maya goldberg-safir
@roughnotes.bsky.social
maya (she/her) / independent women's basketball writer I subscribe to my newsletter/blog WNBA ROUGH NOTES https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/ I i love queer community, adventures & audio I between oakland & chicago I reach me: m.goldbergsafir@gmail.com <3
Pinned
Rough Notes: The Real Reason CBA Negotiations Aren't Over
This is nearly three decades in the making.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
its the BIG DAY (october 31st) aaaaand CBA negotiations are *so* not resolved. here's my latest is about why i think the nba is holding things up by having a meltdown right now - and how disadvantages for wnba players are baked into the league's history.
watching a million valkyries play each other right now:
LIVE - Spar Girona v ZVVZ USK Praha | EuroLeague Women 2025-26 | First Round
YouTube video by EuroLeague Women
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 PM
watching a million valkyries play each other right now:
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
basketball Asians!!!
The most exciting basketball documentary I’ve ever heard of is on its way… for YEARS, a small independent team has been working on a film about EJ Lee, whose story captures what makes women's basketball so glorious, heartbreaking and provocative. Learn more about it: www.ejleedocumentary.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:54 PM
basketball Asians!!!
The most exciting basketball documentary I’ve ever heard of is on its way… for YEARS, a small independent team has been working on a film about EJ Lee, whose story captures what makes women's basketball so glorious, heartbreaking and provocative. Learn more about it: www.ejleedocumentary.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The most exciting basketball documentary I’ve ever heard of is on its way… for YEARS, a small independent team has been working on a film about EJ Lee, whose story captures what makes women's basketball so glorious, heartbreaking and provocative. Learn more about it: www.ejleedocumentary.com
oh no
SOMEBODY GET THAT RONNIE2k MFER ON THE LINE RIGHT NEOW 🤨🧐🙈😭😭😭 the valks are a pack of cuties & nba2k got us all fk'd up 😨
happy Halloween I guess 🤪
#NBA2K26 #WNBA #GSV #GSVALKYRIES #VALKYRIES
happy Halloween I guess 🤪
#NBA2K26 #WNBA #GSV #GSVALKYRIES #VALKYRIES
October 31, 2025 at 5:28 PM
oh no
its the BIG DAY (october 31st) aaaaand CBA negotiations are *so* not resolved. here's my latest is about why i think the nba is holding things up by having a meltdown right now - and how disadvantages for wnba players are baked into the league's history.
Rough Notes: The Real Reason CBA Negotiations Aren't Over
This is nearly three decades in the making.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:46 PM
its the BIG DAY (october 31st) aaaaand CBA negotiations are *so* not resolved. here's my latest is about why i think the nba is holding things up by having a meltdown right now - and how disadvantages for wnba players are baked into the league's history.
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
NEW: I spoke to fans & labor organizers about how WNBA fan solidarity could be a key part of the CBA negotiations—& why women's sports fans are uniquely positioned to support a work stoppage, should one be on the table.
fan solidarity could be the wnba players' secret weapon
fandom works differently in women's sports than it does in men's—and it skews much more pro-player than pro-owner.
www.thefrankiedlc.news
October 29, 2025 at 5:13 PM
NEW: I spoke to fans & labor organizers about how WNBA fan solidarity could be a key part of the CBA negotiations—& why women's sports fans are uniquely positioned to support a work stoppage, should one be on the table.
having no black women coaches in the wnba in the year 2025 is mind boggling to me. we talk about the generational evolution of the wnba with such pride - this 100% includes black women in head coaching positions (many of whom also have experience playing in the league, a HUGE ADVANTAGE)
Here’s the updated list of WNBA head coaches by gender. Still no Black women, but it’s now an even split between men and women. Holding out hope that the Liberty will finally give one of the many qualified Black women a well-deserved opportunity.
