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When you're in town, you might as well catch a game on your off day. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lived by that principle on Sunday. Between 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, the two-time MVP visited one of the WNBA's newest teams in the fast-growing league.

Gilgeous-Alexander visited Coca-Cola Coliseum on Sunday to see the Dallas Wings cruise to an 89-76 win over the Toronto Tempo. Paige Bueckers — who's at the forefront of the MVP race — had 22 points and seven assists. She dapped him after the game as the two are the peak of their basketball powers.

A little over a month after the Oklahoma City Thunder were booted out of the NBA playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander returned to the court this past Friday in Canada's 110-84 win over Puerto Rico. He suited up to play in front of his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. He had an easy 26 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to play in front of the same crowd on Monday, July 6. Canada will host Jamaica. His two-game participation should help them eventually clinch a spot in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Expect them to also eventually punch their ticket to the 2028 Olympics. The next couple of summers will be busy for the NBA superstar.

Since Gilgeous-Alexander entered the scene, Canada has enjoyed its best success in program history. It finished bronze in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and in fifth place in the 2024 Olympics. As long as the 27-year-old is in his prime, they'll remain in the conversation for one of the top international teams in the men's basketball world.

TORONTO (AP) — The WNBA's decision to make Toronto the home of its first international team is going well.

Tempo fans can be found across Canada. The expansion team could break the WNBA single-game attendance record next week. Not in Toronto, however, but almost 350 miles east in Montreal.

On the opening leg of their Cross Canada Series, the Tempo are playing two games at Montreal's Bell Centre, which holds 22,114 for basketball. A capacity crowd could top the WNBA playoff attendance record of 22,076.

In August, the series heads west for two games in Vancouver.

“We’ve put the work in and we’re continuing to get better every game, so I think the support is going to continue," said Tempo guard Marina Mabrey. "It’s very inspiring to see this kind of hype and energy around it in Canada. It kind of motivates you to do better every single night.”

The Tempo have two home games before playing Dallas July 10 in Montreal. They have been giving fans much to be excited about. Toronto is one game under .500 with a 9=10 record thanks in part to the scoring of Mabrey, who is having an All-Star caliber season averaging 21.2 points a game, third-best third in the WNBA.

Last year, Cecilia Zondalazzini played a pivotal role in winning Italy its first FIBA Women's EuroBasket medal in three decades. Now, she has led her nation to qualify for its first World Cup since 1994. Zondalazzini starred for Italy at the qualifying tournament in San Juan, where she was recognized in the All-Star 5 after averaging 14 points per game. She notably scored 22 points in a crucial victory over Spain, securing Italy's spot at the upcoming World Cup in Berlin this September.

Zondalazzini, known for her skill and strength, often shines through her ability to finish at the rim despite physical contact. However, she wasn't the only key player; Francesca Paza, Costanza Verona, and Lorela Cubai also made significant contributions. The team finished the tournament with a strong 4-1 record, capitalizing on the momentum from their successful run at last year's EuroBasket.

During the EuroBasket hosted in part in Italy, the team’s 3-0 start energized both the team and the sport's following in Italy. The games, played in front of a home crowd in Bologna, set the stage for a historic performance, culminating in a bronze medal—Italy's best finish since 1995. The energy and support from the local fans were undeniable, marking a significant moment for women's basketball in Italy.

Following her successful season, Zondalazzini spent time with Famalacio in Italy, contributing to their Lega Basket Femini title win. She then returned to the United States for her fifth WNBA season, her second with the Golden State Valkyries. Looking ahead to the World Cup in Berlin, Italy faces a challenging group but carries the momentum of ending two significant droughts, which could hint at more historic achievements to come.

As the World Cup draws near, Italy will begin their campaign against Czechia, followed by matches against powerhouse teams like the defending champions United States and the 2022 silver medalists, China. Zondalazzini’s continued impact on and off the court profoundly influences the growth of basketball in Italy, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks received a commitment Thursday night from Jayden McClain, a 6-foot-6 post player at Ryle High School in Northern Kentucky.

