Sophie Cunningham often grabs headlines for her pregame outfits. Whether she wears dresses or rocks simpler looks, her fashion draws a lot of attention online. The Indiana Fever guard’s attire on Wednesday ahead of the WNBA regular-season game against the Golden State Valkyries received a lot of praise.

She wore a laid-back, sporty outfit consisting of a fitted, short-sleeved cropped T-shirt in brown shade. Cunningham paired it with relaxed, wide-leg, mid-wash blue denim jeans and cream-colored closed-toe sneakers.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham shares reaction to serving as UFC 329 guest ring girl

The Fever posted her photo on Instagram and fans reacted to it in the comments section.

“Super abs!” a fan said.

“Sophie looking great,” one comment read.

“Sophie 🔥,” a user wrote.

“All very unique and cute ☺️ but the 4th one is the cutest 🤗,” posted another.

“Ayeeeee Sophieeeeee I see youuuu gurllll!!” one fan commented.

“Sophie 😎,” a reaction read.

Sophie Cunningham vs. the Valkyries

Cunningham came off the bench and played 27 minutes on Wednesday. She produced 10 points, including two 3-pointers, along with two rebounds. Her production backed Kelsey Mitchell’s game-high 20 points, and Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark’s 15 and 13, respectively. However, Indiana failed to extend their winning streak to three games, losing 88-75. Six Golden State players scored in double figures, led by Gabby Williams’ 16 and Kaitlyn Chen’s 14.

The Fever will return to action on Friday for the first night of a back-to-back set. Clark could sit either game, giving Cunningham the opportunity to potentially start in her place and make a bigger impact.

Caitlin Clark loses her mind during Fever loss to Valkyries, but somehow doesn't get a technical foul from patient ref originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Caitlin Clark thought she was fouled, but the call wasn't made, and Clark was hurt, at least temporarily.

So when the whistle blew at the end of the next possession, the Indiana Fever star lost it.

She rushed straight toward the official who could've called the foul and screamed right in her face.

On a national broadcast, in front of a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana, Clark did everything in her power to get her point across.

It was a moment that seemed destined for a technical foul.

Instead, the official showed off immense patience and restraint. She simply let Clark get it all out:

Caitlin Clark was FURIOUS

Screaming in the referee’s face. 😳 pic.twitter.com/fqVhtlMmaJ

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 16, 2026

It was certainly a frustrating night for Clark all around. She never found a rhythm as another rough shooting night for her contributed to the Fever's loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

Clark is known for her reactions to calls and non-calls. She doesn't exactly hide her emotions.

She also is a fan of complaining, to be sure -- even her biggest fans would admit that.

Some players end up having more of a leash with refs than others. Their star power matters for that. So too does the frequency of their behavior -- the predictability of Clark's outburst here might've actually saved her a tech.

Either way, it was pretty astounding to see happen over the TV broadcast as it happened. Clark went ballistic, and the ref just stood and took it.

MORE: How Veronica Burton reached WNBA stardom

The Golden State Valkyries have quietly become one of the best teams in the WNBA, putting the league on notice with a franchise-best, seven-game winning streak.

It's Year 2. The cat's out of the bag. This isn't just a new expansion team excited to take the court in front of thousands of fans. The Valkyries are a force to reckon with. A potential contender for the WNBA title.

In USA TODAY Sports' latest WNBA power rankings, the Valkyries lead the list, claiming the No. 1 spot, moving up from their previous second-place rank a week ago. While teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces dominate the mainstream news cycle in the W, Golden State is tiptoeing around the conversation over who's the league's best.

"I think we're growing in terms of playing all four quarters. Number one, I think we're executing the game plan on both ends," Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase told reporters just before their game against the Indiana Fever on July 15. "So, attention to detail has been better. I wouldn't say it's at, like, a high level yet, and then our communication is solid, but it does drop sometimes. And so V (Veronica Burton) and Gabby (Williams), I would say even Kaitlyn (Chen) and (Tiffany Hayes), they're doing a great job."

The Valkyries improved their overall record to 17-7 after a 79-64 win against the Connecticut Sun on July 10. Golden State is 1.5 games back of the Minnesota Lynx for best record in the league (19-6). The Valkyries are tied at second with the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces.

They've been able to put together a nucleus that plays for each other, on both ends of the floor. The Valkyries make, and take, the most 3-point shots in the league, averaging 10.6 makes on 30.6 attempts. They rank fifth in 3-point shooting percentage at 34.6%, tied with the Portland Fire.

Defensively, they have the second-best defensive rating behind the Lynx (100.4). Golden State has the second-best plus/minus rating in the league with a +5.8 average margin. Golden State forced a season-best 20 turnovers in an 83-75 win over the Toronto Tempo on July 8. The Valkyries then bested that mark against the Connecticut Sun by forcing 22 turnovers in a 79-64 win on July 10.

"No, I think we do have an identity of toughness, grittiness, connectivity. I mean, those words kind of come to mind. I would say ultra-competitive, too," Nakase said to reporters after a June 9 win against the Phoenix Mercury.

Golden State is led by Gabby Williams, who leads the team averaging 15 points and 1.6 steals per game. Second-year forward Janelle Salaun is second on the team in points per game, averaging 13 per outing. She also ranks third in the W in most 3-point shots made with 62 total.

Veronica Burton averages 13.2 per game and leads the Valkyries in assists with 5.3 per game.

Kayla Thornton is the team's leading rebounder with 5 per game. Kiah Stokes is second in the WNBA with 1.8 blocks per game, behind Aces' All-Star center A'ja Wilson.

"I think, you know, we win these games because we have a strong depth," Thornton told reporters after their July 8 win against the Tempo. "Our bench players, I don't like calling them bench players, but you know, our other group, they do a tremendous job. ... It just flows. So I think they do a great job of coming in and doing what they have to do."

The Valkyries are a collective group of talent. There isn't one star player who's ahead of the rest. The Valkyries are made up of individuals who are selfless, and determine succuss based on the team's outcome. Depth is their superpower.

"We just got to continue to build. We still have a lot of growth that we need to learn from," Thornton said. "I think we're learning how to play through adversity. I think we're learning how to find our own energy. I think we're learning that it's gonna take each and every one of us each night to bring something."

The Valkyries will look to extend their winning streak to eight but to do so they have to take down the Indiana Fever. The Fever have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 14-9, led by Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark. Mitchell averages a team-high 22.7 points, while Clark puts up nightly numbers of 20.1 points and 7.8 assists.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Are the Golden State Valkyries for real? Inside success of second-year WNBA team

How Veronica Burton's Boston, Patriots Roots Led to WNBA Stardom with Valkyries originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Veronica Burton has turned into one of the WNBA's best guards, an all-around talent shining out west for the Golden State Valkyries.

But when she points back to her roots, she can look to the Boston area, and even the New England Patriots, for part of her origin story.

Burton really broke out in the WNBA in 2025 when she became a member of the expansion Valkyries. She's the type of point guard who can chase triple-doubles and lock up the opposing team's best player, too.

She's continued her strong play into the 2026 season, showing nothing about her growth as a hooper has been a fluke.

And with that in mind, it's worth revisiting where Burton came from and just how she got here.

MORE: Could Harry Kane become kicker for the Patriots?

Veronica Burton family

The roots begin in some ways with the Patriots two decades ago. 

Ron Burton, Veronica's grandfather, played for the Boston Patriots in the AFL after starring collegiate at Northwestern. He was a running back.

Veronica's parents were both athletes, too. Her dad Steve was a quarterback at Northwestern, and her mom Ginni was an All-American swimmer for the Wildcats.

The siblings all could ball, as well.

Veronica's brother Austin played quarterback for UCLA.

Her sister Kendall hooped at Villanova, and her other sister Kayla played at Lehigh. Kayla now does work with NBC Sports Boston, as well.

Veronica Burton career timeline

Burton was a high school star at Newton South, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in a senior year that had her named Boston Globe Player of the Year.

She was then named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year three years in a row while at Northwestern. In that final season, she led all of Division I with 111 regular season steals.

The Dallas Wings took Burton seventh overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft, but her breakout came when the Valkyries picked Burton in the 2025 expansion draft.

She was named Most Improved Player in the WNBA after averaging 11.9 points, 6.0 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray said she hopes "people will think twice now" before spreading hate after a Hilton Grand Vacations employee was terminated for directing a racial slur towards Gray online.

"Enough is kind of enough," Gray said on Wednesday, July 15, in her first media availability since coming forward about the racial abuse she received on social media. "These messages are not the first of its kind. There was other stuff too ... It was just time. I got fed up with it and I just decided to share it."

