November 11, 2022
Locked on Women’s Basketball: “Lady Magic”
By The Next
The legendary Nancy Lieberman joins Natalie Heavren to talk Old Dominion, Title IX and the early stages of professional women's basketball.

It’s time for another episode of the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast. In this episode, The Next’s A-10 beat writer Natalie Heavren is joined by the legendary Nancy Lieberman. Lieberman was recently honored with a statue at her alma mater of Old Dominion, and her charity unveiled a “Dream Court” in Norfolk, Va. She discusses her experiences playing for the dynastic Old Dominion, the 1976 Olympics, as well as her stints in the WBL and the WNBA.
Lieberman on how a younger her never could have predicted the success of her career:
You couldn’t have written this script, because our world has changed so dramatically over the past four or five decades. I was just happy to get a scholarship to go to college and to get out of my hood of New York… to change my life and have opportunity, and try to find some happiness as a human being, even though that was connected to how intense a competitor that I was.
Win an autographed WNBA card!
During the month of November, new subscribers to The Next will be entered to win a signed trading card from six-time WNBA All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith of the Phoenix Mercury.
In addition to the chance to win an autographed card, you will also be supporting the vital work of our staff. Our staff of writers, editors and photographers provide 24/7/365 women’s basketball coverage about the game we all love. Your subscription helps to ensure the pipeline of young, diverse media professionals to write, edit and photograph this great game, continues and grows.
Lieberman on having the opportunity to play in the WBL after her collegiate career:
I was happy there was a women’s professional league. I mean I always thought I was a professional when I went to college. I love Old Dominion, but Old Dominion didn’t give me a scholarship because I was cute. They gave me a scholarship because I could play and hopefully increase revenues and put people in the gym and the arena. … I mean we really set the stage for Old Dominion, the brand, because of the enormous amount of local and national attention that we got. … The memorable moments that I had was helping to not only play the game, but to change the game and grow the game.
Win a scarf and UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Program!
Throughout the month of November, new subscribers to The IX will be entered to win a special England prize pack that includes a scarf and program from UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. In addition to winning these special items, you will also be supporting the vital work of our staff. Your subscription helps to ensure the pipeline of young, diverse media professionals to write, edit and photograph this great game, continues and grows.
For more coverage of the WBL, click here!