Hoops Off

The trade deadline did not go gentle into that good night, instead it went bonkers and shocked everyone with one of the most blockbuster trades in NBA history. And the WNBA had some serious movements that have changed the landscape moving forward into the new season. But back to the NBA trade that shook the world... Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. Liz and Karen break down the rumors, the potential and the follies of this trade. They also look at other impactful trades in the NBA, including Jimmy Butler's forced move from the Miami Heat to Karen's Golden State Warriors. And on the WNBA side of things, Both Karen and Liz discuss the winners and losers and pick their top 3 teams for next W season. Hoops come off once again as we want more merch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When did the NBA All-Stars start sucking and can Adam Silver save this unofficial mid-regular season break from further calamity. Liz and Karen break down the weekend event that put the Bay back on the map. Karen reports from the ground with an insider's look at the All Star parties, panels and activations. Her favorites include Hennessey, Wing Stop and Crocs! Liz gives her take from her VIP seat on her home sofa and wonders why the stadiums look so empty. Both give hard critiques as well as ways Adam Silver can save this hallmark of the NBA games. Adam pick up the phone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen and Liz are headed your way with hot takes on All Stars, trades, and more. Get ready. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Karen wrap up this season of Hoops Off with a look at the big business of women sports.Money Mama Karen gives us a deep dive into projected revenues and of women's sports--poised for generating billions--and the massive viewership growth over last season. Also: a critical look at the WNBA players getting brand deals. They also discuss the first official season of Unrivaled, and look at basketball clubs of this new women's sports league. On the NBA side of things, Liz and Karen make their Christmas Day predictions--including their own personal rivalry, The Los Angeles Lakers vs. The Golden State Warriors--as well as build out their 2025 NBA All-Star starters. Lastly, the holiday book club pick is announced!MENTIONSSparks hire Lynne Roberts as head coach:https://www.thenexthoops.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/lynne-roberts-new-los-angeles-sparks-head-coach-pebley-offense/ WNBA Players Are Getting Brand Deals, But Not Equally by Frankie De La Cretaz:https://www.complex.com/sports/a/frankie-de-la-cretaz/wnba-salaries-endorsements-brand-deals Unrivaled Basketball Clubs:https://www.unrivaled.basketball/clubs NBA Christmas Day Games:https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/nba-christmas-games-schedule-teams-how-to-watch NBA 2025 All-Stars:https://www.nba.com/warriors/2025-allstarHoliday Book Club Pick: There's Always This Year. On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/695817/theres-always-this-year-by-hanif-abdurraqib/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Liz and Karen want to share part of a wild true story, a story in which not all the main characters have been heard from before--until now. It's the story of how Seattle lost its NBA team. Listen to episode one of Sonic Boom: How Seattle Lost its Team, produced in partnership with The Ringer, and hosted by reporter and writer Jordan Ritter Conn. To hear the rest of the episodes, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonic-boom-how-seattle-lost-its-team/id1567722424or directly on Luminary:http://luminary.link/sonics) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA Draft Lottery numbers are in, and Liz and Karen are not sure if everyone is happy about the top 5 drafting teams. With Paige Bueckers as a major first-round draft pick, predictions as to who will hit the target are still up in the air. With the league poised to grow to 16 teams by 2028, Karen and Liz kick around the cities they think would be natural contenders and lively additions. And, from the women-in-business buzz come these juicy updates: the new JuJu Watkins docuseries (On the Rise) premiers this week; Whoopi Goldberg is launching the All Women's Sports Network, and U.S. Soccer gets a huge cash contributor. Ka-ching. Meanwhile, the NBA is not looking as shiny as the realm of womens sports: a boatload of injuries is plaguing the league and it’s really hitting the starting lineups. Not to mention there is still lots of pettiness going around with Inside the NBA: Clay vs. The Bay and the same old stale foolery. In the face of so many injuries, Liz and Karen share Fantasy League tips to help keep thing optimized from week to week, then they. take their hoops off for some real talk, and tie up this episode with a bow of gratitude.MENTIONSNBC, Peacock to premiere docuseries featuring USC Star Juju Watkins:https://www.si.com/college-basketball/usc-star-juju-watkins-docuseries-nbc-peacock Whoopi Goldberg launches All Women's Sports Network:https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/all-womens-sports-network-whoopi-goldberg-launch-november-2024/ NBA Injuries Up 35 percent over last season:https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/278024/NBA-Injuries-Up-35-perc-Over-Last-SeasonIn Street Clothes covering sports injuries from the perspective of a certified athletic trainer and backed by analytics:https://instreetclothes.