CHICAGO — News that the New York Liberty have a valuation of $450 million, a record for a women’s sports team, isn’t just cause for celebration.

It’s a warning shot.

The days of treating women’s teams like charity projects with owners thinking they can run their franchises on the cheap are over. You can either invest, like the Liberty’s Clara Wu Tsai and husband Joe Tsai have, or you’re going to get left behind.

That should have been clear after the Chicago Sky lost pretty much the entire 2021 championship team to free agency. Or from the mass exodus from the Connecticut Sun this past off-season.

If it wasn’t, and we’ll get to that in a moment, the Liberty valuation is making it clear. With fireworks and blaring lights, no less.

According to The Athletic, the Liberty recently sold a portion of the team to investors in a deal that valued the franchise at $450 million. That not only makes the defending champions the most valuable women’s franchise in the world, it is more than double a $208 million valuation for the Dallas Wings just a year ago.

“I’ve been in this league for a really long time, and it’s just great to see the evolution,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said ahead of Monday night’s game against the Sky.

“Everyone is pushing for excellence, and it does start at the top. It starts with ownership,” she said. “We’ve got the best owners in the WNBA and they’re going to keep pushing for us to keep growing, us and collectively as a league.”

This isn’t just a case of the Liberty being a New York team or having a roster of stars. Once relegated to suburban Westchester County, Wu Tsai has described the Liberty as “a distressed asset” when she and her husband bought them in 2019.

But they invested. Quickly and deeply. They moved the team to Brooklyn. Gave the team first-class facilities at Barclays Center. Created a mascot, Ellie the Elephant, who has become a social media phenomenon — and money maker — in her own right.

It was these kind of moves that attracted the big names, like MVPs Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. The sponsors followed in droves. Liberty Mutual. Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. Essie. And on and on it goes.

“It’s a testament to what investment will do,” said Natasha Cloud, who came to the Liberty in an off-season trade. “If you fully invest as our owners have, as our front office, as our staff has, that (valuation) number clearly is a reason as to why.

“That’s what we talk about when investing into women’s sports,” Cloud added. “It’s not only enough to be here supporting. You have to put your money into it, too, so that we can continue to climb. The demand has never been higher.”

This is where the warning part comes in.

The players know their value. They’ve always known it, but now that they know others do, too, they’re not going to settle for less. The smart owners know that, which is why we’ve seen the facilities arms race accelerate so quickly.

But there are still teams that are treading water. Yes, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun, this means you.

The Sky did announce plans last year to build their own practice facility — not anywhere close to the city, mind you — and even had a groundbreaking ceremony. But now it’s delayed by six months. Which means Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Courtney Vandersloot and Co. will spend yet another season sharing their practice space with senior citizens and weekend warriors at a suburban rec center that is even less close to the city.

And despite the Sky saying they planned to recognize their 20th season with an anniversary logo “across on-court, in-arena, digital, content, and merch assets,” that logo was conspicuously absent from the Wintrust Arena court Thursday night.

These things sneak up on you, I guess.

Connecticut has at least acknowledged its inability to keep pace, with Sportico reporting two weeks ago that the Mohegan Sun have hired an investment firm to explore a sale of the franchise.

There’s money to be made in women’s sports. A lot of money, when the new $2 billion media rights deal begins next year. But like in all businesses, you’re going to have to spend money in order to make money.

Owners who can’t, or won’t, are on notice.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

No Caitlin Clark 3-pointers? No problem for the Indiana Fever.

The Fever star didn’t hit a single 3-pointer for the first time in her WNBA career, but her team held on to beat the Atlanta Dream 81-76 on Thursday.

It was a frustrating 3-point shooting night for Indiana overall, but especially for Clark. She was mostly quiet on the night as she dealt with foul trouble, finishing with 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. From 3-point land, she went 0-for-5.

It’s the first time she’s played a game without a made 3 since Jan. 13, 2022, when she was a sophomore at Iowa.

Despite the tough night for Clark, Indiana dominated near the bucket. Natasha Howard had a game-high 26 points on 12-for-17 shooting as the Fever outscored Atlanta 46-20 in the paint. The Dream did most of their damage from behind the arc with 10 made 3-pointers. Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 24 points and three makes from behind the arc.

