Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell is on a tear, scoring 20+ points in 17 straight games after last night’s 106-92 win over New York.

A’ja Wilson snaps Mystics streak

Sonia Citron’s 19 points failed to extend Washington’s seven-game winning streak in Tuesday’s loss to Las Vegas. (Lucas Peltier/Imagn Images)

A’ja Wilson showed out last night, as the reigning MVP posted 26 points and 13 rebounds to lift No. 3 Las Vegas over No. 6 Washington 86-76 — ending the Mystics’ league-high seven-game winning streak.

• It marked Wilson’s 107th career 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, just two away from tying legend Tina Charles’s all-time record.

• Jackie Young tallied 25 points and eight assists, passing Sheryl Swoopes to become the seventh-fastest WNBA player to reach 4,000 points and 1,000 assists. (Watch full highlights)

Falling short: Washington pulled within six in the third behind shooters Sonia Citron and Shakira Austin, but failed to overcome Wilson’s nine-point fourth-quarter burst.

• Betnijah Laney-Hamilton scored her first points in a Mystics uniform, giving her new team a spark of hope ahead of Thursday’s rematch in Las Vegas.

• “She’s got a really good feel for the game — some crafty things she was doing on offense and defense that showed her 10-plus years of experience,” coach Sydney Johnson said of Laney-Hamilton. “We’ll get back in the gym with her tomorrow and try to build on a nice start.” (See full remarks)

Up next: The two sides run it back tomorrow at 10 PM ET (Prime).

Skidding Wings host reeling Tempo

Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings look to snap a three-game losing streak against the Toronto Tempo tonight. (Eric Bolte/Imagn Images)

No. 8 Dallas is looking to right the ship, as the playoff-hungry Wings return home to face No. 13 Toronto tonight after dropping three straight.

• Dallas’s lead over No. 9 Portland has narrowed to 5.5 games, after ceding a close game to No. 6 Washington before collapsing against No. 2 Golden State and No. 1 Minnesota.

• The Wings offense sputtered without rookie Azzi Fudd (knee), with 3-point shooting falling from 34% to 29% across the last two games — and top rebounder Jessica Shepard listed as day-to-day (ankle). (See injury report)

Scouting report: Hot off a 36-point night against No. 5 Atlanta, Marina Mabrey is Toronto’s top threat — but even the league’s fifth-best shooter has struggled to ignite her side after guard Brittney Sykes (plantar fascia) landed on injured list.

• Dallas took the pair’s July 10th clash behind Paige Bueckers’s 34 points, taking the edge over a Tempo side that’s lost nine of its last 10 outings.

• “We can’t allow people to score 107 points on us,” Toronto coach Sandy Brondello said. “Defense is such a big need.” (See full stats)

Tune in: The Tempo visits the Wings tonight at 8 PM ET (USA).

NWSL season eyes record attendance

Expansion side Denver Summit FC is helping push NWSL attendance toward another milestone season. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)

The NWSL is packing the house, as the league reported it’s pacing toward another milestone season with nine of 16 clubs averaging more than 10,000 fans per game.

• Expansion side Denver leads the surge with 20,579 fans per game, buoyed by its home opener against Washington, which drew a league-record 63,004 to the NFL’s Empower Field. 

• Portland (19,079) and Washington (15,527) are also driving growth, with the Spirit on track for a franchise record and the Thorns nearing their highest total since 2019. (See full report)

Big moves: Nine clubs are currently clearing 10,000 fans, up from seven in 2024 — a sign of steady progress since the NWSL’s 35.4% leap in 2023.

• The 2027 World Cup could spark another bump, as major tournaments have historically boosted turnout by an average of 26.6% over the prior season.

• “We know that major tournaments inspire millions of people to follow the sport, and our schedule allows us to be part of the lead-in and the lead-out of that big moment,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said at last week’s press conference.

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Don’t miss ‘Time Wasting’ with Kelley O’Hara & Ali Riley

Soccer icons Kelley O’Hara and Ali Riley are back, as an all-new Time Wasting presented by Amazon Prime serves up another jam-packed helping of tactical breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and insider perspectives.

• In the episode, Ali and Kelley break down a wild NWSL weekend, from Portland’s three goals in nine minutes to Utah vs Denver becoming the league’s next great rivalry.

• Plus, the hosts discuss what it’s like being on a team that might go under as Louisville’s future hangs in the balance.

Tune in: Catch Time Wasting on YouTube.

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USWNT’s Olivia Moultrie lands on SEI list

Portland Thorns and USWNT midfielder Olivia Moultrie tore her right ACL in training and will miss the rest of the season. (Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images)

US Soccer lost one of its brightest stars, as NWSL and USWNT midfielder Olivia Moultrie lands on the season-ending injury list after tearing her ACL in training.

• The 20-year-old was in the midst of a career-best league run, tallying five goals and five assists to propel No. 5 Portland up the NWSL table.

• “Olivia is one of the most driven players I have been around, and she will use that drive during her recovery and rehabilitation,” said Thorns President & GM of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos. (See full release)

Looking ahead: The blow is likely to sideline Moultrie for November’s Concacaf W Championship, as the US kicks off 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympic qualifiers.

• “Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to sum up all of the feelings right now,” Moultrie posted. “I know there is a reason this path has been chosen for me and I can’t promise everything but I can promise I’ll be back and I’ll be better.” (See full post)

UWCL sets Chelsea, Real Madrid qualifiers

Chelsea drew Spanish side Real Sociedad in the Champions League third qualifying round. (Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

This year’s Champions League is taking shape, as Tuesday’s third qualifying draw unveiled 2026/27 paths for Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.

• Hot off a busy transfer window, Chelsea drew Spanish side Real Sociedad, while Real Madrid pulled Dutch titan Ajax, PSG landed Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt, and two-time winner Wolfsburg got Serie A runner-up Inter. (See full field)

How it works: The winners enter the 18-team League Phase alongside automatic qualifiers Barcelona, Lyon, Arsenal, and Manchester City, while the losing teams drop to the Europa Cup qualifiers. 

• There’s financial incentive to advance, as each League Phase club earns a guaranteed €505,000, plus €60,000 for every win, €20,000 for each draw, and €10,000 to €180,000 based on final standings. (See full breakdown)

Stay tuned: The UWCL third qualifying round kicks off August 26th (Paramount+).

Number of the day

$45,000

Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers donated $45,000 to restore her hometown basketball court — and dropped by to see the finished product.

18 of the 2027 World Cup’s 32 berths have been claimed — which nation will be next?

Mystics test winning streak against Aces

Washington carries the season’s longest winning streak into tonight’s clash with Las Vegas. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

No. 6 Washington continues to turn heads, as the young Mystics carry a league-leading seven-game winning streak into tonight’s clash with No. 3 Las Vegas.

• Washington leveled up this week, acquiring WNBA champion Betnijah Laney-Hamilton after No. 7 New York waived the seasoned guard.

• “Having someone who has championship experience and knows what it takes to really make a final push in the playoffs is really important,” said second-year forward Kiki Iriafen. (See full report)

Scouting report: The Mystics humbled four teams in playoff position during their run, tallying wins against the Aces, No. 2 Golden State, No. 4 Atlanta, and No. 8 Dallas.

• Las Vegas looks to reverse a two-game skid, after coach Becky Hammon opted to rest her starters in back-to-back weekend road games.

• “I’m not going to put them in any kind of jeopardy to get hurt when we’ve been expending a lot of energy on travel,” she said after Sunday’s loss to the Liberty. “I don’t even think they do this in the NBA, though, where it’s less than 24 hours.” (See full report)

Tune in: Washington visits Las Vegas tonight at 10 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Minnesota preps for playoff basketball

The Lynx clinched a 2026 postseason berth this weekend. (Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

No. 1 Minnesota is playoff ready, as the Lynx became the first WNBA team to clinch a 2026 postseason berth with Sunday’s 103-90 win over No. 8 Dallas.

• Kayla McBride set a single-game record for made 3-pointers in the victory, draining 10 from beyond the arc to finish with 43 points — and give 26-7 Minnesota a clear edge.

• “When you have a good moment, you want to just soak it all in,” McBride said afterward. “I’m 34 years old, it’s my 13th year in the league. I’m exactly where I want to be.” (Watch full highlights)

Taking stock: McBride isn’t the team’s only standout, as Rookie of the Year frontrunner Olivia Miles continues to insert herself into the MVP conversation after posting a 20-point, 13-assist double-double on Sunday.

• Miles sits fifth in the league in efficiency metrics, leading Minnesota in both points and assists in her first professional year.

• “It’s like a kid in a candy store — I’m very grateful,” McBride said of Miles. “Her ability to get in the paint and her ability in the pick and roll just creates so much for me.” (See full stats)

Up next: The Lynx face No. 9 Portland tomorrow at 10 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Elena Rybakina climbs the ranks in Canada

World No. 2 Elena Rybakina could trail No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka by just four points with a Canadian Open win. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)

Elena Rybakina is taking aim at the top, as the world No. 2 enters the Canadian Open quarterfinals with a chance to pull within four points of No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

• Sabalenka’s Round of 16 loss opened the door for Rybakina, after the 2025 US Open champion fell to No. 19 Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-4.

• “There are still a lot of matches I got to win,” Rybakina said of her pursuit. “I try not to think about the ranking, about the points, and just go [one] match at a time.” (See full rankings)

Scouting report: The 27-year-old Kazakhstani is gearing up for a tough test in Toronto, facing No. 11 Naomi Osaka hot off three straight-sets wins.

• “She’s an incredible player,” Osaka said of Rybakina. “She won the Australian Open this year. I’m just really excited to play her, because I have never played her.”

• No. 4 Coco Gauff battles No. 12 Belinda Bencic in tonight’s other quarterfinal, while No. 7 Iga Świątek and No. 9 Elina Svitolina await in the semis. (See full schedule)

Tune in: Canadian Open coverage continues tonight at 7 PM ET (Tennis Channel).

Comm’r Engelbert sends memo on trans athletes

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says the WNBA has compiled a task force to address trans inclusion. (Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images)

Cathy Engelbert is chiming in, as the WNBA commissioner sent a memo to teams addressing issues of trans athlete rallies this week.

• “I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention,” Engelbert said.

• She added that a task force of team presidents and general managers has been compiled to further discuss the topic. (See full memo)

Big picture: Small anti-trans protests have formed alongside some WNBA games in recent weeks, after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham voiced support for trans athlete bans.

• Beyond the CBA stating that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” the league does not currently have a detailed gender policy.

• “Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm,” the WNBPA said last week. “We will continue to have hard conversations.” (See full statement)

Boston fires coach in early WPBL shakeup

The Hunters dismissed Keith Foulke just three games into the pro baseball season. (Ron Johnson/Imagn Images)

The WPBL is already shaking things up, as the 1-3 Boston Hunters dismissed manager Keith Foulke three games into the pro baseball league’s debut season.

• The Hunters announced the decision 30 minutes before Sunday’s 7-6 loss to New York, as Jemile Weeks stepped in to replace the former Red Sox star.

• “We would like to thank Keith Foulke for his contributions to the team and his efforts on behalf of the club,” the team said in a statement. “We are looking forward to building a winning team culture.” (See full release)

Scouting report: The LA Queens top the WPBL standings after four games played, sitting in first place on a 3-1 record ahead of 2-2 New York and San Francisco.

• LA has leaned on its pitching, claiming the league’s best collective ERA while ex-Savannah Bananas star Ashton Lansdell leads the Queens in runs with six. (See full stats)

Tune in: WPBL action returns tomorrow, as LA takes on San Francisco at 7:30 PM ET (ESPN Select).

Quote of the day

Indiana head coach Stephanie White
addressing a recent uptick in media attention focused on Fever players.

Gotham’s 1-0 win over San Diego on Friday had a certain cinematic flair…

Indiana wins chippy clash in Chicago

A Flagrant 2 foul saw Chicago’s DiJonai Carrington (L) ejected from Saturday’s matchup. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

No. 4 Indiana got the W on Saturday, defeating No. 11 Chicago 90-86 in a chippy matchup that spanned multiple technical fouls and one high-profile ejection.

• Recently returned Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was called for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham in the second quarter, forcing Carrington’s exit after a quick eight-point run.

• “It was a hard foul,” Fever head coach Stephanie White said. “I don’t think that DiJonai intentionally came out to get [Cunningham] across the neck like she did. But it did happen and I thought it was the right call.” (Watch full highlights)

Tough calls: Indiana relied on stellar guard duo Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell to put the game away, as the 2026 All-Stars combined for 53 of Indiana’s 90 points.

• In the process, Clark received her eighth technical foul of the season for incidental contact with an official — meant to trigger a one-game suspension — but the foul was later rescinded.

• White was also issued a tech, after the Fever boss attempted to argue Clark’s case. “My tech was for saying that's bulls---, even though I heard the F-bomb the whole f---ing game,” she said afterwards. (See full report)

Up next: Indiana returns Tuesday, hosting No. 7 New York at 7:30 PM ET (ESPN).

Shorthanded Aces drop two back-to-back

Las Vegas rested three starters in Sunday’s loss to New York. (David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

No. 3 Las Vegas struggled over the weekend, falling to No. 1 Minnesota 98-87 on Saturday before opting to rest its starters in Sunday’s 111-71 loss to No. 7 New York.

• The Aces sat veterans Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and A’ja Wilson against the Liberty in an attempt to give the stars some rest, as New York went on to limit Las Vegas’s starting lineup to just 19 points.

• “The health and safety of players comes first,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said. “Wherever we end up, we end up, and we’ll play whatever hand is dealt.” (Watch full highlights)

Big picture: With next month’s 2026 FIBA World Cup looming, load management has become a hot topic as teams gear up for October’s postseason.

• League-leaders like No. 2 Golden State are putting national team players on minutes restrictions, while other teams lean on their biggest names as they jockey for playoff positioning.

• “You want people that pay for the tickets to be able to see you play,” said New York center Jonquel Jones. “But you also want to be smart and make sure you’re resting your body, and not putting yourself in a position where you can get injured.” (See full standings)

Up next: The Aces will look to bounce back against surging No. 5 Washington tomorrow at 10 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Denver earns key upset over Utah

The Summit took down the Royals 2-1 on Saturday. (Bart Young/NWSL via Getty Images)

No. 10 Denver isn’t giving up the fight, rising to just one point below the playoff line with 12 games to go after Saturday’s 2-1 win over No. 3 Utah.

• Summit forward Yazmeen Ryan opened the scoring early in the second half, before a stoppage-time free kick from Janine Sonis bested Royals defender Tatumn Milazzo’s late equalizer.

• “I was in tears,” Denver forward Ally Brazier said of Sonis’s game-winner. “It just shows how much we care.” (Watch full highlights)

Around the horn: The Summit’s push underlines another stacked NWSL slate, as No. 6 North Carolina upset No. 2 Washington in a 4-3 goal-fest before No. 5 Portland hit the same 4-3 scoreline in Sunday’s victory over No. 12 Boston.

• Friday’s 1-0 win over No. 4 San Diego saw No. 1 Gotham leap four points over the Spirit, as ex-Wave star Jaedyn Shaw played hero for the Bats.

