The complicated relationship betweenNotre Dame Fighting Irish footballand theAtlantic Coast Conferencecontinues to draw attention after another offseason filled with frustration over playoff support and conference politics. Even though Notre Dame is not a full football member of the ACC, the program still plays five ACC football games each season while keeping its independent NBC media deal. Tensions increased after Notre Dame missed the 2025College Football Playoffdespite finishing with the same record asMiami Hurricanes football. Athletic directorPete Bevacquapreviously claimed the playoff decision caused “permanent damage” to the relationship. Still, ACC leaders publicly defended Notre Dame during spring meetings. The Irish previously used their ACC-heavy schedule to reach the national championship game two years ago before falling toOhio State Buckeyes football, making the partnership both beneficial and increasingly complicated for both sides.

Netflix is continuing to strengthen its partnership with the NFL after announcing it will stream a standalone Thanksgiving Eve matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 25, 2026. The game marks another major step in the streaming platform’s growing role in football coverage. Along with its Christmas Day broadcasts, Netflix will also stream the Week 1 game in Australia featuring the Rams and San Francisco 49ers. The company is also expected to play a role during Week 18 as playoff races intensify. The full NFL schedule will be released on May 14, with more Netflix games expected to be revealed. In addition, Netflix announced it will stream the annual NFL Honors before Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles. The next season of Quarterback will also return on July 14 featuring several NFL quarterbacks.

Azzi Fuddwill miss her second straight game for theDallas Wingsafter being ruled out against theAtlanta Dreambecause of a right knee injury. The decision came shortly before tipoff, even though Fudd had earlier been listed as probable. Head coachJose Fernandezsaid the team chose to be cautious because of her injury history and long-term health. Fudd was seen participating in shootaround earlier in the day, making the late scratch unexpected for many fans. The rookie, selected No. 1 overall this season, made her WNBA debut on May 9 and recorded three points, one rebound, and one assist in limited minutes against theIndiana Fever. Fudd has previously suffered serious injuries to the same knee, including ACL and MCL tears in 2019 and another ACL tear with a meniscus injury while playing forUConn Huskies women's basketballin 2023.

Tina Charles has announced her retirement, ending a remarkable 15-year career as one of the most consistent players in league history. The eight-time All-Star leaves as the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder and second-highest scorer, trailing only Diana Taurasi. Drafted No. 1 overall in 2010 by the Connecticut Sun after winning titles with UConn Huskies women's basketball, Charles made an immediate impact and later starred for the New York Liberty. She also played for multiple teams before finishing her career back in Connecticut. Her achievements include the 2012 MVP award, scoring titles, and three Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Off the court, her Hopey's Heart Foundation has placed hundreds of AED devices in public spaces. Charles leaves behind a legacy defined by excellence, resilience, and meaningful community impact.

Paige Bueckersemerged as the top choice to build a franchise around in the 2026 WNBA GM survey, receiving 33% of the vote and surpassingCaitlin ClarkandA'ja Wilson, who tied for second. The survey, which included all 15 teams, highlighted shifting perceptions across the league. TheLas Vegas Aceswere picked as title favorites, while Wilson dominated individual categories, earning 60% of MVP votes and being named the most impactful player on opposing game plans.Chelsea Grayled the point guard category, with Clark and Bueckers also receiving recognition. TheDallas Wingswere viewed as the most improved team, with additions likeAngel Reeseboosting expectations.Olivia Mileswas favored for Rookie of the Year, whileCheryl Reevetopped coaching rankings.

Angel Reeseturned heads at theMet Gala 2026, arriving in a soft pink custom look byAltuzarrathat embraced the “Costume Art” theme with old Hollywood elegance. TheAtlanta Dreamforward completed her outfit with a diamond necklace featuring a pink pendant, along with a bold beauty change featuring jet black hair and full glam styling. Reese, attending for the third consecutive year, emphasized the importance of visibility for women’s sports on major cultural platforms, calling it an extension of building the game’s brand. She joined other prominent athletes includingVenus Williams,A'ja Wilson, andRenee Montgomery. Reese’s consistent presence at the Met Gala highlights her growing influence beyond basketball as she continues to elevate women athletes in global spaces.

Hailey Van Lithwas waived by theChicago Skyjust one year after being selected 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, signaling a shift in the franchise’s direction. The move follows other major changes, including the departure ofAngel Reese, as the team reshapes its roster. Van Lith had a limited role during her rookie season, averaging 3.5 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in 29 games off the bench, while struggling with three-point shooting. However, she showed promise in preseason, averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 assists, highlighted by a perfect shooting performance against thePhoenix Mercury. Before turning pro, she had a strong college career withTCU Horned Frogs women's basketball, as well as stints atLouisville Cardinals women's basketballandLSU Tigers women's basketball.

Paige Bueckerscreated a memorable fan moment before a preseason game with theDallas Wingsagainst theIndiana Fever. While greeting supporters, she accepted a fan’s playful challenge to rock, paper, scissors with her shoes on the line. After losing, Bueckers immediately promised the fan her sneakers. She then delivered on the court with a strong performance, scoring 20 points along with three assists and a steal. After the game, she kept her word by returning to find the fan, giving away her game-worn Nike GT Cut 3 Turbo and even signing them. She extended the moment further by gifting the second signed shoe to another fan. The interaction highlighted her genuine connection with supporters, turning a simple pregame exchange into a wholesome and unforgettable experience beyond basketball.

Caitlin Clarkhad a brief injury scare during a preseason game between theIndiana FeverandDallas WingsatGainbridge Fieldhouse. In the third quarter, Clark was fouled byAlanna Smithwhile attempting a three-point shot and landed awkwardly, leaving her limping. Officials reviewed the play and upgraded it to a flagrant 1 foul. Clark stayed in to shoot free throws, converting two of three, before exiting the game and not returning. Afterward, she reassured fans that she was fine, explaining she had landed hard on her kneecap. Head coachStephanie Whiteconfirmed the team was being cautious and had already planned to limit her minutes. Given Clark’s injury-plagued 2025 season, the moment raised concern, but the Fever expect her to be ready moving forward.

Shilo Sandersfaced backlash after making a controversial comment toward veteran reporterMary Kay Cabot, who covers theCleveland Browns. The incident began when Cabot reported thatShedeur Sanderswas not leading the quarterback competition and remained behindDeshaun Watson. In response, Shilo posted a remark widely viewed as sexist, drawing strong criticism online. Cabot later addressed the situation calmly during a radio appearance, choosing not to respond directly and instead highlighting her role as an inspiration for women in sports journalism. Shilo later defended his stance on a livestream, questioning her opinion but not her reporting facts. The moment sparked broader discussion about respect toward media members, especially women, while also bringing renewed attention to Cabot’s long and respected career covering the Browns.