Voices from around the women’s sports world are reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade, which for nearly 50 years had established access to abortion as a constitutional right.

The reversal of Roe v. Wade leaves the right up to individual states, with more than 20 states set to reduce or ban access to abortions.

The Supreme Court voted 6-3 to uphold a Mississippi law to ban almost all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Five justices signed the majority opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade; Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. did not, writing that he would have upheld the Mississippi law but would not have overturned the 1972 precedent.

Following the ruling, athletes, teams and others connected to women’s sports took to social media to share their responses to the news, among them tennis legend Billie Jean King, U.S. women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe and more.

“This decision will not end abortion,” King wrote on Twitter. “What it will end is safe and legal access to this vital medical procedure. It is a sad day in the United States.”

The Supreme Court has struck down Roe v. Wade, which for nearly 50 years has protected the right to abortion.

This decision will not end abortion.

What it will end is safe and legal access to this vital medical procedure.

It is a sad day in the United States.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 24, 2022

U.S. women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe spoke for 10 minutes before taking questions at the team’s press conference Friday. She said of the Supreme Court’s decision, “I think the cruelty is the point.”

Rapinoe’s USWNT teammate Lindsey Horan also spoke about the decision at the press conference. “I’m still a little bit shocked and trying to take it all in, but I do feel like this is just a step backwards for our country,” Horan said.

Several NWSL teams released statements after the decision, including NJ/NY Gotham FC. The club wrote in a statement it “vehemently objects” to the rollback and that “reproductive rights are human rights.”

“Abortion must not only remain legal, it must be made affordable and accessible nationwide,” the club wrote. “Restricting individuals’ bodily autonomy by requiring patients to travel hundreds of miles to overcome inequitable barriers will have a disproportionately harmful impact on communities of color and other marginalized groups already facing obstacles to healthcare.”

Club Statement. pic.twitter.com/PE7ZauaEzR

— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) June 24, 2022

The Kansas City Current wrote on social media that the team is “heartbroken” at the decision.

“Any act against women is an act against our values, our pride and our mission as a club,” the statement reads. “We stand in solidarity with women everywhere and will work to protect the rights of not only our players but women globally.”

The club later amended its initial statement to “acknowledge that this affects all who can reproduce, not just women. Reproductive rights are human rights.”

USWNT and Kansas City Current midfielder Sam Mewis re-posted to her Instagram stories a message from Barack Obama that calls for action to help protect abortion.

More NWSL teams, including OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Angel City FC and Racing Louisville, all came out against the Supreme Court ruling as well, underscoring the importance of access to reproductive health care.

“Kentuckians requiring an abortion will be forced to drive an average of 245 miles for proper healthcare in the wake of today’s Supreme Court decision,” Racing Louisville said in a statement. “This development leaves us especially concerned about marginalized members of our community and future Supreme Court decisions that could impact them.”

pic.twitter.com/mNc5iVyosk

— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) June 24, 2022

The NWSL itself later issued a statement on behalf of the league and Commissioner Jessica Berman.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling today denies individuals in this country the full liberty and equality that is the cornerstone of a just society,” the statement said. “Reproductive rights are human rights.

“The NWSL is more than just a soccer league; we are a collective who will stand up every day for what is right.”

Statement from Commissioner Berman and the NWSL: pic.twitter.com/MX1dkRMKUM

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 24, 2022

Athletes Unlimited, which hosts softball, lacrosse, basketball and volleyball leagues, also issued a statement.

“At the core of Athletes Unlimited is the belief that athletes should have control of their careers on and off the field, and a voice in decisions — large and small — that affect them,” the statement said. “All women should have the same rights to be decision-makers on issues that affect them, especially in matters that have as profound an impact on their lives as pregnancy.”

The Supreme Court’s decision negates the rights of women to control their own bodies, and as such is counter to Athletes Unlimited's core values. pic.twitter.com/KrOLozQ23y

— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 24, 2022

Oklahoma softball star Jocelyn Alo, who recently signed with the new Women’s Professional Fastpitch league, also commented. “What a sad day to be a woman,” she wrote on Twitter.

The WNBPA issued a statement decrying the Supreme Court’s decision, saying it “provides a treacherous pathway to abortion bans that reinforce economic, social and political inequalities.”

The statement also included this pointed question: “Are we in a democracy where guns have more rights than women?”

