Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bec Allen on the CBA That Finally Gave WNBA Players What They Deserve | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:38:54 | |
The WNBA just agreed to what might be the most important deal in the history of women's basketball — a $7 million salary cap (up from $1.5 million), a 20% revenue share, and a new minimum standard for player welfare that changes the game forever. But what does it actually feel like to live it?' This week, Beza and Tony are joined in the studio by WNBA and Australian Opal star Bec Allen — someone who was in the room (well, the Zoom call) when players voted to stand firm through16 months of negotiations. Bec breaks down what the CBA really means, what it was like to sign it, and why she wishes she was five years younger right now. From earning $39,000 in her rookie year while living in New York City, to playing across seven countries over two decades, Bec gives us the kind of inside perspective you won't find ina press release. They also get into: Why Australian players should still play overseas in the WNBA off-season, what owners need to get right, the fan culture gap between Australia, Europe and the USA, and — in a genuinely chaotic quick fire — one-word descriptions of every country Bec has played in. This is one of the best conversations we've had on the show. Don't miss it. 🏀 The historic WNBA CBA — what's in it and what it actually means for players 📈 Bec Allen on signing the agreement and the 16 months it took to get there 🧠 From $39k in New York as a rookie to a $7M salary cap — the generational shift in player pay 🌍 Why Australian players should still play overseas even with better WNBA money 🤝 What owners need to do to put their players first 💼 Fan culture in Australia vs Europe vs the US ⚡Quick fire: every country Bec has played in, one word at a time ⚡The best players she's shared a court with — and who she'd pass to for the game winner Bec Allen is an Australian Opal and WNBA veteran who has played for the New York Liberty, Chicago Sky, and Phoenix Mercury, as well as clubs across Europe including France, Poland,Spain, Slovakia, and Turkey. A stalwart of the Australian national team, she is one of the most widely experienced players in the women's game. 👉 Hit those Like and Subscribe buttons for The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast and uncover great storytelling about what is transforming women’s basketball globally. If you're passionate about women’s basketball, the WNBA pipeline, or NCAA action — this is a must-watch! Sponsor: Uncloud – building stronger community connectionsthrough sport. Learn more: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Timestamps • 0:00 — Teaser: the numbers that changed the game • 0:45 — Welcome to the Sixth Women Podcast • 2:30 — Big Brother Big Sister charity gala recap • 4:30 — Introducing Bec Allen • 6:00 — Bec's career — from Australia to the world • 8:30 — The historic WNBA CBA: what's actually in it • 12:00 — Bec on signing the agreement and the 16 monthsit took • 16:00 — From $39k rookie salary to a $7M cap — thegenerational shift • 19:30 — Should Australian players still go overseas? • 23:00 — What owners need to do to put players first • 27:00 — Fan culture: Australia vs Europe vs the US • 31:00 — Quickfire: one word for every country Bec hasplayed in • 36:00 — The best players she's shared a court with • 39:00 — What motivates you? Bec's answer #WNBA #WomensSports #WNBACBADeal#BecAllen #AustralianOpals #SixthWomenPodcast #WomensBasketball #WNBL#Basketball #WomenInSport | |||
| Atlanta Dream GM Reveals the Strategy to Build a Championship Team | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:35:55 | |
What does it actually take to build a winning team in the WNBA? In this episode of The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, Atlanta Dream GM Dan Padover breaks down how championship-calibre teams are built — from drafting and player development to culture, ownership alignment, and navigating one of the most important moments in league history. Recorded during the uncertainty surrounding the WNBA’s CBA negotiations, this is a rare inside look at how front offices are thinking about the future of the league.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 🏀 The core principles of building a championship roster in the WNBA 📈 How Atlanta went from 15 wins to 30 wins in a single season 🧠 Balancing analytics with the eye test in talent evaluation 🌍 How expansion and international scouting are changing the talent pipeline 🤝 Why culture, continuity, and ownership investment matter more than ever 💼 Dan's career journey from video coordinator to GM — and his advice for aspiring front office professionals ⚡ Rapid Fire: How many games Dan watches per week, the young global players he's excited about, and one-word descriptions of his star players 👉 Hit those Like and Subscribe buttons for The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast and uncover great storytelling about what is transforming women’s basketball globally. If you're passionate about women’s basketball, the WNBA pipeline, or NCAA action — this is a must-watch!
