It’s happening. After several expired deadlines, countless delays, and numerous hours of talks, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have reached a verbal agreement on a new CBA. The TLDR: The WNBA season will tip off on time, and, drumroll, players are finally getting paid what they deserve. Let that be a lesson in negotiation. Now, let’s just hope everyone signs on the dotted line, because this journey still has a long road ahead. Meanwhile, I’m not over what could be the wedding of the year. Yes, this many couples tied the knot at the Utah Grizzlies game, and the team’s mascot played an unforgettable role. Speaking of what’s happening on the rink, the US para hockey team made history, securing its fifth straight gold medal in the Paralympics. That’s a clean sweep for Team USA hockey. Now, let’s get to the rest of the sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
It's Time To Dance
What's going on: It’s that time of the year — when you trade astrology for bracketology, suddenly excel at Excel, and overwhelm your group chat with “I’m sorry for what I said when my team was losing”-type texts. It wouldn’t be March Madness otherwise. All 68 teams for each of the NCAA tournaments are set — with the women’s First Four tipping off tonight. And when it comes to women’s college basketball, one big question lingers over everyone’s meticulously curated bracket: Can anyone actually beat UConn? The reigning champs enter the tournament as the undefeated No. 1 seed. They’ll try to close out a seventh perfect season and score a 13th national championship. No pressure.
What does this mean for my bracket?: If you have UConn winning it all, you’re not alone. But don’t rule out some of the other No. 1 seeds (hi, UCLA) or the other belles at the ball. Several teams could have Cinderella runs in the women’s tournament — and crush your predictions along the way. It’s not too late to get in on the madness; you can fill out a bracket here. Or go big, like this fan who transformed his entire wall into a floor-to-ceiling masterpiece. If you need an assist, turn to guides like these to help with your pool, and to our Well Played vodcast for a refresher on the tournament’s sassy terms. Give your bracket a fun name, like “There Will Be Blue Bloods” or “Mulkey Supreme.” And remember: The perfect bracket does not exist (seriously, the odds are this slim), so just enjoy the dance.
