Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on April 18, 2023 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
This past week the Indiana Fever selected South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston with the first pick in the 2023 Women's National Basketball Association Draft, the United States Football League kicked off its second season, and the NBA G League's Lakeland Magic relocated to Kissimmee, Florida, and rebranded as the Osceola Magic. Highlights from this week come from Women's National Basketball Association, NBA G League, United States Football League, XFL, Indoor Football League, American Hockey League, ECHL, Federal Prospect Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey LeOntario Hockey League, Premier Hockey Federation, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer League Championship, United Soccer League One, National Lacrosse League and Pro Volleyball Federation.
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
With the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 WNBA Draft, the Indiana Fever picked University of South Carolina forward Aliyah Boston (pronounced uh-LEE-uh). "Aliyah Boston will have an immediate impact on our franchise on and off the court. We are excited to pair her with Kelsey and NaLyssa as we reload the Indiana Fever. We are very impressed with Aliyah's post skills as well as her natural leadership skills. This a a great day for our franchise!" Fever General Manager Lin Dunn said.
With the number one pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, the Indiana Fever selected 2022 NPOY and 2x Naismith DPOY, Aliyah Boston.
Take a look at highlights and top moments from the 2023 WNBA Draft headlined by Aliyah Boston, Diamond Miller and Maddy Siegrist as the top 3 selections, respectively.
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) will be expanding its charter flights program for players this season, it was announced today by the league. The charter program will include flights for all postseason games beginning with the start of 2023 WNBA Playoffs through the WNBA Finals, the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship Game, and select regular season games where teams have back-to-back games on the schedule.
NBA G League
The Orlando Magic will relocate its NBA G League affiliate to Kissimmee, FL, and it will be rebranded as the Osceola Magic. Their new home will be in Osceola Heritage Park, beginning play at Silver Spurs Arena in November 2023, CEO and Managing Partner Alex Martins announced. "We are excited to bring the Magic and NBA G League basketball to Osceola County, Kissimmee and Osceola Heritage Park," said Martins. "We would like to thank Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer, County Manager Don Fisher and Osceola Heritage Park General Manager Robb Larson in assisting us in making this move a reality. We look forward to being an invested community partner in Kissimmee and Osceola County. ¬Â
NBA G League team rebrands as Osceola Magic
Grab your popcorn and relive the moment the Delaware Blue Coats became your 2022-23 NBA G League Champions! It was an unforgettable game between the Delaware Blue Coats and RGV Vipers. Go behind the scenes with the Mini-Movie from Game 2 of the NBA G League Finals!
Best Of Mac McClung In The G League Playoffs
FOOTBALL
United States Football League
Every single touchdown from Week 1
New Orleans Breakers Head Coach John DeFilippo was diagnosed with a spinal condition that affects his foot. After doctors told him he may never walk again, he made a promise that he would run onto the field for the first game he coached. He came through on that promise
PICKED OFF! Michigan Panthers Safety Warren Saba was ready to take it all the way.
XFL
Brycen Alleyne LEAPS in for six
XFL Week 9 - Houston Roughnecks DB Ajene Harris forced fumble and recovery for TD
Jahcour Pearson to the house and Ben DiNucci silences the crowd
Indoor Football League
The Indoor Football League has announced a new agreement ensuring that the next three Dollar Loan Center IFL National Championship games will air on CBS Sports Network. The deal also allows for additional games to be aired on CBS Sports Network throughout the agreement. "This is another major step forward for our league," said Commissioner of the IFL, Todd Tryon. "CBS Sports will give our member teams, their coaches, and players the kind of exposure they've earned. As we celebrate our 15th year as a league, this is another example of our continued growth. ¬Â
IFL Plays of the Week - Week IV
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
Grand Rapids Griffins general manager / Detroit Red Wings assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff announced that the Red Wings will not renew the contracts of Griffins head coach Ben Simon, assistant coaches Matt Macdonald and Todd Krygier, and goaltending development coach Brian Mahoney-Wilson.
Less than 24 hours after the team finished their season, the Grand Rapids Griffins are wiping their coaching staff clean.
Captain Clutch; Iowa Stars Curtis McKenzie.
