On-court drama takes center stage in the WNBA’s first-ever Rivals Week

The GIST: One of the WNBA’s most controversial rivalries has thankfully reached its denouement — but the spiciest on-court drama is still to come with the league’s inaugural Rivals Week tipping off tonight.

• While longtime W supporters have witnessed nearly three decades of fierce competition, this nemesis-packed week will showcase the epic rivalries that are shaping the league’s future. Let’s hoop to it with three of the buzziest weekend matchups.

👀 The wannabe rivals — Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever: The future of this rivalry hinges on two of the W’s most impactful stars — the Fever’s Caitlin Clark and the Sky’s Angel Reese — but both All-Stars are sidelined with injury for tomorrow’s 8 p.m. ET tilt.

• Not to mention, the Fever, who also boast 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston, have dominated this series as of late, winning six of the last seven battles.

💜 The West Coast battle — LA Sparks vs. Golden State Valkyries: How can the expansion team Valkyries have a rival? So glad you asked. The tension between the Bay Area and LA runs deep, no matter the sport. The Valks and Sparks will carry the torch tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. ET, and the crowded standings make this Cali showdown all the more interesting.

🏆 The rematch — Minnesota Lynx vs. NY Liberty: Last year’s Finals were the definition of spice, so expect Sunday’s 12:30 p.m. ET showdown to be just as fierce. Yes, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier and NY’s Breanna Stewart are still nursing injuries, but this title sequel still has plenty of starpower — and a few new faces.

• Both teams bolstered their lineups in recent weeks, with the newest seafoam superstar, Emma Meesseman, and the Lynx’s newly-acquired defensive standout, DiJonai Carrington, ready to leave their marks on this budding rivalry.