Angel Reese, a highly marketable star in women's basketball, is expanding her career beyond the court with a new acting role. She has joined the cast of the Netflix series "The Hunting Wives" for its upcoming second season, where she will portray a character named Training Barbie—a nod to her popular nicknames "Bayou Barbie" and "Chi-town Barbie." This follows her previous cameo in the Kathryn Bigelow film "A House of Dynamite" last year. However, Reese's future in the WNBA is currently uncertain due to ongoing labor tensions. The league's collective bargaining agreement expired on January 9, and negotiations between the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association have reached a "status quo," with no guarantee that Reese will be playing in the WNBA by 2026. In the meantime, some WNBA stars are participating in the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league in Miami, while others are taking a break after the lengthy 2025 season. Reese's basketball credentials are notable: she was an NCAA star at Maryland and LSU, winning a national championship in 2023, and was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Since joining the Sky, she has led the league in rebounding twice and earned two All-Star selections.

The WNBA is currently at a critical juncture in its history, with the league office and the players' association engaged in negotiations for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). According to a December 15 report, the negotiations are not progressing smoothly, as the two sides are described as "far apart." The primary point of contention is revenue sharing, with players reportedly asking for more than double the share proposed by the league, which was around 15%. Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers has been vocal about the players' stance, emphasizing their value beyond the court through national media presence and major sponsorship deals. She stated that players are standing firm on their demands, which is why negotiation deadlines have been extended. The next deadline for reaching an agreement is January 9. If a deal is not reached by the deadline, several key league events could be impacted, including expansion drafts for new teams, free agency, and preseason training camps. Bueckers has stressed the importance of player unity as the deadline approaches, stating that being together and aligned is the best way to display strength. She highlighted the significance of having many players gathered in one place to solidify their collective position during the offseason.

Eleven WNBA players participated in a two-day business immersion program in New York, co-hosted by Fanatics and Boardroom. The program featured lectures, interactive sessions, and workshops with business leaders, covering topics from social media marketing and content strategy to investments and the use of AI. The players, including stars like Lexie Hull, Naz Hillmon, and Jewell Loyd, engaged in hands-on practice and discussions, reflecting their growing interest in business opportunities as the women's basketball industry expands. This initiative follows a similar program for NBA, NFL, and NHL players held earlier in the summer. Participants emphasized their role as individual businesses, with a keen awareness of opportunities arising from increased media, marketing, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) investments. The ongoing WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations have further spurred their business curiosity and economic understanding. Despite reported progress in CBA talks, including a deadline extension until early January, frustrations remain among players. The program highlights a broader trend of WNBA players actively pursuing ventures like merchandise lines, podcasts, and other business projects.

Seventeen top women's basketball players gathered at Duke University for a USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp, competing for roster spots for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin. The camp attendees included ten first-time senior camp participants: Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Veronica Burton, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Kiki Iriafen, Rickea Jackson, Lauren Betts, and JuJu Watkins. Watkins observed due to an ACL injury, while Betts was the only active college player present. Seven senior camp returners also participated: Paris Olympic gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young; 3x3 bronze medalist Dearica Hamby; 2022 World Cup champion Brionna Jones; and Aliyah Boston, who has experience in various national team competitions. The camp was led by Duke head coach Kara Lawson, assisted by WNBA coaches Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, and Stephanie White. Scrimmages featured younger players facing veteran groups, with clips shared on social media. Attendance was not mandatory for future team selection. Notable absentees included Paris Olympic gold medalists Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Napheesa Collier, as well as top young players like Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. Final rosters will be announced in the coming months. Beyond World Cup preparations, the camp offered early insights into potential players for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as the U.S. women's team aims to extend its streaks of eight consecutive Olympic gold medals and four straight World Championships.

Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat center, has traditionally been vocal about his goal of winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. However, at 28 years old, his focus has broadened beyond individual accolades on the court. Inspired by his girlfriend, WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, Adebayo is now openly discussing shared life goals. Wilson, recently named Time Magazine's 2025 Athlete of the Year, spoke in her interview about dreams of eventual marriage and starting a family, referring to Adebayo as her "life partner." This topic now brings warmth and a smile to Adebayo, who has become more open about his personal life. While DPOY remains a professional objective, starting a family and becoming a dad has emerged as a significant personal goal for him. The couple's relationship, which began during the 2021 Paris Olympics, was initially kept very private by Adebayo. Over their four years together, as they have been seen more publicly and celebrated each other's successes, they have gradually become more open about their partnership.

