Soak up the sun

The GIST: Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier will sadly be sidelined for the foreseeable future after leaving Saturday’s game early with a sprained ankle. That’s one question answered — but it’s far from the only WNBA query with tomorrow’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline looming.

• Often a blip on the calendar, this year’s deadline is already shaping up to be extra spicy.

❓ Why is the W’s trade deadline usually quiet?: There are three major reasons: the league’s salary cap, the relatively small number of teams, and limited roster size. Unlike the NBA’s soft salary cap which allows flexibility, the W’s cap is hard, meaning there’s simply no wiggle room…not even a penny’s worth. With margins so slim, trades can be tricky to maneuver.

• The number of teams also impacts in-season swaps. Eight of the W’s 13 squads will make the playoffs, meaning there just aren’t enough “sellers” (aka front offices willing to part with key contributors) as teams jostle for postseason positioning.

• Finally, there’s roster size. WNBA rosters are limited to 12 players, but many carry only 11 because of the aforementioned hard salary cap. Teams regularly have to waive players before or after a trade to create roster space, adding extra complexity to negotiations.

❓ Why is this year different?: 2025 has been one of the most trade-heavy seasons in league history, and it’s all thanks to the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. With a hefty pay raise likely on the way, most players committed to one-year deals that expire at the end of the season. This allows teams to wheel and deal, knowing they won’t be locked into years of paying a salary.

❓ Who’s on the trading block?: Your guess is as good as ours. Washington Mystics All-Star Brittney Sykes was dealt to the Seattle Storm yesterday, while her former teammate Aaliyah Edwards could be on the move too. One player definitely not being shopped? Dallas Wing Arike Ogunbowale — the team quashed rumors they were dealing the four-time All-Star. Never a dull moment in the W.

The GIST: The pro volleyball space just got a major spike with news that the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) will merge with Major League Volleyball (MLV), a separate pro women’s volleyball league that planned to launch in 2026. Through the merger, the combined leagues will rebrand as MLV, but will consider its forthcoming season as PVF’s third consecutive season.

• While the volleyball space has become crowded and execs floated the idea of a merger before MLV was even announced, Athletes Unlimited and LOVB’s existing leagues operate differently and aren’t in direct competition with PVF and MLV’s intended format. Let’s dig in.

🏐 The context: This past January, MLV announced a 2026 launch after securing more than $100M in funding. The Omaha Supernovas — the popular PVF team that drew a third (!!!) of the league’s attendance last season — were slated to leave PVF to become a founding MLV franchise, along with at least nine other new teams.

✅ The details: The new-look league — which is now valued at over $325M — is anticipated to start in January 2026 with eight confirmed teams and will begin free agency tomorrow. While the Vegas Thrill are sitting out this season, all other existing PVF teams will remain, along with a new Dallas club and two previously announced MLV franchises in Northern California and D.C. set to join in 2027.

💭 Lingering thoughts: A merger between these leagues seems to be a shrewd play, similar to what we’ve seen in women’s hockey and pickleball. Combining start-up leagues eliminates competition that could have threatened both entities, especially with these direct competitors vying for the same players, fans, and investors. Stronger together.

Forget poolside — be greenside this summer: The LPGA Tour is returning to Canada for the CPKC Women’s Open at the stunning Mississaugua Golf and Country Club from August 20th to 24th, and you could be there to take in all the action.

What’s so cool about watching golf IRL? So glad you asked.

🏆 World-class athletes, including Canada’s own Brooke Henderson, are (literally) crushing it a few yards away.

☀️ Nothing says summer like fresh air and sunshine. Talk about touching grass.

💅 Supporting women’s sports is always a win.

Luckily, there’s still plenty of time to buy tickets. Snag a pair for you and your bestie, then get ready to par-tee.

🎟️ When was the last time summer’s hottest ticket was free? Spoiler alert: Right now. The Sun Life Canada Hoops 3x3 National Championship, complete with fun fan activations and prizes, is happening this weekend from the iconic Bentway in Toronto.

• From the endless jams and block party energy to the fast-paced on-court action, 3x3 game day is a vibe — and we don’t want you to miss watching Canada’s best teams compete live.

• If you can’t pull up and enjoy this weekend’s championship in person, tune in to the live stream (also free) to keep tabs on the country’s next 3x3 stars. Buckets.