The Tempo unveiled not one but two mascots last night — meet Dez and Dot.

Golden State lands 2027 WNBA All-Star Game

WNBA All-Star is heading west, as the league announced 2025 expansion team Golden State will host next year’s All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.

• The nod comes one day after the No. 2 Valkyries clinched a playoff berth for the second straight season, downing No. 8 Dallas in front of a packed Chase Center crowd.

• “From Day 1, the Bay Area has shown up for this team in a way that’s redefined what’s possible in women’s basketball,” said Golden State President Jess Smith. “We can’t wait to put that same energy on display for the entire league.” (See full release)

Big picture: The Valkyries have sold out every home game on record, climbing the 2026 WNBA standings after last season’s historic postseason run.

• “The Golden State Valkyries have brought incredible energy and excitement to the WNBA from the moment they were announced,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “Valkyries fans have embraced this team with an extraordinary level of passion and enthusiasm.”

Stay tuned: The WNBA Live, 3-Point Contest, and Shooting Stars events return in 2027, with the full All-Star schedule set to be revealed in the coming months.

Seattle looks to squash Louisville’s surge

Two clubs on the rise are squaring off, as No. 8 Seattle visits No. 13 Louisville with both sides looking to further ignite late-season pushes after slow starts. 

• Seattle arrives on a four-match unbeaten run, averaging two goals per game over its last six behind Maddie Mercado’s four tallies — including Friday’s 1-0 game-winner against No. 16 Chicago.

• Louisville counters with a three-game winning streak, taking 13 points off its last five fixtures after Saturday’s 4-1 rout of No. 14 Boston. (See full preview)

Scouting report: Racing’s Kayla Fischer and Emma Sears have combined for 11 goals and eight assists this season, while the Reign’s Ainsley McCammon has emerged as a top creator with four assists.

• Seattle holds a 5-1-6 head-to-head advantage over Louisville, losing just once to the 2021 NWSL expansion team at the 2023 Challenge Cup.

• “I think they’re beginning to click,” Reign midfielder Angharad James-Turner said of tonight’s opponent. “For us, it’s concentrating on what we’ve been good at the last few weeks and being aware of threats that they have — and they have a few threats.” (See full stats)

Tune in: Louisville hosts Seattle tonight at 6:30 PM ET (NWSL+).

US Open announces 2026 wildcards

The US Open is filling its singles field, as the Grand Slam handed wildcards to a mix of past winners and rising talent — with one spot still up for grabs.

• 2017 champion Sloane Stephens and 2001 champion Venus Williams lead the veterans, gaining entry as they continue their singles returns.

• The WTA’s next generation rounds out the group, from NCAA champion Reese Brantmeier to USTA Girls 18s champion Thea Frodin, who served as young Serena Williams’s double in the 2021 film King Richard. (See full field)

Taking stock: The final wildcard remains unallocated, with 23-time major winner Serena Williams first in line despite the sisters’ first-round doubles loss at this week’s Cincinnati Open.

• The qualifying draw’s wildcards include former world No. 1 juniors Julieta Pareja and identical twins Kristina and Annika Penickova.

• The final qualifier ticket will go to the winner of the four-player US Open Qualifying Wild Card Challenge set for August 23rd. (See full rules)

Stay tuned: The 2026 US Open singles draw is set for August 27th ahead of the Grand Slam’s August 30th start.

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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 dive into all the NWSL action, from rescinded red cards and questionable handballs to bangers from Trinity Rodman, Melanie Barcenas, and Ally Sentnor.

• Plus, Ali gets real about her IVF journey, as the whole Wasteland sends her the best vibes ahead of her next transfer.

Tune in: Catch Time Wasting on YouTube.

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PWHL says ownership’s secure amid turmoil

The PWHL is doubling down, telling The Hockey News there’s “absolutely no expected change to ownership” even as sole owner Mark Walter offloads major holdings amid an ongoing federal probe.

• Walter sold the NBA’s Lakers and his stake in England’s Chelsea this month, sparking fears that the pro women’s hockey league could be next — before a spokesperson shot down that speculation. 

• The divestitures likely stem from needing to unwind billions in related-party loans from his insurance interests, after financial inconsistencies drew regulators’ attention. (See full report)

Context: Walter bankrolled the PWHL’s six-team launch in 2024, with the league ballooning to 12 teams across the US and Canada ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Nigeria fires coaching staff after World Cup miss

The Super Falcons are cleaning house, as the Nigeria Football Federation fired coach Justine Madugu and his technical staff after they failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history.

• Magdu took over on an interim basis in September 2024, guiding Nigeria to a record-10th WAFCON title in 2024 before getting bounced in this year’s quarterfinals and missing a shot at FIFA’s inter-federation playoffs. (See full report)

Big problems: NFF President Ibrahim Gusau launched a two-week fact-finding mission to investigate the team’s collapse, appointing former General Secretary Fanny Amun as chair.

• The committee includes Super Falcons legend Desire Oparanozie, ex-men’s team captain Mutiu Adepoju, retired FIFA referee Alex Mana, and Nigeria Football Coaches Association President Ladan Bosso.

Number of the day

4 million

ESPN’s Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream broadcast peaked at 4 million viewers on Sunday, becoming the most-watched WNBA game in cable TV history.