It was back-and-forth for much of the game and Atlanta led with less than three minutes to go, but Kelsey Mitchell made her first 3-pointer of the night when it mattered most, putting the Fever ahead for good with 85 seconds left. Indiana closed the game on a 10-1 run.

Indiana gets revenge after Atlanta defeated the Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday and moves to 2-1 on the season.

Caitlin Clark, Fever vs. Dream highlights

Caitlin Clark stats tonight

Points: 11
Assists: 6
Rebounds: 4
Steals: 1
Blocks: 0
Turnovers: 4
Fouls: 5
Shooting: 4-for-11
3-point shooting: 0-for-5
Free throws: 3-for-5

Fever closing in on victory

Indiana is on its way to hanging on, leading 80-76 with five seconds left. Caitlin Clark found Aliyah Boston for a critical layup to extend the lead, and Atlanta couldn’t respond.

Indiana leads Atlanta with one minute left

Kelsey Mitchell hits her first 3-pointer of the game to give Indiana a 76-75 lead. Caitlin Clark then hits one of two free throw attempts to make it a two-point ballgame in the final minute.

Caitlin Clark in foul trouble

It’s been a frustrating night for Clark, and it could end early. She picked up her fifth foul with 2:32 left in the game and one more will result in her fouling out. Atlanta has a 75-71 lead.

Brittney Griner fouls out

It’s another early exit for Brittney Griner. She fouls out with 3:38 left in the contest, the second straight game she has fouled out against Indiana. It wasn’t a quiet night for Griner as she was mostly in foul trouble with five points, seven rebounds and one block.

Atlanta leads 71-68.

End of 3rd: Fever 61, Dream 58

This game looks like it will go down to the wire with the Fever up by three points with 10 minutes left.

Atlanta had a run sparked by Te-Hina Paopao to tie it midway through the third quarter before Indiana gained some control back. Despite the lead, it’s been a relatively quiet night for Clark as she has just six points, five assists and one rebound. However, it’s been the Natasha Howard show for Indiana. She’s been efficient on the floor with a game-high 21 points on 10-for-14 shooting as the Fever have dominated near the bucket.

Despite not shooting the ball as well as Indiana, Atlanta has relied on the 3-point shot to keep the game close with nine deep shots made.

Fever, Dream tied

An 8-0 run by Atlanta has the score knotted up at 46-all with 5:31 left in the third quarter. The run has been sparked by rookie Te-Hina Paopao, who drilled back-to-back 3-pointers and has 11 points on the night. She’s one of three Atlanta players in double-figures alongside Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones.

End of 2Q: Fever 37, Dream 34

A furious second quarter by the Fever has given Indiana a slight lead at halftime. After trailing by as much as eight points in the first quarter, Indiana got out to an 11-0 run to start the second frame and outscored Atlanta 24-16 in the quarter. It was primarily Kelsey Mitchell that got the Fever going with all nine of her points so far coming in the second quarter.

Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones have been clicking for Atlanta as they account for 24 of the Dream’s points. Each player has also made two 3-pointers.

It was a mostly quiet effort from Clark in the first half with just four points, and she already has three fouls.

Sophie Cunningham has made a positive impact in her first game with Indiana as she’s dealt with an ankle injury. She was a +12 in the first half with five points, five rebounds and three assists.

Fever start 2Q on run

Indiana is starting to click with a 11-0 run to start the second quarter to take a 24-18 lead.

End of 1Q: Dream 18, Fever 13

Atlanta used a hot start to get an early lead on Indiana and lead by five after the first quarter.

The Dream started the game on a 12-4 run before Indiana’s offense found some rhythm to get back in the game. The combination of Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones have done most of the damage for Atlanta with seven points each.

Clark was mostly quiet to start with just two points in the first 10 minutes.

Caitlin Clark, Rhyne Howard shove each other

Things have gotten chippy early with Clark and Howard exchanging words after they shoved each other.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Howard was guarding Clark as she brought the ball up court. A foul was called on Howard and immediately afterward, the two shoulder checked the other. Words were exchanged and the two were separated. No excessive foul was called on either player.

