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Forbes
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Tunnel Looks From The 2025-'26 WNBA Season: Week 5
Sydney Colson is ready to roll against the Aces 🙌 It's hard to believe the WNBA is finally settled into its season, with the Commissioner's Cup slowly coming to an end and All-Star Weekend voting already underway, and before we know it, the draft will be here. With that, players are starting to get more recognition for their outfits, meaning there's more experimenting, more collaboration with stylists, and more intention behind every look. Brionna Jones — The Atlanta Dream Lookin' good, feelin' better 😎#DoItForTheDream Brionna Jones can't seem to stay away from the color chartreuse. She wore a head-to-toe chartreuse dress on the 2024 WNBA All-Star red carpet, and sported another version of the shade in a recent photoshoot. Fortunately for her, it happens to be the centerpiece of her team's color palette. Adding to her growing collection of chartreuse fits, Jones steps out in a floral sweater vest, light-washed flared jeans, and matching suede chartreuse boots. But the true standout? A mismatched zebra-printed Brandon Blackwood bag and brown floral tie, turning this look from predictable to layered. The @washmystics arrive in ATL ready for business 🤩Mystics-Dream - 7-30pm-ET - ION While this outfit might be simple, super simple if you're a basketball player (traditional off-day fit), it's the accessories that really tie it in together. It's all in the details, while Sutton might be wearing be wearing grey jersey shorts and a grey zip up, she pairs it with a dark green Goyard Bowling 25 Toiletry Bag. This seemingly ties in the color of the green Louis Vuitton LV Trainer Sneaker and a multicolor scrap yarn beanie. The @la_sparks and @minnesotalynx touch down for tonight's action 📍8pm-ET tip-off awaits on League ... More Pass. The first word that comes to mind when seeing this outfit? Unfair. Every week, without fail, Jackson enters the tunnel in a custom look tailored perfectly to her style, face beat, , and then drops double digits on the court. It might be warm in L.A., but Jackson brings the coldest fit to the tunnel: knee-high shearling fur boots, a white mini tennis skirt, and a cropped, tie-up blouse that screams 'Oops, I did it again.' 🕶️🕶️🕶️@alaskaair - Arrivals A lot of athletes seem to think that once they're signed to an athleisure brand, they have to rep sweats and tanks at every turn. But this is a masterclass in showing love to the brands that cut the checks while staying true to your personal style. Nneka Ogwumike steps out in the ever-coveted, limited-edition Wales Bonner x Adidas Sambas in a gleaming silver, paired with the Adidas Originals Women's Waistband Tulle Maxi Skirt, an oversized Tiro windbreaker, and—because why not—matching reflective shades indoors. Honorable mention: the wired headphones. Chef's kiss.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Should Caitlin Clark be a WNBA All-Star Game starter? Our experts reveal their votes
For the first time in WNBA history, All-Star Weekend is coming to Indianapolis. The city is not new to hosting major sporting events, routinely hosting Final Fours and annually hosting the NFL Draft Combine, but the arrival of the WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 comes at an inflection point for the Fever, who have rocketed in popularity over the last two seasons. Advertisement All-Star starters will be announced Monday. The league will release rankings from fan votes (50 percent), player votes (25 percent) and media votes (25 percent). The four guards and six players with the best score will be starters. Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier were named captains because they received the most fan votes. The WNBA is expected to unveil the 12 All-Star reserves, decided by the coaches on July 6. The captains will select teams in a draft broadcast on July 8. Before all that occurs, here is how 's Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant voted in their official ballots due last Friday, as well as how they are thinking about some critical All-Star questions. Who were your picks for All-Star starters? What were the hardest starter decisions? Pickman: In terms of guards, Seattle had been more than 36 points better per 100 possessions with Diggins on the floor than off it, and she already has 44 assists this season to Ogwukime, the most of any combination. Gray leads all players in win shares and is having a career-year under first-year coach Karl Smesko. Ionescu has been more efficient on offense this season, leading New York to an 11-3 at the time my votes were due. Advertisement Whether to include Caitlin Clark was the toughest guard decision. At the time ballots were due, Clark led the league in assists and was fifth among guards in scoring. She also runs one of the league's most difficult actions to stop when she initiates two-player action with Boston. (Clark has 40 assists to Boston this season, second-most of any pair in the league.) Though Clark's home/road shooting splits are stark, her highs have been among the best this season. Her availability is what has given me the most pause. Clark played only nine games at the time ballots were due because of