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Sports world remembers Grant Wahl, a champion of women’s soccer

Flowers are placed in the Al Bayt Stadium press area in memory of soccer journalist Grant Wahl. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

After Grant Wahl died Saturday while covering the men’s World Cup in Qatar, U.S. women’s national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn joined the chorus celebrating the life of the prominent U.S. soccer journalist.

As the news of Wahl’s death spread, reactions from around the sports world began to pour in, including from the women’s soccer community. Wahl, 48, was a vocal proponent for the women’s game throughout his career, and Sauerbrunn called him “one of the originals who helped drive our game forward.”

“The soccer community lost a real one today,” she wrote. “Grant Wahl never shied away from asking the tough questions, the right questions, the ones that got to the heart of the matter. He will be greatly missed.”

USWNT great Abby Wambach called Wahl’s death “heartbreaking for me for so many reasons.”

Ahead of the 2015 World Cup, which was Wambach’s fourth and last with the USWNT, Wahl profiled the star for Sports Illustrated.

“Grant Wahl and soccer are inextricably linked,” Wambach wrote. “I have looked to Grant and his work for decades. The soccer story here in the US has Grant’s name all over it. We will miss you Grant and we can’t stop thinking about your family.”

Looking at the women’s game, Wahl covered just about every single one of the United States’ best.

In 2010, he wrote a story chronicling Mia Hamm’s activities in retirement. In a social media post mourning Wahl, Hamm called him “one of the best.”

He also wrote about the incredible backstory behind Carli Lloyd’s hat trick for the USWNT at the 2015 World Cup final — and the shot that completed it.

Lloyd, who spent time in Qatar in the last several weeks covering the World Cup with Fox Sports, was “completely shocked” when she heard of his passing, she wrote.

“My heart goes out to his wife, family, friends and the soccer community. Truly heartbreaking,” she added.

Julie Foudy, who like Lloyd played for the USWNT and then joined the media ranks, said she was “still trying to process this.”

“Grant Wahl not only elevated the game here in the US [thanks] to his coverage, he loved the game and knew its power was transformational,” Foudy wrote.

USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe, who Wahl once called a “reporter’s dream,” wrote that his death is “devastating.”

“All love to his family and loved ones,” she wrote.

Ali Krieger, another star player for the U.S., called him an “inspiration” to the soccer community and “anyone who was lucky enough to meet him.”

The NWSL offered its “most sincere condolences” to Wahl’s family and friends.

“We are heartbroken by the news of Grant Wahl’s death,” the NWSL said in a statement. “His commitment to sharing the stories of our beautiful game was unmatched, but more importantly, his integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness were central to the way he lived.”

Adding to the statement, commissioner Jessica Berman recalled Wahl taking the time to make sure she felt welcome to women’s soccer.

“He was a special person,” she wrote.

Kansas City Current owner Chris Long said he and wife Angie “are devastated.” The two had known Grant for more than 30 years, he wrote, and the Current “wouldn’t exist” without his insight.

“He was our first call. He is a legend,” Long wrote. “His words were always insightful, honest, powerful but his actions made all of our lives better.”

Other NWSL clubs also issued statements.

“Grant brought the best of what soccer can be to the public,” the North Carolina Courage said in a statement. “His high-level journalism and passion were instrumental in the growth of our sport in this country. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and friends as the entire soccer community mourns this heartbreaking loss.”

Courage head coach Sean Nahas “always heard great things” about Wahl, he wrote.

“He was one who showed a passion for the sport and the people in it in his writing and a true fan of the game,” he added.

Angel City FC was “devastated” by the news, the club said in its statement.

“Grant Wahl’s contribution to the soccer community, especially women’s soccer, cannot be measured,” the club said. “The beautiful game is better because of him. Grant will be incredibly missed.”

Sydney Leroux also expressed appreciation for Wahl, who “cared so deeply about women’s soccer and our soccer community.”

Racing Lousiville forward Jessica McDonald called Wahl’s death “such sad news.”

“He had such a huge impact on the women’s game,” she wrote. “He is very much so appreciated for that and advocating for what he believed in. May he rest in peace. Praying for his family.”

Portland Thorns and Canadian national team forward Janine Beckie called the news “horrific and heartbreaking.”

“A lot of speculation about the reason, I pray this comes to light,” she wrote. “I am at a loss for words, thinking of his family, friends & community in the media. Genuinely heartbroken.”