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hoops Off podcast welcomes Jenny Nguyen, founder of the The Sports Bra, located in Portland, Oregon, and dedicated ENTIRELY to women's sports. Jenny’s origin story and her journey to getting the bar off the ground travel a fascinating trail--from the shoe-squeaks of hoops courts through professional kitchens, the pandemic, rounds of deep introspection, amateur Keynote pitch decks, and wildly encouraging rejections, Listen to her immersive journey and find out what's next as she discusses the current infusion of monetary investment from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is also husband to award-winning tennis champion Serena Williams, as well as life in the world of franchising. Also in this episode, Karen breaks down the Emirates Cup (formerly known as the In-Season Tournament) including the renaming, how it works, fancy new courts and foolish heist marketing.MENTIONSThere's never been a better time to run a women's sports bar:https://www.thecut.com/article/how-jenny-nguyen-the-sports-bra-owner-gets-it-done.htmlThis popular women's sports bra in Portland is bringing its winnning formula to other cities:https://www.fastcompany.com/91111766/sports-bra-womens-sports-bar-portland-franchise-alexis-ohanianThe Sports Bra announces plan to franchise with investment from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian:https://www.oregonlive.com/sports/2024/04/the-sports-bra-announces-plans-to-franchise-with-investment-from-alexis-ohanian.htmlNBA's Emirates Cup Features New 2024 Courts. What's Changed:https://frontofficesports.com/nbas-emirates-cup-features-new-2024-courts-whats-changed/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women's basketball courts are still going strong with the start of Women's College Basketball. Meanwhile, the revolving door of WNBA head coaches are making heads spin. Liz and Karen run through the firings that have popped up just a few weeks into the WNBA offseason. Then, Money Mama Karen breaks down the millions--in both dollars and reach--for the college WBB. The NBA's numbers are trending in a less favorable direction than the W's, particularly in the viewership department. Liz and Karen discuss what the league can do to be better. Plus they breakdown the slew of injuries happening way too early in the season, reflect on the Joel Embiid suspension, dig into the on court player beefs, and Giannis trade rumors, before laying up some insightful Fantasy NBA tips. To close it all out, this week's Hoops Off segment gets personal.Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/MENTIONSOver Half of WNBA Coaches Have Been Fired. What's Happening?https://frontofficesports.com/half-of-wnba-coaches-have-been-fired-whats-happening/ Opinion: The NBA is causing its own failure:https://www.dailynebraskan.com/opinion/nba-viewership-declines/article_f6b829f2-9a26-11ef-8aaf-83b76cb16d34.html Joel Embiid suspended three games for shoving columnist:https://nypost.com/2024/11/05/sports/joel-embiid-suspended-three-games-for-shoving-reporter/ Nets predicted to cut ties with $177 million guard to acquire Bucks superstar:https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/milwaukee-bucks/news/nets-predicted-cut-ties-177-million-guard-acquire-bucks-superstar/a03bb4e3cf4bfb31a3f46070 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning sports journalist and host of the Sportly podcast on Immigrantly, Kavitha Davidson, joins Liz for a one-on-one interview about her remarkable sports journey. From the sights and sounds of old Yankee Stadium to her memories of former Yankees Center Fielder and musician Bernie Williams, Kavitha reflects on her unique path, including her parents’ inspiring immigrant story. But before that great convo, Liz and Karen kick off the episode by savoring the electric ending to the 2024 WNBA championship, where the New York Liberty clinched the title, and dive into the journey of the team’s Finals MVP-winning Center, Jonquel Jones. Drafted with the 6th overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, this Bahamian basketball star’s career reads like a movie script, and the women of the Hoops Talk pod are here to give her her flowers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a whopper of an episode! Liz and Karen recap the WNBA 2024 Finals with a big congrats to the New York Liberty champions, as well as MVP of the finals, Jonquel Jones. The duo also takes a look at court side fashions spotted during the series, including Angel Reese's iconic Stewie/Napheesa jersey, made