Golden State looks to run it back against Atlanta

Olympic gold medalist and NWSL superstar Trinity Rodman has added Victoria’s Secret Angel to her growing résumé.

Golden State takes the lead over Atlanta

No. 2 Golden State has the edge, as the Valkyries held off No. 4 Atlanta on Saturday 68-64 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals.

• Golden State star Gabby Williams carried the load, putting up a game-high 26 points plus four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in a low-scoring matchup that saw both teams struggle to find an offensive flow.

• “I think we had the game right where we wanted it, because it just came down to getting stops,” Williams said. “That’s been our bread and butter all season.” (Watch full highlights)

Scouting report: The Dream has a chance to respond tonight behind guard Allisha Gray, as she continues to return from the hand injury that shortened her semis run.

• Atlanta will also look to 2026 DPOY Angel Reese, after she finished Game 1 with 14 points and 12 rebounds — but failed to score in the second half.

• “Maybe that’s just on me. I wasn’t aggressive enough with the ball, trying to get the ball and get to my spots,” Reese said. “Definitely going to do a better job of that next game.” (Watch full clip)

Tune in: Game 2 tips off in San Francisco tonight at 8 PM ET (USA).

Spirit spoils Gotham’s Shield-clinching hopes

The Shield will have to wait, after No. 3 Washington took down No. 1 Gotham 1-0 on Saturday behind defender Lucia Di Guglielmo’s first NWSL goal — derailing the Bats’ title-clinching hopes.

• The win — the Spirit’s first over New York/New Jersey since 2024 — saw No. 2 San Diego pull within one point of Gotham in a tightly contested race.

• “We didn't perform the way we wanted to, but we know the quality that we have on this team,” said Gotham midfielder Jaelin Howell. “The mentality, the experience, and the culture we’ve got to lean on going forward.” (Watch full highlights)

Around the horn: The win secured Washington’s postseason berth, as the battle to finish above the cutoff line gained steam further down the NWSL standings.

• No. 8 Seattle’s 3-1 victory over No. 16 Chicago ended No. 11 Orlando’s playoff hopes, while No. 5 Angel City’s 3-2 win over No. 10 Denver has the 2026 expansion side on the brink of elimination.

• “We’re still at the table, fighting,” said Summit coach Nick Cushing. “But in the short term, I’m also impatient, and I also want to fix those things really quickly.” (Watch full clip)

Maja Chwalińska takes the crown in Wuhan

Roland Garros’s Cinderella has returned, as No. 16 Maja Chwalińska won the 2026 Wuhan Open on Sunday — lifting her first-ever WTA trophy after a three-set battle with No. 170 Sonay Kartal.

• Chwalińska navigated a difficult draw in China, taking down both No. 7 Iga Świątek and No. 10 Iva Jovic in straight sets on her way to the title.

• “It means a lot. It tastes very sweet, I admit,” Chwalińska said. “I feel like I still don’t realize that I won.” (Watch full highlights)

Looking back: The news adds to a breakout year for the French Open finalist, who entered May’s Grand Slam as a qualifier before falling to champion No. 3 Mirra Andreeva.

• The 25-year-old tapped into that same resilience on Sunday, coming back from down both a set and a break to oust fellow rising star Kartal.

• “After the French Open it was obviously amazing, but then I had some tough moments,” said Chwalińska. “I’m just very grateful that my hard work paid off today.” (See full report)

NWSL Championship Weekend is kicking off early, as soccer legends Kelley O’Hara and Ali Riley are taking Time Wasting LIVE to Washington, DC for next month’s league final — and they’re bringing some special guests along for the ride.

• Expect current stars and surprise appearances, insider takes, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations you can only get off the field.

• Plus, your ticket includes a complimentary drink, giveaways, and a pre-show hang with fellow soccer fans. Who’s showing up? Be there to find out.

Don’t miss it: Time Wasting LIVE takes over DC’s Union Stage on Thursday, November 19th at 5 PM ET. Tickets are limited — get yours now via Eventbrite.

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Zambian NWSL players face travel restrictions

The NWSL is without some of its stars, as three members of the Zambia women’s national team were unable to rejoin their US clubs after spending the international break in Uganda.

• Orlando’s Barbra Banda, Chicago’s Racheal Kundananji, and Angel City’s Prisca Chilufya traveled to the region for an October 8th Olympic qualifier.

• Due to an Ebola outbreak, foreign nationals visiting Uganda cannot currently re-enter the States for 21 days — putting the remainder of the trio’s regular season in jeopardy. (See full report)

Waiting game: The NWSL reported that the players are in excellent health, and depending on their departure dates, could be back by November 1st’s Decision Day.

• “The NWSL is working with its clubs and US immigration to ensure the players’ safe return,” wrote the league. (See full statement)

NWSL Columbus hires former Bay FC GM

NWSL Columbus is getting a head start, tapping former Bay FC GM Lucy Rushton to develop the expansion club’s roster ahead of its planned 2028 debut.

• Rushton brings 20 years of experience across the men’s and women’s games, overseeing Bay’s inaugural 2024 squad before consulting with Portland and Gotham FC in 2025.

• “It is rare to find a leader of Lucy’s caliber and deep experience, with the unique understanding of how to build an expansion roster, a new organization, and a culture that our players and fans will be proud of,” said Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. (See full release)

Big picture: Rushton will oversee all sporting operations, including roster strategy, scouting, and recruitment, plus support staff development and player performance.

• Columbus enters as the NWSL’s 18th team, after the league officially accepted HSG’s record $205 million bid this past April.

Quote of the day

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
reflecting on her experience leading the league as her tenure nears its end.