Chicago Stars level up with club-owned training center

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Chicago Stars plan 1st club-owned training center

The Stars are investing in the future, with the Chicago NWSL team planning to open a club-owned training facility on a 10-acre site in suburban Bannockburn by 2027.

• “This facility will set the standard in women’s professional soccer by providing the infrastructure our players need to develop to their highest level of performance,” said executive chairperson Laura Ricketts. (See full release)

Big picture: Set to break ground in this spring, the private training ground doubles down on the founding NWSL club’s new identity after finishing 2025 in last place.

• Along with a brand overhaul, the Stars announced plans to relocate from Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium to Northwestern’s Martin Stadium in 2026.

• “The environment will eliminate distractions to maximize the energy and focus our athletes are able to dedicate to their craft… and help us continue to draw top level talent to Chicago,” said new head coach Martin Sjögren.

NWSL expansion teams sign rising talents

As NWSL preseason nears, the league’s two newest teams announced key additions as they pad out their inaugural squads.

• On Tuesday, Denver Summit FC officially signed USYNT and CF Pachuca Femenil defender Ayo Oke for a reported $450,000 transfer fee — the most ever paid for an incoming US national.

• Boston Legacy FC has been keeping pace, bringing on Brazil national team defender Andressa ‘Kaká’ Ferreira from top Brazilian side São Paulo.

Big picture: With the expansion draft a thing of the past, Denver and Boston have been proactive in their acquisitions.

• Denver’s stocking up on NWSL veterans like Carson Pickett, Kaleigh Kurtz, Jordan Baggett, and first-ever signing Ally Watt, while Boston is targeting international stars like Amanda Gutierres, Nicki Hernández, and Laís Araújo.

Clock’s ticking: Clubs only have a few weeks left to finalize their pre-season rosters, with more than one big-name free agent still in the mix.

Pro volleyball leagues return to the court

Pro volleyball is back in action this week, with both League One Volleyball (LOVB) and Major League Volleyball (MLV) kicking off new seasons this week as the sport’s footprint continues to grow.

• Featuring an Olympian-heavy player pool, second-year league LOVB’s six inaugural teams are returning for reigning champion Austin’s repeat bid, with plans to add three new clubs in 2027. (See full schedule)

• After a blockbuster merger with PVF and an eye on future expansion, MLV’s third season will feature eight teams, with 2025 champs Orlando embarking on their own title defense. (See full schedule)

Rapid rise: As NCAA volleyball continues to dominate the fall calendar, multiple pro leagues — each armed with top talent and broadcast deals — are forming in response to both player and fan demand.

Tune in: Austin and Nebraska tip off LOVB Season 2 tonight at 6 PM ET (USA), before Columbus and Atlanta open MLV Season 3 on Thursday at 7 PM ET, live on YouTube.

LPGA backs women’s indoor golf league

LPGA stars are hitting the virtual links, with the pro women’s tour and TMRW Sports teaming up to launch the WTGL next winter.

• The indoor team platform builds off the success of second-year men’s league TGL, merging traditional golf with simulated play to provide avenues for offseason competition.

• “I’ve seen how new formats can engage audiences while showcasing both athlete personality and performance, and WTGL brings that spirit of innovation to the women's game,” said LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler. (See full release)

Up next: US fan favorite Lexi Thompson made the announcement on ESPN’s SportsCenter yesterday, promising a star-studded roster with participants and teams dropping in the upcoming months.

• “It just brings a whole different fan base,” said Thompson. “Fans really get involved more and see the personalities of the guys, and now the women. So, it’s just amazing for the game of golf in general, but especially the women’s side.” (See full clip)

2026 Australian Open announces record prize pool

The Australian Open is raising the bar, boosting 2026’s total prize pool to a record $74.9 million USD — up 16% over the 2025 tournament.

• Top-finishers in both the women's and men's competitions will now receive $2.79 million — 19% over 2025 — while a first-round main-draw exit earns about $101,000, a 14% increase.

• The annual Grand Slam has been a pioneer in promoting equal pay, providing a 50-50 breakdown between WTA and ATP fields since 2001.

Rising tides: “This 16% increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level,” said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley. “From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors.” (See full release)

Stay tuned: See if US star and world No. 7 Madison Keys can defend her trophy as the 2026 Australian Open kicks off on January 18th, live on ESPN.

J.Crew & Team USA drop Olympic capsule

J.Crew is hitting the slopes with Team USA, dropping a limited-edition retail collection in collaboration with Olympics-bound US Ski & Snowboard this week.

• The apparel giant tapped six Team USA members to model the capsule, including snowboarder Haley Langland, mogul skier Tess Johnson, and free-skier Rell Harwood.

Big picture: The move comes after the brand announced a three-year deal with the winter sports national governing body, naming J.Crew an official partner.

• While not factoring into the team’s Olympic uniform, the inaugural 26-piece line features knitwear, accessories, and jackets designed with retro “après-ski-style” flair.

Get yours: The full US Ski & Snowboard collection drops this Thursday on jcrew.com.

Quote of the day

“Sportsmanship Stacey”
congratulating soccer stars Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis on their wedding after her viral 2021 social media post.