USWNT vs Japan returns to the pitch tonight, with the two teams set to kick off the second of three April friendlies — with roster rotation on the agenda and a 10-game winning streak on the line.
The US opened the window with Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Nadeshiko, fueled by goals from veteran midfielders Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps.
“I want the whole group to experience the highest level game,” US coach Emma Hayes said Monday.
“So, what a great situation we're in to be able to put another team out tomorrow to get that exposure against one of the best sides in the world. Because you cannot close gaps until you identify what they are, and you can't do that when you're comfortable, and you absolutely can't do that when you're always the dominant side.”
Leaning into the youth movement, the US could combine a younger midfield trio with speedy attackers tonight, while possibly taking a hit in central defense.
After a training injury took center back Emily Sonnett out of Saturday’s match, Hayes opted to pair newcomer Kennedy Wesley with starter Naomi Girma on the backline.
Angel City defender Emily Sams could step in should Sonnett remain unavailable — with novice outside backs Lilly Reale and Avery Patterson primed to pick up the slack.
How to Watch Tuesday's USWNT vs Japan Friendly
The USWNT takes on Japan tonight at 10 PM ET, live on TNT.
A surprise swap later stole the 2026 WNBA Draft spotlight, after Golden State and Seattle executed an abrupt, high-profile second-round trade with LSU star Flau’jae Johnson at the center of the action.
After selecting the 2023 NCAA champion No. 8 overall, the Valkyries sent Johnson to the Storm less than an hour later, receiving No. 16 selection Maria Suarez (TCU) plus a second-round 2028 pick in return.
“The opportunity to add Flau’jae was really exciting,“ Seattle GM Talisa Rhea said. “We had been in conversations, and so, as we got closer to that pick, once it became a reality, just really excited.”
While not unprecedented, immediately trading off a first-round pick is a rare WNBA occurrence, with Golden State saying little about its quick pivot.
“I’m going to take a beat to be able to eloquently give a response,” Golden State GM Ohemaa Nyanin said from the floor. “I don’t have a lot of details to share.”
Later, however, Nyanin opened up about the move, telling ESPN the decision was made well before Monday's event.
“Seattle and I had an agreement to trade picks prior to any athlete selection,” she said. “This had nothing to do with Flau’jae.”
Late 2026 WNBA Draft Steals Follow Flau'Jae Johnson Trade
Top-tier recruits extended far beyond the draft's first round, with WNBA teams cleaning up with prime second- and third-round selections thanks to a remarkably deep 2026 draft class.
Other late-round steals included LA selecting 2025 DI leading scorer Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina) at No. 20. Afterwards, reigning champion Las Vegas took Tennessee standout Janiah Barker at No. 29, before Washington drafted Texas star Rori Harmon at No. 34.
The Wings added another Husky to the pack, selecting UConn’s Azzi Fudd No. 1 overall to tip off last night’s 2026 WNBA Draft.
The nation’s top shooting guard prospect, Fudd will reunite with fellow 2025 NCAA champion — and fellow No. 1 pick — Paige Bueckers in Dallas.
“Paige is an incredible player,” Fudd told reporters at the post-draft press conference.
“Everybody knows that she’s someone that makes playing basketball with easy. So I think just the prior experience knowing how to play with her, play off of her, will only help.”
The 23-year-old finished her UConn career shooting 42.2% from the 3-point line and 92.5% from the free-throw line. She additionally averaged 14.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game across 115 NCAA appearances.
“I feel like the advice has mostly been a combination of, one, soak this whole weekend in,” Fudd told PEOPLE from the Orange Carpet.
“You know, it only happens once — it's your moment — so really take it all in. Try to take notes, try to learn, try to just enjoy the moment. And then going forward, be confident, stay true to yourself, do what got you drafted, and also enjoy that moment as well.”
Top Recruits Follow Azzi Fudd in 2026 WNBA Draft 1st Round
Top college and international prospects subsequently lit up the draft lottery. Minnesota took TCU guard Olivia Miles at No. 2 before Seattle took Spanish phenom Awa Fam Thiam at No. 3. Later, Washington picked up UCLA center Lauren Betts at No. 4.
Chicago took the biggest first-round swing. The Sky selected UCLA guard and March Madness hero Gabriela Jaquez at No. 5, after the sleeper pick saw her draft stock rise during the NCAA tournament.
Betts and Jaquez were just two of the record-six Bruins drafted on Monday. Fellow 2026 champions Kiki Rice (Toronto), Angela Dugalić (Washington), Gianna Kneepkens (Connecticut), and Charlisse Leger-Walker (Connecticut) all graced the WNBA Draft stage.
The rookies won’t have much time to celebrate. Now, the new recruits prepare to join their teams for training camp ahead of April 25th’s preseason tipoff.
While some teams dove into the WNBA free agency market, others invested in existing star power for 2026, keeping franchise players at home with plenty of incentives.
