💥 BREAKING NEWS: Cameron Brink calls for WNBA expansion to Portland as she exposes the overwhelming talent boom demanding more roster spots ⚡ .BT

Just six weeks ago, Cameron Brink was still walking Stanford’s campus, turning in assignments, and preparing for her final NCAA tournament run. Today, she’s one of the biggest names in the WNBA’s new era—an LA Sparks rookie whose transition to the pros has been nothing short of a controlled storm. In an exclusive sit-down, Brink opens up about the speed of the league, the mental health habits she refuses to compromise on, and why she believes the next WNBA expansion should land in her home state of Oregon.

From the moment she sits down, it’s clear Brink hasn’t fully caught her breath—but she’s not complaining. “It’s been a whirlwind for sure,” she admits, a quick laugh covering the weight of the moment. “I was just in college a month and a half ago.” Now she’s battling against women who have been dominating the league for years. The shift has been brutal in the best way.

The biggest shock? Everything is faster. Everything hurts more. Everyone is smarter.
“The speed, physicality, IQ—everything is heightened at this level,” she says. “But I’m giving myself grace. I’m learning every day.”

It’s a grounded, self-aware answer from a player who dominated the Pac-12 and walked into the WNBA with expectations sky-high. But Brink is quick to credit the foundation built under legendary Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer. If the pros demand precision, Tara demanded perfection.

“Stanford taught me preparedness,” Brink explains. “Knowing plays. Knowing scouting reports. Being ready for everything.”
And while the Cardinal sharpened her basketball mind, they also shaped the identity that’s now becoming her WNBA calling card: defense.
“Stanford really helped develop my defensive skills,” she says. “That’s been so helpful at this level.”

But basketball, as it turns out, is only half the transition.

THE MENTAL HEALTH BATTLE SHE REFUSES TO HIDE

Brink has become increasingly vocal about something many young athletes still keep in the shadows: anxiety and the constant internal push-and-pull of high-performance sports.
“It really started during COVID,” she recalls. “That was such a hard time for everybody.” For her, the turning point was realizing that she needed structured self-care—not a luxury, but a lifeline.

“I struggle with anxiety at times, and sleep really helps combat that,” she says.

This commitment to mental health eventually led to one of her newest projects: Team Sleepwell, a partnership with Mattress Firm that connects elite athletes with sleep specialists to optimize recovery. Brink beams when she talks about it, half proud athlete, half self-confessed sleep nerd.

“I’m a picky sleeper—I need a firm mattress,” she laughs. “But since getting matched with the right one, my sleep has been so much better. And it’s completely tied to my mental health. I feel less anxious. I perform better.”

Her honesty hits with the force of someone refusing to pretend that being a star rookie means being invincible.

THE WNBA IS GROWING—AND CAMERON IS READY FOR IT

With two expansion teams officially on the way, Brink’s rookie season is unfolding during one of the most transformative periods in women’s basketball history. The league has never been hotter, its momentum fueled by young stars, unprecedented media attention, and viral cultural crossover moments.

“What do I make of the growth?” Brink repeats, thinking.
“It’s really great. Finally, the media is pouring into us.”
But then she adds a note of caution:
“I hope the momentum doesn’t die down. I don’t think it will—we have way too much to offer.”

Her confidence in the league is clear. But her passion sparks brightest when the topic shifts to something personal: the possibility of a WNBA team in Portland.

“Portland fans rally behind women’s sports,” she insists. “Look at the Thorns.”
Then she smiles, the kind that gives away how much this truly means to her.
“I’d love to go home and play in front of family. Portland is a great option. And honestly, there are too many talented women. We need more teams. We need more spots.”

It’s a statement that’s both a pitch and a warning: the talent pool is overflowing, and the league can’t afford to waste a single drop.

THE NERDY, FASHION-LOVING, CROSSWORD-OBSESSED SIDE YOU DON’T SEE ON COURT

As intense as she is on the floor, Brink’s personality off the court is a mix of glam, humor, and charming nerdiness.
“I love fashion, I’m a girly girl, I’m a huge family person,” she shares.
But her most surprising hobby?
“Crosswords,” she confesses with a laugh. “I’m obsessed with doing them on our charter flights.”

And yes—she mentions the charter flights with the gratitude of someone who absolutely understands how monumental this change is.
“We get charter flights now, which is incredible. We’re very thankful for that.”

It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about the shifting status of the league and the rising standards for player treatment.

THE ROOKIE, THE ROLE MODEL, THE RISING STAR

The interview winds down, but Brink’s presence lingers: a polished competitor with humble energy, a rookie who’s both overwhelmed and completely locked in. She’s adjusting, learning, evolving—and embracing the chaos with grace.

Her pro journey is still in its infancy, but her message is already sending shockwaves across the growing WNBA landscape:
Be vulnerable. Grow publicly. Honor your mental health. Demand space for women’s sports.
And yes—never underestimate a nerd with a crossword puzzle.