WNBA MVP race rankings: A'ja Wilson vs. Olivia Miles debate is on with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lurking originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Award season is fast approaching in the WNBA. With a little more than one month left in the season, now is the time for the league's greatest talents to play for the sport's finest pieces of hardware.
No accolade glistens as brightly as the MVP. A'ja Wilson has had something of a stranglehold on the prize in recent years, capturing four in the past six years. A fifth looks on the horizon, although she's facing strong competition from a handful of notable youngsters, namely Olivia Miles and Caitlin Clark.
Recent history tells us that MVP races can be difficult to predict. Wilson beat Breanna Stewart by eight first-place votes in 2022. Stewart won the award in 2023 despite earning fewer first-place votes than Alyssa Thomas, while Wilson stormed away with the prize after a late-season surge last year. While the calendar is shrinking, votes haven't yet been cast. Surprises could be on the way, especially if someone further down the rankings makes a splash.
With that, here's a look at what the MVP ladder looks like heading into the stretch run.

#wilson

Rangers lost their last league meeting with Hibernian 1-2 at Ibrox in May but have not lost successive top-flight matches against Hibs since November 2005 under Alex McLeish.
Hibernian have won two of their past three league visits to Rangers (L1) and could win successive trips in the top-flight for just the fourth time, previously doing so in September 1902, October 1985, and February 2018.
There have been 35 goals scored in Rangers' past seven league games at Ibrox, an average of five per game. Their most recent game was a 2-1 defeat by Hibs in May – they have never lost consecutive home league games against the same team both times. They last duplicated the same result and opponent in April/August 1990, back-to-back wins against Dunfermline Athletic.
The past six results in Hibernian's Scottish Premiership matches have been away wins – they have lost four home games and won their two away games in this streak. The last side to have a longer run was Rangers between February and April 2025 (7), with the seventh game in that run ending Rangers 0-2 Hibernian.
Thelo Aasgaard has scored in each of his past three Premiership appearances for Rangers – the last Ibrox player with a longer streak was Cyriel Dessers in April and May 2025 (5 in a row).

#lost #league #ibrox

Despite seeming to be on his way to Real Madrid, Manchester City midfield general Rodri has chosen FC Barcelona.
After around ten days of meetings, discussions and direct conversations with the player, Real Madrid accepted his choice without drama.
Rodri informed the club of his decision earlier this week and, from that moment on, Real Madrid reverted to the original plan drawn up with Jose Mourinho.
At the heart of that plan is one player in particular: Bernardo Silva, reports Jose Felix Diaz of AS.
Although naturally an attacking midfielder or right-sided playmaker, Mourinho believes Bernardo Silva has the qualities to operate in a deeper midfield role.

#player

Five of the past six Scottish Premiership matches between Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United have been won by the away side, the exception a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle in November 2025. The last home win in this fixture was by Hearts in February 2023 (3-1).
Dundee United are unbeaten in three away games against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership (W2 D1), facing a different Hearts manager each time (Steven Naismith, Neil Critchley, Derek McInnes).
Hearts have lost their past two league games, last losing three in a row when they suffered five defeats in a row in August and September 2024. They have not started a season with two defeats since 2009-10 under manager Csaba Laszlo.
Dundee United have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 17 away Scottish Premiership matches, since a 2-0 win at Dundee in August 2025. Since the start of last season, Dundee United have kept the fewest away clean sheets of any side in the league (1).
Only Rangers' Emmanuel Fernandez (15) won more aerial duels on MD1 of this season's Scottish Premiership than Dundee United's Michael Forbes (8). He also ranked first among his team-mates for headed clearances (7) and successful passes (32) in their 1-1 draw with Rangers.

#united #away #since #august

India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI practice match: Scores, highlights and key performances ahead of IND vs SL Test series originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India begins their Sri Lanka tour with a three-day warm-up against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo.
Sri Lanka won the toss in the practice game at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground.
India will be playing without Shubman Gill, who sustained an injury to his right ring finger on Thursday.
India have kicked off their red-ball tour of Sri Lanka with a three-day warm-up fixture in Colombo, giving Shubman Gill's side valuable time to familiarise themselves with the conditions before the Tests. The game marks the start of a crucial ****** ignment for a team under pressure after a difficult run in the shorter format.