• “That's part of our DNA,” Shaw said afterward. “To be physical, to be able to grind out games, and to be able to set the tone early.” (See full clip)

Malawi punches WWC ticket in WAFCON twist

Malawi qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup with Sunday’s 2-1 WAFCON quarterfinal win over Ghana. (CAF)

Four more teams are headed to Brazil, as this weekend’s WAFCON quarterfinal winners punched their 2027 World Cup tickets — led by a tournament underdog.

• World No. 153 Malawi qualified for its first World Cup with Sunday’s 2-1 win over Ghana, spurred by a goal and assist from two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga.

• Algeria also claimed a first-ever World Cup berth, with the two WWC debutantes now join past participants Cameroon and Morocco in the WAFCON semis. (Watch full highlights)

How it works: WAFCON will officially crown a first-time champion, as former winners Nigeria and South Africa drop to the losers bracket in a fight to reach Brazil via FIFA’s inter-confederation playoffs.

• Should the Super Falcons fall, Nigeria will break a 35-year World Cup streak, having participated in every tournament since its 1991 inception. (See full rules)

Tune in: The WAFCON semifinals kick off Wednesday at 1 PM ET (CAF TV).

Demi Vollering wins 2nd Tour de France title

Demi Vollering earned her second career Tour de France title on Sunday. (Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

Demi Vollering has pulled ahead, as the cyclist won her second Tour de France Femmes title after holding off Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney in Sunday’s final ascent.

• Niewiadoma-Phinney and Vollering ran as a pair for much of the race’s final day, before the Dutch star made a late solo run with 16 kilometers remaining — securing the overall yellow jersey in front of a roaring crowd by a margin of one minute and 18 seconds.

• “I really would like to thank everyone who is here to support us,” Vollering said. “It’s amazing we can have such a great fanbase, to inspire the next generation.” (Watch full highlights)

Big picture: Vollering became the first cyclist in the modern era to win multiple Tour de France Femmes, after taking three out of nine stages in 2026.

• “It’s not only the dream to win in yellow here, to win a second Tour de France, but it’s the dream to live this life, to work hard together with people with a lot of passion,” she added.

Number of the day 

10

Lynx star Kayla McBride made history on Sunday, draining 10 3-pointers to lift Minnesota over Dallas — and set a new single-game WNBA record.

Las Vegas’s Chelsea Gray hit not one, but two buzzer-beaters to sink the Fever in last night’s OT thriller.

A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark lead USA Basketball roster

The US opens group play for the 2026 FIBA World Cup on September 7th. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

USA Basketball made waves this week, dropping September’s 12-player 2026 FIBA World Cup roster — tapping both debutantes and veteran heavyweights.

• Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston will see their first major tournament action, while Olympians Napheesa Collier, Rhyne Howard, and Jackie Young make their first World Cup appearances.

• 2022 World Cup champions Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson return to defend their title. (See full lineup)

Making the cut: Several big names were left off, including Olympic gold medalist Sabrina Ionescu, Fever standout Kelsey Mitchell, and rookie phenom Olivia Miles.

• The US has won a record 11 FIBA World Cup gold medals, including the last four tournaments.

• “Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal,” Women’s National Team Managing Director Sue Bird said in USAB statement. “I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”

Stay tuned: The US opens group play against China on September 4th (TNT).

Young Mystics chase playoff dream

The Mystics are on a historic five-game winning streak. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

No. 8 Washington is locking in, as the young Mystics carry a five-game winning streak into twin weekend clashes with 15 regular-season games to go.

• DC earned a key midweek win over No. 5 Dallas, overcoming a 20-point deficit to silence the Wings 96-92 behind center Shakira Austin’s 27-point, 13-rebound double-double.

• “Toughness and togetherness — it’s a connected group,” said head coach Sydney Johnson. “Any lineup we put out there, we’re really trusting how connected they are.” (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: Washington might sit 5.5 games above the playoff line, but it faces a tough test tonight in No. 4 Atlanta.

• The Dream bounced back from Monday’s steep 109-87 loss to No. 2 Las Vegas by handling No. 12 Phoenix 96-82 on Wednesday, with sharpshooters Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray combining for 43 points.

• “The first half they were just unbelievable,” head coach Karl Smesko said of the duo. “Gave us a bit of a cushion.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Washington takes on Atlanta tonight at 7:30 PM ET (ION).

Seattle deepens postseason push against ACFC

The Reign has won three of its last four regular-season NWSL matches. (Kavin Mistry/NWSL via Getty Images)

No. 9 Seattle is on the rise, quietly scaling the NWSL standings to sit one spot south of playoff positioning on a two-game winning streak.

• Last weekend’s fireworks are still fresh, after Reign veteran Jess Fishlock came off the bench to instantly score the game-winner against Bay FC — helping Seattle take three of its last four matchups.

• “The young players gravitate to her,” manager Laura Harvey said of the 39-year-old Welsh star. “It’s actually really cool to see.” (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: Seattle now enters a postseason bubble battle, taking on No. 8 Angel City — with whom Seattle is tied on points, but trails in goal differential.

• LA has dropped just one result since firing coach Alex Straus, picking up a point in Kansas City last weekend as it sharpens its own playoff push.

• “It’s a skill to play these away games against good teams, and this was a confirmation of the character of the group,” said ACFC interim manager Leif Gunnar Smerud. (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Seattle hosts Angel City on Sunday at 9 PM ET (ESPN).

Catch up on the latest women’s soccer headlines, as an all-new episode of The Late Sub presented by Ally Bank dishes up host Claire Watkins’s hottest takes on all things USWNT, NWSL, Champions League, and more.

• In the episode, Claire digs into all the action at WAFCON, as Africa’s top national teams battle for a ticket to Brazil.

• With a stacked Group C and a tournament filled with NWSL talent, she asks, could one of these nations disrupt next year’s Women’s World Cup?

Tune in: Catch The Late Sub with Claire Watkins on YouTube.

Ally Bank, Member FDIC.

Hard-court heavy-hitters roll in Toronto

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Canadian Open’s Round of 16 on Thursday. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)

Top WTA players are cruising in Canada, as US Open hopefuls tune up on the 2026 National Bank Open’s hard courts.

• World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Round of 16 in Thursday’s straight-sets win over Zhang Shuai, joined by No. 3 Jessica Pegula, No. 7 Iga Świątek, and No. 8 Amanda Anisimova.

• “I enjoy being the one being chased — it’s really fun,” Sabalenka said of her No. 1 status. “It’s tough challenges, but I love to go through it and it makes me stronger.” (Watch full highlights)

Looking ahead: With the year’s final Slam kicking off later this month in Queens, US talent has shined so far in Toronto — though the going gets tougher this weekend.

• No. 4 Coco Gauff faces Greek dark horse No. 29 Maria Sakkari tonight, before unseeded Caty McNally battles DC Open winner No. 25 Alexandra Eala after upsetting Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova on Wednesday.

Tune in: Canadian Open coverage continues today at 11 AM ET (Tennis Channel).

WAFCON quarterfinals kick off in Morocco

10-time WAFCON champion Nigeria advanced out of Group C this week. (Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

WAFCON 2026 is heating up, kicking off the quarterfinals this weekend after a dramatic group-stage finale with serious 2027 World Cup implications.

• Cup of Nations newcomer Malawi emerged out of Group C, taking it on tiebreakers after a tight 2-1 loss to Zambia — while Nigeria’s 6-2 win over Egypt eliminated Barbra Banda’s Copper Queens.

• Morocco, Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana now join Temwa Chawinga’s Scorchers and the 10-time champion Super Falcons in the knockouts. (Watch full highlights)

How it works: Each quarterfinal winner books an automatic World Cup bid, while the four losing teams go on to battle for two inter-confederation playoff berths.

• Should world No. 153 Malawi take down Ghana on Saturday, it would become the lowest-ranked Women’s World Cup qualifier in history.

Tune in: WAFCON quarterfinals kick off tomorrow at 1 PM ET (CAF TV).

Quote of the day

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve
putting No. 1 Minnesota on blast after Thursday’s 89-82 loss to No. 9 LA.

Never count out the ’Stics: Washington erased a 20-point deficit to beat Dallas last night, building on a historic winning streak.

NWSL drops 2027 calendar footprint

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman held her midseason press conference on Wednesday. (Jordan Bank/NWSL via Getty Images)

The NWSL is flipping the script in 2027, as Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed plans to kick off next season on February 11th — the earliest start in league history — to allow for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

• Set for Angel City’s BMO Stadium, the season-opener coincides with Super Bowl LXI at nearby SoFi Stadium — deliberately capitalizing on US sports’ biggest weekend after seeing a boost from this year’s Summer of Soccer initiative.

• “We have intentionally — again, seeing the success we’ve had leaning into the halo of the Men’s World Cup — [applied] the same thesis for next year,” she said, noting significant growth across social channels. (See full footprint)

How it works: The 2027 Challenge Cup precedes regular-season kickoff on February 6th, with this year’s Shield winner battling the 2026 NWSL champion at a neutral stadium.

• The early start makes room for a seven-week summer pause from June 7th to July 25th, covering both the CBA-mandated rest and World Cup, which featured 61 NWSL players in 2023.

• Each of the 16 clubs will again play a 30-match schedule, with Decision Day returning October 31st before the November 20th championship.

Aces visit Fever in Player of the Month clash

Eastern Conference Player of the Month Kelsey Mitchell leads the Fever into battle against the Aces tonight. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

July’s top WNBA stars are squaring off, as Players of the Month A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Mitchell take the court when No. 2 Las Vegas visits No. 5 Indiana tonight.

• Mitchell earned Eastern Conference honors after putting up a league-high 272 points across 10 games, averaging 27.2 points to fuel an 8-2 Fever run. 

• Wilson claimed her record 16th career Western Conference POM after averaging a league-leading 28.3 points and 10.6 rebounds last month — despite missing two games with a leg injury. 

Head to head: Indiana leads the pair’s regular-season series 2-0, after pulling off two statement wins over the defending WNBA champion this year.

• The Fever toppled the Aces 84-68 on July 5th, before securing July 12th’s 109-75 victory behind Mitchell’s 27 points and All-Star center Aliyah Boston’s 19-point, 11-rebound double-double.

• “Our group is one of the most resilient groups I’ve been a part of,” Mitchell said. “I’m gonna ride or die with my group no matter what, and I think that’s our edge.” (See full preview)

Tune in: Indiana hosts Las Vegas tonight at 7 PM ET (Prime).

U.S. Gymnastics Championships hits the mat

Olympic champion and Phoenix native Jade Carey headlines the US Gymnastics Championships in Arizona. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

Team USA takes over Phoenix this week, as more than 100 top US gymnasts kick off the 2026 US Gymnastics Championships in Arizona — with a ticket to October’s World Championships on the line.

• Hometown hero Jade Carey headlines the women’s field, as the two-time Olympic gold medalist returns to elite competition for the first time since 2024 with an eye on qualifying for LA28.

• “A home Olympics would be so cool,” the 26-year-old said. “It would just be kind of the perfect way to go out and move on to what’s next.” (See full report)

Rising stars: 2025 all-around winner Hezly Rivera returns to defend multiple titles, as the Paris Olympian aims to repeat on uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. 

• Uneven bars co-champion Skye Blakely and 2025 vault winner Leanne Wong are also in the mix, alongside up-and-comers Reese Esponda, Claire Pease, and Charleigh Bullock. 

• “I still have a lot of growing left to do,” 18-year-old Rivera said in March. “A few more years left in the sport, and I’m really excited for what’s to come.” (See full field)

Tune in: US Championships women’s events start tomorrow at 7 PM ET (NBCSN).

AU puts volleyball & basketball on pause

Athletes Unlimited will pause its offseason basketball league to reimagine the product. (Lucas Peltier/USA TODAY Sports)

Athletes Unlimited is tapping the breaks, as the multi-sport operation pulls back from its pro volleyball and basketball leagues to reimagine both products.

• AU is zeroing in on its pro softball league after second-season ratings jumped 181% on ESPN, with the AUSL serving as its sole property in 2027.

• “We’re sharpening our focus on where we can create the greatest long-term impact for athletes, fans, and partners,” AU said in a statement. (See full release)

Crowded field: The news comes as upstarts LOVB, MLV, and Unrivaled 3×3 gain steam, while preparations for the 2028 Olympics present scheduling issues.

• These aren’t the company’s first casualties, after it cut AU Pro Lacrosse in 2024 over similar concerns.

NWSL makes ’Ted Lasso’ cameo

The fourth season of ‘Ted Lasso’ opens inside the Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium. (Apple TV)

Ted Lasso is shining a spotlight on the NWSL, as the Apple TV comedy opened its fourth season inside the Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium this week.

• The first episode is set in star and co-creator Jason Sudeikis’s Midwest hometown, with the cast attending a Current vs Gotham match inside pro women’s soccer’s first purpose-built stadium.

• The scene features both real-life rosters, culminating in a dagger of a KC goal off reigning MVP Temwa Chawinga’s right foot. (See full clip)

Art imitates life: “It is a little bit proof of concept,” Current co-owner Angie Long told ESPN. “Everything that we’ve built, even a show like Ted Lasso is seeing it.” (See full report)

Tune in: Ted Lasso airs Wednesdays on Apple TV.

Quote of the day

Liberty forward Breanna Stewart
rushing to meet New York’s most fashionable fan after last night’s win over Seattle.

WNBA All-Star and PhD candidate? This Fever favorite does it all.

WNBA’s Cleveland Sirens unveil name & logo

Cleveland’s 2028 WNBA expansion team will be called the Sirens. (Cleveland Sirens)

The Cleveland Sirens are setting sail, as Ohio’s WNBA expansion team unveiled its official identity — a nod to Lake Erie’s “power and pull” — ahead of its 2028 debut.

• The name pays homage to the city’s lakefront, while its colorway references the now-dissolved Cleveland Rockers (1997-2003).

• “The Cleveland Sirens are sharp, unapologetic, fearless and relentless, representative of this region, our Great Lake, and the future of our city and women’s basketball,” said President of Business Operations Allison Howard. (See full report)

Big moves: Owned by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, the Sirens will play at Rocket Arena alongside the NBA’s Cavaliers — also backed by Gilbert — while training at their own nearby facility.

• Cleveland follows Golden State, Toronto, and Portland into the league, becoming the WNBA’s 16th franchise before Detroit hits the court in 2029 and Philadelphia launches in 2030.

• “The enthusiasm and support behind the Cleveland Sirens underscore Cleveland’s role in the league’s next chapter,” said Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage. (See full release)

Get yours: Season ticket deposits and official Sirens merch are available now via clevelandsirens.com.

Wings & Mystics settle the series in DC

The Mystics host the Wings in tonight’s regular-season series finale. (Chris Jones/Imagn Images)

A rubber match tips off in Washington, as No. 4 Dallas visits No. 8 Washington to decide the pair’s regular-season series tonight.

• The Mystics took Friday’s most recent meeting 81-75 behind Shakira Austin’s 28 points and 10 rebounds, with the center notching her 11th double-double this season. (See full recap)

• Dallas then bounced back by routing No. 14 Connecticut 83-63 on Sunday, with Jessica Shepard and Arike Ogunbowale each dropping 15 points while Shepard also tacked on nine rebounds. (See full recap)

Scouting report: Washington is on a four-game winning streak — its longest since 2020 — powered by Austin’s scoring alongside sophomore guard Sonia Citron’s two-way spark. 

