The Chicago Sky are the WNBA’s most confusing team
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 5: Azura Stevens #23 of the Los Angeles Sparks shoots the ball before a game between Los Angeles Sparks and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on September 5, 2025 in College Park, 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. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
Stevens is a very talented forward who took on a starter role for the Sparks during a rebuilding era, and will now head back to Chicago. Stevens was part of the 2021 Sky Championship squad, but things look a lot different in Chicago these days, and Stevens is now a veteran player in her return.
Breaking: Azurá Stevens has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Chicago Sky, sources told ESPN.
The 6-foot-6 forward is coming off a career year with the Sparks, where she averaged 12.8 PPG, 38.1% 3PT, 8.0 RPG and 2.1 APG, finishing second in MIP voting pic.twitter.com/sdobPHHgI2
First of all, Azura, get your bag. The grade isn’t about that. It’s more about the confusion in the way the Chicago Sky are moving. Are you tanking, or are you trying to be competitive? Signing veterans like Skylar Diggins and Stevens appear to be win-now moves, but Angel Reese was just traded away. You appear set to give up Ariel Atkins in a presumed trade, who is a player you traded away the No. 3 pick in 2025 (Sonia Citron) for. Getting back Rickea Jackson (reportedly) would be a good move. Yet, just today, the Sky traded away their 2028 first-round pick for Jacy Sheldon… make it make sense?
The Sky are currently tied for the second-worst odds to win the WNBA Championship in 2026. They also gave the Mystics the right to swap first-round picks with them in 2027, and now outright gave them their 2028 pick.
This is more a grade on the Sky’s choices than Azura as a prospect. She raises their level of play substantially and will be an excellent floor spacer around Kamilla Cardoso. The fact that she’s on a three-year deal probably impacts the overall money she will make, but that also locks her in to another rebuilding team for three years. Overall this has just been a strange offseason for the Sky, so it’s hard to give this move too high of marks.
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 5: Azura Stevens #23 of the Los Angeles Sparks shoots the ball before a game between Los Angeles Sparks and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on September 5, 2025 in College Park, 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. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
When Nneka Ogwumike committed to go back to the LA Sparks, it was clear Azura Stevens was likely heading out the door.
Stevens is a very talented forward who took on a starter role for the Sparks during a rebuilding era, and will now head back to Chicago. Stevens was part of the 2021 Sky Championship squad, but things look a lot different in Chicago these days, and Stevens is now a veteran player in her return.
Breaking: Azurá Stevens has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Chicago Sky, sources told ESPN. The 6-foot-6 forward is coming off a career year with the Sparks, where she averaged 12.8 PPG, 38.1% 3PT, 8.0 RPG and 2.1 APG, finishing second in MIP voting pic.twitter.com/sdobPHHgI2
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 11, 2026
Grading Azura Stevens to the Chicago Sky: C
First of all, Azura, get your bag. The grade isn’t about that. It’s more about the confusion in the way the Chicago Sky are moving. Are you tanking, or are you trying to be competitive? Signing veterans like Skylar Diggins and Stevens appear to be win-now moves, but Angel Reese was just traded away. You appear set to give up Ariel Atkins in a presumed trade, who is a player you traded away the No. 3 pick in 2025 (Sonia Citron) for. Getting back Rickea Jackson (reportedly) would be a good move. Yet, just today, the Sky traded away their 2028 first-round pick for Jacy Sheldon… make it make sense?
The Sky are currently tied for the second-worst odds to win the WNBA Championship in 2026. They also gave the Mystics the right to swap first-round picks with them in 2027, and now outright gave them their 2028 pick.
This is more a grade on the Sky’s choices than Azura as a prospect. She raises their level of play substantially and will be an excellent floor spacer around Kamilla Cardoso. The fact that she’s on a three-year deal probably impacts the overall money she will make, but that also locks her in to another rebuilding team for three years. Overall this has just been a strange offseason for the Sky, so it’s hard to give this move too high of marks.
With a packed stadium echoing his name, it scarcely felt like a home game for Mumbai Indians, and little suggests that will change when Kohli takes centre stage again. Despite the defending champion coming into the contest on the back of a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, the spotlight firmly remains on the former RCB captain’s return to Wankhede after a year.
The numbers underline his comfort at the venue. Kohli has scored 641 runs at an average of 45.78 at Wankhede, impressive against an attack traditionally built around high-quality pace. His unbeaten 92 in 2016 remains among the most memorable knocks by an RCB batter here.
Across formats, he has also crossed 1,000 international runs at the ground, highlighting sustained success in conditions that can aid seam movement early on. Among visiting batters in the IPL, few combine such consistency with a strike rate nearing 140 at this venue.
Since the inception of the tournament, Kohli has amassed 922 runs in 34 matches against Mumbai Indians at an average of 31.79. With 8,790 IPL runs in his kitty, he will be keen to extend that tally at one of his favourite venues.
Tickets have been sold out for days, and demand in the resale market remains high – a familiar trend whenever Kohli is in town. Having already scored 129 runs in three innings this season, the glimpses of the rhythm the 37-year-old has found are promising.