#Cricket

BILD have confirmed that Damián Vidagany, Aston Villa's director of football, revealed their interest in signing FC Bayern's João Palhinha.
"We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana will be out for the entire season," the Villains' chief said after yesterday's friendly clash.
"João Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans. We are in talks, but there's currently no agreement.
"If anything does happen [regarding a transfer], it will always be on the basis of the big respect we have for FC Bayern.
"Our clubs are friends, and our relationship with Max Eberl, Christoph Freund and all the other people in charge is excellent.

#amadou #onana #bayern #eberl

Hakan Çalhanoğlu has reiterated his commitment to Inter, brushing aside links to Turkey and setting his sights on reaching another Champions League final.
With quotes via calciomercato.com, the midfielder made clear his happiness in Milan, where he says he and his family have settled fully.
"I'm happy to be here, in Milan, where my wife and I have integrated brilliantly, and at Inter," he said.
"The future doesn't depend on me, but on the club, because there hasn't been any contact over the renewal. I'm a footballer and I think about playing. But in five years I think we've done a lot of good things: eight trophies, two Champions League finals."
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

#Inter #champions #april #think

White Sox sign ex-Nationals outfielder to minor league contract appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder Joey Wiemer, according to Chicago Sports Network and MLB.com's Scott Merkin. The 27-year-old will report to Triple-A Charlotte and add right-handed outfield depth to the organization.
Wiemer was released by the Washington Nationals on Wednesday after spending time at Triple-A Rochester since being optioned there in the middle of May. His minor league production this season was limited, as he hit .196/.277/.257 with one home run in 166 plate appearances. He also posted a 31% strikeout rate during his time in Triple-A.
Those numbers were a big drop-off from Wiemer's hot start in the majors. He began the season by reaching base in each of his first 10 plate appearances, tying the major league record, and homering in each of his first two games. He went 10-for-17 with two home runs across his first five games before his production dipped over his next 61 plate appearances, when he hit .189/.295/.340 and struck out 41% of the time.
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#league

Larry Fitzgerald will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame today, and he'll turn 43 years old this month. It seems safe to say he's done playing professional football.
But don't call Fitzgerald "retired."
Fitzgerald told the Cardinals' website that he never plans to use that word to describe where he is in life.
"I have not committed to retirement," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald recalls hearing his grandfather talk with friends about how when people retire, they give up. And giving up is not something Fitzgerald ever wants to do.

#fitzgerald #Football #larry #hall

Lens finished just six points behind PSG last season in what was a remarkable push for the ******* le. What were the key factors behind your excellent form?
I would say there are three key factors behind the season's success:
First, the alignment between the ownership, the sporting management, and the coach was solid, with everyone completely on the same wavelength;
Second, Pierre Sage's coaching played a pivotal role. He is a brilliant tactician with a great feel for the game who always seems to be one step ahead of the opposition;
Third, the team remained reliable across every area of play, even when dealing with numerous injuries. Added to this was a strong sense of team unity that was directly linked to the club's values.

#factors #team

Angel Reese had one of the worst shooting games of her career on Friday against the Washington Mystics. The Atlanta Dream and Team USA star scored seven points and grabbed 16 rebounds, but shot a measly 1-for-12. All of Reese's attempts were within five feet of the rim.
Reese also had four clean blocks against her, with Shakira Austin responsible for most of them. Sonia Citron also came up with a highlight defensive play against the Dream star. Reese scored five of her points at the free throw line. The Dream lost 79-74 and Reese's performance had an impact on the game.
Critics had a field day and poked fun at Reese. Several fans questioned her inclusion in Team USA's squad for the FIBA World Cup.
"Idk how she made team USA," one X user wrote.
Shakira Austin was the primary force that stopped the in-form Angel Reese on Friday night. Before this matchup, Reese had registered three 20-point games in her last four outings and had shot 50.0% or better three times. However, Austin ensured that didn't happen against the Mystics.

#star

The rumour mill has been in overdrive at Liverpool over the last couple of weeks.
The Anfield outfit have been linked with many different players this summer and, if they don't manage to get some of those deals over the line, they'll be in a whole world of trouble.
And, to make things even worse, an injury crisis has hit Liverpool which has left them with just one senior centre-back.
However, it's not their defence that is their main priority this summer.
Instead, it's Liverpool's attack that seems to be Richard Hughes' main focus at the moment, especially since Mohamed Salah has left and Hugo Ekitike is still side-lined due to injury.

