Earlier today, Meghan L. Hall shared on X what Becky Hammon said about Chennedy Carter’s adjustment, noting her last WNBA game occurred on September 15, 2024, while playing for the Chicago Sky.

“Chennedy doesn’t have to have a perfect day everyday … but let’s take some baby steps on walking her (into) a championship culture,” Becky Hammon said during a WNBA media availability recently.

While it’s still a process, Chennedy Carter appears to be off to a strong start despite her long break.

Chennedy Carter was suspended by the Atlanta Dream for “conduct detrimental to the team” following a heated argument with a teammate (Courtney Williams) in July 2021. She never played for the Dream again and was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks for the 2022 season.

She sat out the 2025 season after going unsigned in free agency, during which she played overseas in Mexico and China. Chennedy Carter returned on a training camp deal with the Las Vegas Aces.

There, she made an immediate impact in a 94–78 preseason win over Japan, after which Becky Hammon outlined the role she wants Carter to grow into.

Becky Hammon Breaks Down What Chennedy Carter Must Do to Earn Her Spot

“I think for myself and her, we’re going to stay on her for just defense,” Becky Hammon said last month in a postgame interview at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

She also expressed confidence that the Las Vegas Aces can offer the 27-year-old Chennedy Carter a path to redemption, while staying closely involved to help the former Chicago Sky guard adjust to the team’s system.

“She’s still learning our system- our dos and don’ts, how we want to play, and when we are persistent. I probably let her run a little too long on a couple of stretches because she’s still working herself back into game shape,” the 49-year-old coach added.

Now with the Las Vegas Aces, Carter debuted with 18 points and disciplined defense in a preseason win over Japan, but it’s not viewed as her true WNBA return since it wasn’t against a league opponent.

For Chennedy Carter, the real test came in the Las Vegas Aces’ 101–84 preseason loss to the Dallas Wings on May 3, 2026, where she finished with 5 points and 2 assists in 16 minutes.

If Chennedy Carter continues progressing and meets Becky Hammon’s expectations, she has a real shot at securing her place in the WNBA, though strong competition like Paige Bueckers will make that path challenging.

That said, do you think Chennedy Carter can adapt quickly enough to fit into Becky Hammon’s system?

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Trending slideshow: Ranking Top 5 WNBA Destinations for Chennedy Carter Following Chicago Sky Snub

Debayan Biswas

Indeed, the sorrow for not being able to see the Hall of Famer hitting the hardwood once more lingered. But when the announcement came through, the primary reactions were support, respect, and best wishes for Charles’ future.

“At some point, you have to edit your life,” one portion of Charles’ retirement post read. “Not everything and not everyone is meant for the whole journey. Growth requires honesty, and for me, that meant recognising when my impact was being called in a new direction.”

After spending “fifteen years at the professional level and a lifetime of love for this game,” the 37-year-old retired as the 2^nd top scorer in WNBA history (8,396), right after Diana Taurasi. Charles had also been a career leader in rebounds (4,262) and field goals (3,364).

But stepping away from this glorious career, “isn’t failure but clarity”, a move when she’s “at peace with this decision and aligned with what (she’s) being called to do next.” And fans voiced their feelings clearly.

Fans Supported Tina Charles’ Decision Wholeheartedly

After building a legacy as WNBA MVP, 8× WNBA All-Star, 5× All-WNBA First Team, and more, Charles’ stepping down riled up many emotions. But navigating through those, the fans had one collective conclusion.

“I was so hoping to see you one more season. I have enjoyed watching you. You had a magnificent run and are a true professional in every aspect. I hope you have a wonderful next phase in life,” wrote a fan.

“A true role model, on and off the court. Wishing you the very best in this new chapter,” another added.

Charles played for the Connecticut Sun in 2025. While that marked the end of her WNBA career, she still had more to give.

In 2026 late March, she played for the Henan Phoenix in China for her final professional game. And one fan expressed what her absence would mean.

“I will miss your presence on the court deeply! That smile and gentle giant presence. I’m so glad my dream of meeting you was realised at AU this season. Go (continue) to be great, TC, and live your dreams out loud,” they wrote.

Other fans shared similar sentiments, reminiscing about what Charles was leaving behind, what she meant to the sport or to those who followed it. And ultimately, more cheers for her next chapter in life.

