Julie vs Abby in a 2025 WNBA Fantasy Draft (Decided by Judge Sue Bird)

Summary

Welcome to the Party Podcast

Episode: Julie vs Abby in a 2025 WNBA Fantasy Draft (Decided by Judge Sue Bird)
Date: October 2, 2025
Host: Treat Media
Main Guests: Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, Billie Jean King (regular), Special Judge: Sue Bird

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Episode Overview

In this lively and highly competitive episode, soccer legends Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach face off in a fantasy-style draft to build their ultimate 2025 WNBA teams. Each is determined to prove their basketball acumen, despite their "soccer kid" backgrounds—and the stakes are nothing less than pride and the wearing of the party pooper hat for the loser. With the legendary Sue Bird popping in as the definitive judge, fun and smack talk dominate as each legend selects eight players (five starters, three subs) from the 2025 WNBA roster. The episode is a celebration of women in sports and cross-sport camaraderie, packed with both stats and zingers.

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Draft Rules and Setup

• Participants: Abby (A) and Julie (B)
• Format: Snake draft with alternating picks, 8-player rosters (5 starters, 3 subs)
• Eligibility: Any WNBA player from the 2025 season; all are “perfectly healthy.”
• Timing: Each pick must be made within 30 seconds—shot clock style (03:11).
• Judging: Once rosters are complete, Sue Bird decides the winner.
• Stakes: Loser must wear the sparkly “party pooper” hat (05:05).

"Abs and I decided that with all the WNBA that we've been consuming and the playoffs buzzing, that we soccer kids, AKA wannabe basketball players...wanted to give it a go at drafting our best WNBA 2025 team." — Julie (00:37)

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Key Draft Highlights and Picks

Coin Flip: Who Drafts First?

• Abby wins the coin toss with “heads” (06:06).

First Round Picks (Starting at 06:23)

Abby's Team (A)

1. A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces):
   • “You would be ridiculous not to choose Asia first right now. She is a baller and a shot caller and a shot blocker and a shot taker...” (06:56)
2. Brianna Stewart (New York Liberty):
   • “She’s obviously a veteran, multiple time all NBA player...playing the Sue Bird connection card.” (09:18)
3. Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever):
   • “She was third in points per game.” (16:07)
4. Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty):
   • “I just needed somebody who had some real leadership. She just calms the team down.” (18:32)
5. Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics):
   • “She manages the board and she can score. I just like her pace...her whole vibe.” (21:40)
6. Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces):
   • “Kelsey's just got a toughness to her that I dig.” (24:51)
7. Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm):
   • Strategic pick to sway Judge Sue: "I'm trying to get into the head of my judge here..." (27:46)
8. Jewel Loyd (Seattle Storm/now Aces):
   • “Jewel is a beast...she gives this huge energy off the bench.” (30:31)

Julie's Team (B)

1. Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx):
   • “She is only...the second WNBA player to get 50, 40, 90*.” (07:09)
2. Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury):
   • “She became the first player in WNBA history to record a 20 point triple double in the playoffs.” (14:50)
3. Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever):
   • “She is Caitlin Clark, so she’s hitting them from everywhere.” (17:45)
4. Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx):
   • “She just never stops. She is an engine that will keep the team going.” (19:33)
5. Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury):
   • “She’s been averaging like 16.3 points per game.” (23:16)
6. Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings):
   • “She’s an absolute baller. Rookie of the year.” (25:04)
7. Aaliyah Boston (Indiana Fever):
   • “She hosts an awesome podcast called Post Moves with Candace Parker. I love her energy.” (29:16)
8. Alicia Gray (Atlanta Dream):
   • “Alicia Gray wears fantastic glasses when she plays. Had a fabulous season; career highs in everything.” (31:34)

*50-40-90 refers to shooting 50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT. Only done by elite shooters.

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Draft Banter & Competitive Spirit

• Peak competitiveness runs through the entire episode, with the hosts playfully accusing each other of strategic subterfuge.
• Abby jokes about picking Sue Bird’s former teammates as a strategy to win over the judge. (28:16, 33:02)
• Julie is openly delighted (and a bit smug) whenever she snags one of Abby’s coveted picks.

“You picked all Sue’s BFFs.” — Julie to Abby (32:59)

“I did an A. I did a B draft. I pretended to pick for Julie.” — Abby, on her draft prep (40:45)

• Light-hearted smack talk keeps the mood festive, e.g., “You are my enemy right now.” (05:47)

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Sue Bird Steps In as Judge

Segment: 33:46–41:08

• Sue Bird joins the pod, greeted with lots of fanfare for her legendary status.
• Both hosts re-explain the rules: 2025 WNBA, all healthy, team of 8.
• They rattle off their rosters for Sue, who then evaluates the strengths and balance of each.

“We have a huge job for you. We previewed you this the other day and we’re hoping you choose wisely. And I say that in the most loving way...” — Abby (33:54)

• Sue analyzes the bigs advantage of Abby’s team (A’ja Wilson, Stewie), but ultimately weighs balance and depth more heavily.

Sue Bird’s Decision (Key Segment: 38:30–40:21):

“Right now. I’m stuck. I’m going to give you my inner thoughts here. I’m leaning Julie. I’m leaning Julie...I think Julie might be deeper, more well-rounded. But Abby, the top-heavy nature of A’ja Wilson right there is...gosh.” (38:30)

She ultimately picks Julie’s team, citing deeper playoff experience and better overall balance.

