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IPL 2026: Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorker In Punjab Kings’ first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans, Arshdeep Singh was entrusted with the final over of the first innings. The left-arm pacer ended up bowling an 11-ball over—the joint-longest in IPL history. Across that over, Arshdeep largely tried to go short and wide to the left-handed Rahul Tewatia, which resulted in multiple wides; against Rashid Khan, he switched to yorkers, both at the stumps and outside off.Twenty-four matches into the season, the PBKS bowler has delivered the most wides so far—18, four more than Mumbai Indians’ Shardul Thakur, who has 14. Of Shardul’s 14 wides, 13 have come while bowling wide outside off. In Arshdeep’s case, 11 of his 18 wides have come while operating around the tramline outside off.What often shows up as poor execution is more often than not a calculated attempt to keep the ball away from the batter, with modern T20 batters favouring the leg side for their big shots. Even deliveries just outside off stump are now being whipped over the on-side with ease, thanks to the natural swing arc and high bat speeds.In response, the bowlers have moved further away from the stumps, forcing batters to manufacture shots square of the wicket, particularly in the point and square regions, where power is harder to generate.“If the batter is set and there’s a longer boundary on one side, you use that and keep the ball away from their strength. If the batter is new, you attack the stumps. When you feel the yorker is coming out well, you go for it. When the batter is set, you go wide. You just have to adapt before the batter knows what’s coming,” Arshdeep explained after the win over Mumbai Indians on Thursday, after picking three for 22, continuing to back his wide line tactic. That constant adjustment, though, often pushes bowlers closer to the wide line, where the margin for error is smaller.One such option is the wide yorker, aimed just inside the wide line outside off stump. It is one of the hardest deliveries to execute because of the precision required—more often than not, it ends up as a full toss or a slot ball. But when nailed, it is extremely difficult to put away.“That’s probably one of the hardest balls to bowl,” Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi said. “You’ve got to land it on a yorker length, just inside the wide line – everything has to be perfect. If you land that ball, it’s a huge advantage in an over.”Since his IPL debut in 2019, Arshdeep has bowled 99 wide-line yorkers – joint second-most with Harshal Patel, with Avesh Khan leading the list with 104.Despite the risk, the tactic remains popular. In the 2021 season, there was a more than 46 per cent increase in attempts to bowl around the tramline, resulting in 114 wides—an 87 per cent jump from the previous season’s 61.The shift became even more pronounced in 2022, when wides across the season rose from 521 to 861—jump of 340 (65.26 per cent). While part of that increase was due to the addition of two teams—Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants—and therefore more matches, venue conditions also played a major role.That season was held across four venues in Maharashtra during the league stage—the Wankhede Stadium, DY Patil Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and MCA International Stadium. Smaller boundaries, flatter pitches, and heavy dew made execution significantly harder for bowlers.Since that spike, the increase from 2023 onwards has appeared more gradual. The average number of wides per season, which stood at around 530 until 2021, has now risen to roughly 810. The ongoing 2026 season is not included in that average, but it has already seen 289 wides in 24 matches and is projected to finish close to 900 at the current rate of six wides per innings.What changed in 2023?That season introduced the option for teams to review wides and no-balls. With technology in play, the margin for error has reduced. As Ngidi pointed out: “The margins are very small. The review system helps now because earlier, you could bowl it correctly and still get called for a wide.”Ahead of the 2025 season, another tweak followed—the introduction of the moving wide guideline, where the line shifts with the batter’s position. This has made adjudication clearer for umpires and players alike. It made an immediate impact last season as the wides bowled while attempting the wide yorker dropped from 182 to 101.For bowlers like Arshdeep, operating around the wide tramline is a risky trade-off, where the margin for error is minimal. But in a format where batters dictate terms, it is a risk they are willing to take. Because on the days it comes off, the wide yorker can set up the game for the bowling side. Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IPL #Living #edgeThe #risk #reward #wide #yorker

IPL 2026: Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorker

In Punjab Kings’ first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans, Arshdeep Singh was entrusted with the final over of the first innings. The left-arm pacer ended up bowling an 11-ball over—the joint-longest in IPL history. Across that over, Arshdeep largely tried to go short and wide to the left-handed Rahul Tewatia, which resulted in multiple wides; against Rashid Khan, he switched to yorkers, both at the stumps and outside off.