If not, I’m crashing out. #WNBA
If not, I’m crashing out. #WNBA
October 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
having no black women coaches in the wnba in the year 2025 is mind boggling to me. we talk about the generational evolution of the wnba with such pride - this 100% includes black women in head coaching positions (many of whom also have experience playing in the league, a HUGE ADVANTAGE)
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Some WNBA CBA News:
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More than 70 legislators, including Zohran Mamdani, sign letter in support of WNBA players union
The WNBPA and WNBA are in tense labor negotiations as they near an Oct. 31 deadline to strike a deal.
www.nytimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Some WNBA CBA News:
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
really excited to say this photo essay & special project that's been in the works, featuring photography by the very talented joyce xi! together, we bring the valkyries into focus, telling the story of how this extraordinary first-year team became a 'blood family' -
Rough Notes Photo Essay: Blood Family
Bringing the Golden State Valkyries into focus.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
really excited to say this photo essay & special project that's been in the works, featuring photography by the very talented joyce xi! together, we bring the valkyries into focus, telling the story of how this extraordinary first-year team became a 'blood family' -
omg independent wbb media lets gooooo
BREAKING: Per @howardmegdal.bsky.social, Sandy Brondello will be the first coach of the expansion Toronto tempo.
BREAKING WNBA NEWS: Sandy Brondello is the first head coach in Toronto Tempo history! #wnba
YouTube video by The IX Sports
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 8:23 PM
omg independent wbb media lets gooooo
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Dear MNBA media. Can you PLEASE stay on Adam Silver at every press availability of his this season? Specifically regarding the state of WNBA CBA negotiations. #WNBASky (1/2)
October 21, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Dear MNBA media. Can you PLEASE stay on Adam Silver at every press availability of his this season? Specifically regarding the state of WNBA CBA negotiations. #WNBASky (1/2)
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Riding my hobbyhorse into the sunset, via @redford.bsky.social's rad new podcast: Sports conspiracy theories are how fans do structural analysis.
Only If You Get Caught S1E1 is about the most infamous basketball conspiracy theory: Did the NBA fix Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals? Our guest is the great @tcraggs22.bsky.social. Subscribe now, Or Else!!! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/o...
Only If You Get Caught
History Podcast · Updated Weekly · Only If You Get Caught is about how we can better understand sports and culture by appreciating the ways humans cheat in ways big and small.
Hosted by Patrick Redfo...
podcasts.apple.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Riding my hobbyhorse into the sunset, via @redford.bsky.social's rad new podcast: Sports conspiracy theories are how fans do structural analysis.
in the latest rough notes: people sum up their 2025 wnba season in just 1 photo, plus the best wnba group chat names (TITLE 69 = MY FAVE) & a break down of why "i audibly yelled out loud when i couldn't find a stream for a live game" is THE most telling experience for wnba fans right now:
Rough Notes: We The People Of The WNBA
Lessons from an outspoken WNBA fandom.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
in the latest rough notes: people sum up their 2025 wnba season in just 1 photo, plus the best wnba group chat names (TITLE 69 = MY FAVE) & a break down of why "i audibly yelled out loud when i couldn't find a stream for a live game" is THE most telling experience for wnba fans right now:
i love her
October 18, 2025 at 5:05 PM
i love her
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
The CBA, Saudi money, Unrivaled, conflicts of interest, an embattled commissioner, and increased NBA involvement: here's a mega-primer for what promises to be the most chaotic, transformational offseason in WNBA history
www.theringer.com/2025/10/14/w...
www.theringer.com/2025/10/14/w...
The WNBA’s Future Is on the Clock
It’s a make-or-break offseason for the WNBA. Is the league headed for a lockout? Or will the players get the changes they’re demanding?
www.theringer.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The CBA, Saudi money, Unrivaled, conflicts of interest, an embattled commissioner, and increased NBA involvement: here's a mega-primer for what promises to be the most chaotic, transformational offseason in WNBA history
www.theringer.com/2025/10/14/w...
www.theringer.com/2025/10/14/w...
This is such a solid list, imho <3
Rough Notes Roundup: Your 55 Essential WNBA Memories
What must we remember?! You've decided.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
This is such a solid list, imho <3
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
If you’re a queer person who loves sports, there’s a new way to connect: a project from Out of Your League & @roughnotes.bsky.social called Shoot Your Shot. Whether you’re looking for love, friendship, or partnership — we’re hoping this collab can help you find it. Call us your queer sports yentas!
