Several professional women’s basketball leagues have emerged since the WNBA’s recent rise. Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull thinks those leagues will merge in the future.

Hull, who has played in Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled, tells Front Office Sports that the schedule and structure of the different offseason leagues work at the moment because of the WNBA’s limited roster spots and relatively short schedule.

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But as the WNBA continues to expand, the Stanford graduate believes other leagues may need to consolidate.

“It is great to have other options in Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled to give players the opportunity to play in the offseason,” Hull said. “I think down the line, I would envision some of those leagues merging together and giving players the opportunity to actually have a full offseason.”

The WNBA season currently runs from May to September. Both Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled run near the start of the calendar year. Athletes Unlimited runs for about a month, and Unrivaled lasts for about two months.

“The length of those leagues and the length of those seasons are short in the whole scheme of things that we still do get a good amount of time off,” Hull said. “We get a chance to rest our body and recover … I think in the foreseeable future, they’ll definitely still be around and bringing in a lot more eyes for the offseason people that want to watch.”

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The WNBA season can be pushed into late November under the new CBA. After this year’s 44-game season, the schedule can max out at 50 games in 2027 and 2028, and 52 games from 2029 to 2032.

Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled are inherently different leagues. The former plays a traditional 5-on-5 format, while the latter is 3-on-3 basketball. And they also have differences from two other leagues launching this year: The Upshot League and Project B.

Startup League Boom Continues

The Upshot League is a professional league launching May 15 and will run simultaneously with the WNBA season. The four-team league will play in cities without a WNBA franchise: Jacksonville, Savannah, Greensboro, and Charlotte. It’s already been announced that two expansion teams will be coming next year in Baltimore and Nashville.

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The league’s commissioner is Donna Orender, the former president of the WNBA. She told Front Office Sports that Upshot can be a “complementary” league to the WNBA.

“We believe that there is a place for us to be partners in a meaningful and impactful way,” Orender said.

Project B is a global basketball league that will run from December to March and will make seven stops across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It’s already signed more than a dozen players, including Nneka Ogwumike and Kelsey Mitchell.

Bigger Salaries, Different Choices

FOS reported late last year that Project B is offering players salaries starting at $2 million, which is more than the supermax salaries in the WNBA, even under the new CBA.

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Salaries will also play a factor in players’ interest in joining offseason leagues. The primary reason players played overseas or in other domestic leagues was to supplement their earnings, given the WNBA’s low salaries.

But increased income may change players’ offseason decisions. For example, WNBA superstars A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, both of whom have multi-million-dollar shoe deals, have never played in Athletes Unlimited or Unrivaled.

The post Lexie Hull Thinks Offseason Basketball Leagues Could Eventually Merge appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Cheshire-based, leisure charity, Everybody Health and Leisure, has announced the appointment of four high-profile patrons, who will campaign on its behalf in order to raise funds and visibility.

The patrons are retired Paralympic athlete, disability campaigner and sitting member of the House of Lord, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. Her appointment underlines the charity’s commitment to building its provision for people with disabilities in the borough.

Consultant psychiatrist and bestselling author of the Chimp Paradox, Professor Steve Peters, who has been a consultant to more than 20 Olympic and national sporting teams and individuals has come on board. Peters has supported Everybody in the past, in its partnership with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and the To Macclesfield, Love Mia heart-screening project for school leavers. 

Two of the charity’s founding trustees – Philip Bland, who was appointed an MBE for Services to the Water Industry – and Zoe Davidson, who has had a long career working in consultancy at KPMG and now Deloitte, have also become patrons. Together the patrons will shine a light on the impact the charity is having and contributing to fund-raising. 

Thomas Barton, CEO of Everybody Health and Leisure said: “It is with great pride that we announce the appointment of our first charity patrons. All four are leaders in their own fields, who have chosen to lend their considerable influence and huge expertise to help us in our mission to help the people of Cheshire East live well, and for longer. You can expect to see more of our patrons in the coming weeks and months as they start campaigning on our behalf.” 

Grey-Thompson says: “I have been working with Everybody as the host of their annual awards for a number of years now, and every year I am just so impressed by the passion and dedication of the awards winners and the Everybody team when it comes to providing these life changing services, not only for people with disabilities but for everyone in the community. I look forward to continuing my work with the team and being a champion for this charity in the House of Lords and beyond.”

Separately, the charity has recently developed an exercise and nutrition support programme for people taking weight loss medications. Live Well provides structured lifestyle support to help participants build sustainable healthy habits, stay nourished, maintain strength and feel confident on their weight-loss journey.

The 12-week programme involves one-to-one support with tailored exercise and nutrition plans. Access to exercise classes, swimming and gym facilities are offered at three sites. It is open to adults with a BMI of 30 or above who have been prescribed the medications.

Everybody was recently assessed for its Social Value and was found to provide £22.08 worth of community benefits for every £1 it receives in funding.

Demand would be, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in January, equivalent to “1000 years of World Cups at once.” But with a month to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup, tickets remain for most matches and it’s unclear if any games have really sold out.

“The way it looks to me, I would not be too concerned about the hype of the World Cup being sold out,” Gilad Zilberman, CEO of leading secondary market comparison site, SeatPick, told DW.

“I think prices will drop. That’s my gut feeling. I think FIFA is struggling.”

While FIFA failed to reply to a series of questions from DW on demand and sales figures, a recent report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) backed up Zilberman’s analysis. It stated that nearly 80% of hotel bookings across host cities are running below initial forecasts. That was, the AHLA said, likely due to a lack of international travelers.

With visa difficulties, high air fares and other logistical challenges, the tournament is looking increasingly likely to be attended largely by fans from the host countries — the US, Mexico and Canada — who can afford to wait for the price drops predicted by Zilberman and others.

Dynamic pricing and secondary markets key to FIFA in 2026

For this year’s tournament, world football’s governors FIFA have introduced a form of dynamic pricing. The organization has said that they set the prices but adjust them according to demand, as opposed to the more common practice of using an algorithm. This has seen almost daily headlines about extortionate World Cup tickets.

Another new element of FIFA’s ticketing strategy this year is the introduction of its own secondary market, where those who won tickets in a series of ballots can resell their tickets at whatever price they can obtain, with FIFA taking a 15% cut from both buyer and seller. Recently a ticket was listed there for $2,299,998.85 (about €1.95 million) meaning $690,000 (€585,000) for FIFA if it sells.

The most expensive face value ticket for the final was $11,000 and FIFA expects to gross $3 billion on ticketing and hospitality sales alone. Infantino defended his organization’s ticketing strategy last week.

“We are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates,” Infantino said. “In the US it is permitted to resell tickets as well. So if you were to sell tickets at a price that is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price.

“And as a matter of fact, even though some people are saying that the ticket prices we have are high, they still end up on the resale market at an even higher price, more than double of our price.”

Is the demand really there?

However, Zilberman says the market data disputes this. SeatPick tracks data from all the major resellers outside of FIFA’s platform, such as Viagogo and Stubhub. He told DW that, at the end of April, 72% of the matches where figures from FIFA and the secondary market are available, the secondary market came out cheaper. DW has tested this and found tickets from resellers to be cheaper in most cases, though assessing direct equivalents is not always possible.

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Zilberman said he understands that FIFA would be “leaving money on the table” by adopting a cheaper, face value strategy such as that employed by UEFA for the Euros, but that they aren’t equipped to use the ticketing strategies they are.

“From previous history of dealing with these type of big tournaments, it often happens like it’s happened right now. They get stuck with a lot of tickets. Dynamic pricing is not FIFA’s expertise.”

He added that those seeking tickets were heading to the secondary markets because they reflect supply and demand. Ticket prices can fall for matches without much demand, unlike FIFA tickets, which are yet to drop in value.

“FIFA is basically doing dynamic pricing by themselves. And they’re trying to emulate what the pricing is on the secondary market and trying to compete and grab the most amount of the pie they can have for themselves.”

Fans urged to wait it out while doubts linger on 2030

FIFA released two separate tranches of tickets, styled as “last-minute sales”, in just over two weeks in April and May after what they had previously said was the final phase. This, said Zilberman, is proof that they are holding back tickets in order, presumably, to impact the market.

