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Deadspin | Jack Draper to miss French Open due to knee injury Mar 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jack Draper (GBR) serves against Reilly Opelka (USA) (not pictured) on day four of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Britain’s Jack Draper will miss the rest of the clay court season, including the French Open, as he continues to deal with a tendon issue in his right knee. “My knee is on the mend and I’ve started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros,” Draper posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “As gutting as it is to miss another Slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five set tennis on clay.” Draper, 24, did not play in Monte Carlo earlier this month and on April 13 was forced to retire in the third set of his first-round match at Barcelona, his only clay court match of the season. He then announced his withdrawal from back-to-back ATP 1000 tournaments in Madrid last week and Rome in early May. Draper had been working his way back from a separate injury, bone bruising in his serving arm, that limited him to just one match last year after exiting Wimbledon. He returned to ATP Tour action in February at the Dubai Tennis Championships then lost to Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells in early March. He then fell to Reilly Opelka in the first round of the Miami Open before retiring in his first-round match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Barcelona. “Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I’ve been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again,” Draper said on Instagram. The three-time ATP Tour title winner has a 5-4 singles record in 2026 but has not won a match since beating Novak Djokovic in the Round of 16 at Indian Wells on March 11. Currently ranked No. 28, Draper’s extended absence means he will likely drop out of the men’s tennis top 100, a huge fall from his No. 4 ranking in June 2025. His best finish in a Grand Slam was his semifinal appearance at the 2024 U.S. Open. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Jack #Draper #French #Open #due #knee #injury

Deadspin | Jack Draper to miss French Open due to knee injury
Deadspin | Jack Draper to miss French Open due to knee injury Mar 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jack Draper (GBR) serves against Reilly Opelka (USA) (not pictured) on day four of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Britain’s Jack Draper will miss the rest of the clay court season, including the French Open, as he continues to deal with a tendon issue in his right knee. “My knee is on the mend and I’ve started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros,” Draper posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “As gutting as it is to miss another Slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five set tennis on clay.” Draper, 24, did not play in Monte Carlo earlier this month and on April 13 was forced to retire in the third set of his first-round match at Barcelona, his only clay court match of the season. He then announced his withdrawal from back-to-back ATP 1000 tournaments in Madrid last week and Rome in early May. Draper had been working his way back from a separate injury, bone bruising in his serving arm, that limited him to just one match last year after exiting Wimbledon. He returned to ATP Tour action in February at the Dubai Tennis Championships then lost to Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells in early March. He then fell to Reilly Opelka in the first round of the Miami Open before retiring in his first-round match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Barcelona. “Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I’ve been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again,” Draper said on Instagram. The three-time ATP Tour title winner has a 5-4 singles record in 2026 but has not won a match since beating Novak Djokovic in the Round of 16 at Indian Wells on March 11. Currently ranked No. 28, Draper’s extended absence means he will likely drop out of the men’s tennis top 100, a huge fall from his No. 4 ranking in June 2025. His best finish in a Grand Slam was his semifinal appearance at the 2024 U.S. Open. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Jack #Draper #French #Open #due #knee #injuryMar 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jack Draper (GBR) serves against Reilly Opelka (USA) (not pictured) on day four of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Britain’s Jack Draper will miss the rest of the clay court season, including the French Open, as he continues to deal with a tendon issue in his right knee.

“My knee is on the mend and I’ve started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros,” Draper posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “As gutting as it is to miss another Slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five set tennis on clay.”

Draper, 24, did not play in Monte Carlo earlier this month and on April 13 was forced to retire in the third set of his first-round match at Barcelona, his only clay court match of the season.

He then announced his withdrawal from back-to-back ATP 1000 tournaments in Madrid last week and Rome in early May.

Draper had been working his way back from a separate injury, bone bruising in his serving arm, that limited him to just one match last year after exiting Wimbledon.


He returned to ATP Tour action in February at the Dubai Tennis Championships then lost to Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells in early March. He then fell to Reilly Opelka in the first round of the Miami Open before retiring in his first-round match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Barcelona.

“Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I’ve been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again,” Draper said on Instagram.

The three-time ATP Tour title winner has a 5-4 singles record in 2026 but has not won a match since beating Novak Djokovic in the Round of 16 at Indian Wells on March 11.