Gray said she's experienced a wave of emotions since "putting myself out there" to shed light on the harassment some Black WNBA players regularly face. She hoped making the slur public would give a realistic look at what she and others experience, "so people can see it and can't ignore it," she said

"The hate directed at me and so many other Black athletes is one of the many ways systemic racism shows up in our lives," Gray wrote in a social media post shared on Wednesday afternoon. "But as athletes, there is real power in calling it out and naming it, and we have a real opportunity to create change collectively when we do so."

More: Las Vegas Aces issue statement in support of Chelsea Gray decrying hate

More: Mercury's Alyssa Thomas calls for WNBA to protect all players after death threats

View this post on Instagram

On Monday, Gray shared a screenshot of an Instagram message she received following the Aces' 109-75 loss to the Indiana Fever on Sunday. She captioned the Instagram Story, "People act like we just make this (stuff) up. And the audacity to tell us as athletes to 'shut up and dribble.'"

The man responsible for the racial slur was quickly identified by fans, prompting Hilton Grand Vacations to open an investigation. By Tuesday evening, the hotel chain announced the man had been fired for violating company policies.

On Wednesday, Gray said it was "really cool" to see everyone rally her around her in a positive way. She added "moments like this remind me of how much strength there is in people coming together."

"The overwhelming messages and everything that I got from people and their support and them sending emails, them messaging me and actually trying to find the person that actually said it. I was just like, it was really cool to see a bunch of athletes, a bunch of people and just human decency to see people coming together," Gray said.

Gray isn't the first WNBA player to come forward about racial abuse this season.

After Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a one-game suspension for "recklessly" making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during the Phoenix Mercury's 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on June 24, Thomas said she was on the receiving end of death threats, racial slurs and online abuse.

"I think the biggest thing is it's just about our safety. We're so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we're having people threatening our lives," Thomas said on June 30. "At some point the league needs to (take) a stand on it. … I'm sick and tired of it and it's time for (the league) to step up and have our backs.

Following Thomas' comments, Engelbert issued a statement that says the league "vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate."

“The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority," Engelbert said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”

The league issued another statement on Wednesday in light of the incident with Gray.

"The WNBA fully supports the Las Vegas Aces' statement and stands with Chelsea (Gray) and every member of our league. We unequivocally condemn racism and all forms of hate. There is no place for this behavior in sports or anywhere, and we remain committed to protecting the players and fostering an environment built on respect and inclusion."

Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news —  Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aces' Chelsea Gray hopes people 'think twice' after man who sent slur was fired

Caitlin Clark injury update: Fever star's status vs. Valkyries revealed before key WNBA showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever have won two straight games and will look to keep that momentum rolling Wednesday night when they host the Golden State Valkyries in one of the most intriguing matchups on the WNBA schedule.

With Indiana continuing its push up the standings and Golden State entering the game riding a seven-game winning streak, all eyes have been on the final injury report,  particularly the status of Caitlin Clark and Valkyries standout Gabby Williams.

The good news for Fever fans is that Clark is expected to suit up despite continuing to manage a lingering back injury.

Caitlin Clark expected to play against Golden State

Indiana released its final injury report on Tuesday, listing Clark as probable because of her back. While the injury has appeared on recent reports, it has not prevented the All-Star guard from taking the floor. Clark has continued to play through the issue and remains one of the league's most impactful players.

Her availability is a major boost for the Fever, who enter Wednesday's contest at 14-9 after dismantling the Las Vegas Aces 109-75 on Sunday. Although Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 27 points in that victory, Clark once again helped orchestrate Indiana's offense while benefiting from another balanced performance that featured 19 points and 11 rebounds from Aliyah Boston.

The Fever have found their rhythm entering the second half of the season, and having Clark available gives them their best chance to extend their winning streak to three games.

Status Report for tomorrow's game vs. Golden State:

Caitlin Clark - Probable (back) pic.twitter.com/WhQzExutCW

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 14, 2026

Gabby Williams remains questionable for Valkyries

Golden State's injury situation is less certain. The Valkyries have listed veteran forward Gabby Williams as questionable with a back contusion after she missed the team's previous game.

Williams has been one of Golden State's most versatile players this season, providing scoring, defense and playmaking for a team that owns one of the WNBA's best records at 17-7.

If she is unable to play again, the Valkyries will continue leaning on players such as Veronica Burton, who scored 17 points with six assists in Friday's win over the Connecticut Sun, and Janelle Salaün, who added 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Golden State will also remain without Iliana Rupert, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season because of her pregnancy.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham makes heartfelt request to Fever fans ahead of Golden State game

Fever and Valkyries meet in marquee matchup

Wednesday's game features two of the hottest teams in the league. Indiana has won consecutive games, including its statement victory over Las Vegas, while Golden State has reeled off seven straight wins to strengthen its position near the top of the WNBA standings.

Clark's expected availability means fans should get another opportunity to watch one of the league's biggest stars in a matchup that could have postseason implications later this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with the game airing nationally on USA Network.

More WNBA news:

• Sophie Cunningham makes heartfelt request to Fever fans ahead of Golden State game
• DeWanna Bonner climbs past WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes with latest career milestone
• Stephanie White surprises Indiana Fever with Kelsey Mitchell announcement after dominant week
• Sophie Cunningham gets surprising 2050 political prediction from bestselling author

The meme that took over the internet almost didn't happen. Weeks after her now-famous stare-down with Phoenix Mercury veteran DeWanna Bonner became the defining image of the WNBA season, Sophie Cunningham finally explained exactly what was going through her mind.

And as it turns out, it wasn't some carefully planned act of gamesmanship. "Honestly, I just am a little sassy sometimes," Cunningham joked during an appearance on James Corden's Fox Sports World Cup show. "I've mastered getting in people's heads. It's kind of like a game within the game."

That "game within the game" produced one of the most recognizable sports memes of 2026.

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Cunningham's now-iconic point came during Indiana's heated showdown with the Phoenix Mercury, a game that was already boiling over after teammate Caitlin Clark and Bonner exchanged words late in the fourth quarter. Clark was hit with a technical foul, but Cunningham believed Bonner deserved one as well.

She initially pointed to Bonner to make her case to the officials. Then Bonner fired back.

According to Cunningham, Bonner told her not to point at her. Cunningham's response was simple: she kept pointing. And pointing. And pointing.

For roughly 22 seconds, Cunningham never broke eye contact, holding the pose until a Fever staff member finally nudged her toward the bench. Both players were assessed technical fouls, but by then the damage—or, depending on your perspective, the comedy—was done.

Since that night, the image has taken on a life of its own. WWE legend John Cena has referenced it. Major brands have recreated it in social media posts. Even the White House joined the trend on social media. During Cunningham's interview, comedian Ian Karmel jokingly suggested the pose should replace the WNBA's league logo, drawing laughter from everyone on set.

The moment has become bigger than the play that created it. Earlier this season, Cunningham explained the confrontation started because she was defending Clark after the Fever star's heated exchange with Bonner.

That game also sparked weeks of debate surrounding Clark, including questions about officiating, physical play, and player safety, after later incidents involving Alyssa Thomas and other opponents dominated the headlines.

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Sophie Cunningham makes heartfelt request to Fever fans ahead of Golden State game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Sophie Cunningham has become one of the Indiana Fever's biggest fan favorites, both for her production on the court and her personality away from it. Now, just hours before Indiana returns home for another key WNBA matchup, the veteran guard is asking Fever fans to join her for a special event that extends beyond basketball games.

Fresh off one of the best performances of her season, Cunningham took to social media on Wednesday with a simple invitation for fans.

"Come hang out 🏀," she wrote while promoting her upcoming youth basketball camp.

The timing couldn't be much better. Cunningham is riding plenty of momentum after helping Indiana roll to a dominant victory over the Las Vegas Aces, and she'll look to keep that momentum going Wednesday night when the Fever host the Golden State Valkyries.

Sophie Cunningham invites young fans to Indiana basketball camp

Cunningham announced that her Sophie Cunningham Basketball ProCamp will take place on Saturday, July 19, at the Aletto Family Sports Center in Carmel, Indiana. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-15 and will feature basketball instruction, skill development, drills, competitions and opportunities for young players to interact with one of the WNBA's premier perimeter shooters.

come hang out 🏀 pic.twitter.com/wa9B3oZBw9

— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 15, 2026

With Cunningham encouraging fans to "come hang out," the event offers Fever supporters a chance to spend time with one of the team's most recognizable personalities during one of the franchise's most exciting seasons in recent memory. Community events like this have become increasingly common for Indiana players as the Fever's popularity continues to soar. Teammate Lexie Hull also hosted a successful youth basketball camp in Carmel earlier this summer, drawing young athletes from across the state.

For Cunningham, the camp is another opportunity to connect with Indiana's rapidly growing basketball community while helping inspire the next generation of players.

MORE: DeWanna Bonner climbs past WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes with latest career milestone

Cunningham has become a key piece for Indiana

The timing of the announcement also comes as Cunningham continues to play some of her best basketball of the season. Through 22 games, the veteran guard is averaging 9.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting an outstanding 43.5% from three-point range, ranking among the WNBA's most efficient long-range shooters.

She was especially impressive in Sunday's 109-75 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, erupting for 20 points off the bench while knocking down six of her eight attempts from beyond the arc. Her shooting helped fuel one of Indiana's most complete performances of the year as the Fever improved to 14-9.

Cunningham's ability to stretch defenses has made her an ideal complement alongside stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, giving head coach Stephanie White another dangerous scoring option whenever she checks into the game.

Now, Cunningham will look to carry that hot shooting into Wednesday night's matchup against the expansion Golden State Valkyries as Indiana tries to extend its winning streak to three games. But before tipoff, she's hoping plenty of Fever fans will answer her invitation and join her on Saturday for a day focused on developing young basketball players throughout central Indiana.

More WNBA news:

• DeWanna Bonner climbs past WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes with latest career milestone
• Stephanie White surprises Indiana Fever with Kelsey Mitchell announcement after dominant week
• Sophie Cunningham gets surprising 2050 political prediction from bestselling author

The WNBA is denying a report that Adam Silver influenced the suspension of Alyssa Thomas following an on-court incident with Caitlin Clark.

In a statement to Front Office Sports, a WNBA spokesperson said the report that NBA commissioner Adam Silver pushed WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Alyssa Thomas is “absolutely false.” 

On Wednesday morning, Sports Business Journal reported that Silver “persuaded” Engelbert to suspend Thomas for an incident on June 24 in which the Mercury star struck Clark’s throat. Thomas was not thrown out of the game.

A day later, the league handed Thomas a Flagrant 2—which comes with a $1,000 fine—and one-game suspension for what it deemed to be a “non-basketball act.”

The level of influence the NBA has on the WNBA’s decision making is a longstanding question. The NBA holds a 42% equity stake in the WNBA, while multiple NBA owners have separate ownership stakes in the WNBA. The NBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Silver was asked about the future of Engelbert as WNBA commissioner on Tuesday night during a press conference at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He did not give a definitive answer, but was complimentary about Engelbert’s performance.

“I’m very pleased with where the WNBA is. We’ve made tremendous progress under her leadership over the last several years … Cathy continues doing a strong job building that league. And we’ll have ongoing discussions about what the future looks like.” Silver said.

In March, Silver said there have been “no discussions yet” about Engelbert’s future. A month later, Engelbert aggressively deflected when asked about her future ahead of the 2026 WNBA season.

“I do crack up how everybody’s focused on me, and you should be focused on the hundreds of amazing women, and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself,” Engelbert said.

The post WNBA Denies Report That Adam Silver Influenced Alyssa Thomas Suspension appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Sky's Sydney Taylor crashes an exclusive rookie party with Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 season has presented more challenges for a Chicago Sky franchise that is continually beating back bad PR.

In April, the Sky dealt All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for a grand total of two first-round picks. Blossoming All-Star scorer Rickea Jackson has long bee ruled out for the season with an ACL tear. Skylar Diggins has not played for the team since she revealed that she was no longer in the starting lineup.

MORE: Chicago Sky players create buzz with bikini boat outing on Chicago River

In a season that is trending toward the lottery, the Sky's brightest spot has been the stellar play of undrafted rookie Sydney Taylor.

Taylor scored 17 points in Wednesday's 95-90 win over the Seattle Storm, as the Sky improved to 8-16 on the year.

In doing so, Taylor became the fourth rookie of the 2026 class to make at least 100 field goals. The wrinkle is that Taylor is the only one who wasn't drafted.

Rookies with 100+ FGM this season:

Azzi Fudd (No. 1 pick)
Olivia Miles (No. 2 pick)
Flau’jae Johnson (No. 8 pick)
Sydney Taylor (undrafted) pic.twitter.com/GUqat1lYZd

— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) July 15, 2026

The other rookies to make at least 100 shots this season all went inside the first 10 picks of the 2026 draft. They are Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles -- the top two picks -- as well as Flau'jae Johnson, the eighth selection.

Taylor has scored in double digits for four consecutive games, and she is averaging 13.0 points per game as a rookie. The scoring guard is proving to be a shrewd pickup from a Sky front office that has been bashed for its roster management, and she could well be a vital part of Chicago's latest retool.

More WNBA news:

• Is Cameron Brink on a minutes restriction? Sparks star's status update amid injury news

• Marina Mabrey showcases stylish arrival before Tempo face Mystics

• Stephanie White surprises Indiana Fever with Kelsey Mitchell announcement after dominant week

• Dick Vitale sends strong message to WNBA over Caitlin Clark treatment

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver implored WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas after she put her fist into the throat of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game on June 24, reports Sports Business Journal.

Thomas was not called for a foul for the incident but was later given a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area" of Clark. She was also given a $1,000 fine.

SBJ reports that Engelbert initially did not plan to impose any discipline on Thomas and added that the publication's sources said that "Silver believed there was clear evidence of a flagrant foul, that he felt badly for Clark and told Engelbert she had to act."

According to WNBA rules, the league office may review and reclassify any foul not called during a game and impose a fine and/or suspension.

Silver was asked about Engelbert's job performance during an NBA Summer League news conference this week.

"Cathy and I work together, and I don’t want to speak for Cathy,” Silver said. “But I’m very pleased with where the WNBA is. We made tremendous progress under her leadership over the last several years. Cathy continues to do a strong job building the league.”

Silver was asked the same thing in March when the WNBA signed a historic new collective bargaining agreement.

"We ​haven't had those discussions yet with the WNBA board," ​Silver previously said. "I would only say Cathy has done a ​fantastic job since she's come to the WNBA. Obviously, you ​could see (that) in the results."

The 61-year-old Englebert has been WNBA commissioner since 2019, and her tenure has been rocky at times. Just this past week, she was criticized for canceling a scheduled interview with radio host Dan Patrick.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Silver urged WNBA to suspend Alyssa Thomas, per report

Throughout its existence, the WNBA has been made up primarily of Black women players. However, that does not extend to the league’s coaches, and Dallas Wings superstar Paige Bueckers thinks that’s a problem.

While Black women have made up most of the players in the WNBA since the league began in 1997, that is not true of the coaches throughout the league, as the WNBA does not have a single Black woman head coach. During a recent interview, Bueckers spoke out against that.

Following Sunday’s game against the Chicago Sky, Bueckers was asked about the “process” she hopes to see in terms of hiring Black women to head coaching jobs, with the WNBA not having a single Black coach throughout the league.

Bueckers, who is white, said that she would like to see “equal opportunity and no discrimination based on what you look like, who you like, and anything of that nature,” when it comes to the league making hires. She added that she thinks the league was “built on” the contributions of Black women.

“I think Black women — specifically, I grew up with a lot of prominent Black women in my life that were very important to me in how I was raised and how I grew up, being my stepmom, my AAU coach,” Bueckers said via ESPN. “So I understand how amazing they are and how they should get the same equal opportunity as a white woman, as a white man to be an important piece of this league.

“It was built on a lot of Black women — this league was — so it’s definitely right for them to get the same equal opportunity as everyone else.”

While seven of the 15 coaches throughout the league are women, none of those coaches is a Black woman, despite Black women holding most of the roster spots in the WNBA. It sounds like Bueckers wants to change that.

The post Paige Bueckers says WNBA was ‘built’ on Black women appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Brittney Griner has spent most of 2026 doing what she has always done. She scores, she blocks shots, and she anchors a Connecticut Sun front line trying to salvage a rough final season before the franchise becomes the Houston Comets.

But in a recent clip, she pulled back the curtain on a part of her job that never shows up in a box score. Brittney Griner is personally clipping game film on Indiana’s post players, building out scouting packages by hand, one possession at a time.

“I’m clipping right now, I’m clipping the bigs, the post players for Indiana,” Brittney Griner said. “So basically, you know, each team you get your scout. I haven’t learned who puts the scout paper together and all that and writes all and does all that. I don’t know who does that just yet, but I’m sure I will be on that soon.”

That admission says as much about Griner’s standing on this Sun roster as any stat line could. At 35 and in her first season in Connecticut, she is already embedded deep enough in the process to be trusted with raw scouting duties most veterans never touch.

