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WNBA Set to Explode in Popularity Over the Next Five Years

The WNBA has long fought for recognition on a global stage, often overshadowed by male-dominated leagues. Despite tremendous talent, competitive games, and a loyal fan base, the league hasn’t always garnered the attention it deserves. However, several recent shifts in media coverage, athlete branding, and fan engagement suggest the league is on the cusp of […]

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The WNBA has long fought for recognition on a global stage, often overshadowed by male-dominated leagues.

Despite tremendous talent, competitive games, and a loyal fan base, the league hasn’t always garnered the attention it deserves. However, several recent shifts in media coverage, athlete branding, and fan engagement suggest the league is on the cusp of a major breakthrough.

Explore a fast-paced experience that brings together sports and excitement in a whole new way — click here to discover what’s drawing attention from sports enthusiasts around the world.

A New Era of Superstar Branding

Player visibility in the WNBA has grown significantly in recent years. From social media to endorsement deals, WNBA stars are no longer just athletes — they are cultural icons, entrepreneurs, and outspoken advocates for change.

Names like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart have transcended basketball. Their presence in commercials, magazines, and viral digital content has created a broader connection with fans. These athletes bring more than just numbers to the scoreboard — they offer personality, relatability, and authenticity.

Impact on Youth Engagement

This heightened visibility directly influences young athletes, especially girls. Seeing powerful, successful women on major platforms fosters aspiration. More youth leagues are incorporating WNBA content into their programs, giving future generations of players a clear vision of what’s possible.

Media Deals and Broadcasting Power

Television coverage is rapidly expanding. With ESPN, Amazon Prime, CBS Sports and NBC broadcasting more games than ever, access is no longer a barrier to fan growth.

Unlike earlier years, where coverage was sporadic and inconsistent, the WNBA now has structured media rights deals that ensure national exposure. These deals don’t just increase viewership — they add credibility and legitimacy, which attracts advertisers and corporate sponsors.

Social Media and Streaming Revolution

YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have become powerful tools for game highlights and behind-the-scenes content.

Younger audiences consume sports differently, preferring short-form and on-demand clips over traditional broadcasts. The league’s digital team has responded by producing compelling content that amplifies storylines and rivalries.

Investment from the NBA and Corporate Giants

The WNBA benefits tremendously from its affiliation with the NBA, but in recent years, the support has become more strategic and financial. NBA owners, executives, and even players are investing in the growth of women’s basketball.

Major brands like Nike and AT&T are placing big bets on the WNBA’s future.

These corporations understand that aligning with a socially aware and progressive league resonates with modern consumers.

  • Increased funding for team operations (including player salaries)
  • Enhanced marketing and promotional budgets
  • Resources for overseas expansion and global promotion

Fan Engagement Is Reaching New Heights

WNBA fan experiences are becoming more interactive.

From courtside VR experiences to fan voting for the All-Star Game, technology is making it easier to feel connected to the action.

Community and Inclusivity

The league has been at the forefront of social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality for a long time.

This has resonated with younger audiences and those seeking representation in sports. WNBA games are often filled with community-driven programming, charity initiatives, and educational outreach, which gives fans even more reason to support.

College Pipeline and Talent Surge

One of the biggest drivers of long-term growth is who is up next. The NCAA women’s basketball scene has become a media magnet, with March Madness drawing millions of viewers.

Players like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have drawn historic ratings during college games, and they are now bringing that intrigue to the W. The anticipation around their professional debuts was reminiscent of NBA rookies entering the league.

Clark and Reese, who were NCAA Tournament rivals at Iowa and LSU, respectively, have carried their rivalry from college to the WNBA, almost uninterrupted.

Future Draft Classes

Scouting and development programs are more advanced than ever.

The influx of talent from international leagues (three of the top ten picks were from overseas this year!) and college programs ensures that the WNBA will continue to raise the bar.

The Time Is Now

With the perfect storm of talent, visibility, support, and fan engagement, the WNBA is poised for a massive cultural and commercial expansion over the next five years. Toronto will join the WNBA as the league’s 14th team in 2026, and exponential growth is inevitable. 

For those who have followed the league since its inception, the hype is a long-awaited validation. For newcomers, this is the perfect opportunity to join the journey.

Expect to see fuller arenas, rising merchandise sales, and landmark endorsement deals in the years ahead. The WNBA isn’t just surviving anymore — it’s thriving.



