INDIANAPOLIS — In case their message to the WNBA and its owners wasn’t already clear, the players sent another one ahead of the All-Star Game.

Taking the court for warmups, every single player wore a black T-shirt with “Pay Us What You Owe Us” emblazoned across the front.

“We should be paid more and hopefully that’s the case moving forward as we continue to grow,” Caitlin Clark said ahead of Saturday night’s game. ‘That’s probably the most important thing that we’re advocating for.”

The players’ unwavering stance stands in stark contrast to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s almost-Pollyannish take in her annual ‘state of the union’ address. To hear Engelbert tell it, everything is hunky dory and this is just the normal back-and-forth that occurs in every labor negotiation.

‘I want to call it constructive. We had a candid dialogue and this is part of the process,” Engelbert said.

Maybe that’s what Engelbert has to say publicly. But she had better be far more unsparing when she’s talking to WNBA owners. Because this contract won’t only be transformational for the WNBA and its players, it will define Engelbert’s legacy.

Engelbert will either be the commissioner who oversaw a historic righting of wrongs for women athletes. Or she’ll be the one who drove this rocket-fueled league into a ditch.

‘I just want to say I really respect the players,” Engelbert said before the game. ‘The goal (is) to have a fair CBA for all. I want a lot of the same things the players want. I said that last time, too, and it’s not changed. But we also have to have a process where we go back and forth, and that’s where we are in the process.

‘So again, still really optimistic that we’ll get something done, that it’ll be transformational, and that next year at All-Star we’ll be talking about how great everything is,’ Engelbert said. ‘But, obviously, there’s a lot of hard work to be done on both sides to get there.’

The crowd booed Engelbert and chanted ‘Pay Them! Pay Them!’ as she presented the All-Star MVP trophy to Napheesa Collier, whose team beat Team Clark 151-131.

Again, Engelbert has to speak carefully. She answers not only to the WNBA owners, but to the NBA. Anyone who’s ever heard NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speak for more than 30 seconds understands this.

But the players aren’t stupid, and Engelbert would be wise to remember that when she tries to sell a narrative that is as insulting as it is disingenuous.

Take what she said about revenue sharing. This, along with higher salaries, is a priority for the players, who see the league and its owners reaping the benefits of the WNBA’s popularity and wonder when it’s going to be their turn.

When Engelbert was asked about this, she said the league has revenue sharing. Sorry, but players only getting 10% when all of the major men’s professional leagues have 50/50 splits, is not revenue sharing. It’s an allowance.

A bad one at that.

‘We want to significantly increase their salary and benefits while balancing with our owners’ ability to have a path to profitability, as well as to continued investment,” Engelbert said.

‘You see tens of millions of dollars being invested in practice facilities and other player experiences by teams, and we want to strike the right balance between those two,” Engelbert said. ‘That’s helped our hypergrowth, it’s helped our free agency, it’s helped our players play in places where they’re getting a great player experience.”

And therein is the disconnect.

No one ever asks NBA or NFL players to take a discount because they’ve got a swanky new locker room or are flying charter. These are considered the cost of doing business in the big leagues, and it should be no different in the WNBA. The players deserve first-class facilities because they’re world-class athletes, and they shouldn’t have to forego some of their earnings to get them.

It’s true the NBA helped keep the league afloat for many years — though just once I’d like the folks who use this to diminish the W to consider the systemic misogyny responsible for this — and those owners want compensation for that investment. But team valuations are not skyrocketing and sponsors are not flocking to the W because of the owners.

They’re coming because of the players. Because of Clark and Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese and Napheesa Collier and Sabrina Ionescu and, soon, Azzi Fudd and JuJu Watkins.

‘Having new brands come in, having new sponsors come in, is exactly what we want. We just also want to reap the benefits of that,” said Collier, who was an All-Star captain along with Clark. “We’ve been a part of that growth. We just want to make sure that we are also getting a cut of all this new money that’s coming in.’

Engelbert gushed about All-Star weekend, and rightfully so. It wasn’t so long ago that this was a game and little else. Now it’s an event, with parties and sponsor activations and celebrities courtside and a fanfest and merch stores and, and, and — same as the NBA’s All-Star Game. The players inserted themselves into casual conversation, with A’ja Wilson dropping a new show and the ‘StudBudz” becoming an internet sensation.

It was a celebration of what the WNBA has become and a glimpse of everything still to come, and shame on Engelbert if she can’t make the NBA and WNBA owners recognize the gold mine they’re sitting on.

‘We’re not going to be in hypergrowth forever. No company ever is,” Engelbert said. ‘So it’s how to continue to sustain this momentum, gain on it, grow and, ultimately, globalizing the game.’

And define her legacy as commissioner. The clock is ticking on more than just these CBA negotiations.

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

Dustin Poirier concluded his career as a UFC fighter on his terms Saturday night.

Poirier was cheered and celebrated before the UFC 318 main event fight against Max Holloway.

The two future UFC Hall of Famers have a long history with each other. The two fighters originally met in 2012 and each of their two previous fights had gone in Poirier’s favor. He fell short in his quest to sweep the trilogy.

“It’s been overwhelming, honestly,” Poirier told ESPN broadcaster Daniel Cormier after the fight. “I feel appreciated and seen. … It’s been incredible. I didn’t know I touched as many people as I did while I was chasing my dream.”

The UFC played a tribute video for the Louisiana native after the fight, which showed highlights and comments from his peers.

Poirier took his gloves off for the final time and left them in the middle of the octagon before acknowledging his family and fans as Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ played throughout the Smoothie King Center.

Poirier was still able to fight and compete at a high level despite losing his final two fights. Before his fight against Holloway, Poirier took lightweight champion Islam Makhachev into the fifth round of a title bout before submitting to a D’Arce Choke on the ground on June 1, 2024.

The former interim UFC lightweight champion ends his career with a 30-10 overall record (one no contest).

Check out highlights and analysis from UFC 318:

Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier highlights

Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier result

Holloway is the favorite despite losing the first two fights in the series against Poirier. It’s expected to be Poirier’s final fight in the UFC. The main event is scheduled as a five-round fight with the BMF Championship on the line.

Round 1: Holloway landed a shot that knocked Poirier down twice in the middle of the first round. Poirier did manage to react and recover from the fall to stay competitive in the round.

Round 2: Holloway delivered a combination of strikes that had Poirier in trouble and brought him down to the mat. Holloway was successful as the more aggressive fighter, but Poirier managed to work his way back up to his feet. Poirier landed a strike in the final minute of the round that rattled and left a cut under the right eye of Holloway. Poirier attempted a guillotine choke, but Holloway managed to avoid further damage as the clock expired.

