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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.

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

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

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

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

(with inputs from AFP)

Published on Apr 16, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilson earned USD 200,000 last season.

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

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

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

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

(with inputs from AFP)

Published on Apr 16, 2026

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

The return of Josh Hazlewood and the rise of Rasikh Dar have given Royal ​Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling unit real depth and helped the defending ‌Indian Premier League (IPL) champion move top of the ​standings with a win over Lucknow Super ⁠Giants on Wednesday.

Bengaluru defeated Lucknow by five wickets to draw level on eight points with Rajasthan Royals, edging ahead on net ‌run-rate.

While veteran batter Virat Kohli remains the headline act and is the leading IPL run-scorer this ‌season with 228 runs, it is the depth ‌of ⁠the bowling unit that has underpinned Bengaluru’s ⁠early consistency.

Australia quick Hazlewood struggled with hamstring and Achilles injuries last year and missed the T20 World Cup, but after being eased back ​slowly into Bengaluru’s campaign, ‌he is starting to look sharper, vice-captain Jitesh Sharma said.

“He’s got rest, so he becomes quicker, fitter. He’s very confident about his body now,” he told reporters.

“He ‌has worked really hard on his injury and ​he’s like a more improved player than last year.”

Hazlewood’s comeback has coincided with the emergence ⁠of uncapped pacer Dar, who was signed for 60 million Indian rupees ($643,245) ahead of the 2025 season as a ‌long-term investment.

Dar featured only twice during last year’s title run, with Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal the established pace options.

Against Lucknow, Dar rewarded that patience, combining with Hazlewood on a dry surface to deny Lucknow any early momentum and returning figures of four for 24.

Hazlewood complemented the ‌effort with a miserly one for 20, while Krunal Pandya provided control through ​the middle overs.

“He (Dar) has worked a lot on yorkers and slower ones. He knew the ⁠IPL was around the corner and how one has to ⁠be perfect to play with a certain intensity,” said Jitesh.

“Errors will be there, so you practise ‌so much that it becomes muscle memory. That’s what helps you perform under pressure.”

Bengaluru next hosts Delhi Capitals ​on Saturday. 

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#IPL #Hazlewood #confident #body #Jitesh #Sharma">IPL 2026: ‘Hazlewood is very confident about his body now,’ says Jitesh Sharma  The return of Josh Hazlewood and the rise of Rasikh Dar have given Royal ​Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling unit real depth and helped the defending ‌Indian Premier League (IPL) champion move top of the ​standings with a win over Lucknow Super ⁠Giants on Wednesday.Bengaluru defeated Lucknow by five wickets to draw level on eight points with Rajasthan Royals, edging ahead on net ‌run-rate.While veteran batter Virat Kohli remains the headline act and is the leading IPL run-scorer this ‌season with 228 runs, it is the depth ‌of ⁠the bowling unit that has underpinned Bengaluru’s ⁠early consistency.Australia quick Hazlewood struggled with hamstring and Achilles injuries last year and missed the T20 World Cup, but after being eased back ​slowly into Bengaluru’s campaign, ‌he is starting to look sharper, vice-captain Jitesh Sharma said.“He’s got rest, so he becomes quicker, fitter. He’s very confident about his body now,” he told reporters.“He ‌has worked really hard on his injury and ​he’s like a more improved player than last year.”Hazlewood’s comeback has coincided with the emergence ⁠of uncapped pacer Dar, who was signed for 60 million Indian rupees (3,245) ahead of the 2025 season as a ‌long-term investment.Dar featured only twice during last year’s title run, with Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal the established pace options.Against Lucknow, Dar rewarded that patience, combining with Hazlewood on a dry surface to deny Lucknow any early momentum and returning figures of four for 24.Hazlewood complemented the ‌effort with a miserly one for 20, while Krunal Pandya provided control through ​the middle overs.“He (Dar) has worked a lot on yorkers and slower ones. He knew the ⁠IPL was around the corner and how one has to ⁠be perfect to play with a certain intensity,” said Jitesh.“Errors will be there, so you practise ‌so much that it becomes muscle memory. That’s what helps you perform under pressure.”Bengaluru next hosts Delhi Capitals ​on Saturday. Published on Apr 16, 2026  #IPL #Hazlewood #confident #body #Jitesh #Sharma

Deadspin | Reilly Smith tallies twice as Knights down Kraken, win Pacific title  Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images   Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.  It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.  Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.  Seattle took a 1-0 lead at the 2:24 mark of the second period on Wright’s first goal in 17 games. Wright’s quick wrist shot from in front of the net beat Hart on the glove side off a rebound of Jani Nyman’s sharp-angled shot from the left goal line.   Vegas tied it late in the second period. Nic Dowd drew back a faceoff in the right circle to Theodore, who snapped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net.  The Golden Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Marner, stationed in the high slot, redirected Brayden McNabb’s point shot inside the right post.  Vegas extended the lead to two goals with 7:59 remaining. Smith roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson past Kokko’s glove side to finish a 2-on-1 rush.  Smith then sealed the win when he tapped in a rebound inside the right post with 3:24 to go.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reilly #Smith #tallies #Knights #Kraken #win #Pacific #titleApr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.

Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.


Seattle took a 1-0 lead at the 2:24 mark of the second period on Wright’s first goal in 17 games. Wright’s quick wrist shot from in front of the net beat Hart on the glove side off a rebound of Jani Nyman’s sharp-angled shot from the left goal line.

Vegas tied it late in the second period. Nic Dowd drew back a faceoff in the right circle to Theodore, who snapped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net.

The Golden Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Marner, stationed in the high slot, redirected Brayden McNabb’s point shot inside the right post.

Vegas extended the lead to two goals with 7:59 remaining. Smith roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson past Kokko’s glove side to finish a 2-on-1 rush.

Smith then sealed the win when he tapped in a rebound inside the right post with 3:24 to go.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reilly #Smith #tallies #Knights #Kraken #win #Pacific #title">Deadspin | Reilly Smith tallies twice as Knights down Kraken, win Pacific title  Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images   Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.  It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.  Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.  Seattle took a 1-0 lead at the 2:24 mark of the second period on Wright’s first goal in 17 games. Wright’s quick wrist shot from in front of the net beat Hart on the glove side off a rebound of Jani Nyman’s sharp-angled shot from the left goal line.   Vegas tied it late in the second period. Nic Dowd drew back a faceoff in the right circle to Theodore, who snapped a wrist shot into the top right corner of the net.  The Golden Knights grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the third period when Marner, stationed in the high slot, redirected Brayden McNabb’s point shot inside the right post.  Vegas extended the lead to two goals with 7:59 remaining. Smith roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson past Kokko’s glove side to finish a 2-on-1 rush.  Smith then sealed the win when he tapped in a rebound inside the right post with 3:24 to go.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reilly #Smith #tallies #Knights #Kraken #win #Pacific #title

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