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“It could be that they’re inefficient in technology, which wouldn’t surprise me, but I don’t think it’s that. It’s most likely that releasing in batches lets you get the spikes in demand on the day of release, see how the market reacts and utilize dynamic pricing. So, ‘how do I do the least damage to my perception with fans but at the same time maximize my profit?’”

A challenge has come to FIFA’s strategy from the Canadian province of Ontario, which passed legislation in late April banning the reselling of event tickets above face value. While there are some restrictions on secondary markets in Mexico, there are few in the US and Canada until Ontario’s move, which affects prices in Toronto, where resale tickets won’t be able to exceed face value. Football Supporters Europe and lobby group Euroconsumers also filed a complaint to the European Commission in late March over FIFA’s ticketing strategy for the tournament.

FIFA has not yet announced whether it will continue these strategies for the next World Cup, to be held in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, but Zilberman thinks it will not be as easy next time around.

“I think they will try, but it’s not the same,” he said. “US platforms in terms of (the) second-hand market are very, very advanced and the consumer is quite acquainted to a price going to five times the value of the primary market release. In Spain, Morocco and Portugal, not so much.”

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It certainly seems unlikely that 2030 will see tickets listed north of $2 million. Even if listed does not mean sold, Infantino has promised any potential buyer that most unusual thing at this World Cup — a freebie.

“If somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience.”

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has explained his disagreement with Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche after the player suggested that the coach no longer trusted him.

Uche has struggled for regular playing time since joining Crystal Palace on loan from Getafe CF. The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances this season, mostly as a substitute, and is yet to start a Premier League match.

The midfielder recently spoke about his difficult time in England and hinted that his relationship with Glasner had become strained.

His comments raised questions about his future at the club ahead of Palace’s UEFA Conference League semi-final match.

Speaking before the game, Glasner denied having any personal problem with the Nigerian player and explained why he was left out of the club’s Conference League squad.

According to the Palace manager, UEFA registration rules forced the club to make difficult decisions after new players arrived during the season.

Glasner said injuries and squad planning also influenced the decision, adding that the club expected some attacking players to return to fitness at the time.

The Austrian coach explained that the situation made Uche believe he was no longer wanted, but insisted there was nothing personal behind the decision.

He also said the club still supports the midfielder despite his lack of game time and stressed that internal matters should remain within the team.

Uche is now expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season and return to Spain after failing to meet the conditions needed for a permanent transfer.

Reports claimed Palace would only complete a permanent move if the midfielder started 10 Premier League matches, but he failed to make a single league start during his loan spell.

Although he could return to Getafe, the Spanish club may still decide to sell him this summer because of financial concerns.

Several Premier League clubs, including Everton, Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford, are reportedly monitoring his situation.

The midfielder has also been linked with interest from AC Milan and OGC Nice, although reports suggest he would prefer to remain in English football.

IOC president Kirsty Coventry suggested, external in February that Russia could compete at the Games in Los Angeles in two years time.

But the IOC has decided that doping issues mean it is not ready to lift its ban on the country.

It explained that, unlike Russia, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus “is in good standing and complies with the Olympic Charter”.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) recently announced that more than 300 sanctions have been handed to Russian athletes following the seizure of Moscow laboratory data in 2019.

“While the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) has held constructive exchanges with the IOC on its suspension, it remains suspended while the IOC legal affairs commission continues to review the matter,” said the IOC.

“The IOC EB (executive board) also noted with concern the recent information that has led to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) looking into the Russian anti-doping system.

“The IOC EB would therefore like to obtain a better understanding of this situation.”