As the two heavyweights clash again, Mumbai’s cricket faithful will hope the Wankhede lights once more frame a Kohli masterclass.
With a packed stadium echoing his name, it scarcely felt like a home game for Mumbai Indians, and little suggests that will change when Kohli takes centre stage again. Despite the defending champion coming into the contest on the back of a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, the spotlight firmly remains on the former RCB captain’s return to Wankhede after a year.
The numbers underline his comfort at the venue. Kohli has scored 641 runs at an average of 45.78 at Wankhede, impressive against an attack traditionally built around high-quality pace. His unbeaten 92 in 2016 remains among the most memorable knocks by an RCB batter here.
Across formats, he has also crossed 1,000 international runs at the ground, highlighting sustained success in conditions that can aid seam movement early on. Among visiting batters in the IPL, few combine such consistency with a strike rate nearing 140 at this venue.
Since the inception of the tournament, Kohli has amassed 922 runs in 34 matches against Mumbai Indians at an average of 31.79. With 8,790 IPL runs in his kitty, he will be keen to extend that tally at one of his favourite venues.
Tickets have been sold out for days, and demand in the resale market remains high – a familiar trend whenever Kohli is in town. Having already scored 129 runs in three innings this season, the glimpses of the rhythm the 37-year-old has found are promising.
As the two heavyweights clash again, Mumbai’s cricket faithful will hope the Wankhede lights once more frame a Kohli masterclass.
Published on Apr 11, 2026
#IPL #Move #Mumbai #Indians #Wankhede #awaits #headliner #Virat #Kohli">IPL 2026: Move over Mumbai Indians, Wankhede awaits its OG headliner – Virat Kohli
At the Wankhede Stadium, allegiances often blur when Virat Kohli walks out to bat. Over the years, the venue has repeatedly turned into a stage where individual stardom can rival franchise loyalties, with sizeable pockets of red challenging the traditional sea of blue.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli’s presence has often ensured vocal away support, and on Sunday, Wankhede could feel less like a fortress for Mumbai Indians and more like a theatre awaiting one of the game’s most enduring headliners.
A year ago, when Kohli walked out at the iconic venue, the reception was overwhelming. Noise levels reportedly touched 138 decibels, making it among the loudest cheers in the tournament’s history. Coming on the back of the Champions Trophy triumph and still an all-format mainstay then, Kohli lived up to expectations, striking a brisk 67 off 42 balls to power RCB to a 12-run win.
With a packed stadium echoing his name, it scarcely felt like a home game for Mumbai Indians, and little suggests that will change when Kohli takes centre stage again. Despite the defending champion coming into the contest on the back of a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, the spotlight firmly remains on the former RCB captain’s return to Wankhede after a year.
The numbers underline his comfort at the venue. Kohli has scored 641 runs at an average of 45.78 at Wankhede, impressive against an attack traditionally built around high-quality pace. His unbeaten 92 in 2016 remains among the most memorable knocks by an RCB batter here.
Across formats, he has also crossed 1,000 international runs at the ground, highlighting sustained success in conditions that can aid seam movement early on. Among visiting batters in the IPL, few combine such consistency with a strike rate nearing 140 at this venue.
Since the inception of the tournament, Kohli has amassed 922 runs in 34 matches against Mumbai Indians at an average of 31.79. With 8,790 IPL runs in his kitty, he will be keen to extend that tally at one of his favourite venues.
Tickets have been sold out for days, and demand in the resale market remains high – a familiar trend whenever Kohli is in town. Having already scored 129 runs in three innings this season, the glimpses of the rhythm the 37-year-old has found are promising.
As the two heavyweights clash again, Mumbai’s cricket faithful will hope the Wankhede lights once more frame a Kohli masterclass.
#Deadspin #Cardinals #Red #Sox #chase #fourth #straight #victory">Deadspin | Cardinals take on Red Sox, chase fourth straight victory
Apr 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Kyle Leahy will take the mound as the St. Louis Cardinals go for their second straight series win when they host the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night.
After Dustin May allowed just one earned run over six innings in St. Louis’ series-opening, 3-2 win on Friday, Leahy will look to follow earning his first win as a full-time member of the Cardinals’ rotation last Sunday against the Detroit Tigers.
He pitched five innings, giving up two runs with four strikeouts in a 5-3 victory.
Across his first three seasons as a Cardinal, the 28-year-old right-hander made 97 of his 98 career appearances as a reliever. He pitched in a career-high 62 games in 2025.
“He has enough pitches, but more importantly he has the aptitude and demeanor to learn from his outings and use the feedback given to him to incorporate it in the next time out,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Leahy moving into a regular starting role.
Friday’s win was the season-high third in a row for St. Louis, which is off to a solid 8-5 start after finishing fourth in the National League Central last season.
It was another big game for outfielder Jordan Walker, whose 2-for-4 line with a run extended his hitting streak to six games. The 23-year-old had homered in his previous three games and four of five before Friday.