“We love you, Tina, thanks for all the joy you gave us!!” wrote a fan.

Another echoed, “Thank you for being everything good about this sport, Tina. No matter where you played, I was always your biggest fan. I wish you well and love!”

“What a legacy you leave. Talent, hard work, and always class. You will be missed,” another added.

Moving forward, the fans will look forward to Tina Charles’ trajectory in life in the future, but the support and love will remain. Where do you think life will take her next? Comment it down.

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Trending slideshow: 5 Signs Tina Charles May Be Playing Her Final Few WNBA Games

Pratikshya Mishra

The world-class gymnast’s initial complaint was paying $23K for makeup and hair, speculatively for the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. And the NewsNation reporter Batya Ungar-Sargon had some sarcastic lines for Biles.

“The Olympic gymnast, worth an estimated $25 million, is outraged that it costs so much to glam yourself up these days,” stated the reporter. “How dare those makeup artists and hairstylists try to make a living? How dare they charge Simone Biles so much money…”

Biles questioned earlier, “If this is normal,” to pay such an amount over glam. The reporter replied that the world must have “gone to seed” when someone like Biles “is expected to share some of her immense wealth with the people who make her look good.”

However, the real “outrage”, per the reporter, was not the high price or “living wage” Biles paid.

It was that she “both paid it and then complained about it.” After all, “if there’s one thing worse than a clueless, out-of-touch gazillionaire, it’s a cheap one.”

Simone Biles’ shock at a $23,000 glam bill for a single red carpet event stems from her vocal stance on financial value, despite her $25 million net worth as of 2026.

Simone Biles has earned a career total of $282,500 in official Olympic medal prize money from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

These winnings are only a small fraction of her total career earnings. She also holds high-profile endorsement contracts with companies like Athleta and Visa

Amidst the harsh critique, no replies have come from Biles yet. However, this was not really the first time Biles complained about high prices.

Simone Biles Said Something Similar in 2024

Coming freshly off the Paris Olympics in 2024, the 29-year-old experienced a similar situation. Even then, Biles took the matter to TikTok and shared the incident with others, while calling the whole scenario “crazy.”

“After the closing ceremonies, we went out, and y’all, this club tried to charge me $26,000 for a bottle of champagne,” Biles shared in August, 2024.

“Like, are you serious? Obviously, I didn’t buy it. But why would they even try to play me like that? That’s wild,” Biles added.

Similarly, how she didn’t name the event this year, Biles didn’t name the club either. And 2 years later, it almost feels like a déjà vu.

With that being said, what are your opinions on this matter? Let us know in the comments.

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Trending slideshow: 12 Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens Moments That Melted Hearts

Arya Patil

On May 4 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Venus Williams attended the event with her husband, Andrea Preti, staying true to the theme “Costume Art” and dress code “Fashion is Art” with a look inspired by her story.

Just hours ago, ‘The Tennis Letter’ shared a clip on X of Venus Williams explaining her 2026 Met Gala look, with special focus on the ornament around her neck, “So this is actually the Venus Rosewater dish, folded. And this is the Wimbledon trophy, that’s the name of it… and there’s a lot of symbolism.”

“It was really difficult. I think we both struggled. But we finally got to a great place… I’m wearing Swarovski. And it’s based off of my portrait at the National Portrait Gallery,” she added.

Her necklace recreates the Venus Rosewater Wimbledon-plate-inspired piece seen in her portrait, blending symbols of her family, career, and background.

She also pointed out details in her silver necklace, along with the heritage it carried.

“My mom is here, my dad is here.There’s symbolism from my culture in West Africa. There’s the Watts Towers right here that represents Southern California. So it just seemed right for this theme, right?”

For the event, Williams wore a Swarovski crystal mesh gown inspired by Robert Pruitt’s Venus Williams, Double Portrait (2022), created for the National Portrait Gallery.

She was styled by Ron Burton, with makeup by Karina Milan, hair by Jawara, and nails by Gina Edwards.

Meanwhile, her 37-year-old husband, Preti, stood by her side in a dark Dunhill tuxedo.

This is not the first time Williams has made a statement with her bold “tenniscore” style.

How Venus Williams’ ‘Tenniscore’ Outfit Stole Attention at the Met Gala

Last year, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams made headlines at the 2025 Met Gala by bringing “tenniscore” couture to the red carpet, wearing a forest-green Lacoste mini-dress with a bedazzled polo collar and a matching floor-length coat with fringe details.