Her breakdown of the process is methodical. Once a scouting report flags a tendency for an opposing post player, Griner goes hunting for footage that proves it works, not footage of it failing.

“So I got to find the footage of the games of them doing it and making it or succeeding at it, because I mean, you don’t want to show them messing it up at it, because then it’s like, why am I guarding that,” she said. “So you definitely want to show, you know, them making and doing it right, but I got to go find all that.”

She described sifting through one Indiana matchup after another, isolating clips for every post player before moving to the next game and repeating the process until the full report is built. It is unglamorous work, the kind that happens long after practice ends and long before anyone notices.

Griner has earned the right to be candid about how much of it eats into her downtime. “TV is work, so,” she said, closing the thought with the shrug of someone who has made peace with the grind.

Brittney Griner’s Film Study Mirrors A Career-Best Stretch On The Court

The timing matters. Griner is in the middle of one of her most productive stretches since returning from a year in Atlanta that saw her role shrink dramatically. She is averaging 13.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 blocks a game, numbers that have made her Connecticut’s most reliable frontcourt presence.

She has also been collecting milestones. Griner recently passed Margo Dydek to become the WNBA’s all-time leader in blocks, and she has since climbed to 16th on the league’s all-time rebounding list, passing Sancho Lyttle along the way. Both climbs came while Griner was also managing injuries, including a left quad contusion that cost her two games before she was cleared to return.

None of that has slowed the film work. If anything, it explains it. A player who has already survived being jailed in Russia and a diminished role in Atlanta is not treating advance scouting as busywork. She is treating it as another way to stay indispensable.

Griner has also been vocal about protecting that kind of investment as the league grows. With the WNBA expanding to a 50-game schedule in 2027, she has said the extra exposure is worth it, but only if the league spreads the calendar out rather than compressing it.

“I think our season should be longer, but that’s just me personally, with all the games, so they’re not crammed and injuries don’t start happening with people,” Griner said. “I think our league is growing, we have to have more games. So, I mean, I think the talk of spanning our season out should be talked about.”

That is the same instinct driving her film sessions. Griner is not just showing up to play out a lost season in Connecticut. She is building habits, on the court and off it, that a franchise relocating to Houston will need from her for years to come.

Where to watch Fever vs. Valkyries today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for Caitlin Clark WNBA game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Two red-hot squads will meet Wednesday when the Fever host the Valkyries in Indianapolis for a WNBA showdown.

The Fever are returning home after a road trip last week, in which they won two out of three matchups on the West Coast. Despite starting off with a 106-92 loss to the Sparks, Indiana rallied back to defeat the Mercury and Aces in the days following. Star player Caitlin Clark is still in-and-out with a nagging back injury.

With a 17-7 record currently, the Valkyries are ranked third in the league and Western Conference. Golden State is looking to continue a seven game winning streak, highlighted by victories over strong teams like the Dream and Liberty. 

Who will take the win this time?

Here's everything you need to know about Fever vs. Valkyries, including TV channel and streaming options for the WNBA matchup.

Where to watch Fever vs. Valkyries today: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: USA Network
• Live stream:DIRECTV

Sparks vs. Fever will be broadcast nationally on USA Network. Fans and cord-cutters can also stream the action live on DIRECTV.

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What time is Fever vs. Valkyries today?

• Date: Wednesday, July 15
• Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT

The Fever and Valkyries will go head-to-head on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET. The matchup will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.

Indiana Fever schedule 2026

Here's a look at the Fever's next five matchups.

Golden State Valkyries schedule 2026

Here's a look at the Valkyries' next five matchups.

Related Links

• Latest WNBA news and rumors
• WNBA scores, schedule 2026
• WNBA standings 2026

The WNBA is back with a new collective bargaining agreement and million dollar players.

The Las Vegas Aces will be looking to run it back as defending champs with the reigning MVP, A'ja Wilson, leading the way. Lots of other contenders hope to have something to say about that including the Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty and Indiana Fever. The Fever, who were without floor leader Caitlin Clark for much of last season, are fully healthy. The Liberty, who were also bitten by the injury bug last season, already have Sabrina Ionesco on the sidelines after she rolled her ankle in a preseason game against the Connecticut Sun.

The Atlanta Dream also made the trade of the offseason, getting Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky to add to a roster which won 30 games last season.

Here is the full WNBA schedule for July 14 and how to watch all the games. Or see our sortable basketball schedule to filter by team or conference.

USA TODAY Studio IX : Check out our women's sports hub for in-depth analysis, commentary and more all season

WNBA schedule today

All times Eastern and accurate as of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:09 a.m.

• Portland Fire at Connecticut Sun, 11 a.m. , NBC Sports Boston, Rose City Sportsnet
• Washington Mystics at Toronto Tempo, 7 p.m. , Monumental Sports Network, The Sports Network, NBA TV

Watch WNBA games all season long with Fubo

WNBA scores and results

See scores, results for all the games listed above

See WNBA scores, results from July 13

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA games today: Schedule, times, how to watch for July 14

The 2026 WNBA season has been full of surprises.

From unexpected win streaks and losing skids to shocking player performances, no prediction is safe — except maybe that Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson will win a record fifth MVP and Minnesota Lynx point guard Olivia Miles will win Rookie of the Year.

The Lynx and Aces lead the WNBA standings with respective 18-6 and 17-7 records, but which team tops our power rankings? And, what trend or player has been the biggest surprise from each franchise at the halfway point of the year?

We break it all down in this week's USA TODAY Sports' WNBA power rankings, released every Tuesday this season:

More: Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson among 2026 WNBA All-Star starters

1. Golden State Valkyries (17-7)

Previous rank: 2 (⬆1)

What is the biggest surprise at the midway point? Overall success

The Valkyries lead the league in made 3-pointers game (10.6) and have the second-best defensive rating behind the Lynx (100.4). While those facts shouldn't come as a shock with head coach Natalie Nakase at the helm, this expansion team's sustained success is no less impressive. Golden State, which made a playoff run in its inaugural season, is a game back of the top spot in the league's standings.

Golden State forced a season-best 20 turnovers in Wednesday's 83-75 win over the Toronto Tempo. The Valkyries then bested that mark against the Connecticut Sun by forcing 22 turnovers in a 79-64 win on Friday.

2. Minnesota Lynx (18-6)

Previous rank: 1 (⬇1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Record without Napheesa Collier

When it was announced that five-time All-Star forward Napheesa Collier would be out with an ankle injury to start the season, expectations took a nosedive. Minnesota's stock dropped even more with free agency departures. Despite all that, the Lynx sit alone atop the WNBA standings.

After consecutive wins over the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury, it's clear that the Lynx's resilience shouldn't be questioned. Rookie All-Star starter Olivia Miles came back from a two-game absence (calf) with 23 points against the Liberty and 33 versus the Mercury.

And the scariest part? Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said Collier is "really close" to a return.

3. Las Vegas Aces (17-7)

Previous rank: 3 (⬌)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? G Justine Pissott

Whether you were surprised the Aces waived early 2026 Sixth Player of the Year favorite Chennedy Carter, it’s safe to say her replacement came in and exceeded expectations. Justine Pissott, a 6-foot-4 guard who was signed to Carter's roster spot, made five 3-pointers in her debut — a WNBA record. She was stunningly efficient with 17 points in 10 minutes on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor.

4. Dallas Wings (16-8)

Previous rank: 5 (⬆1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point?F Jessica Shepard

After coming over in free agency from the Minnesota Lynx, Jessica Shepard has excelled in a season where most expected teammate Alanna Smith to breakout. A first-time All-Star this season, Shepard scored in 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field with 10 rebounds and five assists during Sunday's 96-91 win over the Sky. It was her fourth consecutive double-double, which is her second-longest such streak this season alone. Shepard has double-doubles in 15 of 24 games in 2026 after averaging 6.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in five seasons with the Lynx.  

5. Indiana Fever (14-9)

Previous rank: 6 (⬆1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point?Offensive distinction

Even with star guard Caitlin Clark on a minutes restriction due to a lingering back injury, Indiana is clicking offensively as it leads the league with a whopping 94 points per game. That offensive potency was on full display as they dominated the Aces in a 109-75 blowout victory on Sunday for their fourth win in the last five games.  

6. Atlanta Dream (14-10)

Previous rank: 7 (⬆1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Losing skidAfter starting the season 12-4, who would have anticipated the Angel Reese and Dream losing six of eight? Certainly not us. After a five-game skid that included losses to Valkyries, Mystics and Storm, the Dream have fallen in the league’s standings and our rankings. They did manage a victory over the Sparks on Monday night, perhaps the sign of turnaround.

