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

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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 |

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.

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.

Want More?

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

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.