Atlanta takes early lead

The Dream have gotten out to a solid start in their first home game of the season. Atlanta leads 12-4 with 4:33 left in the first quarter.

Indiana has struggled shooting and taking care of the ball. It’s just 2-for-8 from the field with four turnovers. Clark scored the first bucket of the night for the Fever and has two points.

Indiana Fever starting lineup

Caitlin Clark, guard
Kelsey Mitchell, guard
DeWanna Bonner, forward
Natasha Howard, forward
Aliyah Boston, forward

Atlanta Dream starting lineup

Te-Hina Paopao, guard
Allisha Gray, guard
Rhyne Howard, guard
Brionna Jones, forward
Brittney Griner, center

What time is Fever vs. Dream?

The Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 22 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

How to watch Fever vs. Dream game: TV, stream

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Arena in Atlanta
TV (local): MeTV Indianapolis | PeachtreeTV
Stream: Prime Video

Fever vs. Dream odds

Odds via BetMGM

Spread: Fever (-4.5)
Moneyline: Fever (-190); Dream (+154)
Over/under: 173.5

The only downside to the Florida Panthers’ dominant 5-0 win in Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday was that key forward Sam Reinhart went down with an injury.

The Panthers announced during the second period that Reinhart, who was sent flying by a Sebastian Aho hit in the first period, had a lower-body injury and wouldn’t return to the game. He had been grimacing on the bench before heading to the dressing room.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice had no update after the game, saying Reinhart would be examined on Friday. He expected to have an answer by Saturday.

Reinhart plays on the top line with Aleksander Barkov and had 57 goals last season. He’s a finalist (along with Barkov) for the Selke Trophy as top defensive forward after finishing with five short-handed goals.

The Panthers had a 3-0 lead after one period but still had two periods to play. Other players, including fourth-liner A.J. Greer, rotated onto the top line throughout the rest of the game.

‘That guy, you can’t really replace. He does everything,’ Barkov said of Reinhart. ‘Every single guy who played there, he was great.’

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A former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman is suing the Cincinnati Reds over an injury at the ballpark he says ended his professional career.

While chasing a foul ball during a June 2023 game at Great American Ball Park, Darin Ruf injured himself on a tarp roller used to cover the infield during bad weather, according to a May 22 lawsuit filed in Hamilton County (Ohio) Common Pleas.

He fractured his kneecap and deeply lacerated his right knee, causing him to leave the game and be placed on the 60-day injured list, according to CBS Sports.

Ruf says the tarp roller had no protective cushioning or cap over the end of the roller, which was made of sharp metal. He also says he couldn’t see the exposed metal because a Gorilla Glue advertisement was covering it, according to the lawsuit.

“This didn’t need to happen. I wish it didn’t happen.” said Ruf in a news release. “Players shouldn’t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a Major League field.”

A Cincinnati Reds spokesman did not immediately return The Enquirer’s request for comment.

Who is Darin Ruf?

Darin Ruf was a utility player in MLB for nine seasons, having stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. He also spent three years playing professionally in South Korea.

For his MLB career, Ruf registered a .239 batting average to go along with 67 home runs and 205 RBI. He also recorded an on-base percentage of .329.

He was 36 years old when he suffered the knee injury at Great American Ball Park in 2023.

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Aaron Rodgers has still not yet clarified whether he will play during the 2025 NFL season, even amid his strong connection to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh appears to still be in a holding pattern six weeks later. Rooney echoed his patient approach when asked about the team’s pursuit of Rodgers as this week’s NFL owners meetings in Minneapolis.

‘A little while longer,’ Rooney said, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. ‘I’ll say the same thing.’

Rooney did not provide further information about the state of the Steelers’ discussions with Rodgers. In April, the Steelers owner had expressed confidence the 41-year-old would eventually sign with the team.

‘We keep getting positive sort of signals about it,’ Rooney said at the NFL’s annual meeting, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. ‘So yeah, I’d say we feel pretty good about it at this point.’