Round 3: Poirier had a cut near his left eye on what appeared to be an accidental scratch by Holloway. The referee asked if he needed to pause the fight, but Poirier waved it off.

Round 4: Poirier looked to pick up the pace in the middle of the round. Holloway did not shy away from Poirier, landing more significant strikes and successful combinations.

Round 5: Holloway and Poirier continued to go back and forth throughout the round that followed suit with the rest of the fight. Both men continue to land strong strikes to the face of the other, which sends the other back briefly. The fight was briefly stopped after Holloway accidentally poked Poirier’s eye. Poirier appeared to pause in the final seconds of the fight as if he was taking in the moment before Holloway sent out a flurry of strikes to close out the remaining time on the clock.

The two embrace at the end of the fight and Holloway kisses the forehead of Poirier.

Holloway was declared the winner by unanimous decision and retains the BMF Championship.

Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov result

The middleweight fight was originally scheduled for UFC 317 but was moved to UFC 318 after Costa was unable to fight due to an illness.

Round 1: Costa immediately rushed toward Kopylov to get the early advantage. Costa landed nearly four times (41-11) as many significant strikes compared to Kopylov. Costa used his legs as part of his offensive attack, outstriking his opponent 10-2. Kopylov was left bloodied after the first round.

Round 2: Costa continues to mix up his offensive strategy while Kopylov appeared hesitant to show much offense of his own. Costa earned the second round after delivering more blows to the head and body of Kopylov, who entered the fight as the favorite.

Round 3: Kopylov landed a strong blow in the middle of the round that may have briefly rattled Costa, but he showed little follow-through to take full advantage. Costa took Kopylov’s best shot and survived.

The fight goes the distance and Costa earns the unanimous decision victory. Costa calls Khamzat Chimaev a coward after his victory.

Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez result

Both landed 32 significant strikes in the first round, including one that presumably provided Holland with a cut under his left eye.

Rodriguez controlled the second round after delivering a left-handed jab to Holland’s jaw in the early moments. The hit sent Holland stumbling back and left him rattled. Rodriguez would allow Holland to get back up on his feet shortly after but knocked him back down. Rodriguez decided to stay on top of Holland, despite Rodriguez’s corner telling him to let Holland get back to his feet.

While Rodriguez may have earned the second round, he did show some signs of fatigue.

Both men gave it their all in the third round, with Holland landing several significant strikes that left Rodriguez dazed and hurting. Rodriguez managed to overcome the assault and mounted Holland to take control of the final minute of the round. Rodriguez earned the unanimous decision victory in a bout that has ‘Fight of the Night’ potential. Rodriguez has won his last three fights.

Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull result

Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire was in complete control of the fight against Dan Ige after the first two rounds. Pitbull had a convincing second-round performance that sent a bloodied Ige walking back to his corner. With a sense of desperation to get back into the fight, Ige delivered a knee to the face of Pitbull in the early seconds of the third round. While the strike did leave Pitbull rattled momentarily, he managed to recover and overcome Ige’s best round of the night. Pitbull earned his first UFC victory by unanimous decision.

Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber result

Michael Johnson had something to prove as the older of the two fighters in the main card opener. He earned a unanimous decision victory and told ESPN broadcaster Daniel Cormier after the fight that he delivered some ‘humble pie’ to the younger Daniel Zellhuber. Johnson has won his last three fights, including two by unanimous decision.

Vinicius Oliveira vs. Kyler Phillips result

Vinicius Oliveira earned a victory after outworking Kyler Phillips in a fight that went the distance. Oliveira extends his win streak to six, despite getting into some trouble during the fight while going right after Phillips, who connected with a massive right hand that sent Oliveira stumbling. Oliveira managed to recover and regain control of the fight.

Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen result

Brendan Allen bloodied Marvin Vettori before earning a unanimous decision victory. Allen improves to 25-7 in his career and bounces back after back-to-back losses.

Francisco Prado vs. Nikolay Veretennikov result

Nikolay Veretennikov managed to pull out a victory over Francisco Prado by split decision. Many on social media believe Prado was ‘robbed’ of the victory, but the judges scored the fight 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 in favor of Veretennikov. The welterweight fight was the first to go the distance on Saturday. It was Veretennikov’s first UFC win in three appearances.

Ateba Gautier vs. Robert Valentin result

The early finishes have continued to be the theme throughout the early part of the event.

Ateba Gautier won the opening match of the prelim action over Robert Valentin.

Islam Dulatov vs. Adam Fugitt result

The UFC has already seen four fights end in the first round tonight. Islam Dulatov provided the latest after he got the best of Adam Fugitt in the final minute of the first round. Dulatov delivered a left-handed strike and a quick combination that forced the referee to stop the fight.

Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio result

Jimmy Crute earned a first-round submission victory against Marcin Prachnio. It was the third match on the early prelim card to finish in the opening round.

Ryan Spann vs. Łukasz Brzeski result

Ryan Spann made quick work of Łukasz Brzeski with a first-round submission victory.

Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey result

Brunno Ferreira forced Jackson McVey to tap after applying a hold on his arm in the first round. Ferreira took advantage of McVey on the ground before managing to roll him over and lock in the submission.

Carli Judice vs. Nicolle Caliari result

Carli Judice was victorious in her home state of Louisiana with a knockout victory against Nicolle Caliari.

UFC 318: Time, PPV, streaming for Holloway vs Poirier

The highly anticipated clash between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will take place on Saturday, June 28 and can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV.

Date: Saturday, July 19
Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)
Early prelims start time: 6 p.m. ET
Early prelims card TV: ESPN 2; Early prelims stream: ESPN+, Disney+
Prelims card start time: 8 p.m. ET
Prelims card TV: ESPN; Prelims stream: ESPN+, Disney+
Main card start time: 10 p.m. ET
Main card stream: ESPN+ PPV

Catch UFC action with an ESPN+ subscription

UFC 318 preliminary and main card start times

Early prelims: 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+)
Prelims: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+)
Main card: 10 p.m. ET (PPV on ESPN+)

UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier full card

Fight card according to ESPN.

