Marta — the Brazilian footballing legend and eight-year Orlando Pride veteran — has played in big games before. An icon of the sport for decades, she's taken the field in front of massive crowds, appeared in multiple World Cups, stood on Olympic podiums, and won numerous individual and team awards for both club and country.

But Saturday's NWSL Championship game against the Washington Spirit feels different, she told reporters ahead of the event. And at 38, it's one of the most significant moments in her career.

"Number one," she replied immediately when asked where winning an NWSL title would rank in her mind should Orlando pull off the difficult task of winning both the Shield and the Championship in the same year. 

"It's like the answer that I'm trying to have," she said, shooting a finger into the air to emphasize her point. "Many, many, many years here — [that's] why I'm still here."

Marta has been on superteams before, dominating Sweden's top league for years with Tyreso and FC Rosengard after winning WPS Championships in 2010 and 2011 with FC Gold Pride and the Western New York Flash. She's also seen incredible success at the international level with Brazil, putting the USWNT and the entire world on notice during the 2007 World Cup before a second-place finish.

Having announced her retirement from international play last spring, the three-time Olympic silver medalist's days of putting on the Brazil jersey for a major tournament are likely over. But picking up a trophy with Orlando would serve as the ultimate reward after a long journey with a club that for many years did not look even close to competing at a championship level.

"To look back and then see how many [things] we need to work for, to build this team, be strong," she continued. "And then how many things we go through [to] have a season without losing any games at home, break their many records. It's special."

Starting from the bottom

Marta joined the NWSL in 2017, signing with the Pride and going on to lead Orlando to its last NWSL Playoffs appearance that same year. In the years that followed, the Pride became synonymous with competitive futility, evolving into a place of transition for superstars like Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger who left after failing to lift the team out of the bottom of the league standings.

And yet Marta remained. And with the permanent addition of head coach Seb Hines in 2022 alongside astute signings by general manager Haley Carter, the Pride's perception of themselves and their ability to climb the table began to shift.

In 2023, Orlando had one singular goal: Make the playoffs. It was a milestone they didn't achieve after a chaotic regular-season decision day saw the Pride fall just short of the postseason contention. 

Then in 2024, Hines took a new approach. And Orlando has seen the dividends of keeping things simple pay off in droves.

"We started this season with a really different mentality," said Marta. "We need to have goals, not only one, but step by step, and we're looking for something big. Of course, our first goal was being in the playoffs. Then after that, win the Shield, and then being in this Final, and then win the Championship." 

The Pride rattled off 23 consecutive games to start the 2024 regular season without a loss, culminating in their first-ever NWSL Shield earned in a 2-0 win over eventual Championship opponent Washington. 

"It's unbelievable," Marta said after that pivotal match. "Something that I, wow, I dreamed about, but to be honest, never believed that it was going to happen the way that it did."

A cherished presence on the field and off

Orlando has one more game left in 2024, and Marta is keenly aware that the team has to maintain their step-by-step mentality and keep the emotions at bay for just 90 more minutes. She also hasn't shied away from this possibly being her last opportunity to win the league's greatest honor.

Playing alongside powerhouse attackers like Zambian striker Barbra Banda and elite midfielders like fellow Brazil national Adriana has rejuvenated Marta's style, with the seasoned veteran looking like her vintage self week in and week out this season. But the legend is much closer to the end of her career than the beginning, and she carries the hard-earned perspective of a player that has lived many lives in pursuit of her dreams.

"It's something that I appreciate and I cherish," Banda — an MVP candidate in her own right — said on Thursday. "Because it's someone I've been looking up to far away, but now she's closer to me. I'm able to get encouragement from her, I'm able to get the ideas that I want. So, yeah, it is an achievement."

The Pride's easy-going locker room culture has translated into joy on the pitch — both a product of captain Marta, who held court with the media on Thursday in Kansas City. Surrounded by a near-constant scrum of reporters, the football icon regaled reporters with stories about everything from post-game dust-ups to her bold lipstick choices.

When asked what advice she'd give teammates facing the biggest game of their careers, Marta focused on the bigger picture. "Enjoy the opportunity, you know, enjoy the moment," she said. "Because we don't know what is gonna happen next step, next year. We don't know if every single player who we have in the roster here will be in the next year."

"The moment don't come back," she added. "So you need to just enjoy, and then do your best to go as far we can."

