WNBA rookies make a preseason splash

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WNBA rookies make a preseason splash

The WNBA’s newest generation hit the court on Saturday, as the Class of 2026 dove into preseason play looking to earn their regular-season roster spots.

• Indiana rookie Raven Johnson saw 18 pro minutes in the Fever’s 109-91 win over New York, registering six points and eight assists on 3-3 shooting.

• “I thought Raven did a great job,” said coach Stephanie White. “Certainly we know what she can bring on the defensive end of the floor. She’s going to continue to bring that night-in and night-out, and she’s going to just learn on the offensive end.” (Watch full highlights)

Leveling up: Newcomers also shined in Minnesota’s 77-66 victory over Washington, as top draft picks Olivia Miles and Lauren Betts faced off for first time as pros.

• Miles put up eight points in 17 minutes for the Lynx, while Betts and fellow Mystics first-year Cotie McMahon combined for 24 — aided by 2025 pick Georgia Amoore, who saw her first post-ACL injury action for Washington. (Watch full highlights)

• Former LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson also hit the court running, notching 12 points and four rebounds in 23 minutes for Seattle, as the Storm fell to Golden State 78-76. (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Miles returns for Minnesota tonight, when the Lynx tip off against Nigeria at 8 PM ET, live on WNBA League Pass. (See full schedule)

Rodman lifts the Spirit over struggling KC

Washington made a statement on Friday, taking down reigning Shield winner Kansas City 4-0 to headline an NWSL slate full of lopsided scorelines.

• Spirit forward Leicy Santos notched a brace in the Rowdy Audi rout, while star forward Trinity Rodman picked up a season-first goal and assist, before striker Claudia Martinez sealed the deal in the 75th minute.

• “Once we got into our groove and got the goals going, it was gonna keep going,” Rodman said, helping extend Washington’s unbeaten streak to five games. (Watch full highlights)

Shaky start: The Current’s early struggles continue, as last year’s winningest club sits tied for the season’s worst goal differential in 14th place.

• “It’s been a tough start to the year, a tough schedule, tough fixtures, and we’re finding ourselves,” said first-year manager Chris Armas. “But I think there’s a lot of belief in what we’re doing here.”

• “Games like this happen,” said midfielder Lo Labonta. “It’s a long season, so hopefully we can turn it around next week.” (See full standings)

Up next: The Spirit returns Wednesday, hosting Louisville at 7 PM ET (Victory+), while KC has to wait for Saturday’s 6:30 PM ET clash with North Carolina (ION).

Arsenal takes UWCL semifinal lead over Lyonnes

The reigning UWCL winner couldn’t be silenced on Sunday, as Arsenal topped OL Lyonnes 2-1 to take the lead in the two-leg Champions League semifinals.

• Forward Jule Brand opened the scoring for the French champions, before a clumsy defensive breakdown gifted the Gunners an own goal, and forward Olivia Smith scored the second-half game-winner at the Emirates.

• “The first half was quite even — we gave away a cheap goal,” captain Leah Williamson said. “But what you saw second-half was a team on a mission, fueled by the crowd.” (Watch full highlights)

Big picture: Lyon isn’t the only side hunting a second-leg spark, as three-time UWCL winner Barcelona settled for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich.

• The German champions battled for a result after goal-scorer Franziska Kett was dealt a red card in the deadlock’s 79th minute, with the Spanish side ultimately unable to capitalize.

• “We’re heading back to Barcelona with a draw that feels like too little, given the chances we had to make it 2-1,” said Barça manager Pere Romeu. (Watch full highlights)

Up next: The UWCL semis finish up this weekend, with the final set for May 23rd.

Stomach virus tears through Madrid Open

The WTA’s finest are battling both on and off the court, as an apparent stomach virus tears through the locker room at the 2026 Madrid Open.

• World No. 4 Iga Świątek withdrew mid-set against US No. 34 Ann Li, exiting in the tournament’s third round due to illness.

• No. 3 Coco Gauff nearly suffered the same fate, but rallied to defeat No. 26 Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 on Sunday after vomiting during the match.

• “I don’t know how I got it done,” Gauff said. “Just dealing with a lot of trying to keep my food down.” (Watch full highlights)

Big reset: Gauff will hope to recover quickly, as she faces No. 13 Linda Nosková in today’s Round of 16.

• No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka appears to have steered clear of the virus, coming back from a set down to oust No. 15 Naomi Osaka 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2 this morning. (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Madrid Open coverage runs through Saturday, live on The Tennis Channel.

Nelly Korda wins 1st LPGA major of 2026

US golfer Nelly Korda is back at No. 1, winning the season’s first LPGA major at this weekend’s Chevron Championship by a comfortable five points — before landing the traditional celebratory cannonball into the 18th green pool.

• The win marks Korda’s third career major — and her second Chevron Championship title in three years — after pulling off the tournament’s largest margin of victory in 18 years.

• “Whatever happens — if I jump into that pond, if I have the trophy in my hands at the end of the day — then great. I gave it 100%,” she said ahead of Sunday’s final round. “If I don’t, then I have next week, I have the week after.” (Watch full highlights)

Big return: Resuming her spot atop the CME Globe race, Korda is looking more like the player who blazed through a record-tying five straight LPGA wins in 2024 after struggling last year.

• The 27-year-old has two wins and three runner-up finishes across five 2026 tour stops, racking up 2,100 points — and $2.5 million — so far this season. (See full rankings)

Quote of the day

Portland Thorns star Sophia Wilson
after scoring her first goal since returning from maternity leave in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Angel City.