Main Card

Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier
Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov 
Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull Freire
Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber 

Prelims

Kyler Phillips vs. Vinicius Oliveira 
Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen 
Francisco Prado vs. Nikolay Veretennikov
Ateba Gautier vs. Robert Valentin 

Early prelims

Adam Fugitt vs. Islam Dulatov
Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio
Ryan Spann vs. Łukasz Brzeski 
Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey
Carli Judice vs. Nicolle Caliari

UFC 318: Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier predictions

BetMGM: Poirier wins by submission

Anatoly Pimentel writes: “I predict that this match will be a submission victory for Poirier because I believe that he’ll utilize his grappling skills against Holloway, despite an expected war in the striking department. This is something that Poirier did during his first match against Holloway, and scored a first-round submission win.”

NYSafeBets: Holloway by decision

The site writes: “This fight is a razor-close matchup between two elite veterans, but the edge leans slightly toward Holloway. … Unless Poirier lands a fight-changing left hand, Holloway’s pace, jab, and durability should edge him ahead across five rounds.”

Sidekickboxing: Holloway by decision in a close fight

The site writes: “This fight is as close to a coin flip as it gets. Poirier’s 2-0 lead in the series is real, but this version of Holloway—now confident at lightweight and coming off a historic finish—has both the momentum and tools to finally flip the script. If he can survive the early power and ramp up his output late, Max has a path to victory through volume, control, and cage generalship. Expect a razor-close contest, but Holloway may edge it by split decision and capture a meaningful win in this long-running trilogy.”

UFC 318 odds: Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier fight card

Fight card according to ESPN and all odds via BetMGM.

(Odds as of Thursday)

Main Card

Max Holloway (-140) vs. Dustin Poirier (+115)
Paulo Costa (+190) vs. Roman Kopylov (-235)
Kevin Holland (-500) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (+360)
Dan Ige (-220) vs. Patricio Pitbull Freire (+180)
Michael Johnson (+425) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (-600)

Prelims

Kyler Phillips (+125) vs. Vinicius Oliveira (-155)
Marvin Vettori (+165) vs. Brendan Allen (-200)
Francisco Prado (-150) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (+125)
Ateba Gautier (-550) vs. Robert Valentin (+400)

Early prelims

Adam Fugitt (+425) vs. Islam Dulatov (-600)
Jimmy Crute (-325) vs. Marcin Prachnio (+260)
Ryan Spann (-225) vs. Łukasz Brzeski (+185)
Brunno Ferreira (-600) vs. Jackson McVey (+425)
Carli Judice (-350) vs. Nicolle Caliari (+275)

UFC 318 live stream

The Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier early prelims and prelims fight will be available to stream on ESPN+ and Disney+, while the main card will be streamed on ESPN Pay-Per-View.

UFC 318 price

UFC events are available to ESPN+ subscribers. The cost of the service is $10.99 a month or $109.99 for the year. The PPV is available for an additional $79.99.

Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier: Tale of the tape

After two weeks away from the norm, it’s back to the familiar ovals this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series at a classic venue.

The grid leaves behind a road course in California wine country and heads east for the Monster Mile at Dover Motor Speedway. It’s a unique oval on the calendar at 1 mile long with a concrete surface and high banking (24 degrees in all four corners).

This is the Cup Series’ first oval race since Atlanta on June 28. It’ll also marks the penultimate round of NASCAR’s inaugural in-season challenge.

Ty Dillon, who was the 32nd and final seed, continued his unlikely run to the final four drivers thanks to 17th-place finish in Sonoma, upsetting No. 8 seed Alex Bowman. He’ll take on No. 12 seed John Hunter Nemechek who finished one place ahead of Erik Jones to advance to the semifinals.

In the bottom half of the bracket, No. 6 seed Ty Gibbs – the top remaining seed in the challenge – advanced with his second consecutive top-10 result. He’ll face off against No. 23 seed Tyler Reddick to decide who will race for the championship.

After two weeks of Shane van Gisbergen dominance, a new driver is likely to emerge on top. Will it be a new winner or a familiar face in victory lane? Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 20:

What time does the NASCAR Cup race at Dover start?

The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 20, at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware.

What TV channel is the NASCAR Cup race at Dover on?

The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 will be broadcast on TNT with an altcast on truTV. It’s the third of five races to be broadcast on the network. Pre-race coverage will start at 1 p.m. ET.

Will there be a live stream of the NASCAR Cup race at Dover?

Yes, the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 will be streamed on WatchTNT, Max and Sling TV.

Stream the NASCAR race at Dover on Sling

How many laps is the NASCAR Cup race at Dover?

The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 is 400 laps around the 1-mile track for a total of 400 miles. The race will have three segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 120 laps; Stage 2: 130 laps; Stage 3: 150 laps.

Who won the NASCAR Cup race at Dover last year?

NASCAR In-Season Challenge fourth round matchups

We’re down to four drivers in the inaugural in-season challenge. Thirty-two Cup Series competitors entered the tournament starting at Atlanta. The field was cut down to 16 for Chicago, then down to eight in Sonoma, leaving a final four in the fourth round.

Round 4 has just one top-10 seed remaining (Gibbs) as well as the lowest seed in the challenge (Dillon). Two drivers will advance to the final round next week at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Top half of draw

No. 12 John Hunter Nemechek vs. No. 32 Ty Dillon

Bottom half of draw

No. 6 Ty Gibbs vs. No. 23 Tyler Reddick

What is the lineup for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400?

(Car number in parentheses)

(9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
(19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota
(20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
(45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
(24) William Byron, Chevrolet
(88) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
(71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet
(22) Joey Logano, Ford
(54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
(8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
(60) Ryan Preece, Ford
(17) Chris Buescher, Ford
(11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota
(21) Josh Berry, Ford
(6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
(48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
(16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
(99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
(1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
(7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
(10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet
(23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
(3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
(34) Todd Gilliland, Ford
(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
(2) Austin Cindric, Ford
(43) Erik Jones, Toyota
(42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
(41) Cole Custer, Ford
(38) Zane Smith, Ford
(12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
(35) Riley Herbst, Toyota
(77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
(47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
(51) Cody Ware, Ford
(4) Noah Gragson, Ford
(44) JJ Yeley, Chevrolet

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Manny Pacquiao made a triumphant return to the boxing ring.

Even if it didn’t end in victory.

Fighting for the first time in nearly four years, the 46-year-old Pacquiao and 30-year-old Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw. The judges scored the welterweight bout 115-113 (in favor of Barrios), 114-114, 114-114 and Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title.

The crowd booed, but Pacquiao called it a ‘wonderful’ fight. It was an inspired performance from Pacquiao against a fighter 16 years younger than him.

‘I thought I won the fight. I mean, it’s close fight,’ Pacquiao said. ‘My opponent very tough. … Wonderful fight.’’