Shoot Your Shot Submission Form
Welcome to Shoot Your Shot, a personal ad and matchmaking collab between Out of Your League and Rough Notes! We are two queer women's sports writers (Frankie & Maya) who want you to get a shot at conn...
docs.google.com
October 11, 2025 at 4:52 PM
If you’re a queer person who loves sports, there’s a new way to connect: a project from Out of Your League & @roughnotes.bsky.social called Shoot Your Shot. Whether you’re looking for love, friendship, or partnership — we’re hoping this collab can help you find it. Call us your queer sports yentas!
we need each other rn for real
If you’re a queer person who loves sports, there’s a new way to connect: a project from Out of Your League & Rough Notes called Shoot Your Shot. Whether you’re looking for love, friendship, solidarity or partnership — we’re hoping this collab can help you find it. Call us your queer sports yentas.
Shoot Your Shot: Queers + Sports + Connections
Old-school classifieds for queers who love sports, from Out of Your League + Rough Notes <3
www.thefrankiedlc.news
October 9, 2025 at 4:47 PM
we need each other rn for real
im finally collaborating with @thefrankiedlc.news for a dreeeeaaaam project! fyi i am a lifelong diy matchmaker/yenta
submit to SHOOT YOUR SHOT & expand your constellation of queer sports connections (& maybe find your next great love? im right there with y'all lol)
submit to SHOOT YOUR SHOT & expand your constellation of queer sports connections (& maybe find your next great love? im right there with y'all lol)
Shoot Your Shot: Queers + Sports + Connections
Old-school classifieds for queers who love sports, from Out of Your League + Rough Notes <3
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:46 PM
im finally collaborating with @thefrankiedlc.news for a dreeeeaaaam project! fyi i am a lifelong diy matchmaker/yenta
submit to SHOOT YOUR SHOT & expand your constellation of queer sports connections (& maybe find your next great love? im right there with y'all lol)
submit to SHOOT YOUR SHOT & expand your constellation of queer sports connections (& maybe find your next great love? im right there with y'all lol)
sports queers unite <3
Did you see this classifieds thing some sports girlies are putting on? looks fun!
www.thefrankiedlc.news/p/shoot-your...
www.thefrankiedlc.news/p/shoot-your...
Shoot Your Shot: Queers + Sports + Connections
Old-school classifieds for queers who love sports, from Out of Your League + Rough Notes <3
www.thefrankiedlc.news
October 9, 2025 at 4:41 PM
sports queers unite <3
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Something that I feel has been missed in the discussion of A’ja Wilson’s greatness is that the payoff of her ascent is earned.
Four years to the day since being blocked by Brittney Griner with a series on the line, Wilson’s game three game winner marks the completion of her hero’s journey.
Four years to the day since being blocked by Brittney Griner with a series on the line, Wilson’s game three game winner marks the completion of her hero’s journey.
With A WNBA Finals Game Winner In Hand, A'ja Wilson's Ascent Is Now Complete
There's no question about it now. One win away from a third WNBA title in four years and on the heels of a Game Three game winning jumper, A'ja Wilson is officially the undisputed best in the world.
www.nocapspacewbb.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Something that I feel has been missed in the discussion of A’ja Wilson’s greatness is that the payoff of her ascent is earned.
Four years to the day since being blocked by Brittney Griner with a series on the line, Wilson’s game three game winner marks the completion of her hero’s journey.
Four years to the day since being blocked by Brittney Griner with a series on the line, Wilson’s game three game winner marks the completion of her hero’s journey.
what if we actually got adam silver in the room tho
October 4, 2025 at 12:00 AM
what if we actually got adam silver in the room tho
i feel like we just confronted our rich uncle about being toxic to the family and now we're all sitting down for christmas dinner
October 3, 2025 at 11:58 PM
i feel like we just confronted our rich uncle about being toxic to the family and now we're all sitting down for christmas dinner
press conference by cathy (adam) was a strong platform for... journalists asking rly good questions <3
October 3, 2025 at 11:34 PM
press conference by cathy (adam) was a strong platform for... journalists asking rly good questions <3
@anniecostabile.bsky.social pls ask "so are you calling phee a liar?" <3
October 3, 2025 at 11:30 PM
@anniecostabile.bsky.social pls ask "so are you calling phee a liar?" <3