Mattel released Barbie's first-ever Dream Team for International Women's Day, creating one-of-a-kind dolls honoring eight women who led the way in their industries — including top women's sports athletes.
The 2026 lineup is headlined by tennis legend Serena Williams. Pro footballer Chloe Kelly, surfer Stephanie Gilmore, and cricketer Smriti Mandhana also feature, among others.
"Barbie has always championed the belief that girls can be anything," said Mattel's head of Barbie Nathan Baynard. The brand has spotlighted more than 100 women across all industries since its 1959 debut.
"I have always drawn inspiration from the powerful women in my life — from my mom, sisters, and daughters, to the dolls in my toy box growing up," 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams said.
"Just like so many women have empowered me to turn my fear into courage and doubt into confidence, I hope we can do the same by championing girls everywhere to pick up a racquet, become an entrepreneur, or do whatever ignites their passion and brings their dreams to life."
The first woman to score centuries in all three international formats, Indian vice-captain Mandhana is Barbie's first Women's Day cricketer. "I never imagined that one day there would be a one-of-a-kind Barbie made to look like me," she said.
Australia's Gilmore was the first women's surfer to win eight World Championship titles. And Arsenal star Kelly — England's first Barbie-recognized footballer — scored the winning penalty goal in the 2024 Euro final.
"I dreamed about winning trophies and big moments in football, but I never imagined a different kind of milestone like this," Kelly said. "I hope it shows young girls that they can grow up playing with Barbie dolls and with footballs... You can love it all."
Where to Buy Barbie Dream Team International Women's Day Dolls
Mattel's International Women's Day celebration continues with Barbie Dream Days. Starting March 8th, the week-long sales event features offers on dolls and accessories via major US retailers.
The three-day Barbie Dream Fest fan festival subsequently kicks off on March 27th in Fort Lauderdale.
Tennis icon Venus Williams fell to Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the ATX Open on Tuesday, extending the wild card entry's 2026 winless streak.
Williams started strong against Tomljanovic, as the 45-year-old broke serve immediately and raced to a 2-0 lead. She went on to deliver vintage winners, capitalizing on consecutive Tomljanovic double faults.
However, Williams could not maintain her momentum. Tomljanovic rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the first set before Williams held two points to hold serve for 4-2 but failed to convert. She then held two points to level the set at 5-5, but Tomljanovic denied the US star with creative shotmaking.
Tomljanovic sealed the first set after a wildly spun slice caught the tape for a winner. The second set proved less competitive, with Tomljanovic winning two crucial multi-deuce games to take control.
The loss marked the pair's first-ever meeting. However, Tomljanovic defeated Serena Williams 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-1 in the 2022 US Open, in what would become the younger Williams sister's final professional match.
Tuesday's victory completed Tomljanovic's historic sibling sweep.
"Venus and Serena tend to bring the best out in me mentally," Tomljanovic said postmatch. "Because I always think, 'What would they do in that moment?' I try to make it work for me, instead of against me."
What's next for Venus Williams after her 2026 ATX Open exit
Venus Williams entered the 2026 ATX Open as a wildcard, going on to remain winless this season with a 0-3 record across three tournaments.
After Tuesday's win, Tomljanovic advances to face No. 2 seed Iva Jovic in the Austin tournament's second round.
Tennis legend Serena Williams publicly defended Coco Gauff following the young US star's viral racket-smashing moment at the Australian Open, offering support and advice to the world No. 3.
After Gauff suffered a 6-1, 6-2 quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina in just 59 minutes on Tuesday, cameras captured her smashing her racket in frustration while walking through the Rod Laver Arena tunnel. The 21-year-old had intentionally left the court hoping to avoid public view, but the TV broadcast chose to air the moment live.
Serena Williams quickly came to Gauff's defense on social media, echoing sentiments shared by her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The 44-year-old assured Gauff that passion and caring matter, and there's nothing wrong with hating to lose.
Serena Williams then playfully offered to teach Gauff how to demolish a racket in one swing, referencing her own history with similar outbursts during her legendary career.
Gauff responded to the criticism by emphasizing she deliberately avoids breaking rackets on court and only did so in what she believed was a private space. She called for increased privacy for players, noting that the locker room serves as the Melbourne tournament's only truly private area.
Williams faced similar scrutiny throughout her decorated career, garnering attention for emotional displays including racket-smashing incidents resulting in fines. Despite occasional controversies, she became one of the greatest athletes of all time, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles and holding the No. 1 ranking for 186 consecutive weeks.
Jessica Pegula and Iga Świątek also voiced support for Gauff, agreeing that cameras have become too intrusive at tournaments. The incident subsequently sparked broader conversations about player privacy and mental health in professional tennis.
