Deadspin | Derrick Lewis fight added to UFC’s White House card at Trump’s urging Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Derrick Lewis (blue gloves) before the fight against Waldo Cortes Acosta (red gloves) during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images The UFC has added Derrick Lewis versus Josh Hokit to the UFC Freedom 250 card set for this summer at the White House, a move which UFC CEO Dana White says came at the request of President Donald Trump. The heavyweight fight between Lewis (29-13 MMA), who holds the UFC knockout record with 16, and Hokit (9-0 MMA), who beat Curtis Blaydes at Saturday’s UFC 327 event in Miami, becomes the seventh fight at the June 14 event, which is commemorating the United States’ 250th birthday. White said at his press conference Saturday that Trump, who was in attendance Saturday, asked him why Lewis was not on the card for the White House event. “I’m sure you guys just saw the Hokit fight,” White said. “About an hour ago, the president leans over to me and says, ‘Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?’ and I said, ‘Hold on, Mr. President.’ I stepped away and called Derrick Lewis and said, ‘Derrick, the president just asked why you’re not on the card. Do you want to fight on the White House card?’ He said, ‘Of course.’” White said the match was confirmed shortly after that when he talked to Hokit after his unanimous-decision win, which improved his UFC record to 3-0. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Derrick #Lewis #fight #added #UFCs #White #House #card #Trumps #urging

Deadspin | Derrick Lewis fight added to UFC’s White House card at Trump’s urging
Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Derrick Lewis (blue gloves) before the fight against Waldo Cortes Acosta (red gloves) during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The UFC has added Derrick Lewis versus Josh Hokit to the UFC Freedom 250 card set for this summer at the White House, a move which UFC CEO Dana White says came at the request of President Donald Trump.

The heavyweight fight between Lewis (29-13 MMA), who holds the UFC knockout record with 16, and Hokit (9-0 MMA), who beat Curtis Blaydes at Saturday’s UFC 327 event in Miami, becomes the seventh fight at the June 14 event, which is commemorating the United States’ 250th birthday.

White said at his press conference Saturday that Trump, who was in attendance Saturday, asked him why Lewis was not on the card for the White House event.

“I’m sure you guys just saw the Hokit fight,” White said. “About an hour ago, the president leans over to me and says, ‘Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?’ and I said, ‘Hold on, Mr. President.’ I stepped away and called Derrick Lewis and said, ‘Derrick, the president just asked why you’re not on the card. Do you want to fight on the White House card?’ He said, ‘Of course.'”

White said the match was confirmed shortly after that when he talked to Hokit after his unanimous-decision win, which improved his UFC record to 3-0.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Derrick #Lewis #fight #added #UFCs #White #House #card #Trumps #urging

Sports news April 12, 2026

Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Derrick Lewis (blue gloves) before the fight against Waldo Cortes Acosta (red gloves) during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The UFC has added Derrick Lewis versus Josh Hokit to the UFC Freedom 250 card set for this summer at the White House, a move which UFC CEO Dana White says came at the request of President Donald Trump.

The heavyweight fight between Lewis (29-13 MMA), who holds the UFC knockout record with 16, and Hokit (9-0 MMA), who beat Curtis Blaydes at Saturday’s UFC 327 event in Miami, becomes the seventh fight at the June 14 event, which is commemorating the United States’ 250th birthday.

White said at his press conference Saturday that Trump, who was in attendance Saturday, asked him why Lewis was not on the card for the White House event.

“I’m sure you guys just saw the Hokit fight,” White said. “About an hour ago, the president leans over to me and says, ‘Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?’ and I said, ‘Hold on, Mr. President.’ I stepped away and called Derrick Lewis and said, ‘Derrick, the president just asked why you’re not on the card. Do you want to fight on the White House card?’ He said, ‘Of course.'”

