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NBAFeature
Fans in awe after WNBA star slams down alley-oop dunk
TL;DR
WNBA star Dominique Malonga impresses fans with a stunning alley-oop dunk. The league is experiencing a surge in popularity, highlighted by a $3.1 billion media deal and improved player compensation.
Key points
- WNBA experiencing record attendance and viewership
- New $3.1 billion media deal with major networks
- Players receiving better compensation through new agreements
- Dominique Malonga is a standout player in her second season
- League attracting top international talent
Mentioned in this story
WNBA
Dominique MalongaSeattle Storm
Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
The WNBA is having a major cultural moment. Since the arrival of the 2024 draft class, the league has experienced record attendance numbers and television viewership. The league’s massive popularity has paved the way for a new media deal worth $3.1 billion with partners Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock), Amazon (Prime Video), Paramount (CBS), Scripps (Ion), USA Sports (USA Network), and NBA TV.
The media deal has, in turn, led to a new collective bargaining agreement that is seeing the league’s players finally getting compensated at a level closer to their worth, with the game’s top star signing contracts worth millions of dollars.
This perfect storm for the league has also attracted some of the top players internationally, such as Seattle Storm second-year standout Dominique Malonga out of France. Malonga is in her second season after being selected second overall in 2025 and is starting to hit her stride as pro.
One practice clip, shared to social media by teammate Natisha Hiedeman, shows Hiedeman tossing Malonga an assist for an alley-oop dunk.
Fans on social media are in awe of the clip.
“People don’t understand how insane this is in a half court setting,” one fan wrote on X.
“I’ll start watching consistently if this the type of time they bout to be on,” someone else added.
“Imagine that in a game,” one fan posted.
Not even in a rush
It’s an incredible feat, and it feels like only a matter of time before Malonga pulls it or something similar off in a game, even if she isn’t chomping at the bit to throw down a dunk in game.
“I don’t think it’s a need, but it’s more about, since it’s something that I’m capable of and I can just do, there is no reason why, if I have the opportunity, I would not just try it,” Malonga said last season of dunking. “But it’s not something that I put pressure on myself to say that I need to do it soon … It’s a plus for me, because at the end of the day, it’s just two points, and it’s more about a show.”
Q&A
What is the significance of the WNBA's new $3.1 billion media deal?
The $3.1 billion media deal enhances the league's visibility and financial stability, allowing for better player compensation and increased investment in the sport.
Who is Dominique Malonga and what are her achievements in the WNBA?
Dominique Malonga is a second-year player for the Seattle Storm, selected second overall in the 2025 draft, and is gaining recognition for her impressive performances, including a recent alley-oop dunk.
How has the WNBA's popularity changed recently?
The WNBA's popularity has surged due to record attendance and viewership, driven by the arrival of the 2024 draft class and significant media partnerships.