It’s happening. After several expired deadlines, countless delays, and numerous hours of talks, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have reached a verbal agreement on a new CBA. The TLDR: The WNBA season will tip off on time, and, drumroll, players are finally getting paid what they deserve. Let that be a lesson in negotiation. Now, let’s just hope everyone signs on the dotted line, because this journey still has a long road ahead. Meanwhile, I’m not over what could be the wedding of the year. Yes, this many couples tied the knot at the Utah Grizzlies game, and the team’s mascot played an unforgettable role. Speaking of what’s happening on the rink, the US para hockey team made history, securing its fifth straight gold medal in the Paralympics. That’s a clean sweep for Team USA hockey. Now, let’s get to the rest of the sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
It's Time To Dance
What's going on: It’s that time of the year — when you trade astrology for bracketology, suddenly excel at Excel, and overwhelm your group chat with “I’m sorry for what I said when my team was losing”-type texts. It wouldn’t be March Madness otherwise. All 68 teams for each of the NCAA tournaments are set — with the women’s First Four tipping off tonight. And when it comes to women’s college basketball, one big question lingers over everyone’s meticulously curated bracket: Can anyone actually beat UConn? The reigning champs enter the tournament as the undefeated No. 1 seed. They’ll try to close out a seventh perfect season and score a 13th national championship. No pressure.
What does this mean for my bracket?: If you have UConn winning it all, you’re not alone. But don’t rule out some of the other No. 1 seeds (hi, UCLA) or the other belles at the ball. Several teams could have Cinderella runs in the women’s tournament — and crush your predictions along the way. It’s not too late to get in on the madness; you can fill out a bracket here. Or go big, like this fan who transformed his entire wall into a floor-to-ceiling masterpiece. If you need an assist, turn to guides like these to help with your pool, and to our Well Played vodcast for a refresher on the tournament’s sassy terms. Give your bracket a fun name, like “There Will Be Blue Bloods” or “Mulkey Supreme.” And remember: The perfect bracket does not exist (seriously, the odds are this slim), so just enjoy the dance.
💗 Olympian Chloe Kim revealed how she met her NFL boyfriend — and the unusual role this person in her life played to make it happen. Cupid would be proud.
😭 Jordan Chiles’s senior night at UCLA brought out all the A-listers. Yes, we’re flipping out.
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Is the World Baseball Classic bigger than the World Series?
If you asked Aaron Judge, he’d give you a very clear answer. Even though baseball usually doesn’t take over everyone’s TVs until October (when the World Series generally takes place), the WBC has reached new levels of hype. Between playing for the pride of your country, marquee matchups, and big personalities, the classic’s first weekend has seen a 142% jump in viewership since the last tournament in 2023. The WBC started in 2006, and Japan has won three of the six tournaments. This year, the team didn't even make the finals. After Venezuela stunned Team USA in the championship round, we can only imagine how much anticipation there will be for the next WBC in 2030.
theSkimm chatted with Alex Morgan about life after professional soccer, the mindset she embraces under pressure, and her advice for first-time National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) fans.
“I think people who are new to women’s sports are actually blown away by the quality of play. And I'm like, ‘Well, yeah, we've been here the whole time.’”
Read more in our Q&A with the soccer icon here, including what she had to say about women’s sports and her partnership with CVS Pharmacy to create safe fields and play spaces.
In Our Rotation
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
We found period-proof swimwear that’s so cute, it’s approved by fashion’s harshest critics: teens.
Speaking of cute warm-weather gear, this scoop-neck dress will get compliments on and off the court.
Struggling to keep underarm odor at bay? This deodorant spray eliminates odors before they appear, and helps you feel fresh for a full 72 hours. Plus, it’s under $20.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Tell Us
The NBA will hold votes to potentially expand the league with two new teams. Which city is not on the list?