“My gut was Julie. I’m gonna stick with it...but it’s tough.” — Sue Bird (40:04)

“Julie Foudy. That’s my girl. Sue Bird in the house.” — Julie (40:21)

• The party pooper hat is (happily and self-deprecatingly) donned by Abby, to much party atmosphere and laughter.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Competitive Spirit:
  “And I’m gonna love you after this. But you are my enemy right now.” — Abby to Julie (05:47)

• Banter on Draft Strategy:
  “Relationships matter, man.” — Abby, on picking Sue-connected players (37:36)

• Sue’s Judging Dilemma:
  “How do you choose an all star team? Which all star team is gonna win?” — Sue Bird (38:05)

• Statue Talk:
  “Bronze is not a forgiving material...I think it’s because I have a pretty, like, blank look on my face...I think that played in my favor.” — Sue Bird on her statue (42:05)

• Party Energy:
  “Every party has a pooper, that’s why we invited you. Party pooper. Party loser.” — Julie (40:25)

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |-------------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:00–05:30 | Introduction, trash talk, rules | | 06:05 | Coin toss (Abby wins, picks first) | | 06:23–32:44 | Draft picks and player debates
| 33:46–41:08 | Sue Bird joins, evaluates, and picks winner | | 41:08–45:16 | Reflection, statue talk, party pooper hat | | 45:16–end | Wrap-up, social plugs, music |

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Why This Episode Stands Out

• Cross-Sport Respect: Highlights the admiration soccer legends have for WNBA players and the growth of women’s sports.
• Inclusive, Inviting Tone: The party atmosphere and “everyone’s welcome” ethos make it fun and accessible.
• Educational: Casual fans learn about the 2025 WNBA landscape and standout athletes.
• Judged by an Icon: Sue Bird’s presence lends authority and inside perspective to the "best team" selection.

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Conclusion

This episode is a pure dose of competitive joy, women’s sports celebration, and authentic friendship. Whether you know the WNBA intimately or are a total rookie, the playful banter, strategic draft, and Sue Bird’s decisive cameo combine for an uplifting listen—with plenty for sports nerds, trivia buffs, and party people alike.

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Want More?

Check out “Welcome to the Party” on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Follow the hosts on Instagram and TikTok @welcometothepartyshow.

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Key Takeaway:
Julie’s team wins on depth and balance, but both drafters (and Judge Sue) make sure the real winner is the spirit of the women’s sports community.

Transcript

[A]

We have a huge job for you. We're hoping that you choose wisely. And I say that in the most loving way. Like you.

[B]

Stop trying to influence the judge. Abby.

[C]

I can read between the lines. That means choose. You got it.

[B]

Attention, the party is about to commence. Welcome to the party. What's up, party people? I'm Julie Foudy.

[A]

Oh, and I'm Abby Wambach.

[B]

Abs and I decided that with all the WNBA that we've been consuming and the playoffs buzzing, that we soccer kids, AKA wannabe basketball players. Abby, you have a right to say that. Because you actually were a legit high school basketball player, we wanted to get in on the action and give it a go at drafting our best WNBA 2025 team. And we further decided, because we are grossly over competitive, that after we decide our teams, we needed someone a lot more qualified than us to decide who had the better team. So that we have a winner here. Right? So we're gonna draft our teams on a clock to keep it moving. Five starters, three subs. And then once we have our five starters and three subs, we're gonna phone a friend, someone who knows a little bit more about basketball than us. Her name is Sue Bird. You might have heard of her. And sue will decide who the winner is. How fun is that?

[A]

For sure. For sure it's going to be me. I have been preparing for this for a couple days now.

[B]

I.

[A]

There's something that happens when there is.

[B]

Do you just have sheets of notes like I do for my draft picks?

[A]

Yes, I do. What, do you have sticky notes?

[B]

Do you have sticky notes? I don't have sticky notes. Darn.

[A]

I have my. I have my draft. The players in front of me that I'm going to draft, and whoever I draft, they're gonna go right here up on the wall. Very excited about this.

[B]

Oh, you know, I've got my whiteboard, so. Okay, here are the draft bylaws.

[A]

Yes. Give it to us.

[B]

Jules, are you ready? You can pick any player, any WNBA player from the 2025 season. We are assuming that all are perfectly healthy. So, for example, Caitlin Clark. Absolutely fine and healthy. Okay. She's not out with injury. You got it.

[A]

She's on the board. She's on the board.

[B]

Okay. You have 30 seconds. It's kind of like a collegiate shot clock to make your decision. Otherwise, I don't want to be sitting around waiting on you to make a decision. Okay, so you got a 30 second clock right here. I brought it. Okay. There it is. Can you see it? We're all suitable.

[A]

That's amazing.

[B]

Yeah. Thank you.

[A]

Is that from the 1980s?

[B]

This is from your 99ers team. When you ran.

[A]

Did you carry that with you when you did sprints on the national team?

[B]

Julie, I put this around my neck when Izzy's running. I'm like, I got you. She's like, you can do that on your phone, Mom. I'm like, no, this is more official. Okay. Second, third rule. As far as who you can pick, there are no rules. Right? Except that they're 20, 25 players. You can pick five starting centers if you want. If you want to go all bigs, go advised. Go all bigs. I mean, I'd get it, right. You can pick five players from one team. You can pick five players from the links if you want. Right. But again, remember, a friend much wiser than us named Sue Bird is going to be the decider. And it is a one. A best of one series. That's what the game is between our two teams that we draft. Okay. All will be documented. I'm so excited to introduce abs, my smaller whiteboard.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. You got a smaller one?

