New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu will miss the start of the 2026 WNBA season.

On Monday, The New York Post reported that Ionescu, who injured her left ankle during a 79-67 victory over the Connecticut Sun, is expected to miss at least two weeks. The Liberty star had an MRI on Monday, revealing a left foot injury. Ionescu, who reportedly avoided "significant injury," is expected to be reevaluated in two weeks.

The Liberty guard drove for a layup around the 7:40 mark of the third quarter and landed awkwardly, rolling her left ankle. Ionescu's feet appeared to get tangled with Sun forward Diamond Miller. After the matchup, Ionescu was seen with a boot on her left leg.

"(Things are) positive right now," Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said of Ionescu's injury postgame. "We're just going to do the test tomorrow, and that's the only update I have."

"Obviously, it wasn't good to see," Liberty center Jonquel Jones said. "Our fingers are crossed, and we'll just kind of handle it as we get more information."

Ionescu finished her day with six points on 2-of-8 shooting in just under 16 minutes of play. She played in 38 games last season for New York, averaging 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds.

Ionescu hurt the same left ankle during her rookie year, which cut her campaign short. She needed season-ending surgery. In 2026, Ionescu did not play in Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 professional league, due to an injury sustained during the 2025 WNBA season.

The Liberty, who won their first WNBA championship in 2024, had injury issues all of last season and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Mercury. Jones (ankle) and Breanna Stewart (knee) missed 13 regular-season games each, while Ionescu (neck, toe) missed six. Former Liberty forward Nyara Sabally played in just 17 games due to a lingering knee injury.

New York will open the 2026 regular season hosting the Sun at Barclays Center on Friday, May 8 (7:30 p.m. ET, ION).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sabrina Ionescu injury update: How long will Liberty star be out?

The first public WNBA officiating complaint of the season is from the first overall pick.

Following the Dallas Wings’ preseason victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, rookie Azzi Fudd was asked how she is adjusting to the physicality of the WNBA. In answering, the UConn product took a backhanded swipe at the officiating.

“Honestly, I’m more confused,” Fudd said. “I thought you could be physical in the W and anytime you touch someone, it’s a foul. So I’m not really sure whether to be physical, whether to—I don’t know. I’m still figuring that out.”

Fudd’s teammate, Jessica Shepard, joked that Fudd was still figuring out press conferences, too, because she “may get hit” with a fine. A source, however, tells Front Office Sports that the league won’t be fining Fudd for her comments.

Officiating has been a contentious topic in the WNBA in recent years. Ahead of the 2025 WNBA Finals, commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that she would establish a “multi-stakeholder” task force to evaluate officiating in the offseason.

It’s still unclear who was involved in the task force. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White said late last month that there were “lots of committees” that met in the offseason to address officiating concerns and is hoping to see changes this season.

“Talking about it and making changes are two different things,” White said at Fever media day. “Do I hope that there’s improvement? Of course. But just like athletes and just like coaches, it takes time and it takes experience and it takes commitment to being consistent with it.”

White said that the changes may be an increase in calls, which would align with Fudd’s preseason callout.

“I hope that we’re going to see a lot of whistles early and that that’s going to continue because players will adjust,” White said. “We just need it to be consistent.”

Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh was asked about his expectations for this season’s officiating at the team’s media day last week. Marsh, however, declined to provide a detailed answer.

“It’s just all about accountability,” he responded to a question from FOS. “We don’t expect the referees to get it right 100% of the time. … I do believe that the players and the coaches have a level of accountability that we have to answer to regularly and we just want that transparency from both sides. And we’ll leave it at that.”

The post Azzi Fudd Won’t Be Fined After Questioning WNBA Officiating appeared first on Front Office Sports.

How Caitlin Clark's teammate could dent her WNBA MVP chances originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever are probably going to be a very good team in 2026 if a player other than Caitlin Clark -- or even Kelsey Mitchell -- is nominated for the WNBA MVP award.

How does that work? Isn't Clark healthy again? Is she not still one of the best and most explosive players in the entire league?

MORE: Fever’s biggest concern revealed days before new WNBA season

Clark missed 31 games through injury in 2025, but she won Rookie of the Year honors while placing fourth in MVP voting in 2024. In her absence over the past year, Mitchell stepped up and averaged a career-best 20.2 points per game, carrying the Fever as long as she was physically able and earning first-team All-WNBA honors when the season ended.

With Mitchell and Clark rested and ready for the 2026 season, opposing defensive schemes are going to hone in on the two All-Star guards. That means they may leave openings for the Fever's third All-Star: Aliyah Boston, whom ESPN is tipping to emerge as an MVP candidate in her fourth season.

