The W is getting bigger 👀🏀

Victoria is back on Hoops Across the Pond and this week we're talking all things WNBA expansion following the arrival of the Cleveland Sirens - a particularly exciting one for Victoria as the league officially comes to her hometown.

We break down what Sirens could mean for the city, what makes an expansion franchise successful, how quickly the WNBA should continue to grow, and what we'd want to see from the Sirens as they build their identity. Plus, with the USA World Cup squad being announced, we get into the selections, surprises and what we're expecting from Team USA.

Then in the second half, we're joined by Eleanor Hynson, a footballer from New Mexico who crossed the pond to play with i2i International Soccer Academy while studying at a University in Newcastle. ⚽🇺🇸🇬🇧

Eleanor takes us inside the reality of moving from the US to the UK as a student-athlete, the huge differences between American and British college sports, what each system could learn from the other - and, as a more casual WNBA viewer, gives us an outsider's perspective on the league.

Two sports. Two countries. One very Hoops Across the Pond episode.

Welcome to the first edition of Victoria Means Business - our new series exploring the business, branding and future of women's basketball with Victoria Stinson.

Fresh from WNBA All-Star Weekend, Victoria takes us behind the scenes of one of the biggest weekends on the women's basketball calendar. From industry panels and creator events to athlete wellness conversations and networking opportunities, we discuss why All-Star Weekend has become so much more than just a showcase on the court.

We also dive into:
- Why the WNBA is thriving beyond basketball
- The importance of authentic brand partnerships and community-building
- What spaces like Unrivaled Coffee Club say about the future of fan engagement
- Meeting creators, founders and businesses investing in women's basketball
- The evolving conversation around athlete wellness, cannabis policy and player rights

Plus, Victoria shares her experience at the Minnesota Lynx game earlier in the week. We discuss Olivia Miles' impact, the Lynx's incredible chemistry and why this group looks like one of the league's most complete teams.

Whether you're interested in basketball, business or the future of women's sports, this episode takes you beyond the box score and into the conversations shaping the game.

For our first From the Seats episode, we're joined by Atlanta Dream season ticket holder Erin!

We talk about everything from game-day routines and the best atmosphere at Gateway Center Arena to standout players, favourite memories and why supporting the Dream means so much to her. It's an honest conversation about being part of the WNBA community and what makes attending games so special.

If you've ever wondered what it's really feels like to follow a WNBA team from the stands, this episode is for you.