Twenty-four matches into the season, the PBKS bowler has delivered the most wides so far—18, four more than Mumbai Indians’ Shardul Thakur, who has 14. Of Shardul’s 14 wides, 13 have come while bowling wide outside off. In Arshdeep’s case, 11 of his 18 wides have come while operating around the tramline outside off.

What often shows up as poor execution is more often than not a calculated attempt to keep the ball away from the batter, with modern T20 batters favouring the leg side for their big shots. Even deliveries just outside off stump are now being whipped over the on-side with ease, thanks to the natural swing arc and high bat speeds.

In response, the bowlers have moved further away from the stumps, forcing batters to manufacture shots square of the wicket, particularly in the point and square regions, where power is harder to generate.

“If the batter is set and there’s a longer boundary on one side, you use that and keep the ball away from their strength. If the batter is new, you attack the stumps. When you feel the yorker is coming out well, you go for it. When the batter is set, you go wide. You just have to adapt before the batter knows what’s coming,” Arshdeep explained after the win over Mumbai Indians on Thursday, after picking three for 22, continuing to back his wide line tactic. 

That constant adjustment, though, often pushes bowlers closer to the wide line, where the margin for error is smaller.

One such option is the wide yorker, aimed just inside the wide line outside off stump. It is one of the hardest deliveries to execute because of the precision required—more often than not, it ends up as a full toss or a slot ball. But when nailed, it is extremely difficult to put away.

“That’s probably one of the hardest balls to bowl,” Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi said. “You’ve got to land it on a yorker length, just inside the wide line – everything has to be perfect. If you land that ball, it’s a huge advantage in an over.”

Since his IPL debut in 2019, Arshdeep has bowled 99 wide-line yorkers – joint second-most with Harshal Patel, with Avesh Khan leading the list with 104.

Despite the risk, the tactic remains popular. In the 2021 season, there was a more than 46 per cent increase in attempts to bowl around the tramline, resulting in 114 wides—an 87 per cent jump from the previous season’s 61.

IPL 2026: Living on the edge—The risk and reward of the wide yorker In Punjab Kings’ first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans, Arshdeep Singh was entrusted with the final over of the first innings. The left-arm pacer ended up bowling an 11-ball over—the joint-longest in IPL history. Across that over, Arshdeep largely tried to go short and wide to the left-handed Rahul Tewatia, which resulted in multiple wides; against Rashid Khan, he switched to yorkers, both at the stumps and outside off.Twenty-four matches into the season, the PBKS bowler has delivered the most wides so far—18, four more than Mumbai Indians’ Shardul Thakur, who has 14. Of Shardul’s 14 wides, 13 have come while bowling wide outside off. In Arshdeep’s case, 11 of his 18 wides have come while operating around the tramline outside off.What often shows up as poor execution is more often than not a calculated attempt to keep the ball away from the batter, with modern T20 batters favouring the leg side for their big shots. Even deliveries just outside off stump are now being whipped over the on-side with ease, thanks to the natural swing arc and high bat speeds.In response, the bowlers have moved further away from the stumps, forcing batters to manufacture shots square of the wicket, particularly in the point and square regions, where power is harder to generate.“If the batter is set and there’s a longer boundary on one side, you use that and keep the ball away from their strength. If the batter is new, you attack the stumps. When you feel the yorker is coming out well, you go for it. When the batter is set, you go wide. You just have to adapt before the batter knows what’s coming,” Arshdeep explained after the win over Mumbai Indians on Thursday, after picking three for 22, continuing to back his wide line tactic. That constant adjustment, though, often pushes bowlers closer to the wide line, where the margin for error is smaller.One such option is the wide yorker, aimed just inside the wide line outside off stump. It is one of the hardest deliveries to execute because of the precision required—more often than not, it ends up as a full toss or a slot ball. But when nailed, it is extremely difficult to put away.“That’s probably one of the hardest balls to bowl,” Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi said. “You’ve got to land it on a yorker length, just inside the wide line – everything has to be perfect. If you land that ball, it’s a huge advantage in an over.”Since his IPL debut in 2019, Arshdeep has bowled 99 wide-line yorkers – joint second-most with Harshal Patel, with Avesh Khan leading the list with 104.Despite the risk, the tactic remains popular. In the 2021 season, there was a more than 46 per cent increase in attempts to bowl around the tramline, resulting in 114 wides—an 87 per cent jump from the previous season’s 61.The shift became even more pronounced in 2022, when wides across the season rose from 521 to 861—jump of 340 (65.26 per cent). While part of that increase was due to the addition of two teams—Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants—and therefore more matches, venue conditions also played a major role.That season was held across four venues in Maharashtra during the league stage—the Wankhede Stadium, DY Patil Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and MCA International Stadium. Smaller boundaries, flatter pitches, and heavy dew made execution significantly harder for bowlers.Since that spike, the increase from 2023 onwards has appeared more gradual. The average number of wides per season, which stood at around 530 until 2021, has now risen to roughly 810. The ongoing 2026 season is not included in that average, but it has already seen 289 wides in 24 matches and is projected to finish close to 900 at the current rate of six wides per innings.What changed in 2023?That season introduced the option for teams to review wides and no-balls. With technology in play, the margin for error has reduced. As Ngidi pointed out: “The margins are very small. The review system helps now because earlier, you could bowl it correctly and still get called for a wide.”Ahead of the 2025 season, another tweak followed—the introduction of the moving wide guideline, where the line shifts with the batter’s position. This has made adjudication clearer for umpires and players alike. It made an immediate impact last season as the wides bowled while attempting the wide yorker dropped from 182 to 101.For bowlers like Arshdeep, operating around the wide tramline is a risky trade-off, where the margin for error is minimal. But in a format where batters dictate terms, it is a risk they are willing to take. Because on the days it comes off, the wide yorker can set up the game for the bowling side. Published on Apr 17, 2026 #IPL #Living #edgeThe #risk #reward #wide #yorker

