Latest news with #RachelBanham
New York Post
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
WNBA picks, odds, and best bets: Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Handicapping the first game after an All-Star break is tricky, especially when players are not given that much time off. The WNBA's weekend festivities involved labor talks and an active party scene, so one can certainly wonder about the level of focus with the first game. However, apathy can affect offense as much as it can defense, so I will approach this like I would a conventional matchup. The Minnesota Lynx host the Chicago Sky as 13-point favorites with a total of 162.5 points on Wednesday. These two teams have faced each other three times this month already. Chicago won one of them outright as a double-digit underdog, while Minnesota covered in only one of its two wins. Guard Ariel Atkins is Chicago's best scorer, but her status is unknown after missing their most recent game with a leg injury. That could significantly hurt the Sky, but I still think we will see a good pace. The Sky have adjusted their style over the past month and are now pushing the ball. Rachel Banham of the Chicago Sky in action. Getty Images Part of that new approach is utilizing Rachel Banham's 3-point shooting. The sharpshooter is 12-for-25 from behind the arc in the past three meetings with the Lynx. She has attempted at least seven in each. Banham was not an All-Star and should be refreshed for this first game. Plus, given Minnesota was preoccupied with the midseason game with three players and its head coach, I doubt the team will be super focused on this first game. They know they are considerably better than their opponent. I have a 56-46-1 ATS record in this Post sports section, and my next play is Banham to make at least three 3-pointers at +102 odds at FanDuel. Why Trust New York Post Betting Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He's also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.
Chicago Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Sky players voice solidarity as WNBA and union brace for a potential work stoppage in November
The WNBA is on the clock. The players union set a tone of urgency Tuesday by posting a simple graphic on its social media pages — a clock counting down to a potential work stoppage on Nov. 1. For months the Women's National Basketball Players Association had publicly signaled that it saw a work stoppage as only a last resort while negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the league. But that changed last month. The union made an initial offer in February, and the league's counterproposal in June forced players across the WNBA — including on the Chicago Sky — to prepare for the possibility of a stoppage. 'There's so much at stake right now,' Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere said. 'We need to put pressure on the league. If that means sitting out, we're ready for it. It's empowering in the way that we have a voice to make a change in our league.' The current CBA is set to expire Oct. 31. If the league and players don't reach an agreement by then, a work stoppage could begin. While that wouldn't have an immediate effect on games — the latest the WNBA Finals would end is Oct. 19 — a stoppage would freeze teams' ability to execute signings, trades and the expansion draft, with the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo scheduled to join the league in 2026. And if it continued into April, when teams report for preseason training, it could delay the start of the next season. League and union officials will sit down Thursday for another round of in-person negotiations in Indianapolis, where the entire WNBA will be converging for All-Star weekend. Players anticipate the content — and tone — of that meeting will set expectations for the likelihood of a work stoppage. 'Hopefully these conversations get a little better,' Sky guard Rachel Banham said. 'Hopefully there's a little bit more of a sense of urgency on their behalf. I hope everyone gets to the right place. I think we all want the same thing at the end of the day. We've just got to find a way to get there.' The WNBPA's tone has shifted over the last four months, mostly as a result of last month's negotiations with the league. Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally described the league's counterproposal as a 'slap in the face,' while New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart said the league 'ignored everything we said.' Banham echoed the sentiment that the league refused to listen to players' demands. The steep divide comes down, not surprisingly, to one area: compensation. Players are fighting for a variety of increased investment in the new CBA, including standards for practice facilities and charter flights, increased roster sizes and improved retirement benefits. But the bulk of the negotiations are focused on the money. The minimum rookie salary for 2025 is $66,079, with a veteran minimum of $78,831. WNBA salaries are capped at $249,244 annually for a supermax deal, while the salary cap for a team's entire roster is roughly $1.5 million. The union hasn't hinted at its preferred numbers for minimums and maximums, but players ardently agree they wish to see salaries reflect the league's increased revenue over the last five years. Photos: Atlanta Dream 86, Chicago Sky 49 at Wintrust ArenaThis reflects a broader sentiment across the union. Players are excited about the state of the WNBA. The addition of five expansion teams by 2030 will bring in a total of $1.25 billion in expansion fees. The new media-rights deal is worth a reported $200 million per year from 2026 to 2036. Teams are packing major arenas. Business is soaring — yet player compensation remains static. 'If you compare that to the numbers that we're getting paid, it just doesn't make sense financially for us to be growing in this area but not growing in another,' Onyenwere said. For rookies such as Sky forward Maddy Westbeld, this season has been an education in organization. Westbeld said she felt 'naive' about the realities of union organizing when she first joined the league. But after regular consultations with veterans such as Banham and Elizabeth Williams, she's beginning to see her place in the union. Although veterans shoulder the burden of most union organizing, younger players such as Westbeld and second-year Sky forward Angel Reese have been encouraged to participate in collective action in upcoming months. 'Education is power,' Westbeld said. 'This period is about making sure we're all united. If I have a role to play, I'm going to speak up. Even though I'm a rookie, my voice needs to be heard. We can't be afraid.' The next step will occur with Thursday's meeting in Indianapolis. 'It can be kind of scary because it is our jobs, it's our livelihood and we want to play,' Banham said. 'But it's also exciting because we're standing up for ourselves. We're really trying to fight for what we know we deserve and we haven't gotten for many, many years. 'I think we're at the place now where we really, truly deserve this money. We're doing it for the people who fought for it in the past. We're not going to back down.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chicago Sky Turn Heads With Angel Reese News After Loss to Minnesota Lynx