The Steelers presently have three quarterbacks on their roster, none of whom were with the team in 2024. Mason Rudolph, who spent six seasons with the Steelers before playing for the Tennessee Titans last season, currently tops the team’s depth chart ahead of sixth-round rookie Will Howard and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson.

Pittsburgh’s general manager Omar Khan made it clear the Steelers will carry four quarterbacks into training camp, so the team will likely sign another signal-caller soon. It’s just a matter of whether it will be Rodgers or someone else.

The defending champion Florida Panthers have a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals because they played a perfect defensive game in Thursday’s 5-0 victory.

The Carolina Hurricanes’ losing streak in the conference finals hit 14 games because they compounded that with defensive mistakes.

Goalie Frederik Andersen, the talk of the NHL through two rounds, was replaced after two periods because he gave up four goals on 16 shots.

But the first goal followed a turnover. Two Carter Verhaeghe wraparounds led to goals because his teammates outraced their coverage. Andrei Svechnikov took a bad penalty before Sam Bennett scored the first of his two goals.

Gustav Forsling gave Florida another goal from a defenseman and Matthew Tkachuk ended a 10-game goal drought. The Tkachuk-Bennett-Verhaeghe line combined for eight points.

In the meantime, Carolina couldn’t muster any pressure: three shots in the first period and four in the second. A Sebastian Aho goal was wiped out after an offside review. Sergei Bobrovsky finished with a 17-save shutout.

‘I don’t know what I was watching in that first period, and that didn’t go well,’ Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

The only blemish for Florida was star Sam Reinhart leaving the game with a lower-body injury after an Aho hit.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice didn’t have an update on Reinhart after the game.

USA TODAY provided live updates from Game 2 between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers. Highlights:

Hurricanes vs. Panthers highlights

Game recap

Panthers-Hurricanes final score: Panthers 5, Hurricanes 0

A dominant effort from start to finish for the Panthers. Game 3 will be Saturday in Sunrise, Florida.

Panthers-Hurricanes score: Aleksander Barkov goal

The Panthers were on the power play because Brent Burns played with a broken stick. Barkov tips in an Aaron Ekblad shot for the goal. That’s two power play goals in back-to-back games for the Panthers against the Hurricanes. Panthers 5, Hurricanes 0

Hurricanes go on power play

Eetu Luostarinen is called for tripping. No shots on the power play, but Seth Jarvis was out there after going to the dressing room earlier.

Seth Jarvis goes to dressing room

Not good news for Carolina. He was hit by Niko Mikkola.

Hurricanes go on power play

A.J. Greer is called for tripping. Panthers kill it off.

Hurricanes goalie change as third period starts

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour puts Pyotr Kochetkov in net at the start of the third period. Frederik Andersen gave up four goals on 16 shots.

End of second period: Panthers 4, Hurricanes 0

Things were looking better for Carolina when Sebastian Aho scored early. But it didn’t stick. The Panthers challenged for offsides and the replay showed that Brent Burns had knocked the puck back in the zone after it came out. The goal was overturned. The Hurricanes managed only four shots in that period and Sam Bennett scored. The only bad news for the Panthers: Sam Reinhart (lower body) was ruled out of the game after an Aho hit in the first period.

Panthers-Hurricanes score: Sam Bennett scores again

Carter Verhaeghe makes a wraparound and Bennett knocks in the rebound for his ninth goal of the playoffs. That ties him with Dallas’ Mikko Rantanen for the league lead. Panthers 4, Hurricanes 0

Sean Walker injury update

He has returned to the Carolina bench.

Sean Walker injury update

The Hurricanes defenseman heads to the dressing room after a hit by Florida’s A.J. Greer.

Sam Reinhart injury update

The Panthers say Sam Reinhart (lower body) won’t return to the game. He was hit by Sebastian Aho in the first period.

Hurricanes goal overturned on review

Sebastian Aho scores, but the Panthers challenge for offsides. Review concurs. Still 3-0 Florida.

Second period underway

Hurricanes have 33 seconds of power play left. and that’s killed. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour stays with Frederik Andersen in net.

