Women’s Basketball Locked On: Monday Wrap Up with Missy Heidrick

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Heidrick begins by praising the Olympics, predicting that the first matchup between Team USA and Japan will end in a U.S. victory (an accurate prediction—Team USA beat Japan 102-76). He also discusses some of the dynamics of this year’s Team USA. “There’s been a lot of talk and consternation about what this team looks like,” Heidrick says. “But it’s a very experienced team, with a handful of newcomers. Heidrick also gives special thanks to veteran Diana Taurasi, who is currently playing in her final Olympics.

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Later, Heidrick begins talking about the NCAA antitrust lawsuit that’s been making headlines. “We talked about it coming,” Heidrick says. “But now we’re here. The NCAA and its Power 5 conferences are going to change everything about college sports going forward.” Heidrick offers more analysis of the lawsuit and shares some perspectives not only on the specifics of the lawsuit but also where she sees it headed.

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Heidrick ends the episode by discussing the new 11-year media rights deal the WNBA has with Disney, Amazon Prime and NBC. Beyond the details of the deal, Heidrick makes sure to acknowledge the people who worked hard to make it happen. “Now the W is standing on its own,” Heidrick says. “It’s something a lot of people have worked on… we have to give credit to the pioneers.”

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