WNBA Headed to China...Soon

WNBA Headed to China…Soon

October 14, 2025

WNBA game in China could happen “very soon”, says Adam Silver
The WNBA could have games in China. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talked up the prospect of the WNBA heading to China, where basketball is hugely popular and the country represents the NBA’s second-largest market. Silver said the league has to go through a new collective bargaining agreement. He mentioned scheduling a game in Macao or mainland China.
^SportsPro

Maryland AD Jim Smith on Fan Relationships and Revenue Growth
Maryland Athletic Director Jim Smith joined the latest episode of JohnWallStreet Presents: Big Business on Campus, powered by Playfly Sports and sponsored by Short’s Sports Travel Logistics, to discuss how college programs can drive new revenue and engagement. Smith said strengthening fan relationships is central to growth, pointing to their Terrapin Brew email newsletter as one example of enhancing the fan journey. Fans who stay connected, he said, “come back, they’ll buy tickets, they’ll buy concessions, and they’ll support us in other ways.” The conversation also covers Unlocking Revenue Growth, Professionalizing the Business, Maximizing Income Earning Opportunities with Facilities and more.
^{Next Play: The Business of Sports powered by Playfully Sports}

WNBA's CBA negotiations: Biggest issues, lockout potential, more
Now that it is offseason, the collective bargaining agreement is in the talks for the WNBA. The current CBA expires on Oct. 31. The biggest priorities are increasing player salaries. The broadcast rights deal with Disney, Amazon Prime Video and NBCUniversal have an effect on the money available to players also. If an agreement isn’t reached by Oct. 31, that doesn’t translate into a lockout.
^ESPN

Live games, 24/7 hoops programming to fuel new NBA App and reimagined NBA TV
The NBA announced a new multi-platform streaming offering and the reimagined NBA TV, which will offer nonstop basketball content and original programming. This will start on Oct. 15. It will be accessible through the NBA App. Live games, programming, highlights and original content will be on the app.
^NBA

CBS Sports, TNT Sports Under One Roof? Paramount Eyes WBD
A potential mega-merger between CBS Sports and TNT Sports is under active discussion. Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison approached Warner Bros. Discovery about acquiring all of the company. The two companies have already collaborated for years on March Madness coverage.
^{Front Office Sports}

Pan American Games heading to Paraguay for first time
The 2031 Pan American Games will take place in Asunción. The Paraguayan capital was selected ahead of Rio de Janeiro. This marks the first time that Paraguay will host the multi-sport event, which is held every four years.
^{The Stadium Business}

Padres manager Mike Shildt announces retirement
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt announced his retirement. He helmed two of the most successful season in Padres history. Shildt took over following the 2023 season. He led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in nearly two decades. He also led the team to back-to-back 90-win seasons for the first time in franchise history.
^MLB

Houston Dynamo Football Club hire Nicolò Zini as Chief Revenue Officer
Houston Dynamo Football Club hired Nicolò Zini as the Chief Revenue Officer. Zini will oversee all revenue-generating initiatives across the Dynamo and Dash, including partnerships, ticketing, premium hospitality and third-party event booking.
^{Houston Dynamo FC}

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UAB Fires Trent Dilfer After Just 30 Games As Head Coach
UAB football coach Trent Dilfer was fired. The former Super Bowl champion quarterback was fired on Sunday after a rocky three-season tenure. The Blazers have opened the 2025 season 2-4, losing three games in a row. Athletic Director Mark Ingram issued the following statement:
“We have made a decision to part ways with Head Football Coach Trent Dilfer. We agree that—unfortunately—our on-field performance has not lived up to the standard of winning we have for the program. This decision will allow us to move forward in the best long-term interest of the program. I have asked Alex Mortensen to serve as interim head coach to lead the team for the remainder of the season as we continue as a department and university to provide the support our student athletes need to compete. I wish Coach Dilfer the best and thank him for his class, tireless work and commitment during his tenure at UAB. While his efforts did not translate into a winning record, each young man who played for him will be a better person as a result.”
^{Sports Illustrated}

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