New WNBA CBA lifts rookie salaries, with the No. 1 overall pick set to earn $500,000

April 13, 2026

NEW YORK — Some high-profile members of the upcoming 2026 WNBA draft class went to dinner Friday night with a few veteran players including Nneka Ogwumike and Tina Charles. It was a chance to gain some knowledge as the rookies get set to embark on their new journey Monday night when their names are called in the draft. "I wish I had brought a notebook," UConn grad Azzi Fudd said at a pre-draft availability Saturday. "Taking all these notes, like they're giving such good information, such good advice. It's like information overload." Ogwumike, who is president of the players' ...

Denver beats Wisconsin 2-1 for its 11th national title, 3rd in 5 years

April 13, 2026

LAS VEGAS — Denver has thrived in the uncomfortable, refusing to panic even when the opponent is dominating play. Much of that is because of the freshman in the Pioneers' net. No goalie has been better than Johnny Hicks, and he is the main reason Denver is yet again the best team in ...

Wisconsin beats North Dakota 2-1 to reach its first Frozen Four final since 2010

April 11, 2026

LAS VEGAS — Simon Tassy and Ryan Botterill scored 27 seconds apart in the first period and Wisconsin defeated North Dakota 2-1 on Thursday to put the Badgers in the Frozen Four title game for the first time since 2010. The Badgers (24-12-2), seeded third in their region, will play Denver ...

McIlroy atop Masters leaderboard again, while DeChambeau and Rahm will have to fight to make the cut

April 11, 2026

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Defending champion Rory McIlroy picked up where he left off a year ago. For a couple other big names at the Masters, just making the cut is no guarantee. McIlroy and Sam Burns enter Friday's second round tied for first after opening with 5-under 67s at Augusta National. ...

Nneka Ogwumike to return to the Los Angeles Sparks, where she spent first 12 years of her career

April 11, 2026

Nneka Ogwumike is headed back to the Los Angeles Sparks. Ogwumike spent the first 12 seasons of her career in Los Angeles after she was drafted No. 1 by the team in 2012. She won the MVP in 2016 and helped the franchise win the WNBA championship that season. The veteran forward posted on social media a 45-second video that showed her intentions to return to the Sparks, which her agent confirmed was accurate. Free agents can't sign until Saturday. "It was always see you later, now I'll see you soon…" Ogwumike wrote in the post. The video showed highlights of her time in Los ...

Fewer players from outside the Power Four are being selected in the NFL draft

April 11, 2026

Just like Cinderella teams have become less of a factor at the NCAA men's basketball tournament, fewer longshots are reaching the NFL draft from small schools. Blame NIL riches and the crowded transfer portal, a combination that has led to a concentration of talent in the power conferences. The SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 dominate college football, commanding higher revenue, better television ratings and bigger budgets. And more and more, they're siphoning stars from the nonpower leagues. "Jerry Rice still gets drafted by the 49ers, but I don't know that it's from Mississippi ...