Connect with us

Sports

WNBA announces new 2025 playoff format, capitalizing on historic season headlined by Caitlin Clark 

Published

on

WNBA announces new 2025 playoff format, capitalizing on historic season headlined by Caitlin Clark 

The WNBA is expanding the regular season and moving to a seven-game series format for the Finals in 2025, in a move that will capitalize on the numerous records set this year due in large part to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the news Thursday before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty. 

Cathy Engelbert talks to the media before the game between the Team WNBA and the USA Basketball Women’s National Team during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game on July 20, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)

“The finals mark the culmination of what I think is the most transformational year in the WNBA’s history,” Engelbert said. 

Advertisement

“You saw all the statistics we put out – viewership, attendance, merch sales, digital engagement – at or near record levels. And to put it in perspective with a few stats that bring insight into what has happened, the WNBA significantly outpaced the industry in average consumption of live games in 2024.”

She continued, “The league’s growth and increased demand for WNBA basketball make this the ideal time to expand the schedule, lengthen the finals, and provide fans more opportunities to see the best players in the world compete at the highest level.” 

Caitlin Clark, left, poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she is selected with the number one overall pick to the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, on April 15, 2024. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

The league currently has a best-of-five semifinals and finals in its playoffs with a best-of-three first round. The new format will move to a best-of-seven finals. Engelbert also announced that the regular season will expand to 44 games.

CAITLIN CLARK’S FINAL GAME OF ROOKIE CAMPAIGN MARKS ANOTHER WNBA MILESTONE

Advertisement

The expansion follows the undeniable impact that WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark has had on the league. 

The league said more than 2.3 million fans attended games this season, the most in 22 years, and the teams combined for 154 sellouts — up from 45 last season. The Fever’s average attendance of just under 17,000 led the WNBA, and 10 of their games have set league TV viewership records — many in front of sellout crowds. 

Indiana also closed out the regular season with another record, playing in front of a crowd of 20,711 fans – the largest attendance in WNBA history.  

The WNBA also saw a record 22 regular-season telecasts averaging at least 1 million viewers. According to a report by the Sports Business Journal, Clark played in 19 of those games. 

Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 24, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Advertisement

The league has also expanded to include 15 teams, with the latest being awarded to Portland. 

The WNBA also recently announced a landmark media rights deal with the Walt Disney Company, Amazon Prime Video and NBCUniversal set to run through 2036 and a multi-year partnership with Delta Air Lines, which became the official airline partner of the WNBA. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. 

Advertisement

Sports

Golf star records lowest round in LPGA major history with astounding performance at Evian Championship

Published

on

Golf star records lowest round in LPGA major history with astounding performance at Evian Championship

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

There are good days on the golf course, and then there is what Haeran Ryu just did on Saturday.

Ryu, 25, recorded the lowest round in LPGA major history on Saturday with an 11-under 60 at the Evian Championship. With the South Korean golfer’s historic round, she holds a three-stroke lead.

Ryu’s round comes just two weeks after winning her first major at the Women’s PGA Championship. On the 18th hole, Ryu left a 30-foot eagle putt a few inches short, and instead settled for a birdie.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Advertisement

Haeran Ryu of South Korea reacts on the 18th green after the third round of The Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, on July 11, 2026. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

She said after the round that she had no idea what she had done until she counted up her scorecard.

“But after the putt and I counted my score with my caddie,” she said. “Oh my God, it’s 11-under par today. It was so amazing. My caddie says, ‘Yep.’ I’m so happy right now.”

If Ryu had made the eagle putt on the 18th hole, she would have been just the second player to shoot a 59 in LPGA history.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Advertisement

Haeran Ryu of South Korea celebrates a birdie on the 15th green during the third round of The Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 11, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Her 60 broke the record for the lowest round in an LPGA major by one shot. Leona Maguire and Jeungeun Lee6 in 2021, and Hyo Joo Kim in 2014, each shot 61 at the Evian Championship, which was designated as an LPGA major in 2013.

The lowest round in a men’s major is 62, which is shared by four players — Branden Grace at Royal Birkdale in the 2017 British Open, Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler in the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, and Schauffele and Shane Lowry in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Haeran Ryu of South Korea and Lottie Woad of England interact after their round on the 18th green during the third round of the Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, on July 11, 2026. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Advertisement

Ryu hopes her historic third round can help propel her to a second major win in three weeks.