Barrios said he thought he “pulled (the fight) out. But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him.’’

Manny Pacquiao’s incredible stamina

Barrios said he was surprised by Pacquiao’s stamina at age 46.

“It was crazy. His stamina. He could still crack. He’s still strong as hell. And, you know, his timing is real and everything. He was still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out,’ Barrios said.

Pacquiao had not fought since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision.

Pacquiao was asked about his stamina and how he pulled this off at age 46.

“Oh, just work hard. Hard work and then discipline. Everything like that,’’ Pacquiao said.

What’s next for Manny Pacquiao?

In the final rounds, Barrios said, his corner was telling him to pick it up and start pressing Pacquiao.

“That was the plan in the first place coming in here, try to make him feel old. But, man, he has such good legs, he has a lot in the tank. And … he still has a lot of fight left in him,’ Barrios said.

Barrios said he would give Pacquiao a rematch after being told by broadcaster Jim Gray that’s what Pacquiao wanted.

“Absolutely,’’ Barrios said.

Asked if he will fight again, Pacquiao said, “I think so. I think so. God willing.’’

The crowd cheered. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Round-by-round analysis

Welterweight bout, 12 rounds

Round 1

Manny Pacquiao is back! But, for how long? We’ll soon know as he and Mario Barrios respond to the sound of the bell. But before it sounds, up go the chants, “Man-ny! Man-ny!” Boy, Barrios is significantly bigger than Pacquaio. Barrios connects with his jab twice. Pacquiao looks a little unsure as he gets hit with the jab despite the chants. Pacquiao throws a left that lands to Barrios’ head. Pacquiao eats a jab from Barrios. Throws a left and takes a right from Barrios. Pacquiao lands a right and later rushes in but without conviction. Barrios looks prepared. Barrios 10, Pacquiao 9

Round 2

Barrios out quick with his jab. Barrios a little more aggressive with the jab. Barrios lands a jab and slips to the canvas. A clear slip. Barrios working that jab. Barrios using his reach well. Pacquiao less active in this round. Pacquiao lands a hard left and Barrios counters with a jab. Barrios peppering Pacquiao with the jab as the round ends. Barrios 20, Pacquiao 18

Round 3

Pacquiao rushes in for a left. The speed is there, but the punch did not connect. Pacquiao looking more aggressive. Barrios connects with a right to the body. Barrios connects with a jab as Pacquiao tries to close the distance. Pacquiao complaining about low blows. The ref shakes off the complaint. Clearly those body shots are bothering Pacquiao. Pacquiao lands a couple of punches and Barrios connects. Barrios 30, Pacquiao 27

Round 4

Pacquiao scores and back comes two fists from Barrios. Pacquiao lunges in for a shot, and Barrios seems prepared. The speed and power for which Pacquiao was known simply not apparent here. Barrios using his size difference. Pacquiao doing his best to close the gap but so far it’s not enough. Barrios 40, Pacquiao 36

Round 5

Pacquiao squirms in and lands to Barrios’ body. That looked like vintage Pacquiao. Is there more there? Pacquiao again, darts in and lands a left. Barrios counters with jabs. Pacquiao darts in again for the left. Pacquiao evades a punch and shows some quickness. Pacquiao closes with a flourish. Barrios 49, Pacquiao 46

Round 6

Pacquiao closes the gap and lands to the body and the head. There’s some old Manny. Barrios lands a snapping jab and follows it up with another. But Pacquiao is fighting through the punches in an attempt to land them. Pacquiao taking chances and lands a few body shots in close quarters. Pacquaio takes a punch but closes with a flourish. Barrios 58, Pacquaio 56

Round 7

Barrios still fighting behind the jab. In comes Pacquiao and he lands a combination. Then does it again! Barrios counters with a right. For all of Barrios’ size advantage, he’s yet to really hurt Pacquiao. Pacquiao takes a shot and gives one back. Up go the chants again: “Manny, Manny!’’ Barrios 67, Pacquiao 66

Round 8

Barrios lands a solid right and then a body shot. Pacquiao didn’t like that one. Barrios throwing punches but no successful combinations. He looks passive now as Pacquiao scores. Pacquiao was under siege and fired back. He turned back the clock there! Barrios 76, Pacquiao 76

Round 9

Pacquiao getting stronger? He’s taking it to Barrios now. Barrios punches, and Pacquiao immediately responds – with combinations. Now it’s Barrios looking tentative and unsure of himself. The crowd bathing Manny in chants. Pacquiao 86, Barrios 85

Round 10

Barrios strikes early. A hard exchange of body shots. Barrios lands a hard combo. But Barrios still looks a little tentative, but lands a hard left there. Pacquiao going toe to toe with a man 16 years younger than he is. More chants of “Manny, Manny!’’ Those massive Pacquiao claves have served him well. Pacquiao 96, Barrios 94

Round 11

Barrios strikes with both hands and with force. Then connects with the jab before Pacquiao responds. Pacquiao scores with a right hook and follows up with another before Barrios pounces. Pacquiao ducks a punch and delivers one. Still showing quickness, then eats a jab from Barrios. Pacquiao 105, Barrios 104

Round 12

They hug before the round begins. Barrios scores with a jarring right. Barrios lets fly with both hands. Pacquiao counters with a left. Up go the chants again with about a minute left. No overtime, folks. Barrios looking good as the round closes. The crowd is on its feet, even as Barrios looks in command. Pacquiao 114, Barrios 114

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card results

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios declared majority draw, welterweight bout, 12 rounds
Sebastian Fundora def. Tim Tszyu by TKO, super welterweight bout
Isaac Cruz def. Omar Salcido by unanimous decision, super lightweight bout, 10 rounds
Brandon Figueroa def. Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision, featherweight bout, 12 rounds
Gary Russell Jr. def. Hugo Castaneda by TKO in 10th round, super featherweight
Eumir Marcial def. Bernard Joseph by KO in third round, middleweight
David Picasso def. Kyonosuke Kameda by majority decision, super bantamweight
Mark Magsayo def. Jorge Mata by unanimous decision, lightweight bout

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios ring walks

Mario Barrios is making his way to the ring first, despite being the reigning WBC welterweight champion. The honor of walking in last goes to Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division champion in his 16th ringwalk at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Both men are in the ring and Manny plays his favorite song: ‘Eye of the Tiger.’