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Niko Medved, Gophers Add 4-Star UNC Transfer Commit

Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images The Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team, when they take the floor again in October, will look completely different than they did last season. Of course, that isn’t anything new. In the transfer portal/NIL era, under Ben Johnson, the U of M had more new faces on its basketball team each year […]

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Cade Tyson - NCAA Basketball: American U. at North Carolina Tar Heels
Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team, when they take the floor again in October, will look completely different than they did last season. Of course, that isn’t anything new. In the transfer portal/NIL era, under Ben Johnson, the U of M had more new faces on its basketball team each year than they did familiar ones.

But in 2025-26, they will take it to another level. Not only will they have a new head coach on the sideline — after Johnson was fired and replaced with Niko Medved shortly after the Golden Gophers were eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament, back in March — but there are only two freshman from last year remaining on this roster… along with nine new players out of the transfer portal.

Minnesota Gophers MBB get commitment from Cade Tyson (UNC)

And on Sunday, they got their latest transfer addition, and this one is tied for the highest-rated portal commit they have received yet this offseason. Cade Tyson is coming to Dinkytown from the University of North Carolina, where the 6’7″ sharpshooting wing averaged 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds, in just 7.9 minutes per game during his one season as a Tar Heel.

But Tyson isn’t new to college basketball. Prior to arriving at Chapel Hill, the 91-rated four-star small forward (according to 247Sports) played two seasons at Belmont, where he averaged 30.4 minutes per game between his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Related: Ben Johnson was the NIL Problem for Gophers Men’s Basketball

As a senior for the Bruins in 2023-24, Tyson put up 16.2 points per game, second most on his team. He also led Belmont in rebounds, at 5.9 per game. He also averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a freshman.

But when Cade — who is from Monroe, North Carolina — got an opportunity to go home, he jumped on it. Unfortunately, he was not able to make as big of an impact as he had hoped, while playing for his hometown UNC. Even after a down year, Tyson was contacted by Kentucky, Iowa, Clemson, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Purdue, BYU and Virginia Tech, according to Ryan James (247Sports).

In his career, Cade Tyson is a 43% three point shooter (48.3% FG). Last season, as a member of the Tar Heels, he shot just 40% from the field and 29% from deep. Coming to Minnesota as a senior, Tyson hopes to get back to the sharpshooter he was at Belmont.

Mentioned in this article: Cade Tyson North Carolina Transfer Portal

More About:Minnesota Gophers Basketball





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Cooper Flagg reportedly raked in staggering NIL money in lone season at Duke

All Cooper Flagg needed was one year of playing college basketball with the Duke Blue Devils to show he’s worthy of becoming the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Now, Flagg is in line to join the Dallas Mavericks after they lucked into winning the NBA Draft Lottery. Last year’s No. 1 […]

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All Cooper Flagg needed was one year of playing college basketball with the Duke Blue Devils to show he’s worthy of becoming the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Now, Flagg is in line to join the Dallas Mavericks after they lucked into winning the NBA Draft Lottery.

Last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, signed a preset contract for four years and $57 million. He earned $12.5 million in his first season. Flagg will eventually sign a similar contract (estimated at $62.7 million) with the Mavericks, yet he won’t make anything close to the same amount of money as he earned in NIL money while at Duke.

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According to ESPN’s Howard Bryant, Flagg raked in roughly $28 million in NIL earnings. The money came from a $13 million contract with shoe company New Balance and another $15 million thanks to a contract with Fanatics.

There’s nothing preventing Flagg from signing similar contracts and earning even more money once he officially arrives in the NBA. At least at that point he’ll be doubling down, thanks to having a salary with the Mavericks too. Plus, he’s still under contract with New Balance and Fanatics, giving him even more earning potential.

In other words, Flagg was never hurting for money in college and that’s surely going to continue once his NBA career tips off too.

Related: Chicago Bulls were ready to offer ‘everyone’ for this player

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Mississippi State baseball vs Florida State score: MSU season over

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Mississippi State baseball season is over. The No. 3 seed Bulldogs (36-23) lost 5-2 to No. 1 Florida State (41-14) in the Tallahassee Regional final on June 1 at Dick Howser Stadium.  MSU led 2-0 in the seventh inning until Cal Fisher blasted a two-run home run. Then, the Seminoles pulled […]

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Mississippi State baseball season is over.