Currently ranked No. 28, Draper’s extended absence means he will likely drop out of the men’s tennis top 100, a huge fall from his No. 4 ranking in June 2025.

His best finish in a Grand Slam was his semifinal appearance at the 2024 U.S. Open.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jack #Draper #French #Open #due #knee #injury

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Mar 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jack Draper (GBR) serves against Reilly Opelka (USA) (not pictured) on day four of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Britain’s Jack Draper will miss the rest of the clay court season, including the French Open, as he continues to deal with a tendon issue in his right knee.

“My knee is on the mend and I’ve started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros,” Draper posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “As gutting as it is to miss another Slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five set tennis on clay.”

Draper, 24, did not play in Monte Carlo earlier this month and on April 13 was forced to retire in the third set of his first-round match at Barcelona, his only clay court match of the season.

He then announced his withdrawal from back-to-back ATP 1000 tournaments in Madrid last week and Rome in early May.

Draper had been working his way back from a separate injury, bone bruising in his serving arm, that limited him to just one match last year after exiting Wimbledon.

He returned to ATP Tour action in February at the Dubai Tennis Championships then lost to Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells in early March. He then fell to Reilly Opelka in the first round of the Miami Open before retiring in his first-round match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Barcelona.

“Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I’ve been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again,” Draper said on Instagram.

The three-time ATP Tour title winner has a 5-4 singles record in 2026 but has not won a match since beating Novak Djokovic in the Round of 16 at Indian Wells on March 11.

Currently ranked No. 28, Draper’s extended absence means he will likely drop out of the men’s tennis top 100, a huge fall from his No. 4 ranking in June 2025.

His best finish in a Grand Slam was his semifinal appearance at the 2024 U.S. Open.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | PGA returns to Doral after decade absence for Cadillac Championship <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28761779.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28761779.jpg" alt="PGA: RBC Heritage - Third Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Scottie Scheffler with his scorecard on 16 during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Blue Monster returns to the PGA Tour this week with the introduction — or rather, reintroduction — of the Cadillac Championship, beginning Thursday at Trump National Doral outside Miami.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Doral hosted a tournament annually from 1962 through 2016; it was a World Golf Championship event for the final 10 years and sponsored by Cadillac from 2011-16. As the PGA Tour distanced itself from then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, the event was moved to Mexico City for the next few years.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Now the PGA Tour has gone back into business with Trump National Doral, which held LIV Golf events from 2022-25. It is the latest $20 million signature event added to a schedule increasingly full of them.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Three of the four weeks between the Masters and the PGA Championship feature signature events, causing many star players to pick their spots. Some of the sport’s biggest names are not in the field this week, namely Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Aberg of Sweden. Patrick Cantlay withdrew midweek.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“Ideally this wouldn’t be the way,” Australia’s Adam Scott said. “It was a little bit, you know, it’s one event we’re talking about, so it makes that much of a difference adding one, it makes that much of a difference taking one away. I think we’ve got to get through this year and hopefully the schedule looks a little more balanced next year.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Of the 72 golfers in the field, only two previously won at Doral: Englishman Justin Rose in 2012 and Scott in the final edition in 2016.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“The course is playing really nicely,” Rose said Tuesday. “There wasn’t a ton of wind which I think is a huge factor on this golf course. The rough is, I would call it in the fair department, for sure. Obviously you can get some fliers, get some balls that sit down, get some tricky shots out there all the time.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> </section> <section id="section-15"> <p>“Greens are relatively big, especially when the wind is not blowing as much. But obviously there’s a lot of little sections to the greens that, as the weather gets a little tougher, or should you get some gusty winds you kind of, I think incrementally this course gets harder and harder.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>True to its name, the Blue Monster is known for the prevalence of water hazards on nearly every hole of the par-72, 7,739-yard course. The two par-5s on the back nine, Nos. 10 and 12, will play 608 and 667 yards long, respectively.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>“There’s not really many tricks to this golf course. It’s just very, very difficult,” Scottie Scheffler said. “It’s a flat piece of land. There’s just a lot of bunkers, a lot of water and the golf holes are long. So with that combination, it’s going to be tough.”</p> </section><section id="section-20"> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>This tournament will mark Scheffler’s first professional rounds at Doral. He finished runner-up at his past two starts, the Masters and RBC Heritage, but is still searching for his first win since The American Express in January.</p> </section><section id="section-22"> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>Other notables in the field include Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young, Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. Then there’s the newest member of the PGA Tour, Alex Fitzpatrick of England, who received a PGA Tour card through 2028 and entry into the rest of this year’s signature events when he and brother Matt Fitzpatrick won the Zurich Classic on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-24"> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>“I don’t have a clue what’s going on, I’m not going to lie to you,” Alex Fitzpatrick said of his upcoming schedule culminating in the PGA Championship. “Yeah, just hearing that, you know, you’re playing against the best players of the world all of a sudden and even like the purses are obviously much bigger and, yeah, I’m just excited to be here and hopefully play some good golf.”</p> </section><section id="section-26"> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #PGA #returns #Doral #decade #absence #Cadillac #Championship

