Alexa Philippou
@alexaphilippou.bsky.social
ESPN women’s college basketball, WNBA reporter. Posting on here and, for now, X | IG: alexaphilippou_ESPN
A day after coming in on the 1-line in the first early top 16 reveal, down goes Vandy with Georgia pulling off the upset at home.
SEC hoops are no joke.
SEC hoops are no joke.
February 15, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A day after coming in on the 1-line in the first early top 16 reveal, down goes Vandy with Georgia pulling off the upset at home.
SEC hoops are no joke.
SEC hoops are no joke.
South Carolina is the only current SEC school that Kim Mulkey has not beaten since taking the helm at LSU.
That's 18-straight wins for the Gamecocks over the Tigers. LSU last beat them in 2012.
That's 18-straight wins for the Gamecocks over the Tigers. LSU last beat them in 2012.
February 15, 2026 at 3:55 AM
South Carolina is the only current SEC school that Kim Mulkey has not beaten since taking the helm at LSU.
That's 18-straight wins for the Gamecocks over the Tigers. LSU last beat them in 2012.
That's 18-straight wins for the Gamecocks over the Tigers. LSU last beat them in 2012.
The second early reveal will take place on March 1 at 11am ET on ESPN.
Then, for the first time, the committee will announce the top 16 teams in the field -- in alphabetical order -- on March 14.
The full bracket will be revealed on Selection Sunday, March 15, at 8pm ET on ESPN
Then, for the first time, the committee will announce the top 16 teams in the field -- in alphabetical order -- on March 14.
The full bracket will be revealed on Selection Sunday, March 15, at 8pm ET on ESPN
February 15, 2026 at 1:39 AM
The second early reveal will take place on March 1 at 11am ET on ESPN.
Then, for the first time, the committee will announce the top 16 teams in the field -- in alphabetical order -- on March 14.
The full bracket will be revealed on Selection Sunday, March 15, at 8pm ET on ESPN
Then, for the first time, the committee will announce the top 16 teams in the field -- in alphabetical order -- on March 14.
The full bracket will be revealed on Selection Sunday, March 15, at 8pm ET on ESPN
By region:
Fort Worth 1
1-UConn
2-LSU
3-Ohio St.
4-Oklahoma
Sacramento 2
1-UCLA
2-Texas
3-Duke
4-Ole Miss
Forth Worth 3
1-South Carolina
2-Louisville
3-Iowa
4-Mich. St.
Sacramento 4
1-Vandy
2-Michigan
3-TCU
4-Maryland
Fort Worth 1
1-UConn
2-LSU
3-Ohio St.
4-Oklahoma
Sacramento 2
1-UCLA
2-Texas
3-Duke
4-Ole Miss
Forth Worth 3
1-South Carolina
2-Louisville
3-Iowa
4-Mich. St.
Sacramento 4
1-Vandy
2-Michigan
3-TCU
4-Maryland
February 15, 2026 at 1:29 AM
By region:
Fort Worth 1
1-UConn
2-LSU
3-Ohio St.
4-Oklahoma
Sacramento 2
1-UCLA
2-Texas
3-Duke
4-Ole Miss
Forth Worth 3
1-South Carolina
2-Louisville
3-Iowa
4-Mich. St.
Sacramento 4
1-Vandy
2-Michigan
3-TCU
4-Maryland
Fort Worth 1
1-UConn
2-LSU
3-Ohio St.
4-Oklahoma
Sacramento 2
1-UCLA
2-Texas
3-Duke
4-Ole Miss
Forth Worth 3
1-South Carolina
2-Louisville
3-Iowa
4-Mich. St.
Sacramento 4
1-Vandy
2-Michigan
3-TCU
4-Maryland
The top-16 reveal:
1: UConn
2: UCLA
3: South Carolina
4: Vanderbilt
5: Texas
6: Michigan
7: Louisville
8: LSU
9: Ohio St.
10: Duke
11: Iowa
12: TCU
13: Maryland
14: Michigan St.
15: Ole Miss
16: Oklahoma
1: UConn
2: UCLA
3: South Carolina
4: Vanderbilt
5: Texas
6: Michigan
7: Louisville
8: LSU
9: Ohio St.
10: Duke
11: Iowa
12: TCU
13: Maryland
14: Michigan St.
15: Ole Miss
16: Oklahoma
February 15, 2026 at 1:26 AM
The top-16 reveal:
1: UConn
2: UCLA
3: South Carolina
4: Vanderbilt
5: Texas
6: Michigan
7: Louisville
8: LSU
9: Ohio St.
10: Duke
11: Iowa
12: TCU
13: Maryland
14: Michigan St.
15: Ole Miss
16: Oklahoma
1: UConn
2: UCLA
3: South Carolina
4: Vanderbilt
5: Texas
6: Michigan
7: Louisville
8: LSU
9: Ohio St.
10: Duke
11: Iowa
12: TCU
13: Maryland
14: Michigan St.
