WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced she will retire at the end of 2026, concluding a transformative seven-year tenure as the league’s first official commissioner.
Appointed in 2019, Engelbert spearheaded an unprecedented era of growth for women’s basketball. Her leadership saw record-breaking television viewership, historic highs in attendance, full-time player charter flights, and league expansion from 12 to 18 teams. She also secured a landmark multi-billion-dollar media rights package and navigated crucial collective bargaining agreements.
Engelbert departs having fundamentally elevated the WNBA’s commercial valuation, global footprint, and overall business landscape.
You can read the full text of Engelbert announcement here.
Below is the statements from WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson.
The Indiana Fever capped off an impressive stretch with a dominant 111-91 victory over the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Driven by an electric backcourt display, Indiana overcame an early 14-point deficit by launching an 39-15 run in the second quarter to take control of the game.
Indiana’s star guard duo proved entirely unstoppable, scoring 34 points apiece. Caitlin Clark orchestrated the offense with signature flair, pairing her 34-point performance with 12 assists to secure a 30-10 double-double. Kelsey Mitchell matched Clark’s 34 points, extending her streak to 24 consecutive games with 20 or more points while moving into second place on the Fever’s all-time career assists list. Together, the two became the first duo in WNBA history to score 30 or more points in the same game four times in a single season.
CC is 1-of-1 ✨
Caitlin Clark is the first player in WNBA history to have 800+ PTS & 300+ AST in a season AND the first to have 300+ AST & 100+ 3PM in a season. pic.twitter.com/WQf01HfkiZ
Despite the loss, Diamond Miller spearheaded the offense for the Sun, finishing as Connecticut’s top performer with a team-high 19 points. Miller set the tone early by scoring Connecticut’s first five points, but the Sun were ultimately unable to keep pace with Indiana’s high-powered second-half transition attack.
Full game highlights;
WNBA will be on break to give-way for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin from September 4 to 13th, WNBA Games will resume on the 18th of Sept.
Caitlin Clark has officially merged her on-court dominance with her well-documented fandom off the court by unveiling the latest iteration of her signature sneaker line: the Nike Caitlin 1 “Friendship Bracelet”.
The dynamic colorway takes direct inspiration from Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour culture, specifically the fan tradition of making and trading handmade beaded friendship bracelets. Wrapped in an iridescent OptiCast upper featuring soft tones of Pearl Pink, Summit White, and Racer Blue, the shoe echoes the shimmering visual aesthetic of Swift’s stadium tour wardrobe.
The centerpiece of the design lies in the laces, which are decorated with colorful, fuzzy textures and custom alphabet beads. Positioned prominently near the toe box are beads spelling out Clark’s jersey number, 22—a clever dual reference to her iconic Indiana Fever jersey and Swift’s hit track of the same name. Inside, the custom insoles display an all-over graphic pattern of stacked beads framing Clark’s signature double-C logo.
More than just a eye-catching design, the shoe captures community, connection, and personal self-expression. By transforming a pop-culture tradition into a high-performance basketball sneaker, Clark showcases how modern athletes can blend authentic personal passions directly into their signature brand story.
The 2026 WNBA regular season field has officially locked in its eight postseason contenders. With the Minnesota Lynx leading the pack and the Dallas Wings clinching the final spot, the stretch run is entirely focused on home-court advantage and matchup control.
The eight teams heading to the 2026 WNBA Playoffs are set:
Minnesota Lynx (31–8) – League leaders with top seed control.
Golden State Valkyries (26–11) – Expansion powerhouse holding the 2-seed.
Las Vegas Aces (26–13) – Holding steady in top-three position.
Atlanta Dream (25–13) – Surged into fourth behind strong two-way play.
Minnesota has established clear distance. The main goal down the stretch is managing player workload while locking up home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
First-Round Home-Court (#2 – #5)
Golden State, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Indiana
Golden State, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Indiana are locked in a tight battle. Earning a top-four seed guarantees host status for the first round, making head-to-head tiebreakers crucial.
