July 28, 2025
Locked On Women’s Basketball: ACC preseason analysis
Plus, Minnesota Lynx beat reporter Terry Horstman previews the upcoming rematch between the Lynx and Liberty
While the action is heating up to end July in the WNBA, we’re also watching all of the happenings off the floor in college athletics. The ACC heads into the 2025-26 season on much more stable ground than they were a year ago. Analyst and host Missy Heidrick is joined by SB Nation’s Mitchell Northam to talk about where the conference is today, what women’s basketball coaches have to say about revenue sharing, tourney expansion, general managers in the fold and much more.
Continue reading with a subscription to The Next
Get unlimited access to women’s basketball coverage and help support our hardworking staff of writers, editors, and photographers by subscribing today.
Already a member?
Login
During the podcast, the pair explored ACC stability following months of realignment turmoil. “The one word I’ve heard is ‘stabilized,’” Northam said, emphasizing that while the league appears steady in the short term, uncertainty looms with top programs like UNC potentially eyeing an exit: “UNC is probably the most valuable ACC property in terms of the eyes of the SEC and Big Ten.”
The episode also tackled the rise of general managers in women’s college basketball — especially amid increased player movement and NIL pressures. “We’re in the era of the general manager,” Northam said, referencing coaches like NC State’s Wes Moore, who admitted, “he is not a very good general manager himself.”
From NCAA Tournament expansion to the BIG EAST’s recent media rights deal with ESPN, the conversation offered sharp insight into a fast-evolving landscape. “You’re watering down the end product,” Northam warned about a potential 96-team NCAA tournament, raising questions about the cost-benefit of expanding access versus preserving quality.
And Minnesota Lynx beat writer at The Next, Terry Horstman, looks ahead to the looming reunion with the defending champion New York Liberty on Wednesday night, and talks about what went wrong in Minnesota’s loss to the Dream.
To stay up to date with every episode of the podcast, subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch up on all our WNBA coverage here.
