SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The WNBA made history with its first-ever nationally televised preseason game, and the moment wasn’t just big for the league—it was a homecoming celebration for some of the most iconic names in women’s basketball. Held at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion, the event drew legends like Tamika Catchings, Muffet McGraw, and Niele Ivey, who were all on hand to witness their sport continue to rise in visibility and impact.
The game, which saw the defending champion Las Vegas Aces dominate the Dallas Wings in a 112-78 victory, was more than just a lopsided scoreboard. It served as a powerful reunion for Notre Dame’s women’s basketball legacy, with former Irish stars Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young, and Arike Ogunbowale sharing the floor in a return to the court where their collegiate journeys began.
Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd, both now key contributors for the Aces, faced off against Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings’ standout guard, in what became a celebration of the program that helped launch their professional careers. With Purcell Pavilion packed with familiar faces and passionate fans, the atmosphere felt like a homecoming game with a professional twist.
Coaching legends Muffet McGraw, who led Notre Dame to two national championships, and her successor Niele Ivey, who continues to guide the program forward, were courtside to support their former players. The emotional impact of playing in front of former coaches, friends, and family wasn’t lost on the athletes.
After the game, Jackie Young reflected on what it meant to play once again in the arena that shaped her. “It’s special playing here. I never thought I would play here again on this court,” she said. “It’s pretty cool just being able to play in front of Coach McGraw, Coach Ivey, have my friends and family in the stands, and some of the fans that were here when I played at Notre Dame.”
Tamika Catchings, a WNBA Hall of Famer and Notre Dame alum herself, added to the sense of legacy and celebration by showing her support for the next generation of stars. Her presence, alongside McGraw and Ivey, symbolized the enduring impact Notre Dame has had on women’s basketball—both at the collegiate and professional levels.
The event wasn’t just a showcase of elite talent—it was a moment that bridged generations of the game. As the WNBA continues to grow in exposure and excitement, especially with historic broadcasts like this preseason opener, the league’s roots in programs like Notre Dame remain as strong as ever.
From legends to rising stars, South Bend reminded the world that women’s basketball is not just thriving—it’s soaring.