• The Wings haven’t won in DC since 2023, but hope to harness momentum after announcing they’ll move all 2027 home games from UT Arlington to Dallas’s 20,000-seat American Airlines Center.

• “We’re the Dallas Wings, at the end of the day. We’re not the Arlington Wings,” Ogunbowale told the Dallas Morning News. “Being actually in the city, in the culture — that’s going to be really good.” (See full report)

Tune in: Washington hosts Dallas tonight at 6:30 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

NWSL stars collide in WAFCON decider

Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga (L) and Zambia’s Barbra Banda meet in today’s WAFCON Group C finale. (Dustin Markland/NWSL via Getty Images)

Two NWSL stars are putting it all on the line, as Temwa Chawinga’s Malawi squares off with Barbra Banda’s Zambia in today’s win-or-go-home Group C closer.

• Entering the tournament ranked No. 153 in the world, Malawi turned Cinderella after the KC Current standout and her sister Tabitha (OL Lyonnes) fueled the WAFCON debutant to back-to-back wins.

• But the unbeaten Scorchers aren’t safe yet, facing a 1-1 Zambia side looking to avenge Saturday’s 1-0 loss to 10-time winner Nigeria. (See full preview)

How it works: If Malawi falls to the Copper Queens and Nigeria tops Egypt, Chawinga’s fairytale run could end via tiebreakers — though the three goals the sisters hung on the Super Falcons may prove their saving grace.

• A one-goal Zambia win would pull all three contenders level at six points, throwing Group C into a head-to-head scramble that currently favors Malawi.

• Reigning champion Nigeria controls its own fate, clinching a quarterfinal berth with a win over Egypt but risking a shock first-round exit with a draw and a Zambia victory. (See all scenarios)

Tune in: Chawinga and Banda take the pitch in Rabat today at 4 PM ET (CAF TV).

PRESENTED BY AMAZON PRIME

Don’t miss ‘Time Wasting’ with Kelley O’Hara & Ali Riley

Soccer icons Kelley O’Hara and Ali Riley are back, as all-new episode of Time Wasting presented by Amazon Prime serves up another jam-packed helping of tactical breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and insider perspectives.

• In the episode, Ali and Kelley dig into the NWSL’s wild week, including Utah silencing Portland and Gotham’s Emily Sonnett landing on the SEI list.

• Plus, Kelley breaks down FIFA’s big announcement and subsequent walk-back of its controversial funding plan.

Tune in: Catch Time Wasting on YouTube.

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Available in select areas. Terms Apply.

Summer transfer window reshapes WSL rosters

Barcelona signed Brazil forward Kerolín from Manchester City for a record fee. (Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The transfer market is buzzing, as UWCL champion Barcelona landed Brazil’s Kerolín for a record WSL fee while Arsenal reportedly sends USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger back to the NWSL.

• Barcelona signed the 26-year-old from Manchester City for £1.25 million, topping 2025 Arsenal addition Olivia Smith’s previous £1 million mark.

• Kerolín will fill an attacking gap for the Spanish titan, after big-name exits by Alexia Putellas, Mapi León, and Ona Batlle. (See full report)

Homeward bound: Nighswonger is said to be joining Bay FC, landing back in market as US coach Emma Hayes zeroes in on her 2027 World Cup roster.

• The 25-year-old transferred to Arsenal from Gotham FC in 2024, going on to lift the Champions League trophy with the Gunners in 2025. (See full report)

2026 Solheim Cup takes shape

Ireland’s Leona Maguire (L) and England’s Charley Hull return to Team Europe for September’s Solheim Cup. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The Solheim Cup is setting the field, as captain Anna Nordqvist polished off Team Europe’s 12-player lineup while the US locked in two automatic entries for next month’s showdown in the Netherlands.

• Nordqvist tapped Irish vet Leona Maguire alongside rookies Julia López Ramírez (Spain), Nastasia Nadaud (France), and Mimi Rhodes (England), pairing them with eight qualifiers including UK favorites Charley Hull and Lottie Woad. (See full roster)

Taking stock: On the US side, three-time competitors Angel Yin and Jennifer Kupcho clinched their spots to join world No. 1 Nelly Korda at Bernardus Golf. 

• The seven top-ranked US players after August 23rd’s CPKC Women’s Open punch automatic tickets, with captain Angela Stanford adding three more to round out the defending champion squad. (See full report)

Stay tuned: The 2026 Solheim Cup runs September 11-13 (NBC/Golf Channel).

Number of the day

1

USWNT legend Tobin Heath will sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the Portland Thorns this month, allowing her to officially retire as a member of the club.

Life is but a Dream for Atlanta forward Angel Reese.

Kelsey Plum sinks Chicago in Phoenix debut

New Phoenix Mercury signing Kelsey Plum scored 20 points in just 21 minutes against the Chicago Sky. (Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images)

Phoenix’s latest addition wasted no time, as Kelsey Plum put up 20 points in just 21 minutes to lift the No. 10 Mercury over No. 11 Chicago — going on to sink the game-winner in Monday’s 106-101 win.

• Plum saw her first on-court action since June 21st, after the recently recovered vet departed No. 9 LA in a headline-making midseason trade.

• “It’s a cocktail for success, as far as I’m concerned,” Plum said of her fresh start in Phoenix. (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: Last night’s late comeback spoke to Plum’s value, as the 12-19 Mercury make a last-ditch playoff push with just 13 regular-season games remaining.

• “We coveted her for a long time,” Phoenix GM Nick U’Ren said of the 31-year-old. “Because of her skill, because of her toughness, because of her character, because of her work ethic.”

• Plum teams up with All-Stars Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, after Thomas notched a 19-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist triple-double on Monday. (See full report)

Up next: The Mercury is back at it tomorrow, facing No. 6 Atlanta at 7 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Golden State takes on new-look Toronto

The Valkyries defeated Toronto 96-79 on Sunday. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Valkyries are nearing a sweep, as No. 3 Golden State looks to finish off No. 13 Toronto in tonight’s regular-season series closer after squashing the Tempo 96-79 on Sunday.

• Forward Janelle Salaün led a balanced Valkyries scoring effort with 24 points, backed by veteran Tiffany Hayes’s 15 points off the bench.

• “They maximized their energy — I thought they emptied the tank,” Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase said of the duo. “[Hayes] will go until she’s completely about to faint.” (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: With just one win in its last 10 games, Toronto is fighting to end a second-half skid behind reinforcements brought in at the trade deadline.

• The Tempo has been managing a significant injury load, playing without top scorer Marina Mabrey on Sunday due to neck soreness.

• Mabrey is questionable for tonight’s rematch, but Toronto should have new signing Aneesah Morrow available after she joined the 2026 expansion squad from Connecticut this week. (See full report)

Tune in: Golden State faces Toronto tonight at 10 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Alexandra Eala earns 1st WTA title at DC Open

Alexandra Eala is the first Filipina tennis player to win a WTA singles title. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

World No. 20 Alexandra Eala has arrived, lifting her first-ever WTA trophy after taking down No. 3 Jessica Pegula in a rain-delayed three-set DC Open marathon.

• Eala took down a gauntlet of talent en route to the 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 hard-court victory, defeating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, No. 9 Elina Svitolina, former No. 1 Naomi Osaka, and defending DC champion Leylah Fernandez.

• With the win, she also became the first Filipino player to earn a WTA singles title. (Watch full highlights)

Looking ahead: With the US Open rapidly approaching, the rest of the WTA is busy tuning up in Toronto before landing in Cincinnati — the final tournaments before the season’s last Grand Slam.

• The Williams sisters might have US Open doubles on their minds after officially accepting wildcard entry to the Cincinnati Open, as Serena continues to recover from an injury suffered at Wimbledon.

• Eala now joins a stacked Toronto Open field that includes No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 4 Coco Gauff, and other big-name stars. (See full draw)

Tune in: Toronto Open coverage continues today at 11 AM ET (Tennis Channel).

Take a page out of the JWS playbook, as The Playbook presented by Justworks showcases JWS founder Haley Rosen in conversation with the founders, athletes, and operators shaping the future of women’s sports.

• In the latest episode, Angel City FC co-founder Julie Uhrman joins Haley to break down how the 2022 NWSL expansion team became one of the world’s most valuable women’s soccer clubs — from buzzy activations and celebrity ownership to on-pitch growing pains and plans for the future.

• “We know what great sporting events feel like,” Uhrman said. “We wanted to create Angel city to be an experience that we wanted to go to, that people would talk about when they left. And if you weren’t there, you had an insane amount of FOMO.”

Tune in: Don’t miss The Playbook on YouTube.

Tour de France Femmes turns up the heat

Norwegian cyclist Sigrid Haugset took a surprise early lead on Monday. (NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images)

The Tour de France is coming in hot, already delivering surprises after Norwegian cyclist Sigrid Haugset took an unexpected early lead in Monday’s Stage 3.

• A 68-kilometer solo breakaway saw Haugset hold off two-time world champion Lotte Kopecky to lead by two minutes and two seconds overall — good for her first Tour de France Femmes stage-winner yellow jersey.

• “I can’t believe she didn’t catch me. I was so dizzy at the end — I couldn’t lift my arms off the bike,” Haugset told reporters. (Watch full highlights)

Looking ahead: With six stages to go, Kopecky alongside fellow favorites Demi Vollering and defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot are expected to make gains. (See full updates)

Tune in: Tour de France Femmes coverage continues through Sunday (Peacock).

Coach Marc Skinner departs Manchester United

Marc Skinner is leaving Man United after five years at the helm. (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Man United needs a new manager, after coach Marc Skinner mutually terminated his contract with the WSL club just one month before 2026/27 season kickoff.

• Skinner led Manchester United for five years, overseeing both its Champions League debut and 2024 FA Cup win.

• However, last season’s fourth-place finish saw United fail to qualify for a second UWCL run, giving way to a quiet transfer window ahead of next month’s opener. (See full report)

Big picture: Skinner’s departure adds to concerns about the club’s finances, after former coach Casey Stoney resigned in 2021 over internal investment frustrations.

• United is now reportedly focused on homegrown talent, having recently transferred forward Melvine Malard to Chelsea for £850,000. (See full report)

Quote of the day

Dalls Wings CEO Greg Bibb
announcing plans to move the Wings to the 20,000-seat American Airlines Center next year.

The Cleveland WNBA expansion team is teasing their new name ahead of a Tuesday announcement this week.

Kelsey Plum heads to Phoenix in midseason trade

Plum is averaging 23.9 points per game as she eyes a return from injury. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

All-Star guard Kelsey Plum is on her way to Phoenix, after the LA Sparks sent their star to the Mercury before the midseason trade deadline passed on Sunday.

• In return, Phoenix sent guard Monique Akoa Makani to Los Angeles, alongside a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.

• Plum joins Phoenix on an expiring contract, without promising to re-sign with the organization after this season — though ESPN reported she’d be open to remaining with the Mercury.

Big picture: Plum’s departure from Los Angeles after less than two seasons marks the only big swing trade of the weekend, with Toronto the only other team making a move to push up the standings.

• The Tempo sent Maria "Masha" Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for second year forward Aneesah Morrow, as Toronto sits in 13th in the WNBA standings.

• "She's a relentless competitor who impacts the game in so many ways, particularly with her ability to rebound at a high level,” Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers said of Morrow.

Utah dominates Portland to keep up in Shield race

The Royals took down Portland 5-1 on Sunday. (Chris Gardner/NWSL via Getty Images)

The No. 3 Utah Royals showed off on Sunday, defeating No. 6 Portland 5-1 in a flurry of attacking quality that keep Utah just four points back from the top of the NWSL standings.

• Portland forward Sophia Wilson opened the scoring in just the first minute of the match, but Utah came roaring back courtesy of two goals from Cece Delzer, and single strikes from Brecken Mozingo, Kiana Palacios, and Kate Del Fava.

• “That's just a beauty of our roster,” said Delzer of the Royals’ multiple goal-scorers. “Our locker room is very much where we want to give each other our flowers and celebrate each other.”'

Big picture: With their 10th win of the season, Utah has already registered the club’s best win record since 2019, and their best overall record since re-joining the NWSL as an expansion side in 2024.

• The club’s 31 goals in 2026 mark their highest single season scoring tally in team history, while their +12 goal differential sits second in the league this year, only behind No. 2 Washington.

• “it just shows that we're here to compete, we're here to stay in the mix.” said Delzer. “This is a great result for us and something that we can really carry on to next weekend.”

What’s next: Utah takes on Denver on Saturday, while Portland attempts a bounce-back performance against Boston on Sunday.

Aces face Atlanta following collapse in Chicago

Las Vegas fell to Chicago 84-83 on Saturday. (Jayden Mack/Getty Images)

The No. 2 Las Vegas Aces saw an uncharacteristic collapse on Saturday, falling 84-83 to the No. 10 Chicago Sky after entering the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead.

• The game’s result came down to the final play, as undrafted Sky rookie Sydney Taylor hit a near buzzer-beater 3-pointer to seal the win, capping off a 29-point performance to offset Aces forward A’ja Wilson’s 36 points.

• “This loss was completely avoidable,” said Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon. “If you’re looking at it from our perspective.”

Big picture: Sitting four games behind league-leading Minnesota, the Aces face another difficult battle tonight against the No. 4 Atlanta Dream, who have rattled off five straight wins after a difficult stretch of results.

• The return of forward Brionna Jones from injury has bolstered the Dream’s key depth, as forward Angel Reese continues to dominate the boards as an elite rebounder.

• “That’s kind of what we’ve been waiting for, for Bri,” said Reese. “I’m glad I’m on this side of things now, having Bri on my team.”

Tune in: Las Vegas takes on Atlanta tonight at 7 PM ET, live on Peacock.

Catch up on the latest women’s soccer headlines, as an all-new episode of The Late Sub presented by Ally Bank dishes up host Claire Watkins’s hottest takes on all things USWNT, NWSL, Champions League, and more.

• In the episode, Claire rehashes some big-name injuries after USWNT mainstay Emily Sonnett was stretchered off Gotham’s 2-2 draw with Portland.

• Claire goes on to explore other teams facing roster woes — before diving into potential 2027 World Cup implications as the global tournament approaches.

Tune in: Catch The Late Sub with Claire Watkins on YouTube.

Ally Bank, Member FDIC.

WPBL opening weekend passes the torch

The LA Queens won the first game in WPBL history on Saturday. (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)

Women’s professional baseball started anew on a rainy day in Springfield, IL on Saturday, as the LA Queens won the first-ever WPBL game 10-8 over the New York Heights in dramatic fashion.

• LA’s victory came after a furious comeback, overcoming a 7-2 deficit in the second inning, pulling ahead in the seventh and final inning of the game to come out of the inaugural Opening Day with a win.

• San Francisco also came out of the weekend with a 1-0 record, taking down Boston 11-3 on Sunday behind a three RBI performance from second baseman Amanda Gianelloni.

Big picture: The weekend also held greater importance than just the result on the field, as hope springs eternal for a consistent women’s baseball league in the US.

• “When I walked on the field, I started crying because of how much this moment meant and how much it meant to everybody,” said LA catcher Maggie Foxx. “It means everything to us.”