#Liverpool

Barcelona have officially added another fixture to their 2026/27 pre-season schedule.
Hansi Flick's side will face FC Basel on Sunday, 16 August, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CEST at St. Jakob-Park, one of Switzerland's most iconic football stadiums.
Following the friendly against Birmingham City and the triangular tournament in Udine featuring Nottingham Forest and Udinese, the trip to Basel will provide another important test as the Catalans continue their preparations for the new campaign.
The club's final pre-season outing will then be the Joan Gamper Trophy, against Al-Ahly, which will also serve as the team's official home presentation ahead of the new season.
Barcelona and Basel have met twice in official competition, both during the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League group stage.

#sunday #park

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova shares a word of advice for Caitlin Clark.
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark taking a neutral stance on the potential inclusion of transgender athletes in the WNBA has sparked a massive debate among fans and experts alike.
As one of the faces of the WNBA, Clark's no-stance approach hasn't been taken kindly. Now, tennis legend Martina Navratilova has joined the conversation.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
During an appearance on the 'Piers Morgan Uncensored' show, Navratilova explained in depth what Clark did wrong by taking a neutral stance on one of the biggest WNBA debates of all time.

#navratilova #WNBA

Celtic defender Auston Trusty admits he missed the start of pre-season as his father was in hospital.
The centre-back made it to the round of 16 with the United States in their home World Cup and even scored in their 3-2 group stage defeat by Turkey.
Trusty, 27, was in the starting line-up for champions Celtic's 1-0 opening Scottish Premiership victory over Dundee on Monday - less than a month on from his final World Cup appearance.
But the defender admits there were some off-field issues that held up his return to Glasgow.
"Unfortunately, I finished the World Cup and then I had some family stuff go on with my father in the hospital," Trusty explained.

#celtic

Kansas City Chiefs fans are growing in excitement after seeing wide receiver Cyrus Allen during Friday's practice session.
Patrick Mahomes' return from injury is a massive boost for the Chiefs and Andy Reid heading into the new season.
The 30-year-old quarterback's return to fitness should guide the Chiefs to an improvement on their 6-11 record from last season.
However, Mahomes will be relying on his offensive weapons to help him out during the opening weeks as he gets a feel for the game again.
Allen was selected in the fifth round of this year's NFL Draft and fans are already thinking they may have landed a real steal with the receiver.

#mahomes #fans #kansas #city

Yirer Garcia's RBI single in the 10th inning gave the Charleston RiverDogs their 1th walk-off win of the season in their 6-5 victory over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in 10 innings on Aug. 7 in front of 3,745 fans at Riley Park.
With the victory, the RiverDogs (59-46, 23-17 second half) evened the series at two games apiece and moved to 3-3 in extra innings.
The RiverDogs opened the game emphatically, beginning when Cooper Flemming grounded an RBI single to center to make it 1-0.
Later in the frame, Brady Marget pounded an RBI double to left and Dean Moss lined an RBI double to right to push Charleston ahead 4-0.
In the top of the fifth, Kannapolis (54-52, 22-19) responded with a five-run third to jump ahead 5-4. Charleston evened the score in the fourth when Flemming lifted a sacrifice fly to left.

#flemming #innings

One of the most remarkable aspects of FC Barcelona's pursuit of Rodri is not the transfer itself, but the extraordinary secrecy surrounding the entire operation.
Although recent developments have made it seem as though everything happened within a matter of hours, the groundwork had been laid over several weeks, with Barça quietly working behind the scenes to convince the Spanish midfielder, reports SPORT.
With virtually no leaks and complete confidentiality, Barça managed to overturn a situation that, only days earlier, appeared to be firmly in Real Madrid's favour.
After enjoying a short holiday in Croatia, Deco had the option of flying directly to Birmingham on 30 July to join Barcelona's pre-season training camp. But instead he returned to Barcelona first, spending just over a day in the city before joining the rest of the delegation in England.
It was no coincidence. Deco had deliberately kept that window free because he had scheduled a meeting that could shape Barça's entire summer transfer strategy.

#deco #although #sport #real

Alfred Johansson really does take things one game at a time.
On Wednesday, he admitted he "didn't even know about the draw" in relation to potentially facing Freiburg in the Conference League play-offs, and on Thursday, he certainly wouldn't entertain any questions about reaching that stage by defeating HJK Helsinki next week.
For now, the Finnish side is not on his mind. His sole focus is Falkirk on Sunday.
It will be the Swede's first home game in the Scottish Premiership, and though he only joined over the summer, he's acutely aware of the hold the Bairns had over the Steelmen last season.
"They were the nemesis last year," Johansson said in Helsinki, shortly before he and his players hopped on a plane back home to prepare for the meeting with John McGlynn's side after a 1-1 first-leg draw in Finland.