In addition to advocating for the women’s game, Wahl was outspoken about human rights issues. He made headlines earlier in the 2022 World Cup for wearing a pride t-shirt to the United States’ opener. He was detained by Qatari officials and later released.

Tennis star Billie Jean King applauded Wahl’s work in advocating for the LGBTQ community and women’s soccer.

“Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Grant Wahl,” she wrote. “A talented journalist, Grant was an advocate for the LGBTQ community & a prominent voice for women’s soccer.

“He used his platform to elevate those whose stories needed telling.”

USWNT Roster Strikes a Balance Ahead of Summer Friendlies

USWNT players including Sam Coffey and Crystal Dunn line up before a 2025 friendly.
This week's 24-player USWNT roster will face China PR and Jamaica in upcoming friendlies. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

Another USWNT roster arrived on Tuesday, with head coach Emma Hayes tapping 24 players for the world No. 1 team's upcoming early summer friendlies against No. 17 China PR and No. 40 Jamaica.

Featuring both mainstays and prospects, the lineup showcases Hayes's interest in developing young standouts while also highlighting returning regulars — and one unexpected favorite.

USWNT staples like Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett, Lindsey Heaps, and Lynn Biyendolo are back, balancing out less experienced players like forwards Michelle Cooper and Emma Sears, midfielder Claire Hutton, and defender and first-time call-up Kerry Abello.

One uncapped invitee doesn't fit the US's ongoing youth movement mold, with 32-year-old Kansas City captain and celly queen Lo'eau LaBonta earning her first national team nod.

"First of all, she's deserving of the call-up," Hayes told reporters on Tuesday morning, praising the midfielder's NWSL play. "She’s being consistent in everything that she has done. And with the volume of young players or less experienced players we're bringing in, I think we have to get that balance right."

Angel City sister duo Alyssa and Gisele Thompson also made the cut, with Hayes shifting Gisele from defender to forward ahead of the younger Thompson's possible fourth senior cap.

European club players also returned to the spotlight, with Ajax's Lily Yohannes, Chelsea's Naomi Girma and Catarina Macario, Arsenal's Emily Fox, and Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce heading to camp alongside Dunn (PSG) and Heaps (OL Lyonnes).

Hayes also noted that former call-ups Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina), Mia Fishel (Chelsea), and Korbin Albert (PSG) will spend the break with the USWNT U-23 squad, calling time with the youth team "what I felt has been really missing for a lot of players."

Seattle goalkeeper Claudia Dickey makes a save during a 2025 NWSL match.
Stellar NWSL play has Seattle's Claudia Dickey in the mix for the USWNT goalie gig. (Soobum Im/NWSL via Getty Images)

USWNT goalkeeper competition continues

Tullis-Joyce as well as Utah's Mandy McGlynn and Seattle’s uncapped Claudia Dickey will feature in goal, as the search to replace retired USWNT legend Alyssa Naeher continues.

"The data don't lie — Claudia Dickey's probably the best performing goalkeeper in the NWSL this season," Hayes said of the US newcomer.

Notably, Houston's Jane Campbell will not be joining the team, despite the longtime reserve keeper's 10 caps and six clean sheets for the USWNT.

All in all, Tuesday's roster marks one of Hayes's more diverse lineups, with this window's friendly opponents allowing her the freedom to test out new configurations.

Expect the US boss's next roster to be a bit less experimental, as the stakes will raise with late June's three-match slate against No. 26 Ireland and No. 7 Canada.

The May/June 2025 USWNT roster

  • Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
  • Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
  • Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
  • Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)

How to watch the upcoming USWNT friendlies

The 24-player USWNT roster will kick off their upcoming friendlies by taking on China PR at 5:30 PM ET on Saturday, May 31st, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Live coverage of the match will air on TBS.

Then on Tuesday, June 3rd, the US will face Jamaica in St. Louis, Missouri, with the 8 PM ET match airing live on TNT.

WNBA Rookie Paige Bueckers Balls Out in Dallas Home-Opener

Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers sets up a pass during the Wings' Monday loss to Seattle.
Bueckers tied the current season-high WNBA rookie single-game scoring mark with 19 points on Monday. (Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers took charge on Monday, with the 2025 WNBA Draft's No. 1 overall pick proving her worth in the Wings' 79-71 loss to Seattle.

The only Wing to log more than 29 minutes in Monday night's home-opener, Bueckers spent 37 minutes on the Dallas court, tallying a team-leading 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals in just her second pro game.