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Deadspin | Late surge allows Tyrrell Hatton to seize lead at LIV Golf Andalucia May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain. Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup. The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday. “Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots. “Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.” Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole. “Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.” Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under. Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday. “It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.” Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament. Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70). Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #AndaluciaMay 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images

Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain.

Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup.

The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday.

“Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots.

“Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.”

Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole.


“Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.”

Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under.

Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday.

“It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.”

Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament.

Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70).

Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #Andalucia">Deadspin | Late surge allows Tyrrell Hatton to seize lead at LIV Golf Andalucia May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain. Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup. The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday. “Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots. “Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.” Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole. “Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.” Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under. Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday. “It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.” Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament. Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70). Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #Andalucia

We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time for the first WNBA MVP rankings. A couple of disclaimers before we begin: team success is heavily weighed, so if your favorite player’s team has had a difficult start to the season, you’re unlikely to find them here. In this first edition, I excluded any players who are not currently on a playoff team (that means players on the Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Connecticut Sun). Sorry, Kelsey Plum.

For that reason, the list is far from a definitive ranking of the best players in the WNBA. It’s based on production from the first month of the season, and players’ overall impact on winning. Some regular MVP candidates like Alyssa Thomas are not on this list due to their team’s early struggles (the Phoenix Mercury are 3-8 to begin the season).

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, here’s where everyone stands.

A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, 60.1% TS

A’ja Wilson hasn’t made a ton of headlines this season because she’s doing what she always does — dominating on both ends of the floor on a winning squad. Wilson leads the WNBA in points per game (24.8) and blocks (2.6). She’s also shooting 51.9% from the field and a scorching-hot 55.6% from three on two attempts per game. At 6-3, the Aces also have the league’s third-best record. The four-time MVP could very well win her fifth.

Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Team record: 8-2
2026 stats: 17 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, 62.4% TS

Olivia Miles was not expected to be here. But the 23-year-old rookie has been one of the league’s best playmakers, averaging 6.4 assists per game (the 7th-most in the league). She’s also finding her footing as a scorer, averaging 17 points per game (the 15th-most in the league). Her true shooting is the highest of any player on this list.

But what makes Miles’ MVP case most compelling is that the Lynx — despite losing Napheesa Collier to injury and Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Natisha Hiedeman to new teams — have been the best team in the WNBA through the first month of the season, and Miles has been their most important player.

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 59.9% TS

At 6-3, the Wings are tied with the Atlanta Dream and Aces for the WNBA’s second-best record. And Paige Bueckers has been the engine that’s made it all work. Bueckers is averaging 18.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.5% from three.

The Wings have seen contributions from a slew of players — Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Azzi Fudd have all been important — but if you’re looking for one player to credit for their early success, Bueckers is the obvious choice.

Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 55.6% TS

The Dream have been one of the WNBA’s best teams, and the two-headed monster of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard leads them. Gray, who was named to the All-WNBA First Team last year, is the third-leading scorer in the league thus far.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

Team record: 5-4
2026 stats: 19.8 points, 8.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 54.9% TS

Caitlin Clark is averaging 19.8 points (fourth-most in the WNBA) and 8.1 assists (most in the league) to begin the season. She hasn’t had the most efficient start — her 54.9% TS ranks her below most of the other players on this list — but her gravity and playmaking continue to amaze.

Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 steals, 57.9% TS

Howard has been instrumental in the Dream’s 6-3 start, and while she’s been outscored by Gray, she is the more impactful defender. To truly be among the league’s best players, however, Howard will need to find more consistency. The former No. 1 overall pick exploded for 36 points on Tuesday, but followed that up with an 8-point performance two nights later.

Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever

Team record: 5-4
2026 stats: 21.1 points, 2.4 assists, 59.6% TS

It’s hard to pin down who has been most important to the Fever this season, Kelsey Mitchell or Caitlin Clark. Mitchell, who is averaging the second-most points per game this season (21.2), gets the edge for now. The 30-year-old guard is shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from three for a 59.6% TS, building off of her MVP-caliber season last year.

Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

Team record: 6-4
2026 stats: 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 54.6% TS

The Liberty have won 3 straight games after starting the season 3-4, and are now tied with the Valkyries for the fifth-best record in the WNBA. Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, has been their best player, averaging 18.8 points (6th-most) and 8.6 rebounds (1oth-most) per game. But, Stewart’s not higher on this list for a couple of reasons: the Liberty have underachieved, and her three-point shot has completely escaped her — she’s shooting 18.8% from beyond the arc, and defenses are beginning to take notice.

Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries

Team record: 6-4
2026 stats: 13.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 55.3% TS

Veronica Burton doesn’t have the gaudy stats some of the players on this list have. But the Valkyries point guard is the team’s engine on both ends and has been crucial to their success so far this season.

#WNBA #MVP #race #Aja #Wilson #Caitlin #Clark #top #players #rank #month">WNBA MVP race: how A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark and the top players rank one month in We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time for the first WNBA MVP rankings. A couple of disclaimers before we begin: team success is heavily weighed, so if your favorite player’s team has had a difficult start to the season, you’re unlikely to find them here. In this first edition, I excluded any players who are not currently on a playoff team (that means players on the Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Connecticut Sun). Sorry, Kelsey Plum.For that reason, the list is far from a definitive ranking of the best players in the WNBA. It’s based on production from the first month of the season, and players’ overall impact on winning. Some regular MVP candidates like Alyssa Thomas are not on this list due to their team’s early struggles (the Phoenix Mercury are 3-8 to begin the season).Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, here’s where everyone stands.A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas AcesTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, 60.1% TSA’ja Wilson hasn’t made a ton of headlines this season because she’s doing what she always does — dominating on both ends of the floor on a winning squad. Wilson leads the WNBA in points per game (24.8) and blocks (2.6). She’s also shooting 51.9% from the field and a scorching-hot 55.6% from three on two attempts per game. At 6-3, the Aces also have the league’s third-best record. The four-time MVP could very well win her fifth.Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxTeam record: 8-22026 stats: 17 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, 62.4% TSOlivia Miles was not expected to be here. But the 23-year-old rookie has been one of the league’s best playmakers, averaging 6.4 assists per game (the 7th-most in the league). She’s also finding her footing as a scorer, averaging 17 points per game (the 15th-most in the league). Her true shooting is the highest of any player on this list.But what makes Miles’ MVP case most compelling is that the Lynx — despite losing Napheesa Collier to injury and Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Natisha Hiedeman to new teams — have been the best team in the WNBA through the first month of the season, and Miles has been their most important player.Paige Bueckers, Dallas WingsTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 59.9% TSAt 6-3, the Wings are tied with the Atlanta Dream and Aces for the WNBA’s second-best record. And Paige Bueckers has been the engine that’s made it all work. Bueckers is averaging 18.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.5% from three.The Wings have seen contributions from a slew of players — Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Azzi Fudd have all been important — but if you’re looking for one player to credit for their early success, Bueckers is the obvious choice.Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream Team record: 6-32026 stats: 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 55.6% TSThe Dream have been one of the WNBA’s best teams, and the two-headed monster of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard leads them. Gray, who was named to the All-WNBA First Team last year, is the third-leading scorer in the league thus far.Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Team record: 5-42026 stats: 19.8 points, 8.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 54.9% TSCaitlin Clark is averaging 19.8 points (fourth-most in the WNBA) and 8.1 assists (most in the league) to begin the season. She hasn’t had the most efficient start — her 54.9% TS ranks her below most of the other players on this list — but her gravity and playmaking continue to amaze.Rhyne Howard, Atlanta DreamTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 steals, 57.9% TSHoward has been instrumental in the Dream’s 6-3 start, and while she’s been outscored by Gray, she is the more impactful defender. To truly be among the league’s best players, however, Howard will need to find more consistency. The former No. 1 overall pick exploded for 36 points on Tuesday, but followed that up with an 8-point performance two nights later.Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana FeverTeam record: 5-42026 stats: 21.1 points, 2.4 assists, 59.6% TSIt’s hard to pin down who has been most important to the Fever this season, Kelsey Mitchell or Caitlin Clark. Mitchell, who is averaging the second-most points per game this season (21.2), gets the edge for now. The 30-year-old guard is shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from three for a 59.6% TS, building off of her MVP-caliber season last year.Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty Team record: 6-42026 stats: 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 54.6% TSThe Liberty have won 3 straight games after starting the season 3-4, and are now tied with the Valkyries for the fifth-best record in the WNBA. Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, has been their best player, averaging 18.8 points (6th-most) and 8.6 rebounds (1oth-most) per game. But, Stewart’s not higher on this list for a couple of reasons: the Liberty have underachieved, and her three-point shot has completely escaped her — she’s shooting 18.8% from beyond the arc, and defenses are beginning to take notice.Veronica Burton, Golden State ValkyriesTeam record: 6-42026 stats: 13.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 55.3% TSVeronica Burton doesn’t have the gaudy stats some of the players on this list have. But the Valkyries point guard is the team’s engine on both ends and has been crucial to their success so far this season. #WNBA #MVP #race #Aja #Wilson #Caitlin #Clark #top #players #rank #month