"Last season, (Boston) was tied for sixth in MVP voting, made her first All-Defensive team, first All-WNBA team and earned a third consecutive All-Star appearance. There's going to be a ton of attention on those two guards and Boston should be the beneficiary," wrote ESPN's Kareem Copeland.

Furthermore, Copeland thinks the relative lack of attention on Boston could lead to the South Carolina product achieving a rare statistical feat in recent years: a double-double average over a full season.

"The 2023 No. 1 pick has never averaged fewer than 8.2 rebounds per game," he wrote. "Averaging a double-double is possible."

In the past four seasons, only Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson have averaged a points-rebounds double-double across an entire campaign. If Boston breaks into that elite club, it will mean a career-best year for the former no.1 overall pick -- and a genuine shot at snatching the MVP award away from Wilson.

More WNBA news:

• Sophie Cunningham drops cryptic hint that has Fever fans paying attention

• Brittney Griner shuts down retirement talk with blunt message after Sun loss

• Did Caitlin Clark just reveal Lexie Hull’s wedding timeline?

• Sabrina Ionescu injury update: Liberty star set for MRI after preseason scare before opener

When the 2026 WNBA season tips off on Friday, May 8, teams start separating themselves into competitive tiers.

In 2025, the Las Vegas Aces finished one of the greatest title runs in league history. With .500 record at the All-Star break, Las Vegas rattled off 16 straight wins to get to the postseason. The Aces then survived two down-to-the-wire playoff matchups with the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever to reach the Finals, where they later swept the Phoenix Mercury.

That sort of grit and determination places the Aces on a different level than many franchises and, for the 2026 season, automatically places them in the championship contender tier once again. Who else has a chance to win a title this season? Which teams have more work to do?

From contenders to rebuilding, here's where each franchise lands in USA TODAY's tiers ahead of the season tip off. (Each tier has teams listed in alphabetical order.):

Tier 1: Championship contenders

• Atlanta Dream: While Atlanta lost center Brittney Griner to free agency, it returned four of five starters, a major victory for a team pushing to surpass a franchise-best 30 wins achieved last season. The Dream also returned the leader of its bench unit, Sixth Player of the Year Naz Hillmon, and added two-time All-Star Angel Reese via trade. If Atlanta can find a combination of players who can contribute to its bench, it could make the Finals for the first time since 2013.
• Indiana Fever: The Fever's title hopes start and end with the health of Caitlin Clark, who played 13 games last season because of series of soft tissue injuries. Indiana still made it within one game of the WNBA Finals but ran out of steam as injuries took their toll with the season on the line. Clark is healthy now and, with help from Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, Indiana is poised to make a deep run again and potentially win the franchise's second title.
• Las Vegas Aces: After winning three championships in four years, the Aces want to rewrite history this season. "Hunger is still prevalent with this group, just because we're chasing something that hasn't been done before. I don't think anybody's ever went back-to-back twice (on) two different occasions," Aces point guard Chelsea Gray said. Vegas likely has the best chance of any team to win another title after bringing back eight players from its 2025 championship roster and adding pieces like guard Chennedy Carter.
• New York Liberty: The Liberty didn't look like themselves last season largely because of injuries. New York was bounced from the first round of the playoffs, a shocking development for the 2024 champions. The Liberty's core ― Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart ― are back, and they've added three-time WNBA All-Star Satou Sabally to the lineup. Sabally instantly elevates New York's profile on both ends of the floor, making New York an early candidate to win another title.

Tier 2: Playoff locks

• Golden State Valkyries: In 2025, the Valkyries became the first expansion franchise in WNBA history to make the playoffs, and with newcomer Gabby Williams in the fold, Golden State could make the postseason again. Williams is a lightning rod on both sides of the floor and could be a nightmare to defend beside stars Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton. Furthermore, should Golden State deploy a similar version of its top-five ranked defense from last season, it will be in a position to surpass its 23 wins and potentially secure a top playoff seed.
• Los Angeles Sparks: The Sparks have so much experience and veteran leadership, it's hard not to pencil them in for a playoff run. Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Ariel Atkins and Nneka Ogwumike have collectively won five titles, and that goes a long way for a team looking to win more. The Sparks feel like a team that could play spoiler when the postseason arrives. The key for L.A. will be getting the most out of its bench, led by former No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink and veteran guard Erica Wheeler.
• Minnesota Lynx: The Lynx won't see Napheesa Collier before June, leaving it up in the air how successful the team might be in the first half of the season. Minnesota also lost starters Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith plus bench pieces Natisha Hiedeman and Jessica Shepard in free agency. The Lynx still have Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams and newcomer Natasha Howard to help keep them afloat, but the team's ceiling beyond making the playoffs is unknown.
• Phoenix Mercury: The Phoenix Mercury made it to the WNBA Finals last season behind the strength of its core ― Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas ― and a productive bench. After one season, Sabally moved on to New York, leaving Phoenix to replace her production by committee. Phoenix will likely make the playoffs, but without Sabally, another WNBA Finals run is a tall task.

