Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
March 26, 2024 - USL Super League (USLSL)
This past week the the NBA G League announced it will shut down the Ignite team at the end of the season, the Monterrey Flash became the first team in Major Arena Soccer League history to finish 24-0 in the regular season, and the Charlotte team in the USL Super League revealed it will be known as Carolina Ascent FC. Highlights from this week come from the NBA G League, Women's National Basketball Association, Major Arena Soccer League, USL Super League, Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro, United Football League, Canadian Football League, Indoor Football League, National Women's Soccer League, National Lacrosse League, American Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League, Professional Women's Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Hockey League, Major League Rugby, and Ultimate Frisbee Association.
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
NBA G League Ignite, the league's owned-and-operated team focused on developing NBA prospects, is concluding its final season, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim announced. The decision to end the program comes amid the changing basketball landscape, including the NCAA's Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy and the advent of collectives and the transfer portal. "Four years ago, we started Ignite to fill a void in the basketball landscape, and I'm proud of the contributions we were able to make to that ecosystem," said Abdur-Rahim. "With the changing environment across youth and collegiate basketball, now is the right time to take this step. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to general manager Anthony McClish, head coach Jason Hart and their staff and to each player who wore an Ignite jersey. As ever, the G League's commitment to developing top NBA talent and helping players achieve their NBA dreams is unwavering. ¬Â
Kenny Beecham and the Numbers on the Board crew discuss the NBA's G League Ignite being shut down after this season.
G League's Top 10 Plays of the Week
Women's National Basketball Association
Top 10 WNBA plays of all-time
SOCCER
Major Arena Soccer League
MASL Ten for Ten - Monterrey Flash Owner - Gerardo Guerra Lozano
One of the MASL's best has left the buliding Congratulations to the Kansas City Comets legend Leo Gibson, and best of luck in retirement!
USL Super League
The Carolinas' newest women's professional soccer team announced its official team name and unveiled its club branding today. The Charlotte-based team will represent the Carolinas, proudly carrying the name of the Carolina Ascent Football Club. The Carolina Ascent FC brand tells the story of a club that's on a quest for greatness and is committed to reaching new heights for women's soccer across the Carolinas. The club will continue to embrace the journey, step by step, creating an unmatched soccer experience with direct input from the region's most passionate soccer fans.
The Carolinas' newest women's professional soccer team announced its official team name and unveiled its club branding: Carolina Ascent Football Club.
Major League Soccer
Who is the Early Frontrunner for MVP?
National Women's Soccer League
The National Women's Soccer League and LIGA MX Femenil today announced a historic new partnership connecting two of the world's top women's soccer leagues. As part of the groundbreaking collaboration, the two leagues will compete in the first-ever NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. The tournament will feature all 14 NWSL clubs and the six teams with the most points achieved in LIGA MX Femenil Clausura and Apertura during 2023, including Tigres UANL, Club América, Chivas de Guadalajara, Rayadas de Monterrey, Pachuca and Tijuana. Kicking off on July 19, the 33-match tournament will consist of 30 group stage contests, followed by a four-team semifinal round slated for the week of August 4. The championship match will take place the weekend of October 25-27.
The Chicago Red Stars have signed defender and three-time National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Iron Woman, Sam Staab, to a three-year contract extension running through the 2026 season. he Chicago Red Stars have signed defender and three-time National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Iron Woman, Sam Staab, to a three-year contract extension running through the 2026 season.
MLS NEXT Pro
Relieve the best moments and sounds of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Opening weekend!
FOOTBALL
United Football League
Welcome to the United Football League
Canadian Football League
Marshall Ferguson and Duane Ford recap the 2024 CFL Combine presented by New Era and highlight the standout players from the event
Indoor Football League
IFL Plays of the Week - Week One
American Indoor Football
AIF President/CEO Brandon Ikard has made the difficult decision to remove the Mississippi Raiders from the league's schedule. "This decision was not made lightly, especially given that we are only in the second week of the season," Ikard stated. "However, it was crucial for the sustainability and viability of the league that we take decisive action." Ikard has been diligently working to address the challenges inherited upon assuming ownership. He acknowledged, "There have been several issues that needed correction, and I have taken steps to rectify these matters and identify more sustainable opportunities moving forward."
