40-year-old Allyson Felix announced a stunning comeback Monday, telling TIME Magazine she plans to compete at the 2028 LA Olympics at age 42 — four years after retiring from track and field.

The most decorated women's sports athlete in Olympic track and field history said she wants to prove women over 40 can still chase bold dreams. Felix drew inspiration from athletes like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Lindsey Vonn, as all excelled past 40.

"So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing," Felix said. "You know, at this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids, doing all that. And just, why not? Let's flip it on its head."

Allyson Felix will begin training with legendary coach Bobby Kersee in October, targeting a competitive return in 2027 via certified events.

No US sprinter has ever reached an Olympics in their 40s.

Felix won 11 Olympic medals across five Summer Games — seven gold, three silver, and one bronze. She burst onto the scene at age 18 in Athens, winning silver in the 200 meters. She later dominated the field in Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo before hanging it up in 2022.

Her best performance came in London 2012, where Felix swept gold in the 200 meters, 4x100-meter relay, and 4x400-meter relay.

Since retiring, Allyson Felix joined the IOC's Athletes' Commission and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's Board of Directors. She subsequently earned induction into the US Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2025.

Felix also became an outspoken advocate for mothers in sports, fighting for better treatment for pregnant athletes and working mothers.

Even if she doesn't make the 2028 team, Felix said she'll attend the Games with her children, cheering on Team USA from the stands.

Manchester City is making a bold play for Arsenal veterans Beth Mead and Katie McCabe as both players enter free agency this summer, The Athletic reported Monday.

Mead and McCabe, both 30, hold contracts that expire at the end of the 2025/26 WSL season. No deals have been finalized, but sources expect City to secure both signings once the WSL transfer window reopens on June 1st.

McCabe has drawn interest from reigning WSL champions Chelsea as well. The versatile defender celebrated her 300th Arsenal appearance Sunday before the Gunners' 2-1 Champions League victory over Lyonnes.

Beth Mead has delivered more than 250 appearances and 78 goals for Arsenal since joining from Sunderland in 2017. Despite questions about her playing time following Arsenal's record £1 million signing of Olivia Smith last summer, Mead has remained crucial this season, registering two goals and five assists in the WSL plus three goals and three assists in Champions League play.

The moves would reunite both players with former Arsenal teammate Vivianne Miedema, who now plays for Manchester City. Mead's partner, Miedema, was unavailable for City's weekend match, as Mead also missed Arsenal's UWCL clash due to personal reasons.

Manchester City leads the WSL table by six points with two matches remaining and has all but secured Champions League qualification for next season. The club seeks depth ahead of European competition, particularly at fullback where options remain thin beyond Alex Greenwood and Kerstin Casparij.

Arsenal sits fourth in the WSL with three games in hand and trails Manchester City by 11 points. The Gunners have entered advanced talks with Barcelona defender Ona Batlle, viewed as McCabe's likely replacement.

A stomach virus tearing through the 2026 Madrid Open locker room claimed another victim Monday, when Coco Gauff fell to Linda Noskova 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 in the Round of 16.

Gauff battled illness just 24 hours earlier during her third-round victory over Sorana Cirstea, vomiting on court before rallying to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. The world No. 3 took a medical timeout during that match after throwing up into a courtside bin.

"I don't know how I got it done," Gauff said after defeating Cirstea. "Just dealing with a lot of trying to keep my food down. I think I got the Madrid stomach virus that's going around."

The illness forced several high-profile withdrawals at this year's Madrid Open. No. 4 Iga Świątek retired mid-match against Ann Li in the third round Saturday, citing "zero stability and zero energy." Liudmila Samsonova withdrew before facing Noskova in the third round Sunday, handing the Czech player a walkover into the Round of 16.

Madison Keys also withdrew from the tournament due to illness.

No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka appears to have avoided the virus. The defending champion rallied from a set down to defeat Japan's Naomi Osaka 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2 in Monday's Round of 16.