7. New York Liberty (13-11)

Previous rank: 4 (⬇3)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Lack of consistency

Since beating the Aces in the Commissioner’s Cup championship on Jun. 23, New York has won one game. The losses have shown an unexpected level of inconsistency despite having one of the league’s deepest rosters. Although there have been injuries to key players like Sabrina Ionescu, that’s where the star-studded bench – which feature Satou Sabally – should be picking up the slack.

8. Washington Mystics (11-10)

Previous rank: 8 (⬌)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? C Lauren Betts

When center Lauren Betts entered the league as the No. 4 overall pick on the heels of winning a national championship with UCLA, it seemed she'd be an impactful paint presence for a young team oozing potential. Her 6.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 16.2 minutes per game haven't lived up to expectations but represent an adjustment to the pros. That said, Shakira Austin’s recent play for the Mystics is a bright spot as she's averaging 14 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 blocks per game — all career highs.

9. Los Angeles Sparks (10-12)

Previous rank: 11 (⬆2)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? GM Raegan Pebley being fired

The Sparks started this season with turnaround expectations, a charge All-Star Kelsey Plum was supposed to lead. But she has been out with a leg injury since Jun. 21. Sitting at ninth in the league standings, the Sparks would miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season if they started today. Thus, the team made a shocking move and fired general manager Raegan Pebley.

The Sparks have dropped six of their last nine games, including Monday's loss to the Atlanta Dream. Not the expected result after trading Rickea Jackson to the Sky for Ariel Atkins and signing Nneka Ogwumike back from the Seattle Storm in free agency.

10. Toronto Tempo (10-13)

Previous rank: 9 (⬇1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? G Marina Mabrey

Veteran guard Marina Mabrey, whose previous career-high was 14.9 points per game, is averaging 21.6 points, 3.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals over 29.2 minutes during her first season with the Tempo. She’s doing that while making 40.4% of her 3-point attempts.

In powering the expansion team to its 10th win, Mabrey scored 20 of her game-high 30 points against the Liberty on Sunday in the second half. It was her fifth game with at least 30 points this season.

11. Portland Fire (10-13)

Previous rank: 12 (⬆1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? G Carla Leite

After averaging 7.2 points per game off the bench last season for the Valkyries, Carla Leite is a top-20 scorer in the league this year. Although she struggled from the field Saturday's 102-92 win over Atlanta (2-of-7 shooting from the floor), she logged 10 assists and three rebounds.

She’s averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 25.2 per game this season.

12. Phoenix Mercury (8-17)

Previous rank: 10 (⬇2)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Finals falloff

Phoenix doesn’t look like a team that made it to the WNBA Finals last season, even though it retained most of the players on that roster. Their 106-58 loss to the host Las Vegas Aces on Saturday offered plenty of whiplash considering the Mercury handed their Finals' opponent a 99-66 loss in their season opener. To add insult to injury, the Mercury have no All-Star representatives for the first time since 2002.

13. Chicago Sky (7-16)

Previous rank: 13 (⬌)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Everything.

This is shaping up to be the Sky’s worst season in three years -- which speaks volumes considering the team went 10-34 in 2025, its first year under head coach Tyler Marsh. From Rickea Jackson’s season-ending injury to Sydney Taylor breaking out as the only true bright spot, it’s likely no one saw this coming. Even seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins has been open about her disappointment, admitting everything from the facilities and resources to the coaching decisions has been different from what she expected when she signed a two-year deal in free agency.

14. Seattle Storm (6-19)

Previous rank: 15 (⬆1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Overall record

Similarly, the Storm wasn’t supposed to struggle this much. While they’re a much younger team than the Sky, there was hope first-year head coach Sonia Roman and 2026 No. 3 overall pick Awa Fam could inject some excitement and give the franchise a fresh start. Fam is averaging 5.3 points per game across her last three outings, well below her season average of 11.3 points a game.

15. Connecticut Sun (5-18)

Previous rank: 14 (⬇1)

What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Injury woes

A few injuries are normal for any team, but Connecticut has been bitten by the injury bug so frequently that they have had to rotate through nine different players in their starting lineup. Diamond Miller has been the only player to start all 23 games, averaging 8.6 points and 2.4 rebounds. Saniya Rivers, Brittney Griner, Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aneesah Morrow have all missed games with injuries. As a result the Sun have had trouble getting on track.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news —  Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA power rankings: What's the biggest surprise of the season so far?

Sophie Cunningham has seen her star power rise enormously since becoming teammates with WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark. Since joining the Fever, where she has embraced the role of Clark’s “enforcer,” Cunningham has launched a podcast, joined USA Network as an active player analyst, become a meme, and, over the weekend, even debuted as a UFC ring girl.

Cunningham has also shown a willingness to talk about controversial issues in the WNBA, even when comments get her into trouble. Atlthough Cunningahm has bristled from at fans linknig her to the MAGA movement or Donald Trump directly (some fans call her “MAGA Barbie”), her recent dodging of a question about the current administration using her viral finger-pointing meme has reignited talks about her political affiliations.

In fact, ESPN Page 2 writer Chuck Klosterman has predicted that Cunningham will be on a presidential ticket within the next 25 years.

“Sophie Cunningham … I’m going to say 2050, is going to be Vice President of the United States,” Klosterman said in an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast. “I don’t know what party she’ll be in, I don’t know anything about her political views. But she will be the vice presidential candidate, at least the candidate.”

@CKlosterman‘s bold prediction for 2050 pic.twitter.com/Ex7PCCy55V

— The Ringer (@ringer) July 13, 2026

“I don’t know what it is. It’s something about the fact that she wears those sleeves on the court, something about the way she triggers in-bound plays at the end of games, makes me think she will be someone’s ideal vice president. You know, she has a damn likable personality.”

In fairness, Klosterman’s prediction should be taken with a grain of salt consdiering how he quickly acknowledged that he knows little about her political leanings or ambitions.

Still, in a cultural where celebrities have become prime Presidential candidates, and with the White House have already been home to one female vice president, Cunningham could end up being a pretty savvy prediction, especially considering her willingness to get her hands dirty both on the court and when it comes to dealing with the media.

The post ‘She will be the candidate’: Journalist predicts Sophie Cunningham to make run for White House appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

A'ja Wilson's classy gesture quickly made former Fever rookie feel at home with Aces originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Justine Pissott's WNBA journey has changed dramatically in just one week, and A'ja Wilson has already made sure the former Indiana Fever rookie feels like part of the Las Vegas Aces family.

After the Fever declined to match the Aces' offer sheet earlier this month, Pissott landed in Las Vegas and immediately found herself alongside one of the league's biggest stars. Wilson wasted little time welcoming her newest teammate with one of her favorite traditions. The gesture came after what has already been a whirlwind start to Pissott's professional career.

A'ja Wilson welcomed Justine Pissott with signature rookie gift

Wilson has built a reputation for making Aces rookies feel comfortable as soon as they arrive. One of her longtime traditions is giving each newcomer a colorful backpack filled with essentials, and Pissott was the latest player to receive the treatment.

When asked after Sunday's game when Pissott would receive her rookie welcome package, Wilson smiled and revealed it had already happened.

"Very soon, immediately," Wilson said. "Justine has a water bottle, a lunch box, a whole lot. So fairly quickly, when I get my rookies, I gotta show them that kind of love. You got to be cute."

Pissott then proudly showed off the Toy Story-themed backpack during the postgame interview.

"It's a cute one," the rookie said with a smile.

The lighthearted exchange highlighted the culture Wilson has helped build in Las Vegas, where veteran players have embraced mentoring younger teammates.

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Former Fever rookie has enjoyed remarkable first week in Las Vegas

Pissott's path to the Aces wasn't a typical one. The Vanderbilt product was selected by the Indiana Fever with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft and signed a development contract with the franchise. However, she appeared in just one preseason game before Las Vegas signed her to an offer sheet on July 7.

Indiana had 24 hours to match the contract but declined, allowing the Aces to officially add the rookie. To make room on the roster, Las Vegas waived veteran guard Chennedy Carter. The move paid immediate dividends.

In her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury, Pissott exploded for 19 points while shooting 7-for-8 from the field and 5-for-6 from beyond the arc in just 10 minutes. The five made 3-pointers established a new WNBA record for a player making her league debut.

MORE: Caitlin Clark had perfect reaction to Sophie Cunningham's viral UFC ring girl appearance

Fever reunion comes just days after record-setting debut

Sunday brought another unique moment as Pissott faced the organization that drafted her less than a week after joining the Aces. The rookie scored two points against Indiana, but Las Vegas struggled as the Fever cruised to a 109-75 victory behind 27 points from Kelsey Mitchell and 20 from Sophie Cunningham.

