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Tom Banton ruled out of IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans signs Connor Esterhuizen as replacement Gujarat Titans has signed Connor Esterhuizen as the replacement of Tom Banton for IPL 2026, the franchise announced on Friday.Esterhuizen, a wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa, will join the Titans at his base price of Rs. 75 lakhs.Banton was ruled out of the season due to a finger injury. He didn’t feature in any of the four games GT has played so far.The 24-year-old recently made his international debut against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series in February. He made an impressive start, winning two Player of the Match awards and was also named Player of the Series, helping his team clinch the series 3-2 after being 2-1 down.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Tom #Banton #ruled #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #signs #Connor #Esterhuizen #replacement

Tom Banton ruled out of IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans signs Connor Esterhuizen as replacement

Gujarat Titans has signed Connor Esterhuizen as the replacement of Tom Banton for IPL 2026, the franchise announced on Friday.

Esterhuizen, a wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa, will join the Titans at his base price of Rs. 75 lakhs.

Banton was ruled out of the season due to a finger injury. He didn’t feature in any of the four games GT has played so far.

The 24-year-old recently made his international debut against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series in February. He made an impressive start, winning two Player of the Match awards and was also named Player of the Series, helping his team clinch the series 3-2 after being 2-1 down.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Tom #Banton #ruled #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #signs #Connor #Esterhuizen #replacement

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Gujarat Titans has signed Connor Esterhuizen as the replacement of Tom Banton for IPL 2026, the franchise announced on Friday.

Esterhuizen, a wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa, will join the Titans at his base price of Rs. 75 lakhs.

Banton was ruled out of the season due to a finger injury. He didn’t feature in any of the four games GT has played so far.

The 24-year-old recently made his international debut against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series in February. He made an impressive start, winning two Player of the Match awards and was also named Player of the Series, helping his team clinch the series 3-2 after being 2-1 down.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

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Deadspin | Seeking 7th straight win, Rays send Nick Martinez vs. Pirates <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28664790.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28664790.jpg" alt="MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>In a battle of teams off to strong starts, the Tampa Bay Rays will carry a six-game winning streak into the opener of an interleague three-game set against the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Veteran right-hander Nick Martinez (0-0, 2.16 ERA) will try to extend the Rays’ winning surge to seven in a row when they face the improved Pirates and rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler (0-1, 3.86).</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Rays rallied with three runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to complete their first three-game road sweep of the Chicago White Sox since 2019. This feat came on the heels of Tampa Bay’s first home sweep of the New York Yankees since 2018.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Rays have been finding different ways to produce runs in clutch situations. In Thursday’s win, Junior Caminero tied the game in the ninth with a home run before Tampa Bay loaded the bases on a single, walk and hit by pitch, then scored two runs on consecutive walks drawn by Hunter Feduccia and Taylor Walls.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“That’s baseball right there,” right fielder Ryan Vilade said Thursday morning. “Get ’em over, get ’em in. Jonny DeLuca with the big pump (Wednesday) night. But he can also drop one down. So, it’s like, ‘How do you defend it?’ It’s tough. It’s been fun.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Martinez is 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA against the Pirates in nine appearances (four starts). His solid start to the season has also been a factor in keeping the Rays in position to win consistently.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Martinez threw 4 2/3 innings last Saturday against the Yankees, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out four.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>He’ll try to shut down a Pirates lineup performing much better than a year ago, when it finished at or near the bottom of the majors in most offensive categories.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>However, some of Pittsburgh’s most promising talent is still experiencing growing pains as rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has during his first taste of the majors. Griffin’s throwing error on what could have been a key inning-ending double play in Thursday’s 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals led to three costly runs. </p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“I was just trying to make a play for Braxton,” Griffin said. “Fielded it, thought I had a chance to get second, turn and throw, my back leg got stuck under his. At that point, I just tried to hold onto it. It kinda slipped out of my hand and three runs scored. That’s on me. I’ll keep working on that.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Yet Griffin showed signs of his high ceiling with a run-scoring triple two innings later and when he beat a throw to first in the ninth during the Pirates’ comeback to send the game to extra innings.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Chandler is another rookie experiencing ups and downs in his second season after pitching 31 1/3 innings last year. Chandler’s most recent start last Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field was his longest this season. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>He went 5 1/3 innings and struck out four, but ran into some trouble, allowing three runs on three hits, including a pair of home runs, and two walks in a game the Cubs won 7-6 in 11 innings after the Pirates let a 5-0 edge slip away.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Chandler will face the Rays for the first time.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Seeking #7th #straight #win #Rays #send #Nick #Martinez #Pirates

