Women’s basketball is officially entering a new era. In this episode of The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, Beza and Tony break down the biggest global shift the sport has seen since the creation of the WNBA in 1997.

Project B has arrived with seven figure salaries, equity for players, a Formula One style global tournament model and some of the biggest names in the game rumoured to be involved. At the same time, the WNBA is deep in its CBA negotiations and players around the world are weighing up their futures.

We look at what is confirmed, what is speculation and what this all means for the WNBA, international leagues like the Australian WNBL and the future of women’s basketball globally.

Plus, we highlight the rise of Chinese superstar Han Xu playing in Australia, the latest WNBL storylines and a few cringe moments that show why the media still needs to catch up.

Sponsor:

https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/

What We Cover

• The global shake-up caused by Project B and how it rivals the WNBA
  
  
• Why players like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese are the biggest unknowns
  
  
• How the WNBA CBA negotiations and possible lockouts could impact the 2026 WNBA season
  
  
• The rise of Unrivaled, Athletes Unlimited and the shrinking need for WNBA players to go overseas and play in offseason
  
  
• Why the Australian WNBL must pivot to a winter league window to stay relevant globally
  
  
• The Winners and losers of the new landscape in women’s basketball
  
  
• Local highlights in the Australian WNBL including the arrival of Han Xu and the Tasmanian Jewels brand launch

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:41 Global Reach of Women's Basketball
01:49 What is Project B?
03:24 Impact on WNBA CBA Negotiations
06:04 Historical Context: From 2019 to Present
08:26 Project B Details and Player Announcements
10:37 Notable Players and Potential Signings
13:43 WNBA CBA Negotiations
15:48 Impact on International Leagues
17:48 Future of the Australian WNBL
21:03 Strategic Move of Australian WNBL to a Winter Season
26:16 Why Lifestyle and Career are Major Considerations for Players
26:54 Winners and Losers Analysis
33:08 WNBL Highlights and Han Xu
35:06 Closing Thoughts

In this episode, hosts Beza and Tony unpack the future of women’s basketball as Project B emerges with unprecedented money, global ambition and player empowerment. With CBA negotiations in the WNBA reaching a critical moment, players may be forced to choose between stability, lifestyle and history.

We explore what Project B could mean for the WNBA, Australian WNBL, European leagues, China, and for fans worldwide. Big money, big names and big reshuffles are coming, and this episode explains it all in clear, engaging terms.

women’s basketball, Project B league, WNBA CBA, WNBL analysis, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu, Angel Reese, Unrivaled basketball, Athletes Unlimited, global women’s sports, Han Xu, WNBL highlights, women’s basketball podcast, basketball news 2025, player equity sports, international basketball leagues

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our latest episode features an interview with one of the most influential figures in women's basketball, a true legend of the game. Her journey from Portugal to becoming an NCAA sensation and later a WNBA icon is a testament to her dedication to the sport. This conversation brings to light her impact on women's college basketball and the broader landscape of womens basketball.

From a small Portuguese town to NCAA superstardom and a decorated career in the WNBA and Europe, Ticha shares rare insight into the evolution of the women’s game, her mission to guide the next generation of athletes and her thoughts on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reece.

Ticha opens up about the global momentum shifting women’s basketball, the emergence of new leagues such as Project B and Unrivalled, and how today’s athletes navigate unprecedented opportunities.

She also reflects on her transition into player representation, the mindset behind major career decisions, and the release of her new feature-length film "Feel the Magic - Ticha Penichiero Against All Odds" documenting her life, legacy and impact on the sport.

If you care about women’s basketball, athlete rights, the WNBA pipeline or the future of college sports — this is essential viewing.

👉 Subscribe to The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast for more stories on the athletes redefining women’s basketball globally.

Sponsor: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/

Key Moments:

00:00 – Who Is Ticha? | Portugal → ODU → WNBA Legend

02:00 – The Explosion of Women’s Basketball

04:00 – Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese & the New Wave

06:00 – How Ticha Guides Players Through Career Choices

08:30 – Georgia Amoore: Mentality of a Future Star

14:00 – “Feel the Magic” Documentary — Origin & Meaning

17:00 – Growing Up in Portugal | Playground Lessons

20:00 – Sliding Doors: How ODU Discovered Her

24:00 – Passing Genius: Born or Built?

26:45 – Life After Basketball & The Reality of Being an Agent

33:00 – Rapid Fire: WNBA CBA, Favourite Assist, Underrated Stars, Dream Dinner Guests

38:00 – Caitlin Clark Breaking Ticha’s Rookie Assist Record

References:

Watch "Feel the Magic - Ticha Penichiero Against All Odds"

https://youtu.be/fZNJbnk4MfA?si=lOMhY7YKmtTWL8X9

Ticha Penichiero Top 10 Assists Highlight Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieAs4eHps5Y

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 6th Woman basketball podcast, hosts Beza “Courtside” Mickan-White and Tony “T-Swizzle” Hallam sit down with Last-Tear Poa, Australian-Samoan college basketballer and leader for the Arizona State Sun Devils. From winning a National Championship with LSU to becoming the face of a legal case challenging U.S. government rules for international student-athletes, LT’s story is one of grit, family, faith and purpose.

LT opens up about her early journey and the lessons from Coach Kim Mulkey at LSU, and her decision to transfer to ASU and play for Coach Molly Miller. She also shares what she learned from teammate Angel Reese, how she prepared to defend Caitlin Clark in the National Championship game, and what it felt like visiting the White House after LSU’s championship win.

Beyond the court, LT reflects on fighting for NIL rights for international athletes, maintaining discipline, and staying grounded through her strong faith and family bond — including heartwarming moments with her younger siblings and her mum’s sacrifices to support her dream.

Sponsor:

https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/

Key Moments:

• (01:17) LT’s journey from Melbourne to U.S. college basketball with LSU and now Arizona State University
  
  
• (05:21) Social media, fans, and building a community off the court
  
  
• (06:20) Leading a ground-breaking legal case for international athletes’ NIL rights against the US Government
  
  
• (11:11) Advice for young Aussies following the U.S. college path
  
  
• (13:23) Balancing study, basketball, and a major lawsuit
  
  
• (15:00) The National Championship game and winning the title with LSU
  
  
• (17:03) Lessons from teammate Angel Reese
  
  
• (19:03) Guarding Caitlin Clark — “She’s the Steph Curry of women’s basketball”
  
  
• (21:30) Going to the White House and meeting President Biden
  
  
• (24:00) The influence and support of her family
• (29:30) The origins of the name “Last-Tear”
• (32:30) Fashion opportunities off the court
• (33:00) Rapid fire questions
• (34:30) Dinner guests

Last-Tear Poa, LSU Women’s Basketball, Arizona State Sun Devils, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, WNBA, Women’s College Basketball, NIL rights, international athletes lawsuit, Australian basketballers in US College, women in sport, basketball podcast, NCAA, LSU Tigers, ASU basketball

Listen Now On:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

References:

www.uncloud.org

https://sundevils.com/sports/womens/basketball

https://www.espn.com.au/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/46315688/judge-rules-us-government-nil-visa-lawsuit

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/it-s-about-equity-the-australian-athlete-taking-on-us-government-for-slice-of-billion-dollar-industry-20251023-p5n4o9.html

https://www.basketball.com.au/news/last-tear-poa-to-play-final-season-of-ncaa-womens-college-basketball-with-arizona-state-sun-devils

https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-arizona-state-commit-last-tear-poa-goofy-fun-new-head-coach-molly-miller-teammate-video

https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-last-tear-poa-shows-stunning-red-dress-lsu-star-enters-lover-girl-season-in-photos

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode dives into the cultural force that is Angel Reese and her rapid growth from college star to global icon, and her influence on the WNBA. We review the WNBA Finals and the dynasty led by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. First impressions of the new Australian WNBL - likes and dislikes - and how the announcement of Project B could reshape women’s basketball as soon as in 2026. And the possibility of a WNBA game in Australia. The conversation highlights why authenticity, personality, and brand power are driving fan engagement like never before.

Top Takeaways

• Angel Reese is positioning herself as a cultural icon beyond the court as shown by her Victoria Secret runway appearance and in Netflix’s “The House of Dynamite”.
• 60% of new WNBA fans say Angel Reese is why they started watching.
  • With three titles in four years the Las Vegas Aces are a dynasty team lead by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. But will they stay next year.
• Is A’ja Wilson the greatest WNBA of all-time?
• The new Australian started well with the opening game at John Cain Arena and the quality of the broadcast.
• The announcement of Project B will disrupt the landscape of women’s basketball with the level of investment in a new global league model.
  • There are some interesting new import signings in the Australian WNBL.

Sponsor:

www.uncloud.org

Chapters

00:00 The cultural force that is Angel Reese and her influence on the WNBA
08:30 Reflecting on the WNBA Finals and the performance of A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young
12:00 Will they stay with the Aces
13:30 First impressions of the new Australian WNBL

21:50 Message from UNCLOUD
22:20 The potential impact of Project B in 2026 (the LIV golf of women’s basketball)
26:30 Australian WNBL import signings

27:50 WNBA Head Coach roundabout

30:00 WNBA in Australia - why not ?

Angel Reese, WNBA, women’s basketball, Project B, authenticity, WNBL, women’s sports growth, Aces dynasty, A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray. Jackie Young, Sandy Brondello, Han Xu

References:

https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/angel-reese-2025-victorias-secret-fashion-show

https://andscape.com/features/aja-wilson-jackie-young-and-chelsea-gray-are-at-the-heart-of-las-vegas-aces-success/

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/10/09/project-b-aims-to-build-global-womens-basketball-league-eyes-mens-expansion/

https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/46675630/wnba-cba-updates-negotiations-latest

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.