a left quad injury. (She's now missing additional time with a left groin injury.) She already has been named a captain, so debate over her candidacy is for naught, but reasonable cases can be made for Rhyne Howard, Arguments are valid for Paige Bueckers, Brittney Sykes and Kelsey Plum to receive this spot over Clark, too. Clark has undoubtedly been one of the best guards in the league when healthy, but considering there are other players on my ballot who had played just two games more than her at the time of voting, I was willing to look past it. Merchant: Alyssa Thomas was the toughest frontcourt omission (and might have been impossible to leave out had voting not closed before Thomas' 17-point, 15-assist game Friday). However, the frontcourt pool is incredibly deep, and she couldn't overcome the missed time. If Thomas makes the reserve roster once she has played more — she currently isn't in the top 50 in total minutes played — that will feel deserved. Advertisement The disqualifying factor for Clark was her inefficiency. She's shooting below 40 percent from the field and below 30 percent on 3s. When it came down to her and McBride, it was hard to choose the player who has so many more empty possessions, especially when McBride is the superior defender on the best team in the league. Apologies also to Jackie Young, who has taken on a large burden for the Aces. Ultimately, it didn't seem fair to reward teams with losing records with multiple All-Star starters. Who should be a first-time All-Star reserve? Merchant: Kayla Thornton (GSV) I considered Gabby Williams, but her inclusion feels so obvious to me that I'll make a pitch for a more unheralded candidate. Thornton has become the lifeblood of the upstart Valkyries, averaging career-best marks in points, rebounds, steals and fouls drawn at age 32. She has an almost spiritual connection with the fans in Ballhalla — nothing (other than a Kate Martin 3) seems to get them going like a Thornton bucket, especially one in transition. Crashing a forward pool that includes Shakira Austin, Dearica Hamby, Bri Jones, Thomas and Williams will be challenging, but Golden State deserves at least one All-Star, and Thornton's energy, physicality and late-game execution — she's 10th in the WNBA in clutch points per game — make her the pick. Advertisement Pickman: Brittney Sykes (WAS) Sykes is having a career-year under first-year coach Sydney Johnson. Known throughout her career as one of the league's best defensive players, Sykes' offensive game has blossomed this season. She's scoring a career-high 19.6 points per game, while shooting a career-best 41.7 percent from 3. She's also recording a career-high in assists (4.8), and is getting to the free-throw line more than anyone else in the league (9.6 attempts per game). Sykes is second among guards in shot attempts from less than five feet, converting an impressive 60.6 percent on those looks, as she attacks the rim with an aggressiveness that creates scoring chances for herself and teammates. As Sabreena mentioned, Williams is another first-timer lock, but Sykes should be, too. Which team should have the most All-Stars? Pickman: Can I plead the fifth here and say no team is going to get more than three All-Stars? I would be surprised if New York, Seattle, Indiana and Atlanta don't get three each with the Lynx potentially also getting three if Courtney Williams is selected (more on that later). For the first few weeks of the season, an argument could be made for Liberty guard Natasha Cloud's first All-Star selection, but I think her candidacy suffered some in early-to-mid June. Advertisement Merchant: In theory, the league's best teams should have the most All-Stars, but I expect all of Minnesota, New York and Phoenix to top out at two (apologies to the injured Jonquel Jones). It's the second tier of Seattle, Atlanta and Indiana that will probably all get three selections. It's a function of roster construction more than anything, as the top trio of teams simply has more depth, with fewer players putting up eye-popping stats. Who might be snubbed? Merchant: Hamby has been excellent for the Sparks, and her motor powers the defense and transition offense. However, it's hard to see coaches voting for two players from struggling L.A., and Kelsey Plum figures to get more love with her top-10 scoring and assist averages. On the subject of bad teams, Arike Ogunbowale has been an All-Star every year since her rookie season, including winning All-Star Game MVP twice, but that streak likely will come to an end this year. Her exclusion won't necessarily be a snub considering the drop in her scoring and shooting percentages, but it is surprising in what should be the prime of her career. Advertisement Pickman: My responses speaks to the above question regarding how many Lynx will make the All-Star team. For much of the season, Williams has been the second-best player on the team with the WNBA's best record. She is averaging career-highs in points (17.3) and assists (7.8) per 36 minutes, and her effectiveness in pick-and-roll scenarios with Collier (Williams has assisted Collier baskets 34 times this year) is central to Minnesota's success. Yet, I'm keeping a close eye on whether Williams will get into the All-Star Game. She's a veteran whose per game averages don't jump off the page. How will coaches weigh Williams' case against Chelsea Gray, Thornton, Sonia Citron, Kelsey Mitchell, Kiki Iriafen or Azurá Stevens? A lot of players with strong resumes might find themselves on the cut line. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, Golden State Valkyries, WNBA, Opinion 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Should Caitlin Clark be a WNBA All-Star Game starter? Our experts reveal their votes
