A WNBA State of Mind: ODU Stories with Coach Luby Lichonczak (UTSA)

Legacy and Historical Context • Old Dominion dominated women's basketball through strong administrative support and Marianne Stanley's competitive vision brought from Immaculata's dynasty era • ODU won 2 AIAW championships with players like Anne Donovan, Amos, and Nancy Lieberman, establishing the program as a national powerhouse • The NCAA filed a lawsuit against Title IX implementation, creating animosity that persists today—NCAA still doesn't recognize AIAW championships • UCLA's Corey Close corrected announcers this year, insisting their 2024 title was their second national championship, not first • ODU served as the bridge passing the torch to Tennessee after Marianne Stanley left to start over at USC, then eventually to UConn

Welcome back to the pod — and I’m gonna say it straight up… The WNBA is not “growing.” It’s shifting. And some people are not ready for what that actually means. For years, this league was built and sustained by legends — players who didn’t just play the game, they carried it. They built the respect. They built the foundation. They pushed the game forward — and made sure the next generation had more than they did. And that part matters. Because what we’re seeing now isn’t a lack of respect for the past — it’s the result of it. This new wave isn’t here to erase anything. They’re stepping into a league that was earned — and they’re expanding what it can be. Because if we’re being honest… This might be the best thing that’s ever happened to the WNBA. More personalities. More rivalries. More eyes. More conversation©️ wnbatok: https://www.tiktok.com/@agoody15?_r=1&_t=ZT-95rK0IVuNmX .

Let’s talk about one of the most interesting free agency situations in the WNBA right now—and that’s Natasha Cloud. Natasha Cloud is still on the board, and that’s not because she can’t play. It’s because what she brings goes beyond stats—and not every front office knows how to price that. We’re talking about an elite defender, a vocal leader, a culture-setter, and someone who holds organizations accountable. That’s value… but it’s not always something you see in a box score. Now let’s get into who actually needs her.

As the WNBA approaches its 30-year anniversary, this is more than a celebration—it’s a moment of accountability and recognition. Every player who has stepped onto the court helped build this league into what it is today. Their talent, sacrifice, and resilience laid the foundation for the visibility and growth we see now. Honoring that legacy means including all players in the story—past and present. It means acknowledging contributions that may not have received the spotlight they deserved at the time. And yes, it means having real conversations about equity—about backpay, proper recognition, and ensuring every athlete feels valued in the league they helped shape. Commemorative jerseys, inclusive celebrations, and tangible steps toward fairness aren’t just symbolic—they’re necessary. A milestone like this should reflect the full history, not just parts of it. If we’re celebrating 30 years, then we owe it to every player to make sure they are seen, respected, and remembered. The WNBA’s future is stronger when its past is fully honored. Now is the time to do it right. 🏀✨

On the college circuit already, Audi Crooks and Kymora Johnson seemingly will be a Gamecock next season and thats an automatic Championship run 15 college players get invited to the shed in NYC for draft night April 13th The free agency pool is bananas with Skylar Diggins floating around not secured, nor Brittney Sykes. Teams will be stacked this season and be able to go 8 players deep during the playoffs just ask the Dream and Minnesota. who I am surprised with on Nnecka. The pool is deep and if a team comes out weak it’s the GM and higher ups fault all day. Dijonai Carrington, Monique Billings, Temi Fagbenle, Dena Evans, Odyssey Sims, Alysha Clark, Alyssa Thomas, Courtney Vandersloot come play for me. Fyi, former player and Canadian Tammy Sutton Brown needs to be a part of that Toronto movement period, WNBA let do right thing.On the other hand, The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have formally approved WNBA expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia making way for more opportunity at home Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030. Lets Go!

Anything can happen… The Chicago Sky just made a move… and yeah, people are gonna debate this one — They just played the long game. In the meantime, in Atlanta They’re building with Angel Reese, stacking assets, and basically saying: “We’re not chasing average… we’re building something REAL.” by giving Allisha Gray a core qualifying offer. And hold on — don’t get it twisted. The Atlanta Dream are DONE being patient. You’ve got Rhyne Howard in her prime, Allisha Gray on the wing, a squad ready to compete, and now? They just added more gas with a little bit of nitro with Angel. This is a “win now” move — no apologies.So here’s the real tension: Atlanta gets better TODAY… But Chicago? They might’ve just lined up their NEXT superstar move. And if that hits! This trade is gonna look VERY different in a few, especially with the free agents and developmental players. So pick your side now… because this one’s coming back around 👀🔥 Now here’s the look.

Right now negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association are happening behind closed doors, and the numbers being discussed could completely reshape women’s basketball. It's just days until the new contract is signed and the girls settle into a nice respectable deal that speaks volumes like deserved.

🚨 The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft just got REAL… and some BIG names are about to move 😳🏀April 3rd. Lock it in.Two new teams — Toronto and Portland — are about to build rosters from scratch… and here’s the part nobody’s ready for:Every team in the WNBA can only protect 5 players.That means legit starters… vets… young rising talent…ALL exposed.👀 And it gets deeper…There’s a coin toss between Toronto and Portland.Winner chooses:👉 #1 pick in the expansion draftOR👉 #6 pick in the WNBA DraftSo now you’re asking yourself…Do you want PROVEN players… or gamble on the future?💯 If I’m building a team?I’m taking that #1 expansion pick ALL DAY.Because you can build a playoff squad immediately off unprotected talent.And trust me… there will be talent.We’re talking players like:Natasha CloudAlysha ClarkBrionna JonesKayla McBrideSkylar DigginsJonquel JonesAnd if ANY young players slip? It’s over.😳 Here’s what people aren’t talking about…This doesn’t just help expansion teams…This HURTS contenders.Because teams like New York and unfortunately my squad Vegas? Are gonna lose REAL rotation players.And in this league?Depth is EVERYTHING.So don’t sleep on April 3rd…This isn’t just a draft.This is a SHIFT in the entire WNBA.And somebody’s about to build a problem overnight. #wnba #goodytalks

Right now negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association are happening behind closed doors, and the numbers being discussed could completely reshape women’s basketball.

Meanwhile, the WNBA CBA is pushed back — again.While the NBA races across China, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa securing massive partnerships, WNBA players are still fighting for economic equity and a fair labor deal. This isn’t about emotion — it’s about reciprocity.In every relationship, there are two choices: cooperate or compete.The players have already cooperated.Now the choice belongs to the owners.A win-win is still possible — but delay always has a cost.🎙️ New mini-pod out now.Let’s talk priorities. Let’s talk power. Let’s talk respect.