White said the match was confirmed shortly after that when he talked to Hokit after his unanimous-decision win, which improved his UFC record to 3-0.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Derrick #Lewis #fight #added #UFCs #White #House #card #Trumps #urging

How a simple exchange with Sheetal Devi put Payal Nag on course to become world’s first limbless archer <div id="content-body-70852085" itemprop="articleBody">“ Didi, mujhe bhi archery karni hai (Sister, I too want to do archery),” the girl said. “ Theek hai. Aa jao (Okay. Please, come here),” replied Sheetal Devi, the Asian Games gold medallist.It was a simple exchange between two teenaged girls over a video call in 2023. Last week, <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/archery/payal-nag-quadruple-amputee-archer-beats-sheetal-devi-world-para-archery-series-2026-bangkok-indian-medallists/article70823056.ece" target="_blank">that girl, competing in only her second international event, beat World Champion Sheetal</a> in the compound women’s open final of the World Archery Para Series event in Bangkok.Her name—Payal Nag.But Payal’s story doesn’t start from that quick conversation with Sheetal. In 2015, while Payal’s parents were busy working at a brick kiln in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, she was wandering around like any other seven-year-old when tragedy struck. She came into contact with a live wire. Consequently, the kid lost all four of her limbs.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/archery/world-archery-olympics-qualification-procedure-los-angeles-2028-quota-distribution-competitions/article70586821.ece" target="_blank">World Archery announces LA 2028 qualification process for recurve, compound events</a>The parents, despite societal taunts about the young daughter’s future, took care of her in their hometown of Balangir in Odisha. Barsha, her elder sister, became a major support. Gradually, Payal took a liking to the world of painting and would draw sketches with her mouth. In 2022, for a better overall development, she was taken to Parbati Giri Bal Niketan—a government institute for childcare.“Our District Collector Sir took me to the Ashram. I used to draw even when I was at home and had even participated in one or two competitions. I used to sing as well. At the institute, competitions amongst the kids were held on a regular basis. There, a teacher named Prachi guided me,” recalls Payal. “Then came a big drawing competition—Surbhi. I won the first prize. I even went on to compete at the State level. This is where someone tweeted about me.”Call it the power of social media or pure destiny—Kuldeep Vedwan, Sheetal’s coach, saw Payal. Vedwan, who Payal addresses as Guru Ji, contacted the institute, got in touch with the District Collector, and made arrangements to bring Payal, along with her elder sister Barsha as her caretaker, to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Academy in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.Payal, who was also willing to learn archery during a video call with Vedwan and Sheetal, now had the chance to train.The world had never witnessed a quadruple amputee in para archery. It was a journey into the unknown. But Vedwan had been here before with Sheetal. Sheetal was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition due to which she had no arms. But Vedwan made a special equipment and trained her. Sheetal’s hard work bore fruit and her achievements turned her into an inspirational icon. For Payal, Vedwan did the unthinkable again. By integrating a specialised mechanism into her prosthetic and securing it to her shoulder, he allowed her to anchor the bow via her mouth and trigger the release through a sharp shoulder movement.Watching Sheetal practise in front of her gave Payal the necessary confidence to train, but she had to do so differently.“In the initial stages, Payal used both prosthetic legs to shoot the arrows but it is against the international rules. Slowly, we switched to a single prosthetic limb,” says Abhilasha Chaudhary, who has also been coaching Payal at the academy and travels with the Indian para archery team.“Once she became capable enough to shoot and hit 10s on a consistent basis, we had to customise the equipment so that she could perform using a single prosthetic leg. We also had to change the grip of her foot. Finally, we got the equipment approved by World Archery.”After training for a year and a half, Payal took part in her first-ever event—the Para Archery Nationals in Jaipur in January. There, she grabbed two medals and also beat Sheetal for the first time. That confidence of having beaten Sheetal earlier held Payal in good stead in Bangkok.