After making guard Jackie Young the league’s first million-dollar signing, Las Vegas secured deals for both Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, needing only 2025 MVP A’ja Wilson to complete its championship core.
"Chelsea is a pure example of a true champion," Aces president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a team statement. "She sets the standard for what it means to compete and win at the highest level, and we cannot wait to see the Point Gawd back in an Aces uniform."
"The Las Vegas Aces are special. And I couldn't imagine chasing history anywhere else. I'm grateful to be able to continue building on this legacy for the fans and this amazing city," said Gray, after earning her first WNBA title with LA in 2016 before adding three more with the Aces.
Phoenix Avoids Losing 2026 Headliners to WNBA Free Agency
2025 WNBA finalist Phoenix also took care of business, hanging onto key talent after losing forward Satou Sabally to New York in free agency.
Forward fiancés Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner and guards Kahleah Copper and Sami Whitcomb all re-signed with the Mercury, emboldening Phoenix as it hunts another deep postseason run.
The Indiana Fever is also looking to run it back, re-signing guards Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, and Lexie Hull to compliment rostered stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
WNBA free agency is firing on all cylinders, as teams look to quickly pad their 2026 rosters with big-name stars and rising prospects alike.
Chicago has been one of the offseason’s most aggressive dealers, sending young centerpiece Angel Reese to Atlanta before signing vets Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Azurá Stevens and trading for 2024 draftees Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon.
"Diggins is the kind of player who elevates everyone around her," Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh said in a team statement.
"Skylar is a true veteran leader, and she possesses unmatched speed and shot creation potential. I can't wait to work with her."
Diggins grew up in South Bend, Indiana — just a few hours from Chicago — and subsequently attended Notre Dame, leading the women's basketball team to two NCAA finals.
Big Names Find New Teams as 2026 WNBA Free Agency Heats Up
As the new CBA ushers in the league’s first million-dollar contracts, both players and teams are taking advantage of a breakneck free agency market.
All-Star guard Gabby Williams joined Golden State, forward Nneka Ogwumike is returning to LA, and 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith is Dallas-bound alongside ex-Lynx teammate Jessica Shepard.
Texas-born center Brittney Griner is also on the move, signing with Connecticut as the Sun prepares to relocate to Houston in 2027.
Saturday's USWNT vs Japan matchup ended in a 2-1 victory, as veterans Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps stepped up to take the first of three April friendlies between the women's soccer titans.
Lavelle struck in the ninth minute for her 28th career goal in her 100th USWNT start. Lavelle became the 31st player to reach the milestone, passing Shannon Boxx and Joy Fawcett to claim No. 24 on the all-time US scoring list.
Heaps doubled the lead early in the second half. With Rose Lavelle providing the assist, Heaps became the 16th USWNT player to register 40 career goals.
Japan answered in the 61st minute. Substitute Riko Ueki redirected a header past goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Despite appearing marginally offside on replays, the strike marked the first goal the USWNT conceded in 2026.
"Twelve months ago, we might have drawn this game," said US manager Emma Hayes postgame. "The progress is in staying in the game and not conceding a second goal."
Hayes deployed veteran midfield trio Lavelle, Heaps, and Coffey, while giving forward Sophia Wilson her first national team start since the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wilson returned after giving birth to her daughter in August 2025, becoming the 18th mother to play for the USWNT.
"I'm proud of her," Hayes said of the striker. "It takes a bit of time to find that rhythm, and I think she gave it everything she could."
Wilson drew the eighth-minute foul that led to Lavelle's opening goal. She later combined with Heaps for a dangerous chance in the 21st minute, before exiting the match in the 67th minute.
Dickey finished the game with five saves. She made a close-range stop on a corner kick in the 79th minute, before collecting a looping header on the final play to preserve the victory.
How to Watch the Next USWNT vs Japan Friendly
The USWNT faces Japan again on Tuesday at 10 PM ET at Seattle's Lumen Field, live on TNT.
The USWNT returns to action Saturday against world No. 5 Japan, launching a three-friendly series against the Nadeshiko with several familiar faces rejoining the roster.
The No. 2 ranked United States last faced Japan at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, where the Nadeshiko stunned a young USWNT side 2-1 to claim the tournament title. Japan enters the series fresh off winning the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, defeating host Australia 1-0 in the final.
"For us, patience is the biggest part," said forward Trinity Rodman ahead of Saturday's rematch. "Finding the areas to exploit in the final third… just being smart in those moments that we can take advantage."
The match could reunite two-thirds of Triple Espresso as Sophia Wilson joins Rodman on the USWNT roster for the first time since the team's gold medal 2024 Paris Olympics campaign. The frontline duo previously combined for crucial goals during the Olympic run, including Rodman's extra-time winner against Japan in the quarterfinals.
Defender Tierna Davidson also makes her national team return after recovering from last year's ACL injury, providing additional depth to the backline as the team begins World Cup qualifying preparations.
"They're champions of Asia. They're easily one of the best teams in the world," USWNT manager Emma Hayes said of Japan. "I think this is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. So, what a great test for us."
