It feels closer now than it ever has. The NBAhas never had a female head coach, but voices around the league are no longer treating that as a distant possibility.
During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Andraya Carter pointed to a group of coaches who are already more than qualified.
Her shortlist included Becky Hammon, Dawn Staley, and Niele Ivey. “Those would probably be my top three,” she said, making it clear this is no longer a symbolic conversation.
The shift has been gradual, but real. When Becky Hammon joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, it marked a turning point.
Since then, more women have stepped into NBA roles, including Niele Ivey with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019. What used to feel like a breakthrough moment now looks more like the start of a pipeline.
The key difference today is simple: teams are no longer asking if women belong in these roles, but when one will take the top job.
Proven winners, different journeys
Each of the leading candidates brings a different story, but all of them bring results.
Becky Hammon has built a winning culture with the Las Vegas Aces, leading them to multiple championships in recent seasons. Her time under Gregg Popovich also gave her years of experience inside an NBA system, something front offices value when making big decisions.
Dawn Staley has taken a different path, but with just as much impact. At the South Carolina Gamecocks, she has spent nearly two decades building one of the most consistent programs in college basketball. She has also been open about past NBA interest, including conversations connected to the New York Knicks.
Niele Ivey sits in a unique position between both worlds. She understands the NBA environment from her time on the Grizzlies’ staff, and now leads her own program at Notre Dame. That mix of experience reflects how coaching careers are evolving.
A deeper field and a changing league
The conversation does not stop with three names. Carter also mentioned Lindsey Harding and Kara Lawson, both of whom have strong ties to the NBA and growing reputations as leaders.
This is what has truly changed. There is no longer just one candidate carrying the weight of history. There is a group.
The league is closer than it has ever been
Across the NBA, priorities are shifting. Teams are placing more emphasis on communication, adaptability, and the ability to connect with players. Those qualities are not theoretical. These coaches have already demonstrated them in high-pressure environments.
Coverage from outlets like ESPN continues to bring visibility to the conversation, and internally, there is a growing sense that the right opportunity could come at any time.
There is still no official timeline. No confirmed interviews tied to these candidates. But the groundwork is already in place.
If the hire happens soon, it will not feel sudden. It will feel like the next logical step in a process that has been unfolding for years.
This article is based on statements from Andraya Carter on SiriusXM NBA Radio, along with publicly available coaching records, team histories, and coverage from ESPN and the NBA.
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