The shift became even more pronounced in 2022, when wides across the season rose from 521 to 861—jump of 340 (65.26 per cent). While part of that increase was due to the addition of two teams—Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants—and therefore more matches, venue conditions also played a major role.

That season was held across four venues in Maharashtra during the league stage—the Wankhede Stadium, DY Patil Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and MCA International Stadium. Smaller boundaries, flatter pitches, and heavy dew made execution significantly harder for bowlers.

Since that spike, the increase from 2023 onwards has appeared more gradual. The average number of wides per season, which stood at around 530 until 2021, has now risen to roughly 810. The ongoing 2026 season is not included in that average, but it has already seen 289 wides in 24 matches and is projected to finish close to 900 at the current rate of six wides per innings.

What changed in 2023?

That season introduced the option for teams to review wides and no-balls. With technology in play, the margin for error has reduced. As Ngidi pointed out: “The margins are very small. The review system helps now because earlier, you could bowl it correctly and still get called for a wide.”

Ahead of the 2025 season, another tweak followed—the introduction of the moving wide guideline, where the line shifts with the batter’s position. This has made adjudication clearer for umpires and players alike. It made an immediate impact last season as the wides bowled while attempting the wide yorker dropped from 182 to 101.

For bowlers like Arshdeep, operating around the wide tramline is a risky trade-off, where the margin for error is minimal. But in a format where batters dictate terms, it is a risk they are willing to take. Because on the days it comes off, the wide yorker can set up the game for the bowling side. 

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#IPL #Living #edgeThe #risk #reward #wide #yorker

Sports news , , , , , , ,

In Punjab Kings’ first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans, Arshdeep Singh was entrusted with the final over of the first innings. The left-arm pacer ended up bowling an 11-ball over—the joint-longest in IPL history. Across that over, Arshdeep largely tried to go short and wide to the left-handed Rahul Tewatia, which resulted in multiple wides; against Rashid Khan, he switched to yorkers, both at the stumps and outside off.

Twenty-four matches into the season, the PBKS bowler has delivered the most wides so far—18, four more than Mumbai Indians’ Shardul Thakur, who has 14. Of Shardul’s 14 wides, 13 have come while bowling wide outside off. In Arshdeep’s case, 11 of his 18 wides have come while operating around the tramline outside off.

What often shows up as poor execution is more often than not a calculated attempt to keep the ball away from the batter, with modern T20 batters favouring the leg side for their big shots. Even deliveries just outside off stump are now being whipped over the on-side with ease, thanks to the natural swing arc and high bat speeds.

In response, the bowlers have moved further away from the stumps, forcing batters to manufacture shots square of the wicket, particularly in the point and square regions, where power is harder to generate.

“If the batter is set and there’s a longer boundary on one side, you use that and keep the ball away from their strength. If the batter is new, you attack the stumps. When you feel the yorker is coming out well, you go for it. When the batter is set, you go wide. You just have to adapt before the batter knows what’s coming,” Arshdeep explained after the win over Mumbai Indians on Thursday, after picking three for 22, continuing to back his wide line tactic. 