15: Ole Miss
16: Oklahoma
FYI: During tonight's GameDay show on ABC (8pm ET) heading into LSU-South Carolina, we'll have the first top 16 reveal ahead of Selection Sunday, which will include seed order and the four bracketed regions
February 14, 2026 at 7:13 PM
FYI: During tonight's GameDay show on ABC (8pm ET) heading into LSU-South Carolina, we'll have the first top 16 reveal ahead of Selection Sunday, which will include seed order and the four bracketed regions
Reposted by Alexa Philippou
Ahead of the Toronto Tempo's inaugural WNBA season, I took a look at the Tempo's work to become "Canada's team" like the Raptors have and how that might boost the women's basketball pipeline from Canada as we've seen in the NBA: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
How WNBA's Toronto Tempo are embracing role as 'Canada's team'
The Carter effect helped popularize the NBA in Canada. The Tempo hope to similarly supercharge women's basketball.
www.espn.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Ahead of the Toronto Tempo's inaugural WNBA season, I took a look at the Tempo's work to become "Canada's team" like the Raptors have and how that might boost the women's basketball pipeline from Canada as we've seen in the NBA: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Reposted by Alexa Philippou
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been wondering what players think of the WNBA CBA negotiations. I went to Nashville to talk with a bunch of them at AU. Here’s why i found out www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA players CBA confidential: Negotiations get mixed reviews
Athletes Unlimited players underscore the importance of housing and retirement plans but swear they won't sweat a missed paycheck or two.
www.espn.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:18 PM
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been wondering what players think of the WNBA CBA negotiations. I went to Nashville to talk with a bunch of them at AU. Here’s why i found out www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Coaches are HC Kara Lawson plus assistants Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, Stephanie White
Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson will serve as scout coaches
Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson will serve as scout coaches
USA Basketball has announced its roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament next month:
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
February 11, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Coaches are HC Kara Lawson plus assistants Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, Stephanie White
Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson will serve as scout coaches
Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson will serve as scout coaches
Breanna Stewart will join the team in Miami for a pre-competition training camp, set for March 7-8.
USA Basketball has announced its roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament next month:
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
February 11, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Breanna Stewart will join the team in Miami for a pre-competition training camp, set for March 7-8.
Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen and Angel Reese will make their senior national team competitive debuts in Puerto Rico
USA Basketball has announced its roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament next month:
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
February 11, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen and Angel Reese will make their senior national team competitive debuts in Puerto Rico
USA Basketball has announced its roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament next month:
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
February 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM
USA Basketball has announced its roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament next month:
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
USA Basketball has announced its roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament next month:
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
February 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM
USA Basketball has announced its roster for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament next month:
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
-Aliyah Boston
-Paige Bueckers
-Sonia Citron
-Caitlin Clark
-Kahleah Copper
-Chelsea Gray
-Dearica Hamby
-Rhyne Howard
-Kiki Iriafen
-Kelsey Plum
-Angel Reese
-Jackie Young
Tough week for the Lady Vols: Tennessee has now suffered its largest loss in program history with a 43-point defeat to South Carolina
It is also South Carolina’s largest win vs. a ranked opponent in program history
It is also South Carolina’s largest win vs. a ranked opponent in program history
Tennessee led UConn by four with 2:08 left in the first half.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
February 8, 2026 at 10:14 PM
Tough week for the Lady Vols: Tennessee has now suffered its largest loss in program history with a 43-point defeat to South Carolina
It is also South Carolina’s largest win vs. a ranked opponent in program history
It is also South Carolina’s largest win vs. a ranked opponent in program history
The WNBA's latest collective bargaining agreement proposal from Friday included some concessions on housing and facility standards. It did not include a significant update on the league's proposed revenue sharing system.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: WNBA's new CBA proposal includes housing provisions
The WNBA's latest CBA proposal includes for the first time some concessions on housing but does not have significant updates to revenue sharing, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
www.espn.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:35 AM
The WNBA's latest collective bargaining agreement proposal from Friday included some concessions on housing and facility standards. It did not include a significant update on the league's proposed revenue sharing system.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
The WNBA's latest proposal included some concessions on housing: 1 bedrooms would be available for players on their applicable minimum salary & with 0 years of service (2026-28 only). Developmental players would get studio apartments.
No significant updates on rev share
No significant updates on rev share
February 7, 2026 at 10:53 PM
The WNBA's latest proposal included some concessions on housing: 1 bedrooms would be available for players on their applicable minimum salary & with 0 years of service (2026-28 only). Developmental players would get studio apartments.
No significant updates on rev share
No significant updates on rev share
Can confirm that the WNBA has submitted a new proposal today to the WNBPA, as expected following Monday’s meeting (first: Doug Feinberg).
The WNBPA initially submitted a proposal around Christmas that the league had yet to formally respond to until today.
The WNBPA initially submitted a proposal around Christmas that the league had yet to formally respond to until today.
