LOS ANGELES, CA — January 26, 2026 – Taj Paxton, a five-time Emmy-winning director, writer, and producer known for her innovative storytelling in documentary filmmaking, returns to direct “WNBA 2024: The Year That Changed Everything” for Hello Sunshine’s groundbreaking series “The Rise.” The first WNBA 2024 film premiered on December 15, 2025, with additional installments planned for release throughout 2026. This five-part documentary series explores women’s professional sports, spotlighting key athletes, historic championships, record-breaking performances, and cultural shifts driven by societal changes, media coverage, and advocacy that influence the industry.
“The significance of ‘The Rise’ lies not just in chronicling events but in capturing a transformative moment within our cultural landscape,” said Taj Paxton, Emmy-winning director, writer, and producer. “When arenas are filled beyond capacity, and merchandise sales soar, it signifies more than popularity—it heralds a paradigm shift.”
Produced in collaboration with Ally and the Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ If/Then Initiative, “The Rise” offers an unprecedented look at how women athletes have captured global attention. The docuseries covers pivotal moments across various sports disciplines, highlighting personal narratives that resonate beyond athletics.
A key feature within this transformative series is “WNBA 2024: The Year That Changed Everything,” which takes viewers deep into a season where women’s basketball shattered records—selling out arenas and setting new benchmarks in merchandise sales and social media engagement. This segment includes compelling game footage and exclusive interviews with notable figures, including Candace Parker—who also serves as executive producer—alongside Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Terri Jackson, Jane McManus, Khristina Williams, and Monica McNutt.
“The WNBA’s story isn’t just about triumphs on court; it’s an emblematic reflection of societal shifts,” said Taj Paxton, Emmy-winning director, writer, and producer. “In documenting these milestones through authentic voices like those featured here—including our own team—we’re capturing history as it unfolds.”
Paxton shares executive production credits for “WNBA 2024” alongside Patty Ivins Specht and Azon Juan Juaquin Cambron, while talent producer Melissa Chusid ensures the presence of influential personalities throughout each narrative arc. Patty Ivins Specht also directed “The New Moneyball,” which premiered on December 15, 2025.
The remaining three films — The Inaugural Season of the PWHL, The Gold Medal Girls of X Games, and The Women of NASCAR — are slated to premiere on Peacock in 2026.
Hello Sunshine’s Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, Zoe Fairbourn, Sue Kinkead, Lyda Hill, Ty O’Neil, and Nicole Small will serve as executive producers for all projects, with Ashlyn Harris serving as a consulting producer across all five documentaries.