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Time, PPV, streaming for fight

Manny Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios on Saturday, July 19, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Pacquiao vs Barrios main event ringwalks: 11 p.m. ET
Stream: Prime Video PPV

Watch Pacquiao v Barrios with Prime Video PPV

Sebastian Fundora def. Tim Tszyu by TKO

Fundora proved his victory over Tszyu by split decision last year was no fluke.

That was clear when the 6-foot-5½ Fundora knocked down the 5-foot-8½ Tszyu in the first round, withstood a Tszyu rally and pounded away in the seventh round en route to a TKO victory.

When that round ended, the referee headed to Tszyu’s corner and spoke to the boxer. Moments later the referee halted the fight.

Ring announcer Jimmy Lennon said the fight was stopped “on advice of the corner.’’

Tszyu, asked after the fight what he told the referee, smiled and looked toward Fundora.

“He’s one tough (guy),’’ Tszyu said. “… He was just the better man.’’

Fundora, a 27-year-old from California, improved to 22-1-1. Tszyu, a 30-year-old from Australia, fell to 25-2.

Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora: Round-by-round analysis

Super welterweight bout, 12 rounds

Round 1

Will the bloodbath from their first fight continue? Here come Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora. Boy, almost forgot how tall Fundora is. Looks all of 6-foot-5½. And Tszyu looks not a smidge taller than his listed height of 5-foot-8½. Fighters trading jabs. No hint of the war Tszyu promised. Down goes Tszyu! He got hit with a left, but he’s back on his feet. That’s the danger in trying to close the game on Fundora. Fundora 10, Tszyu 8

Round 2

Well, now we know what that 9½-inch height advantage can mean. Will Tszyu have the courage to get close enough to take out Fundora? Fundora throwing the jab and has Tszyu cornered and now has him on the ropes. Fundora unloading! Tszyu gets free but he’s bleeding over the right eye. Fundora looks to be in command and strikes with jabs to Tszyu’s bloody face. Fundora 20, Tszyu 17

Round 3

Tszyu lands a solid right, temporarily slowing Fundora. But Fundora quickly goes on the attack again. Tszyu lands a couple of rights. Fundora lands another hard left as Tszyu scurries away. Now Fundora efficiently firing jabs. Fundora scoring with both hands. Fundora 30, Tszyu 26. 

Round 4

Tszyu making an effort, but, boy, this is going to take more than effort. Fundora lands a straight right that hurts Tszyu. Tszyu lands a couple of solid rights! Fundora stands his ground and uncorks lefts and paws with the jab. Tszyu lands a big right and then a left. But Fundora happy to exchange. Tszyu willing to take risks by getting close to Fundora and Fundora is bleeding from the nose. Fundora 39, Tszyu 36

Round 5

Tszyu lands a hard right. And another. Fundora now leaning on the jab. But Tszyu no longer looks fearful. Fundora gets in range but misses. Now they trade blows. Fundora lands a couple of lefts and corners Tszyu. Fundora 49, Tszyu 45

Round 6

Fundora comes out quick with both hands and backs up Tszyu, who fires back with a couple of rights. Tszyu strikes to the body. Fundora’s face bloody, and blood on the side of Tszyu’s neck. Yeah, there are some punches being landed, folks. Fundora leaning on the jab again. Tszyu lands a hard left and Fundora counters. This fight has heated up. Fundora 58, Tszyu 55

Round 7

Even with the bleeding, Fundora seems to have found his range again. Tszyu is lunging on his shots. Tszyu lands a left. Fundora has Tszyu on the ropes and digs in with both hands. Now he’s in the corner and Tszyu lands a big right! They’re trading big shots at the center of the ring. Tszyu lands a big left, eats a left and here come more big punches. Wow. Fundora 68, Tszyu 64

The fight has been stopped! The referee confers with Tszyu and halts the fight! The decision to stop the fight before the eighth round started came ‘upon suggestion of the corner,’ Jimmy Lennon says.

Isaac Cruz def. Omar Salcido by unanimous decision

Salcido took the fight on a day’s notice. Poor guy.

The WBC interim world super lightweight title was at stake. So was Salcido’s health against the ferocious, 5-foot-4 Cruz.

The Pitbull landed his overhand right with force and frequency. Salcido, a replacement after Angelo Fierro withdrew on short notice, repeatedly held onto Cruz’s arms to, well, protect his heath.

The referee deducted one point for the rule violation in the 10th round. That’s the round in which Salcido’s knees hit the canvas. But he survived the round and one-sided matchup.

The judges scored it 99-89, 99-89, 100-88 for Cruz, a 27-year-old from Mexico who improved to 28-3-1.

Salcido, a 25-year-old from Mexico, fell to 20-3.

Isaac Cruz vs. Omar Salcido: Round-by-round analysis

Super lightweight bout, 10 rounds

Round 1

‘Pitbull’ Cruz has dispatched with the dog mask and Oscar Salcido is likely grateful as they head to the center of the ring. Cruz out quickly, pounding Salcido. Cruz whaling away and looks in command, landing plenty of body shots with vigor. Cruz lands a hard right to the head and pounces with punches as the bell rings. Cruz 10, Salcido 9

Round 2

Salcido looks a little apprehensive. Wouldn’t you? Cruz closing the gap and then digging into Salcido’s abdomen. Salcido throws a flurry and backs away. But Cruz keeps coming. Cruz 20, Salcido 18

Round 3

Cruz out quick with a big overhand right. And there’s no letup, as he then attacks Salcido’s body. Cruz hunting down Salcido like prey and throwing powerful shots. Cruz 30, Salcido 27

Round 4

Salcido finding a rhythm. Jumping in to throw a punch and jumping out before he gets caught by a counter punch from Cruz. In fact, he’s outpunching Cruz. But Cruz lands two huge left hooks – and continues to land the power shots. One of which left blood on the top of Salcido’s nose. Cruz 40, Salcido 36

Round 5

Salcido lands punches but nothing that’s hurting Cruz. Yet. Cruz fires back with a couple of body shots. Salcido holding onto Cruz’s arms – probably the most effective technique to slow Cruz down. Cruz looks like he’s trying to chop down a tree. But so far, no timberrrrrr! Cruz 50, Salcido 45

Round 6

Salcido lands several punches, but they’re not impacting Cruz like the left Cruz just landed on Salcido. Quantity not doing much for Salcido given the quality of Cruz’s power punches. Credit Salcido for throwing punches, including a left that landed as the bell rang. Cruz 60, Salcido 54

Round 7

Cruz keeping up the pressure, throwing those overhead rights. He just took a solid shot from Salcido, but he delivered two in return. Salcido on the move, but the ring is too confined to avoid Cruz very long. Cruz 70, Salcido 63