ECHL
The Idaho Steelheads set new ECHL single-season records for wins and points with their 4-1 victory at Rapid City. With one game remaining in the regular season, Idaho is 57-11-3 for 117 points. The Steelheads' 57 wins and 117 points surpass the previous marks of 56 wins and 116 points set by the 2001-02 Louisiana IceGators.
Here are those highlights
Federal Prospect Hockey League
Baton Rouge pro hockey and the Raising Cane's River Center are proud to announce that the sides have agreed to a 3-year deal to bring a Federal Prospects Hockey League team to the capital city. The team will begin play in October of 2023-2024 as a brand new expansion franchise and are already in process of interviewing coaches, prospective players, and bringing on board a staff that can bring the experience that the fans of Baton Rouge can be proud of.
Baton Rouge leaders announced that a professional hockey team will be coming to Capital City.
North American Hockey League
Top Plays of the Week - April 3, - April 9, 2023
Western Hockey League
Anaheim Ducks prospect Ben King played WHOA-vertime hero in Game 5 of the Red Deer Rebels' First Round series versus Calgary.
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the First Round
Premier Hockey Federation
Inside the PHF Presented: Jillian Dempsey
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Dairon Asprilla scores unreal bicycle kick for Portland Timbers!!
National Women's Soccer League
Angel City Football Club (ACFC) confirmed that the team has signed US Women's National Team (USWNT) star midfielder Julie Ertz to the club's roster. Ertz, who is returning to the NWSL after a more than two-year hiatus following the birth of her son, signed a one-year contract. Angel City Football Club (ACFC) confirmed that the team has signed US Women's National Team (USWNT) star midfielder Julie Ertz to the club's roster. Ertz, who is returning to the NWSL after a more than two-year hiatus following the birth of her son, signed a one-year contract.
Goal No. 59 for NJ/NY Gotham FC Lynn Williams is now tied for the second-most goals in NWSL history.
Wow, what a finish by Racing Louisville FC Kristen Davis!!
United Soccer League Championship
Time to Jump Into the Crowd - USL Championship Player of the Month, March: Jordan Farr
Your USL League One Goal of the Week Winner for Week 4 is Noe Meza of Union Omaha!
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
Dhane Smith nets a hat-trick as the Bandits win a clutch OT game against the Riptide.
Tom Schreiber gets 3 goals and 5 assists as Toronto cruises to victory over Philaelphia.
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced today that the 2023 College Draft will air live Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU and will be simulcast on ESPN+. The draft will consist of four rounds. In total, 32 collegiate athletes will be drafted to PLL teams. Premier Lacrosse League President and Co-founder, Paul Rabil will announce the first two rounds of draft picks, with the PLL's VP of Lacrosse, Rachael DeCecco announcing rounds three and four. Coaches and general managers will be live in-studio, submitting their picks and navigating potential trades.
BASEBALL
Plays of the Week
OTHER SPORTS
Pro Volleyball Federation
When Columbus' first major women's professional sports team takes the court for its inaugural season, it will do so as the Columbus Fury. The Pro Volleyball Federation team revealed its new identity, brand, and logo package during a press conference at Nationwide Arena, where it also announced that the downtown venue would be the home of the Fury starting in 2024. The Columbus Fury will play a 24-match regular season schedule beginning in February 2024, with 12 of those matches being played at Nationwide Arena. Reservations for Columbus Fury season tickets are available now at ColumbusFury.com.
West Michigan's first major-league women's sports team has its name: the Grand Rapids Rise! The Pro Volleyball Federation franchise - founded in December as West Michigan Pro Volleyball - unveiled its name and identity in a first-intermission ceremony during the Grand Rapids Griffins' regular-season home finale at Van Andel Arena.
Grand Rapids' new volleyball team announced its name: the Grand Rapids Rise.
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from April 18, 2023
- Single-Game Tickets for Regular Season on Sale Now - Seattle Storm
- Los Angeles Sparks Announce Seven New Partners Ahead of 2023 Season - Los Angeles Sparks
- Seattle Storm and WaFd Bank Partner to Support Title I Schools - Seattle Storm
- Chicago Sky Signs Morgan Bertsch to Training Camp Contract - Chicago Sky
- For Berger, Indiana Is "Right Where I Want to Be" - Indiana Fever
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
