Startup women’s leagues on the rise, fueled by popularity of women’s sports. But will they last?
The Women’s Professional Baseball League will launch next year, becoming the United States’ first pro women’s baseball circuit in 70 years. But what makes a pro league successful? Analysts say mainstream recognition is key for sustainability and profitability. Good salaries and financial incentives should attract big-name players, who in turn draw big crowds and maybe even TV deals. Streaming services have also opened up new pathways to reach fans, as well as special tours and strong branding. At least eight women’s pro leagues have launched in the past three years including Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league based in Miami.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It’s a love story and, baby, she said yes. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. The superstar singer and football player revealed the news in a five-photo joint post on Instagram on Tuesday. It’s the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world. It’s unclear when and where the two got engaged. The announcement comes not long after Swift’s appearance on “New Heights” as part of the rollout of her upcoming album. That’s the podcast hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and his brother Jason Kelce.
Tommy DeVito is the latest quarterback being released as teams must trim rosters to 53
Tommy DeVito is the latest quarterback looking for a new team. The New York Giants are waiving the local fan favorite, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team hasn’t announced the move. Elsewhere, Kyle Trask lost his job as Baker Mayfield’s backup in Tampa Bay after the team chose veteran Teddy Bridgewater to hold the No. 2 position. Trask was informed of the decision on Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. And Tyler Huntley didn’t make the cut in Cleveland.
Cadillac picks Bottas and Pérez for F1 debut in 2026, prioritizing experience over American drivers
Cadillac has chosen Formula 1 veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez for its first F1 lineup, bypassing an American driver. The decision brings extensive experience to Cadillac’s program, which will join the F1 grid in 2026. Bottas and Pérez, with 16 wins and 527 starts between them, were pragmatic choices. The team, owned by TWG Global, aims to build a strong foundation with experienced drivers. Although initially intended to feature an American driver, Cadillac prioritized F1 experience. Both drivers offer commercial appeal, with Pérez connecting to the Mexican market and Bottas being a fan favorite.
Keegan Bradley makes the right decision only if the Americans win the Ryder Cup
ATLANTA (AP) — Keegan Bradley decides on Wednesday whether to become the first playing captain in the Ryder Cup since 1963. There is only one outcome to spare him a new level of second-guessing. The Americans have to win. Bradley is one of the top Americans. The Ryder Cup captaincy takes up a lot of time. If he plays and the Americans lose at Bethpage Black, it’s because he had too much on his plate and should have picked someone else. If he doesn’t play and the Americans lose, it’s because he didn’t put forth the best team. It’s only a moot point if the Americans win.
Masters will take winners of six national opens and eliminate invitations to PGA Tour fall winners
The Masters is moving away from inviting PGA Tour fall winners and now will invite the winners of six national opens around the world. Augusta National and the R&A have collaborated to identify the national opens that will create a path to the Masters and the British Open. The R&A has been using such a model for several years. But it’s a big change for the Masters, which has invited winners of weaker fall events since the PGA Tour went to a wraparound season in 2013. Starting this year, Masters invitations will go to the winners of the Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open, Australian Open, South African Open and Scottish Open.
Serie A judge seeks more information in case of racist abuse directed at Juventus’ Weston McKennie
MILAN (AP) — The Italian league’s judge has requested more information before issuing a ruling over racist abuse directed at Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie shortly after a game against Parma. Juventus posted a statement on social media saying that the United States international, who is Black, was the target of “discriminatory racist remarks by individuals in the away section” while he was warming down with teammates on the field after the Serie A game. Judge Gerardo Mastandrea said that, after reading a report from the Italian soccer federation prosecutor, he needs the prosecutor’s office to send more details and identify who was responsible. Parma risks having its fans banned from away matches or a partial stadium closure for home games.
US Open honors Althea Gibson for breaking the color barrier in tennis 75 years ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Althea Gibson is front and center at the U.S. Open this year on the 75th anniversary of her breaking the color barrier in tennis. The logo for the Grand Slam tournament is of her profile as designed by the first Black woman responsible for the U.S. Open’s feature art. Clips of Gibson playing at what was then known as the U.S. Nationals flash across screens inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and a tribute narrated by Venus Williams is part of the soundtrack during breaks. Gibson’s story is also a complicated one, given her fight to get in and a life afterward that ended more than two decades ago without the money or legacy to show for it.
‘You’re planting your brand flag’: The power of brand building in the women’s sports boom
As the ever-growing crop of new women’s leagues aim for longevity, the question of team branding — which encompasses the nicknames and the color schemes and logos — is front and center. Successful leagues need legions of fans who buy the merchandise, learn the chants and pass along their fandom. Strong branding is central to all of that, and the PWHL is an interesting case study.
Cadillac F1 team shuts down rumors about Christian Horner
The new Cadillac F1 team strongly denies reports of hiring Christian Horner, the recently fired Red Bull team principal. Horner was dismissed after the British Grand Prix last month, ending a 20-year career with Red Bull. Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac Formula 1 team, announced the driver lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez and confirmed there have been no talks with Horner. He praised Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s current team principal, affirming full support for him. Horner had overseen eight F1 drivers’ titles and six constructors’ titles during his time with Red Bull.