This ruling provides a treacherous pathway to abortion bans that reinforce economic, social and political inequalities and could lead to higher rates of maternal mortality while eviscerating rights to reproductive freedom for everyone. #BansOffOurBodies pic.twitter.com/ND8kcx3viL

— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) June 24, 2022

Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner questioned whether the Supreme Court should hold so much power, writing on Twitter, “There’s gotta be a better way.”

Seattle Storm star Sue Bird retweeted several posts urging people to fight for abortion rights, but she kept her own initial reaction to just one word: “Gutted.”

Maybe in the next election we should have a vote to eliminate the Supreme Court. 9 people with the power to make generational decisions for 330 million people. There’s gotta be a better way.

— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) June 24, 2022

Gutted 💔

— Sue Bird (@S10Bird) June 24, 2022

The Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm added their voices to the chorus of WNBA teams and players speaking out on the decision, with both teams emphasizing their commitment to fight for human rights.

“Now we have come to this: people have won the freedom to buy guns with impunity while women have lost the freedom to decide their own future,” Seattle Storm tweeted. “Furious and ready to fight.”

Furious and ready to fight. pic.twitter.com/6fdEHUd4pM

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) June 24, 2022

We stand with all women and their right to choose.
#DistrictofChange // #TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/oEBOj3POKU

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) June 24, 2022

Echoing the Seattle Storm’s statement, Nikki Stanton of OL Reign questioned the Supreme Court’s decisions on gun laws and Roe v. Wade.

“How can we possibly live in a world where one day we overturn a law to make it EASIER to carry guns in public, and the next day BAN abortions? The world can be so cruel,” Stanton wrote. “Hoping for change, and sending extra love to those who need it.”

Heartbroken 💔. How can we possibly live in a world where one day we overturn a law to make it EASIER to carry guns in public, and the next day BAN abortions? The world can be so cruel. Hoping for change, and sending extra love to those who need it 💜

— Nikki Stanton (@GutiNikki7) June 24, 2022

Metropolitan Riveters captain Madison Packer called out elected officials for protecting gun rights but not abortion rights.

“We have elected officials who feel women can’t make decisions for their own bodies so we overturned Roe v. Wade,” she wrote. “Officials who are so afraid of the LGBTQ+ community that they are banning and threatening its existence. But you can still carry a gun. Who you vote for matters.”

We have elected officials who feel women can't make decisions for their own bodies so we overturned Roe v. Wade. Officials who are so afraid of the LGBTQ+ community that they are banning and threatening it's existence. But you can still carry a gun. Who you vote for matters.

— Madison Packer (@madison_packer_) June 24, 2022

Glennon Doyle, author and investor in Angel City FC, offered words of encouragement to her Twitter followers.

“Comfort to every human being who feels afraid right now. I feel afraid too. it is okay to feel afraid and tender now,” Doyle wrote. “Soon, the anger returns and we fight like bloody hell.”

comfort to every human being who feels afraid right now. i feel afraid too. it is okay to feel afraid and tender now. soon, the anger returns and we fight like bloody hell. first the pain, then the mother fucking rising.

— Glennon Doyle (@GlennonDoyle) June 24, 2022

A draft opinion from the Supreme Court leaked in early May had telegraphed the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and many from the women’s sports world shared their anger and dismay at that time.

With recent transfers Talia von Oelhoffen and Kiki Iriafen joining first-team All-American JuJu Watkins and the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class at USC next season, the Trojans look to transition from an up-and-coming squad to a legitimate title contender. 

Former Oregon State graduate student von Oelhoffen is the latest collegiate talent to commit to the program, announcing her transfer Monday via ESPN. She follows ex-Stanford leading-scorer Iriafen in the jump to the pair’s one-time Pac-12 rival.

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The 5-foot-11 Washington native was a two-time All-Pac-12 guard during her time at Oregon State. But after the recent dissolution of the Pac-12, the Corvallis side found themselves without a permanent home conference going forward. Many big name players opted to take their skill elsewhere as a result, with von Oelhoffen’s fellow ex-Beaver Raegan Beers announcing her own departure to Oklahoma on Monday.

According to DraftKings, USC is now tied with UConn for the second-best betting odds to win the 2025 NCAA women’s tournament. Dawn Staley’s tested South Carolina side, poised for a repeat performance, holds down the number one spot.

Last year, LSU loaded up in the transfer portal after beating Iowa to win the 2023 national championship. The Tigers were clear favorites coming into the 2023-24 season, but were bounced in the Elite Eight by Caitlin Clark’s Hawkeyes. Shortly thereafter, star transfer Hailey Van Lith opted to transfer a second time, this time signing with TCU. 