Reflecting on her past looks and the effort behind them, Venus Williams shared in 2024 that she accidentally broke a mirror on her Marc Jacobs gown, which featured an hourglass silhouette, before stepping onto the red carpet.

“It’s based off the theme of today, we’re showing all these dresses that are too fragile to wear,” Williams said, explaining how her look matched the 2024 dress code “Garden of Time.”

Regardless, her connection to fashion has been consistent, as she told Harper’s Bazaar in 2024 that tennis and fashion go hand in hand.

“Tennis never goes out of style. It’s always trending!” said the athlete. “I’ve always loved seeing people embracing tennis-core and incorporating it into everyday style in their own unique way.”

What do you think of the symbolism behind Williams’ 2026 Met Gala look? Let us know in the comments.

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Trending slideshow: Serena Williams vs Venus Williams: Who Really Has the Edge in Their Legendary Rivalry?

Arya Patil

For the past three WNBA seasons, Wilson has used hair color as a form of self-expression during media day, from silver in 2024 to bubblegum pink in 2025. Just a week before her Met Gala debut, she switched to a red, but for the “Costume Art” theme, she went with a honey-blonde look.

Just four hours ago, the WNBA posted on Instagram, “M’VP in the building, rename it the M’ET ” alongside three carousel posts of the 29-year-old posing for the media on May 4 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

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A’ja Wilson arrived in a textured metallic gown with dramatic sleeves by Prabal Gurung, featuring a flowing drape from her upper body that cascaded to the ground on both sides, completing the look.

She paired the gown with gold chokers, matching hand-paint, and four rings.

Wilson was part of the hosting committee alongside Misty Copeland and Amiee Mullins, as well as celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Lisa, and Teyana Taylor.

Ahead of the Met Gala, Wilson told Essence, “It is going to be hectic for me because it is kind of at the start of our season. But it will definitely be special. It is my first one so I’m really trying to enjoy it.”

However, while A’ja Wilson was turning heads on the red carpet, things took a very different turn for her on the court just days earlier.

A’ja Wilson’s Return Turns Costly After Flagrant Foul Incident vs Wings

The preseason matchup between the Dallas Wings and defending champions Las Vegas Aces on May 3, billed as a clash between co-Defensive Players of the Year, saw A’ja Wilson return fully fit. The clash ended in a night Wilson would like to forget.

With 7:47 left in the third quarter, Wilson was pushing the ball up when Alanna Smith went for a steal. At the same time, Wilson raised her arm to pass, and her elbow collided with Smith’s face, sending her to the ground.

Wilson was initially called for a foul, but the situation quickly escalated.

Smith called for medical attention, and after a video review, officials upgraded it to a flagrant one. The game eventually ended in a 101-84 win for Dallas.

The Dallas Wings PF was forced to leave the game, and with no update on her condition, her status for the season opener against the Indiana Fever remains uncertain.

Do you think A’ja Wilson can bounce back quickly after the preseason incident, or will it impact her early-season form? Let us know in the comments.

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Trending slideshow: The Reign of A’ja Wilson: 19 Times She Made WNBA History

Ishika Ghosh

Van Lith’s exit follows Angel Reese’s trade to the Atlanta Dream in April, making her the second first-round pick to leave the roster this offseason. These two moves suggest a significant change in roster direction.

According to ESPN, sources indicated that Van Lith’s waiving was based on the coaching staff’s “style-of-play preference.” The Sky selected Van Lith with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft with an ambition to strengthen the backcourt. She came in with a lauded college career and praise from Kobe Bryant during her high school years.

However, Van Lith’s stay remained short following a rookie campaign hampered by an ankle injury. In the meantime, the Sky added veteran experience to the side. Natasha Cloud reportedly signed a one-year deal for $555,000, per ESPN.

Cloud brings ball-handling, defensive abilities, and depth to the roster. Speaking of her inclusion, Sky’s GM Jeff Pagliocca said, “She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster.”

Moreover, Natasha Cloud, in her free agency on 26th April, expressed her mindset through social media posts. In a Threads post, she wrote, “I have yet to speak. That’s intentional & my power. I’ve just worked. No sulking. No whining, work.”

With the latest call, Cloud is starting her 11th year in the league.

