Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on March 5, 2024 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
This past week Major League Soccer announced just eight of its teams would compete in the U.S. Open Cup, Iowa's Caitlin Clark revealed she will enter the WNBA Draft, and the National Arena League terminated the Topeka Tropics franchise, the second team it has jettisoned in two weeks. Highlights from this week come from Major League Soccer, the Major Arena Soccer League, Women's National Basketball Association, NBA G League, National Arena League, Canadian Football League, United Football League, National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League, American Hockey League, ECHL, Southern Professional Hockey League, Professional Women's Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League, and Ultimate Frisbee Association.
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer announced that eight MLS clubs and 11 MLS NEXT Pro teams will compete in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. MLS Clubs - The eight MLS clubs will include Houston Dynamo FC (last year's Open Cup champion) and the top seven ranked U.S.-based teams according to the 2023 MLS Supporters' Shield standings, other than clubs playing in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup: Atlanta United, FC Dallas, Sporting KC, Los Angeles FC, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders FC.
MLS NEXT Pro Clubs - The 11 participating MLS NEXT Pro teams will include nine MLS affiliates and two independent clubs. The nine MLS-affiliated teams competing will be based on the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro final standings, other than those clubs whose MLS first teams are participating in either the 2024 U.S. Open Cup or 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. MLS teams will only play lower division opponents until it cannot be avoided, enhancing the tournament's drama and appeal.
ESPN FC's Sebastian Salazar and Ale Moreno discuss the U.S. Open Cup announcing a new format that will feature just 8 MLS first teams.
The snow storm favored Real Salt Lake, which took a comfortable victory against Los Angeles. With high winds, lightning and snow all affecting the kick time for the midday Wasatch Front kickoff, RSL eventually rode a dominant three-goal first half to earn its first victory of the 2024 campaign as winger Andres Gomez stole the show with a first-half brace inside the first 42 minutes and added an assist in first-half extra time to striker Chicho Arango.
National Women's Soccer League
The National Women's Soccer League and NIKE, Inc. unveiled vibrant new primary and secondary uniforms for each of the league's 14 member clubs as part of a historic reset ahead of the 2024 season kicking off on Friday, March 15. Drawing inspiration from the colors and landscapes of the areas where they live and play, each club's new collection emphasizes pride in their community and belief in their team - celebrating the connection between athletes and fans, all while ensuring players are sporting the latest in performance innovation while they play. "This launch marks a pivotal moment for the NWSL as we join forces with Nike to introduce a visually striking, bold and community-inspired kit collection for all 14 clubs," said NWSL Vice President of Consumer Products Katie Eaton. "We understand the importance of creating a range of products, from training gear to match uniforms, that effectively serve the needs of our players on the field while also ensuring that kit designs resonate with the fans who support and celebrate their teams with passion. ¬Â
The North Carolina Courage announces the return of club legend and fan-favorite Jessica McDonald as a club ambassador and front office partner. McDonald, the 2018 NWSL Final MVP who led the Courage to their first NWSL Championship, will begin her reprised role with the club immediately. McDonald will have a wide scope of duties as club ambassador, including commentary during local broadcasts and team content, community appearances, speaking engagements and special projects designed to further enhance brand awareness and business and community relationships. A player in the NWSL since its inaugural season, McDonald brings a fresh, player perspective to the front office of the most decorated club in NWSL history.
USL Super League
The USL Super League announced SELECT Sport as the league's Official Match Ball Provider through a multi-year partnership agreement, charting an exciting step towards the inaugural USL Super League season kicking off this August. SELECT has been the USL's Official Match Ball Provider since 2018, including being the USL W League's official match ball since its inaugural season in 2022. "We're thrilled our longtime partnership with SELECT now includes the USL Super League," said USL Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Partnerships Josh Keller. "Both on and off the field, the USL Super League strives to provide more opportunities in the women's game. Our partnership with SELECT has always focused on our unique player pathway from youth to pro, and we now look forward to supercharging this for our women's pathway, from the academy level up to the USL Super League. ¬Â
United Soccer League Championship
The United Soccer League and ESPN announced a new multi-year media rights agreement that will see more than 400 live matches per year of the USL Championship and USL League One air on ESPN platforms, starting in 2024. "As we enter a new era for the USL with the 2026 World Cup approaching, our focus is to provide fans with more ways to watch than ever before and be the most widely available soccer league in our country," said Chief Commercial Officer Court Jeske. "We have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with ESPN during which the USL has grown significantly, and we are incredibly excited to continue this relationship. ¬Â The renewed agreement with ESPN completes the USL's media package heading into the 2024 season, which includes CBS Sports and local linear partnerships. The USL will air 35 matches on national linear television between CBS Sports channels and ESPN networks, up from nine last season.
Major Arena Soccer League
MASL Ten for Ten - Tommy Tanner - General Manager of Utica City FC
Check out the best of the best in Week 14 in this week's episode of MASL in 5 with Alex Bastyovanszky
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
Rebecca Lobo joins SportsCenter to discuss Caitlin Clark announcing her decision to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft and hear as Clark explains why she made this choice.
Monica McNutt and Stephen A. Smith join Molly Qerim on First Take to react to Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark announcing she will declare for the WNBA Draft instead of staying an extra season at Iowa.
The WNBA Draft 2024 presented by State Farm will be held on Monday, April 15 at the famed BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN with exclusive coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The draft, along with the WNBA Countdown Presented by Google (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET) will also be available live on the ESPN App. Top prospects will take part live as WNBA Draft 2024 presented by State Farm moves from Manhattan to the Brooklyn borough of New York City where BAM has been the home to world-renowned productions in theatre, dance, music, opera, film and more for over 160 years, showcasing the work of emerging artists and modern masters.
