Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down the heated on-court scuffle between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury. Did Caitlin Clark deserve her fifth technical foul of the season? And what should fans make of the flurry of technicals assessed to several star players during the tense matchup?

Caroline and Cass also celebrate the official start of the WNBA’s 30th anniversary season, highlighted by a thrilling game-winner from Nneka Ogwumike that lifted the Los Angeles Sparks to a dramatic 98–97 victory over the New York Liberty. They reflect on the league’s remarkable growth and point out former WNBA players who helped pave the way for today’s success.

Plus, a preview of the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. Which team will become the first in league history to win the Commissioner’s Cup twice?

TIMECODES:

01:56 - Takeaways from Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever's scuffle with the Phoenix Mercury

19:09 - Highlighting the official tip off to the WNBA's 30th season: Sparks take down Liberty 98-97 with buzzer beater

29:37 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup preview: Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty... are we surprised?

38:14 - Must-watch upcoming matchups

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton is joined by WNBA reporter, writer and podcaster Jackie Powell who dishes out the latest updates on all things Commissioner’s Cup. The duo dive into the New York Liberty’s unbeaten run through the Eastern Conference and debate who will emerge from the West: the Minnesota Lynx or the Las Vegas Aces.

Plus, 10x WNBA All-Star, WNBA champion, president of the WNBPA and LA Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike joins the show! She discusses why she decided to return to the LA Sparks, her experience watching the new CBA she fought for come to life and opens up about what it’s like playing with teammate Kelsey Plum.

Who do you have winning the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup Championship? Let us know in the comments!

01:40 - What does the schedule expansion to 50 games in 2027 mean for the WNBA?

05:43 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup check-in: The West

20:37 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup check-in: The East

33:35 - What could cause Liberty to fall short of a WNBA championship?

40:15 - Nneka Ogwumike joins Hoops 360!

55:20 - Must-watch upcoming matchups

Subscribe to Hoops 360 on your favorite podcast app:

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🎧 Spotify

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Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down some of the biggest surprises of the WNBA season so far - for better or for worse. The Minnesota Lynx’s ability to stay on top continues to impress, while the Los Angeles Sparks are still searching for answers on the defensive end.

The duo also takes a closer look at the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty, two teams that have found their momentum, and examines where things stand for the Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics.

Plus, A’ja Wilson’s record-breaking performance on her way to 6,000 career points headlines this week’s Spotlight of the Week.

TIMECODES:

01:46 - Good: Minnesota Lynx still on top even without Napheesa Collier

06:25 - Good: Dallas Wings have turned things around for the better

09:21 - Good: New York Liberty are on track despite injuries

15:22 - Bad: Phoenix Mercury going from 2025 finals to bottom of standings

18:10 - Bad: Sparks having no defensive spark

25:47 - Bad: Young Mystics lacking consistent success without vets

32:33 - Spotlight of the Week: A'ja Wilson

34:24 - Spotlight of the Week: Connecticut Sun retire Jonquel Jones #35

36:11 - Must-watch matchups

Subscribe to Hoops 360 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the entire Yahoo Sports podcast network