For Marta, the moment has arrived

This evening's moment is expected to culminate in an incredible clashing of styles, as a young counter-attacking Washington Spirit side looks to upset the dominant, methodical Pride, therein denying one of the game's all-time greats her full-circle moment. Marta's teammates have been open about their desire to finish strong on her behalf, a sentiment she waves off in favor of fighting for her whole team. And it will take every single one of her teammates to unlock the happy ending so many didn't expect they'd reach so soon.

After years of showing up for the Pride, the team has answered Marta's efforts back in full. And whether or not they return to Orlando with a trophy in hand, the NWSL Championship will serve as a punctuation to an iconic career. The memory of Marta dancing through defenders before slotting the ball in the back of the net in this year's semifinal match has no expiration date — an image she intends to hold onto far beyond this weekend.

"When I celebrate a goal with Brazil, and celebrate the last goal that I did with the Pride, it was the same," Marta said. "I saw the picture and say, 'Yeah, nothing changed.' I have passion for this game, and that's why I still play." 

The 2024 champion New York Liberty is the latest WNBA team to enter the dedicated practice facility race, with plans for an $80 million, 75,000-square-foot training center in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Set to open in 2027, the complex will eliminate the need for Liberty players to share facilities with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

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“We are a player-first organization and investing in health and wellness has always been a priority for us. The New York Liberty deserve a facility of their own: one that reflects their tremendous talent, work ethic, and ambition,” said Liberty governor Clara Wu Tsai.

“This facility is a sign of our commitment to the team, to the city of New York, and to the advancement of women’s sports.”

“The New York Liberty strive to be the standard on and off the court and this facility will be a game changer as we continue our relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb.

“A key part of this process has been the active involvement of our players in creating a year-round home for themselves and their families, and the collaborative effort to redefine the standard of player care and experience. When our athletes step into what will be the crown jewel of the WNBA, they will see themselves and their insights reflected throughout.”

Liberty expand facility offerings beyond top-tier WNBA standards

In addition to common amenities like dining, workout, and recovery areas, the facility will forgo a traditional locker room and instead provide every player with a private suite. Each suite will be stocked with a wardrobe and sneaker storage, a vanity with face-illuminating lighting, and a seven-foot daybed.

In addition to interior comforts, the center also features an outdoor basketball court. The court will host both practicing players and community-based clinics, allowing for greater neighborhood integration.

“I am grateful to be a part of an organization who recognizes the power of investment in their players, and ensures we have everything we need to be at top of our game at all times,” said star Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.

“It was amazing to sit down with Populous and walk through what is most important to us as athletes to be successful in all aspects of our lives. This facility is a massive next step for the New York Liberty.”

“One of the main things that drew me to the New York Liberty organization is the level of investment in us as athletes," added center Jonquel Jones. "We just won a championship, and in the same way they expect us to level up and step up our game, our ownership group and leadership continues to raise the bar, and this facility is a perfect example of that."

The LA Sparks will retire the No. 3 jersey of WNBA icon Candace Parker in 2025, the team announced on Thursday.

The ceremony will take place during the team’s June 29th game against the Chicago Sky.

"To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor.  This moment is not just about me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans,” said Candace Parker in a statement.

"This jersey represents all the moments, all the connections, and all the love that got me here.”

Spending her first 13 seasons in LA, the 2024 retiree won WNBA MVP twice with the Sparks. She additionally led the Sparks to a WNBA championship in 2016.

Moreover, she was named 2008 Rookie of the Year, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, and 2016 Finals MVP.

Parker still leads the storied organization in total assists, ranking second all-time in rebounds and third in points scored.

The Sparks will also help launch Parker's book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions.

As part of the ceremony, LA will integrate book-themed activations. This will allow fans to "engage with Candace’s story both on and off the court."

Basketball great praises Parker ahead of jersey retirement

Among those singing Parker's praises was Sparks co-owner and retired Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

“Candace is the best all-around player that has ever played in the WNBA. Her legacy is immeasurable — she redefined excellence, was a champion on the court and for the Los Angeles community and inspired countless fans and future generations of athletes," said Johnson.

"Very few champions get to see their jersey hanging from the rafters in this city. Retiring Candace’s No. 3 jersey is not just a celebration of her extraordinary career, but a tribute to the enduring mark she's left on this organization, the WNBA, and the city of Los Angeles. She will forever be a part of the Sparks family."

