Deadspin | Rory McIlroy tied for lead to begin Masters defense Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday. It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011. “Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.” Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them. “I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said. Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15. McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters. McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under. McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively. “I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.” Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday. But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard. “I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.” Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under. “All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.” Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders. Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole. “Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted. DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish. NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #tied #lead #Masters #defense

Deadspin | Rory McIlroy tied for lead to begin Masters defense
Deadspin | Rory McIlroy tied for lead to begin Masters defense Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday. It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011. “Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.” Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them. “I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said. Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15. McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters. McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under. McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively. “I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.” Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday. But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard. “I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.” Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under. “All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.” Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders. Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole. “Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted. DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish. NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #tied #lead #Masters #defenseApr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday.

It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011.

“Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.”

Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them.

“I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said.

Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15.

McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters.

McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under.

McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively.

“I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.”


Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday.

But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard.

“I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.”

Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under.

“All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.”

Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders.

Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole.

“Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted.

DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish.

NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament.

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #tied #lead #Masters #defense

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Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday.

It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011.

“Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.”

Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them.

“I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said.

Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15.

McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters.

McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under.

McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively.

“I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.”

Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday.

But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard.

“I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.”

Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under.

“All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.”

Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders.

Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole.

“Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted.

DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish.

NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament.

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Bryson DeChambeau humbled by misadventures, opening 76 at Masters <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-900/28691806.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28691806.jpg" alt="PGA: Masters Tournament - First Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau reacts to his tee shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bryson DeChambeau knows the feeling of something between proud accomplishment and elation, walking off the 18th green after the first round with the lead at the Masters. And he got reacquainted with the opposite emotion on Thursday. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>DeChambeau blasted a patron with his tee shot on No. 6 and the generous bounce was a benefit with the ball fading hard left. The patron, later greeted by DeChambeau and gifted the golf ball to pair with the parting bruise, was struck and the ball rolled closer to the green. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>He whacked and hacked his way out of a sand trap for a triple-bogey 7 at No. 11 and spent time staring at the green on 18, leaning heavily on his upside-down putter and closing out his round of 4-over-par 76 with a a three-putt finish. He birdied Nos. 3 and 17, and made bogey at Nos. 2, 16 and 18.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau said exiting the course of his beach challenge at 11.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Entering the first round Thursday, DeChambeau had eight consecutive rounds within the top 10 at the Masters. He was closer to the bottom 10 on this day.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Iron play was a letdown. DeChambeau overshot the green multiple times. He hit 44% of greens in regulation and was tied for 63rd when he signed his scorecard at 3:30 ET on Thursday afternoon. Of course, he transitioned straight to the driving range where the celebrated grinder appeared certain to test the curfew on the grounds Thursday night. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>“Just going to give what the golf course gives me. I have to try to hit my irons better,” DeChambeau said. “I drove it left numerous occasions. Did a great job on 18. Wind didn’t hurt it like we thought, and that’s this game. That’s the golf course.”</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>A turnaround isn’t remotely out of the question. DeChambeau held the 18-hole lead with a 65 in the first round in 2024. That followed first-round scores of 76 in 2021 and 2022 and 74 in 2023.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>No player who has carded a triple-bogey during the tournament has wound up wearing the green jacket on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“Why am I hooking … everything!?” DeChambeau shouted rhetorically after floating his second on 18 out of the sand and well short of his greenside target. </p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>His third, a chip from off the green, landed well left of the hole and side spin took it 30 feet from the hole. A three-putt mercifully ended his round.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>In his 2024 opening round, the streaky DeChambeau had five birdies in the final seven holes. He doesn’t feel like he’s out of anything yet. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“You know, everybody has an ability for weird things to happen, and today I just did not have my irons under control, which is weird,” DeChambeau said. “It’s been good coming into it.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #humbled #misadventures #opening #Masters

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Deadspin | Tigers CF Parker Meadows carted off after collision <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-900/28677009.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28677009.jpg" alt="MLB: Detroit Tigers at Arizona Diamondbacks" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows was carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Meadows was playing center field and Riley Greene was playing left field when Twins hitter Josh Bell hit a slicing fly ball toward the left-center field gap. Both outfielders converged on the ball, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face as the players collided.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Meadows fell to the outfield grass and remained still for a few moments as teammates and trainers came to check on him. He rolled onto his back as trainers attended to him.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Eventually, Meadows was able to sit up and gingerly get to his feet. He walked slowly a few steps to a cart that trainers had requested to take him off the field.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Javier Baez moved from shortstop to center field to replace Meadows. Kevin McGonigle entered the game to play shortstop.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Meadows went 0-for-3 in Thursday’s 3-1 loss and is hitting .250 with two RBIs and three stolen bases in 12 games. The 26-year-old is in his fourth season with the Tigers.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Tigers #Parker #Meadows #carted #collision

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Deadspin | WNBA approves expansion into Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia The Cleveland WNBA logo is seen during event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland. The WNBA announced formal approval for expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia on Thursday. The move certifies those three cities, previously announced, gained authorization to join the league on their own timelines. Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, with Detroit following in 2029 and then Philadelphia in 2030, bringing the total number of teams in the league up to 18. Just 13 teams competed in the league in 2025. Less than a week ago, the WNBA’s two previously added franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, held their expansion draft. “Great demand for WNBA franchises,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said last June at a news conference announcing the growth. “There was huge demand. Really proud of what my team has done. Looking forward to future conversations as the league continues to grow.” The latest announcement comes amid a flurry of activity within the league. In addition to the expansion draft, the free agency signing period is set to begin on Saturday, with the collegiate draft occurring on Monday. The WNBA labor dispute only recently reached a positive conclusion after the league, in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, officially announced on March 20 a seven-year collective bargaining agreement. After being ratified, the deal will run through the 2032 season. The revenue-sharing pact will increase the average salary to 3,000 this season and the maximum salary to .4 million, while providing over billion in salaries and benefits over the contract. “We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WNBA #approves #expansion #Cleveland #Detroit #PhiladelphiaThe Cleveland WNBA logo is seen during event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland.