McClain announced her decision on social media. ESPN has her as the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2029 class.

According to MaxPreps, McClain averaged 12.8 points and nine rebounds per game as a freshman last season. She averaged 4.7 blocks and earned all-state honorable mention.

According to Link NKY, McClain’s father is Anthony McClain, a 7-foot former Cincinnati Bearcats player who also played for the Harlem Globetrotters. Her mom, Samantha, is 6-foot-4 and played college basketball at Cincinnati State.

When the Seattle SuperSonics left the Pacific Northwest in 2008, the NBA franchise’s sister team, the Seattle Storm, nearly went with them to the Oklahoma dustbowl. But thankfully for basketball fans in the Emerald City, a group of local women stepped in and bought the team, keeping it in town.

Today, the Storm are one of the most successful WNBA franchises, boasting four championships and a roster of legends who have worn the green and gold jersey, from Sue Bird to Breanna Stewart to Jewell Loyd. But the team’s standout – and progressive – history would never have happened if it hadn’t been for Force 10 Hoops, the Storm’s ownership group.

At the center of Force 10 Hoops is Dawn Trudeau. A co-owner of the Storm, Trudeau fell in love with basketball years ago when she moved to Seattle to work for Microsoft. Her then-husband took her to a Sonics game. “I thought, Wow, this is something!” Trudeau tells the Guardian. “Manute Bol was playing that night – I’d never seen anybody like that before.”

But to understand what that takes to win, we wanted to get into what it means to be a team owner on a more granular level. So, we asked Trudeau what a typical 24 hours is like for her on a gameday – in this instance a preseason game between the Storm and one of the WNBA’s newest expansion teams (and Seattle’s newest rival), the Portland Fire.

CINCINNATI (AP) — An Ohio judge will make a ruling next week on a preliminary injunction request from 24 men's and women's college basketball players suing the NCAA, claiming the new age-based model unfairly shuts them out of further competition.

Judge Christopher Wagner, who previously denied a temporary restraining order hours after the lawsuit was filed, said Wednesday during a hearing that his written order will be made on July 9.

The lawsuit was filed shortly after the NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a monumental change in eligibility rules last month.

“When each plaintiff completed their fourth season of competition during the 2025-26 academic year, they had every reason to know it was the end of the line and time to make way for the next generation of college athletes,” the NCAA wrote in a filing.

The plaintiffs are seeking to be eligible to play a fifth year during the upcoming season, representing athletes who graduated from high school in 2022 and began their college sports careers that fall and never redshirted.

“Each plaintiff was harmed each time he or she competed in a basketball game against a fifth or sixth-year player without being offered the same opportunity to compete in a fifth season themselves,” attorney Ryan Downton wrote in a filing.

STORRS — The UConn women's basketball team will make a rare summer appearance in downtown Hartford Thursday night.

While the majority of the Huskies in attendance will be in the stands as fans, a select few will be down on the court playing in the last-ever Connecticut Sun game in Hartford.

The Sun hosts former Husky stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd and the Dallas Wings at 8 p.m. at PeoplesBank Arena (broadcast on PRIME). Thursday's game will be the last chance for UConn fans to see Bueckers and Fudd play in Connecticut, as the franchise relocates to Houston in the offseason and won't host Dallas again this summer.

To support their former teammates, the current Huskies are not only planning to attend Thursday's game but will also have dinner with Bueckers and Fudd on Wednesday.

"It's really cool that we get the opportunity to see them playing Connecticut, especially with Connecticut moving to Houston. I think it's cool that we get like one more chance to see them play here," said current Husky junior Kayleigh Heckel.

"... I think it's really cool to be able to see them on the same team again. They play really well together (and) it shows every time they play. I think it's really cool for our team to go and watch them play. I feel like you can always take something from seeing players like that."

The last piece to Kenny Brooks‘ roster puzzle has arrived in the Bluegrass State.