Tier 3: Playoff hopefuls

• Chicago Sky: For the third consecutive season, the Sky's roster doesn't look similar to the one in the year prior, making it hard to establish consistency. Still, Chicago has plenty of experienced players who can help it be competitive, including newcomers Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson and DiJonai Carrington, plus Courtney Vandersloot and Azurá Stevens, who were on the 2021 championship team.
• Dallas Wings: With a first-year WNBA head coach and multiple new faces in Dallas, the Wings hope to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2023. Dallas' ceiling is extremely high on paper, backed by its guard trio, which includes No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd, and an upgraded front court, featuring co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith.

Tier 4: Building or rebuilding

• Connecticut Sun: It's hard to gauge just how good the Sun will be with a move to Houston next season on the horizon and only four players on the roster with more than five years of experience. With veteran center Brittney Griner serving as a mentor, the Sun will learn and have fun even if reaching the playoffs may is out of reach.
• Portland Fire: The Fire chasing the Valkyries' expansion team standards set last year: 20 wins and a playoff spot. That's a gigantic goal for a new franchise, but players like Bridget Carleton (26 playoff games) and WNBA champion Megan Gustafson (16 playoff games) can help Portland's young roster understand its possible.
• Seattle Storm: The Storm lost four out of its five starters from last season and multiple bench players. However, Seattle can lean on All-Star Ezi Magbegor and WNBA champion Stefanie Dolson to help guide its young roster. With first-round picks Awa Fam, Flau'jae Johnson and Taina Mair also in the mix, the Storm can work towards forming their new identity.
• Toronto Tempo: The Tempo's offense promises to be exciting with head coach Sandy Brondello, who spent the past four seasons with New York Liberty. Brondello helped the Liberty become a top-five offense in three of her four seasons and could bring that same successful formula to Toronto. The Tempo will need it as they assimilate into the league.
• Washington Mystics: With an average roster age of 23 years old, there's a full youth movement in Washington. Still, the Mystics have two All-Stars − Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron − leading the way. Center Shakira Austin is also an underrated piece that could help the team's continued rise.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From dynasties to rebuilds, the WNBA’s 2026 tiers take shape

UNCASVILLE, CT − Connecticut Sun fans stood in long lines for autographs from their favorite players at the WNBA team's annual open practice and meet-and-greet to kick off the 2026 season at Mohegan Sun arena in late April.

Nearly 1,500 season-ticket holders collected signatures from the newest roster members − legendary center Brittney Griner and UCLA national champions Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker − and old favorites − UConn grads Aaliyah Edwards and Olivia Nelson-Ododa − alike.

The fans know there won't be many more opportunities like this after the Mohegan Tribe ownership group announced March 30 it would sell the Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. While the reported $300 million sale still has to be ratified by the WNBA Board of Governors, its a foregone conclusions Fertitta will move the franchise to Houston ahead of the 2027 season.

"It's disappointing because we have a history here," Myra Amsden, a season-ticket holder from Waterford, Connecticut, who has been coming to games for 20 years.

"The Sun were really robbed it from the tribe. There's too many things that are not right about this whole thing. And it's embarrassing, I think, for the WNBA."

The tribe had agreed to sell to former Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca for $325 million in July 2025. He had planned to move the team to Boston. Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry matched the $325 million and wanted to relocate the team to Hartford. The WNBA said no to both proposals, saying neither group made a bid for expansion in the last round so they were not eligible to buy the Sun.

The WNBA announced expansion to Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030) in July 2025. At the time, commissioner Cathy Engelbert made it clear the league wanted to return to Houston sooner than later.

“One of those I wanted to shout out because they have such a strong history in this league, and they’re a great ownership group — Houston. … That’s the one we have our eye on,” Engelbert said at the time. “Tilman (Fertitta) has been a great supporter of the WNBA, and we’ll stay tuned on that.

“Houston would be up next for sure. There might be opportunities there.”