“ Itna bhi darr nahin lag raha tha. Ma’am pichhe se samjha bhi rahe the. (I wasn’t that scared. Ma’am was also guiding me from behind,” says the 18-year-old on facing her idol in the final at a global stage.)After winning the women’s team gold together, it was time for an individual battle. Payal led Sheetal 27-25 after the first end of three arrows in the summit clash. But Sheetal, a year senior to Payal and much more experienced, equalised the score at 54-54. Another set of three arrows later, Payal was in front again at 82-80. With three more arrows to go, Payal led Sheetal by three—110-107.Sheetal shot first and started the final end with a 10. Payal’s lead was down to two as she shot a 9. Then, Sheetal hit a 9 and shook her head slightly, realising that she had missed an opportunity. Payal responded with a 10. Sheetal came up with a 10 in her final shot. Payal needed only an 8 to secure the win but she matched Sheetal’s effort to put the icing on the cake. Once the competition was over, Payal received a warm embrace from her senior. In a heartwarming gesture, Sheetal also helped in turning Payal’s wheelchair so that she could face the tricolour as the national anthem was to be played during the medal ceremony. <div class="inline_embed article-block-item"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🎖️Kudos to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a>‘s Payal Nag and Paralympian Sheetal Devi for etching history at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, securing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gold</a> 🥇 and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Silver?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Silver</a> 🥈 with a remarkable performance! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdishaForSports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdishaForSports</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParaArchery?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParaArchery</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadiaToPodium?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadiaToPodium</a><a href="https://t.co/PNnafB4mNc">pic.twitter.com/PNnafB4mNc</a>— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sports_odisha/status/2041168404791664869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2026</a></blockquote></div>Payal’s success means a lot to her family. “My parents are really happy because earlier, people used to say, ‘ Kuchh nahin kar payegi’ (She won’t be able to do anything) about me. I have proved myself to those who didn’t have faith in me,” says the teenager. Her parents, along with her two younger siblings, also visit her in Katra sometimes and watch her train in person.Payal’s victory is significant for Sheetal as well. “It was tough for her to do archery. I was worried about her. I could use my feet, but she had no limbs. How will she manage the grip? But Kuldeep Sir made a special device for her. Then, I felt that she could do it. Mujhe boht khushi huyi thi jab usne pehla teer chalaya tha (I was really happy when she shot her first arrow) . I felt she would have to work harder, but she will manage,” recalls Sheetal, a Paralympic medallist, on watching Payal train at the academy.In Payal, Sheetal has also found a strong teammate, “Winning and losing is part of the game. It’s good that she is here. I felt like I was alone, winning medals. With her, India will win more medals. The mixed team and women’s team have become better,” she says.Payal is back to her daily routine at the academy, a place Sheetal left last year and shifted to Patiala to train under Gaurav Sharma to reinvent her technique after a major World Archery rule change made it illegal for the heel to touch the bow.Payal, who is amongst the 10 per cent differently abled students at the academy, trains from 7:30 a.m. along with other able-bodied kids. The post-lunch training session begins at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. “Training with able-bodied archers does have a positive effect on para archers’ performance,” says Abhilasha.She believes that Payal can follow Sheetal, who made history last year by making it to the national able-bodied squad for the Asia Cup in Jeddah after finishing third among more than 60 compound women archers in the selection trials.For now, Payal’s goal is to prepare for this year’s Asian Para Games and later, win gold at the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028. But what about drawing—the thing which started it all? “I still paint whenever I get time. My last painting was of Kanha Ji (Lord Krishna) on my room’s wall,” she answers.And singing? “ Kabhi Kabhi (sometimes),” she says with a huge smile on her face.Published on Apr 12, 2026</div><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> #simple #exchange #Sheetal #Devi #put #Payal #Nag #worlds #limbless #archer

