Trending Now - Dawn Staley Faces Backlash Over Reporter Criticism Amid WNBA Drama
WHO:
Awful Announcing - Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks
Awful Announcing - Kate Martin, former Iowa star and WNBA player
Awful Announcing - Matt Lively, reporter for CBS affiliate KPIX
Awful Announcing - Laeticia Amihere, former first-round pick from South Carolina
Awful Announcing - Kaitlyn Chen, UConn alum
Sportskeeda - Dawn Staley, known for speaking her mind
Defector - Napheesa Collier, player for the Minnesota Lynx
WHAT:
Awful Announcing - Dawn Staley criticized Matt Lively for using the names of other players in his reporting about Kate Martin's departure, stating it was “not cool” and expressing hope for unbiased coverage in the future.
Defector - Napheesa Collier will miss at least the first month of the season while rehabbing her left ankle injury.
Defector - Iliana Rupert will miss the season due to pregnancy, impacting the Golden State Valkyries' roster.
Defector - The WNBA will fine players more harshly for technical fouls and flagrant fouls this year, as part of new officiating rules.
Defector - The WNBA schedule is set to increase to 52 games over the life of the next CBA.
Awful Announcing - Kate Martin was the final cut from the Golden State Valkyries roster.
Awful Announcing - The Valkyries opted to keep Kaitlyn Chen and Laeticia Amihere over Kate Martin.
Awful Announcing - Dawn Staley criticized Matt Lively for using other players' names in his reporting about Martin's departure, stating it was “not cool.”
Defector - The WNBA season begins tonight.
Defector - Napheesa Collier will miss at least the first month of the season due to an ankle injury.
WHERE:
Awful Announcing - Golden State Valkyries, a WNBA team
Defector - Minnesota Lynx, a WNBA team
WHEN:
Defector - The WNBA season is set to begin on May 7, 2026.
Defector - Napheesa Collier's injury occurred in September.
WHY:
Awful Announcing - Dawn Staley's criticism was motivated by her desire for unbiased coverage of her former players.
HOW:
Awful Announcing - Dawn Staley expressed her concerns through a tweet directed at Matt Lively.
(UPDATED May 9, 2026 19:17 UTC)
Dawn Staley has publicly criticized Matt Lively for mentioning other players in his reporting about Kate Martin's departure, calling it "not cool" and expressing a desire for more unbiased coverage moving forward. In player news, Napheesa Collier will be sidelined for at least the first month of the season as she rehabs her left ankle injury, while Iliana Rupert will miss the entire season due to pregnancy, which will affect the Golden State Valkyries' roster. Additionally, the WNBA is implementing stricter fines for technical and flagrant fouls this year, and the league's schedule is set to expand to 52 games over the duration of the next collective bargaining agreement.
--
(UPDATED May 9, 2026 17:14 UTC)
Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, has publicly criticized reporter Matt Lively for using other players' names in his reporting about Kate Martin's recent cut from the Golden State Valkyries, stating it was “not cool.” The WNBA season kicked off on May 7, 2026, but Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier will be sidelined for at least the first month due to an ankle injury she sustained in September. The Valkyries decided to keep Kaitlyn Chen and Laeticia Amihere on their roster over Martin, which has sparked discussions about the treatment of former players in the media.