Middle-Tier Threat (#6 – #7)
New York Liberty, Washington Mystics
Both squads sit side-by-side. Finishing 6th avoids a first-round series against Minnesota, making every remaining game against playoff-bound opposition vital.
Underdog Slot (#8)
Dallas Wings
Dallas clinched the final berth and will likely draw a tough first-round matchup against Minnesota or Golden State.
With 5 to 6 games left in the regular season, seeding and playoff matchups could still change significantly before the postseason begins on September 27, 2026.
The Dallas Wings officially punched their ticket to the WNBA postseason, securing a commanding 96–78 victory over the Portland Fire at a packed College Park Center. The win guarantees Dallas a playoff berth—their first since 2023—and sets a new franchise record for regular-season victories at 23–16. Meanwhile, the defeat eliminated Portland (15–23) from postseason contention.
Dallas dominated from the jump, never trailing and building a lead as large as 26 points. Second year standout Paige Bueckers delivered an all-around masterpiece, orchestrating the offense with 22 points and 11 assists. Frontcourt anchor Jessica Shepard dominated the paint, contributing 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Arike Ogunbowale added 17 points. Dallas showcased total team chemistry, as all five starters finished in double figures.
MY. GOODNESS. AWAK. 😳
This is her FOURTH block of the ball game and we're only in the 3Q!
Defensively, the Wings swarmed Portland, generating 11 steals and turning 12 Portland Fire-turnovers into 23 points. Awak Kuier anchored the rim with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks. Bridget Carleton and Karlie Samuelson led the Fire with 14 points each, but Portland’s .375 shooting percentage proved insufficient against Dallas’s blazing .551 clip from the field.
With five regular-season games remaining, the Wings enter the playoffs riding dangerous momentum as one of the league’s most balanced contenders.
Full game highlights;
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Dallas will have one more game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday evening before heading into the FIBA World Cup break, while the Portland Fire will have two more games—against Atlanta on Friday and Golden State on Sunday—before going on break.
The Indiana Fever delivered a dominant offensive masterclass on the road, defeating the Chicago Sky 113-90 at Wintrust Arena. Playing without center Aliyah Boston due to a leg injury, Indiana’s backcourt stepped up in a massive way, setting a franchise record with 18 three-pointers and pulling away late to secure the victory.
The first half was tightly contested, with Chicago and Indiana trading baskets throughout. The first quarter ended tied 28-28, and Chicago carried a slim 51-50 lead into halftime after a close second quarter. Both teams shot efficiently, giving no hint of the lopsided second half to come.
In the second half, it was a totally different story. Indiana pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Chicago 33–26 behind hot three-point shooting from Clark and Mitchell alongside sharper ball movement, while Chicago’s offense stalled against a tightened Fever defense. Indiana then dominated the fourth quarter 30–13, stretching its lead to as much as 25 points. The Fever’s 54.5% shooting from deep, compared to Chicago’s abysmal 19%, highlighted the second-half gap.
Caitlin Clark delivered one of the most prolific performances of her career, putting on a clinic from downtown and orchestrating the offense with elite precision. Clark finished the game with 37 points and 10 assists, recording a double-double while knocking down a career-high eight 3-pointers. Despite the slow start, Kelsey Mitchell add in 30 points of her own to keep constant pressure on Chicago’s defense.
Caitlin Clark drops it off to Makayla Timpson to secure the double-double.
Sky’s Natasha Cloud anchored the offense, leading her squad with 16 points and 7 assists while attempting to keep the Sky competitive amidst Indiana’s second-half surge. Forward Azurá Stevens also provided a strong presence in the post with 14 points and 8 rebounds.
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The Indiana Fever will get some much-needed rest following their five-game road trip and won’t play again until Friday, when they host the Connecticut Sun before heading into the World Cup break. The Chicago Sky, on the other hand, will travel to Connecticut for a matchup against the Sun on Tuesday night.
Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark brought both elite performance and high fashion to Barclays Center, unveiling the Nike Caitlin 1 “Teal Fade” during a marquee matchup against the New York Liberty.