Deadspin | Dodgers, with a big trade win in hand, look to avoid sweep vs. Red Sox Aug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process. One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade. Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday. “I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA. In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings. Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list. And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives. “I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition. After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games. “He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.” Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game. The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics. Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain. After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal. “I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox

#Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox">

mwasimuddin125 0

Aug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images

Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process.

One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade.

Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox.

Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday.

“I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA.

In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings.

Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list.

And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives.

“I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition.

After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games.

“He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.”

Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game.

The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics.

Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain.

After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal.

“I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox">Deadspin | Dodgers, with a big trade win in hand, look to avoid sweep vs. Red Sox

Aug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images

Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process.

One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade.

Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox.

Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday.

“I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA.

In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings.

Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list.

And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives.

“I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition.

After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games.

“He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.”

Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game.

The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics.

Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain.

After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal.

“I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox

The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries.

Plum was long-rumored to be in trade talks ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline; the Sparks are 10-17 and losers of 6 straight games (all without Plum). If she was unlikely to re-sign this offseason, as was widely reported, Los Angeles had to trade her to recoup some value for their top asset.

Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.

The Mercury are 11-19 and currently sit six games out of the playoff race. Plum immediately provides them with a massive offensive boost. But was it worth giving up draft capital for a potential one-year rental?

Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix.

Potential Winner: Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks shouldn’t have made the Kelsey Plum deal two years ago. Instead, they should have leaned into the rebuild, drafted Dominique Malonga — who is already an All-Star — and built for the future. But they went all-in, it backfired, and it’s time to course-correct. While the return for Plum wasn’t massive, it’s still sizable, especially when she was likely to walk away for nothing this offseason. Now, they’ll have two top picks in 2027 — their own and Phoenix’s — and begin to truly rebuild, albeit a few years delayed.

Akoa Makani, who was an undrafted rookie last year, is a sneaky big part of this deal, too. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while continuing to establish herself as a strong perimeter defender.

Potential Loser: Golden State Valkyries

The Valkyries still seem to be a piece away from championship contention, though this roster has been pretty successful as-is. But Plum was long rumored to land in Golden State, and trading for her at the trade deadline seemed like a feasible pathway forward.

Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.

That move may pay off long-term, but it’s also possible that Golden State will regret not trading for one of the league’s top guards when they had the chance. They’re currently 19-10 — owners of the WNBA’s third-best record — but have lost two straight. If they suffer an early playoff exit this season, the decision to not go all-in for Plum will be revisited. At the same time, if Golden State learned Plum was unlikely to re-sign in the offseason, the decision to not go for her makes perfect sense.

Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum

The Los Angeles Sparks are going nowhere this season; that much is clear. So, it’s inherently a win for Plum to head elsewhere. Phoenix is not too far from home, and while they’re out of the playoff mix right now, they’re trending upwards, having split their last 14 games and winning three of their last four. There were better win-now destinations for Plum, but the worst-case scenario would have been not getting traded at the deadline at all.

Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury

The deal could be fruitful if Plum signs a long-term extension with the franchise. But if she walks in the offseason, it’s a disastrous move for the Mercury, who give up one of their most consistent young players as well as critical future draft capital. It’s especially risky because Phoenix is unlikely to make the playoffs this season, so in a worst-case scenario, Plum is a one-year rental on a team that won’t even make the postseason.

But in a best-case scenario, a roster headlined by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper — and fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance — adds one of the league’s best guards for the long term. The effectiveness of this move will be measured based on whether Plum signs an extension.

#Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers">

Blockbuster Kelsey Plum trade: biggest winners and losers The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries.Plum was long-rumored to be in trade talks ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline; the Sparks are 10-17 and losers of 6 straight games (all without Plum). If she was unlikely to re-sign this offseason, as was widely reported, Los Angeles had to trade her to recoup some value for their top asset.Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.The Mercury are 11-19 and currently sit six games out of the playoff race. Plum immediately provides them with a massive offensive boost. But was it worth giving up draft capital for a potential one-year rental?Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix. Potential Winner: Los Angeles SparksThe Sparks shouldn’t have made the Kelsey Plum deal two years ago. Instead, they should have leaned into the rebuild, drafted Dominique Malonga — who is already an All-Star — and built for the future. But they went all-in, it backfired, and it’s time to course-correct. While the return for Plum wasn’t massive, it’s still sizable, especially when she was likely to walk away for nothing this offseason. Now, they’ll have two top picks in 2027 — their own and Phoenix’s — and begin to truly rebuild, albeit a few years delayed.Akoa Makani, who was an undrafted rookie last year, is a sneaky big part of this deal, too. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while continuing to establish herself as a strong perimeter defender.Potential Loser: Golden State ValkyriesThe Valkyries still seem to be a piece away from championship contention, though this roster has been pretty successful as-is. But Plum was long rumored to land in Golden State, and trading for her at the trade deadline seemed like a feasible pathway forward.Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.That move may pay off long-term, but it’s also possible that Golden State will regret not trading for one of the league’s top guards when they had the chance. They’re currently 19-10 — owners of the WNBA’s third-best record — but have lost two straight. If they suffer an early playoff exit this season, the decision to not go all-in for Plum will be revisited. At the same time, if Golden State learned Plum was unlikely to re-sign in the offseason, the decision to not go for her makes perfect sense.Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum The Los Angeles Sparks are going nowhere this season; that much is clear. So, it’s inherently a win for Plum to head elsewhere. Phoenix is not too far from home, and while they’re out of the playoff mix right now, they’re trending upwards, having split their last 14 games and winning three of their last four. There were better win-now destinations for Plum, but the worst-case scenario would have been not getting traded at the deadline at all.Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury The deal could be fruitful if Plum signs a long-term extension with the franchise. But if she walks in the offseason, it’s a disastrous move for the Mercury, who give up one of their most consistent young players as well as critical future draft capital. It’s especially risky because Phoenix is unlikely to make the playoffs this season, so in a worst-case scenario, Plum is a one-year rental on a team that won’t even make the postseason.But in a best-case scenario, a roster headlined by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper — and fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance — adds one of the league’s best guards for the long term. The effectiveness of this move will be measured based on whether Plum signs an extension. #Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers

mwasimuddin125 0

The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries.
Plum was long-rumored to be in trade talks ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline; the Sparks are 10-17 and losers of 6 straight games (all without Plum). If she was unlikely to re-sign this offseason, as was widely reported, Los Angeles had to trade her to recoup some value for their top asset.
Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.
The Mercury are 11-19 and currently sit six games out of the playoff race. Plum immediately provides them with a massive offensive boost. But was it worth giving up draft capital for a potential one-year rental?
Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix.
Potential Winner: Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks shouldn’t have made the Kelsey Plum deal two years ago. Instead, they should have leaned into the rebuild, drafted Dominique Malonga — who is already an All-Star — and built for the future. But they went all-in, it backfired, and it’s time to course-correct. While the return for Plum wasn’t massive, it’s still sizable, especially when she was likely to walk away for nothing this offseason. Now, they’ll have two top picks in 2027 — their own and Phoenix’s — and begin to truly rebuild, albeit a few years delayed.
Akoa Makani, who was an undrafted rookie last year, is a sneaky big part of this deal, too. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while continuing to establish herself as a strong perimeter defender.
Potential Loser: Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries still seem to be a piece away from championship contention, though this roster has been pretty successful as-is. But Plum was long rumored to land in Golden State, and trading for her at the trade deadline seemed like a feasible pathway forward.
Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.
That move may pay off long-term, but it’s also possible that Golden State will regret not trading for one of the league’s top guards when they had the chance. They’re currently 19-10 — owners of the WNBA’s third-best record — but have lost two straight. If they suffer an early playoff exit this season, the decision to not go all-in for Plum will be revisited. At the same time, if Golden State learned Plum was unlikely to re-sign in the offseason, the decision to not go for her makes perfect sense.
Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum
The Los Angeles Sparks are going nowhere this season; that much is clear. So, it’s inherently a win for Plum to head elsewhere. Phoenix is not too far from home, and while they’re out of the playoff mix right now, they’re trending upwards, having split their last 14 games and winning three of their last four. There were better win-now destinations for Plum, but the worst-case scenario would have been not getting traded at the deadline at all.
Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury
The deal could be fruitful if Plum signs a long-term extension with the franchise. But if she walks in the offseason, it’s a disastrous move for the Mercury, who give up one of their most consistent young players as well as critical future draft capital. It’s especially risky because Phoenix is unlikely to make the playoffs this season, so in a worst-case scenario, Plum is a one-year rental on a team that won’t even make the postseason.
But in a best-case scenario, a roster headlined by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper — and fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance — adds one of the league’s best guards for the long term. The effectiveness of this move will be measured based on whether Plum signs an extension.

#Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers">Blockbuster Kelsey Plum trade: biggest winners and losers

Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.

Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix.

Potential Winner: Los Angeles Sparks

Potential Loser: Golden State Valkyries

Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.

Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum

Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury

#Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers

Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.

The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.

Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.

Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.

READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.

Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow">

Arshad Nadeem cops criticism for poor show in Glasgow Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronzeArshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effortA reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.Published on Aug 02, 2026 #Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow

mwasimuddin125 0

Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.
The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.
Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.
Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.
READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze
Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.
He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.
For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.
Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.
While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.
ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort
A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.
The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.
Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.
“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.
Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.
Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.
Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow">Arshad Nadeem cops criticism for poor show in Glasgow

Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.

Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.

READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow

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