Round 8

Salcido lands a decent right. But Cruz whips a right across Salcido’s face. Salcido counters with a right and things get a little messy as the referee warns Salcido for holding. Cruz pounces. No holding? Salcido’s in trouble. Salcido stands his ground. Cruz digging in. To his credit, Salcido fighting back. Cruz 80, Salcido 72

Round 9

Cruz does a little headhunting. But then back to the body. They get tangled up briefly. Notable: 18 of Cruz’s 27 victories have come by knockout. Can he add to the total? Looks unlikely considering Salcido has made it this far without hitting the canvas. Cruz 90, Salcido 81

Round 10

The fighters give each other a little hug as the round starts. But the affection quickly fades as Cruz whales away again. But Salcido lands punches and is as active as ever. Cruz rewards him with a left to the chin. Cruz unloads! Salcido holds on to Cruz’s arms and the referee deducts a point. Down goes Salcido, dropping to his knee. He gets back up and Cruz pounces again before the bell sounds. Cruz 100, 88

Brandon Figueroa def. Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision

Figueroa and Gonzalez clasped hands and raised arms into the air after their 12-round featherweight fight.

It was a wonder they could get those arms aloft.

Figueroa and Gonzalez combined to throw almost 1,900 punches. Figueroa landed 282 punches and Gonzalez landed 265.

Gonzalez wore the evidence, with swelling, bruising and blood covering his face. Figueroa looked less hurt, especially after being declared the victor.

The judges scored it 115-113, 116-112, 116-112 for Figueroa, the 28-year-old from Texas. He improved to 26-2-1.

Gonzalez, a 31-year-old from Los Angeles, fell to 27-5.

Brandon Figueroa vs. Joet Gonzalez: Round-by-round analysis

Featherweight bout, 12 rounds

Round 1

The countdown continues to Manny Pacquiao’s return, with Brandon Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez first up on the main card. Gonzalez out quick, and just as quick he’s eating jabs from Figueroa. They’re settled at the center of the ring and no one has emerged as an aggressor. Now Figueroa on the march and digs into the body. Gonzalez throwing, but off the mark. Figueroa using his jab well. As he comes forward, Gonzalez responds, but Figueroa fights back. Figueroa 10, Gonzalez 9

Round 2

Fighters trade a flurry of body shots. Still digging in to the body before Gonzalez goes headhunting. More body work, but the heads aren’t safe as the punches fly. Gonzalez connects with a solid left hook. Figueroa stands his ground and is absorbing shots as a result. Is CompuBox going to be able to keep count here? Replay shows Figueroa punching himself on the brow. Really. Figueroa 19, Gonzalez 19

Round 3

Gonzalez firing away, to the body and the head. Figueroa responds but without power. Figueroa tap-tap-tap and Gonzalez tearing away. Gonzalez showing speed as Figueroa plods. Gonzalez bleeding from above his right eye. Gonzalez 29, Figueroa 28.

Round 4

Figueroa comes out throwing uppercuts with more authority and follows that up with left uppercuts to the body. They’re in close quarters and Gonzalez gets off punches but not enough to slow Figueroa now. Blood covering Gonzalez’s face, and he scores with the jab. It’s Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots here. Gonzalez 39, Figueroa 37

Round 5

No slowdown for these two fighters. Gonzalez wades in despite the chance of headbutts and fact he’s already bleeding. He digs into the body and so does Figueroa. Gonzalez pounds Figueroa in the head. Blood flowing again but proving to be no problem for Gonzalez so far. Gonzalez 49, Figueroa 46

Round 6

Figueroa gets out quickly and works the body. To this point it’s been Gonzalez working Figueroa’s body like a side of beef. Fighters in close quarters again. An impressive volume of punches. If they’re getting paid by the punch, it’s going to be a good night. Gonzalez 58, Figueroa 56

Round 7

The fighters come out and again look Velcroed together. Gonzalez digging in to the body with force and Figueroa responding less forcefully. Too many blows to highlight – and to count. Gonzalez 68, Figueroa 65

Round 8

Figueroa comes out working and fires uppercuts with both hands. Gonzalez pushes back, but Figueroa looks to be in good position. Gonzalez scores with a flurry. Figueroa lands a hard body shot, but Gonzalez lands a hard right to the head. Gonzalez 78, Figueroa 74

Round 9

Figueroa marching forward despite the active fists of Gonzalez. Both content to remain in close quarters. Gonzalez lands a hard right, and soon after takes a left hook. But Figueroa stands his ground. Only to get tagged again. Gonzalez 88, Figueroa 83

Round 10

Figueroa likely down big on the scorecards but showing fight. Figueroa revving up, and Gonzalez happy to trade inside. What a messy cut over Gonzalez’s right eye, and Figueroa suddenly looks to be in control. At least for now. Gonzalez 97, Figueroa 93

Round 11

Gonzalez’s face looks in serious need of ice. Like, bags of it. It appears Figueroa’s been connecting more than we realize. CompuBox shows they’ve thrown over 1,500 punches, and Figueroa is pouring it on. Figueroa tearing into the body and Gonzalez looks a little unsteady even though he’s fighting back. Gonzalez 106, Figueroa 103

Round 12

Gonzalez resembles Frankenstein’s monster, and we mean that in the kindest way possible. What a beating he’s absorbed while hurting Figueroa too. But now Figueroa is surging. More punishing exchanges. Just no letup, especially from Figueroa. Amazing effort from both boxers. Gonzalez 115, Figueroa 113

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card

Main card

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios; WBC welterweight title
Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu; WBC super welterweight title
Isaac Cruz vs Angel Fierro; Super lightweight
Brandon Figueroa vs Joet Gonzalez; Featherweight
Gary Russell Jr vs Hugo Castaneda; Super featherweight

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card odds

All odds are for moneyline bets as of Thursday, via BetMGM

Manny Pacquiao (+270) vs. Mario Barrios (-380): WBC welterweight title
Sebastian Fundora (+125) vs. Tim Tszyu (-165): WBC super welterweight title
Isaac Cruz (-600) vs. Angel Fierro (+350): Super lightweight
Brandon Figueroa (-250) vs. Joet Gonzalez (+175): Featherweight
Gary Russell Jr. (-1600) vs. Hugo Castaneda (+650): Super featherweight

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios Predictions

Josh Peter, USA TODAY: Barrios by TKO in the 10th

Peter writes, ‘Mario Barrios is the ideal opponent for Manny Pacquiao because Barrios’ aggressive style and flawed defense make him vulnerable to Pacquiao’s creative combinations. Perhaps. But that minimizes other important issues. At 6-0, Barrios will be the tallest opponent the 5 ½ foot Pacquiao has ever faced. Pacquiao has not fought professionally in almost four years. Furthermore, Barrios is 30 and Pacquiao is 46. It’d be great to have the Pac-Man back for more than one fight, but don’t count on it.’