For the first time in WNBA history, All-Star Weekend is coming to Indianapolis. The city is not new to hosting major sporting events, routinely hosting Final Fours and annually hosting the NFL Draft Combine, but the arrival of the WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 comes at an inflection point for the Fever, who have rocketed in popularity over the last two seasons. Advertisement All-Star starters will be announced Monday. The league will release rankings from fan votes (50 percent), player votes (25 percent) and media votes (25 percent). The four guards and six players with the best score will be starters. Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier were named captains because they received the most fan votes. The WNBA is expected to unveil the 12 All-Star reserves, decided by the coaches on July 6. The captains will select teams in a draft broadcast on July 8. Before all that occurs, here is how The Athletic's Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant voted in their official ballots due last Friday, as well as how they are thinking about some critical All-Star questions. (Picks in alphabetical order according to positions) Pickman: In terms of guards, Seattle had been more than 36 points better per 100 possessions with Diggins on the floor than off it, and she already has 44 assists this season to Ogwukime, the most of any combination. Gray leads all players in win shares and is having a career-year under first-year coach Karl Smesko. Ionescu has been more efficient on offense this season, leading New York to an 11-3 at the time my votes were due. Whether to include Caitlin Clark was the toughest guard decision. At the time ballots were due, Clark led the league in assists and was fifth among guards in scoring. She also runs one of the league's most difficult actions to stop when she initiates two-player action with Boston. (Clark has 40 assists to Boston this season, second-most of any pair in the league.) Though Clark's home/road shooting splits are stark, her highs have been among the best this season. Her availability is what has given me the most pause. Clark played only nine games at the time ballots were due because of a left quad injury. (She's now missing additional time with a left groin injury.) She already has been named a captain, so debate over her candidacy is for naught, but reasonable cases can be made for Rhyne Howard, Advertisement Arguments are valid for Paige Bueckers, Brittney Sykes and Kelsey Plum to receive this spot over Clark, too. Clark has undoubtedly been one of the best guards in the league when healthy, but considering there are other players on my ballot who had played just two games more than her at the time of voting, I was willing to look past it. Merchant: Alyssa Thomas was the toughest frontcourt omission (and might have been impossible to leave out had voting not closed before Thomas' 17-point, 15-assist game Friday). However, the frontcourt pool is incredibly deep, and she couldn't overcome the missed time. If Thomas makes the reserve roster once she has played more — she currently isn't in the top 50 in total minutes played — that will feel deserved. The disqualifying factor for Clark was her inefficiency. She's shooting below 40 percent from the field and below 30 percent on 3s. When it came down to her and McBride, it was hard to choose the player who has so many more empty possessions, especially when McBride is the superior defender on the best team in the league. Apologies also to Jackie Young, who has taken on a large burden for the Aces. Ultimately, it didn't seem fair to reward teams with losing records with multiple All-Star starters. Merchant: Kayla Thornton (GSV) I considered Gabby Williams, but her inclusion feels so obvious to me that I'll make a pitch for a more unheralded candidate. Thornton has become the lifeblood of the upstart Valkyries, averaging career-best marks in points, rebounds, steals and fouls drawn at age 32. She has an almost spiritual connection with the fans in Ballhalla — nothing (other than a Kate Martin 3) seems to get them going like a Thornton bucket, especially one in transition. Crashing a forward pool that includes Shakira Austin, Dearica Hamby, Bri Jones, Thomas and Williams will be challenging, but Golden State deserves at least one All-Star, and Thornton's energy, physicality and late-game execution — she's 10th in the WNBA in clutch points per game — make her the pick. Advertisement Pickman: Brittney Sykes (WAS) Sykes is having a career-year under first-year coach Sydney Johnson. Known throughout her career as one of the league's best defensive players, Sykes' offensive game has blossomed this season. She's scoring a career-high 19.6 points per game, while shooting a career-best 41.7 percent from 3. She's also recording a career-high