by the talented Jocelyn Hu. Liz and Karen also unpack Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve's post-game comments: her emotional critique of the officiating and her shady congrats to the Liberty. And, of course Ellie the Elephant, the MVP of mascots, gets her flowers in this episode. With the start of the 2024-25 NBA season upon us, Liz and Karen tee up burning questions about teams and players (i.e.Will the Celtics repeat? Can the Knicks beat Boston? How many games will Lebron play? Or Curry?) This over/under round of predictions is coming in hot. Closer to home, it’s time to look at the Hoops Talk Fantasy League, critiquing the 8-teams draft and trades, while also passing along some fantasy team tips.MENTIONSLiberty finally give New York City a basketball championship:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/21/nyregion/new-york-liberty-champions.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UE4.Ojqv.eXM8ZO79uei8&smid=url-share Jocelyin Hu:https://jocehu.com/Jocelyn Hu Instagram Reel:https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZFqopuHOQ/ Jocelyn Hu Brittney Griner 42 Weeks:https://jocehu.com/42-weeks Fantasy Basketball All-Fades Team: 5 players you should avoid in drafts for the 2024-25 NBA Season:https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-basketball-busts-2024-25-121000752.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leaves fall, the W ascends, NBA fantasy leagues draft, “Les Brons” debut: this season’s many transitions are ripe for hot takes, and Liz and Karen are here to deliver. Plus, special guest Alex Taylor, founder of Hoop York City, sits in with the Hoops Off Pod for a chat about her journey, drive, and mission to create a NYC-based women's basketball collective. Taylor reveals the devastating incident that triggered her into action, and shares the special meaning behind one of her favorite Hoop York City logos. Liz and Karen also discuss rookie of the year Caitlin Clark's offseason plans to joins LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam on the green and at the Women's Leadership Summit. Then, due to a listener's correction, Liz sets the record straight by providing a deep dive into the ownership and head coaching changes for the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks. Karen gets a good chuckle at the "Elder" nomenclature being used to differentiate the Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James from his son Bronny James, making history as the first Father/Son duo to play on the same team in the NBA. Liz and Karen also show some love to Shamwow, share NBA Fantasy League tips and of course, take off their hoops!MENTIONSHoops York City:https://www.hoopyorkcity.com/WNBA's Caitlin Clark to compete in the LPGA Pro-Am hosted by Annika Sorenstam in November:https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10138470-wnbas-caitlin-clark-to-compete-in-lpga-pro-am-hosted-by-annika-sorenstam-in-novemberJuJu Watkins and Nike reach a lucrative deal: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/41684352/sources-usc-juju-watkins-nike-reach-lucrative-extensionLebron, Bronny James first father and son to play together:https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41653840/lebron-james-bronny-james-share-court-first-nbaCan Zion Williamson, Ja Morant reach their 'potential' after years of starts and stops?https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5825604/2024/10/08/zion-williamson-ja-morant-usa-basketball-void-pelicans-grizzlies/?source=freedailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=728016ESPN hires Shams Charania:https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/10/08/shams-charania-espn-move?publicationSource=sbd&issue=33a8f5eecf1f4d208320439ad68169e2Fans are outraged that Josh Giddey is playing during NBA Investigation:https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/fans-outraged-josh-giddey-playing-220001062.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Karen, spirits high, are loving the WNBA playoffs (with one tiny, but very relatable, exception.) The duo shine a light on the historical rises in playoff viewership. They also try to understand the short lifespan of WNBA coaches—now that a third head coach has been fired. On the announcement of Big Brittney Griner signing as a founding member of the Unrivaled League, Liz and Karen do a deeper dive into the rules, players, equity, salary and more, of the league. Update on the Hoops Off NBA fantasy league open spot: it has been filled! But Liz is still feeling commissioner's woes, and half of the teams are still needing to register and pay! This week’s Hoops Off segment gets personal for Karen. For Liz, she looks directly into the recording camera to give the so-called “new-look” Los Angeles Lakers a much needed kick in the pantsMENTIONSWNBA Most Viewed Semi-finals in 22 Years:https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/10/sundays-wnba-matchup-between-las-vegas-aces-new-york-liberty-delivered-wnbas-most-viewed-semifinal-in-22-years/ Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark