All The Smoke Women’s College Basketball Is BOOMING: Staley, Close & Schaefer on What’s Next
Nov 27, 2025
Join Cori Close, Vic Schaefer, and Dawn Staley, three powerhouse coaches in women's basketball, as they discuss the rapid growth of the sport. Dawn shares her experience interviewing for the Knicks, shedding light on challenges female coaches face. The trio dives into NIL's impact on recruiting and the transfer portal's influence on player development. They emphasize the importance of toughness, team culture, and the evolving landscape of youth basketball. Plus, insights on building competitive programs are shared, painting a bright future for women's college basketball.
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Experience Builds Expectation
- Once you taste a Final Four or a national title, you know what it takes and it's easier to chase it again.
- That experience raises team expectation and simplifies decision-making about preparation and standards.
Limit Free Transfers
- Set boundaries on transfer eligibility to protect competitive equity and athlete development.
- Consider a one-time immediate play rule then require sitting out for subsequent transfers to discourage entitlement.
TV Deals Lag Market Value
- Women's basketball demand and competitiveness have surged after decades of being undervalued.
- Current TV deals underpay the product and the sport deserves renegotiation to match growth.