Sponsor: Uncloud – building stronger community connections through sport. Learn more: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Whether you're a WNBA fan, a basketball strategy nerd, or someone looking to break into the sports industry, this episode is packed with insights.
Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction to Dan Padover 1:46 – Building a championship roster 3:52 – Going from 15 wins to 30 wins 5:06 – The luck factor 6:01 – Patience and ownership trust 6:51 – Measuring progress beyond wins 7:30 – Culture and being a great teammate 8:52 – Building culture 10:09 – Why Atlanta is a destination market 12:29 – Evaluation talent - analytics vs. the eye test 14:12 – Operational investments and player experience 15:34 – The impact of ownership 16:40 – WNBA expansion and the talent landscape 17:50 – Player development in the WNBA 19:32 – International scouting 21:20 – NIL and the college-to-WNBA pipeline 23:37 – What drew Dan to women's basketball 25:39 – Leadership lessons from Bill Laimbeer 27:00 – Career advice for aspiring front office professionals 28:30 – Rapid Fire questions 32:16 – What gives Dan optimism about the future 33:15 – Beza and Tony wrap-up and reflections See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The Rise of Women’s Basketball | How Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Are Changing the Game | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:41:37 | |
Welcome to the FIRST EVER episode of ‘The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast’ where wespeak to the the stories, leagues, and players shaping women’s basketball globally. In this first ep we are spotlighting the shifting opportunities for players starting with the WNBA and Unrivaled leagues and how star athletes Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are changing the game on and off the court in different ways. Our conversation reflects on these changes and explores the upcoming WNBA CBA negotiations, the success of the newest franchise the Golden State Valkyries, and the crucial role of media coverage and storytelling to growing the game. We also discuss fan engagement and how they view shifting player loyalty, and how Aussie players continue to make their mark on the international stage.
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Takeaways
Chapters 00:00 – Introducing our co-hosts – Beza and Tony 07:00 – WNBA CBA Negotiations and the flow on effects and risks 16:15 – Pay Us What You Owe Us 17:15 – The Valkyries and roster strategies 38:40 – The Importance of Storytelling in Women’s Basketball See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Players vs Owners: The WNBA's $$$$ Standoff Explained | 07 Mar 2026 | 00:40:05 | |
With just weeks until the WNBA season opener, ongoing CBA negotiations have created real uncertainty around the 2026 season. In this episode of The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, we speak with Jackie Powell, host of IX Sports Podcast, Women's Basketball Edition & WNBA Writer at NBC Sports to break down what’s happening, why the ownership structure of the WNBA is central to the negotiation, and what could happen next. We also cover:
Women’s basketball is evolving rapidly — structurally, commercially, and globally. This episode examines where the leverage sits and what the next phase of the sport could look like. 👉 Smash those Like and Subscribe buttons for The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast and uncover amazing stories that are transforming women’s basketball globally. If you're passionate about women’s basketball, the WNBA pipeline, or NCAA action — this is a must-watch! Sponsor: Uncloud – building stronger community connections through sport. Learn more: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Key topics covered
Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:28 Guest Introduction - Jackie Powell 1:55 Is the WNBA Strong or Fragile? 3:26 The Beatles Analogy - WNBA's Limited Platform 6:00 CBA Negotiations Overview 7:12 Complexities of the WNBA Ownership Structure 10:10 Why the Ownership Structure Matters 11:52 The Players' Perspective 12:11 The 2024 Women's Basketball Boom 14:54 Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese Era Impact 15:40 Fan Sentiment on CBA Dispute 16:17 Livable vs. Good Salaries 20:05 Global Leagues & Political Parallels 22:21 Players Association Leaders & Competing Leagues 25:46 Expansion Discussion - Too Fast? 28:30 Ownership Evolution & Future Structure 30:42 Quick Fire Round Begins for Jackie Powell 31:03 Favorite Player to Watch 32:21 Most Interesting Interview 32:45 Favorite Australian Player 33:12 Lady Gaga Connection 34:02 UK Politics Internship with Harriet Harman 36:16 Media Voice to Follow 37:30 What Defines Next 5 Years? 38:28 Closing Remarks & Sideline Documentary
