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Deadspin | Liberty re-sign F Betnijah Laney-Hamilton  Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) drives past Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) during the second half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The New York Liberty re-signed forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to a contract on Wednesday.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team for Laney-Hamilton, who helped the Liberty capture the WNBA title in 2024.  Laney-Hamilton, however, missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing a procedure in March to repair an acute meniscus injury in her left knee. She sustained that injury while competing in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.  “Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is foundational to who we are as an organization,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Betnijah is a rare player in this league: trusted and respected by her teammates and our fanbase, and feared by the opponents she takes on every night.   “Betnijah is as healthy as she’s been in years, and her presence elevates everything we do on both ends of the floor. Quite simply, the WNBA is better when Betnijah is a part of it, and having her back on the floor means a great deal to this franchise.”   Laney-Hamilton, 32, averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 28 games (25 starts) for New York during the 2024 regular season.   She has career averages of 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 234 games (155 starts) with the Chicago Sky (2015-16), Connecticut Sun (2018), Indiana Fever (2019), Atlanta Dream (2020) and Liberty.  Laney-Hamilton was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2020 and made the All-Star team in her first season with New York in 2021. She made the All-Defensive first team in 2020 and the second team in 2023.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Liberty #resign #Betnijah #LaneyHamilton

Deadspin | Liberty re-sign F Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Deadspin | Liberty re-sign F Betnijah Laney-Hamilton  Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) drives past Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) during the second half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The New York Liberty re-signed forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to a contract on Wednesday.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team for Laney-Hamilton, who helped the Liberty capture the WNBA title in 2024.  Laney-Hamilton, however, missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing a procedure in March to repair an acute meniscus injury in her left knee. She sustained that injury while competing in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.  “Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is foundational to who we are as an organization,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Betnijah is a rare player in this league: trusted and respected by her teammates and our fanbase, and feared by the opponents she takes on every night.   “Betnijah is as healthy as she’s been in years, and her presence elevates everything we do on both ends of the floor. Quite simply, the WNBA is better when Betnijah is a part of it, and having her back on the floor means a great deal to this franchise.”   Laney-Hamilton, 32, averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 28 games (25 starts) for New York during the 2024 regular season.   She has career averages of 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 234 games (155 starts) with the Chicago Sky (2015-16), Connecticut Sun (2018), Indiana Fever (2019), Atlanta Dream (2020) and Liberty.  Laney-Hamilton was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2020 and made the All-Star team in her first season with New York in 2021. She made the All-Defensive first team in 2020 and the second team in 2023.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Liberty #resign #Betnijah #LaneyHamiltonOct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) drives past Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) during the second half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The New York Liberty re-signed forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to a contract on Wednesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team for Laney-Hamilton, who helped the Liberty capture the WNBA title in 2024.

Laney-Hamilton, however, missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing a procedure in March to repair an acute meniscus injury in her left knee. She sustained that injury while competing in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.

“Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is foundational to who we are as an organization,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Betnijah is a rare player in this league: trusted and respected by her teammates and our fanbase, and feared by the opponents she takes on every night.


“Betnijah is as healthy as she’s been in years, and her presence elevates everything we do on both ends of the floor. Quite simply, the WNBA is better when Betnijah is a part of it, and having her back on the floor means a great deal to this franchise.”

Laney-Hamilton, 32, averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 28 games (25 starts) for New York during the 2024 regular season.

She has career averages of 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 234 games (155 starts) with the Chicago Sky (2015-16), Connecticut Sun (2018), Indiana Fever (2019), Atlanta Dream (2020) and Liberty.

Laney-Hamilton was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2020 and made the All-Star team in her first season with New York in 2021. She made the All-Defensive first team in 2020 and the second team in 2023.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Liberty #resign #Betnijah #LaneyHamilton

Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) drives past Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) during the second half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The New York Liberty re-signed forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to a contract on Wednesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team for Laney-Hamilton, who helped the Liberty capture the WNBA title in 2024.