in assists (4.8), and is getting to the free-throw line more than anyone else in the league (9.6 attempts per game). Sykes is second among guards in shot attempts from less than five feet, converting an impressive 60.6 percent on those looks, as she attacks the rim with an aggressiveness that creates scoring chances for herself and teammates. As Sabreena mentioned, Williams is another first-timer lock, but Sykes should be, too. Brittney Sykes today 🔥 • 28 points • 6 assists • 3 rebounds • 6/12 FG • 29 minutes played — Women's Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) June 8, 2025 Pickman: Can I plead the fifth here and say no team is going to get more than three All-Stars? I would be surprised if New York, Seattle, Indiana and Atlanta don't get three each with the Lynx potentially also getting three if Courtney Williams is selected (more on that later). For the first few weeks of the season, an argument could be made for Liberty guard Natasha Cloud's first All-Star selection, but I think her candidacy suffered some in early-to-mid June. Merchant: In theory, the league's best teams should have the most All-Stars, but I expect all of Minnesota, New York and Phoenix to top out at two (apologies to the injured Jonquel Jones). It's the second tier of Seattle, Atlanta and Indiana that will probably all get three selections. It's a function of roster construction more than anything, as the top trio of teams simply has more depth, with fewer players putting up eye-popping stats. Merchant: Hamby has been excellent for the Sparks, and her motor powers the defense and transition offense. However, it's hard to see coaches voting for two players from struggling L.A., and Kelsey Plum figures to get more love with her top-10 scoring and assist averages. On the subject of bad teams, Arike Ogunbowale has been an All-Star every year since her rookie season, including winning All-Star Game MVP twice, but that streak likely will come to an end this year. Her exclusion won't necessarily be a snub considering the drop in her scoring and shooting percentages, but it is surprising in what should be the prime of her career. Pickman: My responses speaks to the above question regarding how many Lynx will make the All-Star team. For much of the season, Williams has been the second-best player on the team with the WNBA's best record. She is averaging career-highs in points (17.3) and assists (7.8) per 36 minutes, and her effectiveness in pick-and-roll scenarios with Collier (Williams has assisted Collier baskets 34 times this year) is central to Minnesota's success. Advertisement Yet, I'm keeping a close eye on whether Williams will get into the All-Star Game. She's a veteran whose per game averages don't jump off the page. How will coaches weigh Williams' case against Chelsea Gray, Thornton, Sonia Citron, Kelsey Mitchell, Kiki Iriafen or Azurá Stevens? A lot of players with strong resumes might find themselves on the cut line. (Photo of Caitlin Clark and Nneka Ogwumike: Alika Jenner / Getty Images)
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Caitlin Clark's drama-filled season rolls on, plus Ohtani hits 100
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic's daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Maximize your own generational talent today. The Indiana Fever are the most talked-about team in the WNBA, for obvious (read: Caitlin Clark) reasons. But they're also supposed to be a rising team in the W, and they've had a bizarre first month and change of the season. Think about all that's happened: On the one hand, Indiana is a compelling story even without Clark. On the other hand, the attention is probably ratcheted up because she's on the roster. I asked Ben Pickman, a women's hoops reporter for The Athletic, about these dynamics: Are there any signs amid Indiana's weird year that the circus around Clark is cooling? Advertisement 💬 Not any signs that I am picking up on. The Fever continue to be the league's most interesting team, with the league's biggest draw. Yes, Clark is having an All-Star caliber season (she'll almost definitely be a starter in the exhibition), but she has also missed time due to injury for the first time in her professional career. Add in Clark being at the center of conversations surrounding officiating and the Bonner departure, and this first half of the season has given people lots to discuss. Clark said a successful year for Indiana constituted a championship. The Fever have a long way to go. Also, note this point from Ben: Indy hosts All-Star weekend starting July 18, and that will be yet another microscope event for Clark. 