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Angel Reese in Australia + Is the WNBA Season in Danger? | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:40:54 | |
Angel Reese’s visit to Australia comes at a pivotal moment for women’s basketball. With just weeks until the WNBA season opener, ongoing CBA negotiations have created real uncertainty around the 2025 season. In this episode of The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, we break down what’s happening, what the players are demanding, and what could happen next. Beza shares her excitement about the opportunity to interview Angel Reese during the Reebok AR1 “Rose Dust” launch in Sydney on her visit to Australia. And her insights from meeting her and the broader impact of her visit on the global growth of the game. We also cover:
Women’s basketball is evolving rapidly — structurally, commercially, and globally. This episode examines where the leverage sits and what the next phase of the sport could look like. 👉 Smash those Like and Subscribe buttons for The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast and uncover amazing stories that are transforming women’s basketball globally. If you're passionate about women’s basketball, the WNBA pipeline, or NCAA action — this is a must-watch! Sponsor: Uncloud – building stronger community connections through sport. Learn more: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Key topics covered
Chapters 0:00 Episode introduction and overview 0:00 Beza interview with Angel Reese during her Australian tour 7:30 Reebok AR1 shoes 11:01 Angel Reese's presence and impact on and off the court 14:19 Representation matters - why Angel's visit to Australia matters 18:11 WNBA CBA Negotiations deep dive into CBA negotiations and standoff between players and league owners 23:33 Timeline challenges - breaking down the tight schedule and logistical hurdles facing the 2025 WNBA season 27:14 Exploring the difficult decisions players face in the ongoing negotiations 31:41 World Cup Qualifiers March qualifiers preview and team announcements, including Australia's roster selections 33:17 WNBL Finals predictions 34:35 Women’s Chinese Basketball League - Australian players making the move to China and the impact on the WNBL 36:54 NCAA and Euro League Updates 37:48 Release of “Sidelined – The Fight for Equality in Women’s Basketball” documentary series on YouTube channel 38:49 Summer Jam Tournament Upcoming Melbourne basketball event featuring Jordan Brand's third-largest outdoor tournament 40:25 Closing Remarks and Future Plans See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Lindsay Allen on Why WNBA Players Have Choices They Didn't Have a Decade ago | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:42:19 | |
Welcome back to the 6th Women Basketball Podcast for 2026. In this episode Beza and Tony speak in studio with WNBA veteran Lindsay Allen about her career, the importance of the WNBA CBA, playing internationally and in the WNBA, her greatest teammates and how the global shifts in women's basketball are providing choices for players that didn't exist when she came out of Notre Dame almost a decade ago. Lindsay Allen is a case study of the modern multi-league career coming out of College into WNBA in 2017, working your way up thru the league and playing internationally in so-called "offseason". A Notre Dame NCAA star leading them to two NCAA Championship games and four Final Four appearances, a WNBA veteran heading into her 10th year across 6 teams, she has also played consistently internationally in EuroLeague, Russia, Poland, Turkey, Australia, just finished in China, and is on her way back to Turkey. The hosts dive into topics like Angel Reese's brand management, the challenges and perks of playing overseas, and the changing landscape of women's basketball. Allen shares her experiences in different countries, the evolution of her physical conditioning, and her thoughts on the growing prominence of women's basketball globally. The episode also delves into personal anecdotes, her association with renowned athletes, and her aspirations for the future. She won the 2021-22 WNBL Championship with the Melbourne Boomers where C-Host Tony was part of the ownership group and Executive Chair - so their relationship has plenty of happy memories. If you care about women’s basketball, athlete rights, the WNBA pipeline or the future of NCAA sports — this is essential viewing. 👉 Subscribe to The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast for more stories on the athletes redefining women’s basketball globally. Sponsor: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Key topics covered