Gauff withdrew from her doubles match Sunday to preserve energy for her singles clash with Noskova. Despite holding a 2-0 career record against the 13th seed, Gauff couldn't overcome the physical toll from her illness. She lost the third-set tiebreak after splitting the first two sets.

How to Watch the Madrid Open 2026

The Madrid Open runs through Saturday on Tennis Channel.

The rich are getting richer in women's college basketball as South Carolina and UCLA — the 2026 NCAA tournament finalists — landed major talent Thursday to fuel another championship chase.

South Carolina secured a commitment from Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 5 prospect in the Class of 2026 who reopened her recruitment after initially committing to Tennessee. Edwards requested a release following major roster turnover at Tennessee earlier this month.

"Sometimes it takes twice to get it right," Edwards posted after her South Carolina visit, signaling her commitment to the Gamecocks.

Edwards joins Jerzy Robinson, another top-ranked prospect South Carolina landed in December. The additions bolster Dawn Staley's program after the Gamecocks won three titles before falling short in back-to-back finals.

Edwards proved her elite status at the McDonald's All American Game, posting eight points and nine rebounds. She also visited USC and LSU before choosing South Carolina.

Reigning champion UCLA also padded its roster Thursday as Iowa State transfer Addy Brown officially committed to the Bruins.

Brown battled injuries last season at Iowa State. However, she still averaged 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 21 games. The 6-foot-2 guard earned spots on the Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award preseason watch lists before entering the transfer portal following the Cyclones' 2026 NCAA tournament exit.

Brown joins coach Cori Close's team as the Bruins look to replace six WNBA Draft picks, including five first-rounders.

USWNT stars take center stage this weekend, as the UEFA Women's Champions League semifinals kick off with UWCL clashes featuring US talent on both sides.

OL Lyonnes advanced behind dominant US midfield trio Lindsey Heaps, Lily Yohannes, and Korbin Shrader, who powered the French club past Wolfsburg in the quarterfinals. They now face reigning UWCL champion Arsenal — and USWNT defender Emily Fox — on Sunday.

"We know Arsenal are a top side," Yohannes said. "But we're not really thinking about the opponent — we're focused on ourselves and we know that if we put in our top performance, we can beat anyone."

Sunday's UWCL semifinals matchup repeats October's Champions League league-phase opener. That's when OL Lyonnes topped the Gunners 2-1 in London, while both teams eventually advanced to the quarterfinals.

Bayern Munich hosts Barcelona on Saturday, hunting its first-ever Champions League final berth after winning a fourth straight Frauen-Bundesliga title. Barcelona previously routed Bayern 7-1 in the league phase, entering the UWCL semifinals in dominant form with just one loss this season.

The Spanish club is seeking a sixth consecutive final appearance. Barcelona will hope for superstar Aitana Bonmati’s healthy return, as the midfielder continues her injury recovery.

Second-leg matches take place in May, with the final set for Oslo on May 23.

Where to Watch UWCL Champions League Semifinals

The UWCL semifinals kick off with Bayern Munich vs. FC Barcelona on Saturday at 12:15 PM ET. Afterwards, Arsenal faces OL Lyonnes on Sunday at 10:30 AM ET. Both Champions League matches air live on Paramount+.

Five-time Olympian Hilary Knight took the stage at last week's US Soccer's SheBelieves Summit in Seattle, fresh off a whirlwind two months that included winning Olympic gold, multiple TV appearances, and a PWHL season unlike any before.

Knight captained Team USA to an overtime victory against Canada in February's 2026 Olympic women's ice hockey final. The 36-year-old forward described the win as fueled by unwavering conviction.

"The level of conviction that we were going to win that game never wavered," Knight said during her keynote conversation with women's soccer icon Julie Foudy.

What followed Olympic glory proved equally extraordinary. Knight delivered the opening monologue on Saturday Night Live, appeared on the Tonight Show, and attended the Academy Awards. Later, TIME Magazine named her one of its Most Influential People.