[B]

I got a smaller one because I was tired of fighting my big one. So all will be documented on our official whiteboard. You have this. Wait, this is my side. You have your own side. Can you see that?

[A]

Okay. Okay.

[B]

Okay. So that's gonna go on the official whiteboard, and a coin flip will decide who actually gets the first pick. If I could find where I put my coin. There it is. Okay. And. Oh, then we're gonna do rotating shots, rotating picks after that with the shot clock. And most importantly, loser of this to be cited by Sue Bird has to wear the party pooper hat. Do you want to give them an example of what the party pooper hat looks like? The party loser hat.

[A]

It looks like this. Do you even have one at your house right now? Yeah, I do.

[B]

I do.

[A]

It looks like this. And I would then wear it like this.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's ridiculous.

[B]

Okay. Perfect.

[A]

It's absolutely stunning.

[B]

It's stunning.

[A]

I'm stunning.

[B]

Okay. Perfect. All right. Are you ready?

[A]

Abigail, you should be doing this challenge with yours on, because I won the last challenge.

[B]

True. Yeah.

[A]

You got it.

[B]

You gotta wear it for the next one. Okay, Abs, are you ready for the.

[A]

Not yet.

[B]

The coin toss.

[A]

I'm ready for the coin toss. I can do that.

[B]

And can. Can I say just good luck and may the best person win? The best drafter win.

[A]

Yeah. Good luck.

[B]

Okay, good.

[A]

And I'm gonna love you after this. But I, you know, you are my enemy right now.

[B]

Ready? Coin flip.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Oh, that was bad. Wait, what do you want, heads or tails?

[A]

Heads.

[B]

You want heads?

[A]

Heads.

[B]

Okay. Oh, that was a much better flip. Hey, Heads it in.

[A]

What is it?

[B]

You a little lucky person? Yes. You got it.

[A]

I think that maybe.

[B]

All right.

[A]

Things are really looking up.

[B]

You got first pick, Mama. Let me put you on the clock. All right. Are you ready?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

We gotta remember how I do my clock. Okay. Are you ready for your first pick? Going over to Abby's team. And you are on the clock.

[A]

All right. So you've got a lot of people to choose from, right? I. I've got. I've got Asia. I've got. That's what I'm going to choose. I'm going to choose Asia from the Las Vegas. Asia. Asia Wilson. Asia Wilson is. Is in the books. She. I'm on the clock and now she is on my team. She's won her fourth mvp.

[B]

Fourth in a row. Good pick.

[A]

You would be ridiculous not to choose Asia first right now. She is a baller and a shot caller and a shot blocker and a shot taker and does it really well.

[B]

Okay. Respect obvious one. Okay. Julie's team. Should we start the clock? It's not gonna need a lot of time on this one. Starting the clock. Okay. I am going with. And I'm sure the people are gonna know this a player. Her name is Fee as a. Nafisa Collier. Okay, nice. Nafisa is also a baller. Came in second in the MVP race, as we know. And she did miss a little bit of the season with a bad ankle, but she's still throwing up huge numbers and abs. She is only. I don't know if you know this. She was Only the second WNBA player to get 50, 40, 90. Do you know what that is? To be part of the 50, 40, 90 club. She shot field goal percentage over 50%. Right. Three pointer percentage over 40% and what? Free throw percentage over 90%. So fee is a 50, 40, 90 club member. There's only two. Do you know who the other WNBA player is that did this this year? Nope.

[A]

Ever Sue Bird?

[B]

I actually thought it might be sue because I actually put question marks.

[A]

Diana Taurasi.

[B]

No, I know. And this is going to surprise you a little bit because she was a big.

[A]

Who?

[B]

Elena Delladon.

[A]

Shut the front door.

[B]

Yes. Is the other WNBA player that did it. And there's only like nine NBA fans. There's only nine NBA players total who have ever done it on the men's side. And it's like Steph Curry, Larry Bird, Steve Nash did it four times, by the way. It's really hard to get to. So fee, congrats on that one. She is my first pick. Okay, abs your sec. Oh, second pick. Hold on. Stop my clock. Redo it. I got too many things I have to take care of here. This is so hard.

[A]

Yeah, hold on just a second.

[B]

So difficult. Okay, okay. You're on the clock. Go.

[A]

All right. Okay. So I think I'm going to have to do this pick. I'm choosing Brianna Stewart. Stewie. Also, the way we know her from the New York Liberty, she's obviously a veteran multiple time all NBA player. She proves shot creation. She's got an interior presence. And she's also been on this podcast. So I needed to give love and a shout out to Stewie. And also she was a longtime teammate of Subird, so I'm also playing the. She's gonna have that love and feeling for a few of the players on this team.

[B]

Sue Bird and Stewie, like, basically was playing on one leg for the second half of the season here, so bless her.

[A]

I know, but a healthy Stewie.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

Wilson.

[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

All right, so, Jules, you know that us athletes, we know a lot about clothing. We have to, because. Yeah. After so many years in such specific high performance clothing, and in the early years, it wasn't very high performance. I now have extremely strong feelings about everything from fabric to cuff height to breathability.

[B]

Wait, let me just interject real quick and tell you how. How much I know about fabric. Because it was like you talking about the old days. It was like heavy cotton that, like, you. If you sweated in it, you had these. Remember those big gray, like, sweat marks? Because it was so thick and rough.