Although the result wasn't what the Aces wanted, Pissott continues to gain valuable experience while learning from one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Wilson's welcoming gesture may seem small, but it reflects the environment the Aces have built over the past several seasons. For a rookie whose career took an unexpected turn almost immediately after being drafted, having the support of a four-time MVP could prove just as valuable as anything she learns on the court.

Pissott's story is still in its earliest chapters, but her record-setting debut and warm reception in Las Vegas suggest she may have found the perfect place to begin her WNBA career.

More WNBA news:

• Chicago Sky players create buzz with bikini boat outing on Chicago River
• Sophie Cunningham gets disappointing WNBA news despite breakout Fever season
• Angel Reese's fit with Dream questioned as Atlanta's losing streak exposes bigger issue
• Stephanie White's postgame message had Fever fans wondering the same thing about Caitlin Clark
• Sophie Cunningham brings spicy look to Vegas before Fever-Aces showdown

Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark has been named to the All-Star Game for the third time in as many seasons despite playing a career low in minutes. Unfortunately, a segment of the population seems set on perpetually discussing anything but her outstanding play on the court night after night, even as she deals with a back injury that has lingered throughout the season.

Last week, several Republican members of Congress penned a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding that the WNBA take action to prevent what they deemed to be ” repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence” against Clark, and even mentioned that the acts “may be racially motivated.”

In a recent appearance on Fox News, conservative political commentator and former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines commented on Clark’s treatment by the league and opposing players.

“Here’s what I’ll say about Caitlin Clark,” Gaines said. “It goes without saying that she is the golden goose of the WNBA. Do they hate her because she’s white? Maybe. Do they hate her because she’s straight? Maybe. I think it is rooted in jealousy.”

“I think she was the queen of the WNBA before she ever stepped foot on a WNBA court, and they hate her for it,” she added.

The Indiana Fever quickly attempted to distance the organization from any outside political agendas trying to be attached to its star player, but the damage seems to already have been done. Unfortunately for Gaines and the members of Congress behind the letter, their support has seemed to alienate more people against Clark.

“Caitlin Congress.”

Clark faced criticism for what many perceived to be her flopping in Sunday night’s game win against the Las Vegas Aces, and not only did she face some intense criticism, but some fans on social media slapped her with some unfortunate and undeserving nicknames.

“Confederate Clark back at it again,” one fan posted on X.

“Caitlin is getting bullied and needs more intervention from congress!!!! Karen’s tears after she crumpled to the ground after seeing the missed shot and heard the whistle got the refs to review for ‘hostile act’ after the review she still yelled at the refs. Pathetic,” another fan posted.

“Caitlin is an embarrassment to Women’s Basketball! First Calling Congress because they don’t let her get her way plus all the Flopping and showing out on the court like a Toddler! She is Weak and deserves Zero respect in the league!” someone else added.

“CaitlinCongress is a classic passive aggressive. If a player has status she’ll pretend they hurt her,” one account wrote.

“None of that is OK.”

What many of her harshest critics fail to realize, however, is that Clark has never voiced support for anyone’s political agenda, and has even come out against the hate that black women around the league have received online.

“The harassment, the hate. None of that is OK …” she said prior to Sunday’s game, via ESPN. “There should never be a question of character like I’ve always stood up here and said that, and that’s truly what I believe, that’s how I was raised. So, none of that is okay, and I don’t want anyone to experience that.”

The WNBA will be in a much better place when the conversations surrounding it are centered on basketball and made in good faith. Hopefully, that will begin to happen sooner rather than later, and more fans will begin to appreciate Clark’s exceptional ability on the court.

The post ‘Confederate Clark’: Caitlin Clark faces criticism after support from Riley Gaines, Republicans appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Angel Reese injury status updated before Dream's matchup with Sparks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Dream could once again be without one of their biggest stars when they return to the floor Monday night. Angel Reese missed her first game of the 2026 WNBA season on Saturday after suffering a leg injury late in Atlanta's win over the Seattle Storm. Without the three-time All-Star, the Dream fell 102-92 to the Portland Fire, extending what has been a difficult stretch after one of the league's hottest starts.

Now, Atlanta has released another update on Reese's status ahead of a key matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Angel Reese remains questionable for Dream vs. Sparks

The Dream listed Reese as questionable on Sunday's official injury report with a right leg injury. The injury occurred late in Thursday's 89-78 victory over the Seattle Storm when Reese rolled her ankle with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter. She exited the game limping and did not return.

Although Reese was initially listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against Portland, Atlanta ultimately ruled her out, marking the first game she has missed all season. Her status remains uncertain entering Monday's game, creating another challenge for a Dream team looking to halt its recent slide.

Reese has continued to put together another standout campaign in her first season with Atlanta. Through 22 games, she's averaging 15.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists while earning her third consecutive WNBA All-Star selection.Her rebounding, physicality and interior presence have been central to Atlanta's success throughout the season.

Dream hoping to snap recent skid

Atlanta opened the year as one of the WNBA's biggest surprises, racing out to a 12-4 record and looking like a legitimate title contender. Since then, however, the Dream have struggled to maintain that momentum.

The loss to Portland dropped Atlanta to 13-10, continuing a difficult stretch that has seen the team lose ground in the standings after its red-hot start. The injury report includes another notable name as well.

Veteran forward Brionna Jones, who has been sidelined throughout the season with a knee injury, is also listed as questionable after previously being ruled doubtful before Saturday's game. If both Reese and Jones are unavailable, Atlanta could again find itself shorthanded in the frontcourt against Los Angeles.

MORE: Angel Reese's fit with Dream questioned as Atlanta's losing streak exposes bigger issue

Sparks dealing with injuries of their own

The Sparks aren't entering Monday at full strength either. Los Angeles continues to be without stars Cameron Brink and Kelsey Plum, both of whom remain sidelined as the team attempts to stay in the playoff race.

The Sparks enter Monday's contest with a 10-11 record, making the matchup an important opportunity for both teams as the second half of the WNBA season begins. Tipoff between the Dream and Sparks is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Monday, with Atlanta hoping Reese will be cleared in time to return to the lineup.

More WNBA news:

• Chicago Sky players create buzz with bikini boat outing on Chicago River
• Sophie Cunningham gets disappointing WNBA news despite breakout Fever season
• Angel Reese's fit with Dream questioned as Atlanta's losing streak exposes bigger issue
• Stephanie White's postgame message had Fever fans wondering the same thing about Caitlin Clark
• Sophie Cunningham brings spicy look to Vegas before Fever-Aces showdown

Sophie Cunningham sends clear message about Fever's biggest problem halfway through season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever have spent much of the 2026 WNBA season proving they can score with anyone. The problem has been making those performances translate into consistent wins.

Indiana enters Sunday's nationally anticipated matchup against the Las Vegas Aces at 13-9, sitting fifth in the WNBA standings and firmly in the playoff picture. The Fever own one of the league's most explosive offenses, led by Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, but defensive lapses have prevented them from taking the next step into the championship conversation.

That reality wasn't lost on veteran guard Sophie Cunningham, who delivered an honest assessment of where the team stands after 22 games.

Sophie Cunningham says Fever still haven't reached their full potential

Despite Indiana's winning record, Cunningham made it clear the Fever know they're capable of much more. Speaking to reporters, Cunningham admitted the group is still searching for consistency on both ends of the floor.

"There's a lot of stuff we have to clean up," Cunningham said, via Tony East of The IX Sports. "We're starting to get a little more consistency, which is great… I don't think we have all clicked on the same level yet."

It's a refreshingly candid evaluation from one of Indiana's veteran leaders. The Fever rank second in the WNBA in offensive rating at 113.2, but they're near the bottom of the league defensively. That imbalance has shown up repeatedly throughout the season. Indiana has eclipsed the 100-point mark seven times, yet owns just a 3-4 record in those games, illustrating that even elite offensive performances haven't always been enough.

Still, Cunningham believes the ceiling remains much higher.

She added that once the Fever begin playing complete basketball on a consistent basis, "it's going to be scary."

Sophie Cunningham on Fever's halfway point: "There's a lot of stuff we have to clean up. We're starting to get a little more consistency, which is great... I don't think we have all clicked on the same level yet. Once we do, it's going to be scary."

More: https://t.co/7AwcuPHUDtpic.twitter.com/2f9KZakCn4

— Tony East (@TonyREast) July 12, 2026

Stephanie White echoes Cunningham's message

Cunningham isn't the only member of the organization preaching patience. Head coach Stephanie White has repeatedly emphasized that consistency is the biggest hurdle facing Indiana. The Fever have shown stretches where they look capable of beating anyone in the league, only to follow those performances with defensive breakdowns or uneven execution.