End of first period: Panthers 3, Hurricanes 0

Definitely not the period that Carolina needed to end its 13-game losing streak in the conference finals. Defensive breakdowns. Bad penalty by Andrei Svechnikov. Frederik Andersen gives up three goals on five shots. Little pressure from Carolina. Florida’s Sam Bennett-Matthew Tkachuk-Carter Verhaeghe line has combined for six points.

Hurricanes go on power play

Too many men on the ice for Florida. Panthers get some big blocks there. There will be a 33 second carryover on the power play.

Hurricanes-Panthers score: Sam Bennett goal

The Hurricanes seemed to have things under control on that Florida power play and even had a short-handed chance. But Verhaeghe picks up the puck after his shot is blocked and fires toward Frederik Andersen. The shot is deflected in by Bennett. Three goals on five shots for Florida. Panthers 3, Hurricanes 0

Panthers go on power play

Andrei Svechnikov punches Matthew Tkachuk in the back of the head.

Hurricanes-Panthers score: Matthew Tkachuk doubles lead

Carter Verhaeghe comes out from behind the net and his centering pass is knocked in by Matthew Tkachuk, ending his 10-game goal drought. Defensive breakdown there by Carolina. Panthers 2, Hurricanes 0

Hurricanes-Panthers score: Quick goal by Florida

Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling scores after a turnover at 1:17. It’s his first goal of the 2025 playoffs. Florida defensemen now have 13 this postseason. Panthers 1, Hurricanes 0

Game underway

Jordan Staal line vs. the Aleksander Barkov lineup.

What time is Hurricanes vs. Panthers NHL playoff game?

Game 2 of the Carolina Hurricanes-Florida Panthers series is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How to watch Hurricanes vs. Panthers NHL playoff game: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Location: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, North Carolina)

TV: TNT

Stream: Sling TV, Max

Hurricanes lineup

Jalen Chatfield out again

The NHL roster report lists Chatfield as a scratch and rookie defenseman Scott Morrow in the lineup, as he was for Game 1. Morrow had three shots and was a minus-3 in his NHL playoff debut.

Panthers lineup

Jesperi Kotkaniemi listed among scratches

It looks like he’ll be the person who’s sitting out as Mark Jankowski returns to the lineup. Kotkaniemi has three points in 11 games this postseason.

Goaltender matchup

Hurricanes’ Frederik Andersen (7-3, 1.74 goals-against average, .919 save percentage) vs. Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky (9-4, 2.29, .905).

Mark Jankowski injury update

Hurricanes forward Mark Jankowski is “a good option” for Game 2, coach Rod Brind’Amour said. He left Game 1 of the second round against the Washington Capitals with an injury.

Jalen Chatfield injury update

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield skated Thursday morning after missing the past two games with an undisclosed injury. If Chatfield can’t go, Brind’Amour indicated he would lean toward having Scott Morrow over Alexander Nikishin in the lineup.

‘He understands our game a little better because he’s been playing it for a year,’ Brind’Amour said of Morrow.

Panthers vs. Hurricanes history

The Panthers have won five consecutive playoff games against the Hurricanes.

Panthers’ second-round win costly to Maple Leafs president

Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan won’t have his contract renewed after the team fell short again in the playoffs.

The Maple Leafs have a nine-year playoff streak under Shanahan, who was hired in 2014, and reached the second round this season for the second time since 2004. They won the first two games against the Florida Panthers in the second round. But they lost the series in seven games. Games 5 and 7 were 6-1 blowout losses at home.

‘It was determined that a new voice was required to take the team to the next level in the years ahead,’ MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement on Thursday.

CHICAGO — If there’s any consolation for the Chicago Sky, it’s that the New York Liberty are going to make a lot of teams look bad this year. 

Natasha Cloud led five Liberty players in double figures Thursday night as the defending champions ran roughshod over the Sky, 99-74. Cloud scored a team-high 18 points, Sabrina Ionescu had 16, Breanna Stewart 12 and Jonquel Jones had 11. But the number that should get everyone’s attention is 17 points from Kennedy Burke off the bench. 

The Liberty are, simply, loaded. And they made history Thursday night by knocking down a record 19 3-pointers in the win.

New York took control in the second quarter, outscoring Chicago 25-9. But say this for the young Sky: They kept playing. New York only outscored them 46-42 in the second half, though the Liberty did rest most of their starters for much of the fourth quarter. 