[A]

The worst. And it was like.

[B]

It was like an extra 10 pounds on your body, by the way, FYI.

[A]

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[B]

You, lots of pairs, but it seems.

[A]

To never lose its shape, no matter how many times you wash it, no matter where you wear it, no matter how much you sweat in it or try to ruin these. These clothes, they don't ruin.

[B]

No, no. And they're so light and airy that when you're actually working out on them. I was just running on the tread the other day when I was traveling, and they're great travel clothes, by the way, because you just roll them up and they're in. I actually felt like I had nothing on. I mean, it was just like, oh, my gosh, it's so light and airy and beautiful. Like, I just. I can actually run on a treadmill again. Oh, my God. Okay, so VUORY is an investment. Yes. In your happiness. And for all our listeners, this is the really co are offering 20% off your first purchase. Get yourself some of the most comfortable clothes and versatile clothing on the [e-mail]. welcome to the party. That's v U-O-R-I.com. welcome to the party. Exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions and not only abs will all our listeners receive that 20% off their first purchase. But you're gonna enjoy free shipping on any US orders over $75. And I love this free returns. So go to vuori.comwelcometotheparty and discover the versatility of Vuory. Clothing exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.

[A]

All right, we gotta get you on the clock here.

[B]

On the clock. All right, ready? And clock starts now. Okay. For Julie's team, I am going through my notes and I. I'm gonna go with Alyssa Thomas. Dammit.

[A]

She was gonna be a pick of mine. Sorry.

[B]

Sucker. Okay, Alyssa Thomas is with the Mercury, and I don't know if y' all saw this game. She was another MVP candidate. No one can guard her. Did you see the third game against New York Liberty? In that first round, she became the first player in WNBA history to record a 20 point triple double in the playoffs. And they could not stop her. They could not stop her. I mean, she had, like 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists. Olympic gold medalist from the Paris Games. She's so good and so athletic, so strong and smooth and play makes shoots and does it all. Okay, wait, let me. Hold on, let me reset.

[A]

My paperwork's all messed up.

[B]

Okay, you're on the clock, sister. Your third pick. Okay.

[A]

I got to get. I got to get Kelsey. No, I knew it from the fever. I gotta get her.

[B]

Oh, shoot. I love me some Kelsey. I was debating between her and Alyssa right there. Okay. Kelsey Mitchell.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

I agree.

[A]

Good team player. You know, lots of injuries to the fever this year, but she scored. She was third in points per game.

[B]

I think she scored 34 in that and that first game against the Aces in Vegas.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. She's just a pure shooter and a scorer. And I also know what it's like to play with somebody on your team who has an extraordinary amount of fame, like. Like she does with Caitlin Clark. So for her to be carrying the scoring load when a lot of teams are probably really hyped, like, really defending against Caitlin, it's just. She's just. She's just been an incredible player this year.

[B]

Yeah. So Kelsey in that. In the game against New York livery that she scored 34. You know, when you, like, turn the YouTube up to a faster speed, like when you're watching a game, like, she looked like she was at, like, 1.5 and everyone else was at 1.0. I was like, oh, my God. She was just like. They couldn't keep up with her pace. I was like, whoa, okay.

[A]

That's awesome. Yeah. She scored 20.20.2 points per game this season. I found that online during. I think it was regular season, so it's pretty incredible.

[B]

All right.

[A]

All right, Jules, you're on the clock.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Who you got?

[B]

The clock starts. My third pick. I have Alyssa. Okay, that one's gone.

[A]

All those players I did, by the way. I did. I did two mock drafts. I also drafted for you, like, who you would possibly take.

[B]

Oh, seriously, you were messing around.

[A]

I did a lot of. I did a lot of work on this.

[B]

Oh, my goodness. Okay, I. I'm taking Caitlyn Clark. Of course I am. God damn it.

[A]

That was my next. That was my next.

[B]

All right. I don't even mean I. That goes without saying, right? She is Caitlyn Clark, so she's hitting him from everywhere. She only played in 13 games this year, sadly. But that's a player I want on my team. Okay. Okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You're on the clock, Abigail.

[A]

I am on the clock. Okay.

[B]

I know who. I know next. I hope you don't take her. Wait, that's my.

[A]

I'm gonna go. I'm gonna go. This is maybe an out there one, but I. I do need a point guard. Sabrina.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, I don't think it's out there.

[A]

From the New York Liberty.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

She just. Free throw percentage is 93.3. I just needed somebody who had some. Some just real leadership. She just calms the team down. She can run the offense.

[B]

She's a Duck.

[A]

And she go to Oregon.

[B]

Yeah. Let's go, Skoducks.

[A]

That's awesome.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Sabrina. Okay, you're on my side. I gotta put her.

[B]

All right. I, of course, had her on. On my list, too. Okay, Julie, fourth pick. Remember, we get five starters and three subs. Okay. I'm on the clock. I'm going Courtney Williams.

[A]

Oh, all right.

[B]

Okay. We know we're, of course, with the links. We know we're, of course, with stud buds. Right. With Natisha. And she just never stops. She is an engine that will keep the team going. She's. She reminds me a lot of, you know, like, that mosquito that, like, never goes away. It's like buzzing, buzzing, buzzing. She just buzzes. She buzzes. And if you're. If you're the opponent, you're like, oh, my gosh, can we just not get rid of this mosquito? But when you're on her team, you're like, oh, my gosh, this energy is amazing. She reminds me like a Christine Lilly, the Little Engine.

