USWNT outlasts Japan 2-1 to open April friendlies

She’s tough, but she’s fair.

US tops Japan 2-1 to open April friendlies

The US passed its first April test on Saturday, taking down Japan 2-1 in San Jose to open this month’s three-friendly international break.

• Midfielder Rose Lavelle got things started in the ninth minute, notching the opener in her 100th USWNT start, before Lindsey Heaps doubled down early in the second half — off a Lavelle assist.

• Japan answered back with a late-game Riko Ueki header, though fell just short of securing the equalizer as time expired.

• “Twelve months ago, we might have drawn this game,” said US manager Emma Hayes. “The progress is in staying in the game, and not conceding a second goal.”(Watch full highlights)

Back in action: Hayes opted for veteran midfield trio Lavelle, Heaps, and Sam Coffey, while giving forward Sophia Wilson her first national team start since the 2024 Paris Olympics.

• “I’m proud of her,” Hayes said of the striker. “It takes a bit of time to find that rhythm, and I think she gave it everything she could.”

Up next: The USWNT kicks off against Japan for a second time on Tuesday at 10 PM ET, live on TNT.

WNBA free agency sends stars packing

WNBA free agency is firing on all cylinders, as teams look to quickly pad their 2026 rosters with big-name stars and rising prospects alike.

• Chicago has been one of the offseason’s most aggressive dealers, sending young centerpiece Angel Reese to Atlanta before signing vets Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Azurá Stevens and trading for 2024 draftees Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon.

• “Diggins is the kind of player who elevates everyone around her,” Chicago head coach Tyler Marsh said of the established point guard. “She possesses unmatched speed and shot creation potential. I can’t wait to work with her.” (See full report)

Big bucks: As the new CBA ushers in the league’s first million-dollar contracts, both players and teams are taking advantage of a breakneck free agency market.

• All-Star guard Gabby Williams joined Golden State, forward Nneka Ogwumike is returning to LA, and 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith is Dallas-bound alongside ex-Lynx teammate Jessica Shepard.

• Texas-born center Brittney Griner is also on the move, signing with Connecticut as the Sun prepares to relocate to Houston in 2027.

Teams shell out to keep top WNBA stars on board

While some teams dove into the free agency market, others invested in existing star power, keeping franchise players at home with plenty of incentives.

• After making guard Jackie Young the league’s first million-dollar signing, Las Vegas secured deals for both Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, needing only 2025 MVP A’ja Wilson to complete its championship core.

• “The Las Vegas Aces are special. And I couldn’t imagine chasing history anywhere else,” said Gray. “I’m grateful to be able to continue building on this legacy for the fans and this amazing city.” (See full report)

Western revival: 2025 WNBA finalist Phoenix also took care of business, hanging onto key talent after losing forward Satou Sabally to New York in free agency.

• Forward fiancés Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner and guards Kahleah Copper and Sami Whitcomb all re-signed with the Mercury, emboldening Phoenix as it hunts another deep postseason run. (See full report)

• Indiana is also looking to run it back, re-signing guards Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, and Lexie Hull to compliment rostered stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. (See full report)

Culver’s was on the ground at the 2026 Final Four, teaming up with JWS to put women’s college basketball fans to the test as the Hall of Champions presented by Culver’s landed in Phoenix.

• Big Ten Network analyst Autumn Johnson led the charge, asking tournament-goers all about their NCAA basketball fandom, from UConn diehards to the UCLA faithful and everyone in between.

Tune in: Catch all the On Ground At action on YouTube.

Tonight’s WNBA Draft tees up tomorrow’s stars

The WNBA’s newest class steps up tonight, as tonight’s entry draft sees teams look to build out their 2026 rosters with both NCAA and international standouts.

• Dallas will select first for the second year in a row, followed by Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and Chicago, before expansion sides Toronto and Portland take their rookie picks.

• Top prospects include both backcourt and frontcourt talent, with UConn star Azzi Fudd, UCLA center Lauren Betts, TCU guard Olivia Miles, and Spanish big Awa Fam leading most mock drafts. (See full lineup)

How it works: The draft spans three 15-selection rounds, though not every team has the same amount of picks.

• Draft-day swaps are also common, with teams like Chicago already moving capital to open up potential transactions. (See full details)

Tune in: The 2026 WNBA Draft tips off tonight at 7 PM ET, live on ESPN.

UConn’s Sarah Strong wins 2026 Wooden Award

UConn star Sarah Strong’s sweep continued Friday, as the sophomore became the fifth Husky to win the John R. Wooden Award.

• Strong is just the fourth underclassman to take the honor, after USC guard JuJu Watkins and fellow UConn greats Paige Bueckers and Maya Moore.

• The 6-foot-2 center beat out finalists Azzi Fudd (UConn), Lauren Betts (UCLA), Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt), and Madison Booker (Texas), after averaging 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks on 58.2% shooting — while going 40.4% from behind the arc. (See full release)

Big picture: Strong cleaned up this year, also winning the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, AP Player of the Year, the Naismith Trophy, and Wade Trophy.

Quote of the day

LA guard Kelsey Plum
posing with a $1 bill after signing a $999,999 deal to return to the Sparks.