NWSL cuts ties with Victory+

All remaining Victory+ games will be broadcast on NWSL+. (Amanda Loman/NWSL via Getty Images)

The NWSL will finish out the 2026 seasoason with one fewer broadcast partner, after the league announced last week that it has severed its partnership with Victory+, effective immediately.

• The Athletic reported on Thursday that the move is in part due to a lack of on-time payments — an issue that has caused MLB’s Texas Rangers and the NHL Anaheim Ducks to also leave the platform.

• “There will be no disruption to our broadcast schedule, so you can continue to watch your favorite clubs all season long,” the NWSL said in a statement.

Big picture: The NWSL had signed on with Victory+ less than a year ago, finding a home for inventory in addition to the league’s ongoing partnerships with CBS Sports, Prime, ESPN, and Scripps.

• All NWSL matches originally scheduled to air on Victory+ this season will now be streamed for free on the league-produced NWSL+ service.

Quote of the day

Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams
on what she told Caitlin Clark after not wearing Clark’s signature shoe against the Fever on Sunday.

Chicago’s DiJonai Carrington made her 2026 debut last night, helping lift the Sky over the Sun after missing 27 games with injury.

Report: NWSL shifts 2027 kickoff to February

The NWSL’s reported schedule shift comes ahead of the 2027 World Cup. (Daniel Bartel/NWSL via Getty Images)

The NWSL is making changes, as The Athletic reported the US league plans to open next season in February — shifting up a full month to make room for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

• The proposed schedule kicks off preseason play in January, with the regular season underway on February 11th and playoffs running through late November.

• If confirmed, 2027 would mark the earliest season start in league history, giving way to an especially lengthy midseason break. (See full report)

Big picture: The NWSL has made increasingly significant calendar concessions in recent years, pausing the regular-season for the 2023 World Cup, 2025 Women’s Euros, and 2026 Men’s World Cup.

• The 2027 World Cup runs from June 24th to July 25th, with the NWSL — one of the only pro leagues on a spring-to-fall schedule — forced to accommodate the interruption.

• The league declined to vote on adopting a fall-to-spring model until 2030 — shortly before the US, Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica are expected to host the 2031 World Cup. (See full report)

Kansas City & Angel City battle for playoff contention

Kansas City enters the weekend clash hot off Wednesday’s 5-1 win over Louisville. (Jay Biggerstaff/NWSL via Getty Images)

The NWSL playoff race is taking shape, with postseason hopefuls No. 6 Kansas City and No. 8 Angel City jockeying for positioning as the 2026 regular season cruises past its halfway mark.

• The Current leads ACFC by six points in the NWSL standings heading into Saturday’s clash — though LA has two games in hand.

• KC arrives in blazing form despite losing back-to-back MVP Temwa Chawinga to WAFCON, riding high after routing No. 16 Louisville 5-1 on Wednesday. (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: ACFC is looking to regain its footing, after seeing its three-game post-break winning streak snapped in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Louisville.

• Angel City is struggling with absences of its own, announcing star striker Jun Endo suffered another season-ending knee injury in July 11th’s upset win over No. 4 San Diego.

• “This is not the news you ever want to receive about an athlete,” said Director of Medical Hollie Walusz. “Especially someone who has worked so incredibly hard to get back on the field doing what she loves.” (See full statement)

Tune in: Kansas City hosts Angel City tomorrow at 6:30 PM ET, live on ION.

Rolling Minnesota faces tough test in Indiana

The Lynx are on a league-leading nine-game winning streak. (Bailey McLean/Getty Images)

No. 1 Minnesota is on a roll, carrying a nine-game winning streak into Sunday’s clash with a No. 5 Indiana side intent on proving its worth against the league-leader.

• After sweeping No. 12 Toronto this week, the Lynx have risen three games above No. 2 Las Vegas behind a balanced, full-court effort.

• “As we hit the second half of the season going to the playoffs, we want to be making sure we’re playing our best basketball,” said forward Napheesa Collier. “And that is on defense too.” (See full standings)

Scouting report: The Fever enters the weekend on its own winning streak, racking up four straight even after star center Aliyah Boston exited Tuesday’s game against No. 15 Seattle with an apparent knee injury.

• Good news seems to be in store, however, as Boston is listed as “probable” ahead of tonight’s matchup with No. 9 Portland, with guard Caitlin Clark and forward Monique Billings also expected to play.

• “It wasn’t really worth the risk for us in the second half,” head coach Stephanie White said of keeping Boston off the court. “Just want to be very conservative and make sure she’s good to go.” (See full report)

Tune in: Minnesota takes on Indiana on Sunday at 1 PM ET, live on ABC.

Coach made an All-Star splash last week, as the sixth installment of Coach Story Sessions brought WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, rookie phenom Azzi Fudd, and gymnastics superstar Jordan Chiles to Chicago.

• The conversation honored the WNBA’s 30-year history, paying tribute to the trailblazers who laid the foundation while shining a spotlight on the new generation redefining the sport.

• “I am forever grateful to you and everyone that came before me,” Fudd told Leslie. “You guys were doing all that hard work, doing everything you could to gain everyone’s respect, try to get people to buy in, to watch, because once you buy in, you fall in love.”

Tune in: Catch Coach Story Sessions on YouTube.

Pro women’s baseball takes the field

Former MLB pitcher Keith Foulke will manage the Boston Hunters in their first WPBL season. (WPBL)

The WPBL throws out its first pitch tomorrow, as the country’s first professional women’s baseball league since 1954 kicks off its inaugural season.

• Superstars Kelsie Whitmore, Mo’ne Davis, and Ayami Sato headline the four-team upstart, with all games set inside a neutral Springfield, Illinois stadium.

• “Playing in a male-dominated environment, [we] kind of shrink ourselves,” Savannah Bananas and Call State Fullerton alum Whitmore told The Huddle. “Once we all step on the field and we’re all with each other, it’s like the walls let down.” (See full interview)

How it works: Each team (New York, San Francisco, LA, Boston) plays a 15-game regular season leading to a championship series — all with live national coverage.

• ESPN and Scripps have signed on as broadcast partners, with ESPN streaming all 37 games, including 11 simulcast on Scripps Sports Network. (See full report)

Tune in: LA takes on New York tomorrow at 6 PM ET, live on ESPN Select.

UEFA & Concacaf push back on FIFA privatization

UEFA voted to boycott all FIFA competitions until its private funding proposal is revoked. (Maryam Majd/Getty Images)

FIFA caused an uproar this week, as President Gianni Infantino proposed creating a $20 billion subsidiary designed sell off tournament stakes to private investors.

• UEFA released a statement rejecting the plan, after its 55 member nations voted to boycott all FIFA competitions — including the 2027 Women’s World Cup — until the proposal is revoked.

• Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation backed UEFA, after each regional federation called its own emergency meeting. (See full report)

Taking a stand: “This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty,” UEFA said. “The moment external investors ‌acquire ownership ⁠interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever.” (See full statement)

Quote of the day

Sky center Kamilla Cardoso
on her season-high 11 free-throw attempts in last night’s 94-88 win over the Sun.

One mascot, many questions — who really is Ellie the Elephant?

Reshuffled Gotham gets the result

Midge Purce scored in the second minute to lift Gotham FC over Bay FC 1-0 last night. (David Gonzales/Imagn Images)

No. 2 Gotham held on last night, as Midge Purce’s early goal secured the defending champion’s 1-0 win over No. 14 Bay FC — despite a remixed starting XI.

• Purce polished off Jaelin Howell’s knock-down header to register her 10th regular-season game-winner, breaking a club record previously shared with now-departed Esther.

• Bay goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz limited the damage with nine saves on the night — but even USWNT vet Abby Dahlkemper’s 84th-minute return from maternity leave wasn’t enough to turn things around after a disallowed Kennedy Fuller goal. (Watch full highlights)

Missing pieces: A reconfigured Gotham lineup took the pitch in San Jose, as interim coach Shaun Harris started reserve keeper Shelby Hogan over Ann-Katrin Berger, replaced injured Emily Sonnett with Jess Carter, and missed Esther’s attacking prowess up front.

• Harris said he opted to give Berger “a little bit of a rest,” while failing to provide an update on Sonnett’s status beyond Tuesday’s brief mention of knee surgery.

• “Jess had a really good game and she really showed her class, defending not just off the ball, but on the ball as well,” he said of the England international. “She’s a world class player that we really rely on.” (See full remarks)

Up next: Gotham moves on to face No. 12 Houston on Saturday at 8 PM ET (NWSL+), before Bay hosts No. 10 Seattle at 8:45 PM ET (ION).

Liberty & Aces renew rivalry in Vegas

The Las Vegas Aces host Sabrina Ionescu’s New York Liberty in tonight’s 2026 Commissioner’s Cup final rematch. (Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)

New York and Las Vegas are running it back, as the No. 7 Liberty visits the No. 2 Aces in tonight’s 2026 Commissioner’s Cup rematch.

• New York is reeling after dropping six of its last 10 matchups, giving up 94.1 points per game during the skid despite forward Breanna Stewart’s 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds a night.

• Las Vegas is rolling at 7-3 through the same stretch, backed by A’ja Wilson’s 26.2-point, 9.7-rebound, and 2.0-block average. (See full stats)

Head to head: The Liberty holds this season’s edge, tallying two wins over the Aces last month — including the 93-85 Commissioner’s Cup triumph.

• Though both teams are coming off post-All-Star victories, with the Aces stomping No. 9 Portland 98-83 before New York quieted No. 12 LA 113-109 on Monday.

• “We have what we need to get it done. We need to just really focus on the now,” Stewart said this week. “I feel like the first half of the season there was a little bit of hesitancy from everybody... I don’t want to have excuses.” (See full report)

Tune in: Las Vegas tips off against New York tonight at 10 PM ET (Prime).

NWSL’s Chawinga, Banda light up WAFCON

Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga (C) scored twice to lead Malawi past reigning champion Nigeria in the country’s WAFCON debut. (CAFOnline)

Top NWSL stars are dominating in Morocco, as 11 league players across eight WAFCON nations battle for four 2027 World Cup berths this week.

• Back-to-back MVP Temwa Chawinga made history in Malawi’s debut, as the Current star scored her country’s first-ever WAFCON goal and added the stoppage-time winner to upset 10-time champion Nigeria 3-2 — with sister Tabitha Chawinga netting her own along the way.

• “We are going to compete, not just to participate,” Chawinga told The Athletic ahead of Monday’s Group C opener. “We can think like we’re underdogs, but we’re just going there to show up like we can do it.” (Watch full highlights)

Around the horn: Golden Boot-leader Barbra Banda (Orlando) was even more prolific in her Group C clash, ripping a 27-minute hat trick en route to four goals in Zambia’s clinical 6-0 rout of Egypt.

• Banda landed the final 96th-minute blow off a cut-back cross from Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji, producing WAFCON’s steepest scoreline since Nigeria shut out Mali by the same margin in 2016.

• “We are not relaxed,” Banda said postmatch. “We’re focused on the next game.” (Watch full highlights)

Stay tuned: WAFCON’s group stage runs through August 6th, with select matches streaming on CAF TV.

Between the Lines presented by Chase Freedom went live in Chicago, as women’s basketball legend Lisa Leslie brought more unfiltered commentary, insider perspectives, and cultural critique to 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend.

• Three-time league champion Candace Parker joined the live taping, chatting with Lisa about her favorite All-Star memories, iconic rookie-veteran duos, and dark horses in this season’s title race.

• “The Valkyries is the team who I’m like, ‘Y’all better be careful,’” Candace predicted. “The Valkyries may win the championship this year. I’m not trying to put down any other teams, I’m just saying the Valkyries are no joke.”

Tune in: Catch Between the Lines on YouTube.

USA Softball International Cup lands in OKC

World No. 2 Team USA hosts six nations at this week’s USA Softball International Cup in Oklahoma City. (KAZUHIRO FUJIHARA/AFP via Getty Images)

USA Softball steps up to the plate today, as the 2026 International Cup returns to Oklahoma City’s Devon Park — home to September’s WBSC World Cup Group Stage Olympic qualifiers.

• The world No. 2 US is split into two squads across the seven-team tournament, with the Women’s National Team leading Group B alongside No. 4 Canada, No. 8 China, and No. 11 Australia, while Group A’s Women’s Elite Team faces No. 1 Japan, No. 5 Chinese Taipei, and No. 42 American Samoa.

Taking stock: Entering with 11 Cup titles through 14 editions, Team USA is stocked with AUSL standouts fresh off the pro league’s successful second season.

• Headliners include NCAA legend NiJaree Canady (Volts), 2026 ROY Reese Atwood (Blaze), and two-time champion ace Montana Fouts (Talons). (See full lineup)

Tune in: Action kicks off today at 11 AM ET, live on ESPN+ and USASoftball.TV.

$1M volleyball exhibition taps NCAA teams

Nebraska and Penn State headline next month’s Spikes Under the Lights volleyball exhibition. (Dylan Widger/Imagn Images)

Spikes Under the Lights is set, as organizers announced the $1 million college volleyball exhibition’s August 27th slate this week — pitting Nebraska against Florida and Penn State against SMU inside Dallas’s AT&T Stadium.

• The Nittany Lions arrive with a record 45 NCAA tournament appearances and eight national titles, while the Huskers counter with 44 appearances and five championships.

• The Gators round out the field with 36 NCAA appearances, while SMU rides three straight tournament berths into the made-for-TV event.

How it works: The three-match, best-of-three set format features two first-round winners advancing to a final showdown, all tailored to fit into a three-hour primetime window.

• Each program automatically collects a $200,000 appearance fee, before battling for another $200,000 in prize money split between the champion and runner-up. (See full report)

Quote of the day

Wings coach Jose Fernandez
commenting on Dallas’s decision-making after last night’s 82-81 loss to Atlanta.

“We’re gutted and devastated to lose such a key player at this moment in the season.” - Gotham coach Shaun Harris on Emily Sonnett undergoing knee surgery this week.

Royals host Spirit in top-table test

The Utah Royals host Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit in tonight’s midweek matchup. (Jamie Sabau/Imagn Images)

Utah isn’t backing down, as the surging No. 3 Royals host the No. 1 Spirit tonight in an effort to narrow the three-point gap atop the NWSL.

• Utah arrives hot off Saturday’s 4-1 rout of No. 9 North Carolina, with four players contributing to the club’s highest-ever scoreline as star striker Cloé Lacasse tied Christen Press’s 2019 single-season Royals scoring record.

• “What this group is — and [Lacasse is] a great example of it — is humble,” coach Jimmy Coenraets said. “We’ll enjoy this win, but we also know that the hustle will start tomorrow.” (Watch full highlights)

Head to head: Utah remains unbeaten against Washington through three straight meetings — including March’s Mina Tanaka-fueled 1-1 draw.

• The Spirit has conceded just 12 goals this season after Sunday’s 1-0 win over No. 11 Denver, where US star Trinity Rodman connected with forward Sofia Cantore to net the game-winner from deep.

• “Tactically, the team is improving and growing every week,” manager Adrián González said. “We are finding different ways to win games, and I think that’s really positive.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Washington visits Utah tonight at 9 PM ET (NWSL+).

