News

Sky owner calls Kanter Freedom's free speech lawsuit 'meritless'

Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter called a lawsuit filed by Enes Kanter Freedom "meritless and frivolous" Friday afternoon.

What WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert's retirement means

What does the league need from its next commissioner after Cathy Engelbert retires? Is the WNBA better off now than when she took over?

Cathy Engelbert, who oversaw WNBA boom, to retire as commissioner

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who oversaw massive growth in the league while also facing recent scrutiny in her handling of multiple issues, will retire at the end of the year.

How Bueckers, Clark, Reese will impact Team USA at World Cup

The future is here for Team USA as Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and others make their debut in a major event.

2026 FIBA Women's World Cup: Team USA analysis, rankings, rosters

Sixteen nations will compete in the World Cup in Berlin starting Friday. Team USA and France are front-runners.

Stephen A. on Cathy Engelbert announcing retirement: 'About time'

Stephen A. on Cathy Engelbert announcing retirement: 'About time'

'The Golics' reacts to Cathy Engelbert's retirement announcement

'The Golics' reacts to Cathy Engelbert's retirement announcement

Kanter Freedom files suit against Sky, Wintrust Arena owners

Enes Kanter Freedom is suing the Chicago Sky and the owners of Wintrust Arena, alleging in a 15-page complaint that his First Amendment rights were violated when he was removed from a Sky home game last month.

Judge grants injunction to pro players seeking LSU return

Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris have been cleared to return to college football after brief stints in the NFL, according to a judge's orders, setting up a dramatic showdown between the SEC and LSU.

How the US basketball system has shaped Nigeria's D'Tigress

The United States basketball system has played a major role in the development of Nigeria's national women's basketball team, known as D'Tigress.

Nigeria's D'Tigress at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup - Everything You Need to Know

Nigeria's D'Tigress head to the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin as a team with an unusual combination of tournament experience and World Cup unfamiliarity.

Portland Fire's Amy Okonkwo targets medal with Nigeria at FIBA Women's World Cup

Portland Fire's Amy Okonkwo says Nigeria have set their sights on winning a medal at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, as the African champions named their 12-player roster for the tournament in Berlin.

Which WNBA players have the most rebounds in a game?

Angel Reese broke the WNBA single-game rebounding record during the 2026 season.

Man City loan England keeper Anna Moorhouse from Orlando Pride

Manchester City have signed England international goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse on a short-term loan until the end of January 2027 from NWSL side Orlando Pride.

Why are there no WNBA games for two weeks? More about FIBA break

League stars will be lacing up their shoes, but it won't be on WNBA courts.

Why JuJu Watkins is a player to watch this season

Why JuJu Watkins is a player to watch this season

USWNT great Becky Sauerbrunn named Portland Thorns consultant

Two-time World Cup champion Becky Sauerbrunn has joined the Portland Thorns as a technical consultant through the rest of the 2026 NWSL season, the club announced on Thursday.

Liberty's Satou Sabally (concussion) out remainder of season

The Liberty announced Thursday that forward Satou Sabally will miss the remainder of the season as she continues to recover from a concussion sustained in June.

A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum to miss the FIBA Women's World Cup

Kelsey Plum and A'ja Wilson will miss the FIBA Women's World Cup for health reasons, with the Mercury announcing that Plum will miss the rest of the 2026 season. Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron will replace Plum and Wilson, USA Basketball announced Monday.

U.S. coach Kara Lawson calls World Cup most challenging

U.S. coach Kara Lawson says this version of the FIBA World Cup is the most challenging she's seen.

Regan hits quadruple nutmeg in Denver Summit training

Regan hits quadruple nutmeg in Denver Summit training

Wings' Li to miss FIBA World Cup due to lost passport

China will have to play without Li Yueru at the women's FIBA World Cup after her replacement passport was lost in the mail ahead of the tournament that starts in Germany this week.

NWSL, players and brands face off: Should league get a cut of cleat sponsorship money?

NWSL players can no longer freely sign shoe sponsorships: the league wants a cut of the money, and it's turning into a showdown between brands, players and the NWSL.

Koval details LSU exit: Adding Russian player 'deeply personal'

Ukrainian center Kate Koval issued a statement on Instagram on Wednesday explaining she decided to leave LSU in order to "remain true to myself, my values and my country" after the Tigers signed a Russian recruit.

How A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum injuries impact USA at World Cup

How will the deepest roster in the world make up for A'ja Wilson's absence? And what might be next for Kelsey Plum?

Man United sign Mexico's Rebeca Bernal from Washington Spirit

Manchester United completed the signing of Mexico international Rebeca Bernal from the Washington Spirit on Wednesday.

