Cat Ariail

Despite rosters with high-profile names, both Phantom and Mist have struggled to start the Unrivaled season, with both clubs looking to avoid an 0-3 start when they meet Friday night. Vinyl and Laces, in contrast, face off with an opportunity to advance to 3-0.

Both off since last Saturday, Rose and Lunar Owls are back in action. Rose goes for their first victory against Mist before Lunar Owls look to reach 3-0 against Phantom.

The clutch heroics of Chelsea Gray gave Rose their first Unrivaled win, while Napheesa Collier and Lunar Owls again impressed to remain undefeated.

UCLA’s Lauren Betts, USC’s JuJu Watkins, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and UConn’s Paige Bueckers are the top candidates for National Player of the Year. Who should have the edge? And what else in happening in the NCAAW?

The current standard in women’s college basketball visits the stomping grounds of the sport’s former standard bearer, as No. 2 South Carolina meets No. 17 Tennessee in Knoxville.

Thus far, Lunar Owls and Laces have been unstoppable, with both clubs seeking to start the Unrivaled season 4-0. Rose and Vinyl will be looking to deliver the unbeatens a first loss.

Both Lunar Owls and Laces remained unbeaten after Monday night wins, setting up a Friday night showdown between the two clubs. Lunar Owls defeated Vinyl, 67-57, while Laces bested Rose, 71-64.

The second major deal of the WNBA’s free agency has been reported, with Alyssa Thomas going from the Connecticut Sun to the Phoenix Mercury.

After spending her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury, unrestricted free agent Brittney Griner will join the Atlanta Dream on a one-year deal.

A group of led by Bill Haslam, and including Candace Parker and Peyton Manning, has introduced a bid to make the Nashville-based Tennessee Summitt, named after the late Lady Vols coach, the WNBA’s 16th team.