Seattle's stock falls | Vegas puts up a fight | WNBA trade deadline looms
The Storm can't seem to stop the skid, falling to the Lynx even without star Napheesa Collier, plus the Aces hunt consistency and more news to know
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Seattle’s skid continues
The Storm have slipped to No. 6 in the standings on a three-game losing streak. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
No. 6 Seattle continues to lose ground, sliding down the WNBA standings after falling to No. 1 Minnesota 91-87 last night — even as injured Lynx star Napheesa Collier watched from the sidelines.
Once sitting as high as No. 4 this season, the Storm are now on a three-game losing streak after a string of very narrow score lines.
“We know those deposits are going to pay dividends coming up, but yeah, I think this group needs to feel a win,” Storm head coach Noelle Quinn said after Sunday’s 78-74 loss to the Fever.
Sparks stand up: No. 9 LA isn’t giving up, ending No. 5 Indiana’s five-game winning streak on Tuesday with a 100-91 victory to mark the Sparks’ seventh win in eight games — and boost them over No. 10 Washington in the standings.
Sparks leaders Rickea Jackson and Kelsey Plum combined for 50 points in the win, while newly returned Cameron Brink tied her career-high five registered blocks.
Bottom line: While some teams struggle, others surge as the lottery-likely decide whether to throw their weight behind a playoff push or shift focus to next year.
Las Vegas puts up a fight
The Aces sit at No. 7 in the standings despite A’ja Wilson (L) averaging 21.3 points per game. (David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Tonight’s WNBA action highlights two teams locked in an unexpected dead heat, as midseason momentum continues to narrow the WNBA standings.
Separated by just half a game, the No. 7 Aces take on the No. 8 Valkyries in a rematch of Sunday’s 101-71 blowout win for Las Vegas.
Big picture: Despite 2024 WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson’s top-tier stats, the 2023 champs have struggled to find consistency — exemplified by Saturday’s 53-point loss to No. 1 Minnesota.
“One thing I did do is send a message to them, and just say if you weren’t embarrassed from [the Lynx loss], then don’t come into this gym,” Wilson said in response. “It’s not always going to be just the stars — it’s going to take all of us.”
Beginner’s luck: 2025 addition Golden State still has a serious shot at becoming the first expansion team to make the playoffs in their debut year, and they’ll look to come back swinging after Sunday’s lopsided loss.
Golden State’s not-so-secret weapon could make a difference in this rematch, as the Valkyries home crowd will try to make Ballhalla as rowdy as possible for the visiting Aces.
Tune in: Las Vegas tips off against Golden State at 10 PM ET, live on NBA TV.
WNBA trade deadline looms
The Mystics traded Brittney Sykes (L) to the Storm on Wednesday. (Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
The WNBA trade deadline is upon us, as teams around the league evaluate their rosters and make midseason moves ahead of Thursday’s 3 PM ET final whistle.
The Washington Mystics made the most recent transactional splash, sending leading scorer Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm on Wednesday.
In return, Washington received forward Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke (who they subsequently waived), and a 2026 first-round draft pick, while also waiving center Sika Koné.
Ticking clock: Teams have a little more than 24 hours to decide if they’re stocking up for the postseason or punting this year’s potential to shore up future prospects.
The WNBA’s trade deadline has historically been less dramatic than other leagues thanks to hard salary caps and roster limitations, but ramped-up expansion and the promise of a new CBA appear to be greasing the wheels.
What’s next: While not every title contender has roster room to spare, teams in line for the lottery will likely look to clean house this week.
2024 No. 6 overall draft pick Aaliyah Edwards played just seven minutes for the Mystics on Tuesday, with Washington falling to Chicago amid mounting trade rumors.
Guard Marina Mabrey could serve as a last-minute asset for last-place Connecticut, after the Sun denied Mabrey’s prior trade request.
‘SPORTS ARE FUN!’ ON JWS |  |
On this week's all-new Sports Are Fun! presented by Adobe, host Kelley O’Hara hits the JWS studio to bring you the best and brightest in women’s sports — all with an extra side of fun.
In the episode, birthday girl O’Hara, NWSL veteran Darian Jenkins, and intern extraordinaire BJ Beckwith dive into the bombshell trades rocking both the NWSL and WNBA — starting with former Dallas heavy-hitter DiJonai Carrington joining No. 1 Minnesota.
“The theme of the day is greed, because the Lynx have the best defense and you take the best perimeter defender,” quips BJ. “The rich keep getting richer. And Dallas is just getting poorer.”
Watch more: “Trades Shake the NWSL and WNBA” on Sports Are Fun! with Kelley O'Hara
Denver picks up ex-Man City boss
Nick Cushing will take over as Denver Summit manager in 2026. (Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images)
Denver Summit FC has a leader, tapping former Manchester City manager Nick Cushing to serve as the NWSL expansion club’s inaugural head coach this week.
The hiring rounds out Denver’s front office build, with Cushing joining president Jen Millet and GM Curt Johnson ahead of the team’s 2026 kick-off.
“We want to create a winning team as well as a great experience for all of Colorado,” Cushing said in a statement.
Background: Cushing most recently acted as Man City’s interim manager after the WSL side fired coach Gareth Taylor in March, returning to helm the team he coached to six major trophies from 2013-2020.
“In order to be successful right away, you need people that have experienced environments like this, have built organizations, and have had success,” said Johnson. “Nick brings world-class experience, a passion for player development, and a tactical vision that will excite Summit supporters.”
Tour de France breaks records
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt became the Tour de France’s first French winner in 36 years. (Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)
The 2025 Tour de France Femmes came in hot, as Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt crossed the finish line to become the race’s first French winner in 36 years — all in front of a record audience.
The Tour drew a total of 25.7 million French viewers across linear and digital platforms, up 33.6% from 2024 to make this year’s edition the most-watched in event history.
An average of 4.4 million French viewers tuned in on Sunday to see Ferrand-Prévôt clinch the yellow jersey in the final stage of the race.
Big picture: The Tour de France Femmes was resurrected in 2022 after a 33-year suspension, with interest in the women’s cycling event soaring ever since.
Quote of the day
“This was one of the first times I’ve had fun playing basketball this season.”
Lynx guard DiJonai Carrington
on playing her first game with Minnesota after being traded from Dallas last week.