The striking colorway features a vivid teal upper that transitions into deep navy blue toward the heel, anchored by metallic gold Swooshes. The dynamic look pays a subtle homage to the New York Liberty’s signature colors while making a bold statement on the court.
Adding to the buzz, Clark racked up 21 points and 7 assists while climbing to fourth in Fever franchise history for career three-pointers. Expected to drop in 2027, the “Teal Fade” cements Clark’s growing footprint in basketball sneaker culture.
The Indiana Fever couldn’t complete the comeback in Brooklyn on Saturday night, dropping a 109-102 decision to the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the two clubs. This is Indiana’s second straight loss for their 5 game road trip, but it did little to dampen the bigger picture: the Fever are already a lock for the 2026 WNBA playoffs, and every game left on the schedule is now about seeding rather than survival.
This Rookie just secured the the 3rd most points scored by a Rookie in Liberty history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JAVGodP6SH
New York controlled most of the night behind a balanced, healthy attack — something the Liberty hadn’t had in weeks. Jonquel Jones got going early despite a banged-up ankle, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the first half alone as New York built a 53-49 lead at the break. The Liberty tried pulled away in the third quarter when Sabrina Ionescu and returning forward Leonie Fiebich combined for 19 of the team’s 31 points in the period, stretching the lead to 85-78 heading into the fourth.
Indiana didn’t go quietly. The Fever clawed back to tie the game at 100 late, powered by a Kelsey Mitchell three-pointer, before New York closed the door at the free-throw line and on a tough Fiebich bucket through contact with under a minute remaining. A missed Caitlin Clark layup on the ensuing possession sealed New York’s win.
The result moves the Liberty to 23-15 on the season, while the Fever slip to 24-14.
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The Indiana Fever will travel to Chicago to face the Sky on Sunday night in the final game of their five-game road trip, while the New York Liberty will host the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday night.
The Dallas Wings ended the Indiana Fever’s five-game winning streak with a 91-85 road win on Thursday night, powered by a season-high 32 points from Arike Ogunbowale and a career-best 26 from Jessica Shepard.
game-high 37 points & a new WNBA record 21 consecutive games with 20+ points for Kelsey Mitchell 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SJnun8OU75
Despite the loss, Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell was the standout of the night. She matched her season high with 37 points, scoring 21 before halftime, and shot 4-of-7 from three while going a perfect 15-for-15 at the free-throw line. The performance also gave her the WNBA record for consecutive 20-point games, her 21st in a row, surpassing A’ja Wilson’s previous mark. Caitlin Clark added 10 points and nine assists, while Awak Kuier chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks for Dallas.
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Indiana continues its road trip with back-to-back games against New York on Saturday and Chicago on Sunday, while Dallas stays home to host Seattle on Sunday night.
The Indiana Fever extended their winning streak to five games with a hard-fought 101-95 road victory over the Toronto Tempo. Controlling the pace from the opening tip, the Fever leaned on a blistering first quarter to build a double-digit lead that they maintained despite a late fourth-quarter surge from the hosts.
For the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell put on a masterclass, exploding for 29 points—including 16 in the opening frame—while tying the WNBA record for consecutive 20+ point games at 20. Caitlin Clark heavily supported the offense with 24 points and 7 assists, orchestrating a dynamic backcourt duo that consistently kept Toronto’s defense on its heels.
On the other side, the Tempo fought valiantly to snap their skid, led by Marina Mabrey, who poured in 22 points, igniting a frantic late-game rally with clutch perimeter shooting. Aneesah Morrow also chipped in significantly with a gritty 15 points and 16 rebounds, but Toronto ultimately fell short, dropping their eleventh straight as Indiana’s early cushion proved insurmountable.
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The Indiana Fever are in the middle of a five-game road trip and will travel to Dallas to face Paige Bueckers and the Wings on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Tempo travel to the capital on Wednesday night for their final game against the Mystics.
Between August 10 and 16, Caitlin Clark posted 25.7 points and 9.7 assists per game while shooting 50.9% from the field, earning her second AP Player of the Week award of the 2026 WNBA season. Across an impressive 11-game stretch that featured three victories and two double-doubles, she became the first player in WNBA history to average 26.3 points and 9.4 assists.