Just two matchdays into 2025, six of the 14 NWSL teams remain unbeaten. And while Washington has faltered, only Orlando and Kansas City have yet to drop any points ahead of this weekend’s lineup.

A few top-tier squads like the Washington Spirit are already eyeing bounce-back performances. Elsewhere, others — namely Orlando — will aim to prove their dominance with another three-point result.

Short-staffed Washington Spirit looks to bounce back

Roster availability continues to be an ongoing issue. However, this weekend’s lineup promises a couple of consequential matchups.

The Spirit attempt to shake off last week’s frustrating 2-0 loss to Kansas City against a surging Bay FC on Friday. Though Bay FC is fresh off their first win of the season against Racing Louisville.

Washington’s comeback aspirations will be tested tonight. The 2024 runners-up are staring down a lengthy injury list with nine players unavailable.

As such, expect them to lean even harder on star forward Trinity Rodman. Still recovering from a lingering back issue, Rodman told Pro Soccer Wire this week, “The mental part's been hard, but I think it’s been managed really well."

As for Orlando, the 2024 champs look as dangerous as ever. Wave FC will have a chance to prove that last week’s goal-fest win over Utah wasn’t a fluke when they face off on Saturday.

How to watch Washington and Orlando NWSL games this weekend

The Washington Spirit kicks off against Bay FC on Friday at 8 PM ET, with live coverage on Prime.

Afterwards, the Orlando Pride takes on San Diego Wave at Saturday at 12 PM ET, live on ESPN.

The Madness returns today, as the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 putsthe season’s most prolific performers to the test in a series of top-seeded showdowns.

This year’s third round is all Top 5 seeds, with blockbuster matchups expected to bring the heat well before the Final Four.

NCAA tournament history sets teams up for success

With the Cinderellas now silenced, many teams still in contention enter the Sweet 16 armed with a history of NCAA tournament success.

No. 1 seed South Carolina tips off against No. 4 seed Maryland today, as the Gamecocks vie for their fifth straight Elite Eight after winning two national titles in the last four years.

Up-and-down No. 3 seed LSU makes a play for their third straight Elite Eight berth tonight — not to mention an attempted repeat of their 2023 championship win.

No. 1 seed Texas looks to advance to their fourth Elite Eight in the five years tomorrow, hunting a return to the Final Four for the first time since 2003.

Later, No. 2 seed UConn aims for their fourth Final Four bid in the last five seasons, coming as close as 2022’s title game before reaching the semis last year.

Both rookies and vets feel the Sweet 16 heat

Experience can go a long way when the spotlight gets a little brighter, but pressure also mounts as blue-chip programs face the chopping board.

One notable first-time Sweet 16 matchup is this afternoon’s clash between in-state rivals No. 2 seed Duke and No. 3 seed North Carolina, with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

Tomorrow, No. 3 seed Notre Dame meets No. 2 seed TCU, as the Irish fight to regain their regular-season dominance while the Horned Frogs try to extend their underdog campaign with their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance.

And with razor-thin margins across the board, confidence will play a key role in making it to the competition’s coveted fourth round. “We're a bunch of fighters, and we respond when we’re challenged,” Notre Dame senior Sonia Citron said after last Sunday’s 76-55 win over Michigan.

Sizing up Elite Eight contenders

While not exactly upset territory, Sunday’s Elite Eight will likely feature tense battles between teams looking to hang onto late-season consistency and those running on turnaround momentum.

After losing to eventual conference champion Duke in the ACC semifinal, a refreshed No. 3 seed Notre Dame heads into tomorrow’s Sweet 16 hot off of winning their first two NCAA tournament games by an average of 36.5 points.

After injuries derailed their SEC tournament dreams, No. 3 seed LSU has similarly picked up the pace, putting together two consecutive 100+ point games in the NCAA tournament’s first two rounds.

No. 5 seed Kansas State wouldn’t normally be an issue for No. 1 seed USC, but after losing superstar JuJu Watkins to an ACL tear on Monday, the Trojans might have to rally to get the job done.

And while “underdog” is a stretch, the greatest momentum shift might belong to No. 2 seed UConn, with Bueckers and co. firing on all cylinders despite dropping several ranked matchups this season.

Where to watch NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games this weekend

The Sweet 16 tips off today at 2:30 PM ET, with all games airing across ESPN platforms.

After Saturday’s Sweet 16 finale determines the field, the Elite Eight tips off on Sunday at 1 PM ET, with live coverage across ESPN platforms.