That constant adjustment, though, often pushes bowlers closer to the wide line, where the margin for error is smaller.

One such option is the wide yorker, aimed just inside the wide line outside off stump. It is one of the hardest deliveries to execute because of the precision required—more often than not, it ends up as a full toss or a slot ball. But when nailed, it is extremely difficult to put away.

“That’s probably one of the hardest balls to bowl,” Delhi Capitals pacer Lungi Ngidi said. “You’ve got to land it on a yorker length, just inside the wide line – everything has to be perfect. If you land that ball, it’s a huge advantage in an over.”

Since his IPL debut in 2019, Arshdeep has bowled 99 wide-line yorkers – joint second-most with Harshal Patel, with Avesh Khan leading the list with 104.

Despite the risk, the tactic remains popular. In the 2021 season, there was a more than 46 per cent increase in attempts to bowl around the tramline, resulting in 114 wides—an 87 per cent jump from the previous season’s 61.

The shift became even more pronounced in 2022, when wides across the season rose from 521 to 861—jump of 340 (65.26 per cent). While part of that increase was due to the addition of two teams—Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants—and therefore more matches, venue conditions also played a major role.

That season was held across four venues in Maharashtra during the league stage—the Wankhede Stadium, DY Patil Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and MCA International Stadium. Smaller boundaries, flatter pitches, and heavy dew made execution significantly harder for bowlers.

Since that spike, the increase from 2023 onwards has appeared more gradual. The average number of wides per season, which stood at around 530 until 2021, has now risen to roughly 810. The ongoing 2026 season is not included in that average, but it has already seen 289 wides in 24 matches and is projected to finish close to 900 at the current rate of six wides per innings.

What changed in 2023?

That season introduced the option for teams to review wides and no-balls. With technology in play, the margin for error has reduced. As Ngidi pointed out: “The margins are very small. The review system helps now because earlier, you could bowl it correctly and still get called for a wide.”

Ahead of the 2025 season, another tweak followed—the introduction of the moving wide guideline, where the line shifts with the batter’s position. This has made adjudication clearer for umpires and players alike. It made an immediate impact last season as the wides bowled while attempting the wide yorker dropped from 182 to 101.

For bowlers like Arshdeep, operating around the wide tramline is a risky trade-off, where the margin for error is minimal. But in a format where batters dictate terms, it is a risk they are willing to take. Because on the days it comes off, the wide yorker can set up the game for the bowling side. 

Published on Apr 17, 2026

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Ashish Yadav and T. Dharanidharan both qualified for the men’s javelin throw final on Wednesday, the opening day of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

Neither of the two Indians achieved the automatic qualification mark of 72.50m but they finished amongst the Top 12 throwers which helped them book their spot for Friday’s final.

While Ashish stood second amongst the 26 athletes across the two groups with an effort of 69.87m, Dharanidharan grabbed the last qualification spot with a throw of 68.07m.

South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans topped the qualification round with his one and only throw of 76.02m.

In men’s 800m, Uwin Anand couldn’t progress beyond the first round but Mogali Venkatram secured his place in the semifinals. In the second heat, Uwin finished seventh as he clocked 1:52.37s while in the fifth and final heat, Mogali finished third with a timing of 1:52.81s.

Top five finishers in every heat along with two fastest losers from the rest of the field grabbed qualification spots.

READ | Ek Bihari sau pe bhaari – Kitchen boy turns track and field pioneer for state

In 4x400m mixed relay, Indian quartet recorded a Season’s Best timing but missed out on qualifying for the final.

Piyush Raj, Tahura Khatun, Sayed Sabeer and Thiya Arumugam clocked 3:22.85s to finish fourth in the first heat. However, only the top three teams from each of the three heats was guaranteed a spot in the final.

In heat 1, Great Britain topped with a timing of 3:21.27s, Poland finished second after clocking 3:21.47s while Czechia grabbed the final qualification spot in 3:21.58s.

Later in the day, discus thrower Amanat Kamboj will also begin her campaign in the qualification round.