deserve better sophmore seasons from everyone:https://andscape.com/features/angel-reese-and-caitlin-clark-deserve-better-sophomore-seasons-from-everyone/What Wright's Firing Means for Dream, WNBA coaching landscape:https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/41576332/wnba-2024-atlanta-dream-fire-tanisha-wright-coach-openings-vacancies-nextUnrivaled League:https://www.unrivaled.basketball/All-Star Brittney Griner joins Unrivaled's 3-on-3 hoops leaguehttps://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/41572520/all-star-brittney-griner-joins-unrivaled-3-3-hoops-leagueLindsay Gibbs Power Plays Substack:https://substack.com/@powerplaysNatasha Cloud Get Out The Vote:https://www.powerplays.news/p/get-out-the-vote-with-natasha-cloud Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, send us a voicemail: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With an expansion draft for the W coming up, and NBA trades making news, Liz and Karen deliver some spicy astrological perspectives on building team chemistry. But first: Playoff basketball is special, and Liz and Karen are LIVING for the excitement of these high-caliber WNBA semifinals! Once again Liz breaks down the box score and goes deeper into the +/- category for individual players. The Golden State Valkyries will soon have players. (The expansion draft is scheduled for December 6th). Karen explains the expansion draft rules, and names the players she’d recommend for potential draft picks. Overall, things can get messy because current teams can only protect 6 players from the draft; and the head coaching job is a chance for the WNBA to do better! The NBA Media Days offered no shortage of drama and fun. The ladies discuss the impact, and astrological signs, of the blockbuster trade with the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves that included Karl Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and a first draft pick from the Detroit Pistons. Lastly, the Hoops come off when Liz takes a stand for Fantasy League Commissioners, and Karen slams the WNBA for a slow response to protect players against threats. Plus, The ladies also choose the first listener to take one of the two spots available in the Hoops Off NBA Fantasy league. Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/MENTIONSWNBA Playoffshttps://www.wnba.com/playoffs/2024Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft:https://valkyries.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-expansion-draft-set-for-december-6-20240930/ Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft Rules:https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjPpZDyU5B/?img_index=3 Draymond Green already mad at media days:https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/draymond-green-nba-reporter-fans-teammates-fan/2821a8c1f31398250c299f54Lonzo Ball is Back:https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lonzo-ball-with-a-brand-new-knee-hopes-to-play-in-bulls-season-opener-after-two-and-a-half-years-away/ Knicks and Karl Anthony Towns trade:https://www.nba.com/news/knicks-await-official-arrival-of-karl-anthony-townsWNBA won't tolerate racism:https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba-says-wont-tolerate-racism-191322093.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz and Karen's WNBA Playoff breakdown is coming in fast and hot this week. They take a look at stats (believe it or not!) and discuss how the matches are stacking up. Players are racking double-doubles and triple-doubles during these playoffs, but there are tweaks Liz and Karen would like to see some of the teams make. Both are excited about A'Ja Wilson's unanimous MVP distinction. They highlight her 2024 accomplishments, and recount the impressive way she received the MVP news. Liz wants us to keep an eye on Raj Sports, who, in addition to owning the Sacramento Kings, now own two professional women’s sports teams in Portland (the yet-to-be-named WNBA Portland franchise, and the NSWL Portland Thorns). Karen breaks down Kelsey Plum’s style, as well as the lack of style in the newly rumored NBA City Edition Jerseys. A farewell to Adrian Wojnarowski, who dropped his final Woj Bomb via social media, and reflections on his legacy. And, finally, podcast listener Don, takes his hoops off with Liz and Karen!MENTIONS:WNBA Announces Portland Franchise: https://www.wnba.com/news/portland-15th-franchise-announcement RAJ Sports now owns two Sports Franchises in Portland:https://rajcapital.co/rajsports#raj-sportsMore reporting on that from the Oregonian's Sports Columnist Bill Oram:https://www.instagram.com/oregoniansports/reel/DAJ-GaGBNQr/WNBA Playoffs:https://www.wnba.com/playoffs/2024Kelsey Plum talks to Complex Sports:https://www.complex.com/sports/a/caidin-ferrigno/kelsey-plum-las-vegas-aces-wnba-interview-smartwaterNBA City Edition Jerseys:https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2024/9/19/24248969/nba-city-edition-jersey-2025-season-ranked-best-worstWith