Nelly Korda left this year's Chevron Championship with more than just another major title.

With her victory at the season's first major, Korda earned two points toward the LPGA Hall of Fame, moving within five points of automatic qualification.

Sunday's win marked Korda's third career major and second Chevron Championship title. It also brought her one step closer to reaching one of golf's biggest career milestones.

Korda won the Chevron Championship by five shots over Thailand's Patty Tavantanakit and China's Ruoning Yin, finishing at 18-under at Memorial Park Golf Course.

LPGA Hall of Fame qualification is based on a points system tied to major titles, tournament wins, player of the year honors, and other awards. Korda has now racked up 22 points — five shy of the 27 needed for induction.

Hall of Fame qualification usually doesn't come until later in a player's career, while only 35 women's golfers have earned LPGA Hall of Fame status. At just 27, Nelly Korda's name is already part of those conversations.

Korda had earned 10 points entering the 2024 LPGA season. That included her gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, eight LPGA victories, and her first major title at the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

She nearly doubled that number in 2024. Korda won seven titles, including her first Chevron Championship, while earning Rolex Player of the Year honors. She subsequently gained nine additional Hall of Fame points.

Now, she has added three more points in 2026: one for her win earlier this season at the Tournament of Champions and two more at Chevron.

Of course, being five points away doesn't guarantee a speedy induction. However, it does change the framing around Korda's budding season. And with the LPGA's major calendar just beginning, she has several more chances ahead to close that gap.

Sophie Cunningham says the WNBA's new CBA does not change her plans with Project B, calling her commitment to the new offseason league a "no-brainer."

Cunningham signed a one-year, $665,000 deal with Indiana this month, subsequently benefiting from one of the most significant CBAs in league history. The agreement raises the salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, with average salaries projected to top $600,000 in 2026.

Still, Cunningham said the financial opportunity with Project B remains too good to pass up.

Speaking with Front Office Sports ahead of the Fever’s April 25th preseason game against the New York Liberty, Cunningham explained why she intended to stick with the commitment she made to Project B last November.

"When they’re offering that type of money, plus the signing bonus, plus having equity in the company, it’s a no-brainer," Cunningham said.

The 5-on-5 venture is reportedly offering players seven-figure paydays starting at $2 million. That's in addition to equity.

"I have financially smart people around me. And they’re like, 'You got to do it. Your body’s got to suck it up,'" Cunningham continued.

"When companies pour into us, they really see our value. That’s not just on the basketball court, that’s just in life as a businesswoman."

But even with the WNBA's expected 600% salary increase, Cunningham cited the international venture's broader impact.

Front Office Sports reported that Cunningham's Project B deal is worth around $2 million annually, in addition to her equity. That figure exceeds the new WNBA supermax of $1.4 million.

For Cunningham, that made staying committed an easy decision.

However, her Project B plans won't affect her plans with the Fever. The 29-year-old is entering her eighth WNBA season, spending her first six years with Phoenix before joining Indiana in 2025.

Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists last season before an MCL injury ended her year early.

American Samoa saw one of FIFA's biggest boosts this month, rising 17 spots after a historic breakthrough at April's Oceania World Cup Qualifiers.

The team climbed to No. 120 in the FIFA/Coco-Cola Women's World Cup Ranking, marking its highest position since 2018. This feat reflects American Samoa's semifinal appearance of the 2027 Oceania Women's World Cup Qualifiers.

The team recorded its first senior women's international victory during the qualifying run, with victories over Tonga, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Samoa. And that progress has also been building as global interest turns to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Since August 2025, American Samoa has lept 33 spots in the FIFA rankings — a dramatic turnaround for a program that had long been at the bottom of the OFC standings.

While powerhouse programs often dominate attention during World Cup qualifying tournaments, American Samoa's path serves as a reminder of just how much sustained development can impact national team production.

The run also carried broader regional significance. New Zealand rose two spots to No. 33 after successfully qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea also moved up after its own strong campaign.

Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner is using the WNBA preseason to build momentum with Phoenix Mercury rookies, as the franchise tips off training camp following last season's WNBA Finals run.

Bonner drew attention both for her form and leadership, embracing the energy surrounding the reshaped Phoenix Mercury roster. Her return to Phoenix remains one of the notable storylines entering the 2026 season.

Speaking from training camp, Bonner pointed to the group's early chemistry as young players start to enter mix.