As top tennis talents turn toward the 2026 Australian Open, this week's WTA rankings refresh hints at the drama to come as the year's first Grand Slam nears.
Following her strong 2026 United Cup showing against world No. 2 Iga Świątek, Team USA favorite Coco Gauff jumped to No. 3, leapfrogging fellow US star No. 4 Amanda Anisimova along the way.
Meanwhile, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys hit a slight skid, falling two spots to No. 9 after unwavering No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka ousted her from last week's Brisbane Open quarterfinals.
Sabalenka aside, Switzerland's No. 10 Belinda Bencic might have the hottest hand heading into Melbourne, busting into the Top 10 after winning all five of her 2026 United Cup singles matches — including a dominant three-set victory over Poland's Świątek.
Bencic also made history in this week's rankings update, becoming the first returning mother to crack the WTA's top tier since US tennis icon Serena Williams did so in 2021.
"I think it's been a huge goal, maybe a huge ride after the whole comeback, to come back and prove this to myself, that it's possible," Bencic said this week.
How to watch top WTA ranked tennis players this week
Next up for the WTA rankings' elite will be the record-breaking 2026 Australian Open, with the main draw of the season's first Slam kicking off down under on Sunday.
Live coverage from the Melbourne hardcourt will air across ESPN platforms beginning at 7 PM ET on Saturday.
Forbes tapped the most powerful women in sports this week, ranking the Top 25 players, executives, and others pushing the needle in the ever-growing sports — and women's sports — sector.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is the highest-ranked athlete at No. 4, joined by Unrivaled co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart at No. 9, as well as tennis stars Serena Williams (No. 11) and Coco Gauff (No. 13), reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson at No. 15, gymnastics titan Simone Biles at No. 18, and world No. 2 golfer Nelly Korda at No. 21.
Also making the 2025 Forbes Most Powerful Women in Sports roster are tennis legend Billie Jean King (No. 23), NCAA basketball coaching icon Dawn Staley (No. 20), and Las Vegas Aces sideline leader Becky Hammon (No. 22).
Women's sports multi-team owner Michele Kang came in at No. 5, with NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman (No. 7), New York Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai (No. 10), US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone (No. 14), and more representing the off-field lineup.
According to the publication, the new annual list honors leaders "who are transforming one of the world's most influential industries, shaping strategy, driving innovation, and expanding the role of women across the sports economy."
Investments, influence, and growth drivers were all taken into consideration, with Forbes also dividing selectees into five categories: owners/investors, business executives, front office leaders, athletes, and amplifiers.
Professional women's volleyball is officially landing in Los Angeles, with LOVB announcing Wednesday that the league plans to launch an LA expansion team funded by Angel City investor — and Serena Williams's husband — Alexis Ohanian.
Ohanian's Seven Seven Six venture capital firm is behind the new club, adding to a portfolio that also includes track and field competition Athlos and NWSL-focused docuseries The Offseason, as well as the men's Los Angeles Golf Club.
"We're excited to make LOVB the third jewel in Seven Seven Six's LA sports family," Ohanian said in the league's expansion announcement. "Volleyball is such a natural addition for Southern California, which has already proven how warmly it embraces new pro sports teams."
LOVB wrapped its inaugural six-team season in April 2025, with the league's second season set to kick off in January 2026 before LOVB LA becomes the pro venture's seventh squad in 2027.
"We're thrilled to partner with Alexis and the Seven Seven Six team, true women's sports champions," said LOVB Pro president Rosie Spaulding, further acknowledging the impact of Ohanian's sports portfolio and investment acumen. "Their commitment strengthens the entire volleyball ecosystem, and marks an exciting new chapter for LOVB and the sport as a whole."
"We can't wait to work with them to bring professional women's volleyball to Southern California as we continue to grow the sport across the US."
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam of the 2025 WTA season on Saturday, with the world No. 1 defeating then-No. 9 Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) to claim the US Open trophy — the final Slam of the year.
"To bring the fight and be able to handle my emotions the way I did in this final, it means a lot," Sabalenka said following the match. "I'm super proud right now of myself."
After successfully defending her 2024 US Open title — and claiming tennis's top 2025 paycheck in the process — Sabalenka is now the tournament's first repeat champion since 2014, when Serena Williams claimed a third straight trophy at the New York Slam.
The 27-year-old narrowly avoided a Slam-less year, going without a trophy despite reaching both the Australian Open and French Open finals as well as the Wimbledon semifinals.
"I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different," Sabalenka said. "All of those lessons are making me tougher, tougher, and tougher."
As for Anisimova, the US rising star added a new career-high WTA ranking alongside her second straight Grand Slam final appearance on her 2025 resume, rising to world No. 4 in Monday's update.
