Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on September 29, 2026 under Pacific Coast League (PCL)
This past week the United Football League announced Colorado and Rhode Island teams will join the circuit for the 2027 season, the Connecticut Sun played their final Women's National Basketball Association after playing 24 seasons in the league, and the Pacific Coast League's Oklahoma City Comets won the Triple-A National Championship Game.
Highlights from this week come from the United Football League, Canadian Football League, Women's National Basketball Association, Canadian Elite Basketball League, Pacific Coast League, Frontier League, Atlantic League, Women's Pro Baseball League, Major League Volleyball, League One Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee Association, Major League Table Tennis, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, MLS NEXT Pro, Professional Women's Hockey League, Western Hockey League, North American Hockey League, National Lacrosse League, and Premier Lacrosse League.
FOOTBALL
United Football League
The United Football League announced the addition of four new markets over the next two years as the league continues its next phase of growth, with Rhode Island and Colorado set to begin play in 2027 and Utah and Oklahoma joining the league in 2028 as the UFL expands to 10 teams. The four new markets expand the league's geographic footprint and will bring UFL football to distinctive venues across the country, with Colorado playing at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Rhode Island at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Utah at America First Field in Sandy, and Oklahoma at the new MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium in Oklahoma City. "2026 was an incredible year for the UFL, and seeing the response from our fans, players, and partners has made what comes next even more exciting," said UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole. "There is a real energy around this league right now, and we're thrilled to bring that energy to four new markets. We said in July that our next step was finding the right markets, venues, and fan bases where we can work with local leaders to build the strongest franchises for today and for the future, and we believe Colorado, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, and Utah represent those qualities. We're thankful to the local leaders and partners who believed in this vision and have helped us get here. We can't wait to see these markets come to life and the best part is that this is just the beginning." Colorado will host its inaugural home game on Sunday, April 11, at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, while Rhode Island will open its home schedule on Friday, April 2, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX UFL Friday.
The UFL announced Utah, Colorado Springs, Rhode Island will join Oklahoma City as new markets in the 2027 and 2028 season.
UFL CEO and President Russ Brandon talks about the process and new venues.
Canadian Football League
CFL Plays of the Week
Indoor Football League
The Savannah Leprechauns have named Clay Harrell as the inaugural Head Coach in franchise history, bringing an experienced indoor football coach to Savannah as the organization prepares for its first season in the Indoor Football League. Harrell comes to Savannah after spending six seasons with the Jacksonville Sharks, where he served in multiple roles and most recently led the defense as Defensive Coordinator. Over his final two seasons in Jacksonville, Harrell's defenses consistently ranked among the best in the IFL. In 2025, the Sharks allowed 41.2 points per game, fourth-best in the league, while forcing an IFL-best 33 turnovers. Jacksonville also produced two First Team All-IFL selections and two All-Rookie defensive selections that season. The Sharks continued their defensive success in 2026, improving to 38.6 points allowed per game, which ranked third in the IFL.
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
Connecticut Sun play their final game in front of heartbroken fans. The franchise's relocation to Houston puts an end to more than two decades of WNBA basketball in the state. Mohegan Sun Arena was the site of the final farewell.
It is the end of an era for Connecticut women's basketball.
UPSHOT League
UPSHOT announced that former WNBA standout Murriel Page has joined the League as an investor, bringing her experience as a player and longtime connection to women's basketball to the ownership group as the league builds towards the 2027 season. Page's investment further strengthens the basketball expertise within UPSHOT, bringing decades of knowledge of the women's game directly into the room where decisions are being made about the league's growth and future. "Murriel brings a depth of basketball knowledge that will make UPSHOT stronger as we grow," said Andy Kaufmann, UPSHOT Co-Founder and CEO of Zawyer Sports & Entertainment. "We're thrilled to have her experience and voice helping shape the future of the league."
UPSHOT announced that women's basketball legend Chamique Holdsclaw has joined the League as an investor, bringing her decades of experience in the women's game to the ownership group as the league enters its next phase of growth. Holdsclaw's investment reflects a shared commitment to expanding professional playing opportunities for elite women's basketball players as UPSHOT enters new markets ahead of the 2027 season. One of the most decorated players in women's basketball history, Holdsclaw was a three-time NCAA champion and two-time National Player of the Year at the University of Tennessee before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft. During her professional career, she earned six WNBA All-Star selections and won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Games. "Basketball gave me a platform, a purpose, and opportunities that changed my life. It was important for me to become an owner with UPSHOT to help create those same opportunities for the next generation," said Holdsclaw. "I'm excited to have a seat at the table where the future of our game is being built. I love that this league gives more women a place to compete, grow, and continue to chase the game we love."
Canadian Elite Basketball League
2026 Sixth Man of the Year - Frank Mitchell - Season Highlights. Mitchell was a force off the bench for Scarborough, leading the CEBL in rebounding at 10.5 per game while averaging a double-double with 13.8 points. He also set a new CEBL single-game record with 22 rebounds against Brampton on June 27.