#side #alfred

White Sox manager Will Venable made a costly mistake in the first inning of the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, leading to starting pitcher Noah Schultz's early exit.
It was an embarrassing moment for Venable because Schultz left not because of injury or because he gave up two runs on three hits, but because of a rule limiting managers or coaches to one mound visit per pitcher per inning. Pitching coach Zach Bove had already spoken to Schultz before Venable.
Any additional mound visit results in the pitcher's removal from the game. After Venable's visit, the umpiring crew discussed the situation and ruled that Schultz had to leave the game. He was replaced by David Sandlin.
Fans were quick to share their reactions to the moment.
"What an amateur mistake. That is almost as bad as it gets folks. Sad," one fan commented.

#inning

It has been only a month since Jose Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid, but it has taken him little time to ****** s the environment at the club and in the dressing room, and start making changes.
Indeed, according to AS, After observing the day-to-day habits at Valdebebas, the new Real Madrid coach decided the club needed greater structure, discipline and control.
His objective was not simply to reshape the team's performances on the pitch, but also to redefine the routines surrounding the players' daily lives.
From nutrition and injury rehabilitation to punctuality and team bonding, Mourinho has already left his mark with a new set of standards.
The Portuguese coach is not relying solely on strict discipline. For Mourinho, creating a united group is just as important as tactical work.

#mourinho

Napoli are pressing hard to complete a deal for Chelsea's Benoît Badiashile, even as one of the goalkeepers on their books draws interest from Turkey.
According to AreaNapoli, relaying Sky Sport, fresh direct talks between the two clubs took place on Thursday over the France defender, but they have yet to unlock the deal.
The stumbling block remains the structure: Napoli are insisting on a loan with an option to buy, whereas the two clubs are still some way apart on both the formula and the finances.
The Partenopei, though, have no intention of backing off and will keep pushing to close the gap. In the meantime, an alternative has vanished, with Nayef Aguerd, a Marseille defender who had been considered, closing in on a move to Real Sociedad.
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

#como #deal #badiashile

Aleksander Pavlović is the perfect example of a Bayern Munich youth talent breaking through to the first team and becoming a top player. While it is a rare thing for these examples in the last decade or so, the academy is trending in the right direction. When these players to break through to the senior team, it really is something special and Pavlović himself recently spoke upon his experience.
"I already had the club in my heart when I joined FC Bayern at the age of seven. Growing up in Munich, I was always a Bayern fan, and I went through every youth team at the club. It wasn't until the U-19s that I first realized I had a real chance of making it as a professional player for my favourite club. Today, it's truly special for me, a dream come true, to play for my home club," stated Pavlović, as captured by iMiaSanMia.
It is truly unbelievable to imagine such a dream coming true, but it hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows for the German midfielder. Pavlović missed out on the home tournament of Euro 2024 and several other big opportunities over his young career due to odd injuries and illnesses.
Luckily, it seems like that luck is behind him and while he didn't exactly shine bright at the World Cup over the summer, the future of the Bayern Munich midfield is in strong hands with himself and Tom Bischof poised to lead the midfield over the next decade. Here's hoping for Pavlović to have a long and successful career in his familiar home in Munich.
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#bayern

A sport probably best known for its place in PE lessons or the film which carries its name is taking centre stage in Aberdeen.
Teams from Scotland, Germany and Scandinavia are among those involved in the Northern European Dodgeball Championships which are being staged at the city's Sports Village.
One of those taking part in the fast and furious action is Aberdeen-based Jodie Wright, who joined the Scotland squad this year and said making her international debut was something she was really proud of.
"I've only been playing dodgeball for a couple of years, so getting the chance to represent my country at a home tournament is pretty special," she said.
The fast-moving sport is held on volleyball-sized courts [BBC]

#taking

After completing their pre-season tour in Asia, Bayern Munich are already looking forward to their first official match of the season and potentially the first **** le.
The Bundesliga and German Cup champions kick off the new season in the Franz Beckenbauer Cup on August 22 against Borussia Dortmund.
"By then, we should already be fairly prepared for that match because Dortmund will fight hard to win their first trophy. But we also want to win," board member for sport Max Eberl said before the return trip to Germany.
Bayern's trip to Asia included stops in South Korea and Hong Kong, and wins in friendly matches against Jeju SK and Aston Villa.
"The conditions weren't easy," captain Manuel Neuer said referring to the intense heat. "But we presented ourselves well and I'm very satisfied."