PREVIEW

Host India and defending champion Bangladesh will lock horns in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, in what promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tournament.

For India, the final represents an opportunity to reclaim a title it last won in 2019 and win a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. For Bangladesh, it is a chance to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of SAFF Women’s Championship crowns after lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024.

The two teams have emerged as the region’s dominant forces, making this a meeting that many expected from the moment the tournament began. Yet there is an added layer of intrigue. The sides already met in the group stage, where India delivered a statement performance, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 through goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P.

This final will be the first SAFF Women’s Championship title clash between the two nations since 2016. On that occasion, Bangladesh reached its maiden final only to lose 1-3 to India. Ten years later, it returns as defending champion, but will still be the underdog against an Indian side that has not conceded a single goal so far.

The Blue Tigresses arrive at the summit clash with a perfect record. They demolished Maldives 11-0, beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage and edged Bhutan 1-0 in the semifinal.

India vs Bangladesh, SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record PREVIEWHost India and defending champion Bangladesh will lock horns in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, in what promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tournament.For India, the final represents an opportunity to reclaim a title it last won in 2019 and win a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. For Bangladesh, it is a chance to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of SAFF Women’s Championship crowns after lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024.The two teams have emerged as the region’s dominant forces, making this a meeting that many expected from the moment the tournament began. Yet there is an added layer of intrigue. The sides already met in the group stage, where India delivered a statement performance, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 through goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P.This final will be the first SAFF Women’s Championship title clash between the two nations since 2016. On that occasion, Bangladesh reached its maiden final only to lose 1-3 to India. Ten years later, it returns as defending champion, but will still be the underdog against an Indian side that has not conceded a single goal so far.The Blue Tigresses arrive at the summit clash with a perfect record. They demolished Maldives 11-0, beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage and edged Bhutan 1-0 in the semifinal. In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media Bangladesh’s route to the final has been far more dramatic. After finishing runner-up to India in Group B, it secured its place in the final thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mst Sagorika in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over Nepal.India vs Bangladesh head-to-head record ahead of SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 FinalMatches played: 13India won: 10Draws: 1Bangladesh won: 2For nearly a decade, India dominated the rivalry, recording emphatic victories, including 7-0, 6-0 and 7-1 wins. But the balance shifted dramatically in recent years. Bangladesh stunned India 3-0 in the 2022 SAFF Championship before following it up with a 3-1 victory in 2024. Those results paved the way for back-to-back titles and transformed Bangladesh from challenger into champion.What are the coaches saying?In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.“We can’t compare this match with the group-stage match. It’s a completely different ball game. Bangladesh know our strengths and weaknesses, and so do we. We have planned accordingly. We will be fielding our strongest team because Bangladesh are a good side. We want to go and win and get this championship back home. It won’t be an easy match for us. Bangladesh will come with a different mindset because they know they have nothing to lose. For us, we have to win. It’s about the attitude and how we approach the game.”Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler remains unfazed by the earlier defeat to India.“Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to preparations. We just tried to manage the conditions and circumstances. We have come up with results after overcoming several hurdles and challenges. The girls have shown tremendous character and resilience. It will be a fresh game, and there will be no correlation with the group game that we lost.”Published on Jun 05, 2026 #India #Bangladesh #SAFF #Womens #Championship #Final #Preview #headtohead #record

In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

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In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Bangladesh’s route to the final has been far more dramatic. After finishing runner-up to India in Group B, it secured its place in the final thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mst Sagorika in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over Nepal.

