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?

Subscribe to Hoops 360 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the entire Yahoo Sports podcast network

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?

Subscribe to Hoops 360 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the entire Yahoo Sports podcast network

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:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the entire Yahoo Sports podcast network