WNBA icon Lisa Leslie recently joined Angel Reese on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, where she engaged in a variety of discussions related to the league and her illustrious WNBA career. Notably, the segment dedicated to fans’ questions emerged as a significant highlight of the episode.
In the fan question segment, Reese inquired whether Leslie would contemplate the possibility of becoming a head coach in the WNBA. Leslie disclosed that she had indeed engaged in discussions regarding two head coaching opportunities within the league; however, she ultimately did not secure either position.
“I put my name in the hat to coach this year for two teams. And I won’t say who those two teams are, but I did not get picked. I felt like I would never attempt to go into coaching in the WNBA,” Leslie said.
Lisa Leslie reveals that she was in talks for two WNBA head coaching jobs and didn’t receive either of them.
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) February 14, 2025
She says she won’t likely ever apply again 💔
pic.twitter.com/onqkUEylWi
Leslie indicated that it is improbable she will pursue additional applications for similar roles in the future.
Lisa Leslie Explains Why Franchises Passed On Hiring Her As Head Coach
Leslie played in the WNBA for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2009. During her impressive career, she earned significant recognition as a three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player, won two WNBA championships, received eight All-Star selections, and celebrated her victories with four Olympic gold medals.
Despite these accomplishments, neither of the two WNBA franchises chose to hire her as their head coach. Further in the interview, Leslie revealed the reasons why those franchises decided against hiring her.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral WNBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“It’s like, you gotta be 10 times as great as a Black woman in this industry. And, when I tell you that who these people hired is not better than me, and what I can do for these players…,” Leslie said.
Currently, Leslie is the head coach of the Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, she provides expert analysis as a studio analyst for the Orlando Magic broadcasts on the FanDuel Sports Network Florida. Previously, she made a controversial statement regarding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which sparked lively debate among fans.