BASEBALL
Pacific Coast League
Fueled by a three-run double from Alek Thomas in the 10th inning, the Oklahoma City Comets completed a comeback to win the 2026 Triple-A National Championship Game with a 5-3 victory over the Rochester Red Wings at Las Vegas Ballpark. International League champion Rochester scored in the opening frame on a two-out single from Leandro Pineda. The Red Wings extended their lead in the second inning with a solo shot off the bat of Liover Peguero. Pacific Coast League champion Oklahoma City came back to tie the game with two runs in the eighth inning, scoring on a RBI single from Mike Sirota followed by a run-scoring double delivered by Ryan Fitzgerald. Rochester had runners at the corners with two outs in the ninth inning before Seth Halvorsen forced a fly out to send the contest to extra innings. Oklahoma City loaded the bases with its automatic runner followed by two walks to open the 10th inning. Thomas then cleared the bases by lining a double into left-center field for the Comets' first lead of the game. Rochester plated its automatic runner via a double play in the bottom of the inning before Halvorsen struck out Leandro Pineda to secure the Triple-A title.
Oklahoma City Comets win Triple-A national championship
The Oklahoma City Comets claimed the 2026 Pacific Coast League Championship with a 5-2 win in a decisive Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aviators at Las Vegas Ballpark. Oklahoma City collected the first run of the game on a RBI double from Ryan Fitzgerald in the second inning. The Comets put up two more runs in the third inning with a run-scoring single from Mike Sirota followed by an Alek Thomas sacrifice fly. Las Vegas loaded the bases in the sixth inning with two outs before Kyle Hurt forced an inning-ending groundout to maintain the Comets' three-run lead. Oklahoma City increased its lead in the eighth inning, plating a pair of runs on two-out doubles from Zach Ehrhard and Josue De Paula. The Aviators ended the shutout bid in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run homer from Brayan Buelvas but OKC pitchers Seth Halvorsen and Paul Gervase retired the next six Aviators batters to close out the win.
International League
With a 3-2 victory over the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park, Rochester took games one and three of the best-of-three International League Championship Series and captured the 20th league championship in franchise history. The Rochester Red Wings just won their first International League title since 1997, ending a 29-year drought and earning their first championship as a Washington Nationals Triple-A affiliate. This marks the team's 20th league title overall. Rochester won its first nine titles (1899-1931) based solely on regular-season records before playoffs existed, followed by 10 playoff titles under the long-running Governors' Cup playoff format (started in 1933). This is their first playoff crown under the current format, introduced in 2023, where the winners of the season's two halves face off in a quick best-of-three series.
Eastern League
The Reading Fightin Phils (Philadelphia Phillies, Double-A) blasted the Erie SeaWolves (Detroit Tigers, Double-A) by a score of 13-4 to win the team's first Eastern League Championship since 1995. The Fightins finished the postseason with a perfect 4-0 playoff record. They outscored their opponents a combined 44-12, and they scored 34 runs over two home playoff games. Al Pedrique got his first above-.500 record in any half of a season, and the team used the second half momentum all the way to a perfect playoff showing. 11,332 days later, Baseballtown has claimed its fifth ever outright title.
Southern League
From the worst record in Minor League Baseball to the final team standing in the Southern League. The Rocket City Trash Pandas completed a remarkable transformation defeating the Biloxi Shuckers 3-1 at Toyota Field in the decisive third game of the Southern League Championship Series to capture the first championship in club history. Austin Gordon struck out 10 over 6.1 innings, Arjun Nimmala delivered a crucial seventh-inning home run, and Kenyon Yovan recorded the final five outs before a raucous crowd of 2,912. When Yovan caught Braylon Payne looking for the final strike, Rocket City had finished its postseason run with a 4-1 record and brought an outright Southern League championship to the Huntsville area for the first time in 32 years.
Texas League
The Amarillo Sod Poodles (2-1) defeated the Springfield Cardinals (1-2), 6-4, at Route 66 Stadium in Game Three of the Texas League Championship. In a nail-biting fight to the finish, the Sod Poodles emerged victorious to earn their third Texas League title in club history. The Sod Poodles have won the Texas League for the third time in only their seventh season as an organization...they have earned more Texas League titles and have more playoff victories (14) than any other Texas League team.
Frontier League
Ky Hampton (win, 2-0) led the charge, retiring the first 16 batters he faced. He tossed eight scoreless frames, allowed just three hits, and struck out seven, earning himself Frontier League Playoff MVP honours. Through 15 innings pitched in the playoffs, Hampton allowed just one earned run on nine hits, walking one, and striking out twelve.
The Ottawa Titans Win their first ever Frontier League Championship. Reporter Colin Zappia gives a recap of game four, with interviews with winning players.