The WNBA announced formal approval for expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia on Thursday.

The move certifies those three cities, previously announced, gained authorization to join the league on their own timelines.

Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, with Detroit following in 2029 and then Philadelphia in 2030, bringing the total number of teams in the league up to 18.

Just 13 teams competed in the league in 2025.

Less than a week ago, the WNBA’s two previously added franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, held their expansion draft.


“Great demand for WNBA franchises,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said last June at a news conference announcing the growth. “There was huge demand. Really proud of what my team has done. Looking forward to future conversations as the league continues to grow.”

The latest announcement comes amid a flurry of activity within the league. In addition to the expansion draft, the free agency signing period is set to begin on Saturday, with the collegiate draft occurring on Monday.

The WNBA labor dispute only recently reached a positive conclusion after the league, in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, officially announced on March 20 a seven-year collective bargaining agreement.

After being ratified, the deal will run through the 2032 season.

The revenue-sharing pact will increase the average salary to $583,000 this season and the maximum salary to $1.4 million, while providing over $1 billion in salaries and benefits over the contract.

“We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #WNBA #approves #expansion #Cleveland #Detroit #Philadelphia">Deadspin | WNBA approves expansion into Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia The Cleveland WNBA logo is seen during event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland. The WNBA announced formal approval for expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia on Thursday. The move certifies those three cities, previously announced, gained authorization to join the league on their own timelines. Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, with Detroit following in 2029 and then Philadelphia in 2030, bringing the total number of teams in the league up to 18. Just 13 teams competed in the league in 2025. Less than a week ago, the WNBA’s two previously added franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, held their expansion draft. “Great demand for WNBA franchises,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said last June at a news conference announcing the growth. “There was huge demand. Really proud of what my team has done. Looking forward to future conversations as the league continues to grow.” The latest announcement comes amid a flurry of activity within the league. In addition to the expansion draft, the free agency signing period is set to begin on Saturday, with the collegiate draft occurring on Monday. The WNBA labor dispute only recently reached a positive conclusion after the league, in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, officially announced on March 20 a seven-year collective bargaining agreement. After being ratified, the deal will run through the 2032 season. The revenue-sharing pact will increase the average salary to 3,000 this season and the maximum salary to .4 million, while providing over billion in salaries and benefits over the contract. “We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WNBA #approves #expansion #Cleveland #Detroit #Philadelphia

Deadspin | Tre Jones helps Bulls beat Wizards for second time in 3 days Apr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday. Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games. The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points. Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards. Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games. Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham. The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run. Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98. Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury, Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #daysApr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday.

Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday.

Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games.

The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points.

Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards.


Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games.

Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham.

The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run.

Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98.

Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury,

Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #days">Deadspin | Tre Jones helps Bulls beat Wizards for second time in 3 days Apr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday. Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games. The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points. Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards. Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games. Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham. The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run. Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98. Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury, Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #days

Deadspin | Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach. Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus. Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end. DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound. Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1. After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone. Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later. Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period. Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage. Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play. The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #winApr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach.

Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus.

Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end.

DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound.

Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1.


After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone.

Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later.

Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period.

Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage.

Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play.

The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #win">Deadspin | Islanders bombard Maple Leafs to secure crucial win Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stands in the goal crease during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New York Islanders secured a sorely needed two points with a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in their first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach. Matthew Schaefer put the Islanders (43-31-5, 91 points) back in the lead after Toronto came back from 2-0 to tie it in the second period, tying the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in the process. Calum Ritchie had a multi-point game, as did Tony DeAngelo, who was back from a six-game injury-induced hiatus. Artur Akhtyamov came under fire in his first NHL start, turning away 39 of 44 shots for the Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points). Ilya Sorokin stopped just 13 of 16 at the other end. DeBoer’s tenure got off to a spirited start. Ritchie capitalized on a Maple Leafs defensive breakdown on a delayed penalty, feeding the puck through the slot to Brayden Schenn, who batted it past a helpless Akhtyamov 2:08 in. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made it 2-0 less than three minutes later, beating a backtracking Max Domi to stuff in his own rebound. Steven Lorentz responded 16 seconds later for the visitors, with Islanders defenseman Carson Soucy inadvertently colliding with Sorokin as Lorentz released a powerful wrist shot to make it 2-1. After managing just 16 shots in their last outing against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Islanders recorded 24 shots in the first period alone. Easton Cowan made no mistake when the Islanders ceded him a little too much space in the high slot on the power play, ripping it past Sorokin to make it 2-2 just 1:57 into the second period. The Leafs’ Luke Haymes, playing in his first NHL game, proceeded to hit the post seconds later. Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with his 23rd of the season, striding into the faceoff circle and firing under Akhtyamov to retake the lead for the home team later in the period. Emil Heineman extended the Islanders’ lead back to two with a one-timer on their third power play of the game. Ritchie made it 5-2 in the third period on a two-man advantage. Morgan Rielly nabbed a consolation goal with six minutes remaining. Haymes tallied his first career point on the play. The win snapped the Islanders’ four-game losing streak. They have now won eight of their last 10 against the Maple Leafs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Islanders #bombard #Maple #Leafs #secure #crucial #win

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