The 2026 WNBA offseason is expected to see significant player movement due to free agency and an expansion draft for the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire teams. While star players are unlikely to be selected, past expansion drafts, like Golden State's, have yielded valuable talent such as All-Stars. The expansion draft rules are pending a new collective bargaining agreement but are modeled after historical precedents, including the last multi-team draft in 2000. In a mock draft simulation by The Athletic, the structure involves 12 rounds with specific player protection rules for existing teams. Toronto selects first, with the draft order alternating, and teams can protect additional players after the sixth round. Expansion teams can select unrestricted free agents but may only designate one with a core contract. In the mock draft, Dallas Wings players like Li Yueru are highlighted as potential valuable picks for expansion teams. Despite protecting five players, Dallas has several unprotected assets, including younger players with team-friendly contracts and veterans like Arike Ogunbowale, though selecting her would require using a core designation.

The Indiana basketball community, including both the Pacers and Fever teams, is fostering a strong, family-like bond beyond the court, as demonstrated by recent events such as the "Come to Our House" dinner service where players from both teams served meals and engaged with local families. This connection was further highlighted on November 5 during the Pacers' game against the Brooklyn Nets, where Fever star Sophie Cunningham was seen courtside showing support, while Pacers player Tyrese Haliburton attended with his fiancée, Jade Jones; Cunningham and Jones spent time together, and Jones later shared a photo with Cunningham on social media. On her podcast, "Show Me Something," Sophie Cunningham expressed her enjoyment of the experience, praising Jones and her friends as fun and delightful, and discussed the game itself, noting her hope for a Pacers win despite their struggles with injuries and the team's overall challenging season, though she emphasized she still had a great time courtside.

The Phoenix Mercury had an exceptional 2025 season, making history by reaching the WNBA Finals for the sixth time in franchise history, during which they have won three championships in their previous appearances. The season featured both great moments and obstacles, including injuries to key players such as Satou Sabally, who was out with an ankle injury, and Kahleah Copper, who dealt with a knee injury early on and a hamstring injury later in the season. Due to these injuries, head coach Nate Tibbetts had to adjust and experiment with different lineups, starting with a lineup of Monique Akoa Makani, Sami Whitcomb, Alyssa Thomas, Kathryn Westbeld, and Sabally in the first game, which resulted in an 81-59 victory over the Seattle Storm. As the season progressed, the lineup changes generally led to wins, with the most frequently used lineup featuring the star trio, rookie Akoa Makani, and Natasha Mack, which appeared in 21 games and had a record of 12-9. The only lineup with more wins was the initial one from the first game, which had a record of 13-5, highlighting its effectiveness in the team's blowout victory over the Storm. Towards the end of the season and into the playoffs, Phoenix utilized a lineup of Akoa Makani, Copper, Mack, Sabally, and Thomas, which helped them reach the Finals; during this period, players like Westbeld, Kalani Brown, Kitija Laksa, and Kiana Williams received increased minutes as the team prepared for the postseason. This lineup was instrumental in the playoffs, and the Mercury developed a rhythm with it, suggesting it may be the preferred starting lineup for the next season.

The Dallas Wings held a news conference on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to introduce Jose Fernandez as the team's new head coach. General manager Curt Miller was present, and Fernandez, who previously served as the longtime head coach at South Florida, was officially welcomed to the WNBA franchise. The WNBA will conduct its annual draft lottery on November 23, with the Dallas Wings having the highest probability of winning the top pick for the second consecutive season. They hold a 42% chance to secure the number one selection again, following their previous draft where they selected Paige Bueckers as the first overall pick.

