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.

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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