What went wrong for Hailey Van Lith?

Last season, Hailey Van Lith came into the league with a lot of expectations set on her. It was unavoidable because of her resume. The guard’s accolades included Big 12 Player of the Year, All-Big 12 First Team, AP Third-Team All-American, and more.

However, these accolades didn’t reflect in her rookie campaign. She recorded 3.5 ppg in 12.4 minutes per game in her 29 appearances. Apart from her recurring ankle injuries, she also struggled with poor shooting (33.9/16.1/74.2) and lacked the athletic skill and experience to compensate for her small size.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean the end of the road. With the league’s latest expansion, including teams like Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, she may get a roster spot soon before the season opener. 

At the same time, the Sky roster has 14 players with 2 spots available for developmental roles. Chicago might end up bringing her back on one of these.

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After the April 30 defeat to the Dallas Wings, the Fever roared back with a 105-57 win against Nigeria on May 2. While this settled the preseason record 2-1, Clark’s no-look pass to Cunningham took the game by storm.

“Anotha insane CC pass,” the Franchise’s official X post read recently. Highlighting the details, the caption went on, “Caitlin Clark splits three defenders to find Sophie Cunningham for the lay.”

Around the 9^th minute of the 2^nd quarter, CC aggressively pushed the pace in transition, while rapidly scanning the floor. Before the opponents could follow up, her flawless no-look pass reached Cunningham.

Waiting right under the rim, there couldn’t be any easier 2-points for Soph. Clark closed the game with 12 points and 4 assists. Cunningham added another 8 points and 3 assists.

This chemistry appeared before the regular season even began. This sort of play can possibly propel the team to extend Cunningham’s contract, about which she earlier expressed frustration.

Sophie Cunningham’s Frustration Over the Contract

Due to a season-ending MCL tear in 2025, Cunningham remained sidelined after averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds. Although this season, Fever secured her under a $665,000 contract, the one-year deal remained frustrating.

“It was never about the money, it was just about the years because I wanted to be with them,” said the 29-year-old recently. “God forbid a girl loves her teammates. I think that we just have something special here…”

The high-salaried but one-year contract makes Cunningham’s stay at Indianapolis uncertain. She seemed remorseful, talking about her love for the game and her team.

“When you find a group of girls who really make you fall in love with basketball again… you want to hold onto that.”

Moving forward, do you think Fever should extend Soph’s contract so that we get to witness more of such Clark-Cunningham moments? Comment down below!.

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Trending slideshow: Caitlin Clark Cracks the List: Who Else Owns WNBA Triple-Double History?

Pratikshya Mishra

Recently, reporter James Boyd shared a clip on X of Cunningham speaking to the media and updating her five-year work with a sports psychology coach ahead of day nine of training camp.

When asked if she’s had to focus more on the mental side because of the attention, Sophie Cunningham said, “I think you start working on that in high school. Like, you have to have the mental aspect. I think at every level, it gets tougher and tougher. People are all good. At this level, everyone’s great. So what are you going to do to set yourself apart?”

“The majority of the time, it’s mental. And so, of course, I have a support side coach that I’ve been working with for five years now,” she added.

While Cunningham didn’t name the coach, she praised him, saying, “He’s absolutely phenomenal. I think that’s what allows me to be confident and have my edge.”

Consequently, when asked why she sought professional help, the 29-year-old said, “Sports, you never know what it’s going to throw at you, especially when you’re on the beaver, and you have so many eyes on you 24/7. People forget you’re human. Social media is awesome, but also totally brutal.”

“So you can’t rely on those types of people to give you your identity. And so, just kind of remembering your why, remembering what makes you, you, and being confident in that,” she further added.

Because of her last year’s injury, Sophie Cunningham’s fitness will be a major talking point heading into the 2026 season. However, the Fever Guard has been cleared by the medical team and also shared a positive update during training camp.

“I’m 29, and truly, I feel better than I ever have,” she said last month while reflecting on the injury she suffered on August 17 last year while playing against the Connecticut Sun.

However, her on-court role now faces a tougher test with rising competition in the rotation.

Raven Johnson’s defensive prowess adds pressure on Sophie Cunningham’s minutes

In her first season with the Indiana Fever, Sophie Cunningham became known as Caitlin Clark’s “enforcer.” But with rookie Raven Johnson emerging as a force, her role this year could be smaller.

