Letter From the Editors

The WNBA can’t stop breaking records. The last season of pro women’s basketball had the biggest crowds and most viewers in 22 years — impressive, yes. But 2025 was like, “Nah, hold my Gatorade.”

Here’s some of the league’s recent triumphs: It had the highest-ever single-season attendance, drawing over 2.5 million fans across 226 games. The Golden State Valkyries entered the W and immediately became the most valuable franchise in U.S. women's sports history (they’re worth a casual $500 million). With 18,064 fans at all 22 sold-out home games, they surpassed the average attendance record, and the team is only just getting started.

The 2025 WNBA Finals kicked off on Oct. 3 with the Las Vegas Aces hosting the Phoenix Mercury at Nevada’s Michelob ULTRA Arena, and the Aces currently lead the series 2-0. Ahead of Game 1, Bustle headed to Vegas to meet a few of the players and hear what winning means to them. If you’re not already into women’s basketball, there’s never been a more exciting time to tune in. So grab a seat and take a look — it’s tip-off time.

Aaliyah Nye

Las Vegas Aces Guard/Forward

I feel like a winner when… I follow God.

My winning strategy is… Keep faith.

My favorite win: When I was at Alabama, we played LSU and finally won after three years. We were dancing in the locker room.

When I want to win… I listen to gospel music or Broadway… or Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR.

Kalani Brown

Phoenix Mercury Center

I feel like a winner when… I’m on the court with my teammates, celebrating. People just love to scream, right?

The ultimate winner will always be… Serena Williams, Maya Moore. They’ve gone through little rough patches, they’ve gotten what they wanted, and they left. Now they’re mommies. It’s so important to have an identity outside of your sport.

When I want to win, I listen to… Baddie music. If I feel like that girl, then I’m going to play like that girl.

A’ja Wilson

Las Vegas Aces Center

When I want to win, I listen to… Gospel.

I feel like a winner… Every day. Every day.

Natasha Mack

Phoenix Mercury Forward/Center

Nickname: Mack Truck

I feel like a winner when… I can do my little dancey dance. I like to do it at home with the Mighty Mercury, with my hip-hop crew. I’m going to show y’all later.

Winning is… When everyone’s on the same page. When we won the last game and everybody was cheering and I was rolling on the floor, I was like, “Yeah, we’re connected.”

Winning isn’t… Meaningful when you don’t sacrifice something.

Cheyenne Parker-Tyus

Las Vegas Aces Forward

I feel like a winner when… I’m intentional with my mindfulness. When I’m mentally in a good place, it’s all positive vibes.

When I want to win, I listen to… “Fly” by Nicki Minaj and Rihanna: “I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive.”

The ultimate winner will always be… Grateful and resilient. It ain’t easy to win, so you have to get through the hard times. The losses be lessons.

Dana Evans

Las Vegas Aces Guard

I feel like a winner… When I’m having fun.

My winning strategy is… A consistent routine. In the morning, I pray, recover, and rest.

Winning is... Everything. And it isn’t easy.

When I want to win, I listen to… R&B, rap, and gospel. I love all genres.

The ultimate winner will always be… God.

Kierstan Bell

Las Vegas Aces Forward

I feel like a winner when… My teammates are winning. I’m super proud of this group for staying with each other.

My winning strategy is… Resting.

Winning is… Fun. Duh. Winning isn’t boring, let’s say that. You can’t get bored with greatness.

When I want to win, I listen to… Rod Wave, my favorite artist.

The ultimate winner will always be… My family.

Megan Gustafson

Las Vegas Aces Center

I feel like a winner when… My teammates hype me up. I’m quiet compared to them, so when they’re cheering and yelling for me, it gets me out of my shell.

My winning strategy… Be the hardest worker — and the smartest. I’m not the most athletic person, so I’ve got to beat people with my brain.

Winning is… A process. It’s not about the end result — it’s about how you do it and how you go through every single day.

NaLyssa Smith

Las Vegas Forward

I feel like a winner when... I’m winning, of course.

When I want to win, I listen to... Devotionals. A mantra that helps me is “Be still and know I'm with you,” Psalms 46:10. I have that tattooed on my wrist.

My winning strategy is... Play as hard as I can.

The ultimate winner will always be... God.

Behind The Scenes

The Unsung Heroes Of The WNBA

On the roster: A chaplain who plays gospel music and a psychologist prescribing vision boards.

By Carolyn Steber
Slam Dunks & Style

Kalani Brown Pulls Back The Curtain On Her Iconic Tunnel 'Fits

“Not to brag, but my body serves itself, so I don’t really have to put a lot on.”

By Kelsey Mulvey
Hoops 101

5 Things To Watch Out For During The WNBA Finals, According To Experts

From pink hair to protests.

By Jackie Powell
Golden State, Indeed

How The Valkyries Became The WNBA’s Breakout Stars

One month into their first-ever season, they were valued at $500 million.

By Nina Mandell
Shooting Their Shot

For These 8 Couples, The WNBA Really Is About Love & Basketball

“He wrote me Liberty-themed poetry. What else was I supposed to do but keep him?”

By Frankie de la Cretaz
The Rookie Diaries

Aaliyah Nye Is Finding Her Rhythm

"I try to speak positive thoughts to myself."

By Kelsey Mulvey
She's Acing It

On The Court, Megan Gustafson’s Secret Weapon Is Her Brain

Here’s how the Las Vegas Aces center outsmarts the competition.

By Kelsey Mulvey
Star Players

According To Astrologers, This WNBA Team Is Likely To Win The Finals

The numerology of game day plays a part.

By Nina Kahn
Shining Bright

For Jewell Loyd, Winning The Title Is “Bigger Than Just Basketball”

The Las Vegas Aces guard made WNBA history during the Finals.

By Hannah Orenstein

Overtime Reading

The Pregame

For Dominique Malonga, Age Is Nothing But A Number

The youngest person to be drafted in the WNBA is also studying engineering.

By Carolyn Steber
Celebrity

Amber Glenn Shuts Down This Myth About Figure Skaters

The athlete is getting candid during her Olympics debut.

By Grace Wehniainen
Brrrrr

How Winter Athletes Actually Manage To Stay Warm Out There

Feel free to borrow their hacks.

By Veronica Lopez
R&R

12 Sleepmaxxing Tips To Steal From Olympians

Athletes share the products, apps, and tips they use to maximize their Zs.

By Carolyn Steber
From Friends To More

How Madison Chock & Evan Bates Fell In Love On The Ice

A summer fling as teenagers led to friendship, romance, and the Olympics. Now, another gold medal's in reach.

By Hannah Orenstein
The Pregame

Amber Glenn Is So Back

Plus, how the Olympian decides on her costumes and makeup for the ice.

By Carolyn Steber
The Pregame

Hockey Star Hilary Knight Is About To Make Olympic History

She opens up about pre-game nerves, her trick for calming down, and Heated Rivalry.

By Hannah Orenstein
The Pregame

How Ice Hockey Player Laila Edwards Gets In The Zone

The Team USA forward is already making history.

By Alexis Morillo
Pass The Tissues

If Crying At The Olympics Was A Sport, I'd Win Gold

You’re not the only one getting chills while watching the Games.

By Carolyn Steber
The Pregame

Figure Skater Isabeau Levito Is Just Getting Started

The 18-year-old athlete shares the songs that get her in the zone and what she’s looking forward to in the Olympic Village.

By Alexis Morillo