Trade winds swirl ahead of WNBA deadline

Kelsey Plum headlines recent WNBA trade rumors ahead of Sunday’s deadline. (Robert Kupbens/Imagn Images)

Top WNBA players might be on the move, as reports indicate team front offices are starting to scramble ahead of Sunday’s trade deadline.

• LA guard Kelsey Plum headlines the expiring contracts list, with sources claiming the 31-year-old doesn’t intend to re-sign — leaving the 11th-place Sparks at risk of losing their brightest star.

• Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier is also up for grabs after signing a one-year supermax deal ahead of 2026 — but the No. 1 Lynx hold the leverage, with coach Cheryl Reeve calling her team “open for business” while under no pressure to move the MVP-caliber forward. (See full report)

Buyers & sellers: The playoff-hopeful Mystics might look to pair Plum with second-year standout Sonia Citron, while No. 14 Connecticut appears a top seller as forward Aneesah Morrow draws interest.

• Tanking No. 12 Phoenix is said to be eyeing No. 4 Dallas’s Alanna Smith, while No. 7 New York considers parting with longtime guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton despite a steep asking price. 

• “You can’t be afraid to make bold moves when you have a championship opportunity,” Wings GM Curt Miller said this week. “It’s easy to become comfortable with sustained success, but championship windows don’t stay open forever.” (See full report)

Stay tuned: Expect big news this week as the August 2nd deadline nears.

Wings look to avoid regular-season Atlanta sweep

Atlanta’s Allisha Gray takes on Dallas tonight after dropping 29 points on Chicago. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

Two playoff hopefuls collide in Texas tonight, as No. 6 Atlanta visits No. 4 Dallas with the Wings looking to avoid a sweep in the pair’s final regular-season showdown.

• The Wings return from All-Star Weekend averaging 91.7 points on 47.1% shooting, taking seven of their last 10 matchups behind star sophomore Paige Bueckers’s 21.4 points per game. 

• Atlanta also looks to pick up where it left off, building on a three-game winning streak after All-Star guard Allisha Gray dropped 29 points to lift the Dream over No. 13 Chicago. (See full standings)

Head to head: Atlanta is 2-0 against Dallas this year, racking up back-to-back May wins behind offensive outpourings from Gray and forward Rhyne Howard.

• The Dream has since stuttered to a 16-10 record, while the 18-9 Wings are riding high after No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd became the league’s first-ever rookie 3-Point contest winner.

• “With the break, it was about making sure we got back to doing what we do,” Dallas coach Jose Fernandez said. “There’s a lot of excitement for the second half of the season, as there should be.” (See full report)

Tune in: Atlanta tips off against Dallas tonight at 8 PM ET (USA).

Final LPGA major tees off in Lancashire

The 2026 AIG Women’s Open — the LPGA Tour’s final major — starts tomorrow in England. (Ross Parker/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

The LPGA’s final major tees off tomorrow, as world No. 1 Nelly Korda shoots for a third 2026 title at the AIG Women’s Open — grouped with the year’s other two-time winner, No. 3 Haeran Ryu.

• Opening-round contenders Korda and Ryu have split all four majors this season, with Korda lifting the Chevron Championship and US Open trophies before Ryu answered with the Women’s PGA and Evian titles.

• Defending champion Miyu Yamashita, No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, and UK favorites No. 5 Lottie Woad, No. 7 Charley Hull, and 2018 winner Georgia Hall round out the 144-player lineup. (See full field)

Big bucks: This year’s purse saw a sixth consecutive boost, with golfers competing for a record $10 million — including a $1.5 million winner’s share. (See full report)

Tune in: Coverage begins tomorrow at 4 AM ET on Golf Channel, before shifting to USA at 8 AM ET.

Lauren Betts caps title season with Honda Cup win

UCLA alum Lauren Betts won the 2026 Honda Cup at Monday’s Collegiate Women Sports Awards. (Dare to Be Films/CWSA)

Lauren Betts’s dream season keeps rolling, as the Mystics rookie won the 2026 Honda Cup for Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year on Monday.

• The UCLA product beat out Pittsburgh volleyball’s Olivia Babcock and Nebraska softball’s Jordyn Frahm for the honor, becoming the 17th basketball player to lift the Cup following Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, Dawn Staley, and more.

• Betts led UCLA to its first NCAA title in March, winning Most Outstanding Player and sweeping the Big Ten awards before being selected fourth-overall in April’s WNBA Draft.

Big ups: “Lauren has distinguished herself among the very best in collegiate athletics,” said CWSA Executive Director Chris Voelz. “She represents the excellence, determination, and character that have defined CWSA honorees for five decades.” (See full release)

Number of the day 

1

Malawi beat 10-time champion Nigeria 3-2 yesterday, as KC Current star Temwa Chawinga scored her country’s first-ever WAFCON goal.

Where should the WNBA expand next? Ask the All-Stars.

Gotham mutually terminates Esther’s contract

Esther González departs Gotham FC as its all-time leading scorer. (Carmen Mandato/NWSL via Getty Images)

No. 2 Gotham FC is losing a centerpiece, as the Bats announced they’ve mutually terminated striker Esther’s contract this week — a surprise development with major league implications.

• According to a statement, the Spanish international is leaving the NWSL entirely, temporarily stepping away from soccer to attend to personal matters back home.

• “This journey has surpassed every expectation I had when I first came to Gotham,” Esther said, after tallying two NWSL championships, a Concacaf W Champions Cup title, and the 2026 Challenge Cup. “I will forever be proud to say that with this club, I won it all.” (See full release)

Big shoes: The 33-year-old built a legacy in her brief tenure, departing New Jersey as the team’s all-time leading scorer with 33 goals across all competitions.

• She’d been in terrific form this season, racking up four goals in her final three matches and six overall.

• “We wish Esther and her family all the best,” said Gotham President of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West. “Esther has been a model professional on and off the field.” (See full report)

Minnesota returns with winning mentality

The Lynx enter the season’s second half atop of the WNBA standings. (David Berding/Getty Images)

No. 1 Minnesota can feel the energy, tipping off the second half of the season atop the WNBA standings — with No. 1 playoff seeding front of mind.

• Bolstered by rookie phenom Olivia Miles and fellow 2026 All-Stars Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard, the Lynx already saw a boost via forward Napheesa Collier’s triumphant return from injury last week.

• “Phee’s not a player that a lot needs to be run for her,” said head coach Cheryl Reeve. “She finds offense because of the way she moves and playing off of others.” (See full report)

Scouting report: Minnesota faces expansion side Toronto tonight, as the Tempo comes off a three-game losing streak despite guard Marina Mabrey’s stellar play.

• Sitting 10th with 18 regular-season games to go, Toronto could look to sell ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline, while Minnesota won’t shy away from buying with a possible title run in the works.

• “We’re certainly a team that’s been quote ‘open for business,’ open-minded to things that are being talked about,” Reeve said. “It’ll be a busy week for us.” (See transaction tracker)

Tune in: The Lynx host the Tempo tonight at 8 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Las Vegas zeroes in on repeat push

Las Vegas sits in third place coming out of the All-Star break. (Bailey McLean/Getty Images)

No. 3 Las Vegas is on the hunt, as the reigning champion looks to set the tone for the season’s second half with tonight’s clash against No. 9 Portland.

• The Aces will aim to right the ship after dropping two of their last three games heading into the All-Star Weekend — including a 34-point blowout loss to Indiana.

• “At some point, all of us go through this,” said coach Becky Hammon. “Every team has a rough patch in the schedule where it’s just difficult.” (See full report)

Scouting report: Las Vegas has the chance to push restart against the reeling Fire, after the expansion team won just three of its last 10 matchups — and picked up some troubling injury news along the way.

• Portland guard Sarah Ashlee Barker tore her ACL in last week’s 101-97 loss to Dallas, with the Alabama product landing on the SEI list.

• “She is one of the better point-of-attack defenders in the league, and that’s how we've been using her,” coach Alex Sarama said. “It really hurts our defense.” (See full report)

Tune in: Las Vegas takes on Portland tonight at 10 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

WNBA All-Star Game attendance soars

Chicago broke the WNBA All-Star Game attendance record on Saturday. (Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)

The 2026 All-Star Game reached new heights, breaking the annual matchup’s all-time attendance record by selling out Chicago’s United Center — the NBA’s largest arena.

• 19,783 fans watched Team Spoon overtake Team Coop, edging the 2027 All-Star Game’s previous record of 19,487 set in Washington, DC.

• “To be able to have 19,000 people in the highest attendance ever in the All-Star Game, just really shows that our league is growing and people want to be around us,” said All-Star MVP Jonquel Jones. (See full recap)

Big splash: Saturday’s showdown also marked the first time the WNBA All-Star Game outsold the NBA All-Star Game, held in Los Angeles in February.

• 15,973 fans attended last season’s men’s event at the smaller Intuit Dome, outpaced by almost 4,000 WNBA fans. (See full report)

AUSL Awards highlight 2026 standouts

Two-time champion Montana Fouts took home Pitcher of the Year. (AUSL Softball)

Pro softball celebrated its stars on Friday, announcing the winners of the second annual AUSL Awards ahead of the season’s weekend finale.

• Chicago’s Sami Williams won Batter of the Year after setting records in both doubles (12) and RBIs (34) while batting .427 — good for second in the league.

• Rookie of the Year went to Carolina catcher Reese Atwood, after the Texas alum followed up back-to-back WCWS titles with a .309 batting average, eight home runs, and 25 RBIs.

Big winners: Two-time champion Utah’s Montana Fouts took home Pitcher of the Year — just days before clinching a second title with the Talons.

• Comeback Player of the Year went to Fouts’s teammate Bri Ellis, after she batted .353, tallied five home runs, and posted a .450 OBP. (See full list)

Number of the day 

73 million

The WNBA passed the 73-million viewer mark ahead of Friday’s All-Star Weekend, already making 2026 the most-watched season in league history.

Dominique Malonga threw down an All-Star dunk in Chicago this weekend.

Jonquel Jones leads Team Spoon to All-Star win

All-Star MVP Jonquell Jones notched a near triple-double to lift Team Spoon over Team Coop on Saturday. (JWS)

New York’s Jonquel Jones stood tall on Saturday, lifting the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game MVP trophy after leading Team Spoon to a 129-122 win over Team Coop.

• The Liberty big pulled off the league’s first MVP sweep, after earning 2021 WNBA MVP, 2024 Finals MVP, 2023 Commissioner’s Cup MVP, and 2026 All-Star MVP.

• “This is everything I dreamed about,” she said. “I told my parents when I was five years old that I was gonna be a professional athlete. The plan never changed — even when it looked murky.” (Watch full clip)

Big questions: Commissioner Cathy Engelbert came under scrutiny during her State of the League address, deflecting questions about her future as multiple reports suggest her tenure might be nearing its end.

• “I’m so blessed to be at the helm of this league during this incredible hyper-growth period,” she said. “I will just continue to do my job, execute the strategy, because it has been working.”

• Engelbert also announced the WNBA will debut its first centralized review center in 2027, in an effort to “help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process while continuing to improve the quality of the game.” (Watch full clip)

Up next: The regular season returns tomorrow, as No. 14 Connecticut faces No. 8 Washington at 7:30 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Emily Sonnett injury overshadows Gotham draw

Gotham FC’s Emily Sonnett was stretchered off in the opening minutes of Friday’s 2-2 draw with the Portland Thorns. (Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images)

Soccer fans held their breath on Friday, as USWNT and Gotham defender Emily Sonnett was stretchered off the field in the opening minutes of the Bats’ 2-2 draw with Portland.

• “Gotham FC defender Emily Sonnett left Friday’s match at Portland with a suspected left knee injury,” the team said in a statement. “She will receive further evaluation in New Jersey.”

• “Emily’s one of our key players as a leader on and off the pitch, so it’s really difficult when you lose such a great and key player that early in the game,” added interim manager Shaun Harris. (See full report)

Chess match: The game that followed pitted the No. 5 Thorns’ potent offense against No. 2 Gotham’s staunch backline.

• Superstar signing Sam Kerr played hero for the Bats, scoring her first goal since returning to the NWSL to secure the result in the 62nd minute.

• “I thought we were quite poor today, to be honest,” Kerr said postgame. “We were probably lucky to get away with the tie.” (Watch full highlights)

Up next: Gotham’s roadtrip continues with Wednesday’s visit to No. 14 Bay FC, kicking off at 10 PM ET (CBS Sports).

Utah wins 2nd straight AUSL title

The Talons swept the Bandits with a 6-1 win on Sunday. (AUSL)

The Utah Talons have done it again, sweeping the Chicago Bandits with Sunday’s 6-1 Game 2 win to claim a second straight Athletes Unlimited Softball League title.

• With victory adds to Utah’s AUSL domination, finishing as the second-year league’s No. 1 seed and champion in back-to-back seasons.

• “I’m incredibly proud of this group,” coach Cindy Ball-Malone said. “When I first met this group in March, I asked them what they wanted to do, and they said repeat — job well done.” (Watch full highlights)

Roster report: Talons Ace Montana Fouts delivered on the big stage, pitching a complete game while allowing just one run on eight hits with four strikeouts.

• “I’m very proud of how I felt when I saw the rest of my team,” the 2026 Pitcher of the Year said. “I felt genuine love. I’m thankful I got the opportunity to get it done for them.”

• Outfielder Jadelyn Allchin took championship series MVP, going 3-for-6 at the plate while recording three runs and three RBIs. (See full report)

Up next: The AUSL now gears up for the 2026 All-Star Cup, taking the field on August 8th at 7 PM ET (ESPNU).

Catch up on the latest women’s soccer headlines, as an all-new episode of The Late Sub presented by Ally Bank dishes up host Claire Watkins’s hottest takes on all things USWNT, NWSL, Champions League, and more.

• In the episode, retired legend Ali Riley helps Claire break down the biggest questions for the USWNT’s 2027 World Cup roster, discussing which players might make the cut and dropping some bold statements along the way.

Tune in: Catch The Late Sub with Claire Watkins on YouTube.

Ally Bank, Member FDIC.

US Open hopefuls hit the hard court in DC

US star Madison Keys returns to the hard court at this week’s 2026 Mubadala DC Open. (James Fearn/Getty Images)

The tennis world is swinging back to the States, as the WTA’s best hit the hard court in Washington, DC this week ahead of August’s US Open.

• The Mubadala DC Open serves as a WTA 500-level tune-up tournament for both singles and doubles, as the season’s final Grand Slam looms.

• Slam winners Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, and Venus Williams headline this year’s field, alongside US favorites world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and No. 26 Emma Navarro. (See full draw)

Trading places: Venus Williams had originally paired with Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala in doubles, before a late scratch saw Russia’s Diana Shnaider step in.

• Eala is one of several missing big names, as No. 6 Karolína Muchová, No. 12 Victoria Mboko, and No. 15 Jasmine Paolini all sit this one out.

• “Venus is someone who deserves a partner who can give their all,” Eala said. “Right now I think I can only do that for singles.” (See full report)

Tune in: DC Open coverage continues through Sunday, live on Tennis Channel.

Sha’Carri Richardson wins big at US Championships

US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson won her third 100-meter title on Friday. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Sha’Carri Richardson is back on top, winning her third-career 100-meter title at Friday’s 2026 US Championships — and underlining her recent return to form.