Chapters 00:00 Welcome + why women’s basketball is exploding right now 38:59 Fashion and Personal Stories 40:43 Closing Remarks and Future Plans See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The New Women's Basketball Order Has Begun | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:35:43 | |
Women’s basketball is officially entering a new era. In this episode of The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, Beza and Tony break down the biggest global shift the sport has seen since the creation of the WNBA in 1997. Project B has arrived with seven figure salaries, equity for players, a Formula One style global tournament model and some of the biggest names in the game rumoured to be involved. At the same time, the WNBA is deep in its CBA negotiations and players around the world are weighing up their futures. We look at what is confirmed, what is speculation and what this all means for the WNBA, international leagues like the Australian WNBL and the future of women’s basketball globally. Plus, we highlight the rise of Chinese superstar Han Xu playing in Australia, the latest WNBL storylines and a few cringe moments that show why the media still needs to catch up. Sponsor: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/
Chapters 00:00 Introduction In this episode, hosts Beza and Tony unpack the future of women’s basketball as Project B emerges with unprecedented money, global ambition and player empowerment. With CBA negotiations in the WNBA reaching a critical moment, players may be forced to choose between stability, lifestyle and history. We explore what Project B could mean for the WNBA, Australian WNBL, European leagues, China, and for fans worldwide. Big money, big names and big reshuffles are coming, and this episode explains it all in clear, engaging terms. women’s basketball, Project B league, WNBA CBA, WNBL analysis, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu, Angel Reese, Unrivaled basketball, Athletes Unlimited, global women’s sports, Han Xu, WNBL highlights, women’s basketball podcast, basketball news 2025, player equity sports, international basketball leagues
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| From Portugal to NCAA+WNBA Star to Player Agent | Ticha Penicheiro's Evolution | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:41:17 | |
Our latest episode features an interview with one of the most influential figures in women's basketball, a true legend of the game. Her journey from Portugal to becoming an NCAA sensation and later a WNBA icon is a testament to her dedication to the sport. This conversation brings to light her impact on women's college basketball and the broader landscape of womens basketball. From a small Portuguese town to NCAA superstardom and a decorated career in the WNBA and Europe, Ticha shares rare insight into the evolution of the women’s game, her mission to guide the next generation of athletes and her thoughts on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reece. Ticha opens up about the global momentum shifting women’s basketball, the emergence of new leagues such as Project B and Unrivalled, and how today’s athletes navigate unprecedented opportunities. She also reflects on her transition into player representation, the mindset behind major career decisions, and the release of her new feature-length film "Feel the Magic - Ticha Penichiero Against All Odds" documenting her life, legacy and impact on the sport. If you care about women’s basketball, athlete rights, the WNBA pipeline or the future of college sports — this is essential viewing.
👉 Subscribe to The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast for more stories on the athletes redefining women’s basketball globally.
Sponsor: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/
Key Moments: 00:00 – Who Is Ticha? | Portugal → ODU → WNBA Legend 02:00 – The Explosion of Women’s Basketball 04:00 – Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese & the New Wave 06:00 – How Ticha Guides Players Through Career Choices 08:30 – Georgia Amoore: Mentality of a Future Star 14:00 – “Feel the Magic” Documentary — Origin & Meaning 17:00 – Growing Up in Portugal | Playground Lessons 20:00 – Sliding Doors: How ODU Discovered Her 24:00 – Passing Genius: Born or Built? 26:45 – Life After Basketball & The Reality of Being an Agent 33:00 – Rapid Fire: WNBA CBA, Favourite Assist, Underrated Stars, Dream Dinner Guests 38:00 – Caitlin Clark Breaking Ticha’s Rookie Assist Record
References: Watch "Feel the Magic - Ticha Penichiero Against All Odds" https://youtu.be/fZNJbnk4MfA?si=lOMhY7YKmtTWL8X9
Ticha Penichiero Top 10 Assists Highlight Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieAs4eHps5Y See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Creating Legacy and Breaking Barriers: Last-Tear Poa is Fighting for Fairness in College Basketball | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:37:42 | |