The Seattle Storm has appointed Sonia Raman as the team's next head coach, making her the first Indian American to hold a head coaching position in the WNBA. This marks Raman's first role as a head coach, highlighting a significant milestone in her career and in the league's diversity. Raman's coaching background includes serving as an assistant coach for the WNBA's New York Liberty in 2025 and spending four years as an assistant coach with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. Additionally, she holds a law degree, adding to her diverse qualifications and experience in the sports industry. At her first press conference, Talia Rhea, the general manager of the Storm, expressed strong support for Raman, noting that their initial conversations revealed alignment and potential for a successful partnership. Rhea described Raman as a trailblazer and was moved by her career path, emphasizing excitement about Raman's vision for the team's future. Raman has been recognized for her use of analytics in coaching but stressed the importance of building individual relationships with players. She explained that her approach involves tailoring communication and motivation strategies for each player to foster collaboration and help them achieve their full potential. Raman is now one of only two Asian American head coaches in the WNBA, joining Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries, who made history as the first Asian American head coach in the league last year. This underscores the growing representation in women's professional basketball. In her remarks, Raman expressed feeling honored and privileged to take on this role while acknowledging the responsibility it entails. She stated her goal to not be the last in this position, aiming to create opportunities and inspire the next generation by demonstrating what is possible in coaching.

The Connecticut Sun concluded the 2025 WNBA season with a challenging 11-33 record, narrowly avoiding the worst record in the league due to a late-season resurgence. Despite this, they have built a promising young core through recent draft selections and hold two additional first-round picks for the 2026 draft. However, the Sun's own highly valuable first-round pick was previously traded to the Chicago Sky as part of the Marina Mabrey deal. This trade is considered beneficial for now, as Mabrey delivered an outstanding performance in 2025, contributing to late-season momentum and potentially aiding the development of young players if re-signed in the offseason. The WNBA Draft Lottery for 2026 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 23, at 6:30 P.M. on ESPN. The Sun currently possess two first-round picks from other teams: No. 12 from the Phoenix Mercury and No. 15 from the Minnesota Lynx, both of which fall outside the top five and are not involved in the lottery. These picks will also be positioned after selections No. 6 and No. 7, which are reserved for two new franchises joining the league. A key point of interest is the Sun's own first-round pick, now held by the Chicago Sky, which is part of the lottery and ranks No. 5 based on record. It has a 5.5% chance (55 in 1,000) of becoming the No. 1 overall pick. The trade-off for acquiring Mabrey is viewed as complex, especially if she departs in free agency, raising questions about the long-term value of the deal. Moving forward, the Sun must await the lottery outcome and consider their options, such as potentially using their two first-round picks to move up in the draft order if they identify a desirable prospect from the 2026 class.

Liz Cambage, a former WNBA star, has advised current players to seek additional income sources beyond their league salaries, as she claims her own earnings from OnlyFans far surpassed her basketball pay. She emphasized that WNBA salaries are insufficient, pointing to her rapid success on the subscription platform where she reportedly made over a million dollars shortly after joining, compared to the WNBA's supermax salary of just over $200,000. In her statements, Cambage encouraged other players to follow her example by exploring alternative ways to earn money while maintaining their sports careers. She highlighted the importance of authenticity, urging women to embrace their personalities and sexuality, as she believes there are now more opportunities for such expression. Cambage specifically mentioned that players should not rely solely on their game checks, citing her own experiences as proof of the financial benefits of diversifying income. The news also notes that the WNBA pay debate has gained momentum this season, with players like Caitlin Clark publicly protesting for better compensation. Cambage suggested that if the league does not address pay issues in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, more athletes might turn to external avenues for income, as she has done.

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White expressed strong support for injured star Caitlin Clark amid the ongoing CBA battle between the WNBA and its players, noting that Clark only played 13 games this season due to injuries. White described Clark as a "pawn in a lot of other people's games" and emphasized her maturity and ability to handle the situation with grace, despite the challenges. The controversy stems from allegations by WNBA players association VP Napheesa Collier, who claimed that league commissioner Cathy Engelbert told her Clark and others "should be on their knees" in appreciation for the platform provided by the league. Engelbert later denied making these comments, adding to the tension surrounding the league's labor negotiations. White highlighted Clark's achievements, including winning the 2024 Rookie of the Year award with averages of 19.2 points and 8.4 assists in 40 games, but noted her absence from play after July 13 due to quad and groin injuries, which contributed to the Fever's loss in the league semifinals to the Las Vegas Aces. Comparing Clark's experience to that of game-changing athletes like Tiger Woods and Serena Williams, White pointed out that few can relate to the pressures Clark faces. She stressed the importance of offering support and perspective to help Clark navigate her unique circumstances, praising her humility and resilience. In response to Collier's criticism of WNBA leadership, White acknowledged the need for leaders who understand the basketball side of the league, suggesting that more former players be involved in basketball operations to better reflect the current state and future direction of the WNBA. She emphasized that the league has evolved and requires fresh perspectives to address employee concerns and foster growth. White concluded by calling for difficult conversations about the future of the WNBA, noting that multiple truths exist and that the league is at a pivotal moment where all aspects must be considered to move forward effectively.

