As the WNBA tipped off its 2025 season, the spotlight may have been fixed on flashy debuts and new market stars, but in Minnesota, business remains personal—and Napheesa Collier is making sure of it. Photo Credit: Shawn McLurkin | Ballislife Coming off a Finals loss to the New York Liberty, a Defensive Player of the...
Live Period: Puma Pro 16 Notebook
My first stop in the May Live Period (May 16-18) was Wichita Falls for the Puma Pro16 circuit. The talent pool increased from last year and there were plenty of good games to evaluate. Let’s recap. Joe Sterling Had Himself a Day CPSA went 1-1 on Friday and 2026 CG Joe Sterling orchestrated two strong...
Ballislife Exclusive: Chris Brickley Interview
Chris Brickley isn’t just a basketball trainer. He’s the basketball trainer. Photo Credit: Bose PR Brickley’s clientele list is a who’s who of NBA and WNBA superstars, some of whom he’s helped develop from the grassroots level. Brickley has worked with the game’s biggest names, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant. He’s been training players...
Howard University pitcher Ameenah Ballenger’s ‘uncomfortable’ transition has led to softball success
Howard University pitcher Ameenah Ballenger learned to embrace being uncomfortable in a new role. Under the tutelage of Bison head softball coach Tori Tyson, Ballenger, a graduate transfer from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, spent this season fine-tuning her pitching mechanics and getting adjusted to being a part of a new program. Ballenger finally...
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier joins Jordan Brand’s WNBA roster
Jordan Brand officially signed four-time WNBA All-Star Napheesa Collier, the company announced today. This announcement coincides with the tipoff of the 2025 WNBA season. Collier, the reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and runner-up in last season’s MVP race, continues to cement her place as one of the league’s brightest stars. Beyond the W,...
Despite NFL decision to pause accelerator program, league can still walk the talk on inclusive hiring
The NFL’s decision to pause its accelerator program, formerly a key component of the league’s comprehensive approach to inclusive hiring, stirs questions. Here’s the biggest: In words and deeds, will the NFL’s stated commitment to diversity continue amid a climate hostile toward it? The program – implemented in 2022 to connect qualified, diverse candidates in...
Cavaliers Face Hard Questions After Abrupt Playoff Exit
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2025 season, filled with record-setting wins and championship expectations, ended in stunning fashion in the second round of the NBA playoffs. After securing the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed and posting a franchise-best 64 victories, the Cavaliers were eliminated in five games by the Indiana Pacers. As the final buzzer sounded on...
Guard Kahleah Copper embraces her new role as the face of the Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX – Within the first two days of the Phoenix Mercury’s training camp, guard Kahleah Copper pulled forward Natasha Mack aside and told her to be more vocal. However, Copper’s delivery during their exchange was unfamiliar to her teammate. “Last year, she probably would’ve been more frustrated. This year, she’s been more patient with me,”...
Allen Estate Set to Sell Portland Trail Blazers
The estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has put the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers up for sale. The Pacific Northwest’s NBA franchise is set to blaze a new trail. (Photo by Soobum Im/NBAE via Getty Images) The estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen announced its intentions to sell the Portland Trail Blazers franchise....
Meski ‘only the beginning’ for Draymond Green, partners in Bay Area restaurant scene
SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was connected to two sold-out venues residing three miles apart on the evening of May 10. One was a Warriors’ Western Conference semifinals playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center. The other was Green’s new restaurant, Meski, which is already one of the toughest...









