The 2025 WNBA preseason kicked off with unprecedented hype, highlighted by the first-ever televised preseason game in South Bend, Indiana. The event drew notable figures in women's basketball, including Notre Dame women's basketball head coaches Muffet McGraw and Niele Ivey, along with WNBA legend Tamika Catchings, who came to show their support.

The high-profile game served as a college homecoming for three prominent Fighting Irish players, Jewell Loyd and Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, and Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings, as they returned to Notre Dame's Purcell Pavilion as professionals. The Aces defeated the Wings in a 112-78 blowout.

Both McGraw and Ivey, the two most recent Fighting Irish coaches, were present to support their former student-athletes. Young expressed her feelings about returning to the arena where her career began, in front of mentors who played a significant role in her development. "It's special playing here. I never thought I would play here again on this court," she said. "It's pretty cool just being able to play in front of Coach McGraw, Coach Ivey, have my friends and family in the stands, and some of the fans that were here when I played at Notre Dame."

Muffet McGraw is recognized as one of the most successful coaches in women's basketball history, having led the Fighting Irish to two national championships and nine Final Fours during her 33-year tenure. She retired in 2020 with an 848-252 record at Notre Dame.

Niele Ivey succeeded McGraw as head coach in 2020, taking over from her former coach after her time as a player and member of the Fighting Irish's first championship-winning team in 2001. She also gained coaching experience as an assistant under McGraw for 12 years.

Tamika Catchings, a legend for both the Indiana Fever and Tennessee, is one of the most accomplished players in basketball history. She is among a select group of 11 women who have won championships in the NCAA and WNBA, as well as gold medals in the Olympics and World Cup.

The WNBA preseason continues with a game between the Fever and the Washington Mystics on May 3.