The No. 3 seed Bulldogs (36-23) lost 5-2 to No. 1 Florida State (41-14) in the Tallahassee Regional final on June 1 at Dick Howser Stadium. 

MSU led 2-0 in the seventh inning until Cal Fisher blasted a two-run home run. Then, the Seminoles pulled ahead in the eighth inning with a two-RBI single by Max Williams.

Mississippi State finished the season 11-4 under interim coach Justin Parker and will now turn its attention to hiring the next head coach.

Watch Mississippi State vs Florida State live on ESPN+ (subscribe here)

Mississippi State baseball live score vs Florida State

Florida State took the lead with a three-run rally.

Florida State tied the game with a two-run home run by Cal Fisher.

Joe Powell blasted a solo home run to extend Mississippi State’s lead.

Gehrig Frei took the first pitch of the game for a home run off the scoreboard in left field.

What time does Mississippi State baseball vs Florida State start?  

  • Date: Sunday, June 1
  • Time: 5 p.m. CT  
  • Where: Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida

What TV channel is Mississippi State baseball vs Florida State on today?  

Mississippi State baseball starting pitcher

  • Mississippi State: RHP Karson Ligon (6-5, 5.81 ERA)
  • Florida State: LHP Wes Mendes (6-2, 4.93 ERA)

Sawyer Reeves injury update

Mississippi State starting shortstop Sawyer Reeves left the Northeastern game with an injury in the third inning. He did not return. Mississippi State has not provided an update on his status. Freshman Lukas Buckner replaced him in the game.

Reeves was not in the lineup in the first Florida State game or the Northeastern game on June 1.

MORE: Inside Ace Reese’s transfer to Mississippi State baseball, winning SEC Newcomer of Year

NCAA baseball schedule

Here is the latest college baseball schedule and NCAA Tournament bracket update.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.



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Did Texas baseball have successful season despite NCAA Tournament exit?

Jim Schlossnagle: What to know about Texas baseball coach Four things to know about Texas baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle Texas baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle telegraphed his priorities when he answered a question from a reporter about his team’s chase for an SEC championship back on April 16.  “I would love to win the conference championship,” […]

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Texas baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle telegraphed his priorities when he answered a question from a reporter about his team’s chase for an SEC championship back on April 16. 

“I would love to win the conference championship,” he said. “That’s awesome, but it doesn’t get you to Omaha. It puts you in a regional. Might get you a good seed. But you got to get into a regional, and then you see what happens.” 

Here’s what happened: The Longhorns were twice beaten by UTSA, their southern neighbors with a fraction of Texas’ financial muscle ‒ a factor that matters more than ever in the NIL era of college athletics. 

Texas’ 7-4 defeat in Sunday night’s regional final proved particularly comprehensive. 

UTSA righthander Gunnar Brown, who carried a 7.85 ERA into the most important start of his life, muffled the Longhorns’ offense through five innings, allowing one run as he scattered six hits and two walks. 

Conversely, the Roadrunners immediately pounced on experimental Texas starter Hudson Hamilton for two runs in the first inning, then tagged Ethan Walker and Max Grubbs for five runs in the third to assert firm control of the game. 

LIVE COVERAGE: Texas baseball vs UTSA game score: Replay, highlights as Longhorns’ 2025 season ends

After Kimble Schuessler struck out to conclude Texas’ season, the Longhorns (44-14) curled over their dugout railing, shoulder-to-shoulder as they watched the Roadrunners (47-14) dogpile on their home turf. The joy of the SEC title they clinched less than a month ago seemed a world away.

Can that achievement outweigh this disappointment in the long run? Can this season be considered a success after Schlossnagle built his campaign around positioning his team to achieve NCAA Tournament glory?

“On one hand, we’re not going to be in Omaha, so we didn’t get the most out of our team,” Schlossnagle said. “But I feel like compared to where we started, where we are today, this program is in really good shape, headed in the right direction. I feel confident that our coaching staff, given the situation, got the most out of our team.

“I understand the standard. I get it. But you can have a good season and not end up in Omaha. That’s part of it. It’s tournament baseball.”

In their first season in the SEC, the Longhorns didn’t just win the best baseball conference in America ‒ they dominated it, claiming 22 conference victories to place themselves two games above Arkansas for the title. In doing so, they became the first team to win the league by multiple games since Tennessee did in 2022. 