“That is amazing, amazing dream,” Ryu said. “So I just want that one to come true, but we have one more day.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Sports

Q&A: Partner, chance to play in Long Beach reignited AVP star Taylor Crabb’s Olympic fire

Published

on

Q&A: Partner, chance to play in Long Beach reignited AVP star Taylor Crabb’s Olympic fire

Taylor Crabb is no stranger to South California beaches. The Long Beach State alum returns home this weekend to compete in AVP League matches.

It marks the first time AVP will compete in Long Beach since 2020 and allows players to compete at the 2028 Olympics beach volleyball venue.

Crabb, 34, made his AVP debut in 2013 with his brother, Trevor, and advanced from the qualifier in Manhattan Beach before finishing 25th in his first tournament.

After years of competing with various different partners, Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh have delivered the top performances this AVP season.

The following interview with Crabb has been edited for clarity and length.

Advertisement

Are you excited to compete in this weekend’s event at Long Beach?

Crabb: Very excited. A lot of my college teammates and part of the school have reached out, saying that they’re gonna come. So I’m excited to get a chance to play in front of them again.

When was the last time you were in Long Beach?

Crabb: I always try to go down there for alumni events or any big games they have. I went to UCLA against Long Beach last year, when it was No. 1 versus No. 2, so I always try to get down there and support them.

You missed out on the chance to compete in the 2020 Olympics because of COVID-19 restrictions and chose not to pursue a spot at the 2024 Olympics. Are you fired up to try to compete in the 2028 Olympics, knowing that Long Beach will host the competition?

Advertisement

Crabb: Yeah, it’s definitely an exciting time having the Olympics in Long Beach, and we kind of get to break it in this weekend. As you said, Tokyo didn’t go the way I wanted, but I’m going full force now. I have a great partner in Andy Benesh, who obviously went to the Paris Olympics, and if it weren’t for the Olympics being in Long Beach, and me getting a partner like Andy, I’m not even sure I’d be going for it, but because of those two things, I want to make the most of it.

You mentioned that if it wasn’t for a partner like Andy, you wouldn’t be going for it. What do you mean by that?

Crabb: I didn’t feel motivated by playing in all the international events, but now, I think, sitting out kind of lit the fire under me, and I’m really motivated now.

You’ve had different partners throughout your time. What other motivation does Andy give you?

Crabb: He’s been, in my mind, the top blocker for the U.S. the last four or five years. Seeing the professionalism he brings every day to practice, on and off the court, while traveling and when showing up to tournaments, it rubs off on you and that’s really motivating to see. And I just want to make him proud.

Advertisement

Why do you love volleyball?

Crabb: A lot of reasons, but it’s just a feeling I have when I’m out there on the court. It feels natural. It feels like home. I was born into a volleyball family. I had a volleyball in my hands my entire life, so I’ve always just enjoyed it.

Continue Reading

Sports

CM Punk to defend Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam

Published

on

CM Punk to defend Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

CM Punk appeared on “Friday Night SmackDown” ready to take on any challenger that was ready to step to him after winning the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn.

Punk entered the ring in Oklahoma City and called back to the “Monday Night Raw” after WrestleMania 42 when he told Cody Rhodes he’d be ready to deliver if a championship opportunity fell “out of the sky.”

COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Cody Rhodes and CM Punk face off during SmackDown at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. (Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty Images)

Advertisement

“When championship opportunities fall out of the sky, CM Punk catches them,” he said.

Punk named potential SmackDown superstars he’d think might come for the title, including Gunther, Finn Balor, Royce Keys, Damian Priest and Trick Williams. He even said that Zayn could come back around and get his rematch if he wanted. He didn’t mention Rhodes’ name, but the “American Nightmare” came out uncalled and marched his way down to the ring.

“I don’t think you and I can run away from each other anymore,” Punk told Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes looks on during SmackDown at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on July 10, 2026. (Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty Images)

Advertisement

Rhodes agreed and mentioned that Punk would want a match with him, just “say when.” It was a quick retort from Punk, who said, “when.” SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, who was in the ring for the segment, booked the match for SummerSlam.

Punk will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, which takes place Aug. 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

First, however, Punk and Rhodes will be involved in a tag team match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in New York City next week. Aldis made the match after Gunther demanded that Aldis put him in a match against Punk. Gunther was hoping it would be for the championship. Instead, Gunther will tag with Zayn.

Gunther didn’t take too kindly to that and attacked Aldis. Rhodes came back out to break up the calamity. He wanted to take on Gunther after the show went off air but Gunther walked away.

Gunther makes his entrance during SmackDown at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., on July 10, 2026. (Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images)

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Punk definitely has his hands full as he moves to SmackDown to become a fighting champion.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending