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Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson signs biggest deal in WNBA history  Women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson has signed a record-breaking new contract with the Las Vegas Aces worth nearly USD 5 million over three years, the American media reported Wednesday.The three-time WNBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player’s new deal would be the most lucrative in the rapidly growing league’s history.“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a statement.“Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.”A’ja Wilson is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in WNBA history, earning the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP and leading the league in scoring in the same season.ESPN reported that the 29-year-old’s contract was a “USD 5 million supermax contract,” citing anonymous sources, while        The Athletic reported the deal would potentially reach “more than USD 4.7 million with maximum raises”.Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.But the North American women’s basketball league is enjoying a surge in popularity, with increased attendances and a USD 2.2 billion 11-year broadcast deal driving up salaries.A lengthy standoff between the players’ union and league was resolved last month with a “groundbreaking” seven-year labour deal.It means the salary cap will skyrocket from USD 1.5 million to USD 7 million in 2026, and will adjust annually based on league and team revenue growth.The new WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, with the addition of two new teams — Portland and Toronto — bringing the total number of franchises to 15.(with inputs from AFP)Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Las #Vegas #Aces #star #Aja #Wilson #signs #biggest #deal #WNBA #history

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson signs biggest deal in WNBA history

Women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson has signed a record-breaking new contract with the Las Vegas Aces worth nearly USD 5 million over three years, the American media reported Wednesday.

The three-time WNBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player’s new deal would be the most lucrative in the rapidly growing league’s history.

“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a statement.

“Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.”

A’ja Wilson is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in WNBA history, earning the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP and leading the league in scoring in the same season.

ESPN reported that the 29-year-old’s contract was a “USD 5 million supermax contract,” citing anonymous sources, while The Athletic reported the deal would potentially reach “more than USD 4.7 million with maximum raises”.

Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.

But the North American women’s basketball league is enjoying a surge in popularity, with increased attendances and a USD 2.2 billion 11-year broadcast deal driving up salaries.

A lengthy standoff between the players’ union and league was resolved last month with a “groundbreaking” seven-year labour deal.

It means the salary cap will skyrocket from USD 1.5 million to USD 7 million in 2026, and will adjust annually based on league and team revenue growth.

The new WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, with the addition of two new teams — Portland and Toronto — bringing the total number of franchises to 15.

(with inputs from AFP)

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Las #Vegas #Aces #star #Aja #Wilson #signs #biggest #deal #WNBA #history

Women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson has signed a record-breaking new contract with the Las Vegas Aces worth nearly USD 5 million over three years, the American media reported Wednesday.

The three-time WNBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player’s new deal would be the most lucrative in the rapidly growing league’s history.

“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a statement.

“Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.”

A’ja Wilson is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in WNBA history, earning the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP and leading the league in scoring in the same season.

ESPN reported that the 29-year-old’s contract was a “USD 5 million supermax contract,” citing anonymous sources, while The Athletic reported the deal would potentially reach “more than USD 4.7 million with maximum raises”.

Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.

But the North American women’s basketball league is enjoying a surge in popularity, with increased attendances and a USD 2.2 billion 11-year broadcast deal driving up salaries.

A lengthy standoff between the players’ union and league was resolved last month with a “groundbreaking” seven-year labour deal.

It means the salary cap will skyrocket from USD 1.5 million to USD 7 million in 2026, and will adjust annually based on league and team revenue growth.

The new WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, with the addition of two new teams — Portland and Toronto — bringing the total number of franchises to 15.

