Golden State spoils Minnesota's top-seed pursuit

Which USWNT legends will join the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s Class of 2027?

Valkyries earns 1st-ever win over Lynx

No. 2 Golden State is riding high, after last night’s franchise-first 80-66 win over No. 1 Minnesota denied the Lynx their first chance to clinch top playoff seeding.

• The Valkyries brought the defensive heat, limiting Minnesota to just 66 points while allowing only two Lynx players to crack double-digit scoring.

• “This is a huge leap for us,” said Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase. “Trying to prepare to be at our best for the playoffs.” (Watch full highlights)

Injury report: Minnesota was short-handed heading into Monday’s matchup, as guard Courtney Williams (right foot) missed her first start in 140 straight games.

• With Williams out, the Valkyries stifled rookie Olivia Miles, as the Lynx phenom notched eight points, five assists, and a game-high four turnovers.

• “I’ve never played a game without Courtney since she’s been here,” said Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier. “Her energy, her vibes, her passion for the game. Obviously, she’s a big voice on our team. She gets us going.” (See full clip)

Dallas shoots for final playoff ticket

No. 8 Dallas is on the brink of history, as the Wings gear up to face No. 9 Portland with a chance to break a three-year WNBA postseason drought.

• The only two teams still in the running for this year’s eighth and final playoff berth, Dallas holds a steep 6.5-game lead over the Fire.

• “If we’re talking about making a playoff push [even] next year, that doesn’t mean anything if we can’t improve our team defense,” Portland head coach Alex Sarama said, as the 2026 expansion team looks to curb a two-game skid.

Taking stock: The Wings hope to close the door tonight, as 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers aims to punch her first-ever WNBA playoffs ticket.

• Bueckers stepped up this season, leading Dallas with 20.6 points per game while contributing a team-high 5.8 assists.

• “I try not to be an outcome-oriented person, but winning just makes me so happy,” she said after Sunday’s 92-70 victory over last-place Seattle. “And losing freaking sucks. I hate losing.” (See full clip)

Tune in: Dallas hosts Portland tonight at 8 PM ET (NBA TV).

WNBA stars stack FIBA World Cup rosters

The WNBA’s global reach is coming into view, as star-studded international rosters prepare to tip off at next month’s 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin.

• France, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Australia stocked up on WNBA standouts, with the league set to hit pause from August 31st through September 17.

• 13 of the WNBA’s 15 squads could see at least one non-US player make the World Cup cut as the 16-team bracket takes shape. (See roster tracker)

Scouting report: France leads the WNBA talent charge, tapping 12 big-name players in an attempt to better its silver medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

• Eight league heavyweights will represent Les Bleues, including Janelle Salaün (Golden State), Gabby Williams (Golden State), Carla Leite (Portland), Marine Johannes (New York), and Dominique Malonga (Seattle).

• WNBA coaches will also feature, with Toronto head coach Sandy Brondello leading Australia after taking bronze at the 2022 World Cup.

Stay tuned: The 2026 FIBA World Cup starts September 4th at 5:30 AM ET (TNT).

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 this week’s episode, Olympian Allyson Felix and Always Alpha CEO Cosette Chaput discuss launching the first talent management firm focused entirely on women’s sports — from the outdated models they’re challenging to supporting athletes both on and off the field.

• Plus, Allyson opens up about returning to the track with LA28 on the horizon, what motivates her, and her mission to change how women’s sports athletes are represented.

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

Esther González lands in Saudi Arabia

Esther González is back in the headlines, as the ex-Gotham FC star signed with Saudi Women’s Premier League’s Al Qadsiah shortly after departing the NWSL.

• The 33-year-old mutually terminated her Gotham contract in late July “to attend to personal matters in Spain,” leaving a two-time NWSL champion, 2025 MVP finalist, and the club’s leading scorer.

• Al Qadsiah hired Orlando assistant coach Giles Barnes as its manager last month, after signing former Pride midfielder Adriana in 2025. (See full report)

Big shock: González and her partner Estefanía Cruz recently welcomed their first child, with reports indicating her quick turnaround came as a surprise.

• “League sources tell me that Gotham did not expect Esther to sign with another club this soon,” tweeted Sports Illustrated’s Jenna Tonelli. “Makes sense, since all of the communications from the club around her departure were that she was leaving to attend to personal matters in Spain.”

DeWanna Bonner exits Phoenix to chase playoffs

WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner is on the move, as already-eliminated No. 11 Phoenix announced plans to buy out her contract — allowing the 39-year-old to pursue postseason opportunities in what’s likely her final year in the league.

• Bonner will now go through the waiver wire, becoming an unrestricted free agent once she clears waivers.

• “Because of the relationship we have with DeWanna, we worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason,” said Mercury GM Nick U'Ren. (See full statement)

Big picture: Bonner helped the Mercury reach the 2025 WNBA Finals after playing her first 10 seasons in Phoenix, but saw the team take a disappointing turn in 2026.

• “Many teams in the league wouldn’t consider [a buyout], but this is a special circumstance, and Phoenix is a very player-friendly organization,” Bonner’s agent Mike Cound told ESPN. (See full report)

Quote of the day

Atlanta forward Angel Reese
after setting a new single-game and single-season WNBA rebounding record with 26 boards in Monday’s win over LA.