Oct 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half of game three of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Unrivaled, a new pro league featuring fast-paced, pickup-style games, is helping WNBA players prepare for upcoming season.

With Alysha Clark becoming an unrestricted free agent this year, the Las Vegas Aces would need somebody to replace her. Alyssa Thomas is a solid option for the 2022 and 2023 WNBA champions. The five-time WNBA All-Star is an upgrade over Clark, but she was cored, which would make negotiations more difficult for the Aces.

That epitomized the late NBA great’s relationship with the women’s game. After his 20-year playing career ended, Bryant turned his focus to the next generation, mentoring some of women’s basketball’s biggest stars, from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

Players recruiting free agents. GMs sitting courtside. Unrivaled's HQ near Miami is abuzz with potential deals.

Players are finding the balance of using the games for conditioning while not overextending themselves before the WNBA season begins in May.

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) speaks to the press before game one of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Satou Sabally doesn’t know her next WNBA ...

Phoenix Mercury's Natasha Cloud makes pitch to Unrivaled teammate Satou Sabally Phoenix ... Indiana, and Las Vegas could be in the mix for Sabally, too. Each of those playoff contenders are ...

WNBA free agency has opened and a three-team trade sending Jewell Loyd to Las Vegas and Kelsey Plum to Los Angeles has started the wheels spinning.

“At the end of the day I’m very much a person that whatever is best for Satou moving forward ... Phoenix, Indiana, and Las Vegas could be in the mix for Sabally, too. Each of those playoff ...

Many will be mistaken and believe the start of the Liberty’s title defense is a few months away. But their quest to repeat actually started last week.

Tuesday, Jan. 21. Here’s a look at what’s happen so far, with updates to come as more signings, trades and credibly-sourced reports emerge: No. 3 pick on the move? According to Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times,