Published on Aug 05, 2026

#World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final">World Athletics U20 Championships 2026: Ashish, Dharanidharan qualify for javelin throw final Ashish Yadav and T. Dharanidharan both qualified for the men’s javelin throw final on Wednesday, the opening day of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.Neither of the two Indians achieved the automatic qualification mark of 72.50m but they finished amongst the Top 12 throwers which helped them book their spot for Friday’s final.While Ashish stood second amongst the 26 athletes across the two groups with an effort of 69.87m, Dharanidharan grabbed the last qualification spot with a throw of 68.07m.South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans topped the qualification round with his one and only throw of 76.02m.In men’s 800m, Uwin Anand couldn’t progress beyond the first round but Mogali Venkatram secured his place in the semifinals. In the second heat, Uwin finished seventh as he clocked 1:52.37s while in the fifth and final heat, Mogali finished third with a timing of 1:52.81s.Top five finishers in every heat along with two fastest losers from the rest of the field grabbed qualification spots.READ | Ek Bihari sau pe bhaari – Kitchen boy turns track and field pioneer for stateIn 4x400m mixed relay, Indian quartet recorded a Season’s Best timing but missed out on qualifying for the final.Piyush Raj, Tahura Khatun, Sayed Sabeer and Thiya Arumugam clocked 3:22.85s to finish fourth in the first heat. However, only the top three teams from each of the three heats was guaranteed a spot in the final.In heat 1, Great Britain topped with a timing of 3:21.27s, Poland finished second after clocking 3:21.47s while Czechia grabbed the final qualification spot in 3:21.58s.Later in the day, discus thrower Amanat Kamboj will also begin her campaign in the qualification round.Published on Aug 05, 2026 #World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final

Ek Bihari sau pe bhaari – Kitchen boy turns track and field pioneer for state

In 4x400m mixed relay, Indian quartet recorded a Season’s Best timing but missed out on qualifying for the final.

Piyush Raj, Tahura Khatun, Sayed Sabeer and Thiya Arumugam clocked 3:22.85s to finish fourth in the first heat. However, only the top three teams from each of the three heats was guaranteed a spot in the final.

In heat 1, Great Britain topped with a timing of 3:21.27s, Poland finished second after clocking 3:21.47s while Czechia grabbed the final qualification spot in 3:21.58s.

Later in the day, discus thrower Amanat Kamboj will also begin her campaign in the qualification round.

Published on Aug 05, 2026

#World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final">World Athletics U20 Championships 2026: Ashish, Dharanidharan qualify for javelin throw final

Ashish Yadav and T. Dharanidharan both qualified for the men’s javelin throw final on Wednesday, the opening day of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

Neither of the two Indians achieved the automatic qualification mark of 72.50m but they finished amongst the Top 12 throwers which helped them book their spot for Friday’s final.

While Ashish stood second amongst the 26 athletes across the two groups with an effort of 69.87m, Dharanidharan grabbed the last qualification spot with a throw of 68.07m.

South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans topped the qualification round with his one and only throw of 76.02m.

In men’s 800m, Uwin Anand couldn’t progress beyond the first round but Mogali Venkatram secured his place in the semifinals. In the second heat, Uwin finished seventh as he clocked 1:52.37s while in the fifth and final heat, Mogali finished third with a timing of 1:52.81s.

Top five finishers in every heat along with two fastest losers from the rest of the field grabbed qualification spots.

READ | Ek Bihari sau pe bhaari – Kitchen boy turns track and field pioneer for state

In 4x400m mixed relay, Indian quartet recorded a Season’s Best timing but missed out on qualifying for the final.

Piyush Raj, Tahura Khatun, Sayed Sabeer and Thiya Arumugam clocked 3:22.85s to finish fourth in the first heat. However, only the top three teams from each of the three heats was guaranteed a spot in the final.

In heat 1, Great Britain topped with a timing of 3:21.27s, Poland finished second after clocking 3:21.47s while Czechia grabbed the final qualification spot in 3:21.58s.

Later in the day, discus thrower Amanat Kamboj will also begin her campaign in the qualification round.

Published on Aug 05, 2026

#World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final
Deadspin | Crew acquire Chilean F Gonzalo Tapia on loan Aug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option. Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America. “Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.” Adding reinforcements to our attack ?? pic.twitter.com/zp9V7KSJsE— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 5, 2026 Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loanAug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option.

Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America.


“Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.”

Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan">Deadspin | Crew acquire Chilean F Gonzalo Tapia on loan Aug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option. Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America. “Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.” Adding reinforcements to our attack ?? pic.twitter.com/zp9V7KSJsE— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 5, 2026 Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan

Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan">Deadspin | Crew acquire Chilean F Gonzalo Tapia on loan
Deadspin | Crew acquire Chilean F Gonzalo Tapia on loan Aug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option. Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America. “Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.” Adding reinforcements to our attack ?? pic.twitter.com/zp9V7KSJsE— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 5, 2026 Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loanAug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option.

Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America.


“Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.”

Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan

If the WNBA playoffs started today, we’d be in store for four riveting first-round series. The league-best Minnesota Lynx would face the surging Washington Mystics. The reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces, would face the New York Liberty. Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries would host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. And Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever would battle Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.

Here’s how the first round would stack up, and my way-too-early predictions for who will emerge victorious.

#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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The Lynx will be heavily favored in this match-up, though the Mystics have won 4 straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Minnesota has been led by Rookie of the Year shoo-in Olivia Miles, as well as a supporting cast that includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard.

On top of that, Napheesa Collier is back from double ankle surgeries that sidelined her for most of the season. Minnesota has won 10 straight games and have outscored opponents by an average of 9.3 points per game this season.

The Mystics, therefore, face an uphill climb in the first round. Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have all had big-time seasons, but all three have very limited playoff experience (Austin played two postseason games in 2022, while Iriafen and Citron did not make the playoffs as rookies). Washington will be happy to get playoff experience for their young core, but this is a formidable first-round assignment. The two teams have split their regular season series so far, and both games came down to the wire.

Another fun wrinkle? Former Notre Dame guards Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron would be squaring off.

Tentative Prediction: Lynx in 2

#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Few could have projected that the Aces and Liberty would square off in the first round. The two teams faced off in the 2023 Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious, and then again in the 2024 Semi-Finals, with New York coming out on top en route to their franchise-first championship.

But New York has had a down year and unexpectedly slipped to the 7th-best record in the league under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. It still could all come together. New York has been better with Leonie Fiebich in the lineup, and Sabrina Ionescu is finally healthy. But Breanna Stewart needs more from her supporting cast — whether that’s more consistency from former MVP Jonquel Jones or more from the bench.

The Aces have won three titles in the last four seasons, and while they haven’t had a perfect season, A’ja Wilson continues to play some of the best basketball of her career while the championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continues to thrive.

New York beat Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup, but that was with Wilson sidelined, so it’s hard to know how much of what worked then would carry over to a postseason matchup. The Aces and Liberty split the other two matchups.

Tentative Prediction: Aces in 3

#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GA – JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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The Valkyries swept their season series against the Dream over the span of a week, beating them three times as part of Atlanta’s season-worst 5-game losing streak. Was that just a bad week at work for the Dream, or a sign of potential trouble to come in a postseason matchup?

Angel Reese has been a revelation for Atlanta, and Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were both All-Stars, again. But will they be able to muster up a play style in the playoffs they couldn’t find in the regular season matchup?

Golden State, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse. But will their offensive woes catch up to them in a slowed-down playoff environment? The Valkyries have been elite defensively, but don’t quite have the go-to scoring options that other teams of their caliber do.

Tentative Prediction: Valkyries in 3

#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)
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This matchup would feature three of the most electric guards in the league in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has had an underrated rookie campaign.

Both the Wings and the Fever have had good seasons, and would make for a star-studded first-round matchup if current standings hold come playoff time. This would be an offensive battle, as both teams have some defensive deficiencies. It will also be the first time Bueckers laces up for playoff action (Clark played two playoff games in her rookie season, but was sidelined in her sophomore campaign).

The Wings and Fever faced off on Opening Day, with the Wings walking away with a 3-point victory. They haven’t faced off since, so it’s anybody’s guess how things would fare come September.