The opportunity comes at the expense of Sun fans. The Mohegan Tribe bought the franchise, formerly the Orlando Miracle, in 2003 for $10 million. They have played in Connecticut for 24 seasons. Mike Greer and his wife, Asia, have had season tickets for two years but have been coming to games for much longer.

"I feel like a sore loser," said Greer, who's 5-year-old daughter, Autumn, was waiting in line with him for autogrpahs. "I've been mad. ... It's not even bittersweet. It's just bitter. There's no silver lining."

Asia Greer added: "It doesn't seem like a good business deal as the league is appreciating. The WNBA just did whatever they wanted. It's really sad how they snatched the team away."

Jenny Trerice has been coming to Sun games since she was 15, "when they first existed." She reminisced about the many players − from Nykesha Sales and Lindsey Whalen to DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas − who she's cheered for over the years.

"For it to be such a big basketball place and for them to say, 'We'll be gone in less than a year,'" Trerice said. "It shocked me, but it didn't. It definitely more hurt me than anything ... it seems like almost no loyalty."

Trerice attends games with her mom, Jennifer, who lamented the loss of the team and the opportunity to spend time with her daughter.

"This is like some some mom-kid bonding time that's gonna be taken away," Jennifer said. "I cherish it."

Connecticut calls itself the basketball capital of the world, thanks to 18 national championships combined between the UConn men's and women's basketball teams. The Sun never won a title but did make the playoffs 17 times and WNBA Finals four times in their history.

“Connecticut deserves to have a team, because we’re a proven (place) where people will support women’s basketball,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said in March. “So them now moving, I think it leaves a void. They had a great fanbase, and it wasn’t only UConn fans or fans only went when UConn players came.

“They did a great job of establishing their own fanbase, and it was a rabid fanbase that provided a lot of energy and a lot of passion for those teams.”

As season ticket holders stood for up to a half an hour to meet their favorite player, longtime season-ticket holder Angel Earle said the event, where you "used to be able to get every player" has grown so much now you have to pick three or four players to target. Seeing the fanbase grow but being unable to keep the Sun in Connecticut is "frustrating."

Earle, who is well-known among the Connecticut fans for sitting courtside in colorful costumes and leading cheers, said she will continue to root for the W but doesn't look forward to having to take a road trip to see a game live.

"The New York Liberty will be the closest (WNBA team) but, I think before I start traveling all that way, I'll probably move back to Jersey first," Earle said.

"When I am retired ... maybe I'll move to Texas (to support the Houston Comets). Who knows?"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Connecticut Sun fans devastated by Houston move, savor final season

Caitlin Clark is undoubtedly the most high-profile player in the WNBA. However, according to ESPN, she’s nowhere near that best.

After a sensational, record-breaking rookie season that saw her earn an All-Star nod as well as the league’s Rookie of the Year award, Clark’s second season in the WNBA did not go quite as planned. Not only did Clark’s stats drop across the board, but she also spent a significant portion of the season sidelined with an injury.

Now, Clark is looking to bounce back this season, but she seems to have lost quite a bit of the momentum and hype she had with the media.

Ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, ESPN released a set of power rankings, ranking the top 50 players in the league. While Clark might be the face of the league, she came in at just No. 10 on the list.

“Clark received the fourth-most MVP votes as a rookie while setting a single-season league record for assists and posting the second-most 3-point field goals in a season,” ESPN wrote of Clark.

“She became one of the league’s best passers and long-range shooters the moment she stepped onto a WNBA court, and was just getting started when she was named Rookie of the Year and first-team all-WNBA in 2024. Injuries limited her to only 13 games in 2025, but she was still named an All-Star,” the ESPN blurb continued.

Ranked ahead of Clark was Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum at No. 9, reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings at No. 8, Atlanta Dream star Allisha Gray at No. 7, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu at No. 6, Las Vegas Aces star Jackie Young at No. 5, New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart at No. 4, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier at No. 3, Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas at No. 2, and reigning MVP A’ja Wilson at No. 1.

Needless to say, Clark’s ranking quickly sparked outrage amongst WNBA fans, who expressed their displeasure on social media.

“I love Paige, but how is she ahead of CC after one yr? Caitlin’s rookie year was better than hers if we’re going based off one season. Literally none of the four players ahead of CC make any sense,” one fan wrote in a post on X.

“Paige Bueckers, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Alisha Gray even Alyssa Thomas are not above CC. What is this harebrained nonsense?” someone else wrote in another post.