In this episode of The 6th Woman basketball podcast, hosts Beza “Courtside” Mickan-White and Tony “T-Swizzle” Hallam sit down with Last-Tear Poa, Australian-Samoan college basketballer and leader for the Arizona State Sun Devils. From winning a National Championship with LSU to becoming the face of a legal case challenging U.S. government rules for international student-athletes, LT’s story is one of grit, family, faith and purpose. LT opens up about her early journey and the lessons from Coach Kim Mulkey at LSU, and her decision to transfer to ASU and play for Coach Molly Miller. She also shares what she learned from teammate Angel Reese, how she prepared to defend Caitlin Clark in the National Championship game, and what it felt like visiting the White House after LSU’s championship win. Beyond the court, LT reflects on fighting for NIL rights for international athletes, maintaining discipline, and staying grounded through her strong faith and family bond — including heartwarming moments with her younger siblings and her mum’s sacrifices to support her dream. Sponsor: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Key Moments:
Listen Now On: References: https://sundevils.com/sports/womens/basketball See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Angel Reese: BIGGER than the game of Basketball | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:32:34 | |
This episode dives into the cultural force that is Angel Reese and her rapid growth from college star to global icon, and her influence on the WNBA. We review the WNBA Finals and the dynasty led by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. First impressions of the new Australian WNBL - likes and dislikes - and how the announcement of Project B could reshape women’s basketball as soon as in 2026. And the possibility of a WNBA game in Australia. The conversation highlights why authenticity, personality, and brand power are driving fan engagement like never before. Top Takeaways
Sponsor:
Chapters 00:00 The cultural force that is Angel Reese and her influence on the WNBA 21:50 Message from UNCLOUD 27:50 WNBA Head Coach roundabout 30:00 WNBA in Australia - why not ?
Angel Reese, WNBA, women’s basketball, Project B, authenticity, WNBL, women’s sports growth, Aces dynasty, A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray. Jackie Young, Sandy Brondello, Han Xu
References: https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/angel-reese-2025-victorias-secret-fashion-show https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/46675630/wnba-cba-updates-negotiations-latest See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| WNBL Season Preview: Teams, Players, and Controversies Shaping Women’s Basketball | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:40:58 | |
In this episode of The Sixth Woman Basketball Podcast, Beza and Tony break down everything you need to know ahead of the upcoming WNBL season — from new league ownership to previews on teams and the faces of the WNBL. They explore predictions for the top and bottom four teams, highlight players like Cayla George, Anneli Maley and Jade Melbourne faces of the league, and dive into recent WNBA controversies, including Cheryl Reeve’s suspension and Napheesa Collier’s comments on WNBA leadership. There’s also speculation around new signings in WNBL and what these marquee signings mean for the WNBL’s future. This episode also pays tribute to Tiana Mangakahia, celebrating her resilience and contribution to basketball on and off the court.
Key Takeaways
Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to The Sixth Woman Basketball Podcast 29:00 – Cheryl Reeves Suspension in WNBA - Fair or Not 33:00 – Nepheesa Collier Calls Out WNBA Leadership
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| The WNBL's New Vision: Fans, Growth & Relevance | 28 May 2026 | 00:25:40 | |
What needs to change for the WNBL to truly break through? In Part 2 of this exclusive conversation, newly appointed WNBL Chief Operations Officer Justin Nelson outlines his vision for the future of the league - and why relevance, innovation and fan connection will define the next era of women's basketball in Australia. Starting with his top three priorities for the WNBL over the next 12 months, Justin speaks candidly about growth, visibility, expansion, player drafts, rivalries, fan engagement and why women's basketball needs to stop "playing it safe." He also explains why he believes the WNBL can become one of Australia's great sports success stories. They discuss: • Justin's top three priorities for the WNBL • Why first-time fans fall in love with the game • The challenge of relevance in women's