High-profile figures like Dick Vitale, along with broad media and fan consensus, now champion her as a legitimate MVP frontrunner, spotlighting her efficient scoring and central orchestrator role in Indiana’s high-octane offense.
The Indiana Fever escaped State Farm Arena with a 95–91 overtime victory over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, a crucial result with major playoff-seeding implications. The win extended Indiana’s (23–12) lead over Atlanta (21–13) to 1½ games, evened the season series at 2–2, and denied the Dream a head-to-head tiebreaker with ten regular-season games remaining.
The game was a back-and-forth battle throughout. Atlanta closed the first half on a 17-4 run for a 44-40 lead, powered by Allisha Gray, who finished with a career-high 32 points. The Dream stretched the lead to eight in the third quarter before Indiana’s defense clamped down, holding Atlanta to nine points in the fourth as the Fever clawed back to tie it.
Atlanta had the final look to win it in regulation, but the chance slipped away: Rhyne Howard’s missed three set up an Angel Reese putback that rolled off the rim, and a second attempt off a Naz Hillmon rebound also failed to fall, sending the game to overtime tied at 81.
Atlanta briefly grabbed the lead in overtime, but Indiana answered with a decisive run. Makayla Timpson was the story of the extra period, repeatedly scoring in the paint on her way to a career-high 20 points. Aliyah Boston added a double-double game, and the Fever pushed the lead out before Atlanta cut it to 93-91 in the final seconds. Caitlin Clark, who finished with 26 points and 9 assists, sealed it with two free throws and the game’s final rebound.
Makayla Timpson went to work in her fifth start of the season, notching a new career-high 20 points against Atlanta 🔥
Kelsey Mitchell added 20 points, extending her WNBA-record streak of 20-point games to 19 straight, while Boston nearly notched a triple-double with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. The win opens a demanding stretch for Indiana, the first of five games in eight days as the Fever push toward the postseason.
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Indiana will now travel to Toronto for a rematch with the Tempo, while the Dream will go to Las Vegas to face the Aces, both games will be this Tuesday night.
The Indiana Fever secured a 98–87 victory over the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, breaking open a tight contest with a decisive fourth-quarter surge. Dallas held a 66–63 lead entering the final frame, but Indiana responded with a 35–21 fourth quarter to lock in the win.
Caitlin Clark led the Fever with a game-high double-double of 29 points and 10 assists. She got plenty of help from her core supporting cast: Aliyah Boston delivered a dominant 16-point, 10-rebound double-double—scoring 10 of her points in the fourth quarter—while Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points to extend her single-season WNBA record with an 18th consecutive 20-point game. Sharpshooter Tyasha Harris provided a critical spark off the bench, going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc for 15 points, hitting key three-pointers in the final frame to seal the game.
For Dallas, 2nd year guard Paige Bueckers paced the effort with 29 points, six rebounds, and six assists, spearheading the offense alongside Arike Ogunbowale’s 20 points. Both teams will square off again when the Wings host the Fever at the American Airlines Center on August 20, 2026.
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Indiana Fever will kick-off their 5 game road trip against Atlanta Dream this Sunday evening, while the Dallas Wings will head to the Bay Area for a match against the Golden State Valkyries Monday night.
The Indiana Fever delivered a resounding statement Tuesday night, overpowering the New York Liberty 106-92 with a record-setting offensive clinic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana blitzed New York early, fueled by Kelsey Mitchell’s scorching 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting. This marked Mitchell’s 17th consecutive game scoring at least 20 points. Point guard Caitlin Clark orchestrated the attack flawlessly, posting a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists, while center Aliyah Boston dominated the paint with 19 points and seven rebounds.
The Fever’s efficiency was staggering. They shot 54% from the field and an incredible 64% from beyond the arc, crossing the 100-point threshold for a WNBA-record 13th time this season.
New York fought back behind 19 points apiece from Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, alongside a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double from Jonquel Jones. However, the Liberty couldn’t match Indiana’s firepower, snapping their four-game winning streak.