• The star sprinter finished in 10.77 seconds — slightly off her personal best time of 10.65 — as a last-second burst saw her reclaim her title.

• “It feels phenomenal to be back in a better place: healthy mentally, physically, emotionally,” Richardson told NBC Sports. “Hard work pays off.” (Watch full clip)

Cleaning up: Elsewhere, reigning 200-meter world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden easily took the 200-meter US crown with a season-best time of 21.69.

• “I told myself, ‘Just let each phase of the race come to you,’” she said afterward. “‘Go out there, [and] when the gun goes off, let it rip.’” (See full results)

What you had to say

On Saturday, 55.43% of you said Team Spoon would win the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Good call.

• 55.43%: Team Spoon

• 44.57%: Team Coop

Welcome to JWS’ WNBA All-Star Weekend takeover, your one-stop-shop for all things 2026 All-Star — including a very special presidential visit.

A’ja Wilson & Caitlin Clark fuel Team Spoon

Honorary GMs Teresa Weatherspoon and Cynthia Cooper drafted this year’s WNBA All-Star Game rosters. (JWS)

WNBA icon Teresa Weatherspoon chose wisely, as the honorary All-Star Game GM used her No. 1 pick to pair four-time MVP A’ja Wilson with anchor Caitlin Clark.

• Clark landed on Team Spoon via a coin toss after finishing second in fan voting, with Rookie of the Year frontrunner Olivia Miles, 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston, and triple-double machine Jessica Shepard rounding out the starting lineup.

• Reserve standouts Rhyne Howard and Nneka Ogwumike bring creativity and experience to a deep bench, while Lynx boss Cheryl Reeve handles the coaching duties. (See full roster)

Scouting report: This year’s All-Star matchup points to a track meet, with both teams turning show-stopping plays as the league celebrates its 30th season.

• “It’s been really fun to watch her,” Clark said of Miles. “She sets her teammates up for success, and I think the exciting part for her is there’s still so many ways for her game to grow.”

• “A’ja,” Miles said when asked who she’s most excited to play with. “She’s just someone who captivates the whole room, and she’s so inspiring.” (Watch full clip)

Tune in: Team Spoon takes the court tonight at 8:30 PM ET, live on ABC.

Top vote-getter Paige Bueckers leads Team Coop

Team Coop centerpiece Paige Bueckers led all All-Star Game fan votes with 1,045,051. (Christine Tannous/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Cynthia Cooper’s squad is coming in hot, as the WNBA legend’s Team Coop takes the floor tonight behind top vote-getter Paige Bueckers.

• Cooper drafted three-time league champion Breanna Stewart first, building a starting five that spans four-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, 2019 DPOY Natasha Howard, and 2025 steals leader Gabby Williams. 

• She took Angel Reese with her No. 1 reserves selection, sending the Atlanta star back to the city that drafted her in 2024, while Aces coach Becky Hammon calls the shots from the sideline. (See full roster)

Scouting report: Team Coop saw a late scratch this week, as 2024 Olympic gold medalist Kahleah Copper swapped spots with injured reserve pick Kelsey Plum.

• Bueckers expressed excitement to be playing with Unrivaled teammate Dominique Malonga (Seattle), while also promising to bring some pizzazz to the court.

• “All good times with Dom,” she told reporters. “I’m hoping to get a lob tomorrow — we didn’t get a lot of those in Unrivaled. So hopefully bring that out.” (Watch full clip)

Tune in: Team Coop tips off tonight at 8:30 PM ET, live on ABC.

Azzi Fudd makes 3-Point Contest history

Dallas guard Azzi Fudd became the first-ever rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest on Friday. (JWS)

Azzi Fudd made a splash last night, as the No. 1 overall draft pick won the WNBA’s 3-Point Contest to become the All-Star event’s first-ever rookie champion.

• The Dallas guard opened with a 24-point showing, besting Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard (20), Golden State’s Janelle Salaün (19), Toronto’s Marina Mabrey (18), and Seattle’s Natisha Hiedeman (17) to meet Portland’s Bridget Carleton (27) in the final.

• The UConn product then caught fire, draining all five first-rack balls before knocking down 20 of 26 shots for a 30-point finish — far eclipsing Carleton’s 19-point effort. (Watch full clip)

Big bucks: All participants pocketed $10,000, while Fudd picked up an extra $20,000 for plus $40,000 from Aflac, Carleton took home an additional $30,000, and Howard walked with $15,000. 

• “This is what you do every single day as a basketball player,” Fudd told ESPN. “I just want to see the ball go in.” (See full report)

Blasting off: Team Washington — Mystics center Shakira Austin, franchise legend Elena Delle Donne, and high school prospect Jezelle “GG” Banks — outshone Team Seattle 31-24 to lift Friday’s inaugural Shooting Stars trophy.

• The winners split Aflac’s $85,000 check alongside $22,500 each, while all current and former pros received $7,500 apiece.

• “I loved it,” Delle Donne said. “To be able to lead the next generation and see our next superstars rising, it’s really cool.” (Watch full highlights)

The AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is here, as the league’s best and brightest take over Chicago’s iconic United Center in one of the most anticipated events of the 2026 season.

Tune in: The action tips off at 8:30 PM ET, live on ABC.

All-Star Profile: Kelsey Mitchell gets her flowers

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell is averaging a career-high 23.3 points per game. (Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Surrounded by superstars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell enters her fourth All-Star Game as one of the league’s most underrated offensive threats — quietly averaging a career-high 23.3 points per game this year.

• “It’s about time that people give Kelsey her flowers,” Boston said of her teammate. “The way that she shows up every single day, the way that she gives us everything, is so amazing.”

• “She's incredibly underrated,” echoed Clark. “There’s not a better scorer in this league in a one-on-one matchup than Kelsey.”

Big moves: Coming off a late-2025 health scare, Mitchell has altered small parts of her routine, with IV treatments now a fixture of her off-court recovery.

• Her outside game has only improved, averaging nearly three made 3-pointers per game while shooting a career-best 42% from behind the arc.

• “I want my game to always be limitless, and I can find different ways to do different things,” Mitchell explained. “It was just about making sure I felt confident, trusting my work a lot more.” (See full stats)

Off the court: If that wasn’t enough, Mitchell’s been pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership, aligning her All-Star mindset with a grad student’s discipline.

• “The balance of being a professional athlete, and then having to go home and do some schoolwork — it keeps me honest,” Mitchell said.

• “She’s literally doing school work, and then goes and drops 30 on everybody,” Clark laughed. “Pretty incredible.” (See full report)

Tune in: Mitchell suits up for Team Coop tonight at 8:30 PM ET, live on ABC.

JWS drops exclusive merch collection

As women’s basketball’s biggest weekend tips off, Just Women’s Sports is celebrating a moment 30 years in the making with the Main Event Collection.

• Inspired by the style, culture, and energy of the '90s, the exclusive merch collection pays tribute to the players who ushered in a new era for the game and the fans who continue to carry that legacy forward.

• “Today’s momentum in women’s basketball was built on decades of moments that came before,” said JWS Founder and CEO Haley Rosen. “The Main Event Collection is a nod to that history and style — something fans can wear to celebrate the game’s past, present, and future.” (See full drop)

Be there: Fans hitting up Chicago this weekend can check out the Main Event Collection and stock up in-person today at JWS Spot from 2 to 6 PM CT at Bottom Lounge. (Reserve free ticket)

Get yours: Browse the full Main Event Collection now via JWS Shop.

Question of the day

These WNBA All-Stars came to play… on the Orange Carpet.

Aflac boosts WNBA All-Star purse to $170K

Aflac will hand out an additional $170,000 across WNBA All-Star Weekend’s 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars. (Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Aflac is raising the All-Star stakes, as the insurance giant expanded its partnership with the WNBPA to up tonight’s total prize money to a record $170,000.

• The purse is divided into six payouts across Friday’s 3-Point Contest ($40,000, $30,000, and $15,000) and Shooting Stars ($85,000, split TBD), with second- and third-place 3-Point Contest finishers cashing in for the first time in WNBA All-Star history. 

• Aflac’s commitment has climbed steadily in the deal’s third year, growing from $110,000 in 2024 to $115,000 in 2025 before making the $55,000 leap. (See full report)

Big bucks: Past recipients have put their All-Star earnings toward homes, charitable foundations, and community investment — with 2024 winner Allisha Gray’s combined earnings totaling more than half her annual salary.

• Aflac’s contribution comes alongside the league’s new CBA-mandated awards, with all 3-Point Contest participants receiving $10,000 each, while the winner gets an additional $20,000.

• “This multi-tier prize structure is a historic moment for WNBA players that showcases the value of Aflac’s supplemental support,” said WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson. 

Tune in: 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend tips off tonight at 8 PM ET, live on ESPN.

Portland gears up for Gotham showdown

Morgan Weaver (C) returns from a season-ending injury this weekend. (Amanda Loman/NWSL via Getty Images)

No. 4 Portland is aiming to stop the skid, entering tonight’s heavyweight clash with No. 2 Gotham after dropping back-to-back matches this month.

• The Thorns are chasing the Bats up NWSL table after Gotham drew level with league-leader Washington at 30 points apiece last weekend.

• “It’s always difficult coming to Portland and playing in this environment,” said interim Gotham manager Shaun Harris. “But at the same time we relish these kinds of moments.” (See full standings)

Taking stock: Portland should expect an boost via forward Morgan Weaver, as the veteran returns from a knee injury that’s kept her sidelined since November 2024.

• Star striker Sophia Wilson tops the Thorns in goals with seven on the season, while Pietra Tordin leads in assists with six across 16 games.

• “Portland is a very good team,” said Gotham defender Bruninha. “They have very good players and very fast players, so we need to give them our full attention.” (See full preview)

Tune in: Portland hosts Gotham tonight at 10 PM ET, live on Prime.

NWSL stars headline WAFCON rosters

Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga makes her WAFCON debut on Tuesday. (Dustin Markland/NWSL via Getty Images)

NWSL stars are stepping into the global spotlight, as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations lands in Morocco on Sunday — with World Cup berths on the line.

• WAFCON was originally slated for March, but CAF abruptly postponed the continental tournament and moved it outside an official FIFA window.

• The 16-team competition’s top four finishers qualify outright for the 2027 World Cup, while two additional teams advance to an inter-continental playoff. (See full format)

Scouting report: The tournament features 11 NWSL players across eight teams, including Nigeria’s Gift Monday (Washington) and Michelle Alozie (Chicago), Cote d’Ivoire’s Rosemonde Kouassi (Washington), and Mali’s Aïssata Traoré (Boston).

• Two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga makes her WAFCON debut on Tuesday, as Malawi readies for its first-ever finals appearance against reigning champion Nigeria.

• Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda and Bay FC’s Rachael Kundananji lead Zambia into Tuesday’s battle with Egypt, as the Copper Queens look to avenge last year’s 5-0 quarterfinal loss to Nigeria. (See full rosters)

Stay tuned: WAFCON kicks off Sunday, with select matches streaming live on CAF TV.

As All-Star Weekend lands in the Windy City, JWS is teaming up with State Farm Chicago Sky star Kamilla Cardoso for the action-packed Chicago City Guide.

• Get to know the All-Star city, as Cardoso runs down all her favorite hot spots from the shores of Lake Michigan to the historic architecture boat tour and everything in between — including a world-famous Chicago hot dog.

• “If you’re coming to Chicago, you should most definitely try the Chicago-style hot dog,” she tells viewers. “And try without ketchup, because that’s how they teach me to do it.”

Tune in: Catch Kamilla Cardoso’s Chicago City Guide on YouTube.

AUSL makes broadcast history

The Chicago Bandits face the Utah Talons in the 2026 AUSL championship series on ABC. (Chicago Bandits/AUSL)

Pro softball is staking its claim, as the No. 2 Chicago Bandits and No. 1 Utah Talons kick off the 2026 AUSL championship series on ABC tomorrow — marking network television’s first-ever pro softball game.

• Chicago set the 2025 title rematch with last night’s 6-5 walk-off win over the Portland Cascade, advancing behind Ailana Agbayani’s RBI single despite committing a season-high five errors.

• “Not often at any level — little league, college, pro — do you have five errors and win a ball game,” said Bandits manager Shonda Stanton. “But that’s what it’s about: being gritty.” (See full recap)

Big screen: ESPN is producing the series for the first time, bringing 23+ cameras, a drone, and live player mics to Texas A&M’s Davis Diamond, while parent company Disney stages a Toy Story takeover with Woody and Jessie handling pregame festivities.

• The news builds on reports that the second-year league’s regular-season viewership rose 183% year-over-year, while merchandise sales jumped 200%. (See full release)

Tune in: Game 1 starts Saturday at 1 PM ET (ABC), with Game 2 slated for Sunday at 2 PM ET (ESPN).

Scottish Open wind wrecks 1st-round scorecards

Lauren Coughlin shared the first-round lead at the windswept Dundonald Links. (Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Dundonald Links bared its teeth yesterday, as Korea’s Jenny Shin and 2024 winner Lauren Coughlin opened with 6-under 66s to share the lead after a windswept 2026 Scottish Open opening round.

• Coughlin rolled in a 30-foot putt on her closing hole, while Shin credited her accuracy off the tee to firm and fast play. 

• Elsewhere it got ugly, as world No. 7 Charley Hull chipped four times on the par-5 fifth hole en route to a nine, Georgia Hall posted a 10 on the 14th in her first tournament since giving birth, defending champ No. 5 Lottie Woad shot 74 to finish 2-over, and 29 of the field’s 144 failed to break 80. (See full leaderboard)

Tune in: Scottish Open coverage runs through Sunday on Golf Channel, as the LPGA’s best vie for a cut of the $2 million purse. 

Gainbridge Super League lands 1st CBA

Gainbridge Super League players reached a tentative agreement on the league’s first CBA this week. (Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Another league is at the bargaining table, as the Gainbridge Super League and its players’ union tentatively agreed to the top-flight league’s first-ever CBA this week.

• Players voted to unionize soon after the league’s 2024 launch, joining the men’s USL Championship and USL League One in the USL Players Association. 

• The agreement locks in labor stability through the 2031 Women’s World Cup, and now awaits final ratification as both sides hammer out remaining details. (See full report)

Stay tuned: The Super League kicks off an abbreviated fall season this August, before shifting to mirror the NWSL calendar in 2027. (See full schedule)

Number of the day

72

StudBudz Natisha Hiedeman and Courtney Williams kicked off their second-annual 72-hour All-Star livestream yesterday in Chicago.

The Fever’s three All-Stars combined for 72 points in 27 minutes, sending Indiana into the break with a bang.

Napheesa Collier shines in 2026 debut

Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier notched a double-double against Seattle on Wednesday. (Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images)

Minnesota is flying high, as star Napheesa Collier returned from injury to lift the No. 1 Lynx over No. 15 Seattle 86-76 yesterday behind 24 points and 10 rebounds.

• The forward made her 2026 debut after recovering from an offseason double ankle surgery, addressing damaging sprains suffered last season.

• “I felt like a kid in a candy store — I couldn’t wait to get on the court,” Collier said postgame. “I’m just happy to be here.” (Watch full highlights)

Cherry on top: Despite missing its cornerstone all season, Minnesota entered Wednesday’s matchup on a six-game winning streak atop the WNBA standings.

