Sue Breaks Down WNBA Rookie Standouts PLUS Maria Sharapova On Being Pretty Tough
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In this solo episode of A Touch More, Sue Bird reflects on her recent trip to Berlin for the FIBA Hall of Fame induction, celebrating her international basketball career and highlighting the WNBA's first-ever break for the 2026 Women's World Cup. She dives into standout performances from WNBA rookies during preseason, praising Raven Johnson, Olivia Miles, Flaugé Johnson, Lauren Betts, and others for their poise, energy, and potential. Bird also addresses the ongoing free agency situation for veteran players Natasha Cloud and Tina Charles, pushing back against rumors of a 'blackballing' of Cloud due to activism and advocating for a shift from a hard to a soft salary cap. The episode features a compelling conversation with tennis legend Maria Sharapova, who launched her new podcast, *Pretty Tough*, where she explores female ambition through interviews with high-achieving women. Sharapova shares insights on balancing toughness with vulnerability, the evolution of her relationship with Serena Williams, and the emotional transition from athlete to podcaster and mother. The episode closes with Sue’s admiration for 40-year-old Olympian Allison Felix’s return to competition for the 2028 LA Olympics, calling it a 'living experiment in human potential.'
The WNBA is taking its first-ever break for the Women's World Cup, marking a significant shift in scheduling and player welfare.
Rookies like Raven Johnson, Olivia Miles, and Lauren Betts are showing early promise with composure, court vision, and physicality.
Natasha Cloud’s free agency situation highlights systemic issues in the WNBA’s hard salary cap and the need for greater equity and flexibility.
Maria Sharapova’s podcast *Pretty Tough* bridges toughness and vulnerability, reflecting her personal evolution beyond tennis.
Athletes like Allison Felix prove that age is not a barrier to elite performance, redefining what’s possible in sports longevity.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Sue’s Berlin FIBA Hall of Fame Induction & WNBA World Cup Break
“This is the first time we're taking a break for the World Cup. I think everybody's used to us taking breaks for the Olympics, but this is the first break the WNBA has taken for the World Cup.”
Rookie Breakdown: Preseason Standouts
“She looked comfortable. I think the same can be said for Olivia, albeit in a different way. She's being herself and there's a comfort there.”
Natasha Cloud & Tina Charles: Free Agency, Activism, and the Hard Cap
“I don't want to live in a world where Natasha Cloud is being punished for being outspoken. It is not what our league has been built on.”
Maria Sharapova: Launching 'Pretty Tough' & the Athlete-to-Podcaster Journey
“I've always believed that you have to be in control of those decisions. You can have the best coach and you can have a wonderful relationship with your parents. But I've always found the best decisions came when I made them with my own confidence.”
Allison Felix’s Return to Competition: A Living Experiment in Human Potential
“She knows at 40, I'm not at my peak. I have no illusions about that. I'm very clear in what it is and what I want to see.”
“I don't want to live in a world where Natasha Cloud is being punished for being outspoken. It is not what our league has been built on.”
“I've always believed that you have to be in control of those decisions. You can have the best coach and you can have a wonderful relationship with your parents. But I've always found the best decisions came when I made them with my own confidence.”
“She knows at 40, I'm not at my peak. I have no illusions about that. I'm very clear in what it is and what I want to see.”
Host
Guest
Sue Bird
person
Maria Sharapova
person
WNBA
organization
Pretty Tough
media
Serena Williams
person
Natasha Cloud
person
Allison Felix
person
2026 Women's World Cup
other
Tina Charles
person
FIBA Hall of Fame
organization
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