{"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/69f2bf00c2d898b28be7f5b3?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Can Portland and Toronto Find Success in Year One? Plus, More Big Questions for Teams in Rebuild Mode","description":"<p>Layshia and Annie talk through WNBA teams that are in build mode. From finding the right mix of rookies and vets to handling expansion challenges, they look at how Portland, Toronto, Washington, Connecticut, and Seattle are figuring out who they are in the 2026 season. Plus, they get into coaching, team strategies, what success looks like, and why some teams have the potential to surprise sooner than expected.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus — our take on the NCAA’s push to expand the tournament.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>REFERENCES:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7238671/2026/04/28/ncaa-basketball-tournament-76-teams-expansion/?source=user_shared_article\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">NCAA basketball tournaments closing in on 76-team March Madness starting in 2027: Sources</a> by Ralph D. Russo</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Athletic"}