(with inputs from AFP)

Published on Apr 16, 2026

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#Las #Vegas #Aces #star #Aja #Wilson #signs #biggest #deal #WNBA #history

Deadspin | Sei Young Kim grabs lead at midpoint of LA Championship  Jun 20, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Sei Young Kim plays her shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images   World No. 10 Sei Young Kim of South Korea carded a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 on Friday and took a one-shot lead after two rounds at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, Calif.  Kim sits at 14-under 130 at El Caballero Country Club, just ahead of first-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan. Coming off a course-record-tying 63 on Thursday, Iwai carded a 68 on Friday, leaving her at 13 under.  South Korea’s Ina Yoon holds third place at 12 under following a 64. Tied for fourth at 9 under are Melanie Green and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who each shot 68 on Friday, and Jessica Porvasnik, who logged a 69.  Jenny Bae (second-round 68), Japan’s Minami Katsu (69), Australia’s Hannah Green (69) and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (71) are level at 8 under, tied for seventh.  Kim birdied two of the first three holes and was 2 under at the turn. She then reeled off five birdies in a seven-hole span on the back nine.  “Little less windy today, because yesterday (it was a) very dry golf condition because (I started in the) afternoon,” Kim said. “So today … I can attack to the pin more than yesterday.”  Kim owns 13 career LPGA victories, but just one in the past six years, at the BMW Ladies Championship last October.   “This course (offers) a lot of the opportunity if you play well, so I think some players or couple players (will) play good and we’ll see, yeah, what’s going on,” Kim said. “Yeah, (I) like my position so I just want to keep (moving) forward (the) next two days.”  Iwai had another good round, albeit nowhere near as good as her first-round 63. She had two birdies and one bogey through the first 12 holes, then added three birdies in a four-hole stretch starting at No. 13.  “My front nine, I didn’t make … short birdie putts, but my driver and my second shot was all consistent, my swing,” Iwai said. “Yeah, my shot is pretty good.”  Yoon charged into contention with a sizzling start to her round, making seven birdies and two pars on the back nine. She then played the front nine and cooled off, adding only one more birdie in a bogey-free day.  “First nine holes was awesome,” Yoon said. “I never shoot 29 for nine hole in my life. It was unbelievable.  “The back nine was little bummer, but I had pretty good shot on the back nine as well. Some tricky putts on there. I made some. But it was good overall.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Sei #Young #Kim #grabs #lead #midpoint #ChampionshipJun 20, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Sei Young Kim plays her shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

World No. 10 Sei Young Kim of South Korea carded a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 on Friday and took a one-shot lead after two rounds at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, Calif.

Kim sits at 14-under 130 at El Caballero Country Club, just ahead of first-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan. Coming off a course-record-tying 63 on Thursday, Iwai carded a 68 on Friday, leaving her at 13 under.

South Korea’s Ina Yoon holds third place at 12 under following a 64. Tied for fourth at 9 under are Melanie Green and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who each shot 68 on Friday, and Jessica Porvasnik, who logged a 69.

Jenny Bae (second-round 68), Japan’s Minami Katsu (69), Australia’s Hannah Green (69) and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (71) are level at 8 under, tied for seventh.

Kim birdied two of the first three holes and was 2 under at the turn. She then reeled off five birdies in a seven-hole span on the back nine.

“Little less windy today, because yesterday (it was a) very dry golf condition because (I started in the) afternoon,” Kim said. “So today … I can attack to the pin more than yesterday.”


Kim owns 13 career LPGA victories, but just one in the past six years, at the BMW Ladies Championship last October.

“This course (offers) a lot of the opportunity if you play well, so I think some players or couple players (will) play good and we’ll see, yeah, what’s going on,” Kim said. “Yeah, (I) like my position so I just want to keep (moving) forward (the) next two days.”

Iwai had another good round, albeit nowhere near as good as her first-round 63. She had two birdies and one bogey through the first 12 holes, then added three birdies in a four-hole stretch starting at No. 13.

“My front nine, I didn’t make … short birdie putts, but my driver and my second shot was all consistent, my swing,” Iwai said. “Yeah, my shot is pretty good.”

Yoon charged into contention with a sizzling start to her round, making seven birdies and two pars on the back nine. She then played the front nine and cooled off, adding only one more birdie in a bogey-free day.

“First nine holes was awesome,” Yoon said. “I never shoot 29 for nine hole in my life. It was unbelievable.