In September, the International Paralympic Committee lifted its ban on athletes from Belarus and Russia competing at the Winter Paralympics earlier this year, while World Aquatics has also announced athletes from the two countries can compete under their nations’ flags.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino suggested in February that world football’s governing body will look at lifting a ban on Russia, a move called “irresponsible” and “infantile” by Ukraine sports minister Matvii Bidnyi.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar created history during the clash against Lucknow Super Giants by becoming the first fast bowler to complete 200 matches in IPL history. The landmark added another major achievement to Bhuvneshwar’s remarkable T20 career. Earlier this season, he had also become the first pacer and only the second player after Yuzvendra Chahal to complete 200 IPL wickets. The veteran seamer has continued his excellent form in IPL 2026 and currently leads the Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets in nine matches. Speaking about the milestone, Bhuvneshwar said reaching 200 IPL appearances was a proud moment in his career. “It is indeed special. Any milestone is, really, and playing 200 matches is, in itself, a massive achievement. So, naturally, I am feeling very happy,” Bhuvneshwar said. He also admitted that achieving the feat with a successful franchise made it even more satisfying. “I think the best part is that I am achieving this with a team that won the trophy last year and is playing exceptionally well this season; that makes it even better,” he added. Reflecting on his long IPL journey, the swing bowler picked his first-ever IPL wicket as the most memorable moment of his career. “It is very difficult to pick just one, but if I absolutely had to name something special, I would choose my debut wicket. My journey began so many years ago, and that very first wicket is always something special,” he said. Bhuvneshwar also opened up on the challenges of surviving as a fast bowler in modern-day T20 cricket, especially with the increasingly aggressive approach of batters during the Powerplay. “It has certainly been demanding, especially considering the way the format itself has evolved. Given the way batsmen are changing and the aggressive approach they are adopting during the Powerplay, it is always a demanding challenge to constantly improve one’s game,” he explained. However, the veteran credited his success to sticking to the basics throughout his career. “I believe what has worked for me personally is the consistent focus on strengthening my basics,” he added. With the achievement, Bhuvneshwar also entered an elite list of players to have featured in 200 or more IPL matches, becoming only the 12th cricketer overall to reach the landmark.

Sean Walsh is one of two Good Good Golf members who make up the Good Good Pros team. Along with Brad Dalke, he takes on actual touring pros when creating content, and there’s one club in the bag Sean feels more confident with than others: his 7-wood. I had a chance to film with Sean at The Yards in Jacksonville, Fla., and he discussed why he uses the 7-wood off the tee (and why he loves it so much).

Callaway Elyte vs. Callaway Quantum

I caught Sean during the transition period between the Elyte and Quantum series of clubs. He’s in love with the Elyte option, as it was his first 7-wood and he feels emotionally attached, but I had a feeling there was going to be some benefits to the Quantum. The only caveat was that the new Quantum 7-wood had a Velocore+ version of the Ventus Blue, and the Elyte had the older Velocore model. On paper, not a huge deal, but in practice they feel very different and that was going to come into play.

“I’ve hit some of the best shots of my life with that thing,” he said. “I’ve been able to hit this thing 260 to 265 yards when I really, absolutely smack it. The thing I love about a 7-wood though is I can also hit it to a very practical 230 yards.”

He also loves that he can flight it down fairly easily, but if he’s on a course where height doesn’t matter, he’s happy to swap in a Callaway UT 2-iron.

For what it’s worth, after posting an Instagram story about my disdain for high-lofted fairway woods, Sean replied, “You can take my 7-wood out of my cold dead hands.” So he’s fully committed.

The Elyte performed great and felt like home for Sean, but there was promise in the Quantum. It was just a little bit faster and with a bit more consistency in spin. Having just a bit more distance from the Quantum let Sean feel like he could really work the top end of his bag into a different area. We also tested a mini-driver with Sean for the first time, and the new combination of the mini and the 7-wood seemed to peak his interest.

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Simplicity

The other thing Sean mentioned was his appreciation for simplifying his game as he continues to strive to play higher level golf. The 7-wood was a perfect addition to his bag for this exact purpose. It’s a true tool — not just something he added for the sake of having the option. He’s able to use the 7-wood comfortably for lots of different shots, including a bomb that travels north of 250 yards and a floater that gets him a nice comfortable 230-yard shot.

By making his driver a consistent shot off the tee, and utilizing his 3-wood (or possibly the mini driver) as the opposite shot shape off the tee, he uses the 7-wood as his chance to create shots if needed.