Chicago’s big problem, just as it was last season, is finding offense. Angel Reese was 0-for-8, while Kamilla Cardoso was 3-of-8. The Sky got a boost off the bench from Rachel Banham, who was 5-of-7 from 3-point range. But this team needs to find its shooting groove. And fast. 

Catch up on USA TODAY Sports’ live updates, score and highlights for the Liberty vs. Sky matchup on Thursday:

Liberty beat Sky: Full game highlights

Sky has ‘confidence’ in Angel Reese despite off night

Angel Reese’s bad night was just that. A bad night. That’s the way Sky coach Tyler Marsh sees it after Reese had just two points on 0-of-8 shooting. Reese did have 12 rebounds and three steals. 

‘Some of (her shots) were just rushed. That was really it,’ Marsh said after the Sky was routed 99-74 by the defending champion New York Liberty. ‘Angel knows we have confidence in her, just like we do in Kamilla. We have constant belief and confidence in all of our players to make those.’

Cardoso also had a rough night. She had six points on 3-of-8 shooting and four rebounds. 

Playing the Liberty will make any team look bad. But the Sky are young and are trying to implement a new system with a new coach with a lot of new pieces. That’s going to take time, said Courtney Vandersloot, the veteran returned to Chicago in the offseason after spending the last two years with the Liberty.

‘It’s still early. Obviously there’s a lot to work on, a lot to improve. But we’re going to figure it out,’ Vandersloot said. ‘We didn’t think it was going to come all perfect together in the first two games. We’re not panicking. I think we’re still in a really good place mentally.’

End of Q3: Liberty 75, Sky 54

The Chicago Sky came out of the locker room inspired and went on an 8-point run, cutting their 21-point deficit into 13 points less than two minutes into the third quarter. But the Liberty responded and extended their lead over the Sky back to 21-points heading into the fourth quarter. 

Sabrina Ionescu has a game-high 16 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-5 from three. Breanna Stewart added 12 points and two blocks, while Jonquel Jones is up to 11 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.

The Sky have given up 20 turnovers that has led to 22 points for the Liberty.

Courtney Vandersloot and Rebecca Allen are the only Sky players to reach double-digits with 11 points each. Angel Reese has been held scoreless (0-of-7 FG), but is up to 10 rebounds (8 offensive).

Sky go on 8-0 run vs. Liberty

Where was this Sky in the first half? 

In a 21-point hole at halftime, Chicago opened the third quarter with a quick 8-0 run. Kamilla Cardoso outmuscled Jonquel Jones for a layup to get things started, Courtney Vandersloot made a 3 and then had the assist on a 3 by Ariel Atkins. That was enough for Sandy Brondello, who called a timeout with 8:40 left. 

The Sky still has a lot of work to do – a lot a lot – but it’s a good sign that they’re refusing to quit.

Halftime: Liberty 53, Sky 32

Well that got out of control quickly. 

The Liberty outscored the Sky 25-9 in the second quarter, allowing the defending champions to go into halftime with a 21-point cushion. New York leads 53-32. 

Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones lead the Liberty with 12 points apiece, but New York is getting contributions from everyone. On both ends of the court. Everyone who has played two minutes or more has scored and has at least one rebound, and all but two of those players also have assists. The Liberty also have eight steals. Eight! 

The Sky, meanwhile, well, they’re trying. They just can’t score consistently and are getting killed by their turnovers – 15 and counting.

Sky minority owner Dwyane Wade sits courtside

A perk of being an owner, and a Hall of Famer, is prime seating. 

Dwyane Wade was sitting courtside for the Chicago Sky’s home opener Monday night. Wade, a Chicago native who won three NBA titles with the Miami Heat, has been a part-owner of the Sky since 2023. He sat opposite the Sky bench and got a loud ovation when he was shown on the Jumbotron at the end of the first quarter. 

End of Q1: Liberty 28, Sky 23

New York Liberty superstar Jonquel Jones can’t miss … literally. Jones is up to eight points, shooting 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 from 3. Sabrina Ionescu is also having her way and dicing up the Sky defense. She scored 10 points in the first quarter, shooting 3-for-5 from the field and 1-for-3 from 3.

