maya goldberg-safir
@roughnotes.bsky.social
maya (she/her) / independent women's basketball writer I subscribe to my newsletter/blog WNBA ROUGH NOTES https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/ I i love queer community, adventures & audio I between oakland & chicago I reach me: [email protected] <3
Pinned
really enjoyed this @roughnotes.bsky.social dig into ‘project b’, the new tech and potentially saudi-backed global basketball league — especially the bit about using women athletes as test prototypes to ultimately launch a men’s league
Rough Notes: “Tell Me How To Feel About Project B”
I went digging into the new global league.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
my latest, let's talk about it
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
"This league needs Sophie Cunningham!"
-These guys
-These guys
November 25, 2025 at 7:54 PM
"This league needs Sophie Cunningham!"
-These guys
-These guys
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Nat!!!
The camp will be led by new national team head coach Kara Lawson with WNBA coaches Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts and Stephanie White serving as court coaches.
November 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Nat!!!
if you're still wondering how to feel about project b, i wrote this piece to shine light on a few key elements:
Rough Notes: “Tell Me How To Feel About Project B”
I went digging into the new global league.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:36 PM
if you're still wondering how to feel about project b, i wrote this piece to shine light on a few key elements:
makes you question, in what ways do they want to 'grow the game'?
A shift in the WNBA.
In 2022, 6 black head coaches.
In 2026, 2 black head coaches, 0 black women.
There’s been progress — 7/15 are women, including 2 of color — but for a league that’s 60%+ black, does raise questions about why coaching hires don’t better reflect that.
In 2022, 6 black head coaches.
In 2026, 2 black head coaches, 0 black women.
There’s been progress — 7/15 are women, including 2 of color — but for a league that’s 60%+ black, does raise questions about why coaching hires don’t better reflect that.
November 21, 2025 at 8:24 PM
makes you question, in what ways do they want to 'grow the game'?
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
A shift in the WNBA.
In 2022, 6 black head coaches.
In 2026, 2 black head coaches, 0 black women.
There’s been progress — 7/15 are women, including 2 of color — but for a league that’s 60%+ black, does raise questions about why coaching hires don’t better reflect that.
In 2022, 6 black head coaches.
In 2026, 2 black head coaches, 0 black women.
There’s been progress — 7/15 are women, including 2 of color — but for a league that’s 60%+ black, does raise questions about why coaching hires don’t better reflect that.
November 21, 2025 at 8:02 PM
A shift in the WNBA.
In 2022, 6 black head coaches.
In 2026, 2 black head coaches, 0 black women.
There’s been progress — 7/15 are women, including 2 of color — but for a league that’s 60%+ black, does raise questions about why coaching hires don’t better reflect that.
In 2022, 6 black head coaches.
In 2026, 2 black head coaches, 0 black women.
There’s been progress — 7/15 are women, including 2 of color — but for a league that’s 60%+ black, does raise questions about why coaching hires don’t better reflect that.
welp
The New York Liberty have agreed on a deal to hire Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco as their new head coach, sources tell ESPN. DeMarco has been with the Warriors since 2012, winning four NBA titles. He also serves as head coach of the Bahamian men's national team.
November 21, 2025 at 7:10 PM
welp
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Really appreciated Maya's write-up of where things are with Project B at this point.
really enjoyed this @roughnotes.bsky.social dig into ‘project b’, the new tech and potentially saudi-backed global basketball league — especially the bit about using women athletes as test prototypes to ultimately launch a men’s league
Rough Notes: “Tell Me How To Feel About Project B”
I went digging into the new global league.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Really appreciated Maya's write-up of where things are with Project B at this point.