Tentative Prediction: Fever in 3

#Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions">Way-too-early WNBA playoff series matchups and predictions If the WNBA playoffs started today, we’d be in store for four riveting first-round series. The league-best Minnesota Lynx would face the surging Washington Mystics. The reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces, would face the New York Liberty. Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries would host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. And Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever would battle Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.Here’s how the first round would stack up, and my way-too-early predictions for who will emerge victorious.#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Getty ImagesThe Lynx will be heavily favored in this match-up, though the Mystics have won 4 straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Minnesota has been led by Rookie of the Year shoo-in Olivia Miles, as well as a supporting cast that includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard.On top of that, Napheesa Collier is back from double ankle surgeries that sidelined her for most of the season. Minnesota has won 10 straight games and have outscored opponents by an average of 9.3 points per game this season.The Mystics, therefore, face an uphill climb in the first round. Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have all had big-time seasons, but all three have very limited playoff experience (Austin played two postseason games in 2022, while Iriafen and Citron did not make the playoffs as rookies). Washington will be happy to get playoff experience for their young core, but this is a formidable first-round assignment. The two teams have split their regular season series so far, and both games came down to the wire.Another fun wrinkle? Former Notre Dame guards Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron would be squaring off.Tentative Prediction: Lynx in 2#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty ImagesFew could have projected that the Aces and Liberty would square off in the first round. The two teams faced off in the 2023 Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious, and then again in the 2024 Semi-Finals, with New York coming out on top en route to their franchise-first championship.But New York has had a down year and unexpectedly slipped to the 7th-best record in the league under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. It still could all come together. New York has been better with Leonie Fiebich in the lineup, and Sabrina Ionescu is finally healthy. But Breanna Stewart needs more from her supporting cast — whether that’s more consistency from former MVP Jonquel Jones or more from the bench.The Aces have won three titles in the last four seasons, and while they haven’t had a perfect season, A’ja Wilson continues to play some of the best basketball of her career while the championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continues to thrive.New York beat Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup, but that was with Wilson sidelined, so it’s hard to know how much of what worked then would carry over to a postseason matchup. The Aces and Liberty split the other two matchups.Tentative Prediction: Aces in 3#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)ATLANTA, GA – JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Valkyries swept their season series against the Dream over the span of a week, beating them three times as part of Atlanta’s season-worst 5-game losing streak. Was that just a bad week at work for the Dream, or a sign of potential trouble to come in a postseason matchup?Angel Reese has been a revelation for Atlanta, and Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were both All-Stars, again. But will they be able to muster up a play style in the playoffs they couldn’t find in the regular season matchup?Golden State, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse. But will their offensive woes catch up to them in a slowed-down playoff environment? The Valkyries have been elite defensively, but don’t quite have the go-to scoring options that other teams of their caliber do.Tentative Prediction: Valkyries in 3#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty ImagesThis matchup would feature three of the most electric guards in the league in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has had an underrated rookie campaign.Both the Wings and the Fever have had good seasons, and would make for a star-studded first-round matchup if current standings hold come playoff time. This would be an offensive battle, as both teams have some defensive deficiencies. It will also be the first time Bueckers laces up for playoff action (Clark played two playoff games in her rookie season, but was sidelined in her sophomore campaign).The Wings and Fever faced off on Opening Day, with the Wings walking away with a 3-point victory. They haven’t faced off since, so it’s anybody’s guess how things would fare come September.Tentative Prediction: Fever in 3 #Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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The Lynx will be heavily favored in this match-up, though the Mystics have won 4 straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Minnesota has been led by Rookie of the Year shoo-in Olivia Miles, as well as a supporting cast that includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard.

On top of that, Napheesa Collier is back from double ankle surgeries that sidelined her for most of the season. Minnesota has won 10 straight games and have outscored opponents by an average of 9.3 points per game this season.

The Mystics, therefore, face an uphill climb in the first round. Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have all had big-time seasons, but all three have very limited playoff experience (Austin played two postseason games in 2022, while Iriafen and Citron did not make the playoffs as rookies). Washington will be happy to get playoff experience for their young core, but this is a formidable first-round assignment. The two teams have split their regular season series so far, and both games came down to the wire.

Another fun wrinkle? Former Notre Dame guards Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron would be squaring off.

Tentative Prediction: Lynx in 2

#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Few could have projected that the Aces and Liberty would square off in the first round. The two teams faced off in the 2023 Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious, and then again in the 2024 Semi-Finals, with New York coming out on top en route to their franchise-first championship.

But New York has had a down year and unexpectedly slipped to the 7th-best record in the league under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. It still could all come together. New York has been better with Leonie Fiebich in the lineup, and Sabrina Ionescu is finally healthy. But Breanna Stewart needs more from her supporting cast — whether that’s more consistency from former MVP Jonquel Jones or more from the bench.

The Aces have won three titles in the last four seasons, and while they haven’t had a perfect season, A’ja Wilson continues to play some of the best basketball of her career while the championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continues to thrive.

New York beat Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup, but that was with Wilson sidelined, so it’s hard to know how much of what worked then would carry over to a postseason matchup. The Aces and Liberty split the other two matchups.

Tentative Prediction: Aces in 3

#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GA – JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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The Valkyries swept their season series against the Dream over the span of a week, beating them three times as part of Atlanta’s season-worst 5-game losing streak. Was that just a bad week at work for the Dream, or a sign of potential trouble to come in a postseason matchup?