[A]

No way.

[B]

That never Stopped. Or like a Tiffany Robbins. Remember? Tiffany was just like.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah. Never stopped. And she's got such great energy in terms of fun and chemistry and all those things. They dance after every game they win at home. It's so fun. Oh, I didn't write her on my list. I gotta write. I got too dizzy talking. Courtney. Welcome to the winning team, Courtney. Okay, so I got Nafee, I got Fee, Alyssa, Caitlin, Courtney, you've got Asia, Stewie, Kelsey, Sabrina. These are going to be hard to decide. Come on. Thank God Sue Bird is coming into the mix. You're on the clock. Please tell me the clock started already.

[A]

Clock has started. All right, so.

[B]

Your fifth pick, please.

[A]

Yeah, my fifth pick. I am just going through my notes here. Okay, I'm going to decide. I need another big. I'm over. What happens when you go over time? Okay, I'm gonna do stretch forward. I don't know why, but Kiki, Irafin, you got.

[B]

You got two Bigs already and kind of Stewie in Asia. What? Which one are you going with? Kiki.

[A]

I'm going Kiki.

[B]

She's.

[A]

She's more of a she. She says stretch forward is what we call it.

[B]

How do I spell her last name? E, I, R I A F, E.

[A]

N. Yeah, I R I A F, E, N. And I'm sorry if I'm probably butchering her last name pronunciation.

[B]

That's a good one. She had a good season, too. She's a rookie, right?

[A]

Yeah, she plays for the mystics. She rebounds. 8.5 rebounds per game. She just, like. She manages the board and she can score. I like. I just like her. I like her pace. I like her. I like her whole vibe.

[B]

Okay. I like that. Plus, she played at Stanford once at one period. Okay.

[A]

Oh, no way.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Okay, Jules, you're on the clock.

[B]

All right. Yeah, you start the clock right away. Okay, let me see what I got here. Here. I need a Big. Is what I need. I do need a big.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Shoot.

[A]

Okay, who was your last pick again?

[B]

My last pick was Courtney Williams. Yeah, Courtney. Okay, wait, I need a big. Where are my bigs? Where are my bigs? Okay, I'm going to. Okay. I'm going with Satu. Sabily. Okay.

[A]

Okay. Yep. She was on one of my mocks. She's out.

[B]

I might have her first name spelled wrong, but I'm not sure. I hope not.

[A]

S A T O U O U.

[B]

Say thank you. I had two. Oh, Sa. Okay. Yeah, because you know why? Alyssa teammates with Alyssa Mercury, right? And she played at Oregon Scodex again. That's where Izzy is. And she's been averaging like 16.3 points per game.

[A]

Nice.

[B]

So.

[A]

All right, I've got.

[B]

Let's go sat.

[A]

I'm going to go because I've been on the clock. I am going to say I want a defender, but I'm gonna hold off on this defender. I'm gonna say I'm going Kelsey Plum.

[B]

Oh, okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Because.

[A]

I like her vibe a lot. I think she's got, like an interesting. She just plays tough, you know? You know, like somebody who plays shooter boy.

[B]

Lights out. Most points ever in college.

[A]

Everybody. Everybody were like, have the best points per game or rebound, whatever. Like, everybody that we're deciding from are just incredible. And I'm sad to have to leave anybody out, but I just, like. Kelsey's just got a toughness to her that I. That I dig.

[B]

Okay. I like that. I like that.

[A]

And you know, I like toughness. All right, Jules, you're on the clock.

[B]

I'm going Paige Becker's baby. Paige Beckers because she's Az Fudd's girlfriend. Let's go, Paige.

[A]

Okay. Little rookie action. I like the rookie action.

[B]

She's an absolute baller.

[A]

She is.

[B]

Yeah. Rookie of the year plays for Dallas. Okay. I feel like I'm doing good. All right, party people. Abs. When you think of game day party, you might not think of Wayfair, but. And all you party people out there, you honestly should. Because Wayfair is the best kept secret. Secret for incredible. And mind you, affordable game day finds. And you could be setting up a tailgate. You could be hosting an indoor watch party. Doesn't matter. You need the right furniture. You need the right seating. You don't want people with like paper plates on their lap eating right. Like, that's like a host fail abs.

[A]

You gotta get, like, disaster waiting to happen.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. And then it's all over the floor. It's not good. My dog, Swaggy is right there in your face. Yeah. It's not good.

[A]

Well, for me, my big cozy sectional from Wayfair is for sure my favorite thing. Everyone piles on. Everyone's got a great view and nobody's stuck in a squeaky folding chair. I mean, add in a sturdy coffee table for all the wings and dips. Bonus, we're winning before kickoff even starts.

[B]

Hashtag winning. And here's the best part. Shopping at Wayfair is so easy. You can browse literally from your comfy seat sectional that you just got, and you just keep adding to it. Right Everything I've ordered has been delivered free, fast, hassle free, right to my door. I'm also big on outdoor furniture. FYI, at Wayfair, I get a lot of that, actually. And pots and all of it. They have all of it side little tables. It's really great. So if you want to host like a champ this season, because side tables also help with hosting. Wayfair's got your back. Wayfair is your trusted destination for all things game day, from coolers and grills to. To recliners and slow cookers. So shop, save, and score [e-mail]. that's W A Y-F A I R.com Wayfair. Every style, every home, every party. You're on the clock, baby. Number seven. All right, you got two more picks, by the way. You got your five starters and your three subscribers. Two more picks. And I have two more as well.