Laney-Hamilton, however, missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing a procedure in March to repair an acute meniscus injury in her left knee. She sustained that injury while competing in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.

“Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is foundational to who we are as an organization,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Betnijah is a rare player in this league: trusted and respected by her teammates and our fanbase, and feared by the opponents she takes on every night.

“Betnijah is as healthy as she’s been in years, and her presence elevates everything we do on both ends of the floor. Quite simply, the WNBA is better when Betnijah is a part of it, and having her back on the floor means a great deal to this franchise.”

Laney-Hamilton, 32, averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 28 games (25 starts) for New York during the 2024 regular season.

She has career averages of 9.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 234 games (155 starts) with the Chicago Sky (2015-16), Connecticut Sun (2018), Indiana Fever (2019), Atlanta Dream (2020) and Liberty.

Laney-Hamilton was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2020 and made the All-Star team in her first season with New York in 2021. She made the All-Defensive first team in 2020 and the second team in 2023.

–Field Level Media

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Liverpool and France forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious injury in his club’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, his national team coach Didier Deschamps said Wednesday.

The 23-year-old crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon during the first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 quarterfinal second-leg defeat to European champions PSG on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, the severity of (Ekitike’s) injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup,” Deschamps said in a statement released by the French Football Federation.

“This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team. I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff.”

Ekitike has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Liverpool since arriving at Anfield for a fee of 79 million pounds (USD 105.5 million) last summer.

Since winning his first France cap in a World Cup qualifier in September last year, Ekitike has been a regular in Les Bleus’ set-up, scoring two goals and providing one assist in his eight caps.

“It looks really bad, but difficult for me to say how bad,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said after Tuesday’s match.

Injuries have been a major factor in a disastrous season for Liverpool as it sits fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign without silverware.

“Losing a player is something we have had many times this season, but it is especially hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially at this time of the season,” added Slot.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Ekitike #tournament #injury #confirms #France #boss #Deschamps">FIFA World Cup 2026: Ekitike will miss tournament with injury, confirms France boss Deschamps  Liverpool and France forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious injury in his club’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, his national team coach Didier Deschamps said Wednesday.The 23-year-old crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon during the first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 quarterfinal second-leg defeat to European champions PSG on Tuesday.“Unfortunately, the severity of (Ekitike’s) injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup,” Deschamps said in a statement released by the French Football Federation.“This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team. I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff.”Ekitike has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Liverpool since arriving at Anfield for a fee of 79 million pounds (USD 105.5 million) last summer.Since winning his first France cap in a World Cup qualifier in September last year, Ekitike has been a regular in        Les Bleus’ set-up, scoring two goals and providing one assist in his eight caps.“It looks really bad, but difficult for me to say how bad,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said after Tuesday’s match.Injuries have been a major factor in a disastrous season for Liverpool as it sits fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign without silverware.“Losing a player is something we have had many times this season, but it is especially hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially at this time of the season,” added Slot.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Ekitike #tournament #injury #confirms #France #boss #Deschamps