The WNBA announced on Saturday that Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has been suspended for one game, specifically for her team's must-win Game 4 against the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals on Sunday. This suspension follows her ejection at the end of Game 3, where she received a second technical foul after disputing the game's officiating both on the court and in the postgame press conference. Reeve's suspension was due to her conduct and comments, which included aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing a game official on the court, failing to leave promptly after ejection, making inappropriate remarks to fans while exiting, and comments in the postgame press conference. In that press conference, she called for a change in officiating leadership at the league level, criticizing the crew as unworthy for a semifinals playoff game and using strong language. Additionally, Lynx star Napheesa Collier will miss Game 4 due to a left ankle injury sustained from a play involving Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas late in Game 3. Reeve had earlier received her first technical foul in the second quarter for disputing Thomas's defense on Collier, who did not shoot any free throws in the game. Other consequences include fines for associate head coach Eric Thibault, who will take over head coaching duties in Reeve's absence, for inappropriate interaction with an official, and assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson for an inappropriate social media comment on X regarding the incident. The Lynx are currently trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five semifinal series and must win Game 4 in Phoenix to force a decisive Game 5 in Minneapolis, or their season will end.

The Minnesota Lynx concluded the regular season as the top team in the WNBA standings but are now facing a critical challenge in the league semifinals, having to compete without their head coach for Game 4 due to a suspension. During Game 3 of the semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve became enraged and vehemently criticized an official for not calling a foul on a play where Napheesa Collier lost possession of the ball to Alyssa Thomas after their knees collided, causing Collier to fall. However, the incident was not deemed a foul, as Thomas had cleanly knocked the ball away without making illegal contact, a view supported by assessments from NBA officials. Following the game, Reeve continued her tirade against the officiating in her postgame press conference, explicitly calling for a change in leadership at the league level and labeling the officiating as "f—ing malpractice." In response, the WNBA suspended Reeve for Game 4, a decision that was widely anticipated given the severity of her outburst. As a result of the suspension, Reeve will be unable to coach in the pivotal Game 4 and will instead watch the game from her hotel room, underscoring the consequences of her actions during a crucial playoff moment for the team.

WNBA officiating has faced significant scrutiny throughout the season, with numerous complaints from coaches and players regarding its quality and consistency. This dissatisfaction has intensified during the playoffs, where nearly every coach has used postgame news conferences to voice concerns about the physicality of play and officiating standards. In a notable incident, Minnesota's coach Cheryl Reeve launched a two-minute public tirade after her team lost Game 3 of the best-of-five series against Phoenix, questioning not only the competency of the officials but also the leadership of the referees at the league level. This highlights the escalating frustrations among team representatives over perceived inconsistencies in officiating. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed these officiating issues during the All-Star Weekend in July, acknowledging the concerns raised by teams and emphasizing the league's efforts to review every play extensively. She stated that the league uses this feedback for officials' training and stressed the importance of consistency, noting that while the WNBA may not call as many fouls as other basketball formats, maintaining uniform standards is a key focus. The league has maintained a structured system for developing officials over the past two decades, which requires all aspiring WNBA referees to gain experience in the NBA's developmental G League. This serves as a feeder program, providing referees with opportunities to officiate at a professional level and be evaluated on both their rule knowledge and ability to work effectively in three-person teams. To become a WNBA official, individuals must first be identified through a scouting program that targets referees working at high school, college, or other levels. Once selected, they participate in WNBA and NBA developmental programs before advancing to the G League, where they refine their skills before potentially moving up to officiate in the WNBA.