That inconsistency has been one of the defining storylines of Indiana's season. While Clark has continued to attract national attention and Mitchell remains one of the WNBA's premier scorers, the Fever have often struggled to string together complete 40-minute performances. The encouraging part for Indiana is that there's still plenty of basketball left.

With half the regular season remaining, the Fever have time to improve defensively, build chemistry and establish the consistency Cunningham referenced before the playoffs begin.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham, Max Holloway recreate viral pointing moments after UFC 329

Big test awaits against the defending champions

Indiana's next opportunity to show that growth comes Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces. The matchup carries added intrigue with Clark expected to return while continuing to play under a minutes restriction after her recent injury absence. Facing one of the WNBA's elite teams provides another measuring stick for a Fever squad trying to prove it belongs among the league's true contenders.

If Indiana can pair its elite offense with improved defensive execution over the second half of the season, Cunningham's prediction about the team's potential could quickly become reality.

More WNBA news:

• Chicago Sky players create buzz with bikini boat outing on Chicago River
• Sophie Cunningham gets disappointing WNBA news despite breakout Fever season
• Angel Reese's fit with Dream questioned as Atlanta's losing streak exposes bigger issue
• Stephanie White's postgame message had Fever fans wondering the same thing about Caitlin Clark
• Sophie Cunningham brings spicy look to Vegas before Fever-Aces showdown

Sunday’s game between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces was highly anticipated. It was a chance for fans to see Caitlin Clark face A’ja Wilson again in a battle of WNBA superstars.

The three-time All-Star guard quickly turned heads. Clark didn’t waste time making her presence felt by knocking down a step-back triple over Wilson, giving Indiana an early 5-0 lead.

MORE: Caitlin Clark stuns with all-black outfit before Indiana Fever game

The Fever captured the sequence on Slo-Mo and posted it on X. Fans dropped their reactions in the comments section.

“IF SHE GETS THAT SPACE, SHE NEEDS TO TAKE THAT SHOT, LFG,” one user said.

“My GOAT (only one),” a comment read.

“That was awesome,” one fan wrote.

“Let’s go CC! Let’s get it!!” posted another.

“CC from way back!!!” another fan commented.

“Go girl,” a reaction read.

Caitlin Clark’s injury status

Clark missed Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury. It was the second night of a back-to-back set, and Indiana opted to rest her due to back issues. She also saw limited action on Wednesday versus the Los Angeles Sparks, playing 16 minutes.

The Fever are taking a cautious approach on their superstar to preserve her for the playoffs. Clark missed the entire postseason last year due to different injuries, and the team wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again. She will likely continue being in a minutes restriction until her back fully heals. Indiana will have a four-game homestand after Sunday’s fixture.

Aliyah Boston’s popularity continues to grow as she dominates on the WNBA court and turns heads off of it. Her outfit on Sunday ahead of the matchup against the Las Vegas Aces drew a lot of attention.

The four-time All-Star arrived at Michelob Ultra Arena wearing a white, sleeveless, ribbed cropped tank top. She paired it with loose-fitting wide-leg track pants featuring a thick white waistband. Boston accessorized with a red shoulder handbag and styled her hair in long, dark braids.

MORE: Cailin Clark, Aliyah Boston make WNBA history during Indiana Fever game

The WNBA posted Boston’s tunnel walk on X, along with her teammates. She was the second player featured in the clip, after Caitlin Clark.

Boston and the Fever are aiming to win their second consecutive game after defeating the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday. A victory on Sunday would also give them a lot of momentum before they start their four-game homestand.

Aliyah Boston’s season stats

The 6-foot-5 center is enjoying her best season through 20 games. She is averaging a career-high 17.3 points and 8.7 rebounds, along with 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks. Boston’s strong play has been one of the reasons why her team has turned its season around.

Indiana started by splitting its first 10 games of the season. However, the Fever are now 13-9 and are well-positioned at the midway point of the campaign to make the playoffs. They are currently fifth but have a good chance to continue to climb the standings.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton did not finish the New York Liberty's 93-91 loss to the Toronto Tempo after being ejected for throwing a shoe.

Laney-Hamilton exited the matchup at the 1:48 mark of the fourth quarter following a play where teammate Sabrina Ionescu drew a charge. As the play was stopped for review, Laney-Hamilton threw a shoe that Jonquel Jones had lost moments before. The shoe hit Tempo guard Marina Mabrey in the back.

After further review, Laney-Hamilton was assessed a technical foul for throwing a "projectile onto the court" and was ejected from the game. The technical was her second of the matchup, warranting the automatic ejection. Mabrey shot the technical free throw after Laney-Hamilton left the court, putting Toronto up two.

"I've never seen anything like that. We had all the momentum in the world. A shoe hit somebody. Ejected, free throws. I've also never seen a ref make such an atrocious call when he's on the other side of the floor," Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco said postgame."The ball is clearly off the defender and (the referee) comes over and overturns and gives the ball back to the Tempo. Then again, I've never seen one of the best players to ever play in this league attack the rim and get fouled, and absolutely no call. Atrocious, pathetic. It was pathetic."

More: Toronto Tempo draw record WNBA regular-season crowd in Montreal

A postgame pool report confirmed that Laney-Hamilton was ejected for throwing the shoe.

"Betnijah Laney picked up a shoe and threw it at Marina Mabrey, and it hit Marina in the back, so she received her second technical foul and subsequently was ejected from the basketball game," referee Kevin Fahy said.

Laney-Hamilton's ejection came at the end of a tension-filled matchup for the forward. She also picked up a technical foul at the 3:19 mark of the third quarter after a dustup with Mabrey. Mabrey pushed Laney-Hamilton to the floor, and both players, who had been chippy throughout the game, were assessed technical fouls.

Additionally, Laney-Hamilton picked up a flagrant-1 foul at the 2:08 mark of the second quarter. She and Mabrey were on the court, in a scramble to collect a loose basketball. During the push to get the ball, the Liberty forward's arm made contact with the Tempo guard's face. Postgame, Mabrey and Laney-Hamilton both addressed the shoe incident. Mabrey told on-site media she didn't think Laney-Hamilton threw it on purpose. Laney-Hamilton appeared to confirm that notion.

"I would never intentionally try to hit someone with a shoe, especially while they're not looking. The teammate was without a (shoe), so I did my best to try and get it to her. Unfortunately, it did hit someone," Laney-Hamilton said.

"I know just by the way that things were going throughout the game that it can look a certain way, but that's just not something that I would personally do... especially in a moment like that where (the) game is on the line."

More: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert canceled interview, Dan Patrick says

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liberty's Betnijah Laney-Hamilton ejected after bizarre shoe-throwing incident

The Las Vegas Aces (17-6) come off one of the biggest blowouts in NBA history on Saturday night to host the Indiana Fever (13-9) at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night.

How to Watch Indiana Fever vs Las Vegas Aces

• When: Sunday, July 12, 2026
• Time: 9:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: NBC
• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

A’ja Wilson finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds in just 25 minutes as Las Vegas routed the visiting Phoenix Mercury 106-58 on Saturday night. The 48-point margin was the third-largest in WNBA history, with the Aces leading by 54 at one point. Justine Pissott, who signed off Indiana’s development roster on Friday, scored 19 points in the fourth quarter in her WNBA debut, and Chelsea Gray went for 15 points and 12 assists.

– Live stream Fever vs Aces with Fubo –

Kelsey Mitchell’s layup with 10.1 seconds left gave the Fever the lead in their 92-89 road win at Phoenix on Thursday night. Mitchell scored a game-high 29 points and also handed out eight assists as Indiana played without Caitlin Clark on the back end of a back-to-back. Aliyah Boston returned to the lineup with 21 points and nine rebounds, and Tyasha Harris scored 15 points.

Wilson averages 25.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks for the Aces, with Jackie Young scoring 16.2 points per game and Gray putting up 12.4 points and 7.5 assists a night. Mitchell comes in with an average of 22.5 points, while Clark, a game-time decision for Sunday night, gets 20.5 points and 7.9 assists per game, and Boston posts 17.3 points and 8.7 boards per outing.

This is a great WNBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

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One of the surprises of the night during UFC 329 on Saturday was WNBA and Indiana Fever star guard Sophie Cunningham serving as a guest ring girl for one of the fights.

Cunningham said it was her first-ever UFC event and she ended up being a guest ring girl during the co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis.

No surprise, Cunningham had a blast.