“The back nine was little bummer, but I had pretty good shot on the back nine as well. Some tricky putts on there. I made some. But it was good overall.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sei #Young #Kim #grabs #lead #midpoint #Championship">Deadspin | Sei Young Kim grabs lead at midpoint of LA Championship  Jun 20, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Sei Young Kim plays her shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images   World No. 10 Sei Young Kim of South Korea carded a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 on Friday and took a one-shot lead after two rounds at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, Calif.  Kim sits at 14-under 130 at El Caballero Country Club, just ahead of first-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan. Coming off a course-record-tying 63 on Thursday, Iwai carded a 68 on Friday, leaving her at 13 under.  South Korea’s Ina Yoon holds third place at 12 under following a 64. Tied for fourth at 9 under are Melanie Green and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who each shot 68 on Friday, and Jessica Porvasnik, who logged a 69.  Jenny Bae (second-round 68), Japan’s Minami Katsu (69), Australia’s Hannah Green (69) and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (71) are level at 8 under, tied for seventh.  Kim birdied two of the first three holes and was 2 under at the turn. She then reeled off five birdies in a seven-hole span on the back nine.  “Little less windy today, because yesterday (it was a) very dry golf condition because (I started in the) afternoon,” Kim said. “So today … I can attack to the pin more than yesterday.”  Kim owns 13 career LPGA victories, but just one in the past six years, at the BMW Ladies Championship last October.   “This course (offers) a lot of the opportunity if you play well, so I think some players or couple players (will) play good and we’ll see, yeah, what’s going on,” Kim said. “Yeah, (I) like my position so I just want to keep (moving) forward (the) next two days.”  Iwai had another good round, albeit nowhere near as good as her first-round 63. She had two birdies and one bogey through the first 12 holes, then added three birdies in a four-hole stretch starting at No. 13.  “My front nine, I didn’t make … short birdie putts, but my driver and my second shot was all consistent, my swing,” Iwai said. “Yeah, my shot is pretty good.”  Yoon charged into contention with a sizzling start to her round, making seven birdies and two pars on the back nine. She then played the front nine and cooled off, adding only one more birdie in a bogey-free day.  “First nine holes was awesome,” Yoon said. “I never shoot 29 for nine hole in my life. It was unbelievable.  “The back nine was little bummer, but I had pretty good shot on the back nine as well. Some tricky putts on there. I made some. But it was good overall.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Sei #Young #Kim #grabs #lead #midpoint #Championship

Deadspin | Red Sox halt Tigers’ win streak on walk-off hit in 10th  Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images   Masataka Yoshida knocked a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the 10th inning, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 1-0 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.  Yoshida’s hit through the right side of the infield drove in Jarren Duran, the automatic runner on second base to begin the extra frame who advanced to third on a wild pitch by Detroit reliever Will Vest (1-3).   After starter Ranger Suarez tossed eight innings of two-hit ball, Red Sox relievers Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock (1-1) each pitched scoreless frames.  Suarez did not allow a hit after the first inning and retired the final 13 batters he faced.   Chapman gave up a pair of hits in the ninth, including a leadoff single by Javier Baez, who was then caught stealing. After Kevin McGonigle’s fielder’s choice and a Jones double into the left field corner, Dillon Dingler struck out to end the threat.  Whitlock dealt a 1-2-3 10th.   Jahmai Jones went 2-for-4 with a double and starter Casey Mize struck out seven in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Detroit, which was on a six-game win streak but lost its ninth straight road game.  Both teams recorded just four hits.  Suarez worked around back-to-back hits to post a scoreless first, as a relay from the outfield cut down Jones trying to stretch a one-out hit into a double — thanks to a successful challenge overturning a safe call — before Dingler struck out to end the frame.   The Red Sox, meanwhile, were held hitless until Connor Wong’s two-out, ground-rule double deep to the center-field triangle in the third. Mize struck out three across the first two innings and induced an inning-ending double play in the fourth.  Caleb Durbin’s leadoff double into the left field corner started Boston’s sixth, but he was stranded on third as two fly balls and a strikeout. Duran’s two-out single in the seventh chased Mize, though Kyle Finnegan stranded the inherited runner in scoring position following a stolen base.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Red #Sox #halt #Tigers #win #streak #walkoff #hit #10thApr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Masataka Yoshida knocked a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the 10th inning, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 1-0 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Yoshida’s hit through the right side of the infield drove in Jarren Duran, the automatic runner on second base to begin the extra frame who advanced to third on a wild pitch by Detroit reliever Will Vest (1-3).