With their seventh victory in nine games, the surging Fever continue to build momentum, proving their high-octane offense makes them a formidable threat as the playoffs approach.
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The Indiana Fever will host the Dallas Wings on Friday evening, while the NY Liberty host the LA Sparks.
Minnesota Lynx rookie point guard Olivia Miles continues her historic debut season, surpassing legendary point guard Sue Bird’s rookie assist total (191) to climb higher on the league’s all-time freshman leaderboards. Selected second overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles has energized Minnesota with elite court vision, high-volume scoring, and signature playmaking.
Through 32 games, Miles has compiled 193 assists, averaging roughly 6.0 assists per game. At her current pace, she is projected to finish the expanded 44-game WNBA regular season with approximately 265 assists, which will put her at 2nd in the All-Time Rookie Assist ranking.
Olivia Miles has now passed Sue Bird for 4th all-time in WNBA rookie assists. 👏 pic.twitter.com/wixrY0muwa
While Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark holds the overall WNBA rookie record at 337 assists (set in 2024), Miles passing iconic playmakers like Bird underscores her immense impact. As the engine of the WNBA-leading Lynx, Miles remains the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
The five-time All-Star and four-time EuroLeague champion broke the WNBA single-game record by making 10 3-pointers Sunday in a 103-90 victory over the Dallas Wings.
McBride made 10 of 14 shots from behind the arc and finished with a career-high 43 points — and she did it in front of a home crowd that seemed to be urging her to chase the record.
The record breaker came with 2:23 to play and gave the Lynx a 98-83 lead. She left the game with 1:21 remaining to a roaring ovation. Afterward, she thanked the fans and the organization for their support.
McBride was in the zone.. shooting 71.4% from beyond the arc.
The Indiana Fever edged out the Chicago Sky 90–86 in a high-intensity showdown at the United Center.
Fever Guard Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded Indiana’s victory as the game’s top performer, dropping a team-high 27 points to anchor the offense. Her stellar scoring was bolstered by Caitlin Clark, who racked up 26 points and 11 assists in a masterful double-double game.
Caitlin Clark delivered in today’s win over the Sky with her 8th career game with 25+ PTS, 10+ AST and 5+ 3PM 🤝 pic.twitter.com/XwmWrdopA4
The contest wasn’t without drama. During the third quarter, Clark received a controversial technical foul after stumbling out of bounds and inadvertently bumping into an official. Fever head coach Stephanie White immediately came to Clark’s defense, furiously arguing the call as pure incidental contact and earning a technical foul of her own. The WNBA quickly rescinded Clark’s technical post-game, saving her from an automatic suspension.
Full game highlights;
Looking ahead, the Indiana Fever (20–12) return home to host the New York Liberty on Tuesday, August 11. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky look to bounce back on Monday, August 10, when they travel to face the Seattle Storm.
The Las Vegas Aces escaped Indianapolis with an 86-84 overtime win over the Indiana Fever on Thursday night, in a game that swung wildly from a 20-point Fever lead to a nail-biting finish. Chelsea Gray was the story of the night, burying back-to-back buzzer-beating three-pointers — one to force overtime and another to seal the win — finishing with 11 points and seven assists.
For Las Vegas, A’ja Wilson was the top performer, pouring in 26 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks while also coming up with the defensive stop that set up Gray’s game-winner. Jackie Young chipped in 22 points, including a stretch of 15 straight Aces points spanning the first and second halves.
Indiana’s best performer was Kelsey Mitchell, who led all Fever scorers with 28 points, including a go-ahead bucket late in overtime that briefly gave Indiana the lead. Aliyah Boston nearly matched her with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Full game highlights;
Chelsea CLUTCH Gray! She seals the deal yet again with a triple that gets the Las Vegas Aces the WIN in overtime! 🥶
The Aces get the last second win (86-84) over the Fever
USA Basketball announced the roster for the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team, which will compete at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, set for Sept. 4–13.