“This is mad disrespectful. Imagine ESPN treating LeBron or Jordan like this when he was playing,” someone else added.

“So Caitlin is 10 because of Injuries last season??? Despite winning MVP for USA??” someone else questioned.

“This is all so unserious,” another person commented.

Needless to say, fans were not exactly happy about Clark’s ranking. We’ll have to see whether or not she can prove ESPN wrong this upcoming season.

The post ESPN sparks outrage with ‘disrespectful’ Caitlin Clark move appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Caitlin Clark’s chemistry with Sophie Cunningham turned heads in the Indiana Fever’s 2026 WNBA preseason finale against Nigeria on Sunday.

The 24-year-old enters her third season on a mission after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign limited her to just 13 games.

Clark averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds before a groin strain shut her down. The two-time All-Star has returned with a vengeance. 

MORE: Caitlin Clark flexes outfit for Indiana Fever game

Clark is a generational talent who can slice through defenses off the dribble and torch opponents from beyond the arc. Her ability to create for teammates sets her apart. 

Ahead of opening night, the Clark-Cunningham tandem gave fans a glimpse of what is to come.

Caitlin Clark is back to form

The Fever had their way with Nigeria from start to finish. Clark was the catalyst for Indiana’s dominance.

Around the nine-minute mark of the second quarter, Clark pushed the pace in transition. She scanned the floor quickly. Clark then delivered a perfect no-look pass to a cutting Cunningham. Cunningham completed the highlight with the easiest two points of the night.

The Fever’s official Instagram account shared the play shortly after.

“anotha insane CC pass,” the Fever wrote. “Caitlin Clark splits three defenders to find Sophie Cunningham for the lay.”

Indiana closed the preseason on a high note with a 105-57 victory. Clark finished with 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting, 2-of-3 from three and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. She added four assists in 13 minutes of play. Cunningham contributed eight points and three assists in 12 minutes.

Cunningham was a priority for the Fever in offseason free agency. She re-signed on a one-year, $665,000 deal. Last season, Cunningham embraced her role as the team’s enforcer. 

MORE: Fever star Sophie Cunningham shuts down rumors about unhappiness with contract

Her bond with Clark extends beyond the court. That connection was impossible to ignore on this play.

Fever fans can expect more from these two when the regular season tips off on May 9 against the Dallas Wings.

The Golden State Valkyries just cut the rookie they received in a controversial draft-night trade.

On Saturday, the Golden State Valkyries waived Marta Suárez, the No. 16 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, whom the team acquired on draft night last month from the Seattle Storm alongside a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for Flau’jae Johnson, the No. 8 pick.

Draft-Night Drama

The Valkyries were scrutinized for the trade with many perceiving the return of two second-round picks for Johnson, projected to go in the top six in many draft boards, as weak. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the trade during the draft ahead of the No. 17 pick, and audible gasps were heard on the ESPN broadcast. 

After the draft, Golden State GM Ohemaa Nyanin told ESPN that she made the deal with Seattle before the picks were made: “This had nothing to do with Flau’jae or any specific athlete selection.”

Once the Valkyries were on the clock to select the No. 8 pick, Seattle informed them of their decision to select Johnson. 

“We didn’t think that she would be available at that point,” Storm GM Talisa Rhea said after the draft. 

Asked by reporters after the draft about her decision, Nyanin avoided the question, saying she was too “exhausted” to explain her rationale. She was also asked whether the move had salary cap implications, but said she does not “talk or comment about salary cap.” 

Following the Money

However, the decision to waive Suárez is another sign that the cap may have factored into the trade.

The Valkyries have 10 players under contract, according to Her Hoops Stats. With two open roster spots remaining, Golden State has about $816,490 left—and this does not include the $380,219 owed to 2025 draft pick Justė Jocytė.

The team would be left with one full-time roster spot remaining and less than $450,000 in cap space for the 2026 season. Suárez would have made $270,000 this year, meaning she would’ve fit under the team’s cap this year. But Golden State still has Laeticia Amihere and Kaitlyn Chen, two players on last season’s roster, under training camp deals.

Bigger Priorities?

The Valkyries may also be considering the future. All-star forward Kayla Thornton and key rotation piece Tiffany Hayes will be free agents next year, and the team may want to re-sign them, or they could try to lure another star in free agency. 

Golden State already showed its ability to attract stars in free agency this offseason, when it signed All-Star Gabby Williams to a three-year, $3.75 million contract.

The post Valkyries Cut the Player They Acquired in Flau’jae Johnson Deal appeared first on Front Office Sports.