Three relievers followed May with scoreless innings, including Riley O’Brien, who tossed a 1-2-3 ninth on just eight pitches.
“It’s so fun. This group of guys is incredible, man,” St. Louis’ Thomas Saggese said. “It helps that we’re all a similar age and just go out there, have fun and play free.”
Saggese had a hit and an RBI after coming in for Masyn Winn, who was hit by a pitch in the third inning and left with what the Cardinals called a lower leg contusion following the game.
On the flip side, Boston’s sluggish start continued Friday with its fourth game of registering five or fewer hits.
Wilyer Abreu (2-for-4) led the Red Sox again, posting his seventh multi-hit effort in the first 13 games. Trevor Story’s steal of home was another highlight of the night, which also included a 1-for-6 showing with runners in scoring position.
“We had our chances, but we’ve got to be better offensively,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.
First baseman Willson Contreras had a tough night in his return to St. Louis, where he was a .261 hitter with 55 home runs across the last three seasons before being traded to Boston last December. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
“I think I did my best here for them, for the team and for the fans,” Contreras said, reflecting on his time with the Cardinals. “I played, like somebody said, my (butt) off. Every day that I came here, I gave 100 percent. I did my best for them.”
In the same way that May did on Friday, Ranger Suarez (0-1, 8.64 ERA) will look to better his first two outings with the Red Sox when he takes the mound in the Gateway City. The southpaw is coming off a Sunday no-decision in an 8-6 loss to the San Diego Padres in which he gave up four runs over four innings.
Suarez is 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in two career starts against St. Louis.
United is third on 55 points, one point ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa, but six ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.
Carrick has overseen a spectacular run since taking charge in January, guiding United to 23 points from a possible 30 and restoring calm after a turbulent first half of the season.
With just weeks remaining and the race for the five Champions League places tightening, United know there is little room for complacency.
Monday’s match also reignites one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, with Carrick keen for his players to embrace the occasion.
“It’s gone on for an awful long time,” Carrick said. “I think that’s what rivalries are there for, for a really good reason, I think, to be part of, and the intensity and the emotion and the passion that goes into it. Obviously, it’s got to keep within the margins, but I think that’s part of the game we love, going up against other teams… and battling it out on the pitch. So I think it’s something that we’ve got to embrace.”
United is third on 55 points, one point ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa, but six ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.
Carrick has overseen a spectacular run since taking charge in January, guiding United to 23 points from a possible 30 and restoring calm after a turbulent first half of the season.
With just weeks remaining and the race for the five Champions League places tightening, United know there is little room for complacency.
Monday’s match also reignites one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, with Carrick keen for his players to embrace the occasion.
“It’s gone on for an awful long time,” Carrick said. “I think that’s what rivalries are there for, for a really good reason, I think, to be part of, and the intensity and the emotion and the passion that goes into it. Obviously, it’s got to keep within the margins, but I think that’s part of the game we love, going up against other teams… and battling it out on the pitch. So I think it’s something that we’ve got to embrace.”
Leeds is 15th in the table.
Published on Apr 11, 2026
#Premier #League #Carrick #buoyed #Mounts #return #Manchester #United #resumes #season #Leeds">Premier League 2025-26: Carrick buoyed up by Mount’s return as Manchester United resumes season against Leeds
Manchester United returns to action on Monday with renewed optimism after interim manager Michael Carrick welcomed Mason Mount back to fitness and saw Lisandro Martinez return to training ahead of its Premier League 2025-26 clash with Leeds United.
Carrick’s men have not played for more than three weeks since a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, but resume their campaign sitting third in the table and looking to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place, buoyed by improving squad availability as the season heads into a crucial phase.
Mount has played sparingly due to injury, and was on the pitch for just a minute of the Bournemouth draw,
“It’s great to have Mason back, to miss him so quickly after we came in and came together,” Carrick told reporters on Saturday.
“He’s obviously had nearly two or three weeks of building up and finding his rhythm, finding his sharpness. I think his versatility is a big strength of his. He can play through the middle, he can play midfield, he can play wide, and he can do so many different roles. We’ve just got to give him the time to get fit again and be patient with that, but he’s certainly in a good place right now,” he added,
Carrick was undecided on the status of Martinez, who has not played since suffering a calf injury in early February.
“It’s just that call that we make. We wouldn’t be pushed into anything,” he said.
“He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass. But we’ve certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready,” Carrick added.
United is third on 55 points, one point ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa, but six ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.
Carrick has overseen a spectacular run since taking charge in January, guiding United to 23 points from a possible 30 and restoring calm after a turbulent first half of the season.
With just weeks remaining and the race for the five Champions League places tightening, United know there is little room for complacency.
Monday’s match also reignites one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, with Carrick keen for his players to embrace the occasion.
“It’s gone on for an awful long time,” Carrick said. “I think that’s what rivalries are there for, for a really good reason, I think, to be part of, and the intensity and the emotion and the passion that goes into it. Obviously, it’s got to keep within the margins, but I think that’s part of the game we love, going up against other teams… and battling it out on the pitch. So I think it’s something that we’ve got to embrace.”
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