sport • Rivalries, emotion and entertainment • Drafts, trades and player movement • Expansion teams and financial sustainability • Connecting better with grassroots basketball • Caitlin Clark, international talent & visibility • Justin's proudest moment in basketball administration Plus: Rapid Fire questions, fan questions and Justin's long-term vision for the future of the WNBL. Sponsor: Uncloud - building stronger community connections through sport.https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Timestamps 0:00 - Top three priorities for the WNBL 2:00 - Why first-time fans love the WNBL 5:00 - The challenge of relevance in women's sport 7:00 - Rivalries, emotion & entertainment 10:00 - Drafts, trades & innovation ideas 12:00 - Connecting better with grassroots basketball 14:00 - Rapid Fire questions 17:00 - Expansion, Brisbane & New Zealand teams 19:00 - "If you had complete control..." 20:00 - Justin's proudest basketball moment 22:00 - "Fear or faith" innovation philosophy 23:00 - Final reflections & outro | |||
| Lauren Jackson & The WNBL: Justin Nelson's New Strategy | 26 May 2026 | 00:30:42 | |
What does innovation really look like in women's basketball? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, newly appointed WNBL Chief Operations Officer Justin Nelson joins Beza and Tony to discuss the journey that shaped him - from leaving school at 14 and working as a baker to rebuilding leagues and clubs across Australia and New Zealand. Justin opens up about the Melbourne Boomers years, his close working relationship with Lauren Jackson, the creation of New Zealand's Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league and the Rapid League innovation that transformed player development. The conversation explores leadership, risk-taking, fan engagement and why Justin believes innovation requires faith rather than fear. They discuss: • The accidental path into sports media • Picking up "broken products" in basketball • Working with Lauren Jackson again at the WNBL • Project B and global basketball disruption • Whether the WNBL should move seasons • Why fans must come first• The creation of Rapid League • The rise of Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa • Pay parity and women's basketball growth If you want to understand the mindset and philosophy behind one of the most influential basketball administrators in the region, this episode is essential listening. Sponsor: Uncloud - building stronger community connections through sport.https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ Timestamps 0:00 - "Innovation asks you to believe in something you can't see" 1:10 - Introducing Justin Nelson 3:00 - Leaving school at 14 & becoming a baker 5:00 - The accidental path into sports media 7:00 - Leadership evolution & listening more 8:00 - Picking up "broken products" in sport ]9:00 - Working closely with the GOAT Lauren Jackson 12:00 - Lauren's new WNBL leadership role 14:00 - Project B, global basketball & player movement 15:00 - Should the WNBL move seasons? 16:30 - Why fans must come first 18:00 - The origins of Rapid League in NZ 22:00 - "Fear or faith" - Justin's innovation philosophy 23:30 - Creating New Zealand's Tauihi league' 26:00 - Why women's basketball "wasn't good enough" | |||
| This $1B Bet WILL Change Everything About Women’s Basketball | 09 May 2026 | 00:44:06 | |
Project B might become one of the biggestdisruptors women’s basketball has ever seen. But what actually is it? In this exclusive interview, WNBA legend and Project B Chief Basketball Officer Alana Beard explains the real visionbehind Project B — player ownership, global basketball, premium experiences and why they believe basketball can become the number one sport in the world. Beza and Tony sit down with four-time WNBA All-Star and Project B executive Alana Beard for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about developments in global basketball. Alana shares: • The “why” behind Project B • Why athlete ownership and equity matter • How Project B plans to create a premiumbasketball ecosystem • Why the league wants to be additive — notcompetitive • The importance of global fan access andstreaming • How women athletes are becomingbusinesses and brands • What she sees in players like SophieCunningham and Alanna Smith • Why Australian basketball talent standsout globally • The biggest misconceptions surroundingProject B The episode also includes: • Rapid Fire questions • Future expansion discussions • Startup and business challenges • Reflections on leadership, mentorship andlegacy If you want to understand where women’sbasketball could be heading over the next decade, this conversation is essential viewing. Timestamps 0:00 — “What is the why of Project B?” 2:00 — How Project B first captured Alana’s attention 6:00 — Why today’s athletes think differently about business 8:40 — Building a premium global basketball experience 11:15 — Access, streaming & global fan engagement 17:30 — How Project B plans to work with existing leagues 21:10 — The challenges of building a startup sports league 24:15 — Collaboration vs competition in women’s basketball 26:30 — What is it about Sophie Cunningham 30:05 — Alanna Smith & Australian basketball talent 33:20 — Rapid Fire questions 35:45 — Biggest misconception about Project B 37:35 — Which player would Alana sign tomorrow? 38:15 — “This is not just a women’s basketball league” 38:45 — Bec Allen’s question: “What is your why?” 40:25 — Final reflections & outro
