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.
Tune in to Locked On Women’s Basketball
Here at The IX Basketball, in addition to the 24/7/365 written content our staff provides, we also host the daily Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast. Join us Monday through Saturday each week as we discuss all things WNBA, collegiate basketball, basketball history and much more. Listen wherever you find podcasts or watch on YouTube.
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.
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