Chicago Sky Turn Heads With Angel Reese News After Loss to Minnesota Lynx originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Sky entered Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Lynx with a 5–11 record. While they didn't leave Minnesota with a win, they put together one of their most complete performances of the season against a Lynx team that now holds a league-best 17–2 record. Advertisement Chicago jumped out to a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter but couldn't maintain it. The game remained close throughout, with the Sky ultimately falling in a hard-fought 80–75 loss. Angel Reese once again led the charge for Chicago, finishing with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists. Ariel Atkins delivered an all-around performance with 11 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals. Rachel Banham provided a spark from beyond the arc, hitting 6-of-10 three-pointers for 20 points, along with two rebounds and two assists. Despite the loss, the Sky awarded their customary 'Player of the Game' honor to Reese, who was recently named a WNBA All-Star and has now recorded five straight games with 16-plus rebounds. "all around effort from our Board Barbie," Sky posted. Advertisement The decision sparked some mixed reactions from fans, given the outcome. "We love you angel . This team as a whole needs to rebound , and defend better especially Banham and Kia Nurse," a fan said. "wins gonna come 5 don't let up now," another fan posted. Someone else added, "Angel did good but I feel like Rachel deserves tonight." One more fan commented, "she's a walking double doubleeee." Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5)© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images For the second consecutive season, Angel Reese was named a WNBA All-Star on Sunday. She will be part of the selection pool on Tuesday night when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx standout Napheesa Collier — the two All-Star captains — draft their teams. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game is set to take place on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Advertisement In the meantime, Reese and the Sky will return to action on Tuesday, hitting the road for a matchup against the Washington Mystics. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EST. Related: Angel Reese Sends Strong Message Following Major Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Angel Reese's Former Teammate Opens Up About Their Relationship
Angel Reese's Former Teammate Opens Up About Their Relationship originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Sky remain in 12th place in the league standings after Sunday evening's 80 to 75 defeat at the hands of the 17-2 Minnesota Lynx. The Sky now have a 5-12 record during the 2025 WNBA season. Advertisement Rachel Banham led the way for Chicago with a season-high 20 points. Two-time All-Star forward Angel Reese chipped in 16 points, 17 rebounds and six assists. This was Reese's 11th double-double of the season. For the Lynx, Courtney Williams led the way with 25 points, and MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier chipped in 21 points as well. Minnesota forward Diamond Miller also chipped in 10 points in the win. Minnesota Lynx forward Diamond Miller (1).Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Miller played at the University of Maryland from 2019 to 2023, overlapping with Reese for two seasons. The Terrapins won the Big Ten regular season title and tournament championship during the 2020-21 campaign with both players on the roster. Advertisement After Sunday's game, Miller spoke to the media. She talked about how good it was to see a former teammate and even opened up about her relationship with Reese. "She knows me, I know her, we're very competitive," Miller said. "This goes back to Maryland days when we were just in the summer, and it's just pick up. … It honestly gave me chills. I actually was like, 'Oh my god, this feels like I'm at Maryland.'' Reese is averaging 12.6 points, a league-leading 12.8 rebounds and a career-best 3.9 assists per game during the 2025 season. On Sunday, she was named a reserve for the WNBA All-Star team, her second such honor in two seasons. Advertisement Miller is now averaging 4.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 0.9 assists per contest in 2025. Her 10 points were her third-highest output of the season and her third time being in double figures. The Sky are back in action on Tuesday evening as they travel to take on the 8-10 Washington Mystics. The game will tip off at 11:30 a.m. ET at Eaglebank Arena. Related: Chicago Sky Receive Kamilla Cardoso Update After Three Missed Games Related: Angel Reese Had Three Words After WNBA All-Star News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mystics vs. Sky odds, tips and betting trends - 7/8/2025
One game after going off for 20 points in an 80-75 loss to the Lynx, Rachel Banham leads the Chicago Sky (5-12) on the road against the Washington Mystics (8-10) on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET on The U and MNMT. In its most recent game, Washington lost to Minnesota, 92-75, on the road. Its top performers were Lucy Olsen (19 PTS, 70.0 FG%) and Aaliyah Edwards (15 PTS, 85.7 FG%). In its most recent game, Chicago fell to Minnesota, 80-75, on the road. Its top scorers were Banham (20 PTS, 53.8 FG%, 6-10 from 3PT) and Angel Reese (16 PTS, 17 REB, 6 AST, 43.8 FG%). Prepare for this matchup with everything you need to know before Tuesday's WNBA action. Watch the WNBA on Fubo! Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky odds and betting lines WNBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 6:05 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Mystics moneyline insights Sky moneyline insights Mystics vs. Sky: Game time and info Watch the WNBA on Fubo!