[A]

All right, I'm gonna go. This is a. This is a pick for Sue Bird. I'm going. Gabby Williams from the Seattle Storm. Gabby Williams from the Seattle Storm. These are some. I'm. I'm deciding that some of these picks. Sorry, I wasn't in the mic. Some of these picks are. I'm trying to get into the head of. Of. Of my judge here, and I'm hoping that pick does it.

[B]

That's actually not a bad idea. That's actually smart.

[A]

Why do you think I chose Stewie?

[B]

Oh, damn it. Damn you plus Stewie. I know. They played together forever, and Stewie said, who would. When we asked her, who would you bring to this party? Who's your. She said Birdie.

[A]

She said.

[B]

Yeah, she said Birdie. That's not a bad idea.

[A]

All right, Jules, you're on the clock.

[B]

Okay. Sorry, I didn't think of that. That shit. Okay. Okay.

[A]

Got my big.

[B]

I got my big. Okay, you know who I'm going with?

[A]

Huh?

[B]

I need a shooter. I'm going with.

[A]

Wait, did I miss one? Oh, wait, I just. I forgot.

[B]

I'm. I'm going with them. Did it fall?

[A]

Oh.

[B]

I'm going with Aaliyah Boston. Oh, this is a hard one. I know. God, there's so many good players. Okay, Aaliyah Boston with the fever. She's averaging 15 points per game, highest of her three seasons and, like, 8.2 rebounds. And she hosts an awesome podcast called Post Moves with Candace Parker. And I love Aaliyah Boston's energy. We had her on Laughter Permitted. She is fun. She is great. So I want that as well.

[A]

Okay. I'm really Trying to. I. I really want to bring this home strongly and impressively. I'm very much wanting the affirmation of super in the choices that I've made. So who. Here I am. My dog is very much crazy. Barking. Do you hear that?

[B]

Yeah, a little bit, but that's okay. We love dogs. The giraffe love loves dogs as well. Okay. This is your last pick, though, Abs.

[A]

Okay, My last pick. I'm thinking.

[B]

Do you want an extra few seconds?

[A]

I'm going to do it. No, you're good.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I'm going to say Jewel. Jewel Lloyd from the Seattle Storm.

[B]

Oh, God. Again, you are sucking up to Sue. This is getting sick. No, Jewel Lloyd is a beast. She's on my. She was on my list. I love Julia. Yeah, because you know why, too, with Jewel. She. She's with the Aces now, of course, and they were struggling in the beginning of the season. This is why I had her on my bench. She was gonna be my next pick. Damn you. Because they were struggling. The Aces were at the beginning of the season, and she says, hey, coach, how about you bring me from off the bench? And I come in off the bench, and I can bring a different energy. So she put herself like, who does that? Who's like, hey, don't start me. Just bring me to the bench? And then she's. Ever since they've been doing that, they've turned things around, and she's crushing it. She gives this huge energy off the bench when she comes in. And she's a pickleball player, like, rock star. She's really good.

[A]

Amazing. All right, Jules, your last pick, right?

[B]

Yeah, my last pick.

[A]

I stopped writing yours.

[B]

Okay. Okay. This one's hard. God. Okay. All right. It's time. I know it. I didn't start my clock here. Okay, I'm gonna go with. This one was hard, but I'm going between Kayla McBride and Alicia Gray. And you want to know what the decider is? Alicia Gray wears fantastic glasses when she plays. Yes. I'm sorry. Kayla, get yourself some sweet goggles like that, sister. Oh, I know. Kayla. I loved Kayla with unrivaled, too. I was such a fan of hers watching her crush. Okay, so that one was really hard. Alicia Gray is with the dream. She was actually one of the candidates for MVP as well. One of the five candidates. Had a fabulous season. She had career highs in everything. Points, assists, rebounds, and is very similar to Courtney Williams, the engine behind the dream. So.

[A]

Okay, there you have it, folks. Here's my team. Jules, your team is. Zoom in there That's Jules Team.

[B]

That's Abby's team.

[A]

There we have it. I am winning. I am winning this.

[B]

You picked all Sue's BFFs.

[A]

I know it. This is. Hey, listen, I'm a winner.

[B]

We're going to set that. We're going to set that bias aside right from the start. Okay? Should we. Should we call in a person who knows a thing or two about this? To make the official call, we're bringing in four time WNBA champion with a Seattle Storm, 13 time WNBA all star and five time. Five time Olympic gold medalist. She's currently the host of A Touch More and Bird's Eye View podcast. And she recently had a statue. Shut up. Had a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. Sue Bird, welcome to the party. Yeah, let's go.

[C]

I need a party hat. I need a party hat.

[B]

Get your party hat on.

[C]

Thanks for the intro having me. I'm excited.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Thank you for being here. We have a huge job for you. We previewed you this the other day and we're hope that. We're hoping that you choose wisely. And I say that in the most loving way, like you.

[B]

Stop trying to influence the judge.

[C]

I can read between the lines. That means choose. You got it.

[B]

I just want to be up front, Sue. Abby might have tried to pick players that she felt.

[A]

Hold on a second. You're not allowed to tell her this. You're not allowed to tell her this. This is too much.