Also earning a noticeable bump on Monday was Japanese star Naomi Osaka, who clocked in at No. 14 after a stellar Grand Slam comeback run to the 2025 US Open semifinals.
The Naomi Osaka comeback tour at the 2025 US Open has ended, as the two-time New York Grand Slam champion and world No. 24 star ceded her Thursday semifinal to No. 9 Amanda Anisimova, who battled back to claim the 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 victory.
"Naomi is playing amazing tennis," the 23-year-old said of Osaka's US Open run. "She's back where she belongs. I told her I'm so proud of her after having a baby and playing at this level — it's insane."
With her Thursday win, Anisimova is now the only player to ever defeat Osaka in a Grand Slam quarterfinal, semifinal, or final — ending the Japanese fan-favorite's 13-0 run in the later rounds of tennis's major tournaments.
Anisimova's US Open success is even more impressive considering the result of her first-ever Grand Slam final — a brutal 6-0, 6-0 loss at Wimbledon in July.
In a massive turnaround, Anisimova handed No. 2 Iga Świątek, the 2025 Wimbledon champion, a redemptive straight-set loss in Wednesday's US Open quarterfinals en route to reaching this weekend's championship match.
Anisimova's victory means that a US player has now competed in every women's Grand Slam final dating back to the 2024 US Open, extending the country's championship-match streak to five straight Slams.
With even more history on the line, the US rising star now has a second shot at joining No. 6 Madison Keys and No. 3 Coco Gauff in hoisting a 2025 Grand Slam trophy for the US — a feat not accomplished by any single country since Serena Williams won the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon in 2015.
How to watch the 2025 US Open championship match
Just like Keys and Gauff, Anisimova will have to defeat Aryna Sabalenka to claim her own 2025 Grand Slam trophy — with the hard-hitting US finalist holding a 6-3 all-time record against the world No. 1 player, most recently downing the 2024 US Open champion in this year's Wimbledon semifinals.
Anisimova will battle Sabalenka in for the 2025 US Open crown on Saturday, with live coverage of the championship match beginning at 4 PM ET on ESPN.
Women's tennis got a boost on Wednesday, as the WTA announced it would institute rankings pauses for players who step away from competition to undergo fertility protection treatments like egg or embryo freezing.
Players returning from a procedure can opt to receive a Special Entry Ranking, calculated using their 12-week average ranking starting from eight weeks before taking leave.
Players can use that unique ranking to enter up to three tournaments at the WTA 500, 250, or 125 levels before the governing body will again institute traditional calculations.
The protection extends to any player ranked among the world's top 750 who spends more than 10 weeks out of competition.
These latest rankings protection further secures the careers of tennis pro parents, who first earned special rankings in the 2019 WTA season after Serena Willams and Victoria Azarenka saw their seedings plummet simply from stepping away from competition to give birth.
The move also comes three months after the WTA agreed to grant players paid maternity leave for the very first time.
"I'm incredibly proud of our sport in recognizing the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes," said 2017 US Open champ and longtime reproductive health support advocate Sloane Stephens. "For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex."
"It's truly ground-breaking and will empower this generation, and future generations of players, to continue with the sport they love without having to compromise."
World No. 2 Coco Gauff earned her second career Grand Slam title on Saturday, taking down No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a windy 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 battle to claim the 2025 French Open trophy.
Having reached the final once before in 2022, the 2025 championship made Gauff the first US player to win the French Open since Serena Williams did so in 2015.
"Losing in the finals here three years ago had created a lot of doubt in my head," the 21-year-old wrote on social media after her Roland Garros victory. "I thought my dreams were so close to happening but would never come true. So to be here…means absolutely everything."
Despite Sabalenka's championship match loss — a performance that saw the 27-year-old commit 70 unforced errors — she will retain the world No. 1 ranking thanks to a generally strong 2025 season so far.
Frustrated with her performance, Sabalenka faced backlash due to her emotional post-match comments on the loss — and, notably, on Gauff's level of play.
She later walked back those words on Sunday, clarifying in an Instagram story that "both things can be true… I didn't play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title."
Gauff, US standout No. 3 Jessica Pegula, and Italy's No. 4 Jasmine Paolini also maintained their WTA positions behind Sabalenka, with French Cinderella story Loïs Boisson skyrocketing 296 spots to No. 65 after her landmark semifinals run.
In contrast, four-time French Open champion Iga Świątek continues to dip, falling from No. 5 to No. 7 after last Thursday's semifinal loss to Sabalenka.
With two of the season's four majors in the books, the US is leading the charge, as Gauff joins reigning Australian Open champion No. 8 Madison Keys as 2025's Grand Slam winners.