She also joined Mystics newcomer Sonia Citron as the only 2025 rookies to score more than 18 points in a single game so far this season.

On the flip side, 2025's No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga did not feature in the Storm's starting lineup, finishing her night with just one minute of playing time.

The 19-year-old French phenom made the most of her brief appearance with a speedy two points, despite Seattle head coach Noelle Quinn taking a conservative approach to integrating the WNBA's youngest player into the league.

While rookies make headlines, veterans still run the WNBA, with Quinn relying heavily on her experienced starting core to notch Seattle's first victory of 2025.

Leading the Storm was 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike with a 23-point, 18-rebound performance — her 110th career double-double — while Skylar Diggins (21 points, nine assists) and Gabby Williams (17 points, five assists, five rebounds) followed closely behind.

"I love how our vets showed up and willed us through possessions," Quinn said after the win. "I think that there's a lot to build and grow from this game."

How to watch WNBA games on Tuesday

The 2025 WNBA season continues at 7 PM ET on Tuesday, when the Atlanta Dream take on the Indiana Fever while the Las Vegas Aces visit the Connecticut Sun.

Both game will stream live on WNBA League Pass.

Ottawa, Minnesota Chase History as Puck Drops on PWHL Finals

Minnesota's Denisa Krizova and Claire Thompson chase Ottawa's Ronja Savolainen, who controls the puck, during a 2025 PWHL game.
Ottawa is the first Canadian team to ever make the PWHL Finals. (Troy Parla/Getty Images)

For the second straight year, the 2025 PWHL Finals are down to the postseason's underdogs, with the No. 3 seed Ottawa Charge and the No. 4 seed Minnesota Frost facing off in the best-of-five championship series after ousting the league's top teams.

Minnesota booked their Finals spot with a 3-1 series victory over No. 2 seed Toronto last Wednesday, before Ottawa ousted top-seeded Montréal by the same series margin on Friday.

While the Frost gear up to defend their 2024 Walter Cup title this week, first-time playoff team Ottawa will aim to make even more history by securing Canada’s first-ever PWHL trophy.

This year's PWHL Finals pits Minnesota's red-hot offense, which netted 18 goals across four semifinal games, against Ottawa's shutdown defense.

Led by rookie goaltender Gwyneth Philips — a 2025 Goaltender of the Year finalist — the Charge allowed just six pucks into the net through four playoff games.

Philips's top save percentage and low 1.14 goals-against average will be put to the test by the Frost, who claim seven of the PWHL's Top-8 postseason players, led by forward Taylor Heise and her seven playoff points.

Ottawa's Jincy Roese and Minnesota's Liz Schepers skate during a 2025 PWHL game.
Either Ottawa or Minnesota will earn the Walter Cup in the 2025 PWHL Finals. (Troy Parla/Getty Images)

How to watch the 2025 PWHL Finals

The puck drops on the 2025 PWHL Finals tonight at 7 PM ET, as Minnesota hits the ice against Ottawa live on YouTube.

Ballon d’Or Shifts to Accommodate Women’s International Schedule

Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí poses holding her 2024 Ballon d'Or trophy.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí won her second Ballon d’Or in 2024. (Gao Jing/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Global soccer's biggest awards ceremony is making changes, with UEFA announcing Monday that the Ballon d'Or is adding three new women's categories and shifting its dates in order to better accommodate the FIFA women's calendar.

Traditionally held in late October to accommodate the men's calendar, the Paris event historically conflicts with the women's international window, impeding nominees from attending what is arguably the sport's biggest night.

Heavy criticism of that schedule prompted owners UEFA and France Football magazine to move the upcoming 69th edition of the awards ceremony to September 22nd, 2025.

"I mean, it'd be like running an Oscars or a Golden Globes, without having any females present," USWNT head coach Emma Hayes said of the event last year, shortly before earning the first-ever women's coach of the year award. "It just wouldn't happen. And I think that all too often it's an afterthought, to be honest with you."

In addition to addressing scheduling concerns, the 2025 women's ballot will also expand to include Best Young Player, Best Goalkeeper, and Top Scorer for Club or Country — categories previously limited to the men's side.

The Ballon d'Or began honoring women's soccer athletes in 2018, with a combined four of the six total Best Player awards going to Spanish nationals Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022) and Aitana Bonmatí (2023, 2024).

The only other recipients of the award are USWNT star Megan Rapinoe (2019) and Norway's Ada Hegerberg (2018).

This year's nominees will be announced in August.
 

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