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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Women's Basketball

Unrivaled Is A Great Source Of Unlikely Athletic Friends

Patrick Redford

Podcasts

The Defector Era Of ‘Nothing But Respect’ Is Here, With Maitreyi Anantharaman And David Roth

David Roth

Soda packaging are seen at the grocery store in Las Vegas, United States on November 17, 2023.

A Very Fine Cheerwine, With Emma Baccellieri

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) gestures as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Red Sox at Comerica Park.

Mild Card Season, With Maitreyi Anantharaman

Luka Doncic making a very silly WHOOO face after the Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Western Conference Finals. He's got a hat on.

Garlic Shrimp And Slovenian Timelords, With Ray Ratto

Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 5, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

WNBA

Napheesa Collier Grows In Every Direction

Caitlin Clark disputing a call during her first WNBA game, a loss to the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 14, 2024,

When The Planes Become Available, With Maitreyi Anantharaman

Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks reacts after receiving her fourth foul against the Minnesota Lynx during the second quarter of Game One of the WNBA finals at Williams Arena on September 24, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Candace Parker Remade The Game In Her Image

Shohei Ohtani strikes out in an uncharacteristically undistinguished and unflattering way against the San Francisco Giants. The Distraction logo is at upper right.

Subtraction By Subtraction, With Ray Ratto

Betnijah Laney #44 of the New York Liberty looks on against the Connecticut Sun on September 29, 2023 in Uncasville, CT at Mohegan Sun Arena.

It’s Betnijah Laney’s Turn To Be The Playoff Hero

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 28: Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces passes as Tiffany Mitchell #25 of the Minnesota Lynx defends in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 28, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Lynx 94-73.

Chelsea Gray Serves Aces Wins In Every Flavor

Dana Evans #11 of the Chicago Sky reacts against the Washington Mystics at Wintrust Arena on May 26, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

The Chicago Sky Taught Me It Was OK To Win Now

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 27: Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty looks on against the Seattle Storm in overtime at Climate Pledge Arena on May 27, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

You Must Watch The Liberty

Rhyne Howard Hit The Ground Running

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Skylar Diggins-Smith #4 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates after a turnover ahead of Allie Quigley #14 of the Chicago Sky during the second half in Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

A 2022 WNBA Season Preview In Which Every Single Prediction Will Prove To Be 100-Percent Correct


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

WNBA Team Fined $500K For Not Making Its Players Fly Next To Schmucks Like You In Commercial

Holly Rowe: Liz Cambage Pointing Out A Salary Disparity Is “Women Tearing Each Other Down”

Jonquel Jones #35 of the Connecticut Sun in the second quarter at Staples Center on September 09, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Simply Get The Ball To Jonquel Jones

The Joy Of The Playoffs Is In The Texture, Not The Stakes

Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury reacts after hitting a three-point shot over Rebecca Allen #9 of the New York Liberty during the second half of the first round WNBA playoffs at Grand Canyon University Arena on September 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Liberty 83-82.

Sophie Cunningham Talked Some Shit And Saved The Mercury’s Season

Brionna Jones #42 and Jasmine Thomas #5 of the Connecticut Sun celebrate on the court after Jones scored against the Las Vegas Aces and was fouled during their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sun defeated the Aces 72-65.

The Connecticut Sun Are Dealing, Stealing, And Healing

Jewell Loyd #24 and Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm react during the second quarter against the Washington Mystics at Angel of the Winds Arena on September 07, 2021 in Everett, Washington.

The Seattle Storm Are In The Bad Zone

The “Guru” Of Women’s Basketball Gets His Due

A worker sweeps the court before the second half of the game between the Washington Mystics and the Chicago Sky at Entertainment &amp; Sports Arena on May 15, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Elena Delle Donne Is Back, But The Mystics Are Running Out Of Time

Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces runs back on defense after scoring against the Los Angeles Sparks during their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Sparks 97-69.