Slovenian guard Ajsa Sivka (Eye-Shah SEEV-kah) finally made it to Kentucky’s campus on Wednesday. Of the 12 players on the 2026-27 women’s basketball roster, Sivka was the last to arrive. Most of the other 11 Wildcats moved into their new Lexington homes two weekends ago ahead of the start of practice, which began Monday, June 22.

While the 6-foot-4 Sivka came in a bit later than the rest of her teammates, she missed less than two weeks of summer practice. Getting her on campus sooner rather than later was always going to be important. She has a great chance to be an immediate impact player for Kentucky in 2026-27 on the wing.

“I am delighted to welcome Ajsša to our program,” Brooks said when Sivka signed with UK in early May. “Her combination of size and skill will fit into our system seamlessly. Ajša is a tremendous shooter, scorer, and playmaker from the wing position and she will add experience to our team. BBN let’s welcome Ajša to our family!”

Now all we’re waiting on is her grade classification. With the NCAA moving forward with the 5-in-5 rule, Sivka isn’t likely to be tabbed as a freshman despite being a new college player. On her Kentucky WBB player page, her class is listed as “TBD”.

Already 20 years old, Sivka was the 10th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, although she did not join the franchise at the time, instead opting to remain in Europe to represent the Slovenian National Team at the 2025 FIBA Women’s European Basketball Championship. It still sounds crazy to say out loud that Kentucky has a real top-10 WNBA talent on the roster. She’s going to be a major piece to next season’s success.

Every great athlete leaves behind a legacy, but what happens when the trophies are put away? After retiring from the game, Tina Charles shared her thoughts on how she wants people to view her journey.

On June 30, 2026, the legendary center appeared on the ESPN show Vibe Check. It was a special post-retirement interview that came just weeks after her official retirement announcement on May 5, 2026.

She looked back at her 14 seasons on the court. In a video clip shared by an espnW X post, Charles said, “I don’t think it’s about the duration of your life, but the donation of it.”

For Charles, this idea of donation is all about using her personal platform to protect others. She started the Hopey’s Heart Foundation in April 2013 after her aunt, Maureen “Hopey” Vaz, passed away from multiple organ failure.

The foundation works hard to prevent cardiac arrest, especially among young athletes.

The foundation teaches CPR and distributes AEDs to schools and community centers.

Carla Leite: 32 points

The Fire’s point guard had clutch moment after clutch moment on Sunday. She hit the game-tying buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end regulation and a game-tying 3-pointer to close the first overtime.

Her 32 points is now tied with Jackie Stiles for the franchise record points in a single game. Stiles scored 32 points in a 88-83 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on July 28, 2001.

Emily Engstler: season blocks

Engstler fouled out with 6 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks on Sunday. She leads the WNBA in total blocks, with 39. This also makes her the new Fire record holder for blocks in a single season. Fire legend Sylvia Crawley recorded 37 blocks in 2002.

Points scored: 123

The Fire’s previous franchise record in points scored in a single game was 100 in their May 30 victory over the Indiana Fever.

Field goals made: 45

The team’s previous best was 36 in the May 30 victory over Indiana.

Assists: 29

The team’s previous best was 26 in the victory over Indiana.

Field goal attempts: 101

The Fire shot the ball 101 times, making 44.6% of them. They previously attempted 79 shots from the floor in the June 26 loss to Chicago.

I got a text this morning from the Valks organization advertising upper-level seats for $20 (I suspect they are for Level 3). How is the view from up there? If not good, I'll save myself the trouble and watch from home. Thanks!

Every Golden State move, at least until recently, has suggested that Jocytė is expected to be a core part of the team. The Valkyries used a top draft pick on Jocytė, protected her in the offseason expansion draft, and kept her on a 12-player roster despite the fact that she missed all of training camp while competing in Europe.

So why are the Valkyries looking to turn Jocytė into a ball handler? And was this the development path Nakase and GM Ohemaa Nyanin envisioned when Jocytė was drafted? No one has directly answered those questions as decision-makers have instead highlighted her ability to grow.