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Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player Sep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday. Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season. “We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.” Technical brilliance and game-breaking ability. Bienvenido al club, Brais Méndez ??The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad.??: https://t.co/LMKoXqK2xu pic.twitter.com/iOXJTZPM65— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2026 Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26). He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year. Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo. Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #playerSep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season.

“We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.”


Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26).

He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year.

Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo.

Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player">Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player Sep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday. Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season. “We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.” Technical brilliance and game-breaking ability. Bienvenido al club, Brais Méndez ??The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad.??: https://t.co/LMKoXqK2xu pic.twitter.com/iOXJTZPM65— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2026 Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26). He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year. Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo. Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player


Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26).

He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year.

Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo.

Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player">Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player
Deadspin | Crew sign La Liga vet Brais Mendez as designated player Sep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday. Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season. “We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.” Technical brilliance and game-breaking ability. Bienvenido al club, Brais Méndez ??The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad.??: https://t.co/LMKoXqK2xu pic.twitter.com/iOXJTZPM65— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2026 Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26). He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year. Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo. Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #playerSep 13, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of a practice balls prior to the game between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Mendez, 29, arrives as a designated player and will occupy an international roster slot. He is signed through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season.

“We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skill set and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.”


Mendez joins MLS after a decade in the Spanish top flight with Celta Vigo (2017-22) and Real Sociedad (2022-26).

He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches with Real Sociedad, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League after the 2022-23 season and win the Copa Del Rey title earlier this year.

Mendez contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches with boyhood club Celta Vigo.

Columbus entered the FIFA World Cup break in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line. The Crew return to action at home against New York City FC on July 22.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #sign #Liga #vet #Brais #Mendez #designated #player
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 22: Aliyah Boston #7 holds Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever back during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, 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. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The WNBA has officially announced the players who will start the 2026 All-Star Game.

The final list includes four guards: Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), and Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx)

Plus, six frontcourt players: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Aliyah Boston (Fever), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Jessica Shepard (Wings), Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries, and Natasha Howard (Lynx)

Starters for the All-Star game are determined using a weighted system in which fan votes account for 50%, current players for 25%, and a media panel for 25%. Ballots featured four guards and six frontcourt players.

In the final fan voting results, released last week, the top 10 vote-getters were as follows:

  1. Aliyah Boston – 683,996 votes
  2. Caitlin Clark – 670,510 votes
  3. A’ja Wilson – 659,057 votes
  4. Paige Bueckers – 640,026 votes
  5. Breanna Stewart – 566,161 votes
  6. Jessica Shepard – 477,066 votes
  7. Angel Reese – 470,748 votes
  8. Gabby Williams – 451,450 votes
  9. Kelsey Mitchell – 434,471 votes
  10. Olivia Miles – 397,080 votes

A breakdown in player and fan voting has yet to be released.

After the 10 starters are determined, the league’s 15 head coaches select 12 reserves (three guards, five frontcourt players, and four of any position). They are not able to select players from their own team.

As one of the official media voters, here was my ballot.

The Atlanta Dream are snubbed in the official results

The Atlanta Dream were the only Top 7 team in the standings not to have any All-Star starters. Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese were all viable candidates to start in the All-Star game, and all three should be named reserves. Reese was the only top 10 vote-getter among fans to not be named an All-Star starter.

The Indiana Fever (11-8) were the only team to have three All-Star starters, while the Dallas Wings (11-8) and Minnesota Lynx (15-4) were each awarded two selections. The Aces, Valkyries, and Liberty each received one selection.