The WNBA has suspended Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for one game and imposed fines due to her conduct and remarks during and after the team's 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury. This incident occurred when Reeve aggressively confronted and verbally abused a game official on the court, failed to leave promptly after being ejected with 21.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, and made inappropriate comments to fans while exiting. The trigger for Reeve's outburst was a play where Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Napheesa Collier near the 3-point line, leading to a game-sealing layup. Collier sustained a leg injury during this collision and had to be assisted to the locker room. In her postgame comments, Reeve criticized the officiating, highlighting that Collier, one of the league's top players, shot zero free throws despite drawing five fouls and suffering injuries, and she expressed frustration over the lack of foul calls on the play. Following the game, Reeve engaged in a two-minute rant filled with expletives, where she called for changes in the WNBA's officiating leadership, specifically targeting the officials from that night—Isaac Barnett, Randy Richardson, and Jenna Reneau—and questioning their suitability for playoff games. She left the press conference after making these statements without taking questions. In response, the National Basketball Referees Association defended the officials' decision, posting on social media that the play was not a foul as Thomas legally dislodged the ball before any contact occurred. As part of the disciplinary actions, Reeve will serve her suspension in the upcoming Game 4 of the semifinals series against the Mercury, where the Lynx trail 2-1. Additionally, assistant coaches Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson were fined by the league for inappropriate interactions with an official and a social media comment, respectively. This incident adds to broader concerns about WNBA officiating this season, with other coaches like Las Vegas's Becky Hammon voicing complaints about physicality, and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously addressing the issue during All-Star Weekend.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected and escorted off the court during her team's 84-76 loss to the Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals, after which she launched a vehement criticism of the league's officiating in her postgame news conference. Reeve's anger was primarily sparked by an injury to star player Napheesa Collier in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, when Collier's left leg made contact with Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas, causing her to hobble off the court; Reeve later suggested the ankle injury was "probably a fracture" without providing further details. Following the injury, Reeve ran onto the court to confront an official and had to be restrained by assistant coaches and a player, and she shouted at fans while leaving; in her news conference, where she did not take questions, she expressed fury that Collier did not attempt a single free throw despite having five fouls and suffering multiple incidents. Reeve called for a change in leadership at the league level regarding officiating, describing the crew's assignment as "f–king malpractice" and stating that she should not have to "play through what we did," adding that the officials were "f–king awful" before walking out. This is not the first time Reeve has blamed officials for a playoff loss, referencing a previous WNBA Finals where she claimed the game was "stolen" from her team; the top-seeded Lynx are now down 2-1 in the series and face elimination in Game 4 on Sunday, with no official update provided on Collier's status.

The provided news content consists of a list of team names, primarily associated with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The list includes well-known franchises such as Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Washington Mystics. Additionally, the list mentions Golden State Valkyries and Portland Fire, which may represent new expansions or historical teams, along with Toronto Tempo, which could be an error or from a different context. It is noted that Indiana Fever appears twice in the compilation.

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts praised the officiating in the first two games of the WNBA semifinals against the Minnesota Lynx, noting the light calls and allowance for physical defense. However, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve strongly disagreed with this assessment, as evidenced by her ejection during Game 3. Reeve was ejected with 21.8 seconds left in the Lynx's 84-76 loss after receiving a second technical foul for disputing a no-call on a play involving Minnesota star Napheesa Collier. The incident occurred when Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Collier, leading to a collision that caused Collier to roll her ankle. Reeve's first technical came earlier in the game due to another disputed call involving Thomas's physical defense on Collier, who finished the game with zero free throws and fouled out. Postgame, with the Lynx trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series, Reeve highlighted that she is not alone in criticizing the WNBA's officiating, citing consistency issues and excessive physicality. She referenced comments from Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, who expressed concerns that such physical play leads to injuries and altercations, questioning the league's standards. Hammon had previously criticized the officiating after the Aces' playoff game, describing the physicality as "out of control" and comparing it to football, emphasizing the lack of freedom of movement for players. Other coaches, including Indiana Fever's Stephanie White and Golden State's Natalie Nakase, have also voiced frustrations about inconsistent officiating, with Nakase earlier in the season pleading for more consistency from referees.