After starter Ranger Suarez tossed eight innings of two-hit ball, Red Sox relievers Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock (1-1) each pitched scoreless frames.

Suarez did not allow a hit after the first inning and retired the final 13 batters he faced.

Chapman gave up a pair of hits in the ninth, including a leadoff single by Javier Baez, who was then caught stealing. After Kevin McGonigle’s fielder’s choice and a Jones double into the left field corner, Dillon Dingler struck out to end the threat.


Whitlock dealt a 1-2-3 10th.

Jahmai Jones went 2-for-4 with a double and starter Casey Mize struck out seven in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Detroit, which was on a six-game win streak but lost its ninth straight road game.

Both teams recorded just four hits.

Suarez worked around back-to-back hits to post a scoreless first, as a relay from the outfield cut down Jones trying to stretch a one-out hit into a double — thanks to a successful challenge overturning a safe call — before Dingler struck out to end the frame.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, were held hitless until Connor Wong’s two-out, ground-rule double deep to the center-field triangle in the third. Mize struck out three across the first two innings and induced an inning-ending double play in the fourth.

Caleb Durbin’s leadoff double into the left field corner started Boston’s sixth, but he was stranded on third as two fly balls and a strikeout. Duran’s two-out single in the seventh chased Mize, though Kyle Finnegan stranded the inherited runner in scoring position following a stolen base.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #halt #Tigers #win #streak #walkoff #hit #10th">Deadspin | Red Sox halt Tigers’ win streak on walk-off hit in 10th  Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images   Masataka Yoshida knocked a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the 10th inning, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 1-0 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.  Yoshida’s hit through the right side of the infield drove in Jarren Duran, the automatic runner on second base to begin the extra frame who advanced to third on a wild pitch by Detroit reliever Will Vest (1-3).   After starter Ranger Suarez tossed eight innings of two-hit ball, Red Sox relievers Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock (1-1) each pitched scoreless frames.  Suarez did not allow a hit after the first inning and retired the final 13 batters he faced.   Chapman gave up a pair of hits in the ninth, including a leadoff single by Javier Baez, who was then caught stealing. After Kevin McGonigle’s fielder’s choice and a Jones double into the left field corner, Dillon Dingler struck out to end the threat.  Whitlock dealt a 1-2-3 10th.   Jahmai Jones went 2-for-4 with a double and starter Casey Mize struck out seven in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Detroit, which was on a six-game win streak but lost its ninth straight road game.  Both teams recorded just four hits.  Suarez worked around back-to-back hits to post a scoreless first, as a relay from the outfield cut down Jones trying to stretch a one-out hit into a double — thanks to a successful challenge overturning a safe call — before Dingler struck out to end the frame.   The Red Sox, meanwhile, were held hitless until Connor Wong’s two-out, ground-rule double deep to the center-field triangle in the third. Mize struck out three across the first two innings and induced an inning-ending double play in the fourth.  Caleb Durbin’s leadoff double into the left field corner started Boston’s sixth, but he was stranded on third as two fly balls and a strikeout. Duran’s two-out single in the seventh chased Mize, though Kyle Finnegan stranded the inherited runner in scoring position following a stolen base.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Red #Sox #halt #Tigers #win #streak #walkoff #hit #10th

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