'Could she take part in her first 3-point shootout as a pro? That would certainly bring some more juice to All-Star Friday night.' A Club World Cup thriller On Friday, Jurgen Klopp called the Club World Cup 'the worst idea ever implemented in football.' There has been much debate regarding the merits of the tournament. Nevertheless, yesterday's round of 16 action provided a thrilling Chelsea win that took nearly five hours thanks to a weather delay and plenty of controversial refereeing. Perhaps even more intriguing, Messi and Inter Miami get a crack at PSG this afternoon. Lonzo traded to Cavs The Bulls traded guard Lonzo Ball to the Cavaliers yesterday in return for forward Isaac Okoro. Ball, still just 27 years old, has spent the last four seasons in Chicago but played a total of just 70 games. Despite the chronic knee issues, Ball can be a productive bench guard for Cleveland if he can stay healthy. The Bulls, meanwhile, have netted zero first-round picks in moving Ball, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine over the last two seasons. Zach Harper has trade grades here. Advertisement More news: Dave Parker, a legendary Pirates outfielder who was set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame next month, died yesterday. He was 74. As NHL free agency looms, the Golden Knights are discussing a sign-and-trade to acquire Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs, The Athletic reports. Read the full report. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani threw the hardest pitch of his career yesterday in just his third appearance back on the mound. Ohtani remains ridiculous. 📺 Formula 1: Austrian Grand Prix 9 a.m. ET on ESPN Note: a real race, not a movie starring Brad Pitt. But here's an interesting story from Luke Smith about F1 (the racing series) and its close collaboration with F1 (the film). Red Bull Ring is a cool track and one of the most picturesque settings in racing. 📺 Soccer: USMNT vs. Costa Rica 7 p.m. ET on Fox After a comfortable 3-0 run through the Gold Cup group stage, the Americans move to the quarterfinals. The winner gets Canada or Guatemala in the semis. Among other things, this tournament is a World Cup audition for a bunch of USMNT players. Before the first round of Wimbledon starts tomorrow, read the fascinating behind-the-scenes story on how the All England Club gets ready for Grand Slam action. It's a year-round process. Also: Bookmark our Wimbledon watch guide. More: The Tennis Podcast has a killer preview. Listen up! I started watching 'Stick' on Apple TV+. Owen Wilson is the same guy in every performance and I'm not tired of it. — Chris Branch 'The Athletic FC Podcast' has a great series right now called 'Transfers that shook the world.' The latest episode: Robin van Persie leaving Arsenal to join Manchester United in 2012. Listen on Apple and Spotify. Audible books on car speakers en route to summer little league games? A hit! Willy Wonka is clipping spoiled kids left and right. The 7-year-old begs: 'What's gonna' happen to Veruca??' — Chris Sprow South Carolina barbecue legend Rodney Scott's cookbook is the thing I'd put on our coffee table, if we owned one. — Jason Kirk Trader Joe's chimichurri is my new cheat code for improving otherwise super basic weekday lunches and dinners. — Torrey Hart I bought a box of 1995-96 Upper Deck Collectors Choice Series 1 basketball cards and a box of 1995-96 Upper Deck Collectors Choice Series 2 basketball cards on eBay. I will either spend the next few weeks slowly opening these packs one by one and organizing while reveling in this nostalgia, or I will do it all this weekend and organize them in a binder. This is living. — Zach Harper Advertisement Most-clicked in the newsletter yesterday: NHL Draft grades for every first-round pick. Most-read on the website yesterday: The NHL Draft live analysis, again. Ticketing links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shams: LeBron James likely to opt in to player option for next season
LeBron James has a big decision to make over the next month or so. He has a player option for next season that he can either play on or turn down in order to sign a new contract. Just about everyone expects him to be back this fall for his 23rd NBA season. But whether James opts in or opts out of that player option will have ramifications for the Los Angeles Lakers, mostly when it comes to their salary cap situation. Advertisement ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania went on "The Pat McAfee Show" and said he's been told the superstar is likely to opt in to that player option. 'I'm told he's likely to opt in. He's got a player option of about $54 million, a massive player option. That's likely. That's the plan. But again, his option date is June 29. So he still has about a month to figure it out. He still has to have some hard conversations that are gonna happen between him and the Lakers to see what this team looks like. Because listen, LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment. And I said it when I came on when their season ended, he's probably gonna opt in because the option is so big and then that gives you flexibility to figure out, do you extend off that number, or this is the final year if this is the last hurrah essentially. Year 23 for No. 23, they have All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. So to me, it's very storybook if that's the way it goes. But, that's a decision that he's gotta make.' After the Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, James was asked how much longer he will play, and he said he couldn't give an answer. One has to figure that no matter how much longer he wants to remain in the league, he will let it be known beforehand when his final season will be, as one has to expect that he will want some sort of farewell tour. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Shams: LeBron James likely to opt in to player option for next season