That Volunteers team also missed out on the College World Series, suffering an upset loss to Notre Dame in the super-regional round. 

GALVAN: How Rylan Galvan turned embarrassment into excellence, became Texas baseball star

“I mean, we won the SEC regular season,” Texas third baseman Casey Borba said. “That’s something to be proud about. Definitely not the greatest thing we could have done this year. We could have done way more. But it just didn’t go our way.”

The Longhorns spent almost their entire season overachieving. Schlossnagle’s coaching peers picked Texas to finish eighth in the SEC ‒ and that was before the Longhorns lost ace Jared Spencer for the year and went without star outfielder Max Belyeu for half the season. 

As Texas’ environment adjusted to all the winning, expectations shifted. Schlossnagle spent all season talking about reaching the 15 conference win threshold, enough to just about guarantee his team a place in the postseason. The Longhorns cleared that low bar with 14 SEC games to spare. Their own success forced them to shoot higher.

And that left them in a position to be toppled.

They end their season as a fallen giant, struck down by a UTSA team playing in just its fourth regional since 1992. 

“When you go 44-14 in our league, it doesn’t make it a bad season,” Schlossnagle said. “Just not the right ending.”

Reach Texas Insider David Eckert via email at deckert@gannett.com. Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best content with this tremendous offer.





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UK vs West Virginia game in NCAA regional

West Virginia baseball is your Clemson Regional champion after defeating Kentucky 13-12 in the final on Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. This is the second consecutive year the Mountaineers have made it to the super regional of NCAA Tournament. Armani Guzman paced the Mountaineers, going 4 of 5 at the plate with three RBIs. With the […]

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West Virginia baseball is your Clemson Regional champion after defeating Kentucky 13-12 in the final on Sunday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

This is the second consecutive year the Mountaineers have made it to the super regional of NCAA Tournament.

Armani Guzman paced the Mountaineers, going 4 of 5 at the plate with three RBIs.

With the win, West Virginia advanced to the super regional where it will face the winner of the Baton Rouge Regional.

On UK’s NCAA run: Wildcats drop marathon heartbreaker to West Virginia in NCAA regional finale

Game recap from Kentucky vs. West Virginia in the college baseball regionals:

West Virginia completed the comeback to eliminate Kentucky from the NCAA Tournament.

The Mountaineers are still fighting with one inning left in the game. They scored six runs on six hits in the bottom of the eighth.

With a 2-0 count, the first baseman James McCoy took the mound with two on and two out. Ben Lumsden singled to right field, bringing in both runners to tie the ball game at 12.

Armani Guzman recorded his fourth hit of the game, which was a RBI single to right field, to bring in Valdes for the score.

Burkes hit his sixth home run of the season to add to the Wildcats’ lead.

No hits for the Mountaineers in the inning.

The Wildcats had two walked, but Cole Fehrman struck out three batters to get out of the inning.

The Mountaineers recorded one hit and two batters walked in the inning. Grant Hussey flied out with the bases loaded.

With a full count and two outs, Brown hit a two-run home run to increase the Wildcats’ lead to 10-7. That was his third home run of the season and eighth RBI of the regional.

Luke Lawrence reached first on a fielding error that plated Burkes for the third run of the inning.

1-2-3 inning for Kentucky’s Simon Gregersen.

The Wildcats have tied the game back at 7, with a RBI single by Hudson Brown.

West Virginia pitcher Ben McDougal hit the next two batters with a pitch and then walked a third, which brought Brown home.

Carson Estridge subbed in and struck out the next two batters to get out of a bases-loaded situation.

West Virginia rallied in the fourth with six runs on four hits and one error.

In the first bases-loaded situation, the Wildcats had an opportunity for a double play with a ground ball to Tyler Bell, but he didn’t pick it up cleanly, which resulted in a fielding error, and one run scored.

That was followed up by a Ben Lumsden, which brought in two more runs. Armani Guzman and Logan Sauve recorded RBIs in the inning.

The Wildcats scored one run on two hits and one error in the inning. James McCoy’s sac-fly to center field brought Lawrence home for the run.

Rouse downed the order again to get out of the inning.

Carson Hansen and Patrick Herrera recorded hits in the inning. Herrera doubled to plate Hansen and added another run to the Wildcats’ lead.