• Rookie phenom Olivia Miles leads the team with 19.6 points per game, while veteran Natasha Howard shoulders the defense with 8.1 rebounds per game.

• “We do recognize the narrative of someone who’s been incredible like Olivia has — to insert Phee, what do they look like together?” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. “I’m just as excited to find out.” (See full report)

Up next: Minnesota closes out the first half of the season at 22-6, returning to action against No. 10 Toronto on Tuesday at 8 PM ET (WNBA League Pass).

Shooting Stars taps WNBA legends & rising stars

Seattle rookie Flau’jae Johnson will compete alongside Storm legend Lauren Jackson. (Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)

Three generations of talent hit the court Friday, as the WNBA revealed the league icons and up-and-comers set to compete in All-Star Weekend’s Shooting Stars.

• Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne teams up with Washington’s Shakira Austin, three-time MVP Lauren Jackson with Seattle’s Flau’jae Johnson, five-time champion Rebekkah Brunson with Minnesota’s Courtney Williams, and five-time All-Star Deanna “Tweety” Nolan with Dallas’s Jessica Shepard.

• The event also spotlights young standouts from Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League, including Jezelle “GG” Banks, Ryan Carter, Tatianna Griffin, and Morghan Reckley.

How it works: Replacing the Skills Challenge of years past, the two-round showdown gives teams 70 seconds to score as many points as possible from seven locations around the court.

• Shots range from layups to long-range 3-pointers, with the two highest-scoring teams advancing to the championship.

• 2026 All-Star honorary GMs Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as designated passers. (See full rules)

Tune in: Shooting Stars tips off on Friday at 8 PM ET, live on ESPN.

AUSL opens postseason with knockout clash

The Chicago Bandits face the Portland Cascade with a ticket to the AUSL championship series on the line. (Chad Hamilton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The AUSL playoffs have arrived, as the No. 2 Chicago Bandits battle the No. 3 Portland Cascade tonight for a chance to face the reigning champion Utah Talons in the best-of-three championship series.

• Chicago’s top-ranked offense dominated the pair’s season series, winning five of six games while hitting .359 against Portland — though the Cascade narrowly avoided the sweep with a 5-4 finale win. 

• The Bandits surged up the AUSL standings after ceding last year’s title to Utah, clinching the No. 2 seed off a league-best nine-game winning streak. (See full report)

Big bats: 2026 expansion side Portland has leaned on its pitching, but will look to slugger Megan Grant to keep its title dreams alive.

• The UCLA product finished her first professional regular season second leaguewide in home runs with 10, while reaching base in a league-high 17 straight games.

• “There’s a lot of mental preparation,” Grant said after Saturday’s 10-1 win over the Texas Volts. “I just try to stay disciplined as much as I can and just try to relax and be myself when I get to the game.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Chicago takes on Portland tonight at 9 PM ET (ESPN), before the 2026 title series kicks off on Saturday at 1 PM ET (ABC).

The biggest weekend in women’s basketball deserves a collection to match.

• Inspired by the league’s inaugural 1996 season, the Main Event Collection celebrates 30 years of the players, moments, and fans who built the game.

• Shop select styles online, with the full collection available exclusively at JWS Spot in Chicago. Reserve your free ticket today.

Caitlin Clark lands NBA 2K27 cover

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark features on the cover of NBA 2K27’s Deluxe Edition. (NBA 2K)

Caitlin Clark is going digital, as NBA 2K tapped the Indiana Fever guard to feature on its Deluxe Edition cover — marking one of pro basketball’s most coveted honors.

• Clark joins Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose in the video game’s latest box art, following in the footsteps of prior 2K athletes Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Angel Reese.

• “It’s pretty cool and pretty surreal,” Clark told Bleacher Report. “I think it’s cool to see where the women’s game is at this point in time, too. People are getting excited about what the women’s game can bring.” (See full report)

Check it out: NBA 2K27 launches September 4th, with Deluxe and Ultra Edition owners getting early access starting August 28th via nba.2k.com.

Report: PWHL owner faces federal investigations

PWHL owner Mark Walter (LC) is reportedly facing investigations into two of his insurance companies. (Troy Parla/Getty Images)

The PWHL’s sole owner is under scrutinty, as Bloomberg reported federal prosecutors and the SEC are investigating two of Mark Walter’s companies.

• The probe looks into Delaware Life Insurance Co. and Clear Spring Life & Annuity Co. potentially funneling policyholder money into other Walter-owned ventures, after both companies were served grand jury subpoenas.

• Initial findings pegged Delaware Life’s investments in Walter-tied businesses at 39% — roughly $17 billion — far above the 3% originally claimed. (See full report)

Big picture: Adding to his multi-team portfolio, Walter bankrolled the PWHL’s 2023 launch and continues to own all 12 current and incoming teams outright.

• The report’s timing raises more questions, after the pro hockey league welcomed its first-ever outside investors on June 22nd — four days before the probes were filed. (See full report)

Quote of the day

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu
refuting reports she declined to compete in Friday’s WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest.

The biggest weekend in women’s basketball starts here. Shop the JWS Main Event Collection →

Lynx chase 7th straight in Seattle rematch

Olivia Miles put up 32 points as the Lynx edged the Storm 105-102 on Monday. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)

No. 1 Minnesota is back for more, tipping off today’s rematch with No. 15 Seattle as the Lynx look to cap the first half of 2026 at the top of the WNBA standings. 

• Kayla McBride torched Seattle on Monday, dropping 33 points to secure the 105-102 round-one win, while rookie Olivia Miles added 32 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists — one point shy of her July 13th career-high. 

• Miles is averaging a team-high 19.1 points and six assists per game, becoming just the ninth rookie to start a WNBA All-Star Game while fueling Minnesota’s six-game winning streak. (Watch full highlights)

Debut loading: The odds appear tipped even further in the Lynx’s favor, as star forward Napheesa Collier has been upgraded to “probable” ahead of the afternoon clash.

• The 29-year-old is coming off her best season yet, averaging 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 53.1% in 2025 before undergoing double ankle surgery in the offseason.

• “[Collier] doesn’t want a minute restriction, and she doesn’t want for people to expect less than greatness from her,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve told ESPN. “That’s what makes great players great, no matter what the situation is.” (See full report)

Tune in: The Lynx shoot to sweep the Storm in the pair’s regular-season finale today at 3 PM ET, live on WNBA League Pass.

Marina Mabrey & Azzi Fudd headline 3-Point Contest

WNBA All-Star Weekend’s six-player 3-Point Contest tips off on Friday. (Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Friday’s 3-Point Contest lineup is locked, as the WNBA dropped its six-player roster yesterday — with No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd representing the lone rookie.

• Bridget Carleton (Portland), Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta), Janelle Salaün (Golden State), and Marina Mabrey (Toronto) round out the list.

• Dallas’s Fudd ranks 10th with 50 made threes this season, while veteran Mabrey tops the league with 82 threes on a 3.3-per-game average, and Howard sits second with 79 triples at a 3.2-per-game clip. (See full stats)

How it works: The two-round competition positions five racks around the arc, with four holding four one-point game balls and one two-point money ball, while the fifth rack holds only two-point balls and two additional three-point balls sit deep.

• The two players with the highest first-round scores advance to the winner-takes-all final round. (See full rules)

Sitting out: Some fans pushed back on Tuesday, speculating as to why a few big-name shooters didn’t make the cut.

• Per multiple reports, Minnesota’s Kayla McBride, Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, and New York’s Sabrina Ionescu declined invitations, though two-time winner Ionescu refuted the claims by commenting “Lies” on a since-deleted B/R W Sports Instagram post. (See full report)

NWSL stars suffer season-ending ACL tears

Chicago forward Jordyn Huitema will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. (David Banks/Imagn Images)

The NWSL lost two more this week, as Chicago’s Jordyn Huitema and San Diego’s Trinity Armstrong both landed on the season-ending injury list with torn ACLs.

• Huitema ruptured her left knee during Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Angel City, likely ruling the Canada international out of November’s 2027 World Cup-qualifying CONCACAF W Championship.

• “Soccer has given me so much, and having it taken away, even temporarily, hurts more than I can put into words,” the 25-year-old wrote, after tallying four goals for the struggling Stars since transferring from Seattle in March. (See full post)

Twice struck: 18-year-old Armstrong had just rejoined the Wave after suffering a left-knee injury last year, featuring in two matches before rupturing her right ACL. 

• “Six months rebuilding my left knee. Two league games in on my right,” she wrote. “Supposedly my strongest leg and third surgery in three years.” (See full post)

Big picture: The NWSL and the NWSLPA joined Project ACL in April, signing on to the multi-year initiative aimed at reducing ACL injuries in the women’s game.

• Launched in England with the top-flight WSL, the player-centric study now spans multiple pro leagues worldwide. (See full report)

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Soccer icons Kelley O’Hara and Ali Riley are back, as all-new episode of Time Wasting presented by Amazon Prime serves up another jam-packed helping of tactical breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and insider perspectives.

• In the episode, Ali and Kelley make their way too early Women’s World Cup predictions ahead of the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

• The hosts then dig into the anatomy of a rivalry: Is it about location? Major games? And most importantly, what’s the best rivalry in women’s soccer?

Tune in: Catch Time Wasting on YouTube.

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LPGA launches Nanea Cup in Hawaii

95 LPGA Tour pros will join 25 college golfers at Hawaii’s Nanea Golf Club next spring. (DMK Golf Design)

The LPGA is mixing pros and prospects, introducing the inaugural Nanea Cup — a four-day, $4 million tournament taking over Hawaii’s Nanea Golf Club in March 2027.

• 95 LPGA pros will tee off alongside 25 college golfers from Stanford, Texas, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and UCLA, as Golf Channel complements live broadcasts with profiles of the NCAA participants and their coaches.

• “We look forward to putting our deep experience and relationships with today’s college golfers and coaches to work to help the LPGA build this innovative new event,” Golf Channel EVP & GM Tom Knapp said. (See full report)

Big debut: The Nanea Cup marks the first pro event at the David McLay Kidd-designed course, which opened in 2003.

• “This event checks every box,” said Commissioner Craig Kessler. “Nanea is a spectacular venue, our athletes will compete for a strong purse, and fans will get their first look at one of the most celebrated golf courses in the world.” (See full release)

Hope Solo auctions off World Cup gear

Hope Solo’s 2015 World Cup final kit headlines Lelands’s 2026 Summer Classic Auction. (Lelands)

Hope Solo is hitting the auction block, as the National Soccer Hall of Famer offers up her personal collection at Lelands’s 2026 Summer Classic Auction.

• Spanning more than 45 items, the haul centers on Solo’s signed goalkeeper kit from the USWNT’s 2015 World Cup title win over Japan, plus her championship ring, FIFA Golden Glove, quarterfinal and semifinal jerseys, and the team-signed ball from her 100th US cap.

• “With soccer’s popularity in the US reaching new heights around this World Cup, it felt like the right time to let these pieces of my career become part of this sport’s history in new hands,” Solo said in a statement. (See full report)

Get yours: Bidding starts July 26th, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting SheBelongs, a nonprofit supporting refugee and underserved girls through sport. (See full collection)

Quote of the day

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson
on the biggest difference between the WNBA today and when she first debuted.

WNBA All-Star is welcoming back the StudBudz for another 72-hour livestream…

Mystics rally to end Valkyries’ 9-game run

Kiki Iriafen posted 23 points and 12 rebounds as Washington snapped Golden State’s nine-game winning streak on Monday. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Washington spoiled the party last night, as Kiki Iriafen’s 23 points and 12 rebounds powered the No. 8 Mystics’ 90-82 comeback win over No. 3 Golden State — snapping the Valkyries’ franchise-record nine-game winning streak.

• Center Shakira Austin added a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double, while Sonia Citron chipped in 17 points and six assists, propelling the young Mystics above the playoff line on a 13-12 record. 

• “You don’t win that many games without handling adversity well,” Golden State guard Kaitlyn Chen said postgame. “Today was just sort of a tough one… But I think we’re gonna bounce back.” (Watch full highlights)

Taking stock: Chen served as the home side’s lone bright spot, dropping a career-high 20 points and six assists off the bench to become the first reserve player leaguewide to post at least 20 points and five assists this season. 

• “She doesn’t have to start — that’s not important to her,” coach Natalie Nakase said of Chen. “The minutes that she’s on the floor, she’s impacting her teammates.” (See full report)

Big ups: Before tipoff, Golden State congratulated Gabby Williams on becoming the 2025 expansion team’s first-ever All-Star starter with a tribute video and framed jersey.

• “V [Veronica Burton], she’s just so mindful and said, ‘Hey, let’s make sure we watch Gabby for the All-Star Game and cheer her on and support her,’” Nakase added. “We’re definitely going to do that. I told them I’m going to miss them over the next six days.” (See full quote)

Sabrina Ionescu erupts in OT to snap Liberty skid

Sabrina Ionescu scored 12 of New York’s 16 overtime points in last night’s 99-98 win over Dallas. (Chris Jones/Imagn Images)

Sabrina Ionescu saved the best for last, as the Liberty guard put up 12 of No. 7 New York’s 16 overtime points to escape No. 4 Dallas 99-98 on Monday — curbing a four-game losing streak.

• Ionescu shot just 3-of-20 from the field through regulation, before going a perfect 5-for-5 in the extra period, tying a league record for most points scored in OT.

• Forward Breanna Stewart carried the Liberty with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, getting to the line late in the fourth quarter to keep New York in contention. (Watch full highlights)

Down the stretch: Wings forward Arike Ogunbowale tied it up with 3.9 seconds left to force overtime, but her winning attempt came up short as the buzzer sounded. 

• Ogunbowale led the team with 29 points, six assists, and five rebounds, as guard Paige Bueckers rode the bench despite passing concussion protocol after exiting Sunday’s win over the Sparks with an apparent head injury. 

• The loss ended Dallas’s franchise-record six-game winning streak, with both teams on the hook for one last battle before breaking for All-Star Weekend.

Up next: The Liberty host No. 12 Chicago tomorrow at 7 PM ET (WNBA League Pass), before the Wings visit No. 9 Portland at 10 PM ET (USA).

All-Star ticket demand smashes records

Ticket sales for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game are pacing 32% ahead of last year’s record on StubHub. (Joe Rondone/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK)

The Windy City is bracing for a crowd, as StubHub reported 2026 WNBA All-Star Game ticket sales are up 32% over last year’s record and nearly eight times higher than Chicago’s previous 2022 All-Star Game.

• Fans are making the trip, with purchases spanning more than 40 states while 63% hail from outside Illinois.

• The audience is both loyal and expanding, as two-thirds of buyers are repeat StubHub customers — the highest share of any All-Star Game to date — while nearly 80% have never purchased tickets to a Chicago sporting event.

Track changes: The demand surges as StubHub deepens its investment in women’s sports with HerSportsHub, a curated marketplace designed to help fans find women’s sports tickets as the category booms.

• The platform launched in March, coinciding with Women’s History Month, NWSL season kickoff, and USA Hockey’s Olympic gold medal win.