India vs Bangladesh head-to-head record ahead of SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Final

Matches played: 13

India won: 10

Draws: 1

Bangladesh won: 2

For nearly a decade, India dominated the rivalry, recording emphatic victories, including 7-0, 6-0 and 7-1 wins. But the balance shifted dramatically in recent years. Bangladesh stunned India 3-0 in the 2022 SAFF Championship before following it up with a 3-1 victory in 2024. Those results paved the way for back-to-back titles and transformed Bangladesh from challenger into champion.

What are the coaches saying?

In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.

“We can’t compare this match with the group-stage match. It’s a completely different ball game. Bangladesh know our strengths and weaknesses, and so do we. We have planned accordingly. We will be fielding our strongest team because Bangladesh are a good side. We want to go and win and get this championship back home. It won’t be an easy match for us. Bangladesh will come with a different mindset because they know they have nothing to lose. For us, we have to win. It’s about the attitude and how we approach the game.”

Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler remains unfazed by the earlier defeat to India.

“Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to preparations. We just tried to manage the conditions and circumstances. We have come up with results after overcoming several hurdles and challenges. The girls have shown tremendous character and resilience. It will be a fresh game, and there will be no correlation with the group game that we lost.”

Published on Jun 05, 2026

#India #Bangladesh #SAFF #Womens #Championship #Final #Preview #headtohead #record">India vs Bangladesh, SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record PREVIEWHost India and defending champion Bangladesh will lock horns in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, in what promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tournament.For India, the final represents an opportunity to reclaim a title it last won in 2019 and win a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. For Bangladesh, it is a chance to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of SAFF Women’s Championship crowns after lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024.The two teams have emerged as the region’s dominant forces, making this a meeting that many expected from the moment the tournament began. Yet there is an added layer of intrigue. The sides already met in the group stage, where India delivered a statement performance, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 through goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P.This final will be the first SAFF Women’s Championship title clash between the two nations since 2016. On that occasion, Bangladesh reached its maiden final only to lose 1-3 to India. Ten years later, it returns as defending champion, but will still be the underdog against an Indian side that has not conceded a single goal so far.The Blue Tigresses arrive at the summit clash with a perfect record. They demolished Maldives 11-0, beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage and edged Bhutan 1-0 in the semifinal. In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media Bangladesh’s route to the final has been far more dramatic. After finishing runner-up to India in Group B, it secured its place in the final thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mst Sagorika in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over Nepal.India vs Bangladesh head-to-head record ahead of SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 FinalMatches played: 13India won: 10Draws: 1Bangladesh won: 2For nearly a decade, India dominated the rivalry, recording emphatic victories, including 7-0, 6-0 and 7-1 wins. But the balance shifted dramatically in recent years. Bangladesh stunned India 3-0 in the 2022 SAFF Championship before following it up with a 3-1 victory in 2024. Those results paved the way for back-to-back titles and transformed Bangladesh from challenger into champion.What are the coaches saying?In the pre-match press conference on Friday, India head coach Crispin Chettri insisted the group-stage result will count for little when the two sides meet again.“We can’t compare this match with the group-stage match. It’s a completely different ball game. Bangladesh know our strengths and weaknesses, and so do we. We have planned accordingly. We will be fielding our strongest team because Bangladesh are a good side. We want to go and win and get this championship back home. It won’t be an easy match for us. Bangladesh will come with a different mindset because they know they have nothing to lose. For us, we have to win. It’s about the attitude and how we approach the game.”Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler remains unfazed by the earlier defeat to India.“Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to preparations. We just tried to manage the conditions and circumstances. We have come up with results after overcoming several hurdles and challenges. The girls have shown tremendous character and resilience. It will be a fresh game, and there will be no correlation with the group game that we lost.”Published on Jun 05, 2026 #India #Bangladesh #SAFF #Womens #Championship #Final #Preview #headtohead #record

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