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
SPIN-O-RAMA: Akil Thomas takes matters into his own hands in OT to give the Ontario Reign the win.
Southern Professional Hockey League
The SPHL announced the transfer of ownership of the Macon Mayhem franchise to Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC, following a unanimous vote of approval by the SPHL Board of Governors. Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC is a veteran-owned and operated organization under the direction of Chuck and Lanai Norris, who also own and operate the SPHL's Fayetteville Marksmen. "We are very pleased to announce the transfer of the Macon hockey franchise to Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC," said SPHL Commissioner Doug Price. "Professional hockey has deep roots in middle Georgia dating back to the 1970s and we're looking forward to the continued commitment and direction of this group moving forward. The league remains excited for the future of hockey in Macon based on the proven success of this leadership in another SPHL market. ¬Â "Our group is extremely excited to embark on this new journey in Macon," said new Macon Mayhem Owner & CEO Chuck Norris. "The Macon hockey franchise has been an important league partner in the SPHL for many years, and we're looking forward to helping the organization soar to new heights. ¬Â
The Macon Mayhem is now under new ownership.
Macon Mayhem Owner and CEO Chuck Norris announced this afternoon the team has relieved Nick Niedert of his coaching duties and named former Mayhem forward and all-time games leader Caleb Cameron as interim head coach. Cameron, the only former Macon player to have their number retired, spent five seasons donning the Mayhem sweater from 2017-2023. The Sundridge, Ontario native has spent this past season in the Mayhem front office, assisting in corporate and ticket sales.
Week 22 Goals
Professional Women's Hockey League
See this special Hockey Fights Cancer feature on PWHL Montreal's Madison Bizal, who discusses her journey at Ohio State along with her family and friends after learning she has Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Western Hockey League
The Saskatoon Blades have won the 2024 Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as Regular Season Champions.
WHL Top 10
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the Week
North American Hockey League
NAHL Top Plays - March 11-17, 2024
United States Hockey League
A total of seven former United States Hockey League (USHL) players are listed amongst the 2024 Hobey Baker Award Top 10 candidates. The Hobey Baker Award is presented annually to the top player in U.S. college hockey. The top 10 finalists will now be voted on by a 30-member selection committee and through a second round of fan balloting to determine the Hobey Hat Trick of three finalists, which will be announced April 4th. The 2024 Hobe Baker Award winner will be announced April 11th.
USHL Goals of the Week
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
NLL Week 16: Top 5 Plays
Nick Damude makes a stop and sends it to the empty net for a Goalie Goal!
OTHER SPORTS
Pro Volleyball Federation
Pro Volleyball Federation, quickly approaching the midway point of its first season, has already announced an increase in player compensation for its second season in 2025. "With our inaugural season currently underway, we have witnessed incredible talent, skill and performances by top talent from the USA and around the world," stated Atlanta Vibe owner Colleen Craig, a member of the League's Board of Directors. "The players are what this is all about. Each team owner from across the League believes strongly in Pro Volleyball Federation, and increasing player compensation to reflect that commitment makes perfect sense. Our players, fans and supporters should know we are more dedicated than ever. ¬Â The League will boast a pay scale of various levels next year, with several top players on each team making six-figure salaries. The very top players will earn up to a $175,000 base salary in the league's second season of competition. Every player in the league will also be provided benefits valued at approximately $10,000 per year. Overall, total compensation in Pro Volleyball Federation will exceed $1.3 million per team. For the 14 players who make the final rosters for each squad, each will earn $60,000 or above for the 2025 campaign.
Major League Rugby
Rugby Football Club Los Angeles holds off a late surge from the Utah Warriors to get their first ever win in Major League Rugby season 36-32
Ultimate Frisbee Association
NEW 2024 Jersey Reveal For All 24 UFA Teams!
Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
• Discuss this story on the USL Super League message board...
USL Super League Stories from March 26, 2024
- 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.