Brent Brookhouse, CBS Sports: Barrios by KO

Brookhouse writes, ‘We’re talking about a 46-year-old man who is returning from years of being retired and who was on the downside of his career when he hung up his gloves the first time. Pacquiao looks to be in great shape, but translating that to success against a younger, bigger fighter who has been active in big fights is simply too big of an ask. Expect Pacquiao to show a few flashes early before Barrios gets rolling. Once Barrios is doing his thing, there’s going to be a time when Pacquiao either gets stopped or his team will need to stop the fight for him.’

Anatoly Pimentel, BetMGM: Pacquiao by unanimous decision

Pimentel writes, ‘I expect Pacquiao to go all out in the first six rounds of the match because this is what he did against Thurman before, scoring an early knockdown. That knockdown became crucial in the judges’ scorecards, which helped him secure the split decision win. As for Barrios, he should weather the early barrage from Pacquiao and turn it up in the tail end of the fight, where Pacquiao would be more vulnerable to counter punches and power shots. Additionally, he should fully utilize his height and reach advantages to keep the challenger at bay while landing his punches and combinations.’

Manny Pacquiao faces moment of truth

Punching as hard as ever. Showing impressive speed. In great condition.

The reports out of Manny Pacquiao’s training camp about the 46-year-old boxer have been glowing. But it’s too early to know what that means, said Chris Algieri, the former WBO junior welterweight champion who will be co-hosting PPV.COM’s viewer chat during the fight.

“We have an old saying in boxing,’’ said Algieri, who was knocked down by Pacquiao six times in a unanimous decision loss in 2014. “They get old in the ring. You got a 46-year-old brain that hasn’t taken any punches in four years. That could play a major factor.’’

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios breakdown

If Manny Pacquiao proves to be as good as the reports out of his training camp suggest, former WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri has identified some key factors in Pacquiao’s fight against Barrios.

Algieri suggests too much is being made about the height advantage the 6-0 Barrios will have over the 5-5 ½ Pacquiao. “He liked fighting taller fighters,’’ Algieri said. “One of them was myself, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Margarito. He dominated all three of us.’’

Additionally, Algieri said, Barrios likes to exchange punches and is “there to be hit.’’

“I think in Manny’s prime, Barrios would be tailor-made, but we’re not dealing with Manny in his prime by any means,’’ Algieri added. “And for Barrios, he does a lot of things that would give Manny trouble. Barrios, he’s got the length, he’s got the youth, he’s got the strength, (and) he’s got very good fundamentals.’’

Manny Pacquiao’s power

Justin Fortune, Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach, said he held the mitts for the Filipino star the week before the Barrios fight.

“I wanted to see how he punched and if he still has it,’’ Fortune told USA TODAY Sports. “I actually forgot how hard this (dude) punches. He punches hard and he digs his knuckles in, which makes it even worse.’’

Pacquiao is a welterweight, but Fortune said the 5-foot-5½ boxer punches like a middleweight.

“A good middleweight,’’ he added.

When did Manny Pacquiao retire?

Manny Pacquaio retired after his loss to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision in 2021. But after losing in his Senate race in the Philippines, Pacquiao came out of retirement to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship. It’ll be his first fight since the defeat to Ugas.

Pacquiao or Barrios: From boxer who fought both

Keith Thurman, the former welterweight world champion boxer, earned unique insight into the welterweight matchup between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios set for Saturday, July 19.

He did it by getting in the ring with both men.

Thurman went 12 rounds with Pacquiao in 2019 and suffered a split-decision loss. He went 12 rounds with Barrios in 2022 and won by unanimous decision.

But the only man who knocked him down was Pacquiao, who dropped Thurman in the first round. So, of course, that’s his pick to win the fight, right?

Well, not quite.

Read more on Keith Thurman’s take on Pacquiao vs. Barrios from Josh Peter.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios main card, ring walk start times

Main card start time: 8 p.m. ET
Main event ring walks: 11 p.m. ET (approximate)

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios live stream, price

Manny Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios on Saturday, July 19, and the event will be streamed on Prime Pay-Per-View. In the U.S., fans can purchase the event for $79.99.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Tale of the tape

INDIANAPOLIS — Tippy-toed kids with arms stretched over stanchions and weighed down by basketballs waited eagerly outside a hotel to catch a glimpse of their favorite players. People danced through downtown to Taylor Swift’s ‘I’m feeling 22.’ A crowd gathered to shoot hoops on orange courts painted onto streets, dusty from the hum of construction all around.

It was 9:30 in the morning of the WNBA All-Star Game.

Caitlin Clark, larger than life in Indiana, quite literally loomed over the festivities, her image adorning high-rise buildings, posters and merchandise. The Indiana Fever guard didn’t play because of an injury, but still captained the team from the sideline and made appearances throughout the weekend.

The weekend. Activations galore — a Coach party, Lilly fan center with branded basketballs, Wilson pop-up with Clark selling her signature line and more. Player appearances all over town. National media descending. Three days of fan zones featuring souvenirs, swag, bounce houses, games and watch parties, culminating with fireworks after the Saturday night main event broadcasted by ABC.

And, of course, the Stud Budz.

Dark clouds rolled through downtown Indianapolis just hours before tipoff, but the weather cleared up in time for the game and it seemed nothing could dampen the spirits of the fans inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

‘Amazing,’ said Hartley Hensler, 7, who flew in from Las Vegas with her mother, Jessica, for their third WNBA All-Star Game. ‘And there’s a lot of posters on buildings. There’s a lot of A’Ja (Wilson). She’s even on buses.’

Who’s Hensler’s favorite player? “Jackie Young. See, her name is on the back,’ she grinned, turning around to show the back of her jersey.

The hype and celebrations of a women’s sports league reaching new heights of popularity is happening parallel to contentious negotiations over the Collective Bargaining Agreement. A CBA meeting Thursday did not go well and they took the court Saturday in warm-up shirts that read, ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us.’

The players cite the league’s impressive growth and trajectory while negotiating for better pay and benefits. And that growth was tangible this weekend.

