Simone Biles will be the only returner from the “Final Five” who won gold in Rio four years ago. If selecting a five-person roster was hard in 2016, four is going to be tortuous in 2021. But that is what head coach Tom Forster and the selection committee will be forced to do since the International Gymnastics Federation reduced Olympic team rosters from five to four ahead of Tokyo (before quickly backpedaling and announcing that it will return to five for Paris 2024). 

Here’s how the roster is structured this go round.

Olympic Team (4 gymnasts):

First and second place all-around finishers at U.S. Olympic Trials, plus two spots that are selected by committee.

Individual Olympic Spots (2 gymnasts):

Jade Carey already clinched one of these places through an FIG World Cup qualification system. The last remaining individual spot will be selected by committee. These athletes can compete in individual all-around and individual event competitions but not the team competition unless a team member gets injured. 

With Biles a seeming lock for spot number one, and spot two earned at trials, the big decisions will be on team spots three and four, along with the one unfilled individual spot. Eighteen women have been invited to St. Louis to compete at the Olympic Trials June 24-27 for a chance at a ticket to Tokyo. While a few names have pulled away from the pack, the final spots are nowhere near decided.

“It’s never been done before. And it’s called, ‘The Biles.’” pic.twitter.com/5uoyYQPzWB

— Lindsay Crouse (@lindsaycrouse) June 7, 2021

The Frontrunners:

Two women are almost considered locks for the team roster: Sunisa “Suni” Lee and Jordan Chiles. Lee is an 18 year old from St. Paul who could be the first Hmong American gymnast on the Olympic team. Having recovered from an ankle injury in time to be at almost full force for U.S. Nationals a few weeks ago, Lee made an assertive claim on a roster spot by finishing in second place all-around behind Biles and taking first in the uneven bars and second on beam. It was a special night for the close-knit family, as Lee’s father was cheering in person for the first time since an accident left him paralyzed from the chest down two years ago.

Whereas Lee is an individual medal contender in a few events and then falls farther down the line in others, Jordan Chiles’ success comes from being solid across the board. The 20 year old from Washington now trains in Texas alongside Biles and has been on the senior circuit since 2017. The youngest of five siblings, Chiles has taken the long road to believing she deserves a spot on this elitist of elite rosters. Having Biles in her corner (and breathing down her neck in training) appears to be paying dividends as she recently earned silver all-around at U.S. Classics and bronze all-around at U.S. Nationals.

In The Mix:

After Lee and Chiles, the list bubbles out to a large number of athletes who are all still in the mix for a team spot. This includes 18-year-old Emma Malabuyo from California, who had a disappointing U.S. Classics showing but an incredible U.S. Nationals. Then there is Leanne Wong, who has solid potential to medal individually on floor and beam, and MyKayla Skinner, an alternate from Rio whose strengths nicely compliment the frontrunners for team medal consideration. 

Another contender is Grace McCallum, who helped Team USA earn two World Championship titles in 2018 and 2019 and is making her way back from hand surgery earlier this year. Youngster Skye Blakely, who turned 16 in February and is now eligible for the Olympics thanks to the postponement, kept her name in the conversation by tying McCallum for 7th overall at U.S. Nationals. And 2019’s junior national champion Kayla DiCello is still in the running, though her name dropped much further down the list with an 11th overall finish at nationals.

Individual Contenders:

With Jade Carey having already earned one of the two individual spots, the other one is likely to go to either Riley McCusker or MyKayla Skinner (if she’s not given a team spot). McCusker is an uneven bars specialist and Skinner is phenomenal on vault.

Whoever’s Olympic dreams come true when the selection announcement is made, the expectation that accompanies this achievement is indisputable: win team gold in Tokyo.

Tune in: The Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Trials will air on NBC on June 25 at 8pm ET and June 27 at 8:30pm ET.

The 2025 NWSL Best XI presented by Amazon Prime is in, as the league honored the year’s top performers at the first-ever NWSL Awards ceremony in San Jose, California — home to NWSL Championship Weekend.

One storyline stole the spotlight: the overwhelming dominance of the Kansas City Current. The 2025 Shield-winners earned five First Team selections — the most in league history — reinforcing the Current’s status as an NWSL powerhouse despite their quarterfinal playoffs exit.

“The season didn’t end the way that we wanted to, and we’re still very hungry for more next year,” said Kansas City defender Kayla Sharples told JWS after landing on the 2025 NWSL Best XI. “But the thing is our last result doesn’t define our whole season.”

The NWSL Awards — a nationally televised event complete with a blue carpet for VIPs — showcased the celebrated the standout players who ruled the pitch in 2025. Below is a full breakdown of the NWSL Best XI First Team, diving deep into how each player earned their spot at the top this season.

2025 NWSL Best XI First Team presented by Amazon Prime

Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)

Kansas City’s Brazilian goalkeeper acted as the backbone of the league’s best defensive unit. Lorena, who developed through Brazil’s youth and senior national team system, secured 14 clean sheets thanks to quick reactions, aerial command, and elite ball distribution. Throughout 2025, she transformed from solid starter to winning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in addition to Best XI honors.