• “We’re seeing fans embrace women’s sports like never before, whether they’re following their favorite teams all season or traveling for marquee events,” said StubHub’s Jill Gonzalez. “That growing enthusiasm is exactly why we launched HerSportsHub.” (See full report)

Chase Freedom’s Cashback Courts is headed to Chicago’s Complex Market for the ultimate celebration of women’s basketball, brining a live recording of hit JWS show Between the Lines to WNBA All-Star Weekend.

• Gear up from appearances from GOATs of the game, including BTL host and WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, basketball icon Candace Parker, and more.

• This isn’t just a moment — it’s a movement. Come fuel your fandom with Freedom as we celebrate the big plays and bigger stars on and off the court.

Be there: Meet us on the Courts on Friday, July 24th at 5:30 PM CT at Complex Market (2429 W 14th Street, Chicago).

NCAA conferences form officiating alliance

Eight NCAA conferences will form an alliance to recruit, train, and retain women’s college basketball referees. (Gary Cosby Jr./Tuscaloosa News)

College hoops is overhauling its refereeing, as the ACC spearheads a new officiating alliance alongside the Big East, American, Atlantic 10, Ivy League, CAA, Big South, and Metro conferences.

• Former DI referee and ACC, Big East, and American Supervisor of Officials Pualani Spurlock-Welsh will oversee the partnership, which aims to recruit and retain staff, coordinate travel, and beef up referee training and evaluation. 

• Spurlock-Welsh officiated DI basketball for 18 years — including four Final Fours — asserting her experience as NCAA officiating has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. 

Big picture: The alliance is looking to construct a tiered pipeline that allows newer refs to work their way up from mid-majors to powerhouse conferences. 

• “You have a chance to move up as you get experience and become more familiar,” ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips told USA TODAY. “It’s a training mechanism for women’s college basketball overall.” (See full report)

WTA mandates genetic testing

The WTA will require all players to undergo a one-time SRY gene test starting today. (Eric Bolte/Imagn Images)

The WTA is hopping on the testing train, shifting to require all players to undergo genetic testing in order to participate in any tour event, including Grand Slams.

• Starting today, players must submit to a one-time SRY gene test via blood sample or cheek swab, with a positive result rendering a player ineligible unless she can prove she has Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome or another qualifying Difference of Sexual Development. 

• The news arrived quietly, with the WTA declining to issue a press release, disclose its reasoning, or say if it consulted medical experts or athletes before instituting the mandate. (See full report)

Following suit: The move follows the IOC’s recent inclusion policy reversal, which drew criticism from both doctors and athletes who warned it would harm Olympic competition, while World Boxing and World Athletics adopted similar rules in 2025.

Quote of the day

Wings star Paige Bueckers
responding to admin’s question of the day during Dallas’s practice this week.

Flavor Flav turned Las Vegas into one big Olympic & Paralympic bash this weekend.

Sandy Brondello suspended over Angel Reese remark

Tempo coach Sandy Brondello drew a one-game suspension for calling Angel Reese a ‘protected species’ during Friday’s loss to Atlanta. (Emily Faith Morgan/Imagn Images)

The WNBA made a statement on Saturday, issuing No. 10 Toronto coach Sandy Brondello a one-game unpaid suspension for calling Atlanta’s Angel Reese a “protected species” in Friday’s 111-92 loss to the No. 5 Dream.

• The remark came after Tempo center Nyara Sabally drew a foul on Reese with 3:16 left and stayed down for medical attention, as Brondello was picked up on mic protesting the call.

• Reese later tagged the coach in a tweet referencing the comment, prompting Brondello to post an apology saying she understood her words “carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that.” (See full response)

Big picture: The 57-year-old Australian — who also helms the Opals national team — used a term common in rugby and AFL to describe players who get favorable whistles.

• Dispatching her from tonight’s game against No. 3 Las Vegas, the league called her phrasing “inappropriate” and said it expects all personnel to uphold “the highest standards of professionalism and respect.” 

• “I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had,” Reese said Sunday. “There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league… I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and play winning basketball.” (See full clip)

Up next: The WNBPA already planned to address escalating harassment with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Tuesday — a conversation sharpened by fallout surrounding Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas’s Flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark and a racist DM sent to Aces guard Chelsea Gray.

Denver stuns Portland in Lindsey Heaps debut

Lindsey Heaps (L) captained the Denver Summit in Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns. (Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)

Lindsey Heaps is back in the US of A, as the longtime USWNT captain made her debut for No. 10 Denver on Saturday — wearing the armband in a 2-1 win over No. 4 Portland inside a sold-out Centennial Stadium.

• Coloradoans carried the day, as Highlands Ranch native Janine Sonis pulled the Summit level after Windsor’s Sophia Wilson nailed a first-half penalty, while rookie Natalie Means scored the game-winner in the 86th minute. 

• Golden product Heaps signed with her hometown club in January but delayed her arrival to finish the season with OL Lyonnes, returning to the NWSL after the secondary transfer window opened. (Watch full highlights)

Big ups: Heaps, who played for the Thorns from 2016 to 2021 before spending the last five seasons with the French titan, praised the league she left behind. 

• “Being away six years… it’s so crazy just how the game evolves,” the 32-year-old told reporters. “On any given day, any team can win, and that makes our league very, very special.” 

• “We both grew up here,” Sonis said of her teammate. “I continue to pinch myself in these moments — we need to continue to deliver performances like this.” (See full report)

Up next: Denver has its work cut out for it on Sunday, taking on Trinity Rodman and No. 1 Washington at 7 PM ET (Victory+).

Fever rolls Liberty as Caitlin Clark nears tech limit

Kelsey Mitchell dropped 33 points as the Fever routed the Liberty 108-88 on Saturday. (Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Indiana buried a skidding New York squad, as Kelsey Mitchell dropped a game-high 33 points on 10-of-14 shooting to fuel the No. 6 Fever past the No. 7 Liberty 108-88 on Saturday.

• Indiana flipped a 13-point deficit by outscoring New York 30-12 in the third quarter, before Mitchell capped the night with a four-point play over Liberty forward Breanna Stewart to secure the Fever’s fourth win in five games.

• Stewart’s 26 points weren’t enough to keep New York afloat, as the 2024 WNBA champion dropped its fourth straight result — and lost guard Marine Johannes to a non-contact ankle knock in the process. (Watch full highlights)

Tough road: Indiana guard Caitlin Clark earned her sixth technical foul of the season less than two minutes in, after she confronted an official for not calling a foul on Liberty center Jonquel Jones over what the CBS broadcast dubbed a legal screen. 

• The offense carries a $1,000 fine, with a seventh charging Clark an additional $1,000 while an eighth triggers an automatic one-game suspension plus a $1,500 penalty. 

• “It’s a long season, so making sure we’re strategic in using our technical fouls,” Fever coach Stephanie White said afterward, as Clark trails only Angel Reese in this year’s leaguewide tech tally. (See full report)

Up next: Indiana looks to keep rolling on Wednesday, facing No. 14 Connecticut at 8 PM ET (USA).

If you’re making the trip for the biggest weekend in women’s basketball, don’t wait to grab your ticket for JWS Spot.

• We’ll have player appearances every hour, exclusive merch you can’t get anywhere else, free drinks for the first 100 guests, bucket hats, giveaways, and a room full of fans getting ready for tipoff.

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⏰ July 25th | 2-6 PM

Be there: Get your free ticket now.

Wings tie franchise streak — but lose Paige Bueckers

Dallas guard Paige Bueckers scored 25 points before leaving Sunday’s win over LA following a fourth-quarter collision. (Chris Jones/Imagn Images)

No. 4 Dallas got it done despite a scare, scoring a franchise record-tying sixth straight win in Sunday’s 90-82 victory over No. 11 LA — after star guard Paige Bueckers exited with an apparent head injury.

• Bueckers put up 25 points before colliding with Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike late in the fourth quarter, smacking the back of her head on the floor then departing for the locker room.

• “Wings head coach Jose Fernandez said he doesn’t have an update on Paige Bueckers,” tweeted WFAA’s Mike Leslie afterwards. “Sounds like they’ll run some tests to check her out fully, but it’s unclear specifically what they’re checking.” (Watch full highlights)

Up next: Dallas hosts New York tonight in last Thursday’s rescheduled clash, as Bueckers’s availability hangs in the balance. (See injury report)

Juan Carlos Amorós steps away from Gotham

Gotham’s Juan Carlos Amorós embarked on five weeks of parental leave after Saturday’s comeback win. (Mark Smith/Imagn Images)

No. 2 Gotham’s boss is taking a break, as head coach Juan Carlos Amorós embarks on five weeks of parental leave following Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over No. 12 Seattle.

• The Spaniard welcomed his second child earlier this year, sharing his plans in early July to allow assistant Shaun Harris to prepare to step in as acting head coach.

• “I also recognize the visibility that comes with my role,” Amorós said. “When fathers take parental leave, particularly men in leadership positions, it helps normalize an important principle: Caring for children is a shared responsibility.” (See full report)

With a bang: The fourth-year manager departs as the reigning champion nears the top of the NWSL table, netting three goals against the Reign in the weekend match’s final 17 minutes — with Esther registering a quick brace before Rose Lavelle sealed it in the 98th. (Watch full highlights)

Number of the day

1

With Sunday’s win over Argentina, Spain became the first-ever country to claim consecutive Men’s and Women’s World Cup titles.

Neither planes, trains, nor automobiles could get the Liberty to Dallas on Thursday — resulting in an official postponement.

Lindsey Heaps lands in Denver

Marquee Denver Summit signing Lindsey Heaps could see minutes this weekend against her former club Portland. (AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

No. 11 Denver is turning a new leaf, as USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps is set to debut for the 2026 expansion side against No. 3 Portland on Saturday.

• The match holds extra significance for Heaps, facing the team she led to two NWSL Shields and a league title before transferring to OL Lyonnes in 2022.

• “Lindsey’s world-class talent and leadership will make an immediate impact,” Denver manager Nick Cushing said of the 2018 NWSL MVP. “We can’t wait to see her wear the crest.” (See full report)

Taking stock: The weekend headliner pits two Colorado heavyweights against each other, with Heaps taking on fellow area native Sophia Wilson as the Thorns look to overcome Sunday’s 2-0 loss to regional rival Seattle.

• The Summit’s temporary Centennial Stadium home will also make its premiere, hosting the club until its purpose-built venue opens in 2028.

• “It is such a weird feeling,” Heaps told ESPN of her homecoming. “I’m waking up and getting on I-25 to go to training, which is a highway I would take all the time as a little kid to go play club soccer. It’s so bizarre.” (See full profile)

Tune in: Denver hosts Portland at 2 PM ET on Saturday, live on CBS.

Boston rides unbeaten streak into DC clash

The Legacy hasn’t dropped a result since the NWSL’s summer break. (Mike Watters/Imagn Images)

No. 12 Boston is starting to find its footing, roaring back from the midseason break on a three-game unbeaten streak — underlined by Wednesday’s 1-0 win over No. 8 Orlando.

• The Legacy sits just four points below the playoff line, having drawn even with No. 14 Bay FC and notched wins against No. 15 Chicago and the Pride.

• “We are building this culture to be a team that knows how to suffer, but at the same time, knows how to win games, not just be competitive,” Boston coach Filipa Patão said after the midweek shutout. (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: The Legacy faces a tough test on Sunday, taking on a No. 2 Washington side smarting from its 1-0 Queens Cup loss to No. 4 Gotham.

• Played in front of a New York City record crowd at MLB’s Citi Field, Wednesday’s defeat snapped the Spirit’s own three-game winning streak, while also marking its first regular-season shutout since late March.

• “We’re glad we’ve been a part of [it], and would have liked to play villain a little bit more,” midfielder Andi Sullivan said after the showcase event. “But the energy was tremendous.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Boston welcomes Washington on Sunday at 7 PM ET, live on Victory+.

Atlanta hunts consistency in Toronto

The Dream has won two out of its last three games after a recent skid. (Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images)

No. 5 Atlanta is on the upswing, curbing a five-game losing streak to take two of its last three games heading into tonight’s clash with No. 11 Toronto.

• The Dream is leaning on third-year star Angel Reese, after the double-double machine notched her 16th of the season in Monday’s 101-92 win over LA.

• “Angel made big emotional plays that gave us the energy to close it out,” head coach Karl Smesko said postgame. (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: Atlanta now faces a Tempo squad searching for its own consistency, as the 2026 expansion side enters the weekend looking to turn around a bumpy 2-5 homestand.

• Toronto struggled to galvanize around Sunday’s 93-91 win over No. 7 New York, falling to No. 8 Washington 79-62 on Tuesday to sit at a 10-14 record.

• “They were just a handful for us,” Tempo coach Sandy Brondello said of the young Mystics. “We have to prepare to put up a little bit more resistance next game.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Toronto hosts Atlanta tonight at 7:30 PM ET, live on ION.

Catch up on the latest women’s soccer headlines, as an all-new episode of The Late Sub presented by Ally Bank dishes up host Claire Watkins’s hottest takes on all things USWNT, NWSL, Champions League, and more.

• In the episode, Claire breaks down some of the biggest moves by billionaire multi-team owner Michelle Kang as she builds out her women’s soccer empire.

• Kang has the London City Lionesses looking like a European powerhouse, while she also takes the same hard stance on the Washington Spirit — particularly in re-signing USWNT superstar Trinity Rodman.

Tune in: Catch The Late Sub with Claire Watkins on YouTube.

Ally Bank, Member FDIC.

Napheesa Collier scores 1st Jordan Brand PEs

Napheesa Collier’s Queen Phee Jordan Heir Series 2 PE dropped Wednesday. (Jordan Brand)

Napheesa Collier is officially a Jumpman, as Jordan Brand dropped the Lynx star’s first-ever PE sneaker — the Queen Phee Jordan Heir Series 2.

• The five-time WNBA All-Star helped develop the Heir Series 2 silhouette, sporting a True Blue and Baltic Blue design inspired by Minnesota’s colors, with personal touches like her daughter Mila’s name and “Queen Phee” hidden inside. 

• While Collier hasn’t laced up this season due to injury, the news coincides with word that she’s nearing a return to the court. (See full release)

Get yours: Retailing at $115, the Queen Phee Jordan Heir Series 2 is available now via Nike.com.

Women’s sports win big at the ESPYs

Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu won Best Breakthrough Athlete. (Christopher Polk/Deadline via Getty Images)

Women’s sports stars shined bright this week, as A’ja Wilson, Alysa Liu, Lauren Betts, and more top performers cleaned up at the 2026 ESPY Awards.

• Liu took home Best Breakthrough Athlete, beating out a field that included Macklin Celebrini, Drake Maye, and Fernando Mendoza after winning US figure skating’s first women’s Olympic gold in 24 years.

• “I’ve been in my sport since I was five years old, and I had some really rough times in it,” Liu told the crowd. “It really feels like I broke through in my own way — for myself and for my sport.” (Watch full clip)

Big ups: Wilson won both Best WNBA Player and Best Women’s Sports Athlete, after earning a recordvfourth MVP award alongside her third league title in 2025.

• UCLA alum Betts picked up Best College Athlete (Women’s Sports), after leading the Bruins its first-ever NCAA championship this year. (See full list)

Quote of the day

Mystics center Lauren Betts
shining a light on mental health during her ESPYs acceptance speech for Best College Athlete.