“I’m so excited to announce the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team,” said USA Basketball Women’s National Team managing director Sue Bird. “This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”
Here’s the official 12-player roster announced August 6, 2026 for the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany (September 4–13):
Aliyah Boston
Paige Bueckers
Caitlin Clark
Napheesa Collier
Kahleah Copper
Chelsea Gray
Rhyne Howard
Kelsey Plum
Angel Reese
Breanna Stewart
A’ja Wilson
Jackie Young
Clark, Bueckers, Reese, and Boston will be making their debut in a major international competition at the senior level, while Wilson and Stewart bring the most international experience on the roster. Notable names who didn’t make the cut include Olivia Miles, Sabrina Ionescu, and Alyssa Thomas.
The WNBA will be on break from Monday, August 31 through September 16 for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for July after delivering a monumental offensive run. Mitchell led the league with 272 cumulative points across ten games, averaging 27.2 points per contest—a franchise record for the highest scoring average in a single month.
Sustaining a remarkable 14-game streak of scoring 20-plus points, she sparked Indiana to an 8-2 record, capping the month on a five-game winning streak. This marks the first Player of the Month honor of Mitchell’s career, cementing her status as one of the league’s premier scorers.
“Everything that she does is top tier. One of the best players in this league.” 🔥
your Eastern Conference Player of the Month was unstoppable in July, putting up 27.2 PPG, while shooting 49.5% from the field and 46.1% from three 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/yeTQZ9QZpN
Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson was named the WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week on August 4, 2026, earning her 31st career weekly honor.
Marking her third award of the 2026 campaign, Wilson averaged a league-leading 32.3 points alongside 12.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game across three contests. The dominant center shot 52.5% from the field and recorded double-doubles in every matchup, highlighted by a 33-point display against New York and a 36-point performance against Chicago.
Putting together another UNREAL week 🔥
A'ja Wilson is your Week 10 Western Conference Player of the Week after stuffing the stat sheet once again!
With this accolade, Wilson extends her record for the most Player of the Week selections in Western Conference history, closing within two of Tina Charles’ all-time WNBA record.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has earned WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the third time this season, following a spectacular three-game stretch where she orchestrated Indiana’s high-powered offense.
Over the three-game slate, Clark delivered league-leading playmaking while averaging 25.7 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game on an efficient 53.7% shooting from the field. She generated 77 total points and a league-best 27 assists, leading the Fever to a 2–1 week.
Clark opened the week with a 32-point, 7-assist performance in a 105–95 victory over the Seattle Storm. She followed up against the Portland Fire by recording her fourth career triple-double, posting 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 112–98 win. She capped off the week with her 27th career double-double, logging 19 points and 10 assists against the Minnesota Lynx.
Caitlin Clark is surreal 🔥🪄
your Eastern Conference Player of the Week averaged 25.7 PPG, 53.7 FG%, 9.0 APG & 5.0 RPG. pic.twitter.com/mfTi3vX3Xq
Securing her third weekly award of the campaign reinforces Clark’s status among the league’s premier floor generals. Her elite court vision, scoring volume, and rapid decision-making continue to serve as the engine behind Indiana’s playoff push.
Professional women’s basketball is making its long-awaited return to Northeast Ohio under a bold new identity: the Cleveland Sirens. Unveiled by Rock Entertainment Group at Rocket Arena, the name marks the official branding of the WNBA’s 16th expansion franchise, which is scheduled to begin play in the 2028 season.
Departing from the city’s original WNBA moniker—the Cleveland Rockers—the Sirens brand draws direct inspiration from Greek mythology and the magnetic power of Lake Erie. Designed to reflect a spirit that is sharp, fearless, and unapologetic, the identity highlights a presence built to command attention. The team’s visual palette introduces Sirens Blue, Erie Blue, and a mint foam accent, incorporating wave motifs that pay homage to both local geography and the rising tide of women’s athletics.
Led by team president Allison Howard, the franchise has already secured major community partnerships and thousands of season-ticket deposits well ahead of its debut. Sharing Rocket Arena with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Sirens are set to deliver year-round professional basketball back to Northeast Ohio.
