Latest news with #WNBALeaguePass
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Paige Bueckers injury update: Dallas Wings rookie placed in concussion protocol
Paige Bueckers injury update: Dallas Wings rookie placed in concussion protocol Show Caption Hide Caption Diana Taurasi shares wisdom for rookie Paige Bueckers USAT's Meghan Hall asks WNBA legend Diana Taurasi about rookie Paige Bueckers and what she can expect early in her WNBA career. Sports Seriously Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is expected to miss at least the next two games after being placed in concussion protocol, the team said Friday. She suffered a concussion during a 97-92 loss to the Chicago Sky on Thursday. Bueckers was making a move with the basketball when she appeared to bump heads with Courtney Vandersloot of the Sky during the final minute of the second quarter. Bueckers, the WNBA No. 1 overall pick, has averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game during the first six games of her rookie season. Tyasha Harris could start in place of Bueckers. Harris was listed as questionable with a knee injury for Saturday's game after not playing in Thursday's game. When do the Dallas Wings play next? The Wings will host the Sky on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on KFAA (Dallas) and WCIU (Chicago). The game will also be streamed on WNBA League Pass. Dallas' road game against the Seattle Storm will be played on Tuesday, June 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DeWanna Bonner often gets 'lost in the shuffle,' but she basked in her deserved moment as WNBA's third all-time scorer
INDIANAPOLIS — DeWanna Bonner motioned for her daughters to join her, a half moon of cameras and microphones awaiting them in a hallway of photos brightly lit with each Indiana Fever player's close-up. The girls hesitated and ultimately held back, swaying in the corner with their eyes locked on the star of the afternoon. It was their mom's moment to shine on her own as the third all-time scorer in WNBA history with 7,489 points. Advertisement Bonner is ordinarily the one sidestepping the limelight, catching rays here and there, but never standing directly in it. When she crossed the scoring threshold in the season opener Saturday, she threw her hands in the air and soaked up the adoration from 17,274 strong at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The moment was special and emotional for a veteran who has seen all forms of fandom, but none more vast than the experience in Indianapolis these days. 'I'm trying to be as humble as I can, but being around that long, I kind of feel like I deserve that moment,' Bonner, 37, said. 'And for it to happen right then and there, in this time period in my career, it was just, I don't know, [I'm] so grateful.' Bonner entered the league in 2009 when Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie were trading off the all-time scoring record. The two played in the inaugural 1997 WNBA season; Thompson with the four-time champion Houston Comets and Leslie with the Los Angeles Sparks, with whom she won two titles. While Bonner sat out the 2017 season to give birth to twins — a 'count that twice!' fact she's arguably known most for after the league's 25th anniversary ad ran incessantly on WNBA League Pass — Mercury teammate Diana Taurasi took hold of the all-time mark and never let go. DeWanna Bonner is hugged by teammate Lexie Hull after Bonner moved into third place on the all-time scoring list Saturday. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) As she enters her 16th season, little is the same from that rookie year. Not even Taurasi is around, having retired this offseason-. Bonner is the longesttenured player in the league and tied for the oldest. She ranks fifth in all-time minutes played (15,292) and could move into third by season's end. She never starred on her own team, rather providing a supporting role to the likes of Taurasi and Brittney Griner in Phoenix, Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones in Connecticut, and now Caitlin Clark in Indiana. Advertisement 'It's really incredible and not just her longevity, but her efficiency and how good she's been her entire career,' Fever head coach Stephanie White said. 'She gets lost in the shuffle, right? She's played with a lot of great players. 'The consistent piece has been DeWanna Bonner, and she's quietly just gone about her business.' Far from quiet was her summit to third on the all-time list. Needing seven points in the opener to pass Thompson, Bonner stalled at five in the fourth quarter of the Fever's largest season-opening win in franchise history. It wasn't for lack of trying. Clark, sent to the bench with the game long out of hand, became antsy around the time a leaner missed, and Bonner raced through for a putback that missed. Advertisement 'I told Steph, 'Let me get in there,'' Clark, who was one rebound from a triple-double at the time, said on Monday. ''It's kind of driving me nuts on the sideline not watching DB get this.'' The Fever committed a shot-clock violation attempting to get Bonner the ball in Clark's first possession back on the court. Late in the fourth, Bonner drew a foul, pumped her fists quickly and smiled. When the first free throw hit net, her arms raised in celebration and relief. 'I kind of got a little bit emotional to be at this moment in front of a sold-out crowd, in front of all this attention,' Bonner said. The Fever fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse rose to meet her in the moment. The cheers lingered amid a longer-than-usual break between free throws and broke out louder when Bonner sank the second to stand alone. Advertisement Clark, caught mic'd up on the broadcast pumping up her teammates to help Bonner to the record, said she was happy it came at the free-throw line so the veteran felt the honor from her newest fans. 'Being on the floor getting to be part of that, [it's] such a historic moment of somebody that has given so much to this game and the league,' Clark said. 