WNBA Draft Week, NWSL Back after International Break

WNBA Draft Week

Today is the day that all these women dream of, it is WNBA draft day. Since the WNBA season is in the summer, draft day is always a quick turnaround from the end of the collegiate season. Before the end of the season, many people were excited about the possible talent in this draft class. Names like Olivia Miles, Raven Johnson, and Azzi Fudd lit up the mock draft boards, but with more and more money being offered in college through NIL deals, some seniors choose to take their extra year like the ones listed above. Even though a few seniors have decided to stay, that does not diminish the amount of talent in this draft class, most noticeably Paige Bueckers from UConn, who is projected to be the No.1 pick in this year’s draft. This draft is stacked with players making guards like TCU’s Hailey Van Lith and Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore. After last year’s rookie class, which included Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Carmilla Cardososo, the WNBA has seen an increase in viewership and ticket purchases. Players like Paige and Hailey have already built up a following on social media and will bring their major following to the league with them. Below is a mock draft of how the experts think players will go. Make sure to tune in to ESPN at 4:30/7:30 pm E.T. to see where everyone lands and which players make a jump or if teams trade their current players to get the ones in this year’s draft.

NWSL back from international leave

After an international break the NWSL is back in action. It started off on Friday April 11th, Utah Royals vs Portland Thorns. This game was intense from the jump with equal possession and Portland hit the first goal in the 14th minute from Turner. Unfortunately, Utah were unable to equalize. On Saturday April 12th, there were four games: Racing Louisville vs Washington Spirit, Houston dash vs Angel City FC, Seattle Reign FC vs Orlando Pride, San Diego Wave vs KC Current. The first game was off to a slow start with Racing Louisville vs Washington Spirit. It wasn’t until after the second half Santos scoring in the 58th minute and to seal the deal Hatch scoring in the 75th minute. The following two games: Houston Dash vs Angel City FC and Seattle Reign FC vs Orlando Pride were a much watch. Angel City scoring in minute 13th, Houston had time to equalize until 16 minutes later when Tiernan from Angel city scored. Now 2 down, Houston had the second half to equalize and were able to score one in the 61st minute. Still having a fighting chance, in the 86th minute Thompson comes racing down to score to end the game 3-1. Orlando Pride vs Seattle Reign was a close game 1-0 when Banda scored in the 41st minute. Seattle Reign unable to equalize. Lastly, San Diego Wave vs KC Current where KC Current came up on top 2-0. Both goals made in the first half and San Diego unable to score. As of right now, Orland Pride, Angel City FC, and KC Current are undefeated. On Sunday April 13th, there were two games: Gotham FC vs NC Courage and Bay FC vs Chicago Stars. Gotham was unstoppable beating NC Courage 3-1. 2 goals were scored back to back by Esther and the 3rd goal a couple of minutes into the second half. NC Courage did not know what hit them. Chicago Stars vs Bay FC 2-1 with Chicago Stars not letting Bay FC equalize. The action continues again this upcoming Friday.