Retirement from ESPN, 'Woj' Leaves a Changes Sports Media World:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/sports/basketball/adrian-wojnarowski-retires-espn.html Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz is BACK! And Liz is already calling it: Caitlin Clark is going to be Rookie of the Year. The duo also discuss professional hoops’ most-shipped couple (A’ja Wilson has been spotted with who?), plus more record breaking in the league. Also, a few basketball expansions and WNBA Commissioner's BIG misstep around misogny and racism in the comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Playoffs are on the horizon, fashion week is popping, and Playa Society's Esther Wallace is in the Hoops Off house. Celebrating guest host Mya's last week, she and Karen discuss the Minnesota Lynx as the sleeper team to watch, and they each lay down their Aces predictions and more playoff thoughts. The duo then dives into the amazing, magical, delicious collision that is sports and New York Fashion Week, and compare notes on which WNBA player's closet they'd like to raid. Plus, Playa Society founder, the athlete and designer Esther Wallace joins the group chat to share her Candace Parker fan girl moment, and to unpack what the ideation process is like for the WNBA's most creative statement maker.Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/Mya's IG: https://www.instagram.com/themyapetersonWSLAM IG: https://www.instagram.com/wslamPlaya Society: https://www.playasociety.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen and guest host Mya Peterson switch it up by kicking off the show with their Hoops Off segment--coming in strong with a defense of W legend Sheryl Swoopes, who, let's be clear, has nothing to apologize for. The duo then dig into the phenom A'ja Wilson's statement 'fit, the white tee, and what it signals. Plus, Karen and Mya serve up predictions for Rookie of the Year, and Most Valuable Player of the W, along with a side dish of very hot takes. Then, sights set on the horizon, they spotlight some of the NCAA women hoopers to watch, and close it out by celebrating Virgo birthday girl Mya.Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/Follow Mya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themyapeterson?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow WSLAM on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wslam?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest host Mya Peterson, of the iconic hoops media brand WSLAM, joins Karen for an episode jam packed with WNBA analysis, playoff predictions, and more. Plus, fresh off her Paris podium appearance, 2024 USA 3x3 Basketball Olympian Cierra Burdick is this week's guest. Cierra breaks down the distinct features that make 3x3 such a fun game to play, and to watch. She also shares what it was like being seen as the most wanted/unwanted player in the league, and what she wants for the future of women's basketball. This episode is serving Hoops Off versatility--from Draymond to whatever's "demure."Give us your thoughts and questions in a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/Follow Mya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themyapeterson?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow WSLAM on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wslam?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow Cierra Burdick on IG: https://www.instagram.com/c_burdick11?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Learn more about Cierra: https://www.ccburdick.com/Learn more about FIBA 3x3 Womens: https://fiba3x3.com/2024/olympics/news/2024-usa-basketball-3x3-women-s-national-team-announced Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing... the NBA Fun Scale! In this bonus episode, Liz and Karen enlisted the help of a familiar and unique guest (Hoops Off's longest-standing fan and number 1 troll) to join them in debating the five best and worst NBA teams to watch this year.We're still waiting for your voice note. Send it here:hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Paris Olympics keep on giving! Liz and Karen have got the recaps you need (from romance rumors to unforgettable wins) in order to memorialize this year's epic Games. In addition to this Olympics being one of record-setting medal numbers for women, we saw baller A'ja Wilson getting her MVP, Steph Curry finally getting a gold medal, and other moments that had us happily exhausted. Liz and Karen also lay out and pump up key dates around the WNBA and NBA this year, and even stake some bets around NBA Christmas Day schedules. On the other side of Olympic glory comes more lawsuits, many that put women in sports up against the WNBA, the IOC and the cyberbullies. We'll keep our eyes on those. Plus: this week's Hoops Off gives us the breakdown of Australia breakdancing that is very much needed.Send a voice note to us at: hoopsoffpod@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.