New season, same energy.

USWNT kicks off 3-game series against Japan

The USWNT retakes the pitch tomorrow, kicking off a three-friendly series against world No. 5 Japan with a few familiar faces in the lineup.

• The No. 2 US last met the Nadeshiko at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, when Japan humbled a young USWNT side 2-1 to win the tournament. (See full recap)

• “For us, patience is the biggest part,” said forward Trinity Rodman ahead of Saturday’s rematch. “Finding the areas to exploit in the final third… just being smart in those moments that we can take advantage.”

Back together: The game could see two-thirds of Triple Espresso reunited, as Sophia Wilson joins Rodman on the USWNT roster for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics.

• Defender Tierna Davidson could also make her national team return, recovering from last year’s ACL injury to give the US backline additional depth as the team starts down the road to the 2027 World Cup.

• “They’re champions of Asia. They’re easily one of the best teams in the world,” USWNT manager Emma Hayes said of Japan. “I think this is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. So, what a great test for us.” (See full roster)

Tune in: The US faces Japan tomorrow at 5:30 PM ET, live on TNT.

WNBA rumors swirl as free agency period wraps

WNBA free agency negotiations are winding down, as chatter around player movement reaches new highs before tomorrow’s 2026 signing window opens.

• Veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike bid farewell to Seattle via social media this week, with reports linking the 2016 MVP to both the Lynx and her former Sparks team. (See full post)

• Forward Satou Sabally said goodbye to Phoenix, calling her single season with the Mercury her “best year yet.” (See full post)

Rumor mill: Veteran guard Skylar Diggins may be on the move, with reporting connecting the 35-year-old to Chicago after the Sky’s aggressive market approach sent star Angel Reese to Atlanta — while LA forward Rickea Jackson headlines a second Chicago trade rumor.

• Dallas could get active, armed with a considerable amount of cap space after sending forward Diamond Miller to Connecticut in exchange for second-year center Rayah Marshall.

• Despite core qualifying offers out to Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, New York is also in the mix, reportedly showing interest in 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith. (See full report)

Stay tuned: Expect a flurry of activity throughout the weekend, before Monday’s draft ushers in a new generation of WNBA talent. (See full schedule)

Aces make Jackie Young the WNBA’s 1st million-dollar player

Teams are stepping up under the new CBA, as the Aces crowned Jackie Young the WNBA’s first $1 million signing in an effort to keep the guard in Las Vegas.

• Young is the first player in league history to sign a contract worth over $1 million, with the one-year deal reaching the $1.19 million standard max.

• Per ESPN, the unrestricted free agent chose not to take meetings with other teams, remaining focused on the 2025 WNBA champions. (See full report)

By any means: Las Vegas retained Young without tapping into its core mechanism, an option that provides teams an exclusive negotiating window to either re-sign — or sign and trade — top talent.

• The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, New York’s Sabrina Ionescu, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, LA’s Kelsey Plum, Dallas’s Arike Ogubowale, and others have already been cored by their respective teams.

• The Sky cored veteran Ariel Atkins, though Front Office Sports reported Chicago might trade Atkins to LA in exchange for third-year forward Rickea Jackson. (See full report)

WNBA announces 2026 draft invitees

15 WNBA prospects are headed to New York, as the league announced this year’s draft invitees — including five NCAA champion Bruins — ahead of Monday’s event.

• UCLA’s Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalić, Gabriela Jaquez, and Gianna Kneepkens headline the list, joining lottery prospects like Azzi Fudd (UConn), Olivia Miles (TCU), and Flau’jae Johnson (LSU).

• Top international talent will also be in the house, with Spanish center Awa Fam and French forward Nell Angloma attending alongside college stars like Maria Sanchez (TCU) and Madina Okot (South Carolina). (See full list)

Stay tuned: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will call the draft live on ESPN, with coverage starting Monday at 7 PM ET.

Washington Spirit top NWSL jersey sales

The Spirit is making a killing off the field, after Washington’s bold new cherry blossom kits dominated the 2026 season’s best-sellers list.

• Trinity Rodman’s No. 2 leads the charge with a 136% year-over-year sales boost, followed by teammates Hal Hershfelt (3rd), Tara Rudd (4th), Esme Morgan (5th), Rosemonde Kouassi (6th), and Leicy Santos (8th).

• Despite not joining the NWSL until mid-summer, USWNT and future Denver midfielder Lindsey Heaps claims the league’s second-best selling jersey, showcasing the expansion side’s growing popularity. (See full list)

Get yours: Stock up on all the top sellers at the NWSL Shop.

Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady gets 1st AUSL golden ticket

Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady is ready for the pros, receiving AUSL’s first golden ticket as the NCAA softball star continues her senior season in Lubbock.

• League commissioner Kim Ng presented Canady with the ticket late last month, guaranteeing the standout pitcher a spot in the 2026 AUSL Draft.

• “As one of the most talented players in the game today, it is fitting that NiJaree is the first recipient,” Ng said. “This is also the beginning of what will be a truly special draft class, with many outstanding players across the country.” (See full report)

Tune in: See the ace in action as the Red Raiders take on Utah tonight at 7 PM ET, live on ESPN+.

Number of the day 

18

The WNBA Board of Governors paved the way for an 18-team league last night, officially approving expansion bids from Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.