The basketball world is buzzing with activity as the WNBA prepares for its expansion draft, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament reaches its climax, and the NBA regular season inches closer to its postseason.
WNBA Gears Up for Expansion Draft
The WNBA is set to welcome two new franchises, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, who will begin assembling their rosters through the WNBA Expansion Draft on Friday, April 3, 2026. ESPN will provide coverage and analysis of the event, with a special airing at 3:30 p.m. ET. Teams must submit their protected player lists by Sunday, March 29, with only five players eligible to be protected from selection. A coin toss between Portland and Toronto on Friday, March 27, will determine the draft order for the first round. Meanwhile, ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and its players’ union continue, with both sides expressing cautious optimism after recent marathon bargaining sessions. Key issues such as revenue sharing and player salaries remain points of discussion as the league aims to finalize a deal that impacts the 2026 season and beyond.
NCAA Women’s Tournament Enters Elite Eight
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is heating up as teams battle for a spot in the Elite Eight. On March 29, No. 3 seed Texas secured a dominant 76-54 victory over No. 16 Kentucky, advancing to face No. 2 seed Michigan in the next round. Texas’s impressive performance was fueled by strong showings from Madison Booker and Rori Harmon, with Booker setting NCAA Tournament records. Other top seeds, including South Carolina and TCU, also cruised to victories, showcasing their dominance in the tournament. ESPN is providing comprehensive coverage of March Madness, with broadcast teams on-site for key matchups.
NBA Regular Season in Full Swing
The NBA regular season is in its crucial stretch, with teams vying for playoff positioning. On March 29, the Houston Rockets are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans, with the Rockets holding a strong 44-29 record. The Cavaliers recently secured a high-scoring 149-128 victory over the Miami Heat, with Max Strus leading the charge with 29 points. The league’s schedule for March 29 also includes matchups such as the Los Angeles Clippers at Milwaukee, and the New York Knicks at Oklahoma City. As the regular season winds down, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape, with teams like the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder solidifying their top positions.
In related news, a documentary titled “Breaking Glass: The Pat Summitt Story” is set to premiere on ESPN on Sunday, March 29, celebrating the legacy of the legendary women’s basketball coach.