#WNBA #AllStar #starters #named #team #snubbed">WNBA All-Star starters have been named, and one team was snubbed INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 22: Aliyah Boston #7 holds Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever back during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, 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. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images The WNBA has officially announced the players who will start the 2026 All-Star Game. The final list includes four guards: Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), and Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx) Plus, six frontcourt players: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Aliyah Boston (Fever), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Jessica Shepard (Wings), Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries, and Natasha Howard (Lynx) Starters for the All-Star game are determined using a weighted system in which fan votes account for 50%, current players for 25%, and a media panel for 25%. Ballots featured four guards and six frontcourt players. In the final fan voting results, released last week, the top 10 vote-getters were as follows: Aliyah Boston – 683,996 votes Caitlin Clark – 670,510 votes A’ja Wilson – 659,057 votes Paige Bueckers – 640,026 votes Breanna Stewart – 566,161 votes Jessica Shepard – 477,066 votes Angel Reese – 470,748 votes Gabby Williams – 451,450 votes Kelsey Mitchell – 434,471 votes Olivia Miles – 397,080 votes A breakdown in player and fan voting has yet to be released. After the 10 starters are determined, the league’s 15 head coaches select 12 reserves (three guards, five frontcourt players, and four of any position). They are not able to select players from their own team. As one of the official media voters, here was my ballot. The Atlanta Dream are snubbed in the official results The Atlanta Dream were the only Top 7 team in the standings not to have any All-Star starters. Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese were all viable candidates to start in the All-Star game, and all three should be named reserves. Reese was the only top 10 vote-getter among fans to not be named an All-Star starter. The Indiana Fever (11-8) were the only team to have three All-Star starters, while the Dallas Wings (11-8) and Minnesota Lynx (15-4) were each awarded two selections. The Aces, Valkyries, and Liberty each received one selection. #WNBA #AllStar #starters #named #team #snubbed

released last week, the top 10 vote-getters were as follows:

  1. Aliyah Boston – 683,996 votes
  2. Caitlin Clark – 670,510 votes
  3. A’ja Wilson – 659,057 votes
  4. Paige Bueckers – 640,026 votes
  5. Breanna Stewart – 566,161 votes
  6. Jessica Shepard – 477,066 votes
  7. Angel Reese – 470,748 votes
  8. Gabby Williams – 451,450 votes
  9. Kelsey Mitchell – 434,471 votes
  10. Olivia Miles – 397,080 votes

A breakdown in player and fan voting has yet to be released.

After the 10 starters are determined, the league’s 15 head coaches select 12 reserves (three guards, five frontcourt players, and four of any position). They are not able to select players from their own team.

As one of the official media voters, here was my ballot.

The Atlanta Dream are snubbed in the official results

The Atlanta Dream were the only Top 7 team in the standings not to have any All-Star starters. Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese were all viable candidates to start in the All-Star game, and all three should be named reserves. Reese was the only top 10 vote-getter among fans to not be named an All-Star starter.

The Indiana Fever (11-8) were the only team to have three All-Star starters, while the Dallas Wings (11-8) and Minnesota Lynx (15-4) were each awarded two selections. The Aces, Valkyries, and Liberty each received one selection.

#WNBA #AllStar #starters #named #team #snubbed">WNBA All-Star starters have been named, and one team was snubbed
WNBA All-Star starters have been named, and one team was snubbed INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 22: Aliyah Boston #7 holds Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever back during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, 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. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images The WNBA has officially announced the players who will start the 2026 All-Star Game. The final list includes four guards: Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), and Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx) Plus, six frontcourt players: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Aliyah Boston (Fever), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Jessica Shepard (Wings), Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries, and Natasha Howard (Lynx) Starters for the All-Star game are determined using a weighted system in which fan votes account for 50%, current players for 25%, and a media panel for 25%. Ballots featured four guards and six frontcourt players. In the final fan voting results, released last week, the top 10 vote-getters were as follows: Aliyah Boston – 683,996 votes Caitlin Clark – 670,510 votes A’ja Wilson – 659,057 votes Paige Bueckers – 640,026 votes Breanna Stewart – 566,161 votes Jessica Shepard – 477,066 votes Angel Reese – 470,748 votes Gabby Williams – 451,450 votes Kelsey Mitchell – 434,471 votes Olivia Miles – 397,080 votes A breakdown in player and fan voting has yet to be released. After the 10 starters are determined, the league’s 15 head coaches select 12 reserves (three guards, five frontcourt players, and four of any position). They are not able to select players from their own team. As one of the official media voters, here was my ballot. The Atlanta Dream are snubbed in the official results The Atlanta Dream were the only Top 7 team in the standings not to have any All-Star starters. Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese were all viable candidates to start in the All-Star game, and all three should be named reserves. Reese was the only top 10 vote-getter among fans to not be named an All-Star starter. The Indiana Fever (11-8) were the only team to have three All-Star starters, while the Dallas Wings (11-8) and Minnesota Lynx (15-4) were each awarded two selections. The Aces, Valkyries, and Liberty each received one selection. #WNBA #AllStar #starters #named #team #snubbed
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 22: Aliyah Boston #7 holds Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever back during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, 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. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The WNBA has officially announced the players who will start the 2026 All-Star Game.