Sally McCracken and Debbie Heinrichs, both of Plainfield, Indiana, and Fever season ticket holders, were at their first WNBA All-Star Game since 2003 in New York City. When asked how this year’s event compared, their eye widened and McCracken said, ‘Oh, so many more people and so much more excitement. It’s amazing to see everyone get the attention they deserve. I think Caitlin has driven a lot of that, but it’s not like the others weren’t deserving. They’ve deserved it for a long time.’

WNBA Live, a two-day fan festival at the Indiana Convention Center, is much bigger than the previous three years it’s been held. WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert said there are more than 25 brand activations across 125,000 square feet this year, a more than sixfold increase since 2022, when four brands activated in Chicago for the very first WNBA Live.

Among the more than 20,000 fans who attended WNBA Live was Thomas Brown of Indianapolis and his 3-year-old daughter Zora.

‘I bought my baby a jersey for the first time and some shoes,’ Brown told USA TODAY Sports during halftime of the All-Star game. ‘This is her first time coming to a basketball game and I thought it was very important for her to have some role models to look up to when it comes to basketball. She’s loving it so far. The atmosphere is great. It’s really loud, so we had to put some earphones on her, but other than that, a lot of excitement, a lot of energy from the crowd.’

An announced crowd of 16,988 showed up for the All-Star Game, packing the arena’s three tiers of seats and cheering while lasers, lights and music filled the air. The halftime show featured a GloRilla performance and, at the close of the third quarter, there was an aerialist hanging from the ceiling.

Celebrities and big names in the sports world lined the courtside seats, including comedian Leslie Jones, six-time NBA All-Star Pau Gasol and South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.

But the loudest part of the night came after the game, when the crowd voiced its solidarity with the WNBA players fighting for more equitable pay. ‘Pay Them! Pay Them!’ Chants rose above the voice of Engelbert as she attempted to announce Napheesa Collier MVP after she led her team to a win over Team Clark.

‘I see a bunch of strong women who aren’t going to back down and fight for what we want,’ Collier said after accepting her award, the crowd’s chants changing to cheers. ‘I couldn’t do it without them.’

All eyes are on the WNBA as the best players in the league gather in Indianapolis for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. And they used that opportunity to make a bold statement to the league, walking onto the court for warm ups in black T-shirts that read, ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us.’

“That’s something we wanted to make well known. In the bubble we always knew how to make a stand with some T-shirts, so we did that today,’ WPNBA president Nneka Ogwumike on their pregame T-shirts. ‘We look forward to negotiating our fair share and our value.”

One of the main items on the All-Star weekend agenda was a face-to-face meeting between the players and league on collective bargaining agreement negotiations as the current contract expires at the end of the 2025 season. According to multiple players, that meeting did not go well.

‘That’s one of the things we’re in the room fighting for,’ Clark said Saturday ahead of the All-Star Game. ‘We should be paid more and hopefully that’s the case moving forward as the league continues to grow. I think that’s something that’s probably the most important thing that we are in the room advocating about.’

More than 40 players turned out for the first meeting with league officials in months. Clark said the meeting featured a ‘great balance of young stars, but also vets’ who understand the importance of the moment. Although some players described the talks as a “wasted opportunity” and outright ‘disrespectful,’ Clark said the players successfully sent a ‘powerful’ message to league representatives — there’s power in numbers.

‘That was the best part of it, being in the room and there’s over 40 other players in this league,’ Clark said, adding there were young stars and veterans. ‘I’m sure a lot more would’ve loved to be in there if they were in Indianapolis and I think that’s the most powerful thing. All the girls across the league just being in that room together.’

OPINION: WNBA should take lesson from U.S. Soccer, pay players before it gets ugly

Clark added: ‘I think we all have a good understanding that this is very important for our future, the future of the league, for the future of our careers.’

Fellow All-Star team captain Napheesa Collier echoed Clark’s sentiments and said the high turnout among the players marked ‘the most participation in league history.’

‘The players are obviously taking this really seriously,’ Collier said on Saturday. ‘I think we had close to 40 players in our league meeting. I think there’s a really strong message that we’re standing really firm on certain areas that we feel really strongly that we need to improve on and I think we got that message across.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart has reached a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards and plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with knowledge of Smart’s plans told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the moves are official.

The Lakers will get depth in the backcourt and a solid defender with significant playoff experience. His scoring numbers took a dip last season, and he has played in just 54 games over the past two seasons.

Smart, the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, came to Washington from Memphis in a February trade deadline deal. The Wizards received a first-round pick from Memphis in the trade. Jake LaRavia was dealt from Memphis to Sacramento in the three-team deal, and he is now with the Lakers on two-year, $10 million deal he agreed to during free agency.

Smart, 31, played in 34 games last season (15 for the Wizards due to multiple injuries, including an injury to his right index finger that sidelined him for 22 games.

For his 11-year career, including the first nine with the Boston Celtics, Smart has averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals and shot 38.8% from the field. He has made the All-Defensive team three times.

Ellie the Elephant had the best seat in the house at the 2025 WNBA All-Star festivities Friday.

Not only did Ellie the Elephant get to see her New York Liberty compatriots Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud sweep the 3-point contest and skills competition, the ever-fashionable Liberty mascot took in all the action next to Indiana Fever darling Caitlin Clark at a rocking Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Clark and Ellie the Elephant were spotted catching up with each other courtside. At one point, a curious Clark took a peek into Ellie the Elephant’s purse, which included a magnifying glass and binoculars.

2025 WNBA ALL-STAR FRIDAY RESULTS: Sabrina Ionescu wins 3-point contest; Liberty sweep

Caitlin Clark Ellie the Elephant

Fans called the interaction between Clark and Ellie the Elephant a crossover we didn’t know we needed.

Both Clark and Ellie the Elephant had rooting interests in Friday’s All-Star events. Clark was pulling for teammate Lexie Hull, who replaced her in the 3-point competition after Clark injured her right groin Tuesday. Hull turned in 20 points, good for a fourth-place finish out of five competitors. Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu went on to win the contest for the second time in her career with a score of 30 points in the final round, marking the second highest total all-time. Ionescu’s 37-point performance in 2023 holds the record.

Earlier in the night, Natasha Cloud defeated Erica Wheeler of the Storm by 1.1 second to win the skills challenge. 

‘Oooooop swept yall,’ Liberty All-Star starter Breanna Stewart wrote on social media Friday evening, to which Ellie the Elephant replied, ‘Very Much.’ She added a broom emoji and Statue of Liberty emoji.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.