This marks the first time the draft will be a seated event with fans in attendance since the 2014-16 drafts were held at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Tickets will be made available to approximately 1,000 fans and will go on sale on March 7.
The New York Liberty has re-signed reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart. "It's a monumental day in New York as we are thrilled to welcome back the MVP, Breanna Stewart," said Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb. "Stewie's return marks our unwavering commitment to excellence and our collective drive to bring a championship to New York. Welcome back, Stewie! ¬Â Breanna Stewart (29), a 6-4 forward and Syracuse native, rejoins the Liberty after leading New York to its first-ever WNBA Finals appearance since 2002. In her debut season with the Liberty, the 2023 Kia WNBA MVP recorded career-bests of 23.0 points per game and 3.8 assists per game, along with 9.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game on 46.5% from the field, 35.5% from three, and 85.1% from the line across 40 contests. Breanna's four 40-point games in 2023 set the WNBA single-season record, while also tying the all-time WNBA record for career 40-point games.
NBA G League
Top 10 Plays Of The Week
Motor City Cruise shooting guard Buddy Boeheim with a game winner at the buzzer!
FOOTBALL
National Arena League
The National Arena League officially reports that the Topeka Tropics franchise has been terminated from the National Arena League. This decision follows attempts by the NAL to find new ownership to assume responsibilities for Topeka's participation in the 2024 season. The NAL worked with multiple potential investors to allow the Tropics to continue membership. Despite finding capable investors, it was determined that there was not a viable way to complete a transition, in the short timeline presented before the start of the season. The National Arena League will continue to explore options for the Topeka market for the future.
League terminates Topeka Tropics, future of team unclear
Canadian Football League
The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced that 11-year CFL veteran LB Henoc Muamba has announced his retirement from professional football. Muamba retires with the fourth most defensive tackles ever by a Canadian (610) and the 18th most in CFL history, regardless of nationality. The 11-year CFL veteran became just the second player ever to win Grey Cup Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian in the same game after achieving the feat during the 2022 Grey Cup. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but raised in Toronto, Muamba holds the second and third-best tackling seasons by a Canadian in CFL history with 108 (2018) and 106 (2013). He is a two-time CFL All-Star and three-time Division All-Star. He won the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award in 2017, was the East nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian twice, and was his team's nominee for major awards on 10 separate occasions, including the aforementioned MOC (five times), Most Outstanding Defensive Player (three), and Most Outstanding Player (twice).
Thank You Henoc. Henoc Muamba Announces Retirement
Randy Ambrosie defended the CFL's approach to handling an investigation into Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly when
speaking to reporters on Thursday, and attempted to clear up any confusion about the investigation's timeline. A lawsuit from a former Argonauts strength-and-conditioning coach was launched against the club for wrongful dismissal and Kelly for alleged violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Henoc Muamba and Donnovan Bennett react to the CFL.ca "Way Too Early" Power Rankings for the 2024 CFL season and give their hot takes on which teams they believe will be the biggest movers up or down the standings.
United Football League
UFL Training Camp: San Antonio Brahmas say expect 'touchdowns and dance celebrations'
New United Football League Uniforms Coming Soon
Arena Football League
The Iowa Rampage is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tyus Jackson as the head coach for the upcoming season. With an impressive track record and a wealth of experience in arena football, Jackson brings a dynamic and strategic approach to the team, promising an exciting and competitive season ahead. "We are pumped to welcome Tyus Jackson as our new head coach. His experience, leadership, and dedication to the sport make him an excellent addition to our organization. We believe his presence will not only inspire our players but also contribute to the overall success of the team," said Owner Trevor Burdett.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
State of the Union: Commissioner Brett Frood. The commish gives us all the updates around the NLL. Ashley Docking joins us for our biannual State of the Union!
NLL Week 13: Top 5 Plays
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced rule updates for its 2024 season following the PLL Competition Committee's review of proposed changes from the league's head coaches and general managers at the conclusion of the 2023 season. "As we continue to grow professional lacrosse, we remain committed to collecting gameday data, as well as player, coach and fan feedback, such that we can continue to evaluate ways to enhance the gameplay and evolve our rules, with a focus on player safety and high-performance," said Paul Rabil, Co-Founder and President of the Premier Lacrosse League.
Andy Copelan resigned from his role as Head Coach of the Philadelphia Waterdogs. He will remain interim General Manager for the team while the league begins the search for a new Head Coach.
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
Sending off Dr. Bob after 30+ years. Wishing a happy and healthy retirement to AHL linesperson, Bob Goodman!
ECHL
The ECHL has plenty of underrated players but we have sorted out the top four on our list!
Professional Women's Hockey League
Inside the PWHL: New changes to playoff format
Southern Professional Hockey League
Week 19 goals
Western Hockey League
WHL Top 10
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the Week
United States Hockey League
USHL President & Commissioner, Glenn Hefferan - Bally Sports Interview
OTHER SPORTS
Ultimate Frisbee Association
Greatest (noun): A play in which a receiver catches the frisbee in air and re-throws it to another teammate, usually while saving possession along the sideline. These are some of the greatest Greatests in UFA history!
Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from March 5, 2024
- The WNBA Has a New Ally-Las Vegas Aces and Ally Financial Announce Multi-Year Deal - Las Vegas Aces
- WNBA and Genius Sports Bring Cutting-Edge Tracking Data to Every WNBA Arena - WNBA
- 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.
