FROM SWEET TO ELITE?

Now that we’re through the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, it’s time for the Sweet 16! The action tips off on Friday afternoon with an ACC showdown as long time rivals North Carolina and Duke face off in Birmingham, Alabama. For Duke, they are hoping to get to the Elite Eight for the first time under Kara Lawson and the first time since 2012-2013.

Later on the day, we get a 2023 Elite Eight rematch as Maryland tries to upset South Carolina. LSU vs. NC State and Ole Miss vs. UCLA close out the Friday slate.

On Saturday, Notre Dame and TCU open the proceedings at 1 PM EST. The Fighting Irish have gotten back on track after some late season struggles, and Olivia Miles will be someone to keep a close eye on. Miles has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury, but she’s toughing it out and has played in the Irish’s first two games. Once that game wraps up, the Saturday slate will feature

• Tennessee vs. Texas

• Oklahoma vs. Connecticut

• Kansas State vs. USC

To break it all down, our very own Erica Ayala joined Khristina Williams on the latest episode of In Case You Missed It With Khristina Williams!

On Sunday and Monday, we get one step closer to the Final Four as the Elite Eight tips off. We’ve seen a lot of great basketball already, and things are going to pick up even more from here!

THE SPARKS HONOR CANDACE PARKER

On June 29, the LA Sparks will retire Candace Parker’s jersey and hang it in the Staples Center Crypto rafters. CP3 will join Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler as the only Sparks players to have their jerseys retired.

“To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor,” Parker said. “This moment is not just about me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans.”

Parker took the WNBA by storm in 2008, becoming the first player to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same year. Parker is one of the game’s greatest players and stars.

Retiring her jersey is a no-brainer of a decision and a great sign that the relationship between Parker and the Sparks is on the mend after an ignominious end in 2019. It’s a well-deserved honor, and for a Sparks organization that is determined to return to respectability, this is a tremendous step in the right direction.

  ACROSS THE BRM PODCAST NETWORK

The Seattle Storm aren’t on the clock quite yet, but they’re watching the Tournament closely. The Storm are picking second in the 2025 WNBA Draft and can go in various directions with their pick.

On the latest episode of Tempestade Talk, Erica and Roberta F. Rodrigues of Beta Basket discuss who might be available for the Storm to draft at second-overall, including UConn guard Paige Bueckers.

As we draw closer to the Draft on April 14, Black Rosie Media will have you covered from all angles.

 💰 MONEY MOVES

The champs prepare for their future

Life is good for the New York Liberty. They won the WNBA championship last fall, made some good moves to prepare for their title defense this spring, and now have made a big investment in their future.

On March 27, the team announced plans to open a new practice facility in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn by 2027.

The new facility features things such as expanded private family lounges, full recovery suites, outdoor basketball courts, two full practice courts, and plenty more.

Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart collaborated with the team and provided insights on designing the facility and ensuring that player needs were fully addressed.

Since Clara and Joe Tsai purchased the Liberty in 2019, they’ve worked to invest and support the team from all angles. They play in a state-of-the-art arena in an incredibly accessible part of Brooklyn. The team spends on essentials, even when it draws the ire of the WNBA league office.

And the players have continued to maintain their connection with Liberty fans in Brooklyn and around the world. When you invest, work hard, and put forth a great product, you will be rewarded for it.

Moves like this set a precedent for others to follow and show the fans and players that you’re serious about being the best organization for players on and off the court.

As we draw closer to CBA negotiations this fall, we’ll see if other teams across the league follow the Liberty’s example.

📰 WHAT WE’RE READING!

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

Here’s what we’re reading:

• New York Liberty announce plan for $80 million practice facility in Greenpoint by Brian Fleurantin for Netsdaily

• Is This a W.N.B.A. Practice Space, or a Destination Spa? by Tania Ganguli for the New York Times

• Can Paige Bueckers lead UConn back to an NCAA championship? by Alexa Philippou for ESPN

• March Madness 2025: Will Paige Bueckers’ last ride in a UConn jersey reach the final, championship-winning destination? by Chelsea Leite for Swish Appeal

• WNBA legend Candace Parker announces retirement after 16-year career by Aya Abadeen for The Next

• in the field: andrew haubner of no cap space wbb by Frankie De La Cretaz for Out of Your League

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