'You can just feel the energy from the crowd. They're also just itching for it.' Clark carries an uncanny ability to keep the crowd on a string, whether it be basketball action — late lead-changing logo 3s, for instance — or those frantic arm motions for ear-splitting noise. She exited shortly after Bonner to a standing ovation, a season-opening triple-double in hand. It was the third of her career, pulling into a tie for No. 3 all time. For all the greats Bonner has played and won with — not to mention those she has faced in competition — none has brought with them the excitement and attention of Clark. The hype hasn't waned in Indiana, where the state's official number might as well be No. 22. Clark merch — and two fans dressed as Freddy Fever — dotted the Indianapolis sidewalks and eateries first thing Saturday morning, a singular Sky sweatshirt among them. Advertisement At a local hotel, a young boy wore a Clark T-shirt, jersey, oversized Fever logo necklace, team hat and coordinated backpack while his mom held a bag of more merch, including a Fever basketball. The season opener was a Christmas present for which he'd waited five months in anticipation. He can name the entire roster. In the southeast quad, a line queued outside the team store ahead of its 10 a.m. opening. Fans already decked out in gear loaded up armloads more throughout the morning, buying for family members and friends. Additional Fever jersey numbers, including Bonner's No. 25, are increasingly joining the fan fray. 'The support here has been just phenomenal,' Bonner said during Fever media day in late April. 'I really can't go anywhere. I've been here like a week and a half and everywhere I go it's just, 'We're excited for the season. Thank you for being here.' It's been really, really refreshing.' Even a quick run into a supermarket to pick up fruit for her daughters resulted in a fan appreciation moment. She said at the start of camp, she couldn't imagine what it would be like to play in front of so many fans so passionate about basketball and their Fever. DeWanna Bonner played alongside Diana Taurasi with the Phoenix Mercury for 10 seasons. () (Christian Petersen via Getty Images) Each bench player ran out to a full lights-low introduction, while the starters entered to walk-up songs in front of three levels of fans in an NBA-sized arena. Bonner debuted in Phoenix on June 6, 2009, to 13,582 fans at US Airways Center. The 'X-Factor,' as the Mercury fan base is known, was loud but didn't fill the space. In Connecticut, the casino-based arena is smaller (8,910 is a sellout) with less fanfare. Advertisement 'To play in front of that crowd, when I walked out, I'm just like, 'Oh my god,'' Bonner said. 'I think I was a little shell-shocked.' Bonner followed White to Indiana as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Bonner is the strongest voice in the Fever locker room, Clark said. The season opener was a reminder the veteran is there for more than presence, leadership and defensive length. The guard/forward scored 4,820 of her points in 10 seasons in Phoenix, where she won three consecutive Sixth Player of the Year awards in her first three seasons. In her fourth season, she stepped into a starting role she has yet to relinquish in her career. She was named on MVP ballots four times and won two WNBA championships, as a rookie in 2009 and in 2014. On the heels of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement that allowed for more robust free agency periods, the Sun sent three first-round picks to Phoenix to acquire Bonner. Then a 10-year veteran, Bonner was viewed as the missing piece to pair with Thomas and Jones for the franchise's first championship. Advertisement Bonner scored 2,662 points over five seasons in Connecticut, but the team never broke through to win it all. At the 2023 All-Star Game, Thomas proposed and they announced their engagement. The teammates considered playing in the same market, but Thomas brokered a sign-and-trade to Phoenix, Bonner's old stomping grounds. Bonner signed in Indiana, with her sights firmly set on a third championship. Basking in the scoring accomplishment before turning the page to the rest of the Fever season, Bonner joked the people behind the cameras and microphones were showing her age. She doesn't remember a lot about her first WNBA game other than that it was the beginning of a WNBA championship season. She does remember learning from Taurasi, whom she credits for her ascension up the rankings. 'I always say I played with the greatest of all time in Diana,' Bonner said. 'And if I've learned anything, I had the blueprint for how to stay in this league. She did it for 20 years and she was great at it.' Advertisement Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion, retired as the league's all-time-leading scorer with 10,646 career points. At a respectable 500 points per season, it would take more than six years for Bonner to top that. Taurasi's record could be out of reach for another decade. Pulling into second will also be a challenge. Tina Charles, who came into the league a year after Bonner, is still adding to her 7,739 points as a center with the Sun. Nneka Ogwumike (6,537 points), Griner (5,590), Jewell Loyd (5,541) and Breanna Stewart (5,444) are the only players actively playing who rank in the top 25. (Angel McCoughtry is also on the list, but is not rostered this season.) A'ja Wilson is 30th (4,835). Advertisement Clark, whose 769 points rank fifth in a single season, is on an early pace to compete for scoring records. If she were to keep that pace, it would take 14 years. 'That's really hard to do,' Bonner said. 'That's really hard to be in that position and be in the league this long.' With expanded season schedules — the league will play a high of 44 games this season — and a faster game, younger players have an easier path to the top. Bonner's spot in third might not last long with the talent coming up. But she'll always have the moment in Indianapolis that hundreds of players deserved, but few last long enough to achieve.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
How to watch Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury: start time, TV channel, streaming info for May 28 WNBA game