Defender: Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)

Former US youth international and Ohio State star Izzy Rodriguez has evolved into one of the NWSL’s premier two-way fullbacks. Her overlapping runs, precise crossing, and ability to defend in transition gave Kansas City unmatched width. The 26-year-old’s end-of-season honor solidifies her transformation from promising draft pick to elite defender.

“It’s so nice to celebrate your teammates, especially when you know how much work they put in the entire year,” Rodriguez said after the ceremony.

“It was so cool to have an event like this. It’s something that’s just elevating women’s sports all around and I hope we get to continue things like this and add on from here.”

Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)

After being drafted in 2019 and persevering through both injuries and trades, Kayla Sharples reemerged as one of the league’s most reliable center backs. Her dominance in the air, calm under pressure, and organizational presence allowed Kansas City to set a franchise-best defensive record this season. Sharples’s late-career breakout earned widespread praise — and a spot on the 2025 NWSL Best XI.

“It’s an incredible honor,” said Sharples. “This season has been very rewarding, and to see a lot of a lot of the players get recognition, it’s just a testament to this team, the coaching staff, all the time and work that’s been put in.”

Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

Washington Spirit’s 2025 Defender of the Year made headlines after seamlessly transitioning from standout college forward to top-flight pro center back and USWNT regular. McKeown’s background as an attacker gave her heightened anticipation and footwork in defensive situations. That combined with her ability to shut down strikers while confidently building out of the back made her one of 2025's most important defensive players.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be here when I did switch to defender, so now that I have, I’m really grateful and having a lot of fun,” McKeown reflected. “I enjoy playing back there, which I didn’t think I would say when I first switched.”

Midfielder: Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)

One of the youngest players in this year’s Best XI, 20-year-old Claire Hutton has surfaced as a foundational midfielder for the Current. A product of youth and senior US national teams, Hutton excelled at ball retention, tempo control, and breaking pressure. Her defensive engine and range fueled Kansas City’s possessive excellence, while mirroring the shift toward a younger, more technical midfield.

“I’ve learned that expectations can create disappointment, so that isn’t something I ever put out there,” Hutton told JWS. “The work speaks for itself. It’s consistency. Day in, day out, putting the work in and committing to the grind and the love of the game brings us out.”

Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)

A cornerstone for both Portland and the UWSNT, Sam Coffey remains one of the NWSL’s most consistent playmakers. A Penn State graduate, she joined the Thorns in 2022 and quickly became a midfield leader thanks to her ability to dictate matches. And with the team navigating roster turnover after an up-and-down season, Coffey’s reliability stood out more than ever in 2025.

Midfielder: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)

At just 21 years old, Japanese phenom Manaka Matsukubo delivered one of the best midfield seasons in NWSL history. She recorded 11 goals and four assists while leading the midfield in total goal contributions. With prime footwork, vision, and creativity, she elevated North Carolina’s attack and earned recognition as one of women’s soccer’s fastest-rising stars.

“To be a part of the [NWSL] is a really big thing in this extremely extraordinary country,” Matsukubo said. “I think I was able to demonstrate to my fellow Japanese, younger Japanese, that even if you’re small, you’re still able to demonstrate yourself.”

Forward: Esther González (Gotham FC)

The World Cup-winning Spanish striker saw yet another strong NWSL run this year. Known for her intelligent movement and sharp instincts, Esther provided consistency for a Gotham squad that battled availability issues all season. A true contender for the 2025 Golden Boot award, her ability to finish half-chances and pressure defenses earned her a well-deserved place in the league’s top attacking trio.

Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

Malawi international Temwa Chawinga won her second straight NWSL MVP and Golden Boot this year, taking the NWSL Awards by storm and cementing herself as one the world’s best forwards. Her blistering speed, clinical finishes, and ability to break open games propelled Kansas City’s historic season. Chawinga’s journey from Malawi to Europe to NWSL superstardom is one of the league’s defining success stories.

“We fight hard, we push,” said Chawinga, defining the Best XI lineup. “The way we play the game, we put [in] effort and heart. That’s why you have a lot of players in the Best XI.”

Forward: Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns)

At 19, Olivia Moultrie has moved from teen prodigy to NWSL and USWNT mainstay. Her creativity, decision-making, and defensive prowess turned her into a central figure in Portland’s attack. For both club and country, 2025 confirmed Moultrie as one of US soccer’s most exciting young stars.

How the Kansas City Current crushed the NWSL Awards

Kansas City’s five selections reflect a roster that blended international talent, US youth products, and tactical cohesion. The Current set franchise and league records in wins, scoring, and defense, with this year’s Best XI mirroring that all-around excellence. Their success also signals the broader league trend of deep investment in analytics, recruiting, and development.

What the 2025 NWSL Best XI says about the league’s future

This year’s Best XI highlights the NWSL’s evolution into a global, youth-driven league. International stars Chawinga, Matsukubo, and Esther share the stage with homegrown talents Hutton and Moultrie. Veteran leaders Coffey and Sharples show that domestic experience still matters, while positional conversions like McKeown’s demonstrate coaching innovations.