With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond

UCLA fired athletic director Martin Jarmond on Monday, with chancellor Julio Frenk explaining in a letter to the UCLA community that the Bruins' athletic program "currently carries a significant financial deficit, and its current path is not sustainable."

Russell Westbrook joins board of basketball league Project B

Recently retired Russell Westbrook has joined new men's and women's basketball league Project B as a co-founder and chief strategy officer.

How do the WNBA playoffs work? Dates, format and more

The 2026 WNBA playoffs begins on Sept. 27. Learn more about postseason dates, rules, and stats now.

Washington Spirit's Monique Ngock tops Power Rankings ahead of Chawinga sisters

The past two months have proven that African women's football has moved beyond the era of Nigeria's near-monopoly, and the continent's stars in the NWSL and UEFA WCL shone at the Women's AFCON to prove it.

Sources: USWNT's Rose Lavelle re-signs with NWSL's Gotham

USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle has re-signed with defending NWSL champions Gotham FC through the 2029 season, multiple sources told ESPN.

Rose Lavelle re-signs with Gotham FC through 2029

Lavelle is staying in New Jersey as Gotham looks to add more trophies with the veteran.

Why UConn's Sarah Strong is a player to watch this season

Why UConn's Sarah Strong is a player to watch this season

Sky's Skylar Diggins (knee) to miss remainder of season

Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins will miss the remainder of the WNBA's season as she continues to recover from a right knee injury, the team announced Tuesday.

2026 WNBA championship odds: Lynx still odds-on title favorites; Aces, Valkyries next

The Lynx remain odds-on favorites to win the WNBA championship, while the red-hot Valkyries are back up to third on the oddsboard.

WNBA Power Rankings: Lynx dethroned, Sparks bump up

What should every team be focused on when play resumes after the FIBA World Cup?

NWSL Power Rankings: Wave eyeing Gotham FC after superb fightback

The San Diego Wave's ability to fight back was on full display on Friday and has them hot on the heels of NJ/NY Gotham FC atop ESPN's Power Rankings.

Boston Legacy FC vs. Angel City FC - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Boston Legacy FC vs. Angel City FC, 09/01/2026

Lauren Jackson on A'ja Wilson: 'There'd be battles, for sure'

Australian basketball icon Lauren Jackson praises four-time WNBA MVP A'Ja Wilson, and believes the pair would've been a great matchup back in Jackson's prime.

NWSL's Orlando Pride fires Seb Hines with team in 12th place

The Orlando Pride have fired Seb Hines as head coach with eight games remaining in the NWSL season and the team in 12th place. Assistant coach Yolanda Thomas will serve as interim head coach.

Why Hannah Hidalgo is a player to watch this season

Why Hannah Hidalgo is a player to watch this season

Players Era women's hoops showcase to feature 7-figure NIL pool

The 2026 Players Era Women's Basketball Showcase -- which includes expected preseason top-10 squads South Carolina, USC, Texas and Duke -- will feature a seven-figure NIL pool, one of the largest in women's college sports history.

Sankey, SEC 'prepared to contest' judge's order in Louisiana

Though the SEC said it will comply with an order that prohibits commissioner Greg Sankey from punishing schools if they roster a player who returns from a pro contract, the league said in a statement Sunday that it will defend its rights in court.

'New and improved' Trinity Rodman tweaks style to ensure availability for Washington Spirit

Trinity Rodman says she is happy with the "new and improved" version of herself after putting the injury problems that bedevilled her for much of last season behind her.

Seattle Reign FC vs. Houston Dash - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Seattle Reign FC vs. Houston Dash, 08/31/2026

Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC, 08/30/2026

Denver Summit FC vs. Chicago Stars - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Denver Summit FC vs. Chicago Stars, 08/30/2026

Orlando Pride vs. Utah Royals - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Orlando Pride vs. Utah Royals, 08/30/2026

Kansas City Current vs. North Carolina Courage - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Kansas City Current vs. North Carolina Courage, 08/30/2026

ACC joins other Power 4 conferences in banning pros from returning

The ACC passed a resolution Thursday banning professionals from returning to college in football, plus men's and women's basketball, joining the other Power 4 conferences in setting forth eligibility enforcement.

San Diego Wave FC vs. Racing Louisville FC - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from San Diego Wave FC vs. Racing Louisville FC, 08/29/2026

NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns FC - Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns FC, 08/29/2026

College basketball eligibility: What to know about latest rulings

What do the conferences' new rules mean for college eligibility -- including LSU's roster? What we know so far.

Ruling: SEC can't sanction teams using players with NFL ties

A temporary restraining order prohibits the SEC from enforcing a new rule that threatens stiff penalties for any team that uses a player who previously signed a contract to play in the NFL, NBA or WNBA.