The final list includes four guards: Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), and Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx)

Plus, six frontcourt players: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Aliyah Boston (Fever), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Jessica Shepard (Wings), Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries, and Natasha Howard (Lynx)

Starters for the All-Star game are determined using a weighted system in which fan votes account for 50%, current players for 25%, and a media panel for 25%. Ballots featured four guards and six frontcourt players.

In the final fan voting results, released last week, the top 10 vote-getters were as follows:

  1. Aliyah Boston – 683,996 votes
  2. Caitlin Clark – 670,510 votes
  3. A’ja Wilson – 659,057 votes
  4. Paige Bueckers – 640,026 votes
  5. Breanna Stewart – 566,161 votes
  6. Jessica Shepard – 477,066 votes
  7. Angel Reese – 470,748 votes
  8. Gabby Williams – 451,450 votes
  9. Kelsey Mitchell – 434,471 votes
  10. Olivia Miles – 397,080 votes

A breakdown in player and fan voting has yet to be released.

After the 10 starters are determined, the league’s 15 head coaches select 12 reserves (three guards, five frontcourt players, and four of any position). They are not able to select players from their own team.

As one of the official media voters, here was my ballot.

The Atlanta Dream are snubbed in the official results

The Atlanta Dream were the only Top 7 team in the standings not to have any All-Star starters. Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese were all viable candidates to start in the All-Star game, and all three should be named reserves. Reese was the only top 10 vote-getter among fans to not be named an All-Star starter.

The Indiana Fever (11-8) were the only team to have three All-Star starters, while the Dallas Wings (11-8) and Minnesota Lynx (15-4) were each awarded two selections. The Aces, Valkyries, and Liberty each received one selection.

#WNBA #AllStar #starters #named #team #snubbed

Archery world champion Mariana Bernal of Mexico was banned for three years, the International Testing Agency said on Thursday, after testing positive for an anabolic steroid three weeks after winning a team gold medal against the U.S.

The 23-year-old Bernal did not challenge the doping offence and is banned until after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She also was stripped of her 2025 World Cup Finals title.

The ITA said she had one year cut from a routine four-year ban “due to her early admission” of the doping.

Bernal tested positive for nandrolone in an out-of-competition test in September last year, the agency said.

Three weeks earlier she helped Mexico beat the U.S. in the final to win gold in the women’s team compound event at the World Championships held in Gwangju, South Korea.

The ITA said Bernal is stripped of her results from the date of the sample. She keeps her world title but loses the World Cup Finals win from last October, when she had beaten teammate and individual world champion Andrea Becerra in Nanjing, China.

Published on Jul 02, 2026

#World #Champion #archer #Bernal #banned #years #steroid #doping">World Champion archer Bernal banned for three years after steroid doping Archery world champion Mariana Bernal of Mexico was banned for three years, the International Testing Agency said on Thursday, after testing positive for an anabolic steroid three weeks after winning a team gold medal against the U.S.The 23-year-old Bernal did not challenge the doping offence and is banned until after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She also was stripped of her 2025 World Cup Finals title.The ITA said she had one year cut from a routine four-year ban “due to her early admission” of the doping.Bernal tested positive for nandrolone in an out-of-competition test in September last year, the agency said.Three weeks earlier she helped Mexico beat the U.S. in the final to win gold in the women’s team compound event at the World Championships held in Gwangju, South Korea.The ITA said Bernal is stripped of her results from the date of the sample. She keeps her world title but loses the World Cup Finals win from last October, when she had beaten teammate and individual world champion Andrea Becerra in Nanjing, China.Published on Jul 02, 2026 #World #Champion #archer #Bernal #banned #years #steroid #doping

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