As the NWSL makes strides in expansion, broadcast deals, and international influence, the 2025 NWSL Best XI serves as a snapshot of a league in transformation — competitive, diverse, and teeming with world-class talent.

“This event and the ceremony was truly incredible,” added Hutton. “I’m grateful for the league, for women’s sports, giving us this platform to appreciate where we are and be where our feet are. I love it.”

Article written in partnership with Amazon Prime

Just before the final event of the 2025 Tour, the LPGA raised the stakes for pro women's golf, announcing this week that the governing body is expanding both player paydays and live broadcast coverage for the 2026 season.

For the first time in the sport's history, the LPGA's upcoming 76th Tour will see every round of every tournament broadcast live in the US.

The Tour will also add 50% more camera equipment —  including slow-motion and drone cameras — than used in this year's tournaments, with most 2026 LPGA action airing live on the Golf Channel or CNBC.

"For us to finally get our shot at having live TV and for people investing in our product out here has been amazing," US star and world No. 2 Nelly Korda said on Wednesday. "I can't wait to see where it's going to go."

Even more, next season's total prize money will reach $132 million across the Tour's 33 tournaments, a record-high sum after five major events raised their purses by a cumulative $3 million.

There will also be more financial commitment across the board, with 12 events on the 2026 LPGA Tour featuring elevated purses and more than 15 guaranteeing a minimum payout for all players — even those who miss the cut.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've built, and even more excited about where we're headed," said LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler. "Coming off our 75th anniversary season, we wanted a calendar that gives our athletes great stages, better flow, and even more opportunity — and I think 2026 delivers that."

LPGA season wraps with this week's 2025 CME Group Tour Championship

Though the LPGA is already planning for its 2026 campaign, the final event of the 2025 Tour kicked off on Thursday, as this year's top 60 points-getters teed off in the CME Group Tour Championship.

Featuring 28 of the 29 event champions this year as well as every world Top 25 player, the 2025 Tour's grand finale will see the sport's best battling for the lion's share of the $11 million purse in Naples, Florida.

Leading the field is the aforementioned US standout Korda as well as 2024 CME Group Tour champion and world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and New Zealand's two-time winner No. 5 Lydia Ko.

An impressive eight LPGA rookies also made the cut to enter the elite end-of-season tournament, including Japan's No. 3 Miyu Yamashita and England's No. 10 Lottie Woad.

How to watch the 2025 CME Group Tour Championship

The 2025 LPGA Tour will finish with Sunday's final round at the CME Group Tour Championship.

While ESPN+ will stream featured groups throughout the four-day tournament, the first three rounds will air live on the Golf Channel before Sunday's finale shifts to NBC and Peacock.

Orlando Pride VP of soccer operations and sporting director Haley Carter is stepping down, departing the 2024 NWSL champions to pursue other opportunities, the club announced on Tuesday.

Carter joined the 2024 Shield-winners in January 2023, ushering in arguably the most successful era for the Orlando club thus far by bringing in top talents like striker Barbra Banda, defender Emily Sams, and former Liga MX star Lizbeth Ovalle to help the Pride climb the NWSL standings.

"We'd like to extend our gratitude to Haley for her contributions to the Pride over the past three years," Orlando owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. "Haley played a key leadership role with our club, positioning the Pride among the NWSL's and world's elite clubs."

"I'm beyond thankful to Mark Wilf and the entire ownership group for giving me the opportunity to be part of this club and for their unwavering support throughout my time here," said Carter.

Carter will continue working with the Pride during its transition period as the club searches for its new sporting director.

"We have begun a diligent and methodical search for a new soccer leader who will have the opportunity to work with a championship-caliber roster and coaching staff," said Wilf, before promising that the Pride will "continue its trajectory of success."

Reigning PWHL champions Minnesota will be back on the ice on Friday, when the Frost opens the league's 2025/26 season — and their own three-peat title quest — against the Toronto Sceptres in St. Paul.

"Right now, we're not worried about championships," Frost head coach Ken Klee said prior to this week's puck drop. "We're worried about the process, how we're going to prepare every day, how we work, how we're going to get better. To me, that's how you win."

The back-to-back Walter Cup winners have continuity on their side after the Frost protected captain Kendall Coyne Schofield and alternate Lee Stecklein from the offseason expansion draft benefitting the league's two newest teams.

Early points will also be key this season, as the PWHL preps for an extended pause starting in late January to allow international talent to compete in February's 2026 Winter Olympics.

As for Toronto, the Sceptres are seeking revenge in Friday's opener, starting their season against the team that knocked them out of the 2024/25 PWHL Playoffs.

"We're wanting to win the Walter Cup," said Toronto GM Gina Kingsbury. "I think every year that has to be the goal. We're going to play hard for our fans and to represent the city of Toronto."

How to watch the first game of the 2025/26 PWHL season

The puck drops on the 2025/26 PWHL season when the Toronto Sceptres visit the Minnesota Frost at 7 PM ET on Friday, airing live on FDSN and YouTube.