But Knight says the most meaningful post-Olympics experience has been returning to the PWHL with Seattle. The league launched three years ago and played its inaugural season in 2024. Knight and her Seattle teammates went on to set a US attendance record just last month, when more than 18,000 fans packed Madison Square Garden for the first pro women's hockey game at the iconic venue.

"What's so cool and unique now is after the Olympic Games, we get to play in a professional season and return to that," Knight said. "To finally have a league, the structure and the facility behind us, to be able to take those big moments by storm — it's so incredible."

The PWHL success mirrors hockey's growth across women's sports. Youth hockey registration has surged since the league's formation, Knight noted, as young players can now see a clear professional future.

"Seeing all these younger faces in the stands who understand that now they have a career path is pretty special," she told the SheBelieves Summit crowd.

Ally will serve as full-season presenting sponsor of The Late Sub and return as partner of the JWS Players Party during NWSL Championship Weekend.

LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2026) – Just Women’s Sports (JWS), the leading multimedia platform dedicated to women’s sports, today announced a year-long partnership with Ally Financial Inc. (Ally) for the 2026 NWSL season. 

Building on a longstanding shared commitment to advancing women’s sports, Ally will serve as the presenting sponsor of The Late Sub with Claire Watkins, supporting two live podcast events at key moments during the season. Ally will also partner with JWS on their Players Party during NWSL Championship Weekend for the fifth consecutive year.

The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings fans the latest news and sharpest analysis across the NWSL, USWNT, and the global women’s game. As presenting sponsor, Ally will be integrated throughout the show, helping to elevate storytelling and deepen engagement with one of the fastest-growing audiences in sports. The partnership will also come to life through two live The Late Sub events during the 2026 season, creating in-person moments for fans to connect with the game and each other. 

Ally will additionally return as a key partner of the JWS Players Party at NWSL Championship Weekend, a marquee celebration that brings together players, partners, and leaders from across the women’s soccer ecosystem. Last year’s event featured a surprise performance from Kesha, underscoring its place as one of the weekend’s most anticipated gatherings.

JWS has been an official media partner of the NWSL since 2022. 

Ally is a leader in women’s sports investment, backing leagues, teams, and media platforms with a long-term commitment to building equity and visibility across the ecosystem. This continued partnership with JWS reflects a shared belief in the sustained growth and cultural impact of women’s soccer. 

“Ally has been one of the most consistent and forward-thinking supporters of women’s sports, and we’re proud to continue building alongside them,” said Haley Rosen, Founder and CEO of Just Women’s Sports. “Together, we’re creating content and experiences that meet fans where they are and push the game forward. As the NWSL continues its rise, partnerships like this are what turn momentum into something lasting.”

“At Ally, we’ve always believed in showing up for women’s sports in a way that drives real, measurable impact,” said Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and PR Officer at Ally. “Our partnership with Just Women’s Sports allows us to connect with fans through authentic storytelling and meaningful experiences around the NWSL. We’re excited to continue investing in the growth of the game and the community around it.”

About Just Women’s Sports
Just Women’s Sports Inc. (JWS) is a digital-first consumer media brand dedicated to 100% women’s sports, 100% of the time. Through original programming, digital media, and editorial coverage, JWS makes it both easy and fun to be a women’s sports fan.

Find Just Women’s Sports on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and at www.justwomenssports.com.

Media Contact:
Eric Nemeth on behalf of Just Women’s Sports
Nemeth@ericpr.com

Jess Fishlock retires at the end of the 2026 NWSL season, closing a 14-year club career spent entirely with the Seattle Reign.

The Welsh international announced her decision Tuesday as the club's last remaining original player from its 2013 inception.

Fishlock's NWSL legacy spans 219 appearances — second-most in league history — and 17,785 minutes played. The 39-year-old captain ranks tied for ninth all-time with 49 goals and sits fifth in league history with 30 assists. Her 79 career goal contributions remain a Reign franchise record.

