Portland Fire sets off first-win fireworks

Sam Kerr remains an NWSL living legend — could she ever return to the league?

Underdogs rule Tuesday’s WNBA slate

Portland set off first-win fireworks on Tuesday, topping New York 98-96 behind a Sarah Ashlee Barker put-back buzzer-beater to cap a dramatic WNBA slate.

• Liberty rookie Pauline Astier exploded for 24 points in the first half, before the 2026 expansion side stormed back to secure the debut victory.

• “It’s very special,” Barker said postgame. “But I think the thing that I’ll remember the most is how much we had each other’s backs.” (Watch full highlights)

Around the horn: Portland wasn’t the night’s only underdog, as Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles powered the Lynx over 2025 runner-up Phoenix 88-84.

• With star Napheesa Collier sidelined, Minnesota saw six players hit double-digit scoring — including Miles’s 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists — stifling Mercury guard Kahleah Copper’s 30-point performance.

• “We’re happy with the overall response,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said. “To outrebound these guys like we did was key to winning the game.” (Watch full highlights)

Up next: Both teams are at it again tomorrow on Prime, as Minnesota faces Dallas at 8 PM ET before New York has another run at Portland at 10 PM ET.

Red-hot Golden State takes on new-look Chicago

One undefeated WNBA team will fall tonight, as Chicago (1-0) visits Golden State (2-0) with both squads striving to keep competitive momentum alive.

• It’s the second stop on a four-game Sky road trip, after Chicago outlasted expansion side Portland 98-83 on Saturday behind flashy new additions Rickea Jackson and Skylar Diggins.

• “We’ve got to come with the same level of focus and be able to clean up the areas that we need to, but also stay true to the things that we did well,” coach Tyler Marsh said Monday. (Watch full highlights)

Taking stock: While Chicago banks on a rebuild, the second-year Valkyries are focused on a postseason return, starting strong with wins over Seattle and Phoenix behind veteran jack-of-all-trades Gabby Williams.

• The 29-year-old French international put up 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals in Sunday’s 95-79 victory over the Mercury.

• “We’re just so excited how much she’s sitting really well with us,” Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase said of Williams. “Her selflessness in the way she plays — it just fits perfectly.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Chicago battles Golden State at 10 PM ET, live on WNBA League Pass.

Montréal ends Minnesota’s PWHL reign

The 2026 Walter Cup is headed North, as Canadian titans Montréal and Ottawa advanced out of the PWHL semifinals to enter this year’s best-of-five final series.

• The Victoire knocked off two-time reigning champions Minnesota on Tuesday to reach its first-ever finals, with captain Marie-Philip Poulin’s game-winner sealing the deal.

• “I think it’s our biggest win in organization history,” Montréal head coach Kori Cheverie said postgame. “We had to fight tooth and nail against a team like Minnesota. It wasn’t easy.” (Watch full highlights)

Heavyweight bout: The Victoire faces a Charge team with ample Walter Cup experience, after Ottawa fell just short of the Frost to finish as 2024/25 runner-up.

• The Charge ousted Boston in Sunday’s double-overtime thriller, with final goal-scorer Michela Cava sending the Fleet packing.

• “That was a big one,” said Cava, after joining Ottawa midseason. “I have been so close so many times and it feels really good just to get this one for the girls.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: The 2026 Walter Cup Finals kick off Thursday at 7 PM ET, live on YouTube.

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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 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 dive into the NWSL standings, with Washington riding a five-game winning streak while Sophia Wilson and Olivia Moultrie fuel Portland to the top of the table.

• On the flip side, Angel City is in panic mode after dropping four straight, while Denver’s defense has slipped away. Can these bubble teams recover from early-season fumbles?

Tune in: Catch Time Wasting on YouTube.

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Report: Racing Louisville explores partial sale

Racing Louisville is apparently exploring its options, as ESPN reported the 2021 NWSL expansion side looks to sell an investment stake this week.

• Primary owner Soccer Holdings, LLC is seeking additional buy-ins to help keep up with more aggressive spending league-wide, though a spokesperson told ESPN a majority stake is not on the table.

• “As the NWSL experiences unprecedented growth, Soccer Holdings is constantly evaluating strategic opportunities to ensure Racing Louisville has the resources to compete at the highest level,” the club said in a statement. (See full report)

Big picture: While NWSL valuations have exploded in recent years, Louisville has struggled to keep pace, as low local turn-out spurs threats of relocation.

• And Racing isn’t alone in its pursuit, as Houston remains up for sale, while North Carolina sold a stake to Marc Lasry and Avenue Sports Group in March.

Reports: PWHL adds Las Vegas, Hamilton expansion teams

The PWHL is reportedly rolling out two more red carpets, with the league expected to welcome Las Vegas and Hamilton as its 10th and 11th teams this week.

• Sources indicate four new expansion sides are set to join next year, as last week’s Detroit announcement follows a successful third season on the ice.

• “There is a line of cities eager to have us there, whether it’s for a couple Takeover Tour games or for a full-time team,” PWHL advisor Stan Kasten said last month. (See full report)

Big picture: Debuting with just six teams in January 2024, the league always planned for rapid growth — but questions about individual market resources linger.

• The PWHL operates under a single-entity ownership model with billionaires Mark and Kimbra Walter at the helm, putting teams in a tough spot when negotiating for ice time with multiple NHL landlords. (See full report)

Quote of the day

Connecticut forward Aaliyah Edwards
razzing former UConn teammate and current Dallas star Paige Bueckers on First We Feast’s Hot Ones.