The Valkyries consistently point to Jocytė’s high basketball IQ as a defining trait, and it’s possible that providing her with more on-ball responsibilities could unlock more of her potential if she’s able to use her vision and passing prowess to facilitate Golden State’s offense.

It’s also possible the coaching staff doesn’t feel rushed to find a role for Jocytė. She’s the youngest player on the team, Burton and Chen are more experienced point guards, and veteran Tiffany Hayes has provided solid minutes off the bench as an off-ball guard.

The most realistic explanation for Jocytė’s inconsistent playing time might be that the coaching staff doesn’t have the same level of trust in her as it does with players who have been around longer. Many of Nakase’s comments — learning the playbook, understanding what the staff wants, maximizing effort, adjusting to the league’s physicality, becoming more vocal, proving herself in scrimmages — suggest Golden State isn’t quite ready to rely on Jocytė ahead of more proven teammates.

As Jocytė adjusts to a new league, team, and role, it’s easy to forget that despite her extensive European experience, she’s still younger than most WNBA rookies — and that development might be a multiyear, not a multiweek, process.

At LSU, she’s remembered for a lot of numbers like four straight NCAA Final Four appearances, averaging a double-double, winning and winning big, being a three-time All-American and more.

But what everyone at LSU will remind you about is “the dunk.” The night she became, at that time in 2007, just the sixth women’s player in college basketball to dunk the basketball in a game.

It was a simple play, so it seemed. And with due respect to my friends in Lafayette where the Ragin’ Cajuns player may still have nightmares, Fowles came out to steal the ball near midcourt, gathered it up, dribbled down the court and right-hand dunked it to the delight and maybe some amazement of the Maravich Center crowd.

“We had been begging her. I know I had been begging her (to dunk in a game),” said Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame teammate Seimone Augustus, who is now an LSU assistant coach. “Coach Starkey is the post coach so we were seeing it every day in practice she would have like a little dunk. It wasn’t too crazy, but it was a dunk. We were like why don’t you do it a game? She’s just like, if you know her demeanor, it’s like, ‘Do I need to?’ And we were like, ‘Yes, you need to.’

“It just so happened that I was in town from overseas, on our Christmas break or whenever it was, like during a break and (Sylvia) got a breakaway. She got a steal at half court and it was just her and the basket. We were like, she’s going to do it. I saw her start to gather her steps and I’m like she’s got to do it and she did it. That was like the most amazing thing ever because there’s very few women in the college game that have done it. I mean, you are talking Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner. There’s a handful of women that have ever done that. She’s one of those women.”

Patrick Wright, the radio voice of LSU women’s basketball for over 35 years, remembers it well.

“We all knew she was capable of dunking,” Wright said. “It happened because of a smart defensive play by Sylvia. Not many girls Syl’s size were remotely coordinated to dribble the ball 70 feet, but she had the grace of the point guard she just stole the ball from. As she got to the free-throw line, the thought everyone in the arena had was the same — she might dunk this.

"She threw it down with one hand. It was a legitimate dunk that any men’s player would be proud of. I will always remember the reaction of her teammates and the crowd, and everyone knew they just witnessed something historic.”

WASHINGTON — So far this year, Lauren Betts has led UCLA to the NCAA title, received congratulations from LeBron James, been the No. 4 pick in the WNBA draft, and signed a shoe contract with Reebok.

Pardon Betts if she must pinch herself to realize all of this really has happened.

“I couldn’t have envisioned any of this if you would have asked me five years ago,’’ Betts told The Denver Gazette. “This is crazy.”

Five years ago, Betts was preparing to enter her senior year at Grandview High School in Aurora. After that, the 6-foot-7 center played one season at Stanford and three at UCLA and is now a rookie with the Washington Mystics.

The Mystics, who already had a pair of top post players as starters in fifth-year center Shakira Austin and second-year power forward Kiki Iriafen, are bringing Betts along slowly. Entering Wednesday’s home game against the Minnesota Lynx, with the Mystics (8-7) on a three-game winning streak, she was averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 16.6 minutes.

But don’t think the Mystics aren’t enamored with Betts’ potential.