In one of the most explosive offensive clashes of the WNBA season, the Minnesota Lynx held off a relentless fourth-quarter rally by the Indiana Fever to secure a 108–100 victory at Target Center. Both teams came out firing in a blistering first quarter that ended tied at 36 points apiece—matching the league record for the highest-scoring opening period. Minnesota seized control in the second quarter to build a 64–53 halftime lead, eventually extending their advantage to 96–82 midway through the fourth quarter before Indiana mounted a furious late run.
Indiana cut the deficit to 100–98 with under three minutes remaining, but crucial late baskets from Minnesota’s backcourt sealed the win. The Lynx out-executed Indiana down the stretch, capitalizing on a 12 to 6 turnover advantage and an 11–5 edge on the offensive glass to notch their 10th consecutive victory.
Rookie sensation Olivia Miles spearheaded Minnesota’s hyper-efficient offense, pouring in 28 points. Miles set the tone in the second quarter with a dominant 14-point frame that gave the Lynx room to breathe. Paired with Courtney Williams’ 27-point effort, Miles displayed poise beyond her years, orchestrating key possessions in the final minutes to fend off Indiana’s comeback attempt.
Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell was nearly unstoppable for Indiana, finishing with a game-high 37 points on a remarkably efficient 14-of-21 shooting from the field, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. The performance marked her fifth 30-point game of the season and her 14th consecutive game scoring 20+ points—the second-longest such streak in WNBA history behind only A’ja Wilson.
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After wrapping up a three-game road trip, the Indiana Fever return home to host the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx hit the road for a four-game swing, starting Thursday against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Caitlin Clark had 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her fourth career triple-double, and the Indiana Fever won their their fifth straight with a 112-98 victory over the Portland Fire on Friday night.
Kelsey Mitchell also had 26 points for the Fever (19-10), who have won nine of their last 11 and had five straight games with 100 points.
about last night ♨️
Caitlin Clark's fourth career triple-double led the way in our 112-98 win over Portland. pic.twitter.com/C5jcho5y7m
This was one of Caitlin Clark’s best all-around games, placing her firmly in MVP contention, also the best game that we’ve seen where the Fever Big 3 are healthy and playing without any minutes restrictions.
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Indiana Fever will travel to Minnesota to face the league leader Lynx, while the Portland Tempo will host the LA Sparks, both games will be this Sunday.
The WNBA All-Star Weekend is just around the corner and the WNBA has announced the participants to the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest, and yes no Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu in the 3-Point Contest, which will be a missed opportunity for the league.
Shooting Stars
Below are the participants for the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars event:
Team
WNBA Legend
Current Player
Nike NYBL Player
Minnesota
Rebekkah Brunson
Courtney Williams
To be assigned
Seattle
Lauren Jackson
Flau’jae Johnson
To be assigned
Washington
Elena Delle Donne
Shakira Austin
To be assigned
Dallas/Detroit
Deanna “Tweety” Nolan
Jessica Shepard
To be assigned
The WNBA Shooting Stars is a two-round, timed shooting competition in which teams have 70 seconds to score as many points as possible from seven shooting locations around the court. The competition features shots ranging from a layup to a long-range three-pointer, with the two teams posting the highest scores in the opening round advancing to the championship round.
3-Point Contest
Below are the participants for the 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest:
Player
Team
Years in the W
Bridget Carleton
Portland Fire
8
Azzi Fudd
Dallas Wings
Rookie
Natisha Hiedeman
Seattle Storm
8
Rhyne Howard
Atlanta Dream
5
Marina Mabrey
Toronto Tempo
8
Janelle Salaün
Golden State Valkyries
2
The State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest participants will compete in a two-round, timed competition with ball racks positioned at five main shooting locations around the three-point arc. Four of the racks contain four official WNBA game balls worth one point each and – in a nod to the league’s original orange-and-oatmeal-colored game ball – one oatmeal-colored “money” ball worth two points. The fifth rack will be a special “allmoney ball” rack containing five oatmeal-colored “money” balls with each made basket worth two points; eachcompetitor will choose their preferred spot for the “all money ball” rack to be located from among the five shooting locations.