"They’ve been great, they’ve been about their business. They’ve been real professional," Bonner said of the Mercury rookies. "It’s always great to have new energy in the building.”

Recalling her own transition to the WNBA, Bonner talked about wanting to support players through that adjustment.

“I always check on them and make sure they’re having a good time,” she said. “Always well taken care of. I just remember being a rookie myself. It’s scary.”

At 38, the six-time All-Star brings experience to a lineup looking to build off its 2025 WNBA Finals run. Phoenix retained much of its veteran core in free agency, subsequently reinforcing continuity ahead of training camp.

The WNBA preseason offers an early glimpse at how that group may come together.

For Bonner, her 17th season marks another chapter in a career that continues to evolve. A two-time WNBA champion and one of the league's all-time leading scorers, she's expected to play a major role in Phoenix's frontcourt.

How to Watch DeWanna Bonner in 2026 WNBA Preseason Games

The Mercury tips off its WNBA preseason schedule against the Chicago Sky on Saturday at 4 PM ET.

Fans can stream all the preseason action via WNBA League Pass.

Madison Keys made headlines after withdrawing from the 2026 Madrid Open due to illness. She exited just before her opening match on Friday.

Keys was scheduled to begin her campaign in the second round against Zhang Shuai. However, she was replaced by Anastasia Potapova. The lucky loser went on to defeat Shuai 6-3, 6-1.

"It was actually unexpected because I've been waiting for three days before and nothing happened," Potapova of her win. "I didn't really prepare myself to play a match."

The withdrawal marks a setback for world No. 17 Keys at an important point in the clay season. The Madrid Open stands as one of the WTA Tour's key tune-up tournaments ahead of the 2026 French Open.

Keys is coming off a steady stretch that reinforces her place among the tennis world's top contenders. Her withdrawal subsequently adds to a growing list of absences impacting this year's Madrid draw. Amanda Anisimova, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Clara Tauson also pulled out.

While the illness was not described as long term, the timing shifts attention toward whether Keys can reset in time for the next major clay event — including next week's 2026 Italian Open.

For now, Madison Keys leaves the Madrid Open without hitting a ball in the main draw, postponing her 2026 red-clay debut.

Now, the focus shifts to recovery — and whether Keys can return in time to regain momentum heading into the heart of clay season.

Alexandra Eala saw her Madrid Open 2026 run end in the second round, falling to No. 19 Elise Mertens after a competitive showing on clay.

Eala lost 2-6, 1-6 to the Belgian veteran, ending a promising week in Madrid after opening the tournament with a straight-set win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Despite the scoreline, the 20-year-old showed strength via extended baseline rallies against one of the tour's steadiest players. Mertens, however, answered back with experience in key moments, capitalizing on break opportunities to control both sets.

Eala stayed within reach early in the opener, but struggled to gain traction on return. One major difference came on serve. Eala won 53% of her first-serve points, while Mertens won 93% — and that gap shaped the match.

The result came after Eala entered the match carrying momentum after her 6-3, 6-3 first-round victory over Pavlyuchenkova. In that match, she landed 68% of her first serves and won 76% of those points, numbers that underscored her control.

The defeat also offered another test against top-ranked competition, as Eala's own WTA ranking continues to rise.

While her Madrid Open run ended in today's Round of 64, Eala's broader takeaway remains encouraging.

What's Next for Alexandra Eala After 2026 Madrid Open Exit

Eala will likely continue along the WTA's clay swing, heading to Rome for the 2026 Italian Open ahead of May's highly anticipated Grand Slam in Paris.

The 2026 WNBA season is approaching, and fans are already searching how to watch WNBA preseason games as teams prepare for opening day.

This year brings expanded broadcast coverage across multiple platforms, making preseason matchups easier to follow than in previous seasons.

Several preseason games will be available via a mix of national broadcasts and streaming services. Select games are expected to air on networks like ESPN and NBA TV, while others stream on platforms tied to the league's new media rights deal.

For fans, knowing how to watch WNBA preseason games ensures they can follow early storylines before the regular season officially begins on May 8th.

The 2026 WNBA Preseason Game Schedule

Key WNBA preseason matchups include:

While preseason games may not count toward teams' 2026 record, they offer an early look at lineups, rookie debuts, and new and developing roster dynamics.

How to Watch 2026 WNBA Preseason Games

Fans can stream all the preseason action via WNBA League Pass, a service that typically carries out-of-market games. The WNBA has made this year's preseason lineup free to view, allowing fans to sample the league's streaming platform before committing to the $39.99 for the complete season.