Yet while history proves that an excess of star power doesn’t always translate to on-court chemistry, on paper, USC sure looks ready to hold their own — in 2025 and beyond.

The United States and Mexico have withdrawn their joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, per a Monday afternoon release from U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation.

According to the statement, they will instead focus on developing a "more equitable" bid for the 2031 tournament, with the ultimate goal of "eliminating investment disparities" between the men’s and women’s tournaments.

The federations went on to cite the upcoming 2026 Men’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as an opportunity to build support for local infrastructure, improve audience engagement, and scale up media and partnership deals in preparation to "host a record-breaking tournament in 2031."

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"Hosting a World Cup tournament is a huge undertaking — and having additional time to prepare allows us to maximize its impact across the globe," said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. "Shifting our bid will enable us to host a record-breaking Women’s World Cup in 2031 that will help to grow and raise the level of the women’s game both here at home as well as across the globe."

The decision leaves just Brazil and a joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands in the running for the 2027 host spot. Brazil — the rumored frontrunner — has never hosted a Women’s World Cup, while Germany hosted the 2011 tournament as a solo venture. 

Furthermore, this postponement doesn’t mean the U.S. is a shoo-in for 2031, as it's been previously reported that 2022 UEFA Women's EURO host England is considering their own Women's World Cup bid. FIFA is scheduled to confirm the winning bid after the FIFA Congress votes on May 17th.

Former Stanford leading-scorer Kiki Iriafen is set to join star rising sophomore JuJu Watkins at USC next year, reported ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday. 

The 6-foot-3 forward is coming off a breakout season with the Cardinal, where the then-junior led Stanford to the Sweet 16 with an average of 19.4 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Walking away with the Pac-12’s Most Improved Player award and a spot on the All-Pac-12 team, Iriafen entered the portal at the close of last season and was subsequently ranked second on ESPN’s 2024-2025 transfer ranking list.

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At USC, Iriafen will play out her senior year alongside the Women's Basketball Coaches Association’s 2024 National Freshman of the Year JuJu Watkins, forming what could be an explosive partnership for the Trojans as they look to build momentum going into next season. The Southern California side advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1994 this year, ultimately falling to UConn in a heated 80-73 battle.

Iriafen wasn’t the only one making choices this past week. LSU guard Hailey Van Lith officially announced her own transfer to TCU on Friday, while Princeton standout Kaitlyn Chen committed to UConn for her final year of college eligibility. Other big names still weighing their options are Oregon State's Talia Von Oelhoffen and Raegan Beers, as well as UNC's Deja Kelly.

With conference realignment on the horizon and team fit a contending factor, the NCAA women's basketball transfer portal has been busier than ever. And while transfers can bolster many types of college programs, this particular offseason has seen talent-rich programs growing even richer.

Legendary WNBA superstar Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball on Sunday, effective immediately.

"I promised I'd never cheat the game & that I'd leave it in a better place than I came into it," she wrote in an Instagram post. "The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it's time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it."

The Las Vegas Aces forward was in the midst of rehabbing a right ankle injury and a left foot fracture after missing part of the 2023 season.

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One of women's basketball's most prominent trailblazers, Parker popularized the play of a "big guard." A back-to-back NCAA National Championship winner with Tennessee, she was drafted No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008. She was named both WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year in her debut season with the league. 

Parker exits the pros a three-time WNBA champion, a two-time league MVP, seven-time WNBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and two-time NCAA champion, in addition to many more individual accolades. Throughout her 16-year career, she averaged 16 points, 8.5 rebounds, and four assists per game. She remains the only player in WNBA history to earn three WNBA titles with three different teams: LA in 2016, Chicago in 2021, and Las Vegas in 2023. 

In her announcement, the 38-year-old implied the physical toll of league play was a driving factor in her ultimate decision to walk away from the game, despite recently signing a one-year deal with Las Vegas.

"This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating," she wrote. "It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it’s no fun hearing 'she isn’t the same' when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN.

"I’m grateful that for 16 years I PLAYED A GAME for a living & DESPITE all the injuries, I hooped," she continued. "I’m grateful for family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers & fans who made this journey so special."

Fans weren’t the only ones shocked by Parker’s surprise retirement. In a reaction captured on video, Liberty forward Breanna Stewart responded to the news with a jaw-dropped, eyebrow-raised "What? Wow." 

Yet while the Naperville, Illinois native’s time on the court might be over, Parker says she isn't leaving the world of basketball anytime soon.

"This is the beginning," she wrote. "I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both a NBA & WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry babe it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity & focus I did basketball."