By Beth Schnitzer–
WNBA Momentum & All-Star Power
If July 2025 felt a little extra electric, we can thank the women of the WNBA for turning up the voltage—even when some of the brightest stars aren’t suiting up.
While headlines have been full of injury updates (yes, we’re all rooting for Caitlin Clark’s speedy return), the league hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to putting on a show. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game was a masterclass in energy, scoring, and statement-making—from Napheesa Collier’s 36-point MVP performance to Skylar Diggins-Smith’s historic triple-double. And yes, even though Clark couldn’t play, she was still the name on the marquee—literally—as the leader of Team Clark against Team Collier in a weekend that broke records and expectations.
Other new faces making history included our own Golden State Valkyries forward, Kayla Thornton, who made her first career all-star appearance and became the first player to represent an expansion team in the All-Star game since 2006.
The moment that stuck with me was when players warmed up in bold “Pay Us What You Owe Us” Tshirts, and fans roared back: “Pay them! Pay them!”
It wasn’t just a wage fight; it was a rallying cry for respect—and fans didn’t just show up. They showed their support.
I’ve been soaking it all in, with a steady stream of WNBA content lighting up my feed. And speaking of being front and center…
Let’s Talk Golden State Valkyries
I was at Chase Center on June 27, 2025, when our Bay Area hometown team took on the Chicago Sky. It was the Valkyries Inaugural Pride Night, and you could feel the joy, color, and community radiating through the arena. Fans came decked out in rainbow gear—including me. There were special activations and fan giveaways. My friend, the incredible musician and X Factor season 2 contestant, Jason Brock, opened the night with a moving rendition of the national anthem. And what a treat at halftime—an unforgettable drag show—just one more way this team is doing things differently and with heart.
The energy and atmosphere were off the charts once again. The crowd was loud and proud, cheering on Kayla Thornton, who dropped a career-high 29 points, including four clutch threes in the second half. Angel Reese battled like every rebound was made of gold, and Tiffany Hayes sealed the deal at the free throw line. Final score: 83–78, Valkyries. I got to see a win!
Every single person in the sold-out arena stayed to the final buzzer, including me. I just can’t get enough of this team and their energy. And the night was a true celebration of allyship and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community.
Even better? Friends who aren’t big sports fans are catching the bug. My dear friend, Nikki Wood, Co-publisher of Marin Magazine and Co-owner of 270 Media, went to a recent game after being invited by a client who wanted to bring women together around this powerful new moment in Bay Area sports. Nikki texted me afterwards that she was “in love with the WNBA … and in love with the Valkyries.” She even wore a Valkyries jersey, sat ten rows behind the court, and soaked it all in. She told me it reminded her of the power of women together—on and off the court. That’s the power of this team; it’s not just about basketball. It’s a movement, and it’s bringing people in.
ESPY Awards (V Foundation Benefit)
Recently, I found myself watching the 2025 ESPY Awards. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the 33rd annual awards show aired live on ABC and ESPN+ to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation—continuing its legacy since 1993 from Jim Valvano’s iconic “Don’t Give Up” speech.
It’s usually a great night of highlight reels and tearjerking tributes. I’ve been watching for years, but this year felt different: stronger, bolder, more seen. Women’s sports didn’t just show up. They took center stage. It really felt like ESPN was not just honoring achievements, but actively elevating women’s sports through televised representation, award categories, and high-profile influence. My mom would be so proud to finally see women’s sports being integrated into mainstream cultural presentations.
Some of the biggest moments:
• Ilona Maher of USA Rugby won Best Breakthrough Athlete.
• Simone Biles earned Best Female Athlete and Best Championship Performance honors for her brilliant comeback.
Caitlin Clark was named Best WNBA Player.
• Legends Diana Taurasi and Alex Morgan received the Icon Award, celebrating their lasting impact on sport and culture.
• Suni Lee won Best Comeback.
• Sloane Stephens won the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.
The whole night felt like a reset—like the sports world was finally reflecting the reality so many of us already see: women’s sports are not an afterthought. They’re the story. The momentum is real, and I can’t wait to see where it will lead next.
