From Arthur Ashe to TikTok, Coco Gauff is her.

U.S. tips off 5th straight FIBA title bid

The US is gunning for gold, as the reigning champion tips off the 2026 FIBA World Cup tomorrow hunting a fifth straight title behind nine tournament debutants.

• First-timers Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers headline the group, with USA Basketball entering as the favorite despite losing vets A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum to health concerns.

• The expanded 16-team format cuts the preliminary round down to three games, with the US drawn into Group D alongside China, Italy, and Czechia. (See full schedule)

Scouting report: Team USA could face its toughest FIBA test yet, with more than 25 global WNBA stars suiting up for their countries this month.

• France and host nation Germany loom as major threats, with China, Belgium, Australia, and Spain primed to play dark horse.

• “The depth of these rosters is really strong, which is exciting,” said US coach Kara Lawson. “It should be hard to win — it’s a World Cup.” (See full rosters)

Tune in: The FIBA World Cup tips off tomorrow with Japan vs Mali at 5:30 AM ET, before the US takes on China at 8:15 AM ET (TNT).

Jordan Chiles announces Olympic comeback

Jordan Chiles is back for more, as the Olympic gold medalist announced she’ll train for a third Summer Games in a video narrated by her namesake: NBA legend Michael Jordan.

• The 25-year-old becomes the fourth 2024 Golden Girl to eye an LA 28 comeback, joining teammates Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. 

• “Why again? Because the dream is still there,” Jordan says in the social media post, before Chiles caps the message with a simple “Why not?” (Watch full clip)

Big moves: Should she qualify, Chiles would become just the fourth US women’s gymnast to compete in three Olympics, alongside icons Simone Biles and Dominique Dawes.

• The news came shortly after the 23-time All-American announced plans to rejoin UCLA as a student coach, capping a decorated Bruins career that spans three individual titles.

• “Being in Pauley [Pavilion] as a gymnast was chapter one,” she said on Instagram. “Now, I get to start a new chapter as coach Jo.” (Watch full clip)

New women’s golf league takes shape

Women’s golf is getting a new stage, as ESPN and ION signed on to cover TMRW Sports’ WTGL ahead of the indoor league’s November debut.

• Programming will air across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, while ION folds the league into its growing women’s sports slate alongside the WNBA, NWSL, PWHL, and MLV.

• “With world-class athletes, an innovative team format, and a high-energy technology-driven environment, WTGL will bring fans up close to women’s golf,” said Scripps Sports President and CEO Adam Symson. (See full report)

How it works: Five five-player teams representing Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Detroit, and New York will compete in a round-robin format culminating in single-elimination semifinals and a best-of-three final.

• Rosters lean on star power, headlined by world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, top UK golfer Charley Hull, and LPGA legend Michelle Wie West, while No. 1 Nelly Korda opted out after voicing mixed feelings about the venture. (See full lineups)

Stay tuned: The WTGL takes over Florida’s SoFi Center starting November 8th.

Lisa Leslie is lighting Los Angeles, as Just Women’s Sports and State Farm celebrate the WNBA legend’s statue unveiling with a live taping of hit women’s basketball podcast Between the Lines.

• The crew will be taking over The Sun Rose in West Hollywood for an action-packed night of special guests, hot takes, and intimate conversations you won’t want to miss.

Be there: Learn more and get your tickets today via Eventbrite.

Kate Martin signs with Chicago

Kate Martin is headed home, returning to her native Illinois after signing a developmental deal with No. 10 Chicago on Wednesday.

• Martin was cut twice this season, exiting No. 2 Golden State in May then getting scooped up by No. 11 LA, with the Sparks converting her contract from developmental to standard — only to waive her last weekend.

• Drafted 18th overall by the Aces in 2024, the 26-year-old was a standout at Iowa, where she ranks fifth in all-time assists with 473. (See full report)

Stay tuned: Martin is expected to be available for the Sky when the WNBA returns from the FIBA World Cup break on September 17th, potentially hitting the court against No. 7 Washington.

Wisconsin & Ohio State face off at Lambeau

NCAA hockey is returning to Lambeau Field, as 2026 champion Wisconsin announced plans to take on runner-up Ohio State in February’s Frozen Tundra Faceoff — marking the NFL stadium’s first hockey action since 2006.

• The matchup features the sport’s two defining programs, with the rivals combining to win the past seven NCAA titles, including battling each other in the last four finals.

• The clash opens a high-profile doubleheader at the 81,041-seat stadium, with Wisconsin’s men’s team taking on Michigan in the nightcap. (See full report)

Be there: The Frozen Tundra Faceoff hits the ice February 20th, with ticket presales launching September 9th. (Register online)

Number of the day 

$20.7 million

The US Open is expected to sell 900,000+ Honey Deuce cocktails this year, pulling in $20.7 million over the course of the tournament.