my latest, let's talk about it
really enjoyed this @roughnotes.bsky.social dig into ‘project b’, the new tech and potentially saudi-backed global basketball league — especially the bit about using women athletes as test prototypes to ultimately launch a men’s league
Rough Notes: “Tell Me How To Feel About Project B”
I went digging into the new global league.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
my latest, let's talk about it
aaah a person i so admire saying a nice thing about me i cry
if you aren’t following maya or her work, i really encourage you to start
November 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
aaah a person i so admire saying a nice thing about me i cry
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
really enjoyed this @roughnotes.bsky.social dig into ‘project b’, the new tech and potentially saudi-backed global basketball league — especially the bit about using women athletes as test prototypes to ultimately launch a men’s league
Rough Notes: “Tell Me How To Feel About Project B”
I went digging into the new global league.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:23 PM
really enjoyed this @roughnotes.bsky.social dig into ‘project b’, the new tech and potentially saudi-backed global basketball league — especially the bit about using women athletes as test prototypes to ultimately launch a men’s league
as an indie journo, i'm always trying to figure out how/~if~ folks like me fit into wnba media. a lot of that comes down to the league's PR... but what are their standards? who feels welcomed, who does not? and why?
to break it down, i published this survey for folks in WBB MEDIA! take it here:
to break it down, i published this survey for folks in WBB MEDIA! take it here:
WNBA Media Survey (Anonymous!)
The WNBA is growing - and so too is women's basketball media. This survey gives WNBA media members from all backgrounds an anonymous outlet to share their experiences working with PR departments from ...
docs.google.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:10 PM
as an indie journo, i'm always trying to figure out how/~if~ folks like me fit into wnba media. a lot of that comes down to the league's PR... but what are their standards? who feels welcomed, who does not? and why?
to break it down, i published this survey for folks in WBB MEDIA! take it here:
to break it down, i published this survey for folks in WBB MEDIA! take it here:
watching a million valkyries play each other right now:
LIVE - Spar Girona v ZVVZ USK Praha | EuroLeague Women 2025-26 | First Round
YouTube video by EuroLeague Women
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 PM
watching a million valkyries play each other right now:
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
basketball Asians!!!
The most exciting basketball documentary I’ve ever heard of is on its way… for YEARS, a small independent team has been working on a film about EJ Lee, whose story captures what makes women's basketball so glorious, heartbreaking and provocative. Learn more about it: www.ejleedocumentary.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:54 PM
basketball Asians!!!
The most exciting basketball documentary I’ve ever heard of is on its way… for YEARS, a small independent team has been working on a film about EJ Lee, whose story captures what makes women's basketball so glorious, heartbreaking and provocative. Learn more about it: www.ejleedocumentary.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The most exciting basketball documentary I’ve ever heard of is on its way… for YEARS, a small independent team has been working on a film about EJ Lee, whose story captures what makes women's basketball so glorious, heartbreaking and provocative. Learn more about it: www.ejleedocumentary.com
oh no
SOMEBODY GET THAT RONNIE2k MFER ON THE LINE RIGHT NEOW 🤨🧐🙈😭😭😭 the valks are a pack of cuties & nba2k got us all fk'd up 😨
happy Halloween I guess 🤪
#NBA2K26 #WNBA #GSV #GSVALKYRIES #VALKYRIES
happy Halloween I guess 🤪
#NBA2K26 #WNBA #GSV #GSVALKYRIES #VALKYRIES
October 31, 2025 at 5:28 PM
oh no
its the BIG DAY (october 31st) aaaaand CBA negotiations are *so* not resolved. here's my latest is about why i think the nba is holding things up by having a meltdown right now - and how disadvantages for wnba players are baked into the league's history.
Rough Notes: The Real Reason CBA Negotiations Aren't Over
This is nearly three decades in the making.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:46 PM
its the BIG DAY (october 31st) aaaaand CBA negotiations are *so* not resolved. here's my latest is about why i think the nba is holding things up by having a meltdown right now - and how disadvantages for wnba players are baked into the league's history.