[B]

Okay. You'll see. Okay, so, sue, these are the teams you're going to decide in a best of one series. We did it like a draft on a clock. A best of one series. Whose team wins? The rules were, Sue. Okay, 2025 WNBA players who played this season. The other rule was that no one is injured. Everyone is perfectly healthy. Caitlin Clark, she never missed any games at all. Okay? She's perfectly healthy. No one missed any games.

[A]

Neither did Stewie.

[B]

No missing Stewie's legs, knee, foot, whatever it was. I think it was knee at the end. Fine. Okay. Everyone's healthy, so. And there were no rules about. You could pick five Bigs. If you. If you wanted to go all centers, you could do it, right? If you wanted to go all five Lynx players, you could do it. They just had to be on the 2025 roster. Okay, so we did five starters, three subs on the clock. Are you ready to see the teams?

[C]

Oh, I'm ready.

[B]

Are you nervous?

[C]

No.

[B]

Because I've never heard.

[C]

I've never heard it called best of one.

[B]

Best of one series.

[A]

Me Neither, actually.

[B]

One day.

[A]

I'm excited.

[B]

Best of one. Okay. Can you see Julie's team?

[C]

I can't see. That's the thing.

[B]

You're really seeing it. Okay.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

You're gonna have to say it.

[B]

Okay, so Julie picked. Let me write these down. Okay. Okay.

[C]

Julie.

[B]

Julie picked Fee. Yep. Okay. She also picked Alyssa Thomas. Right. Good pick. She also picked a player you may have heard of. Caitlin Clark, Courtney Williams. I know, I know. My team is good. Right? Okay. She also picked Julie Satu Sabali. Okay. Okay. Oh, I like the reaction. She also took Paige Aaliyah Boston and Alicia Gray.

[C]

I'm impressed.

[A]

It's a good start for you, Julie.

[B]

Reverse it all.

[C]

We've got a lot of guard play. Great guard play. But then you've got the versatility.

[B]

Okay. Yes. All right. Abby. Abby's nervous. Okay, don't speak too soon. Abby's team. Asia Wilson. Four time mvp. She started with that. It's a good start.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Wait, Stewie and Asia are on the same team? Because I'm assuming.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Stewie is next. Okay. Okay. Kelsey Mitchell. Oh, come on. I wanted her. She snuck in. Sabrina Saab. Good one. Okay. Kiki at five. I like that. Uh huh.

[C]

Aria Finn.

[B]

I like it. Uh huh. Kelsey, Kelsey Plum. Okay. Gabby Williams. And Jewel Lloyd.

[C]

Man, so you went hard on the storm is what you're saying.

[B]

Exactly.

[C]

You know, they're not, you know, they're not on the storm anymore.

[A]

Yeah, I do know that. I do know that.

[B]

She knows. You have affinity.

[A]

Relationships matter, man.

[C]

Okay, how did you guys draft? Did you go like one, two?

[B]

Yeah, we rotated coin.

[A]

I won, and then every 30 seconds somebody else.

[B]

There was a clock. It was stressful. It's hard. There's so many good players.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, I mean, think about the players that didn't even make it right. Angel Reese. Natasha. Cloud. Neca, Kayla. I wanted in there, McBride. I was like, dang, I can't get him in.

[C]

This is like, how do you choose in a best of one? How do you choose an all star team? Like, which all star team is gonna win?

[B]

Yeah, man. All right, all right. But you have to. I have no choice. We have a winner.

[C]

I need a second.

[B]

You've got God.

[C]

Right now. I'm stuck. I'm stuck. I'm going to. I'm going to give you my. My inner thoughts here. I'm leaning Julie. I'm leaning Julie.

[B]

But the.

[C]

The Asia, Stewie thing is a problem. It's a problem.

[B]

Okay. It's a problem. I match. I Match them, though, maybe. With who?

[C]

I don't think we're canceling either of them out, I guess. Yeah, I could see. Okay, maybe Fee, we could cancel one of them out, but then the other standing.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, you're fucked.

[B]

Or Alyssa, man.

[C]

But then you've got. You've got Caitlyn and Paige, and that's. That's matched up to, I would guess, like, SOB and Plum.

[B]

Oh, God.

[C]

You know, this is. This is what it's going to be. This is what it's going to be. I think Julie has. I think Julie. You guys are gonna get me in trouble, by the way. Somebody's clipping this.

[B]

Yeah, somebody's clipping this. I'm like. Literally, I'm on the edge of my seat. I'm like, pick me.

[C]

I know. I think you're. I think you might be. I think you might be deeper. I think you might be more real rounded. I think it might be Julie. But. But, Abby, it's like the top heavy nature of Asia Wilson right there is. Gosh.

[A]

I.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I won't even. I'm not even gonna try to debate you because I trust you. And also, this is, like, not real life, and there's no way.

[B]

What do you mean? We are scheduling this game.

[C]

I think I might have a scale tipper. Julie, I think you actually have more active playoff players right now. Oh, their teams are still playing, so I'm gonna. My gut was Julie. I'm gonna stick with it. The Asia Stewie of it all, plus the rest of the roster. But it's tough.

[B]

But we're gonna go.

[C]

Julie.

[A]

Julie Foudy.

[B]

That's my girl. Sue Byrne in the house. This is tough. So if you lose, you gotta wear the party pooper hat, too. And we're gonna sing it to her. Every party has a pooper. That's why we invited you. Party pooper. Party loser.

[C]

I didn't know the stakes makes it.