Olympic Evolution:
Leadership & LA28 Momentum
After watching the ESPYs, I found myself reflecting on how far women’s sports have come, and how much further we’re poised to go. The next chapter is being written on the Olympic stage.
History recently was made when the International Olympic Committee officially passed the torch—literally and symbolically—to Kirsty Coventry, who was elected as the first-ever female and African President of the IOC. The 41-year-old Olympic gold medalist in swimming from Zimbabwe defeated six male candidates and won the majority in the first round of voting. She now becomes the 10th president of the IOC since its founding in 1894 and will serve an eight-year term.
Coventry’s leadership marks a major turning point for global sport—not just because she broke barriers, but because she steps into the role with Olympic experience, political savvy, and the diplomatic challenge of guiding a movement that must evolve with the times. She was officially proclaimed president on March 21, 2025.
It’s a powerful symbol of what’s next—with Milano-Cortina 2026, LA28, and Brisbane 2032 all on the horizon.
LA28:
Venues, Events & Paralympic Firsts
And speaking of the Olympics, being here in Venice, Italy, as of this writing for a wedding, I’ve already started spotting signage for Milano-Cortina. Yes, I’m doing a little informal Olympic intel while I’m here!
But it’s the LA28 Summer Games—now just three years away—that have me especially excited. Not just because of the sports, but because of the way Los Angeles is staging the spectacle.
With the three-year countdown underway, LA28 has unveiled its groundbreaking plans:
The Opening Ceremony (July 14, 2028) will be a dual celebration at the historic Memorial Coliseum (hosted in 1932 & 1984—making it the first venue to hold competitions at three Summer Games) and at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood—home of the NFL’s Rams and Chargers, and now an Olympic debutant.
SoFi Stadium will host swimming in the second week. The Closing Ceremony (July 30) will return to the Coliseum.
The Paralympic Games (Aug 15–27, 2028) will debut in LA, with the Opening Ceremony at SoFi, The Closing will be at the Coliseum, and sports like paraclimbing will be joining the lineup.
As for sports returning or debuting on the Olympic side, the lineup is as diverse and dynamic as LA itself.
Cricket (T20 format) will make its long-awaited return at the Fairplex in Pomona. It will be a fast-paced, 16-team showdown for both men’s and women’s teams. As someone who fell in love with cricket thanks to Major League Cricket, I’m hoping to score tickets and catch the action in person.
Flag football, squash, lacrosse, and baseball/softball are all on the program. Flag football will actually be making its Olympic debut, and that will happen at BMO Stadium. Squash, another new addition, will be hosted at Universal Studios.
Beach volleyball will play on the iconic sands of Long Beach.
Taken together, these events represent a thrilling blend of tradition and innovation—and one that reflects the Olympic movement’s expanding reach, both culturally and competitively. More than 5,600 women are expected to compete in LA—marking the first time in Olympic history that female participation will exceed that of men.
And while the WNBA charges toward the playoffs and the Olympic momentum builds, another summer staple is just around the corner: the U.S. Open.
US Open
The final Grand Slam of the tennis season will kick off on August 26 in New York on the hardcourt. I’ll be rooting for American Coco Gauff!
Closing Reflection
From the roar of the crowd at Chase Center to the ripple effects of the ESPYs and the quiet significance of an IOC milestone, this summer has shown us what happens when women’s sports aren’t just celebrated—they’re centered.
Whether it’s my friends falling in love with the Valkyries, a teenage girl from the Bay winning a national ESPY award, or a cricket stadium in Pomona that will be transformed into an Olympic stage—these moments matter. They connect us. They remind us that sport is more than stats and scores; it’s about visibility, community, and momentum. And right now, the momentum is real.
Signing off from the Bay, where passion meets the play. See you next month!
Golden State Valkyries
https://valkyries.wnba.com/
ESPYS
https://www.espn.com/espys/
V Foundation
https://www.v.org/
IOC
https://www.olympics.com/ioc
Milano Cortina
https://bit.ly/4mhV6fs
US Open
https://www.usopen.org/
Beth Schnitzer, the former President of WISE (Women in Sports and Events), is the Co-Founder and President of Spritz: https://spritzsf.com/
Beth’s Bay Area Sports Beat
Published on July 31, 2025
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