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
NEW: I spoke to fans & labor organizers about how WNBA fan solidarity could be a key part of the CBA negotiations—& why women's sports fans are uniquely positioned to support a work stoppage, should one be on the table.
fan solidarity could be the wnba players' secret weapon
fandom works differently in women's sports than it does in men's—and it skews much more pro-player than pro-owner.
www.thefrankiedlc.news
October 29, 2025 at 5:13 PM
NEW: I spoke to fans & labor organizers about how WNBA fan solidarity could be a key part of the CBA negotiations—& why women's sports fans are uniquely positioned to support a work stoppage, should one be on the table.
having no black women coaches in the wnba in the year 2025 is mind boggling to me. we talk about the generational evolution of the wnba with such pride - this 100% includes black women in head coaching positions (many of whom also have experience playing in the league, a HUGE ADVANTAGE)
Here’s the updated list of WNBA head coaches by gender. Still no Black women, but it’s now an even split between men and women. Holding out hope that the Liberty will finally give one of the many qualified Black women a well-deserved opportunity.
If not, I’m crashing out. #WNBA
If not, I’m crashing out. #WNBA
October 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
having no black women coaches in the wnba in the year 2025 is mind boggling to me. we talk about the generational evolution of the wnba with such pride - this 100% includes black women in head coaching positions (many of whom also have experience playing in the league, a HUGE ADVANTAGE)
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Some WNBA CBA News:
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More than 70 legislators, including Zohran Mamdani, sign letter in support of WNBA players union
The WNBPA and WNBA are in tense labor negotiations as they near an Oct. 31 deadline to strike a deal.
www.nytimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Some WNBA CBA News:
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
More than 70 local legislators from around the U.S., including Zohran Mamdani, sent Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver a letter this morning urging the league to "bargain in good faith" and reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
really excited to say this photo essay & special project that's been in the works, featuring photography by the very talented joyce xi! together, we bring the valkyries into focus, telling the story of how this extraordinary first-year team became a 'blood family' -
Rough Notes Photo Essay: Blood Family
Bringing the Golden State Valkyries into focus.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
really excited to say this photo essay & special project that's been in the works, featuring photography by the very talented joyce xi! together, we bring the valkyries into focus, telling the story of how this extraordinary first-year team became a 'blood family' -
omg independent wbb media lets gooooo
BREAKING: Per @howardmegdal.bsky.social, Sandy Brondello will be the first coach of the expansion Toronto tempo.
BREAKING WNBA NEWS: Sandy Brondello is the first head coach in Toronto Tempo history! #wnba
YouTube video by The IX Sports
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 8:23 PM
omg independent wbb media lets gooooo
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Dear MNBA media. Can you PLEASE stay on Adam Silver at every press availability of his this season? Specifically regarding the state of WNBA CBA negotiations. #WNBASky (1/2)
October 21, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Dear MNBA media. Can you PLEASE stay on Adam Silver at every press availability of his this season? Specifically regarding the state of WNBA CBA negotiations. #WNBASky (1/2)
Reposted by maya goldberg-safir
Riding my hobbyhorse into the sunset, via @redford.bsky.social's rad new podcast: Sports conspiracy theories are how fans do structural analysis.
Only If You Get Caught S1E1 is about the most infamous basketball conspiracy theory: Did the NBA fix Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals? Our guest is the great @tcraggs22.bsky.social. Subscribe now, Or Else!!! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/o...
Only If You Get Caught
History Podcast · Updated Weekly · Only If You Get Caught is about how we can better understand sports and culture by appreciating the ways humans cheat in ways big and small.
Hosted by Patrick Redfo...
podcasts.apple.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Riding my hobbyhorse into the sunset, via @redford.bsky.social's rad new podcast: Sports conspiracy theories are how fans do structural analysis.
in the latest rough notes: people sum up their 2025 wnba season in just 1 photo, plus the best wnba group chat names (TITLE 69 = MY FAVE) & a break down of why "i audibly yelled out loud when i couldn't find a stream for a live game" is THE most telling experience for wnba fans right now:
Rough Notes: We The People Of The WNBA
Lessons from an outspoken WNBA fandom.
wnbaroughnotes.substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
in the latest rough notes: people sum up their 2025 wnba season in just 1 photo, plus the best wnba group chat names (TITLE 69 = MY FAVE) & a break down of why "i audibly yelled out loud when i couldn't find a stream for a live game" is THE most telling experience for wnba fans right now:
i love her
October 18, 2025 at 5:05 PM
i love her