Deadspin | Blackhawks score five straight to beat Sharks in season finale  Apr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Greene (20) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images   Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals, and the Chicago Blackhawks scored five straight to rally for a 5-2 win against the visiting San Jose Sharks in their season finale on Wednesday night.  Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene, and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists, and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks (29-39-14, 72 points), who had lost four in a row and nine of 10.  Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists, and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks (38-35-8, 84 points), who have lost four of five.  Crevier scored off a backhand cross-ice pass from Bedard to tie it 2-2 at 3:51 of the third.  Greene scored backdoor off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead at 8:35.  Crevier scored again with a slap shot from just inside the blue line to make it 4-2 at 10:32.  Bedard got another assist with a backhand pass to Lardis for a one-timer that made it 5-2 at 14:44.   Knight appeared to make the initial save on a shot by Ferraro, but the rebound went off the skate of Del Mastro and across the goal line to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 8:09 of the first period.  After Askarov stopped Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with 3:38 left in the first period, the Sharks thought they extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period, but Chicago challenged for offsides and the goal was waived off following a video review.  The Sharks scored at 5:17 of the second when Misa tried to pass the puck to the front of the crease from the side of the net, but it went off the stick blade of Del Mastro, off his arm, and between the pads of Knight to make it 2-0.  Chicago started the comeback when Askarov gave up a bad goal with 30 seconds left in the second period.  Rinzel took a sharp-angle shot from just above the goal line and the puck slipped through his pads to cut it to 2-1.  The Sharks conclude their season on Thursday at the Winnipeg Jets.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Blackhawks #score #straight #beat #Sharks #season #finaleApr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Greene (20) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals, and the Chicago Blackhawks scored five straight to rally for a 5-2 win against the visiting San Jose Sharks in their season finale on Wednesday night.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene, and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists, and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks (29-39-14, 72 points), who had lost four in a row and nine of 10.

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists, and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks (38-35-8, 84 points), who have lost four of five.

Crevier scored off a backhand cross-ice pass from Bedard to tie it 2-2 at 3:51 of the third.

Greene scored backdoor off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead at 8:35.

Crevier scored again with a slap shot from just inside the blue line to make it 4-2 at 10:32.


Bedard got another assist with a backhand pass to Lardis for a one-timer that made it 5-2 at 14:44.

Knight appeared to make the initial save on a shot by Ferraro, but the rebound went off the skate of Del Mastro and across the goal line to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 8:09 of the first period.

After Askarov stopped Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with 3:38 left in the first period, the Sharks thought they extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period, but Chicago challenged for offsides and the goal was waived off following a video review.

The Sharks scored at 5:17 of the second when Misa tried to pass the puck to the front of the crease from the side of the net, but it went off the stick blade of Del Mastro, off his arm, and between the pads of Knight to make it 2-0.

Chicago started the comeback when Askarov gave up a bad goal with 30 seconds left in the second period.

Rinzel took a sharp-angle shot from just above the goal line and the puck slipped through his pads to cut it to 2-1.

The Sharks conclude their season on Thursday at the Winnipeg Jets.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blackhawks #score #straight #beat #Sharks #season #finale">Deadspin | Blackhawks score five straight to beat Sharks in season finale  Apr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Greene (20) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images   Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals, and the Chicago Blackhawks scored five straight to rally for a 5-2 win against the visiting San Jose Sharks in their season finale on Wednesday night.  Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene, and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists, and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks (29-39-14, 72 points), who had lost four in a row and nine of 10.  Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists, and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks (38-35-8, 84 points), who have lost four of five.  Crevier scored off a backhand cross-ice pass from Bedard to tie it 2-2 at 3:51 of the third.  Greene scored backdoor off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead at 8:35.  Crevier scored again with a slap shot from just inside the blue line to make it 4-2 at 10:32.  Bedard got another assist with a backhand pass to Lardis for a one-timer that made it 5-2 at 14:44.   Knight appeared to make the initial save on a shot by Ferraro, but the rebound went off the skate of Del Mastro and across the goal line to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 8:09 of the first period.  After Askarov stopped Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with 3:38 left in the first period, the Sharks thought they extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Tyler Toffoli early in the second period, but Chicago challenged for offsides and the goal was waived off following a video review.  The Sharks scored at 5:17 of the second when Misa tried to pass the puck to the front of the crease from the side of the net, but it went off the stick blade of Del Mastro, off his arm, and between the pads of Knight to make it 2-0.  Chicago started the comeback when Askarov gave up a bad goal with 30 seconds left in the second period.  Rinzel took a sharp-angle shot from just above the goal line and the puck slipped through his pads to cut it to 2-1.  The Sharks conclude their season on Thursday at the Winnipeg Jets.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Blackhawks #score #straight #beat #Sharks #season #finale

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