Both the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest event will be this Friday, July 24th atthe Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
The Indiana Fever closed out the first half of their 2026 season with an offensive clinic, thrashing the Connecticut Sun 123-88 on Wednesday, July 22, in their final game before the WNBA All-Star break. The 35-point margin marked the second-largest win in franchise history, while the 123 points set a new single-game franchise record.
Indiana’s star trio — all set to represent the Fever at All-Star Weekend in Chicago — set the tone from the opening tip. Caitlin Clark posted a commanding double-double with 27 points and 11 assists, shooting an efficient 8-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Kelsey Mitchell continued her hot streak, adding 23 points and knocking down at least three three-pointers for the tenth straight game. Aliyah Boston rounded out the trio with a strong all-around performance in the paint.
The Fever were nearly unstoppable from deep, connecting on 11 of 22 three-point attempts while shooting 62% overall from the field — building a big first-half lead they never relinquished. Connecticut struggled to keep pace, with Diamond Miller leading the Sun with 15 points in a game Connecticut played without Aaliyah Edwards and Brittney Griner.
Carrying big momentum into the break, Indiana (17-10) heads into All-Star Weekend looking like one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.
Full game highlights;
Next
After the All-Star the Indiana Fever will travel to Seattle to face the Storm on the 29th of July, while the Connecticut Sun will go to the Capital for a match against the Washington Mystics on the 29th as well.
Caitlin Clark was named the Associated Press (AP) National Player of the Week 4 times during her college career at Iowa, and then the most recent in her very young WNBA career, July 13–19, 2026.
Here are the AP News articles for each of those weekly honors:
November 14, 2023 (Week 1): Honored after averaging 32 points, 9 assists, and 8.3 rebounds, which included a 44-point game against Virginia Tech and breaking Iowa’s all-time scoring record.
January 9, 2024 (Week 9): Earned the recognition after averaging 34.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, highlighted by a buzzer-beating deep 3-pointer to beat Michigan State and a triple-double against Rutgers.
February 20, 2024 (Week 15): Awarded during her historic senior season run as she broke the NCAA Division I women’s all-time scoring record.
March 12, 2024 (Week 18): Selected after averaging 28.6 points and 11.3 assists to lead Iowa to its third consecutive Big Ten Tournament title.
July 13–19, 2026: She won the honor after averaging 25 points, 7.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game to help the Indiana Fever go 2–1, highlighted by a historic franchise-record 45-point, 10-assist performance against the Seattle Storm.
Clark hit the milestone in her 74th career WNBA game, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 200 made three-pointers. She surpassed the previous record set by hall-of-famer Katie Smith (81 games).
In a nod to league history, Naismith Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon served as honorary general managers for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft.
A preliminary coin toss awarded top fan vote-getter Paige Bueckers to Cooper’s “Team Coop,” while runner-up Caitlin Clark joined Weatherspoon’s “Team Spoon”. Weatherspoon used the official first overall pick on four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, pairing her with Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Olivia Miles. Cooper countered by selecting powerhouse forward Breanna Stewart, alongside Kelsey Mitchell and Angel Reese.
Below is the full 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft Rosters;
2026 WNBA All-Star Draft
Pick
Team Spoon
Team Coop
1
Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings)
2
A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
3
Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx)
Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)
4
Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever)
Natasha Howard (Minnesota Lynx)
5
Jessica Shepard (Dallas Wings)
Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries)
6
Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream)
Angel Reese (Atlanta Dream)
7
Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream)
Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo)
8
Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty)
Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm)
9
Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx)
Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks)
10
Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics)
Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)
11
Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks)
Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics)
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve will lead the sidelines at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. The duo clinched their coaching spots after their respective teams secured the WNBA’s two best overall records through games played on Friday, July 10.
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25, headlines a feature-packed, three-day weekend of basketball action. The festivities kick off Friday, July 24, at Wintrust Arena with the Kia WNBA Shooting Stars and the State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest, broadcasting live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.
