The GIST: The WNBA regular season tips off on Friday, but this league never sleeps. From a bona fide legend retiring to more wheeling and dealing as rosters are finalized, here’s the latest from the hardwood.
👏 Tina Charles hangs up her sneakers: There’s simply no room left in the 14-year veteran’s trophy case. Though playoff glory remained elusive, the former No. 1 draft pick earned the highest of individual accolades: Charles’ résumé includes a 2012 WNBA MVP, nine All-WNBA honors, and two scoring titles. She retires as the league’s all-time leading rebounder and its second leading scorer.
📋 Rounding up the rest of the headlines:
- ✍️ Defensive juggernaut Natasha Cloud signed a $555K deal with the Chicago Sky on Monday, before the Sky waived Hailey Van Lith later that day. Expect more moves across the league with each team’s finalized 12-player roster due tomorrow night.
- 💸 Speaking of the Valkyries, newly released valuations set the Bay Area team at $1B (yes, billion), making them the first women’s sports franchise to reach the mark. This is Ballhalla.