WNBA Takeaways: Sun go all-in, league nears historic media deal

Welcome to WNBA Takeaways, a biweekly look at newsworthy stories, standout performances, and notable numbers across the league.

New media rights numbers

In another example of the WNBA's recent meteoric rise, the league is set to bring in approximately $200 million per year for 11 seasons beginning in 2026 as part of the NBA's newly negotiated media deals. That's a nearly 250% increase from the WNBA's current contracts and should bring substantial revenue bumps for teams and salary increases for players once in effect.

Even still, the league's popularity has some calling for the purported numbers to be higher. Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBA players' union, said Thursday she believes the reported agreement would undervalue the league, pointing to how fans are arriving in droves this year to catch the biggest names in person. Ahead of Saturday's All-Star Game, commissioner Cathy Engelbert pushed back on that argument, saying the new deal could produce something "historic" for all parties.

Sun stock up for a run

Sitting in second behind a dominant New York Liberty squad, the Connecticut Sun refused to stay complacent and swung a deal to acquire guard Marina Mabrey. The 27-year-old veteran is expected to improve Connecticut's 31.4% mark from deep this season, the third-worst rate in the league. Mabrey struggled to solidify a role in two seasons with the Chicago Sky, who traded a significant haul to land her in a four-team deal in February 2023. Mabrey recently told the Chicago Sun-Times' Annie Costabile that she attributed some of her issues with not fitting to head coach and GM James Wade abruptly leaving the Sky for the Toronto Raptors five months after OKing the deal for her.

Mabrey also specifically wanted to land with the Sun, who are hoping to improve on two Finals trips in the last five seasons and finally win the franchise's elusive first title. With no wild surprises expected and plenty of time to adjust to her new teammates, Mabrey could be the shooting threat who gets Connecticut over the hump.

Team USA format a success

The WNBA's summer schedule can give, and it can take. But it helped produce some of the most entertaining All-Star Games in any major North American sport in two memorable instances. With USA Basketball wanting to test its Olympic women's squad ahead of the Games, the talent pool in the league affords the organization arguably its toughest competition. With an earnest desire to win by both sides, Saturday's contest was a frenetic yet composed back-and-forth affair for four quarters - a midseason rarity.

The contest also allowed the Americans who may have felt overlooked in the Olympic squad selection process to get even on the court. Arike Ogunbowale wasn't selected in 2021 and pulled out of consideration this summer due to "politics." She posted an All-Star Game-record 34 points Saturday and was named the contest's MVP for the second time, defeating Team USA on both occasions. Message sent.

Outstanding performance

Caitlin Clark vs. Dallas Wings (July 17)

Clark capped the first half of her debut campaign with a record-setting night. The Indiana Fever phenom broke the WNBA's single-game record for assists and became the first player in league history to tally at least 20 points and 15 dimes in one contest. Clark's performance also earned her the new single-season Fever record for assists.

Must-watch game

Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky (August 15)

The WNBA's first game back from its Olympic break is a good one, with Kahleah Copper returning to the Windy City for the first time since being dealt to the Mercury in the offseason.

Copper will forever hold a special place in Sky history, winning Finals MVP honors during the franchise's lone championship run in 2021. Over seven seasons in Chicago, Copper developed from a reserve role to a three-time All-Star. She sits fourth on the club's all-time scoring list with 2,677 points.

Copper continues to light up the scoreboard with her new team, trailing only Wilson in this season's scoring race.

Standout stat

Allisha Gray is the new queen of All-Star Friday. The Atlanta Dream guard is the only player in WNBA history to win the Skills Challenge and the Three-Point Contest in the same year. All that's left is for her to defend the two crowns in 2025.

Best tweet

Longtime foes Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark were teammates for the first time at this year's All-Star Game, and even the former can't help but get out of her seat when Clark looks set to let it fly.