Angel Reese has been a revelation for Atlanta, and Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were both All-Stars, again. But will they be able to muster up a play style in the playoffs they couldn’t find in the regular season matchup?

Golden State, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse. But will their offensive woes catch up to them in a slowed-down playoff environment? The Valkyries have been elite defensively, but don’t quite have the go-to scoring options that other teams of their caliber do.

Tentative Prediction: Valkyries in 3

#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)
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This matchup would feature three of the most electric guards in the league in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has had an underrated rookie campaign.

Both the Wings and the Fever have had good seasons, and would make for a star-studded first-round matchup if current standings hold come playoff time. This would be an offensive battle, as both teams have some defensive deficiencies. It will also be the first time Bueckers laces up for playoff action (Clark played two playoff games in her rookie season, but was sidelined in her sophomore campaign).

The Wings and Fever faced off on Opening Day, with the Wings walking away with a 3-point victory. They haven’t faced off since, so it’s anybody’s guess how things would fare come September.

Tentative Prediction: Fever in 3

#Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions">Way-too-early WNBA playoff series matchups and predictions

If the WNBA playoffs started today, we’d be in store for four riveting first-round series. The league-best Minnesota Lynx would face the surging Washington Mystics. The reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces, would face the New York Liberty. Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries would host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. And Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever would battle Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.

Here’s how the first round would stack up, and my way-too-early predictions for who will emerge victorious.

#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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The Lynx will be heavily favored in this match-up, though the Mystics have won 4 straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Minnesota has been led by Rookie of the Year shoo-in Olivia Miles, as well as a supporting cast that includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard.

On top of that, Napheesa Collier is back from double ankle surgeries that sidelined her for most of the season. Minnesota has won 10 straight games and have outscored opponents by an average of 9.3 points per game this season.

The Mystics, therefore, face an uphill climb in the first round. Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have all had big-time seasons, but all three have very limited playoff experience (Austin played two postseason games in 2022, while Iriafen and Citron did not make the playoffs as rookies). Washington will be happy to get playoff experience for their young core, but this is a formidable first-round assignment. The two teams have split their regular season series so far, and both games came down to the wire.

Another fun wrinkle? Former Notre Dame guards Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron would be squaring off.

Tentative Prediction: Lynx in 2

#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Few could have projected that the Aces and Liberty would square off in the first round. The two teams faced off in the 2023 Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious, and then again in the 2024 Semi-Finals, with New York coming out on top en route to their franchise-first championship.

But New York has had a down year and unexpectedly slipped to the 7th-best record in the league under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. It still could all come together. New York has been better with Leonie Fiebich in the lineup, and Sabrina Ionescu is finally healthy. But Breanna Stewart needs more from her supporting cast — whether that’s more consistency from former MVP Jonquel Jones or more from the bench.

The Aces have won three titles in the last four seasons, and while they haven’t had a perfect season, A’ja Wilson continues to play some of the best basketball of her career while the championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continues to thrive.

New York beat Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup, but that was with Wilson sidelined, so it’s hard to know how much of what worked then would carry over to a postseason matchup. The Aces and Liberty split the other two matchups.

Tentative Prediction: Aces in 3

#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GA – JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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The Valkyries swept their season series against the Dream over the span of a week, beating them three times as part of Atlanta’s season-worst 5-game losing streak. Was that just a bad week at work for the Dream, or a sign of potential trouble to come in a postseason matchup?

Angel Reese has been a revelation for Atlanta, and Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were both All-Stars, again. But will they be able to muster up a play style in the playoffs they couldn’t find in the regular season matchup?

Golden State, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse. But will their offensive woes catch up to them in a slowed-down playoff environment? The Valkyries have been elite defensively, but don’t quite have the go-to scoring options that other teams of their caliber do.

Tentative Prediction: Valkyries in 3

#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)
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This matchup would feature three of the most electric guards in the league in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has had an underrated rookie campaign.

Both the Wings and the Fever have had good seasons, and would make for a star-studded first-round matchup if current standings hold come playoff time. This would be an offensive battle, as both teams have some defensive deficiencies. It will also be the first time Bueckers laces up for playoff action (Clark played two playoff games in her rookie season, but was sidelined in her sophomore campaign).

The Wings and Fever faced off on Opening Day, with the Wings walking away with a 3-point victory. They haven’t faced off since, so it’s anybody’s guess how things would fare come September.

Tentative Prediction: Fever in 3

#Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions

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