#season #asia #bayern

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has skill but...': Shikhar Dhawan gives his verdict on India's teenage batting sensation originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Shikhar Dhawan praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting, calls his rise special.
The Indian teen scored 151 runs in 3 T20Is and won Player of Series award against Zimbabwe.
Dhawan says courage, not just skill, sets the youngster apart.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has heaped praise on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as he has taken a liking to his aggressive batting approach. The former opener believes that his ability to deliver at such a young age is a remarkable quality which sets him apart from his peers.

#Cricket

Newcastle United's midfield rebuild has largely centered on young players with room to grow, but the club's next move could go in a very different direction as Matthias Jaissle looks for more experience following a summer of major senior departures.
According to Foot Mercato's Santi Aouna and Chemssdine Belgacem, Marseille captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has emerged as one of Newcastle's leading options to replace Bruno Guimaraes, with sporting director Ross Wilson directly handling the pursuit.
"According to our information, Newcastle have added the 31-year-old Marseille midfielder to their shortlist," Foot Mercato reported. "Seeking consistency and a more ***** ertive midfield, the Magpies see Højbjerg as the ideal candidate to solidify their midfield."
The report adds that Newcastle's interest is built heavily around Hojbjerg's Premier League experience after previous spells with Southampton and Tottenham.
"The former Southampton and Tottenham player's extensive knowledge of the Premier League is a major ***** et for the English club, who are keen to quickly secure the services of a player who can contribute immediately," the outlet reported.

#midfield #according #premier #league

The Philadelphia 76ers' final roster spot is coming down to two former LeBron James teammates.
LeBron James signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers has allowed the team to add depth to the roster.
Speaking of which, the 76ers are currently waiting to fill their final roster spot before the new season. Many believe the spot will go to none other than Kevin Love.
However, one former LA Lakers star, who played with James, believes he deserves the spot over the 2016 NBA champion.
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

#james #lebron

Before heading to Cyprus next Thursday, our Red Bulls will first travel to face Wolfsberger AC. At approximately 9,537 km², Austria's southernmost state of Carinthia is almost the same size as the Mediterranean island (approx. 9,250 km²) – and it certainly also boasts plenty of sunshine and beaches. However, our focus is clearly on the pitch: with away wins targeted – starting on Sunday in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga.
The hunt for points at WAC won't be a walk in the park, though, as the Carinthian side's performance in the first matchday was truly impressive. Thomas Silberberger's team made a statement with their 3-0 home win against FK Austria Vienna in their league opener and, thanks to their superior goal difference, can even call themselves league leaders (level with LASK) after the first matchday. Meanwhile, we can draw on the confidence gained from three wins in three competitive matches.
Selecting attacking players will be difficult for Danny Röhl, as our Red Bulls have several players unavailable or doubtful after the grueling home match against Pafos FC. You can find more information about the issues below.
Kick-off is at the usual time this time: Sunday at 17:00 CEST. It will be shown on TV and streamed on Sky Sport Austria.
The match can also be watched, like all our Bundesliga matches, on OneFootball (with individual match streams and season passes available) except in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the following countries and regions where the following broadcasters show one to three Bundesliga matches per matchday: the Balkan region(Sportklub), Czechia and Slovakia (Arena Sport), Italy (Mola TV), Ukraine (Maincast TV), Russia (TV Start) and Israel (The Sports Channel).

#austria

Jota of Celtic receives treatment before leaving the field during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It has been a long and difficult 16 months for Jota after he was helped off the pitch at Tannadice and left in crutches as the rest of his teammates celebrated a **** le win in the City of Discovery.
Shaun Maloney, who is taking media duties in the absence of Martin O'Neill who is recovering at home after surgery, revealed that the plan is to gradually nurse Jota back to full fitness, but didn't commit to an actual comeback timeframe.
Jota has endured an agonising 16 months, with his ACL injury suffering more than a few setbacks, with some supporters worrying that his career could indeed be over.
Jota of Celtic receives treatment before leaving the field during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

#premiership #dundee