With team valuations soaring and major revenue growth ahead, WNBA players are calling for a new collective bargaining agreement that delivers fair pay, pensions, and profit sharing.
Sports
Local and national sports reporting and commentary by the state’s leading African American sportswriters, including award-winning columnists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, with a special emphasis on the local prep scene and disparities in sports administration and media coverage.
New Mystics head coach ‘humble but enthusiastic’
First-year Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson and longtime WNBA coach Shelley Patterson bring Black excellence and experience to one of the league’s youngest teams.
Lynx split two-game homestand
The Minnesota Lynx split a two-game homestand, falling to the Atlanta Dream before taking down the defending champion New York Liberty. Napheesa Collier led both games with 30+ point performances.
Victor Glover: From football to the moon
NASA astronaut Victor Glover, the first Black man assigned to a lunar mission, visited Indianapolis during WNBA All-Star Weekend to speak with kids about STEM, teamwork, and what it takes to fly to the Moon.
Gophers mourn the loss of Sue Jackson and Kevin Smith
Sue Jackson and Kevin Smith, two unforgettable Gopher athletes, passed away this summer. We reflect on their legacy in maroon and gold.
Thornton and Burton Lead Valkyries’ historic first season
The Golden State Valkyries are breaking records and defying expectations in their first WNBA season — and they’re just getting started.
Fab Four photo spread: Lynx dominate Aces at Target Center
The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Las Vegas Aces 109–78 at Target Center, led by Napheesa Collier’s 25 points and a balanced team effort. Fab Four highlights featured.
HBO Debuts ‘Hard Knocks’ Featuring Buffalo Bills on August 5, 2025
For the first time, the Buffalo Bills are featured on Hard Knocks. The new HBO series premieres Aug. 5, following the team’s training camp as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.
Players, coaches show their stuff at NBA Summer League
NBA Summer League gave Minnesota natives Jamison Battle, Dawson Garcia, and Curtis Jones the chance to prove they belong in the league. Coaches used the event to level up, too.
Black Expo shares city with WNBA All-Stars
The Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration and WNBA All-Star Weekend overlapped in Indianapolis, sparking conversation around timing, impact, and community engagement. Players and vendors shared their thoughts.
HBCU interns work WNBA All-Star Weekend
At WNBA All-Star Weekend 2025, six HBCU students became the first interns in a new program aimed at building Black leadership in sports. Howard’s Beverly Robertson called it “amazing” as she gained experience in communications and media.
Dave Winfield honored in St. Paul
Dave Winfield’s statue is coming to St. Paul. For journalist Mitchell Palmer McDonald, the celebration brought back a memory of a promise Winfield kept to a young reporter, one that changed everything.
Whalen gladly back coaching
WNBA Hall of Famer Lindsay Whalen returns to the All-Star Game as an assistant coach for Team Collier. After two years away from coaching, the Minnesota Lynx legend says she’s right where she belongs — back in the gym.
NBA Summer League keeps us busy in Vegas
Minnesota Timberwolves guards Terrance Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham are showing poise and potential in their second NBA Summer League. With strong performances and coach praise, they’re part of a broader Minnesota basketball presence in Vegas.
De La Salle grad and Colts rookie is feeling blessed
Indianapolis Colts rookie Jalen Travis reflects on his first months as a pro football player. The DeLaSalle grad and Minneapolis native is embracing the grind of OTAs and looking ahead to fall training camp with a deep sense of gratitude and drive.
Black women losing ground as WNBA head coaches
Seattle’s Noelle Quinn is the only Black woman head coach in the WNBA this season. Just two years ago, there were six Black head coaches in the league.
Wrestling champ surprised to find herself coaching — and loving it
Kenya Sloan has been named the first women’s wrestling head coach at Delaware State. The national champ and undefeated high school athlete now leads the first HBCU program of its kind.
Twins’ Lewis takes injury in stride
Royce Lewis is rehabbing with the St. Paul Saints after another hamstring injury. The 24-year-old Twins infielder says he feels good and hopes to return soon.
Courtney Williams’ biggest fan is her dad
Don Williams is a fixture at Lynx games, proudly cheering for his daughter Courtney Williams, the team’s starting point guard.
Angel Reese reclaims viral moment with ‘Mebounds’ merch launch
WNBA star Angel Reese turns internet trolling into a power move with Mebounds, a new merch line benefitting her foundation and promoting empowerment.