#ProjectB, #AlanaBeard, #WNBA,#WomensBasketball, #SophieCunningham, #AlannaSmith, #WNBL, #BasketballPodcast,#WomensSports, #GlobalBasketball Project B basketball, Alana Beardinterview, women’s basketball podcast, WNBA future, Sophie Cunningham ProjectB, Alanna Smith basketball, global basketball league, women athlete ownership,WNBA analysis, Sixth Women Podcast | |||
| Australia’s WNBA Boom: Opportunity or Warning Sign? | 02 May 2026 | 00:10:55 | |
The WNBA has changed the economics of women’sbasketball — and Australia is right in the middle of it. | |||
| The WNBA's New Era Starts Here: What Actually Shifted | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:36:05 | |
Why Big Money Didn’t Move the WNBA’s Biggest Stars The WNBA is entering a new financial era —record contracts, global talent pipelines, and more money than ever before. In This Episode • Why only 5 of 22 All-Stars moved in free agency • The disconnect between rising salaries and player movement • The psychology behind players choosing stability over change • The globalisation of the WNBA through the draft and training camps • The harsh reality of training camp cuts — 250 players competing for limited spots • The Caitlin Clark free agency moment on the horizon • EuroLeague dominance and what it says about global competition Hit Like and Subscribe to The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast and uncover great storytelling about what is transforming women’s basketball globally. Timestamps 0:00 — Teaser: only 5 of 22 All-Stars moved teams 0:33 — The real test to come: Caitlin Clark’s free agency 0:40 — Welcome & intro 2:22 — Bec Allen interview goes global 3:40 — Free agency: why so little changed 4:29 — The 5 All-Star movers breakdown 7:38 — Largest contracts deep dive 13:12 — The WNBA Draft: globalisation of the game 16:26 — Charlisse Leger-Walker: first NZ player drafted 17:22 — Awa Fam drafted #3 19:08 — Training camps: more money, more pressure 25:59 — EuroLeague dominance continues 26:51 — Azzi Fudd / Paige Bueckers pressconference moment 33:51 — Wrap-up & outro | |||
| "It's Not About Me, It's About Team China" — Yang Shuyu on Leadership, Family & Representing 1.4 Billion People | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:31:10 | |
What does leadership look like when you're just 24 years old and captaining one of the world's best basketball teams? In Episode 15 of The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, Beza and Tony sit down with Chinese National Team captain, Olympic bronze medallist and global basketball star Yang Shuyu. Currently playing with the Melbourne Tigers as part of her preparation for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Yang opens up about her journey from Guangdong to the world stage, growing up alongside her sister and mentor Yang Liwei, and the responsibility of representing China. The conversation explores leadership, family, fashion, life beyond basketball and why Yang believes success is never about one player. They discuss: • Growing up in Guangdong and learning responsibility from her parents• Her relationship with sister Yang Liwei• Becoming captain of the Chinese National Team• The lessons she has learned about leadership• Olympic bronze and representing China on the world stage• Why she chose Melbourne Tigers and Australian basketball• Fashion, Prada and launching her own clothing brand• Gaming, movies and life away from basketball• Her goals for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup• Advice for the next generation of female athletes Plus: Rapid Fire questions, fish and chips, badminton, Harry Potter and why Australia is one of her favourite places in the world. Sponsor Uncloud – building stronger community connections through sport. Timestamps 0:00 – "It's not about me, it's about Team China"1:00 – Introducing Yang Shuyu2:00 – Growing up in Guangdong4:00 – Lessons from her parents and responsibility5:00 – Sister Yang Liwei and family influence6:30 – Basketball enters her life8:00 – Life away from basketball: gaming, movies and beaches | |||