Sky veteran Courtney Vandersloot has four points. Angel Reese has struggled offensively so far. She remains scoreless and is 0-for-5 from the field. Defense is a different story — Reese is already up to seven rebounds. The Sky’s bench, however, is keeping the contest close. Chicago’s bench has scored 12 of the team’s 23 points, led by four points from Rebecca Allen.

Courtney Vandersloot welcomed back with open arms

Back as if she never left. 

Courtney Vandersloot’s return to the Chicago Sky, the team that drafted her, after two years in New York was the Sky’s biggest move this offseason. That’s partly because she’s one of the best point guards to ever play the game, and helped lead Chicago to its only title, in 2021. But Vandersloot is also beloved in Chicago and by Sky fans. 

She was introduced last before Thursday night’s home opener, and took the court to a loud chorus of ‘Slooooot!’ 

What time is Liberty vs. Sky?

The New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky game will tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 22 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

How to watch Liberty vs. Sky game: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Location: Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois
TV (local): My9 (New York) | The U (Chicago)
TV (national): WNBA League Pass
Stream: Fubo

Courtney Vandersloot will face former team

Thursday’s matchup between the Liberty and Sky will mark Vandersloot’s first game against her former team. Vandersloot played for the Liberty for two seasons in 2023-24 after spending 12 seasons in Chicago. She helped New York win its first WNBA championship last season, which marked the second of Vandersloot’s career. She previously won a title with the Sky in 2021, which marked the franchise’s first and only championship.

New York Liberty starting lineup

Chicago Sky starting lineup

Liberty vs. Sky odds

Odds via BetMGM

Spread: Liberty (-12.5)
Moneyline: Liberty (-700); Sky (+500)
Over/under: 164.5

Check out Liberty’s 2024 WNBA championship ring

 The Liberty received their 2024 WNBA Championship rings during a banner-raising ceremony ahead of their 2025 season opening win over the Las Vegas Aces at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The Liberty, one of the original WNBA franchises, won their first WNBA title last season, which marked the first professional basketball championship for New York City since 1973. The ring was designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, as well as by Brooklyn-based designers Dynasty and Soull Ogun of L’Enchanteur.

Full details on the Liberty’s championship rings here.

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WWE’s flagship event will not take place in New Orleans in 2026, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.

No reason was given for why WrestleMania 42 will no longer be held in New Orleans, but the organization said the event will be held in the city at a later date, and it will host Money in the Bank 2026.

It is part of a partnership with TKO Group Holdings, Inc., which owns WWE and UFC, where New Orleans will host UFC 318, next year’s Money in the Bank and a future WrestleMania. WrestleMania 42 was scheduled to be the third WrestleMania New Orleans hosted after WrestleMania 30 in 2014 and WrestleMania 34 in 2018.

‘The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and New Orleans & Company are working closely with our friends at TKO to expand our long-standing partnership,’ the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation said in a joint statement with WWE. ‘Which will include UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, Money In The Bank in 2026, and WrestleMania – which will move from the currently scheduled 2026 timeframe to a future year.’

The change in location comes three months after the site and dates for WrestleMania 42 were announced. During the Feb. 21 episode of SmackDown at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, The Rock appeared and revealed to the audience WrestleMania 42 would take place at the Caesars Superdome April 11-12, 2026.

The new location or dates for WrestleMania 42 has not been announced, although WrestleMania has moved to being held in mid-April. USA TODAY Sports has reached out to WWE and TKO for more information.

The news of location change comes after a reported similar instance happened for WrestleMania 41. Before it was announced the 2025 edition would take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis was widely expected to be the pick.

WWE president Nick Khan said at the SBJ World Congress of Sports in April 2024 the event would no longer take place in outdoor East Coast stadiums after the frigid conditions during WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. U.S. Bank Stadium is indoors.

Minnesota Sports and Events President Wendy Blackshaw told the Star Tribune that Minneapolis was in the running for WrestleMania 41, but ‘new ownership’ in WWE resulted in it not being selected. Instead, U.S. Bank Stadium was awarded SummerSlam 2026 on Aug. 1-2. 

