Copa 71 and Serena Williams's Next Challenge
Team USA's Olympic 'fits.
The Fever vs Sky match-up over the weekend broke WNBA viewership records. An ACL injury ended Cameron Brink’s rookie season. Angel Reese is putting up ROY numbers. And the W was forced to move the Commissioner’s Cup final — just eight days before the title game — to accommodate the NBA draft.
‘Copa 71’ Aims to Shine Light on Women’s Soccer Tournament Nearly Erased From History (The Athletic)
Twenty years before the first FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, an unofficial competition was staged in 1971 in Mexico. The documentary “Copa 71,” which hits theaters in the US today, tells the story of the oft-overlooked event.
“While the success of the tournament is one to marvel at 53 years later, it also demonstrates how the women’s game was robbed of 20 years’ worth of potential momentum,” writes Melanie Anzidei in The Athletic.
Ralph Lauren Reveals Opening and Closing Ceremony Uniforms for 2024 Olympics (Today)
The opening ceremony looks are typical of what USA spectators have come to expect from Ralph Lauren’s Olympic uniforms (patriotic blazers included). But the closing ceremony racing jackets are actually pretty cool.
US Olympic Swim Trials Make History with a New World Record and Epic Crowds (NPR)
For anyone wondering why an NFL stadium was transformed into a swimming venue, this is the answer. Over 20,000 people are packing the stands to watch swimmers like Katie Ledecky and Gretchen Walsh break records and achieve their Olympic dreams.
Lilia Vu Wins Meijer LPGA Classic After Injury Return (Just Women’s Sports)
Vu’s victory comes after a back injury prevented her from competing in several of the tour’s recent tournaments. “I think this is the most meaningful win,” she told reporters after her triumph. “Because there was a time two months ago where I was just crying on the range not being sure if I would ever play a tournament again without pain.”
Serena Williams’s Next Challenge? The Rest of Her Life (The New York Times gift link)
In the latest installment of “The Interview,” The New York Times speaks with the legendary Serena Williams about her upcoming documentary series (which airs on ESPN+ next month), what she thought of “Challengers,” and that cryptic tweet.
Here’s What Every WNBA Franchise Is Worth (Sports Illustrated)
For the first time, Sportico compiled valuations for each WNBA team. Unsurprisingly, the league’s reigning champs, the Las Vegas Aces, topped the list with the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty rounding out the top three.
Fast Break…
A few quick moments of joy.