💰 MONEY MOVES

A’JA INSPIRES THE NEXT GENERATION

It’s a great time to be A’ja Wilson. The reigning M’VP has continued to play well on the court as the Las Vegas Aces try to fight their way up the standings. Off the court, her A’One shoes have been an instant sensation as it has been a hit among fans and basketball players alike. A’ja has been an inspiration to her peers, and now she’ll have the chance to directly inspire the next generation.

During All-Star Weekend, Wilson was named the first-ever Jr. WNBA Ambassador. Wilson will be taking part in events at marquee WNBA/NBA gatherings, participating in programming that emphasizes the importance of physical and mental wellness, serving as an advisor to high school basketball players who receive mentorship from the WNBA/NBA, and more.

“I’m blessed to have a platform that can reach the masses,” Wilson told WNBA.com’s Dellan Sellers. “So I’ll continue to speak up for them, being the voice for the voiceless and giving them something they can see, dream of, and want to pursue.”

As Wilson has said for many years, “If you can see her, you can be her.” It’s incredibly valuable to create spaces for young girls to be themselves and have the support they need to thrive.

It’s something we see with the work Wilson does, as well as the New York Liberty hosting young girls in Brooklyn for Crown Act Day.

The more organizations like the WNBA create these safe and welcoming spaces, the better things will be for all of us.

🤕 KAYLA THORNTON UNDERGOES SURGERY, TO MISS THE REST OF 2025

THE VALKYRIES WILL HAVE TO GO WITHOUT THEIR ALL-STAR

On July 25, we got some regrettable news. The Golden State Valkyries announced that All-Star forward Kayla Thornton underwent right knee surgery after suffering an injury at practice after the All-Star break. KT finishes her debut season with the Valkyries having achieved career highs in points (14 per game), rebounds (7 per game), and steals (1.8 per game). For as impressive as those statistics are, it doesn’t speak to the actual impact Thornton has had on the Golden State franchise.

“KT is a huge part of who we are, what we stand for, and where we are today,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said to the media prior to Friday’s win against the Dallas Wings.

“She’s our leader. She has a massive presence. Shootaround definitely wasn’t the same without her. So, what we’re going to try to do tonight is come together and play our hearts out for her.”

Without Thornton, the team will have to rely more on Cecilia Zandalasini and rookie Janelle Salaün. The team is 1-1 post-Thornton injury, and it’s going to take a lot of heavy lifting if they want to earn one of the final playoff spots.

The Valks have exceeded all sorts of expectations this season, and they’ll have to do it one more time without their leader.

All the best to Kayla as she recovers from this injury.

ASHLYN WATKINS TO MISS THE 2025-2026 SEASON

THE SEC CHAMPIONS WILL BE WITHOUT THEIR STAR FORWARD

On January 5, 2025, South Carolina star Ashlyn Watkins tore her ACL. It cost the All-SEC star the rest of the season as the Gamecocks fell short in their quest to go back-to-back in the Final Four. Everyone expected Watkins to return later this fall, but that will be on hold for the time being.

On July 25, Watkins announced that she will miss this upcoming season. In a statement she shared on social media, Watkins said in part:

“With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, my community, my faith, and my family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey of life. I’m so grateful for my coaches, the USC medical team, my teammates, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 season.”

All the best to Watkins on this journey.

📰 WHAT WE’RE READING

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in the women’s basketball community.

Here’s what we’re reading:

• Defying The Odds: The WNBA Franchise Team Nobody Expected To Win by Erica Ayala for Danimas

• Kayla Thornton’s Emergence as an All-Star by Jamauri Bowles for Winsidr

• New York Liberty hosts Girl Scouts for CROWN Act celebration by Cory McGinnis for PIX11 News

• How Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA players union president and Seattle Storm star, remains 'a steady, constant force' in her dual roles by Maggie Hendricks for Yahoo Sports

• Stitching a sanctuary: the story of the Mariners Pride Ball by Isabelle Minaisan for Lookout Landing

• Hulk Hogan and the ugliness that changed everything by Kel Dansby for Yahoo Sports

• A Workhorse, Jewish Hero, and Unconquerable Juggernaut Walks Away From the Ring by Dan Solomon for Texas Monthly

⛹🏽‍♀️ UPCOMING GAMES

Here’s the schedule for the next few days (Eastern Standard Time)

📲 STAY CONNECTED!

If you enjoyed this newsletter, consider subscribing to receive the latest updates from Black Rosie Media directly in your inbox—it's completely FREE! Feel free to share this with a friend so they can also stay informed.

Join our Black Rosie Media Slack Channel to interact directly with our contributors, participate in game-day chats, and much more!

You can also connect with us on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube!