Is Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles the next WNBA superstar?

USWNT tops Brazil amid red-card chaos

Last night’s USWNT friendly was anything but, as the US edged out Brazil 1-0 in a wild, choppy, and chaotic clash that saw eight red-card ejections.

• The Fortaleza showdown tallied 28 fouls, including more than 10 yellow cards, plus reds for Brazil coach Arthur Elias, members of his staff, and As Canarinhas stars Bia Zaneratto, Tarciane, Kerolin, and Ludmila.

• It also marked the first US win over Brazil on Brazilian soil since 1997, after forward Sophia Wilson forced a 63rd-minute own goal for her second contribution in as many games. (Watch full highlights)

Tough calls: After a week of chippy football and packed stadiums, the USWNT should leave with a better feel for the 2027 World Cup’s expected conditions — though they didn’t exactly charm the tournament’s host country.

• “It’s a huge lack of respect, both from the refereeing and from their players,” Brazil midfielder Angelina said of the tense environment. “One of the USWNT players gave an interview saying it was a really nice atmosphere. But on the field, she was saying we were trash, that we didn’t know how to play football.” (See full remarks)

• “My job is to be a role model for my players,” said US coach Emma Hayes. “I can only talk about my behavior, and my behavior was good.” (See full clip)

Hilary Knight trade headlines PWHL moves

PWHL stars are on the move, as the league’s four-team expansion process continues to reshape the pro women’s hockey landscape.

• Expansion sides Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose each landed five foundational signings, completing Phase 2 ahead of today’s preliminary open signing period.

• Noteworthy additions include 2026 Olympic gold medalists Hayley Scamurra (Las Vegas) and Cayla Barnes (Detroit), alongside Canadian silver medalists Emily Clark (Hamilton) and Kristin O’Neill (San Jose). (See full list)

Big moves: In a dramatic twist, USA Hockey captain Hilary Knight is departing Seattle, reportedly set to join Detroit by way of a Las Vegas sign-and-trade deal.

• After the Torrent opted not to protect her, Knight agreed to a foundational contract with Las Vegas — with the expectation that she’ll be traded to Detroit in exchange for a first-round draft pick. (See full report)

Up next: All 12 teams can start negotiating with players on expiring contracts at 12 PM ET today, as each looks to fill three additional roster slots before Friday’s Phase 3 deadline. (See full rules)

TIME 100 spotlights women’s sports

TIME is giving women’s sports its due, as the magazine highlighted top athletes and leaders in this week’s TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports.

• Olympic game-changers, WNBA superstars, soccer greats, coaching icons, and front office giants all made the cut, as multi-team owner Michele Kang, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, and Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai joined athletes like A’ja Wilson, Alex Morgan, and Alysa Liu.

• “The inaugural TIME100 Sports list recognizes individuals who are not only excelling in their fields, but also shaping culture, expanding opportunity, and influencing the world far beyond competition,” said TIME CEO Jessica Sibley. (See full statement)

Taking stock: TIME took special interest in the Winter Olympics, after the stars of Milan Cortina broke into the public consciousness this past February.

• US and Canada hockey rivals Hilary Knight and Marie-Philip Poulin headlined the selection, while skiers Lindsey Vonn, Eileen Gu, and Mikaela Shiffrin, and Paralympian Oksana Masters joined Liu in the spotlight.

• The WNBA also got the TIME treatment, as Wilson shared the honors with Caitlin Clark, Nneka Ogwumike, and Aces head coach Becky Hammon.

Check it out: Explore the full TIME 100 lineup.

Headed to Columbus for the NWSL Challenge Cup? Join Late Sub host Claire Watkins and Just Women’s Sports on Thursday, June 25th for Challenge Cup Trivia Night, presented by Ally. 

• Drinks and appetizers are on us as we take over City Tavern from 6 to 8 PM. 

• Plus — special prizes, player appearances, and a room full of soccer fans ready to show off their knowledge. 

Start the weekend off right with the one pregame you don’t want to miss.

Be there: Spots are limited — get your $10 ticket today via Eventbrite.

Serena Williams wins 1st Queen’s Club match

Serena Williams is back in the winner’s column, as the US tennis icon made a triumphant return to the court in Tuesday’s 7-6, 6-2 doubles victory alongside partner Victoria Mboko.

• Playing in her first pro match since 2022, wildcard entry Williams and singles world No. 9 Mboko won a tricky first set against No. 3 seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe before comfortably taking the second.

• “I was nervous, but I didn’t really think about it,” Williams said postmatch. “I just thought about having fun, which I did.” (Watch full highlights)

Taking it slow: The 44-year-old hasn’t confirmed her plans beyond this week’s HSBC Championships, opting instead to stay focused on Thursday’s quarterfinal.

• “I got tired of sitting at home. My kids are out of school for the summer, so why not?” Williams told reporters. “I never got to play here, it was always just the men. It feels really special to play somewhere so iconic.” (See full clip)

2026 WNBA All-Star voting tips off

The WNBA turns to the fans this week, as the league announced voting for the 2026 All-Star Game in Chicago opens to the public on Thursday.

• Fans contribute 50% of total votes determining this year’s All-Star starters, with media and players adding 25% each.

• Voting is organized by position, with the top four guards and top six frontcourt players ultimately forming two All-Star teams. (See full rules)

Seeing stars: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark led the fan vote in 2024 and 2025, backed by standouts Aliyah Boston, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart.

• After starting lineups are chosen, WNBA coaches then tap 12 reserve players while the managers with the best regular-season records head up the All-Star squads.

Be heard: Voting starts Thursday at 2 PM ET and runs through June 27th via WNBA.com.

Number of the day

3.02 million

New York’s 83-75 win over Indiana peaked at 3.02 million viewers on Saturday, becoming the second-most watched WNBA game since 2000.