1-2-3 inning for Kentucky pitcher Scott Rouse.

Robby Porco walked the first three batters in the lineup, which forced the Mountaineers to make a pitching change.

The first batter Reese Bassinger faced was Devin Burkes. Burkes hit a 2-RBI single to left field. That was followed up by back-to-back hits by Luke Lawrence and Cole Hage. Hage singled up the middle, which brought in two more runs.

Catcher Logan Sauve hit a home run over the left center fence to put the Mountaineers on the board.

No runs, no hits for the Wildcats in the top of the first.

  • Date: Sunday, June 1
  • Time: 6 p.m.

First pitch for Kentucky vs. West Virginia is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.

Looking to buy UK baseball tickets for the Clemson Regional? We’ve got you covered.

Buy Kentucky baseball ticket

Friday

  • Game 1: West Virginia 4, Kentucky 3
  • Game 2: Clemson 7, USC Upstate 3

Saturday

  • Game 3: Kentucky 7, USC Upstate 3
  • Game 4: West Virginia 9, Clemson 6

Sunday

  • Game 5: Kentucky 16, Clemson 4
  • Game 6: West Virginia vs. Kentucky, 6 p.m.; ESPN+

Monday (if necessary)

  • Game 7: Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser, TBD

Reach sports reporter Prince James Story at pstory@gannett.com and follow him on X at @PrinceJStory.



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Mississippi State Hires One Of College Baseball’s Greats In Brian O’Connor

Support Coach O’Connor through the State Excellence Fund STARKVILLE – One of college baseball’s most tradition-rich programs is turning to one of the sport’s most decorated leaders to guide its next chapter. Brian O’Connor, a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee and the all-time winningest coach at Virginia, has been named the 19th head baseball coach […]

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Support Coach O’Connor through the State Excellence Fund

STARKVILLE

– One of college baseball’s most tradition-rich programs is turning to one of the sport’s most decorated leaders to guide its next chapter.

Brian O’Connor, a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee and the all-time winningest coach at Virginia, has been named the 19th head baseball coach in Mississippi State history. A proven winner with 917 career victories, seven College World Series appearances and a national title, O’Connor brings a championship résumé and national credibility to Starkville.

Mississippi State will formally introduce Coach O’Connor at a public welcome event set for 7 p.m. CT on Thursday at Dudy Noble Field. Fans, supporters, letterwinners and media are invited to attend as the Diamond Dawgs officially usher in a new era. Additional details will be announced in the coming days.

O’CONNOR AT A GLANCE

  • Career record: 917-388-2 (.702)

  • 2015 College World Series champion

  • Seven College World Series appearances

  • 18 NCAA Tournament appearances

  • Nine Super Regional appearances 

  • Five-time ACC Coach of the Year

  • Three-time National Coach of the Year

  • 102 MLB Draft picks coached

  • 31 MLB players developed

QUOTABLE: ATHLETICS DIRECTOR ZAC SELMON
“Brian O’Connor is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college baseball. He’s a national champion, a Hall of Famer, and a proven leader with a track record of building a championship-caliber program. Mississippi State is built to win at the highest level, and Coach O’Connor knows what that takes. From elite player development to consistent success on the national stage, his résumé speaks for itself. He understands the standard here and embraces the opportunity to elevate it even further. This is a defining moment for Mississippi State Baseball and a powerful step forward for our program, our players and our fans.”

QUOTABLE: HEAD BASEBALL COACH BRIAN O’CONNOR

“Mississippi State represents everything I love about college baseball — tradition, passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I’ve coached against this program and followed it closely for years. The atmosphere at Dudy Noble Field is nationally recognized as the best in the sport. I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead a program with this kind of legacy and fan base. Mississippi State has set the standard in college baseball, and I can’t wait to get to work, build relationships and compete for championships in Starkville.”

QUOTABLE: PRESIDENT DR. MARK E. KEENUM

“At Mississippi State, we have a long tradition of success in baseball. The “M over S,” the Maroon and White, and hosting postseason in Starkville is woven into the very fabric of who we are and what we expect of our baseball program. Brian O’Connor is an elite level coach that aligns perfectly with our elite level program. His past certainly speaks for itself, but his clear understanding of the evolution and future of college baseball is clear. We are in the pursuit of championships. I am thrilled for Coach O’Connor, our student-athletes and Bulldogs everywhere as this is a historic day for Mississippi State.”

A CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE

O’Connor took over the Virginia program in 2004 and quickly elevated it into a national power. In 22 seasons, he led the Cavaliers to:

  • 14 straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2004 to 2017

  • Seven trips to the College World Series, including a national title in 2015 and runner-up finish in 2014

  • 66 NCAA Tournament wins, tied for the fourth most in the nation from 2009 to 2024 

  • Seven College World Series appearances, the second most of any program nationally since 2009

  • Two ACC regular-season championships

  • Two ACC Tournament titles

  • Five 50-win seasons and 13 seasons with at least 40 victories

O’Connor’s seven College World Series appearances are also the third most among active NCAA head coaches. Virginia had made just three NCAA appearances before his arrival. He also became the second-fastest coach in ACC history to reach 500 career wins.

TRACK RECORD OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

O’Connor has built a steady pipeline of professional talent while developing high-character players prepared to succeed beyond college baseball.

•    102 MLB Draft selections (93 players), including 14 first-round selections

•    31 players reached the major leagues, including Ryan Zimmerman, Sean Doolittle and Chris Taylor

•    At least one first-round pick in five consecutive drafts from 2014 to 2018

•    Seven seasons with multiple top-two-round draft picks

•    Notable major leaguers coached include Danny Hultzen, Pavin Smith, Adam Haseley, Jake McCarthy and Andrew Abbott

Since 2004 under O’Connor, 97 Virginia players earned All-ACC honors, which is the second most among ACC programs during that span. Cavaliers also received 42 All-America honors and 25 Freshman All-America selections. O’Connor also developed three ACC Players of the Year. 

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE

  • Second among active Division I coaches in career winning percentage (.702)

  • Earned his 900th win on March 29, 2024

  • One of eight active Division I coaches with a national championship

  • Named ACC Coach of the Decade for 2010 to 2019 by D1Baseball

  • Inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2024

  • One of 20 individuals to both play in and coach at the College World Series

Virginia teams under O’Connor also excelled in the classroom and were regularly honored by the NCAA for academic progress and graduation success.

BY THE NUMBERS: HITTING, PITCHING & FIELDING UNDER O’CONNOR

Hitting Excellence

  • Virginia ranked top five nationally in batting average three times since 2022, including No. 3 nationally in 2024 (.333) and co-leading the nation in 2023 (.332)

  • UVA finished top five in the country in slugging (.567), runs (581), and hits (752) in 2024, while also setting a program record with 116 home runs

  • Led the nation in doubles (172) and hits (766) in 2023

  • UVA has posted 700+ hits in a season five times, including back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024

Elite Pitching Development

  • UVA has ranked top 20 nationally in ERA 12 times under O’Connor, including six top-three finishes

  • The 2011 staff led the nation in ERA (2.24); the 2014 team finished No. 2 nationally (2.23)

  • From 2021 to 2023, Virginia pitching staffs consistently ranked among the top in the nation: Fourth in ERA (3.81) in 2023; 14th in ERA (3.99) in 2022; 14th in ERA and 4th in strikeouts (687) in 2021

  • Multiple Cavalier pitchers have gone on to MLB All-Star status, including Sean Doolittle and Danny Hultzen

  • Team USA’s pitching staff posted a 2.06 ERA under O’Connor’s direction in 2018 international competition

Defensive Fundamentals

  • O’Connor-built teams are known for their consistency, defensive reliability and precision on the fundamentals

  • Entering the 2025 season, UVA owned the best cumulative fielding percentage in the ACC since 2004 (.973)

  • The 2014 team set a school record with a .981 fielding percentage (fourth nationally)

  • 10 of O’Connor’s teams have ranked among the top 40 nationally in fielding percentage

A NEW ERA IN STARKVILLE
O’Connor takes over a Mississippi State program with a proud history, a championship standard and the most passionate fan base in college baseball. The Bulldogs have made 12 College World Series appearances and captured the program’s first national championship in 2021.

Mississippi State is one of only four programs in NCAA history to reach the College World Series in six consecutive decades. With 40 NCAA Tournament appearances, 12 trips to Omaha, 11 SEC regular-season titles and a national title, the Bulldogs have long stood among the nation’s premier programs.

 



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