February 7, 2026 at 3:20 AM
Can confirm that the WNBA has submitted a new proposal today to the WNBPA, as expected following Monday’s meeting (first: Doug Feinberg).
The WNBPA initially submitted a proposal around Christmas that the league had yet to formally respond to until today.
The WNBPA initially submitted a proposal around Christmas that the league had yet to formally respond to until today.
News: Brionna Jones suffered a meniscus tear last week while playing for USK Praha but is expected to return from the injury in time for the WNBA season.
Jones will miss the remainder of her overseas campaign and will fly back to the US this weekend to undergo surgery.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Jones will miss the remainder of her overseas campaign and will fly back to the US this weekend to undergo surgery.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Four-time WNBA All-Star Brionna Jones has torn meniscus
Four-time WNBA All-Star Brionna Jones suffered a meniscus tear last week while playing for USK Praha, but should be ready for the WNBA season.
www.espn.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:51 PM
News: Brionna Jones suffered a meniscus tear last week while playing for USK Praha but is expected to return from the injury in time for the WNBA season.
Jones will miss the remainder of her overseas campaign and will fly back to the US this weekend to undergo surgery.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Jones will miss the remainder of her overseas campaign and will fly back to the US this weekend to undergo surgery.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Reposted by Alexa Philippou
Coming up for water after today's flurry of NBA trades to link my story on how the WNBA salary cap has evolved over time and how NBA and NWSL history put the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement proposal in context: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Road to $1M paydays: How WNBA salaries evolved with each CBA
For the first time, a $1 million base salary is expected in the new WNBA CBA, and the cap could see a 230% increase.
www.espn.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:19 AM
Coming up for water after today's flurry of NBA trades to link my story on how the WNBA salary cap has evolved over time and how NBA and NWSL history put the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement proposal in context: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
CBA negotiations remain ongoing, but one thing seems certain: For the first time in league history, a WNBA player will make a $1 million salary in 2026.
@kpelton.bsky.social looks at the road to those $1M paydays and how WNBA salaries evolved with each CBA
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
@kpelton.bsky.social looks at the road to those $1M paydays and how WNBA salaries evolved with each CBA
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Road to $1M paydays: How WNBA salaries evolved with each CBA
For the first time, a $1 million base salary is expected in the new WNBA CBA, and the cap could see a 230% increase.
www.espn.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:54 PM
CBA negotiations remain ongoing, but one thing seems certain: For the first time in league history, a WNBA player will make a $1 million salary in 2026.
@kpelton.bsky.social looks at the road to those $1M paydays and how WNBA salaries evolved with each CBA
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
@kpelton.bsky.social looks at the road to those $1M paydays and how WNBA salaries evolved with each CBA
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
The WNBA and WNBPA met for about three hours Monday, a gathering one source close to the situation described as "helpful" as both sides work toward a new CBA.
Who was there, what they discussed, next steps, and more:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Who was there, what they discussed, next steps, and more:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA, players' union meet to try to push forward CBA talks
The WNBA and the players' union met for a few hours Monday for the first time in several weeks to try to move the stalled collective bargaining negotiations forward.
www.espn.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:08 AM
The WNBA and WNBPA met for about three hours Monday, a gathering one source close to the situation described as "helpful" as both sides work toward a new CBA.
Who was there, what they discussed, next steps, and more:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Who was there, what they discussed, next steps, and more:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
The WNBA & WNBPA met in NYC for about 3 hours today. The player delegation included Nneka Ogwumike, Alysha Clark, Brianna Turner & Stefanie Dolson. (Napheesa Collier & Kelsey Plum had travel issues & didn’t make it to NY)
Ogwumike & co. declined to comment on the PA’s way out
Ogwumike & co. declined to comment on the PA’s way out
February 2, 2026 at 8:17 PM
The WNBA & WNBPA met in NYC for about 3 hours today. The player delegation included Nneka Ogwumike, Alysha Clark, Brianna Turner & Stefanie Dolson. (Napheesa Collier & Kelsey Plum had travel issues & didn’t make it to NY)
Ogwumike & co. declined to comment on the PA’s way out
Ogwumike & co. declined to comment on the PA’s way out
UConn has 18 straight wins by 25 points, the longest streak by a Division I team over last 25 seasons, per ESPN Insights
Tennessee led UConn by four with 2:08 left in the first half.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
February 1, 2026 at 7:38 PM
UConn has 18 straight wins by 25 points, the longest streak by a Division I team over last 25 seasons, per ESPN Insights
Tennessee led UConn by four with 2:08 left in the first half.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
February 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Tennessee led UConn by four with 2:08 left in the first half.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
The Huskies throttle them in the final 22 minutes to win 96-66, the largest margin of victory in the series' history and one point shy of Tennessee's largest-ever defeat in program history.
📍UConn-Tennessee
February 1, 2026 at 5:38 PM
📍UConn-Tennessee