{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6818a0d4eb737caf8ca3e31e/6965ca96cfb9d619f8ba0b3c?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"How International Players Are Quietly Reshaping Basketball","description":"<p>Zena and Sabreena open their conversation with the latest updates on the CBA negotiations, discussing what comes next as talks hit their deadline with no agreement. From there, they shift to a recap of the association, covering Texas’ first loss of the season, Ohio State’s rise as a contender, Notre Dame’s unusual campaign, and the need for UNC and Duke to find consistency.</p><p><br></p><p>Next, the duo explore the evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, focusing on the growing impact of international players in the NIL era and implications for the WNBA. They discuss how the influx of international talent brings excitement and challenges for college programs, introduces diverse playing styles, and highlights different pathways to the professional level—where international players often have more flexibility than American players facing strict draft eligibility rules. They also examine the need for clearer NCAA regulations around international participation.</p><p>Finally, we wrap things up with one of our recruiting games: “Something in Common”.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>REFERENCES:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6959018/2026/01/09/wnba-labor-union-deadline-expire/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">WNBA, players union fail to reach CBA deal at deadline</a> by Sabreena Merchant</p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6964515/2026/01/12/wnba-union-free-agency-moratorium-cba/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">WNBA and players union agree to free agency moratorium until CBA deal is reached</a> by Sabreena Merchant&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6962069/2026/01/11/lsu-texas-first-loss-of-season/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">No. 12 LSU women hand No. 2 Texas first loss of season</a> by Sabreena Merchant</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Athletic"}