Sky and Mercury set for first 2025 matchup in Phoenix The Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury will face off Tuesday night, May 28, in their first meeting of the 2025 WNBA season. Scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT), the game will take place at PHX Arena in Phoenix. Both franchises enter the matchup with restructured rosters since their 2021 WNBA Finals showdown. Notably absent from this year's matchup are former stars Candace Parker and Diana Taurasi, both of whom have retired. In addition, Brittney Griner, who played a central role for the Mercury during their Finals run, has since joined the Atlanta Dream via free agency. The Chicago Sky are now led by emerging talents Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso , who are expected to play key roles this season. Phoenix, on the other hand, has added significant reinforcements with offseason acquisitions Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, both bringing veteran experience to the roster. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo This game marks a new chapter for both teams as they look to establish momentum early in the season. Sky vs. Mercury Game Time, Broadcast and Streaming Options Game Information: Live Events Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2025 Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT Location: PHX Arena, Phoenix, Arizona Broadcast Details: Local TV (Chicago): WCIU, The U Local TV (Phoenix): AZFamily 3TV / CBS 5 Streaming: WNBA League Pass (subscription required), YouTube TV (select regions) Local fans in Chicago and Phoenix can watch the game on their regional affiliates. For out-of-market viewers, streaming access is available through WNBA League Pass or YouTube TV where supported. As both the Sky and Mercury adjust to new team dynamics, the matchup offers a preview of how these retooled rosters will perform throughout the season. The game is part of a five-match WNBA slate returning after the Memorial Day break.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury: TV channel, time and how to watch Tuesday's game
Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury: TV channel, time and how to watch Tuesday's game Show Caption Hide Caption Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith are back together again in Chicago USAT's Meghan Hall joins Sports Seriously's Mackenzie Salmon to talk about the duo in Chicago that is Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith. Sports Seriously After a day off for Memorial Day, the WNBA is back in action on Tuesday night with a five-game slate. One of those games is the first meeting of the season between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury, two teams who faced off in the 2021 WNBA Finals. The rosters look very different now from how they did then, with stars Candace Parker and Diana Taurasi having retired, and longtime Mercury star Brittney Griner signing with the Atlanta Dream as a free agent this offseason. Now, the Sky feature younger stars like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, while the Mercury brought in Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas in the offseason. Here's what to know about the Sky vs. Mercury game Tuesday night: ANGEL REESE: Sky star responds to WNBA hate speech investigation: 'No place' for racism WNBA MVP ODDS: Power ranking early-season favorites What time is Sky vs. Mercury? The Sky and Mercury's first clash of 2025 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) in Phoenix. How to watch Sky vs. Mercury: TV, stream Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) Location: PHX Arena in Phoenix PHX Arena in Phoenix Local TV: WCIU, The U (Chicago) | AZFamily 3TV CBS 5 (Phoenix) WCIU, The U (Chicago) | AZFamily 3TV CBS 5 (Phoenix) Stream: WNBA League Pass (subscription required) Local fans can watch on affiliated cable channels, while out-of-market fans can tune in via WNBA League Pass or YouTube TV.
Axios
4 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
The 2025 WNBA preseason makes historic waves
For the first time, all WNBA preseason games will be available for broadcast or streaming. State of play: The preseason tips off Friday with more eyes on the action — in the arena and at home. By the numbers: Fans from 29 countries purchased tickets on StubHub ahead of the season, up from 12 countries in 2024. Ticket sales — which have increased for all 12 returning teams — are up 145% from last season, according to StubHub, and first-time WNBA ticket buyers jumped 28% compared to the same time last year. What we're hearing: As momentum behind women's sports continues to build, players like Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark are "driving record-breaking demand with the highest pre-season sales in StubHub's history for the league," StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli told Axios. Zoom in: The Indiana Fever games are the league's hottest ticket, seeing a 497% increase in sales over last season. The Dallas Wings' ticket sales are also up by 343% — and in the 24 hours after Bueckers went No. 1, the team's site searches surged 351%. Zoom out: The Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty and Dallas Wings follow the Fever as the top in-demand teams. How to watch the WNBA preseason The first preseason games will be broadcast across ION, NBA TV and ESPN, with the remaining games on WNBA League Pass. Fans can also live stream games on the WNBA App. View full schedule here. 14 of the 15 games can be streamed for free with a free WNBA League Pass Preview. WNBA players/preseason games to watch In the first preseason game, Bueckers will make her WNBA debut for the Dallas Wings against the Las Vegas Aces, where Jewell Loyd will play her first game with the Aces after being traded in February. Here are a few other standout games this preseason: The Brazil National Team will take on the Chicago Sky (May 2) and Indiana (May 4), and the Toyota Antelopes of the Japanese Basketball League will play the Wings (May 10) and the New York Liberty (May 12) The Seattle Storm, which picked up No. 2 draft pick Dominique Malonga, will play the Connecticut Sun, which acquired Tina Charles on May 4. The league's newest team, the Golden State Valkyries, will host the Los Angeles Sparks, which acquired All-Star Kelsey Plum via trade on May 6. Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will travel to Atlanta to face newly added All-Stars Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones on May 10.
