In this episode of The Sixth Woman Basketball Podcast, Beza and Tony break down everything you need to know ahead of the upcoming WNBL season — from new league ownership to previews on teams and the faces of the WNBL.

They explore predictions for the top and bottom four teams, highlight players like Cayla George, Anneli Maley and Jade Melbourne faces of the league, and dive into recent WNBA controversies, including Cheryl Reeve’s suspension and Napheesa Collier’s comments on WNBA leadership. There’s also speculation around new signings in WNBL and what these marquee signings mean for the WNBL’s future.

This episode also pays tribute to Tiana Mangakahia, celebrating her resilience and contribution to basketball on and off the court.

Key Takeaways

• The WNBL is entering a new era with fresh ownership and rebranding.
• Expectations are high as new teams and players prepare for the upcoming season.
• Cayla George, Jade Melbourne and Anneli Maley are spotlighted as key faces of the league.
• Team predictions are divided between top four contenders and bottom four.
• Predictions for top 2, WNBL Champions, MVP and Breakout Player of the Year.
• The WNBA faces challenges with Cheryl Reeve’s suspension and leadership debates.
• Nafisa Collier’s comments have sparked conversation about direction and governance of the WNBA.
• A heartfelt tribute to Tiana Mangakahia honours her strength and influence in women’s basketball.
• Rumours of new signings could shift the balance of power within the WNBL this season.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to The Sixth Woman Basketball Podcast
02:48 – New WNBL League Launches in October - What Does This All Mean and What Can We Hope For
06:30 – Faces of the WNBL 2025-26: Cayla George, Jade Melbourne and Anneli Maley
11:30 – Team by Team Predictions: Top Four or Bottom Four
27:00 – Season Predictions - Champions, MVP, Breakout Player

29:00 – Cheryl Reeves Suspension in WNBA - Fair or Not

33:00 – Nepheesa Collier Calls Out WNBA Leadership
37:00 – Tribute to Tiana Mangakahia
39:00 – Rumours in the WNBL - Han Xu and another European Star

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the FIRST EVER episode of ‘The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast’ where wespeak to the the stories, leagues, and players shaping women’s basketball globally. In this first ep we are spotlighting the shifting opportunities for players starting with the WNBA and Unrivaled leagues and how star athletes Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are changing the game on and off the court in different ways. Our conversation reflects on these changes and explores the upcoming WNBA CBA negotiations, the success of the newest franchise the Golden State Valkyries, and the crucial role of media coverage and storytelling to growing the game. We also discuss fan engagement and how they view shifting player loyalty, and how Aussie players continue to make their mark on the international stage.

Links:

• Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/the_6thwomanbasketball/
• Thanks to our sponsor: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/

Takeaways

• Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are redefining women’s basketball – who is the more interesting.
• The sport’s landscape is evolving rapidly post-pandemic with the WNBA and Unrivaled leagues changing dramatically where the best players will play.
• The CBA negotiations will reshape the WNBA’s structure and salaries.
• Better media coverage is essential to continue momentum thru visibility and growth.
• The Valkyries franchise represents innovation and investment in women’s sport.
• Recent WNBA coaching changes reflect a more professional, results-driven culture.
• Australian athletes continue to excel in the WNBA – as do USA players who have played in the WNBL
• The new WNBL represents a great opportunity to capitalise on momentum from WNBA growth
• Fan engagement is shifting with greater player movement as fans follow individual stars.
• Storytelling remains the key to building emotional connection and advocacy.
  
  
  

Chapters

00:00 – Introducing our co-hosts – Beza and Tony
02:46 – The Rise of Women’s Basketball – what’s driven this change
04:30 – The Impact of US College Basketball

07:00 – WNBA CBA Negotiations and the flow on effects and risks
11:30 – Caitlin Clark and Angel Reece – which one is more interesting

16:15 – Pay Us What You Owe Us

17:15 – The Valkyries and roster strategies
21:15 – Liberty and Storm Coaching Changes
26:00 – Aussie Players in the WNBA – How Little Coverage This Gets
29:11 – New WNBL Launching – What Can We Expect 35:15 – Listener Questions – Do Fans Follow Players or Teams; Favourite Players to Watch;

38:40 – The Importance of Storytelling in Women’s Basketball

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.