The New York Liberty began their title defense with a 92-78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces. They will look to make it two consecutive victories Thursday when they travel to take on the Chicago Sky.

The Sky had a rough start to the season against the Indiana Fever. Chicago lost 93-58 in a game where the Sky shot just 29.1% from the field. Angel Reese had a 12-point, 17-rebound double-double, but she didn’t get much support from her teammates during the contest.

New York will be a tough matchup for Chicago, as the duo of Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones will match up well size-wise with the Sky’s frontcourt duo of Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The Liberty also have a productive, experienced backcourt duo in Natasha Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu that will test Chicago’s defense.

Perhaps a better 3-point shooting performance from Kia Nurse and Courtney Vandersloot, who went a combined 0-for-9 from deep in the Sky’s loss to the Fever, will provide Chicago a better chance to keep pace with New York’s well-rounded offense.

Follow along with USA TODAY Sports for live updates, scores and highlights for the Liberty vs. Sky matchup on Thursday:

Sky minority owner Dwyane Wade sits courtside

CHICAGO — A perk of being an owner, and a Hall of Famer, is prime seating. 

Dwyane Wade was sitting courtside for the Chicago Sky’s home opener Monday night. Wade, a Chicago native who won three NBA titles with the Miami Heat, has been a part-owner of the Sky since 2023. He sat opposite the Sky bench, and got a loud ovation when he was shown on the Jumbotron at the end of the first quarter. 

— Nancy Armour

End of Q1: Liberty 28, Sky 23

New York Liberty superstar Jonquel Jones can’t miss … literally. Jones is up to eight points, shooting 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 from 3. Sabrina Ionescu is also having her way and dicing up the Sky defense. She scored 10 points in the first quarter, shooting 3-for-5 from the field and 1-for-3 from 3.

Sky veteran Courtney Vandersloot has four points. Angel Reese has struggled offensively so far. She remains scoreless and is 0-for-5 from the field. Defense is a different story — Reese is already up to seven rebounds. The Sky’s bench, however, is keeping the contest close. Chicago’s bench has scored 12 of the team’s 23 points, led by four points from Rebecca Allen.

Courtney Vandersloot welcomed back with open arms

CHICAGO — Back as if she never left. 

Courtney Vandersloot’s return to the Chicago Sky, the team that drafted her, after two years in New York was the Sky’s biggest move this offseason. That’s partly because she’s one of the best point guards to ever play the game, and helped lead Chicago to its only title, in 2021. But Vandersloot is also beloved in Chicago and by Sky fans. 

She was introduced last before Thursday night’s home opener, and took the court to a loud chorus of ‘Slooooot!’ 

— Nancy Armour

What time is Liberty vs. Sky?

The New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky game will tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 22 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

How to watch Liberty vs. Sky game: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Location: Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois
TV (local): My9 (New York) | The U (Chicago)
TV (national): WNBA League Pass
Stream: Fubo

Courtney Vandersloot will face former team

Thursday’s matchup between the Liberty and Sky will mark Vandersloot’s first game against her former team. Vandersloot played for the Liberty for two seasons in 2023-24 after spending 12 seasons in Chicago. She helped New York win its first WNBA championship last season, which marked the second of Vandersloot’s career. She previously won a title with the Sky in 2021, which marked the franchise’s first and only championship.

New York Liberty starting lineup

Chicago Sky starting lineup

Liberty vs. Sky odds

Odds via BetMGM

Spread: Liberty (-12.5)
Moneyline: Liberty (-700); Sky (+500)
Over/under: 164.5

Check out Liberty’s 2024 WNBA championship ring

 The Liberty received their 2024 WNBA Championship rings during a banner-raising ceremony ahead of their 2025 season opening win over the Las Vegas Aces at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The Liberty, one of the original WNBA franchises, won their first WNBA title last season, which marked the first professional basketball championship for New York City since 1973. The ring was designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, as well as by Brooklyn-based designers Dynasty and Soull Ogun of L’Enchanteur.

Full details on the Liberty’s championship rings here.

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