ION is broadcasting four preseason games to a national audience this year. That national coverage tips off on April 25th as Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever visit Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty in Brooklyn.

Nelly Korda is entering this week's 2026 Chevron Championship armed with strong form and a clear perspective on who helped shape her path to the top of the world golf rankings.

Ahead of the LPGA's first major of the season, Korda first pointed to her sister, Jessica Korda, as her earliest role model.

“My sister. Always," Korda said. “Yeah, I looked up to her from a really young age. I admired her. I wanted to be here since she joined the tour in 2011."

Korda also highlighted Tiger Woods as a defining influence on her generation.

“Obviously Tiger Woods, because my sister always says like, our generation — that’s kind of like Tiger’s kids," she said. “We watched him dominate the game at that time. I would say those two in golf, yeah.”

Her inspirations additionally extend beyond the green. Korda has previously praised tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, admiring Federer's composure and Nadal's competitive intensity — traits that mirror her own approach on the course.

Heading into the Chevron Championship, Korda also reflected on the realities of competing at the highest level and how quickly emotions can become public. She cited US tennis star Coco Gauff's 2026 Australian Open racket-smashing incident as an example of how closely athletes are watched.

"The thing that's different about athletes versus someone that's not is sometimes we're under a microscope, so you see everything," Korda said. “Coco Gauff, she was slamming her tennis racket. She thought it was in private, and you have video cameras there."

Korda continues to draw inspiration from athletes who came before her, while also navigating expectations that come with being one of the sport's top players.

How to Watch Nelly Korda at the 2026 Chevron Championship

As the Houston tournament gets underway, Korda enters the week with refreshed perspective and momentum, looking to secure her third LPGA major title.

The Chevron Championship runs through Sunday, April 26th, with live coverage on The Golf Channel.

Taylor Townsend saw her Madrid Open 2026 run come to an early end, falling in straight sets to UK star Katie Boulter in the tournament's opening round.

Townsend lost 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 33 minutes of playing time, as Boulter controlled the tempo to advance to the second round — where she'll face world No. 5 Jessica Pegula.

The US star kept the opening set competitive, using her signature variety — including net play and slice — to disrupt rhythm early. But Boulter's baseline consistency and aggressive shot-making ultimately proved decisive, especially as the match wore on.

Townsend struggled to maintain momentum after the first set, before Boulter pulled away in the second with cleaner ball striking and improved serving.

The result adds to the 30-year-old's mixed singles results stretch. While she has found success in doubles — including two Grand Slam titles — translating that form into singles success remains an ongoing challenge.

It also furthers the pair's lopsided head-to-head record. Boulter won all three of previous WTA Tour meetings, including a straight-sets victory at the 2024 China Open.

Still, Townsend's overall profile remains strong. Known as a versatile player, she continues to bring a unique style that contrasts with the power-based approach of many opponents.

What's Next for Taylor Townsend After Madrid Open 2026 Exit

For now, Townsend's Madrid Open campaign is over, but there's plenty of opportunities ahead as the WTA's clay season shifts into high gear.

As May's Paris Open approaches, Townsend will look to reset and build momentum — both in singles and doubles play, where she continues to be one of the sport's most consistent performers.

Women's basketball legend Cheryl Miller is stepping back into the spotlight, joining NBC Sports as a WNBA studio analyst for 2026.

The move marks a major addition as NBC reintroduces WNBA broadcasts to both its linear network and Peacock streaming platform. Miller joins host Maria Taylor and fellow women's basketball great Sue Bird, helping the league reach a new national audience.

For Miller, the role reflects both legacy and experience.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women's basketball history. Her resume includes national championships, national player of the year honors, and a coaching and front office career — including in the WNBA.

That's why NBC is positioning Miller as a key voice, especially as the WNBA continues to explode in popularity.

“Cheryl Miller is synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball,” said NBC Sports SVP and WNBA Coordinating Producer Betsy Riley.

“Her impact on the game spans generations, and her ability to connect history, strategy, and today’s stars is unmatched."

How to Watch WNBA Analyst Cheryl Miller on NBC Sports

The WNBA returns to NBC Sports under the league's new media deal, with 22 regular-season matchups airing across its platforms.

Coverage tips off on Sunday, May 17th, when reigning champion Las Vegas visits Atlanta at 1:30 PM ET.