[A]

I cannot believe how much I prepared for this loss. I did mock drafts. I did an A. I did a B draft. I. I pretended to pick for Julie. Well, if I choose Asia, she's for sure gonna choose me.

[B]

I know. I did the same thing. I'm like, if she wins the toss, is she gonna go with Fee or is she gonna go with Asia? She's gonna go with Asia. Yeah. Okay. And then. Oh, I had pages, pages of notes. Sue. Yeah. No, these.

[C]

These are two legit rosters, guys. You did well.

[B]

You and Pino. You and Pino should do this. And then a soccer version. You could bring In.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You could do a soccer version. Okay.

[C]

Yeah, this will be great. I can't wait.

[B]

Now, that would be fun, actually. We'll definitely do it. Really good, Sue. Thank you for doing that. Of course. Hey, how is it? I just wanted to ask one quick question. How is it having a statue? Is that weird? Is that amazing?

[C]

It's amazing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

It was a little weird at first because you're like, not before I saw it. It was a little weird, like, oh, my God, what's it gonna be like? But it came out amazing. The day that they unveiled it, it was, like, so celebratory.

[B]

Can't.

[C]

Can't recommend it enough.

[A]

That's amazing. Well, go ahead, Jules.

[B]

I was just gonna say, because statues never really turn out like, you think they're gonna turn out, like, to say, like, oh, my God, I love this statue. That never happens. You're always like, oh, I have a theory.

[C]

I have a theory. Listen, bronze. Bronze is not a forgiving material. So I didn't know this going in, but I think it's because I have a pretty, like, blank look on my face. I'm not really doing anything with my face. I'm just like.

[B]

You're not emoting?

[C]

Yeah, I'm not emoting, and I think that that. That played in my favor.

[B]

Oh, interesting.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

Yeah, there's not a lot of, like, action happening, so it was just.

[A]

It's different than Heather O'Reilly and Pino. Like, when they play, they're like. Their faces are doing weird stuff, you know? Well, I just want to say we're going to have you on in a more, like, real way in the near future.

[B]

This was real. She chose me. This is very real.

[A]

But I just want to say for anybody who's going to come at us, or sue for not choosing someone or the. Or sue choosing my team, this is all in good fun. We love this stuff, folks, so do not come for us. That's all.

[C]

Amen.

[A]

Sue, you're the best. Thank you so much for helping us decide.

[C]

Congrats.

[B]

Hey, wait, Sue. Last thing we do is we do a party pose. So on three, your favorite party pose. Are you ready?

[C]

Yeah, I think so.

[B]

1. 2. Because I'm the winner. 3. What was your pose? I couldn't see it. You're frozen.

[C]

A little rock and roll action.

[A]

I was. Sad face.

[B]

Okay, sue, you rule. Thank you, Sue.

[C]

See you, guys.

[B]

Oh, that was fun, sue popping in.

[A]

She's great. I caught. I texted her the other day, and I was like, hey, I have a weird ask. Do you Want to come on for five minutes and decide something very important.

[B]

So she had no idea what we were doing?

[A]

She had no idea. And she said, of course. I would love to do that. So thank you so much, Sue. We love you so much, and we love everything that they're doing on A Touch More and a bird's eye view. If you haven't go listen to all the things that she's involved with right now. She's. I mean, USA Basketball's managing director now.

[B]

And I don't know how she does it.

[A]

She's just never. She's got the. She's got it going on is what she's got.

[B]

That's amazing, Abs. You know, I'm just looking at your party pooper hat and really, what to give us the full effect, can you take off your cap and just, like, pull it down a little bit? So you take off your cap and like, let's put this thing on for reals. Yeah, and pull it down. There we go. Okay. Okay, people, now you can see it. That's much better. That's so good. So good. Yeah, she's got a lot going on. So for sue to just jump on, like, that was awesome. Okay, party people. We hope you had fun as well. Sorry. To those who did not not get chosen in the draft. As Abby said, it's a really hard thing to just choose eight players each, so there's only 16 we could put in there. Don't forget to subscribe to welcome to the party YouTube channel, so you can actually watch us and click that little bell icon, which helps me. I actually had a hard time. Maybe because I'm old. Abs, I'm not sure about you. I had a hard time. Yes, that's it. I had a hard time actually, like, getting YouTube to kind of, like, find it. At first, I was like, come on, let's go. So don't give up. Welcome to the party on YouTube. And the little bell icon will tell you when the episodes go live.

[A]

Yeah. And if you can just take a minute, it really does matter, not only to our ability to keep doing this podcast, but we just appreciate hearing from you. So if you can rate, leave a comment and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast. We'd really appreciate it.

[B]

We love the comments.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Please keep on the Apple pages. It's so fun to hear your thoughts. So thank you for those.

[A]

Yes. And be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram @. Welcome to the party show. This is where Julie, Billy and I will bring the party straight to your feed. And shout out to Kate Diaz for our theme music.

[B]

Diaz.

[A]

Kate Diaz is the one who gets us going for every episode. Kate, you are the best. We love this song. It's actually it, like, becomes an earworm for me. You know what I'm saying?

[B]

For sure. I know. You start, like, just totally vibing to it. Okay, let's take it home. Since I'm the winner, I gotta bring us home. Three, two, one. Uso. Uso.

[A]

Welcome to the party is an independent production brought to you by Treat Media. Treat Media makes art for humans who want to stay human forever. Dog is our production partner, and you can watch our full conversations on the welcome to the party YouTube channel and follow us at welcome to the party show on Instagram and Tick tock.