Johnson has already shown strong defensive skills that set her apart from others on the roster. While this helps the team overall, it could mean fewer minutes for Cunningham if Johnson earns a bigger role in the rotation.

Sophie Cunningham cannot be counted out, as she was having a strong debut season before her season-ending MCL injury. She averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting a career-high 43.2% from three, making her a great fit alongside Caitlin Clark.

However, with Clark back from injury after being limited to 13 games in 2025, Kelsey Mitchell set as a starter, and Lexie Hull securing her role, Sophie Cunningham will need to prove herself on both ends of the court to Stephanie White.

Moreover, with limited minutes available, Raven Johnson’s defensive prowess could push the veteran further down the rotation.

Having said that, do you think Sophie Cunningham’s mental strength will help her keep a key role despite the team’s rising talent pool?

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Trending slideshow: Sophie Cunningham’s Role and Reputation Take Shape Ahead of 2026 WNBA Season

Arya Patil

After the preseason opener heartbreak, the Washington Mystics finally secured an 83-72 victory over the Atlanta Dream on May 4. And in this game, Betts did what a rookie mostly cannot do against a DPOY-calibre player like Reese.

“Lauren Betts’s performance against the Atlanta Dream and two-time All-Star Angel Reese was impressive,” Sports Illustrated’s Elaine Blum wrote. “Reese is a great defender and physical player around the rim. (She) got the better of Betts a few times, but the rookie largely held her own…”

In front of Reese’s 10 points under 11 minutes kind of explosive play, Betts’ 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists fall short. However, 7 of her buckets were shot right under Reese’s clutch, and it didn’t end there.

The former UCLA star also scored three free throws off fouls that Reese committed. In fact, she started making successful moves against the Dream star from the first quarter alone, with 6 minutes remaining.

This was a statement play on Betts’ end before heading to the regular season. But while the on-court rivalry skyrocketed, things have been pretty different outside of the paint.

Angel Reese Rejoiced at Lauren Betts’ Reebok Moment

It hasn’t been long since Betts wrapped up her collegiate career with a title win. But the Mystics’ 4^th overall pick already signed a shoe deal with Reebok. And as the leading Reebok athlete, Reese couldn’t be any happier.

“AHHHH! What’s up, CHAMP!” the Atlanta Dream forward wrote excitedly, around mid-April, once the brand announced the news on X. Extending the hype to Instagram, Reese further commented, “another BADDIEEEEE.”

Moving forward, do you think it’ll be intriguing to see Reese and Betts go off at each other on the court while being brand partners outside the paint? Let us know in the comments.

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May 3 went with a blast for the Fever as they handed a staggering 105-57 defeat to Nigeria. But when asked what the rookie learned from the coach so far, Johnson had an answer that barely anyone could’ve seen coming.

“Oh, she’s funny,” started the 23-year-old. “Don’t tell her this, but her wife came to practice the other day, and I was like, ‘Dang! You got some taste!’… her wife is beautiful!” she went on, while smiling giddily.

Averaging 6.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 3 preseason games, Johnson’s seamless settlement in Indianapolis had already begun. She’s “asking a lot of questions” and also learning “a lot of things” from the coach.

But apart from being a competent coach, White, to this former South Carolina star, is a “great person.” Although it hasn’t been long since the Fever drafted Johnson as the 10^th overall pick, the bond is already on display.

With the regular season almost knocking on the door, such moments are a breeze of fresh air. But putting the jokes aside, the coach knew what kind of on-court prowess Johnson possessed.

Stephanie White Called Raven Johnson “Go-Go Gadget Arms”

Ever since the drafting, White had been an extensive preacher of Johnson’s defensive impact, two-way play, and overall performance. But soon after Johnson hit the paint on the pro level, the coach had even better adjectives.

“You can’t teach the instincts, you can’t teach those go-go gadget arms,” White said about Johnson following the game against the New York Liberty. “And the length, and her ability to recover. So, it’s just going to continue to grow.”

“I love her energy,” she also said recently. “There was one possession in front of our bench where she turned it over. She didn’t sit out there and sulk. She got that thing back, like she’s going to bring energy.”

Mixed with easy moments and a competitive surge, Johnson will march forward to the regular season. Can you predict what her future games would look like? Comment it down.

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