Japan is competing under interim coach Michihisa Kano after parting ways with manager Nils Nielsen last week. The Nadeshiko compiled a 6-0 record at the Women's Asian Cup, outscoring opponents 29-1.
How to Watch the USWNT vs Japan Friendlies
The USWNT kicks off against Japan on Saturday at 5:30 PM ET in San Jose, live on TNT.
The series continues in Seattle on April 14th before culminating in Colorado's April 17th finale.
WNBA free agency reaches a fever pitch this weekend as veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike announced her return to the Los Angeles Sparks after one season with the Seattle Storm.
The 14-year veteran and 2016 MVP revealed her decision Friday morning after posting a social media goodbye to Seattle earlier this week. Ogwumike averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds for the playoff-bound Storm in 2025.
Ogwumike now returns to the franchise where she built a Hall of Fame resume, according to SBNation. The move potentially reunites her with sister Chiney Ogwumike, while pairing the 10-time All-Star alongside Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink.
Forward Satou Sabally also bid farewell to Phoenix this week, calling her single season with the Mercury her "best year yet." The departure leaves another major piece available as WNBA free agency negotiations enter the final hours.
Rumors Dominate the 2026 WNBA Free Agency News Cycle
Multiple WNBA trades loom before Monday's signing window officially opens. Reports connect veteran guard Skylar Diggins to Chicago after the Sky sent Angel Reese to Atlanta. Additional rumors link LA forward Rickea Jackson to Chicago in exchange for Ariel Atkins.
Dallas gained cap flexibility following a trade sending forward Diamond Miller to Connecticut for second-year center Rayah Marshall. The Wings are expected to remain active throughout the weekend.
New York is reportedly showing interest in 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith — despite extending core qualifying offers to stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
The flurry of activity precedes Monday's 2026 WNBA Draft at 7 PM ET on ESPN, where 15 invited prospects including five UCLA champions await their professional destinations.
Teams are stepping up under the new CBA, as the Aces crowned Jackie Young the WNBA’s first $1 million signing in an effort to keep the guard in Las Vegas.
"Breaking: The Las Vegas Aces are finalizing an agreement for Jackie Young to return to Vegas, sources told ESPN. Expected to be a one-year deal at the regular max ($1.19 million)," ESPN reporter Alexa Philippou posted to X on Thursday. "One step closer toward the Aces retaining their Big Three."
Young is the first player in league history to sign a contract worth over $1 million, with the one-year deal reaching the $1.19 million standard maximum. Per ESPN, the unrestricted free agent chose not to take meetings with other teams, remaining focused on the 2025 WNBA champions.
Las Vegas retained Young without tapping into its core mechanism, an option that provides teams an exclusive negotiating window to either re-sign — or sign and trade — top talent.
The core designation — similar to the franchise tag in other leagues — gives teams control over a top player's free agency. It also comes with a one-year supermax framework under the WNBA CBA.
The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, New York’s Sabrina Ionescu, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, LA’s Kelsey Plum, Dallas’s Arike Ogubowale, and others have already been cored by their respective teams.
The Sky cored veteran Ariel Atkins, though Front Office Sports reported Chicago might trade Atkins to LA in exchange for third-year forward Rickea Jackson.
The league's free agency period officially began on Monday, with teams issuing qualifying offers and core designations before the official signing window opens on Saturday.
ESPN reported Tuesday that its 2026 Women's March Madness coverage delivered the second-highest viewership in network history, continuing the NCAA tournament's upward ratings trajectory.
Sunday's championship game between UCLA and South Carolina averaged 9.9 million viewers and peaked at 10.7 million, becoming ESPN's third-most watched women's final on record.
Both Women's March Madness Final Four matchups drew strong viewership numbers. South Carolina's 62-48 semifinal victory over previously undefeated UConn averaged 5.4 million viewers, while UCLA's win over Texas registered 5 million in the nightcap.
The 2026 tournament's ESPN viewership ranked second behind 2024's record-breaking run despite a repeat field, with 21 games averaging over 1 million viewers each. However, Iowa alum Caitlin Clark's 2023 and 2024 Final Four appearances continue to hold the top ESPN viewership spots.
“We are thrilled with the continued momentum we have seen across women’s basketball this season," said ESPN Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions Dan Margulis.
"We delivered our strongest regular-season performance in 17 years, the second-best NCAA Tournament overall and continued to grow excitement around the game. That success reflects the dedication of the student-athletes on the court, as well as the commitment of ESPN, the conferences, and the NCAA to grow the game of women’s basketball."
The strong numbers arrive as women's college basketball continues expanding its mainstream audience. The tournament aired across ESPN networks linear and digital, including in primetime on ABC.
UCLA's title marked coach Cori Close's first NCAA title after 15 seasons with the program.
How to Watch 2027 Women's March Madness on ESPN
The women's NCAA tournament returns to ESPN next spring, with Selection Sunday scheduled for mid-March, 2027.