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.

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.

Angel Reese’s visit to Australia comes at a pivotal moment for women’s basketball.

With just weeks until the WNBA season opener, ongoing CBA negotiations have created real uncertainty around the 2025 season. In this episode of The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, we break down what’s happening, what the players are demanding, and what could happen next.

Beza shares her excitement about the opportunity to interview Angel Reese during the Reebok AR1 “Rose Dust” launch in Sydney on her visit to Australia. And her insights from meeting her and the broader impact of her visit on the global growth of the game.

We also cover:

• The WNBA CBA standoff — 30% gross revenue vs 70% net revenue and why that distinction matters
• What happens if no agreement is reached before May 8
• World Cup Qualifiers and Australia’s roster decisions
• The growing movement of Australian players to China’s WCBA
• WNBL Finals predictions
• NCAA and EuroLeague updates
• The upcoming release of “Sidelined – The Fight for Equality in Women’s Basketball” 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

• Beza’s interview with Angel Reese in Sydney for Reebok AR1 "Rose Dust" shoe launch at Foot Locker
• WNBA CBA crisis with only 80 days until season opener and major timeline challenges ahead. For players the salary negotiation dilemma of accepting current offer or holding their ground. Revenue sharing philosophical divide: Players want 30% gross revenue vs. owners offering 70% net revenue after costs
• World Cup Qualifiers in March: Australia's roster omits Annaly Maley despite her versatility and strong WNBL season
• Australian players moving to the Women’s Chinese Basketball League for the first time
• WNBL Finals predictions: Both hosts pick Perth vs. Townsville championship series (Tony picks Perth, Bez picks Townsville)
• Release of “Sidelined – The Fight for Equality in Women’s Basketball” documentary series on 6th Woman’s YouTube channel
• Summer Jam Tournament: Melbourne hosts Jordan Brand's third-largest outdoor basketball tournament globally

Chapters

0:00 Episode introduction and overview

0:00 Beza interview with Angel Reese during her Australian tour

7:30 Reebok AR1 shoes

11:01 Angel Reese's presence and impact on and off the court

14:19 Representation matters - why Angel's visit to Australia matters

18:11 WNBA CBA Negotiations deep dive into CBA negotiations and standoff between players and league owners

23:33 Timeline challenges - breaking down the tight schedule and logistical hurdles facing the 2025 WNBA season

27:14 Exploring the difficult decisions players face in the ongoing negotiations

31:41 World Cup Qualifiers March qualifiers preview and team announcements, including Australia's roster selections

33:17 WNBL Finals predictions

34:35 Women’s Chinese Basketball League - Australian players making the move to China and the impact on the WNBL

36:54 NCAA and Euro League Updates

37:48 Release of “Sidelined – The Fight for Equality in Women’s Basketball” documentary series on YouTube channel

38:49 Summer Jam Tournament Upcoming Melbourne basketball event featuring Jordan Brand's third-largest outdoor tournament

40:25 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.