It’s NCAA football conference championship weekend, aka teams’ last chance to show the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee that they belong in the 12-team hunt for the national championship before Sunday’s 12 p.m. ET selection show.

Fasten your seatbelts because for the first time since 2010, three drivers are in contention for the coveted World Drivers’ Championship (WDC) crown ahead of Sunday’s 8 a.m. ET season finale. Let’s set the stage before the lights go out at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On Tuesday, U.S. Soccer announced the creation of the Kang Women’s Institute, a research platform within the organization funded by the aforementioned Kang’s generous $55M in total commitments to support women’s soccer. The platform aims to close the gaps in scientific research around women athletes in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031.

ICYMI, the WNBA and its players association agreed to a six-week collective bargaining agreement (CBA) extension on Sunday. One day later, the league dropped its latest proposal…and raised a whole lot of eyebrows. As the WNBPA questions the league’s math amidst plans to reject the offer, we’re breaking down what was included and where things stand now.

In its joint bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), U.S. Soccer — which plans to host alongside Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica — submitted its bid book for the tournament, with the overwhelming majority of proposed venues spanning U.S. cities.

Last week, English soccer club Arsenal announced a new global marketing partnership with Paramount+, the U.S.–based streaming platform that currently reaches 28 countries. Through the partnership, Arsenal players will team up with acting talent to promote Paramount+ content, including popular shows like Landman and MobLand.

The NFL chose chaos once again this week, with holiday hi-jinks and stunners aplenty. Contenders are turning into pretenders faster than you can say Hail Mary — and vice versa. As Week 13 wraps up, let’s muddle through the madness.

The best way to kick off the holiday slate? An NFC North appetizer with serious playoff implications. Ditch the mulled wine for some milk because this is going to be spicy.

Yesterday, swimmer Penny Oleksiak, Canada’s most decorated Olympian, was banned from competition until 2027 for an anti-doping rules violation. No, the 25-year-old wasn’t caught taking banned substances — she was penalized for a whereabouts failure. Let’s discuss.

Last week, Rival — set to be the first sportsbook built exclusively for women’s sports — shared its plans to be active in three U.S. betting markets by 2026. The platform will include bets across the NWSL, WNBA, NCAA women’s basketball, WSL, WTA, and more, differing from the existing platforms that center men’s sports.

Saturday brought a fairy tale ending for No. 8 seed Gotham FC, who defeated No. 2 Washington Spirit 1–0 to win the NWSL Championship. Here’s how the Bats clinched their second title in three years, plus a look at what’s to come for the growing league.