The decorated midfielder won three NWSL Shields (2014, 2015, 2022) while also earning 2021 NWSL MVP honors. She additionally made seven NWSL Best XIs, the most in club history and second-most in league history, while reaching three Championship finals (2014, 2015, 2023) with Seattle.

"It's hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me," Fishlock said in a statement. "This is where I've grown, where I've fought, where I've experienced some of the best moments of my career. I'll never take for granted the people, the fans and the city that have supported me through it all."

The Reign will honor Fishlock during its second annual Queen’s Match on October 2nd at Lumen Field. Her final regular-season home match is set for November 1st — NWSL Decision Day.

"[Jess Fishlock] has carried this club on her shoulders at times and has always done it with pride," longtime Reign head coach Laura Harvey said. "Her impact on this team, this city and the sport as a whole is immeasurable."

Fishlock retired from international play in October 2025 as Wales's all-time leader in caps (166) and goals scored (48).

USA Basketball learned its path toward a fifth consecutive world title on Tuesday, as FIBA announced the group stage draw for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Berlin.

Team USA landed in Group D alongside China, Italy, and Czechia. Held every four year, the 2026 tournament marks the first FIBA World Cup with an expanded 16-team field, with the previous format featuring just 12 teams.

USA Basketball enters with dominant head-to-head records against all three group opponents. The US is 8-0 against China in World Cup competition while stand 2-0 against Czechia.

Italy presents Team USA's only competitive loss. The pair's head-to-head record is split 1-1, though they haven't faced each in World Cup play since 1979 —, when the US won 66-64.

Duke coach Kara Lawson leads USA Basketball as head coach. Managing director Sue Bird will oversee the 12-player roster selection.

The tournament features host Germany in Group A alongside Japan, Spain and Mali. Group B includes France, Hungary, South Korea, and Nigeria. Group C showcases reigning European champion Belgium alongside Australia, Puerto Rico, and Turkey.

The WNBA is planning a three-week regular-season break to accommodate top US and international players competing at the FIBA World Cup.

How to Watch USA Basketball at the 2026 FIBA World Cup

The FIBA World Cup tips off September 4th in Berlin, Germany, when USA Basketball opens group play against China. The game is a rematch of the 2022 FIBA World Cup Final, after the US dominated that title game 83-61.

Group-stage winners advance directly to the quarterfinals on September 10th, while second- and third-place finishers compete for the remaining four quarterfinal berths on September 8th and 9th.

The semifinals take place September 12th, with the championship game following on September 13th.

Sophie Cunningham moved quickly to clarify comments about her Indiana Fever contract, taking to social media after her frustrations with the deal went viral on Monday.

The guard signed a one-year, $665,000 deal with Indiana last week. The agreement represents a significant boost over last season's $100,000 salary thanks to the new WNBA CBA.

Cunningham expressed frustration with the deal during an April 20th episode of her Show Me Something podcast. When her co-host West Wilson asked if the contract met her expectations, she quickly responded "Nope."

"It's tough because I came off an injury, and I haven't been in front of any teams," Cunningham said on the podcast. "I'm not even gonna lie to you, it's a little kind of frustrating."

The comments sparked immediate debate across social media. Some fans criticized the Fever front office, while others questioned why Cunningham spoke publicly about her contract dissatisfaction.

Cunningham took to X on Monday, shutting down speculation about the contract situation.

"I'm gonna shut this down right now," she wrote. "I'm not mad about the money. I just wanted more years because I love it here. I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me."

The seven-year WNBA veteran spent her first six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before joining Indiana ahead of the 2025 season. She averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists last year before an MCL injury sidelined her in August.

A single-year Sophie Cunningham contract gives the Fever salary cap flexibility ahead of Caitlin Clark's expected EPIC Provision extension. Aliyah Boston recently signed the league's first-ever EPIC Provision contract, after the latest WNBA CBA introduced the mechanism.