the opportunity to play such a key role in building this team in this country at this moment is an honor. I am truly fortunate to be leading this franchise alongside impressive figures like Teresa and Larry [Tanenbaum, team chairman] and I thank them for entrusting me to put together a team as vibrant, passionate and dynamic as the city it calls home. Sports fans around the world should keep an eye on us.

Laces head coach joins Liberty staff

Andrew Wade, head coach of Laces in Unrivaled, will join the New York Liberty staff ahead of the 2025 season, hired as the team’s director of player development. Wade has prior WNBA experience, having been a part of the Washington Mystics’ staff for three seasons.

He also has gained experience with a Liberty player, with Betnijah Laney-Hamilton recently joining Laces as a relief player. Asked about coaching Laney-Hamilton, Wade told The Next’s Jackie Powell, “It’s a blessing having her here, honestly. I was thrilled when I got the text. And seeing her work and just jell with the group. I knew it would be an easy fit.”

Sun add assistant coaches

New Connecticut Sun head coach Rachid Meziane continues to fill out his staff, hiring Pascal Angillis and Ashlee McGee as assistant coaches. Roneeka Hodges already had joined Meziane’s staff.

Angillis not only brings over 30 years of experience to Uncasville, but also has experience working alongside Meziane, serving as an assistant for the Belgium Women’s National Team. He also has been a head coach of women’s and men’s professional clubs across Belgium.

McGee carries WNBA and NBA experiences to Connecticut, most recently as an assistant with the Washington Mystics since 2023. Prior to that, she served as a video coordinator for the Minnesota Lynx (2020-22) and Timberwolves (2021-23) after working as a scout for the Los Angeles Sparks (2018).