Washington searches for a win in midweek NWSL action

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Washington searches for a win

Washington finds itself in unfamiliar territory, as the Spirit enters tonight’s midweek NWSL clash with Utah hunting its first win of 2026.

• Washington opened the season with a loss to Portland, before coming back from two goals down to draw Louisville 2-2 last Friday.

• “[We’re] believing in what we are doing, the process,” said Spirit manager Adrián González. “When we win, we don’t get too crazy, and when we lose, the same.” (See full preview)

Taking stock: The Spirit will benefit from a mostly healthy lineup, with Trinity Rodman cleared after last week’s concussion scare and midfielder Andi Sullivan back from maternity leave.

• Winless Utah is less lucky, with starting goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn out with a hand injury while defender Tatumn Milazzo serves a red card suspension.

• “The expectation should be with everyone coming in that they can pick up their role,” said Royals coach Jimmy Coenraets.

Tune in: Washington hosts Utah tonight at 7 PM ET, live on Victory+.

Denver hunts midweek momentum

Denver is also searching for a win, as the 2026 expansion team shoots for its first-ever victory tonight against reigning NWSL champion Gotham.

• The Summit tallied a loss and a draw in the first two weeks of play, managing to avoid shutouts behind German international Melissa Kössler’s two goals on the year — though the team was dealt a blow when promising rookie Jasmine Aikey suffered a season-ending ACL tear this week.

• “We are all thinking of Jasmine and will be with her every step of the way throughout this recovery,” said head coach Nick Cushing. (Read full report)

Taking stock: Denver will likely shift focus to new signings Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan, after Ryan got her first start for the Summit last week.

• Gotham will miss midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (hamstring), but the Bats can take solace in USWNT star Tierna Davidson’s return from injury.

• “They are building a new team, and they’ve done a good job so far,” Gotham manager Juan Carlos Amorós said of tonight’s opponent. “It’s going to be an interesting game.”

Tune in: Gotham hosts Denver tonight at 7 PM ET, live on Victory+.

WNBA & players vote to ratify new CBA

The new WNBA CBA is almost at the finish line, after both the players and the league’s Board of Governors voted nearly unanimously to ratify the contract.

• As details continue to emerge, ESPN reported that players will receive about 20% of the previous year’s gross revenue, resolving a major wedge issue.

• Minimum salaries will start at $270,000 based on years of service, with a max contract coming in at $1.19 million, and average rookie salaries reaching $386,000 for first-round picks — up from about $75,000.

Breaking it down: The seven-year agreement also opens up the possibility of a longer WNBA season, with the option to wrap play as late as November 21st in 2027 and November 30th in 2028.

• With the league’s expansion plan targeting 18 teams by 2028, the 2027 season is expected to span 50 games — potentially growing to 52 by 2029.

• The CBA also includes upgrades to staffing and training facilities, parental leave and protections, and merchandise licensing. (See full report)

Up next: The CBA now moves to its final stage, with lawyers from the league and players union expected to officially sign off on the terms.

Going to the Women’s Final Four? We’ll see you there.

• On April 2nd, Lisa Leslie and Just Women’s Sports are taking over Phoenix for a live taping of Between the Lines presented by Intuit TurboTax.

• Expect special guests, real conversations, and championship-level energy in the room.

• Tickets to the event include complimentary drinks, free Culver’s Fresh Frozen Custard, and early access to our Hall of Champions exhibit presented by Culver’s.

Don’t miss it: Learn more and get your tickets today via Eventbrite.

WNBA teams announce preseason matchups

With the CBA well on its way, WNBA teams are announcing preseason exhibition matchups in the ramp-up to 2026.

• Chicago is heading to Sioux Falls for an April 25th friendly against Phoenix, bringing WNBA action to South Dakota for the first time.

• Minnesota already announced its own history-making friendly, with the Lynx set to become the first-ever WNBA team to play an African national team when they take on Nigeria on April 27th.

Booked and busy: Preseason tips off on April 25th, capping a whirlwind of activity spanning a two-team expansion draft, college draft, and free agency period.

• ESPN reported Monday that teams have from April 1st through 5th to finalize player protection lists before Portland and Toronto stock their rosters on April 6th. (See full report)

Figure skating stars return to the ice

Some of the Winter Olympics’ brightest stars are back, as top figure skaters hit the ice for the 2026 World Championships today.

• While 2026 gold medalist Alysa Liu is skipping the trip to Prague, the US will be well represented by Olympic team gold medalist Amber Glenn, fellow Blade Angel Isabeau Levito, and rising talent Sarah Everhardt.

• “Now I just want to enjoy it,” Glenn said ahead of this week’s compeition, ready to put her Olympic stumbles behind her. (See full schedule)

Big picture: The bill also features Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, Ami Nakai, and Mone Chiba, after the trio finished second, third, and fourth in Milan.

• This event also serves as Sakamoto’s swan song, with the three-time world champion set to retire at the end of this season.

Tune in: The World Figure Skating Championships run through Friday, live on Peacock.

Quote of the day

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson
discussing the WNBA’s relationship to fashion in Vogue Magazine this week.