The relationship between Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve and point guard Courtney Williams is openly contentious yet honest, serving as a key factor in the team's drive to win a record fifth WNBA title. Their dynamic allows for blunt exchanges that both can give and take without hard feelings, fostering a productive environment. During a recent event celebrating Alanna Smith's Co-Defensive Player of the Year award, Reeve humorously highlighted Williams' inconsistent performance by joking about her lack of "standout days," which Williams laughed off. This interaction exemplifies their straightforward approach, where Reeve and Williams prioritize truthfulness in communication, as noted by associate head coach Eric Thibault. Williams, a 31-year-old league veteran, had faced Reeve while playing for teams like Phoenix, Connecticut, Atlanta, and Chicago before joining the Lynx. Their connection deepened at a Team USA camp in 2022, where Reeve recognized their compatibility due to shared "thick skin." Reeve even nicknamed Williams "Dory" for her ability to move past missed shots and maintain offensive aggression. After the 2023 season, the Lynx pursued Williams in free agency, and she was persuaded to join partly because of Reeve's winning reputation. Reeve tasked Williams with transitioning from shooting guard to full-time point guard, a role change that Williams embraced. She has since excelled in orchestrating plays, syncing with teammates like Napheesa Collier, and contributing to the team's playoff push.

The weekend features a loaded lineup of high-leverage sports events, including WNBA semifinals, MLB playoff races, NFL showcases, college football games, Premier League matches, and the Ryder Cup. This compilation highlights key games with significant implications across various sports. In the WNBA, both semifinal series are tied entering Friday's action, reflecting the league's most-watched season ever. The Indiana Fever have overcome multiple injuries, including to Caitlin Clark, to secure a first-round upset and now hold home-court advantage against the Las Vegas Aces, led by MVP A'ja Wilson. Games 3 and 4 are set for Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx, known for top offensive and defensive ratings, face the Phoenix Mercury, who recently staged a record-breaking playoff comeback to tie the series. MLB's playoff race is intense, particularly in the AL Central where the Detroit Tigers have experienced a historic collapse. After leading the division for 184 days and holding a 9.5-game advantage at the start of September, the Tigers are now tied with the Cleveland Guardians, who have won 17 of their last 20 games. Key series, such as Tigers vs. Red Sox and Guardians' final games, will decide the division winner, with Cleveland controlling the tiebreaker. Other notable events include the NFL with marquee matchups like Lamar Jackson versus Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons' return to Dallas on "Sunday Night Football." College football offers ranked SEC and Big Ten games with College Football Playoff gravity. The Premier League features Manchester City against Arsenal, spotlighting Erling Haaland's prolific scoring after his recent Champions League record. The Ryder Cup adds to the weekend's contentious international competition.

On August 17, the Indiana Fever faced a daunting challenge during a game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena, trailing by 19 points in the second half. With the team two games above .500 and only three weeks left in the regular season, every game was crucial for their playoff hopes. Compounding their difficulties, the Fever had recently lost point guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald to season-ending injuries, Caitlin Clark was out indefinitely, and during the game, guard Sophie Cunningham suffered a serious knee injury in the second quarter. In the locker room at halftime, Coach Stephanie White issued a simple challenge to her players, urging them to choose fight over flight and emphasizing their identity as fighters who support each other. The team responded by mounting an incredible second-half comeback, overcoming a 21-point deficit to win 99-93 in overtime, marking the largest comeback in franchise history. This victory became a turning point for the Fever's season, showcasing their resilience and belief. It propelled them to their first WNBA semifinal appearance since 2015, despite being the No. 6 seed and dealing with multiple injured players, including surviving two elimination games in the first round against the No. 3 seed and now facing the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Coach White and players like Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Lexie Hull reflected on the team's unwavering spirit, noting that their collective belief allowed them to persevere through adversity. White described it as an innate quality that gives them a chance in tough situations, as evidenced by their ability to rally after Cunningham's injury and the early deficit. The comeback was statistically remarkable, as WNBA teams had a historical record of 29-1,722 when trailing by 20 or more points, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, underscoring the improbability and significance of Indiana's achievement.