“Went to my first live fight last night, which was so cool,” Cunningham told reporters on Sunday. “The whole experience overall was wonderful.”

Cunningham serving as a guest ring girl was not initially in the plans for her evening.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham Adidas PE set to release this month

She said it came together “literally like five minutes before” she went into the Octagon after she spoke with UFC president and CEO Dana White, who she has become friends with.

“Dana came over to say what’s up and I was like, ‘Hey, if you need a ring girl, let me know,’ and he’s like, ‘Alright, first round for the Paddy fight, that’s you,'” she revealed.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, hah,’ and he was like, ‘No, seriously,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, God,'” she said with a laugh. “It was so much fun, though. It was a great environment.”

“I love Sophie Cunningham,” White told the media after the event.

“We’ve created a relationship, and she was here tonight. When she walked in, she goes, “Oh, I want to walk around that.’ I said, ‘Then you’re gonna walk around it,'” White explained.

Ultimately, everything went off without a hitch. Cunningham absolutely crushed her guest role.

As if Cunningham serving as the ring girl wasn’t awesome enough, the WNBA star also re-enacted her viral pointing standoff with UFC fighter Max Holloway after the main event.

A disappointing finish to UFC 329

While Cunningham had a great night, one of the participants in the main event, UFC legend Conor McGregor, who was making his return to the Octagon after five years, did not.

McGregor suffered a knee injury that forced a stoppage of the fight against Holloway after a little over one minute, which amounted to one of the most disappointing turn of events at a UFC event in the company’s history.

MORE: Conor McGregor warm-up video should quiet pre-fight injury rumors

McGregor’s return had a ton of hype, as evidenced by the UFC breaking its gate record by pulling in $25 million, which was $3 million more than the previous record.

There are many out there who believe that McGregor was injured before the fight started and just didn’t tell anyone, but that has yet to be proven.

Indiana Fever and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark made her return to action for the Wednesday night contest against the Los Angeles Sparks after a two-game absence.

However, Clark (back) did not play the following night against the Phoenix Mercury, as the Fever wisely sat her out on the second leg of the back-to-back with the intention of slowly working her back into regular playing time.

With the Fever taking the floor against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday night, here’s what we know about Clark’s status for the contest.

MORE: Caitlin Clark shows off new colorway for signature shoes

Is Caitlin Clark playing tonight?

Caitlin Clark is officially listed as probable for Sunday’s contest, but head coach Steph White revealed on Saturday that she would indeed be available against the Aces.

That said, just like she was in her return on Wednesday, Clark will be limited. The expectation is Clark will play 20 to 25 minutes, which would amount to an uptick from the previous game when she played 16 minutes.

MORE: Candace Parker says what WNBA royalty should be saying about Caitlin Clark

“Caitlin Clark will be available against Las Vegas (on Sunday), Steph White says, on a 20-25 minutes restriction,” the Indy Star’s Chloe Peterson relayed.

Shaking off the rust

Clark clearly wasn’t herself in her first game back, which was to be expected because she hadn’t played in a game in a few weeks.

But it also didn’t help that Clark played in three-minute bursts throughout the contest, something the WNBA All-Star admitted after the game.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham recreates viral pointing meme after UFC 329

“It’s really, really hard to get into a flow,” Clark said after the game. “For the most part, I got good looks, some of them went, some of them didn’t. I probably didn’t get to have a feel for the game as I usually do, like it’s just really, really hard for me to play in that scenario, but overall, my body feels great, so that’s the positive I can take from today.”

White revealed the goal with the three-minute spurts was to help Clark build up her stamina. The Fever won’t be deploying her like that again on Sunday, though, White said.

How to watch Fever vs. Aces

When: Sunday, July 12, 9 p.m. ET

Where: Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

Watch: NBC, Peacock

UFC 329 was full of surprises on Saturday night, from the disastrous Conor McGregor comeback to Paddy Pimblett blowing through Benoit Saint Denis in less than one minute.

But before Pimblett stole the show in the co-main event, it was WNBA fan favorite Sophie Cunningham who generating buzz and trending on social media.

Cunningham, who became a star thanks to her role as Caitlin Clark’s enforcer on the Indiana Fever, made an unexpected cameo as a UFC ring girl before the start of the co-main event. Cunningham walked around the Octagon to signal Round 1, and then dropped her viral finger point taunt.

MORE: Max Holloway, Sophie Cunningham recreate viral pointing memes after UFC 329

At the post-fight press conference, UFC boss Dana White explained how the Cunningham cameo came to fruition, saying it was a last-minute decision that was made on a whim “about eight minutes before she did it.”

Dana White says he hired Sophie Cunningham as the ring girl “about 8 mins before she did it” pic.twitter.com/CF4aRQ49LC

— Rosalina Lee (@YoitsRosie) July 12, 2026

“I love Sophie Cunningham,” White told the media.

“We’ve created a relationship, and she was here tonight. “When she walked in, she goes, “Oh, I want to walk around that.’ I said, ‘Then you’re gonna walk around it.'”

MORE: UFC 329 results – Conor McGregor return ends in seconds due to injury

It was as simple as that.

Cunningham was in Las Vegas ahead of the Fever’s Sunday night showdown with the A’ja Wilson and the Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena in primetime. Let’s hope that things go better for Cunningham and the Fever than they did for the UFC in the main event on Saturday night.

Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

Indiana Fever make key Caitlin Clark decision after frustration over minutes restriction originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever are changing their approach with Caitlin Clark. After the All-Star guard expressed frustration with how her minutes were managed during her return from a back injury, Indiana is adjusting its rotation ahead of Sunday's marquee showdown against the Las Vegas Aces.

Clark is officially set to return to the lineup, but the Fever have made one important decision that could help her get back into rhythm much faster.

Fever change plan for Caitlin Clark's return

Head coach Stephanie White confirmed Saturday that Clark will play against the Aces after sitting out Indiana's most recent game against the Phoenix Mercury. Clark will still be on a minutes restriction, with White saying she is expected to play between 20 and 25 minutes.

However, according to Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star, Indiana does not plan to use Clark in the same stop-and-start rotation that frustrated her during Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. Instead of playing in short bursts of just a few minutes at a time, Clark is expected to receive longer stretches on the floor, giving her a better opportunity to establish a rhythm offensively.

It's a significant adjustment after Clark openly admitted the previous plan made it difficult to impact the game.

They will not be doing the same minutes strategy of 3-minute bursts, Steph White added. https://t.co/lts068Z6hQ

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) July 11, 2026

Clark explained why the previous restriction was difficult

Clark returned against Los Angeles after missing two games with a back injury and spending nearly two weeks away from game action. She played just 16 minutes, finishing with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal in Indiana's 106-92 loss. Following the game, Clark didn't hide her frustration with the way those minutes were distributed.

"It's just really hard when you're playing three minutes, (sub) out, three minutes, three minutes, then you're on the bench," Clark said.

"It's really, really hard to get into a flow. For the most part, I got good looks, some of them went, some of them didn't. I probably didn't get to have a feel for the game as I usually do. It's just really, really hard for me to play in that scenario."

For one of the league's highest-usage guards, finding a rhythm is a critical part of her game, making Indiana's adjustment an important one.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham makes surprise appearance as UFC ring girl at Conor McGregor fight

Fever need Clark at her best against A'ja Wilson, Aces

Even with the revised rotation, Indiana will continue monitoring Clark's workload as she works her way back to full strength. Clark has averaged roughly 30 minutes per game this season, so Sunday's expected 20-to-25-minute workload represents another step toward returning to her normal role.

The timing couldn't be more important. The Fever face one of their toughest tests of the season against an Aces team that enters the matchup 17-6 after dismantling the Phoenix Mercury 106-58 on Saturday.

Las Vegas has also welcomed back four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, who has immediately returned to dominant form. Wilson followed a 32-point, 10-rebound performance against the Portland Fire with 21 points and 15 rebounds in just 25 minutes against Phoenix. Indiana hopes Clark's revised rotation will allow her to settle into the game more naturally and make the kind of impact the Fever need against one of the WNBA's premier championship contenders.

After making her feelings known following her previous return, Clark will now get an opportunity to play under a plan designed to help her do what she does best: control the game from the opening tip until it's time to come off the floor.

More WNBA news:

• Chicago Sky players create buzz with bikini boat outing on Chicago River
• Sophie Cunningham gets disappointing WNBA news despite breakout Fever season
• Angel Reese's fit with Dream questioned as Atlanta's losing streak exposes bigger issue
• Stephanie White's postgame message had Fever fans wondering the same thing about Caitlin Clark
• Sophie Cunningham brings spicy look to Vegas before Fever-Aces showdown