The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast

SESSION in PROGRESS
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Semiweekly

Your GLOBAL courtside seat to the stories, leagues and players shaping women's basketball today.

  1. May 28

    The WNBL's New Vision: Fans, Growth & Relevance

    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

    26 min

  2. May 26

    Lauren Jackson & The WNBL: Justin Nelson's New Strategy

    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"

    31 min

  3. May 9

    This $1B Bet WILL Change Everything About Women’s Basketball

    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

    44 min

  4. May 2

    Australia’s WNBA Boom: Opportunity or Warning Sign?

    The WNBA has changed the economics of women’sbasketball — and Australia is right in the middle of it.With 19 Australian players now part of the WNBA system, this is a definingvmoment for the sport locally.But it raises a bigger question:Is the WNBL ready for what comes next?In this episode, Beza and Tony focus on the Australian impact of the WNBA boom — from elite player pathways to growing pressure on the domestic league.They unpack why Australia continues to produce world-class talent, why those players are still undervalued at home, and how the widening salary gap between the WNBA and WNBL is starting to reshape decision-making across the game.They also explore how uncertainty around the WNBA — from roster spots to expansion — is directly influencing WNBL recruitment, contracts, and timing.This is a critical conversation about where Australian women’s basketball is heading next.In This Episode• Why Australia consistently produces elite global basketball talent• The 19 Australians currently in the WNBA system• Why Aussie players remain undervalued in the WNBL• The growing salary gap between WNBA and WNBL• How WNBA uncertainty is impacting WNBL recruitment decisions• The increasing pressure on WNBL teams and free agency dynamics• Key rumours and developments across the leagueSponsor: Uncloud – building stronger community connections through sporthttps://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/

    11 min

  5. Apr 29

    The WNBA's New Era Starts Here: What Actually Shifted

    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.So why didn’t the league’s biggest stars move?In this episode, Beza and Tony break down one of the most surprising outcomes of WNBA free agency: only 5 of the 22 All-Stars changed teams. With more money on the table than ever before, the expectation was movement — but what we’reseeing instead tells a deeper story about player psychology, team culture, and the evolving structure of the league.They unpack what’s really happening beneath the headlines — from the rise of international talent and the increasing pressure of training camp, to the looming Caitlin Clark free agency moment that could reshape everything.This is a big-picture episode about where the WNBA is going — and what might happen next. 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.Sponsor: Uncloud – building stronger community connections through sport.https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/ 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

    36 min

  6. Apr 3

    Bec Allen on the CBA That Finally Gave WNBA Players What They Deserve

    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

    39 min
  7. Atlanta Dream GM Reveals the Strategy to Build a Championship Team

    Mar 25

    Atlanta Dream GM Reveals the Strategy to Build a Championship Team

    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.

    36 min
  8. Players vs Owners: The WNBA's $$$$ Standoff Explained

    Mar 7

    Players vs Owners: The WNBA's $$$$ Standoff Explained

    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: The WNBA CBA standoff The conflicts of interest amongst owners and leading players The impact on international leagues The release of “Sidelined – The Fight for Equality in Women’s Basketball” documentary series on our channel 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 WNBA's paradox: Record revenue growth to $300M+ yet structurally fragile with uncertain future. Complex ownership structure: 42-42-16 split between WNBA owners, reluctant NBA owners, and investors complicates CBA negotiations. 2024 boom year fallout: Players couldn't capture benefits under previous CBA from Caitlin Clark/Angel Reese era, driving revenue sharing demands. Livable salary fight: Unlike other sports, WNBA players seeking livable wages, earning fan empathy. Global league impact: A cancelled season would benefit international leagues and alternatives like Unrivaled. Expansion risks: Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), Philadelphia (2030) join with NBA ownership ties - will new owners truly invest or repeat past mistakes? 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.

    40 min
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Your GLOBAL courtside seat to the stories, leagues and players shaping women's basketball today.

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