Atlantic League
The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 7-2 in Game Three of the Atlantic League Championship Series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. The Ducks sweep the best-of-five series three games to none and are the 2026 Atlantic League champions. This marks Long Island's fifth Atlantic League Championship in franchise history, joining their 2004, 2012, 2013 and 2019 clubs. The Ducks ended 2026, their 26th season of play, by winning the most games in the Atlantic League during the regular season (80), the Second Half North Division Championship with a 43-20 record, the North Division Championship with a three-game sweep of the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, and now, the Atlantic League Championship, finishing the playoffs a perfect 6-0. Long Island's five Atlantic League Championships are tied for the second-most in league history.
Long Island Ducks Win 2026 Atlantic League Championship!
Women's Pro Baseball League
The Los Angeles Queens Blank the San Francisco Firebells 2-0, Becoming the First Team in the WPBL to Win a Championship. Here are the highlights.
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball's Northern California expansion franchise has officially unveiled its name and brand identity: NorCal Rumble, introducing a brand inspired by the forces of nature, individuality and the unmistakable spirit of Northern California. Backed by an ownership group led by Theresia Gouw, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Vivek Ranadiv? - alongside investors Andre Iguodala, Zaza and Tika Pachulia and Brad and Andrea Hilsabeck - NorCal Rumble will begin play as one of four new Major League Volleyball expansion teams in 2027, calling Tech CU Arena in San Jose home for its inaugural season. "NorCal Rumble is a reflection of who we are and where we're from: bold, creative, competitive, rooted in our community and always pushing to be better," said Heather Vaughan, President of NorCal Rumble. "There's an energy in Northern California that's hard to put into words, and Rumble feels like the perfect way to capture it. We're here to compete, but we're also here to build a world-class environment for our players, an incredible experience for our fans, and a team our community feels proud to call its own. We want to do things differently, have fun along the way, and ultimately grow the game of volleyball!"
NorCal Rumble Founding Owner and Chief Impact Officer Kerri Walsh Jennings and team President Heather Vaughan join Janelle Wang to discuss the Bay Area's new Major League Volleyball team.
League One Volleyball
LOVB (pronounced LOVE) Los Angeles officially unveiled its new team name, Los Angeles Orbit, today at Intuit Dome, marking the next chapter for professional women's volleyball in Los Angeles ahead of the team's inaugural season. The reveal brought together Los Angeles Orbit investors Alexis Ohanian, Issa Rae and Savannah James, LOVB Commissioner Sandra Idehen, volleyball legend Misty May-Treanor, activist Malala Yousafzai, team leadership, players and supporters of women's sports for the first public unveiling of the team's name, logo and visual identity. Los Angeles Orbit players in attendance included Carli Lloyd, Kotoe Inoue, Annie Drews Schumacher, Madi Kingdon Rishel and Kathryn Boden. The name Orbit is rooted in the idea of gravity, the pull, energy and connection created when people rally around something they love. At the center of that orbit is her: the athlete, the fan, the girl in the stands and the teammate. It is the foundation of the brand's central idea: Everything Revolves Around Her. "Los Angeles is a place where sports, culture, technology and entertainment come together, and that makes it an incredible place to build something new in women's sports," said Alexis Ohanian, owner of Los Angeles Orbit and founder of 776. "Los Angeles Orbit is the beginning of something much bigger than a team, it's the beginning of a movement."
San Francisco Signal, the Bay Area's new professional women's volleyball team and a member of League One Volleyball (LOVB), today announced that the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium will serve as its home venue for the inaugural 2027 season. Located in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium will give the Signal an opportunity to create a distinctive new sports experience, combining world-class competition with the culture, energy and creativity of the Bay Area. "San Francisco is proud to welcome the San Francisco Signal, LOVB, and the highest level of professional volleyball to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. This is a city that shows up for our sports teams, and fans will now have the chance to watch Olympic medalists and world champions compete right here in San Francisco," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "The San Francisco Signal are another big win for our city, our fans, and the next generation of girls who will see what is possible."
San Francisco Signal to play Bill Graham Civic
World Team Tennis
World Team Tennis (WTT) announced that Coco Gauff has joined the Florida Flamingos Racquet Club franchise as a player and owner. Gauff will compete in Florida Flamingos' home matches at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday, December 14, and Tuesday, December 15, where she is slotted to play against Victoria Mboko of Toronto North and Jessica Pegula of the New York Empire in the projected lineups for each team match. "Growing the sport through team competition and making it more accessible are two things I love, and WTT does both," said Gauff. "I'm looking forward to playing at home in front of my family and friends in South Florida. It's not often, as a tennis player, that we get to compete as part of a team, so I'm excited for the new experience, not only for myself but, even more importantly, for the fans." Gauff rounds out the Florida Flamingos with teammates Tommy Paul, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Iva Jovic and Eva Lys. Gauff is the latest player to confirm participation in the league with stacked rosters including Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Victoria Mboko, Leylah Fernandez, Denis Shapovalov, and more.
Ultimate Frisbee Association
Major League Table Tennis
Every Golden Point - MLTT Week 1 Duluth, GA
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Messi MAGICAL FREE KICK GOLAZO!
National Women's Soccer League
Bay FC announced the appointment of Paul Green as the club's new Chief Football Officer. Green joins Bay FC following a distinguished tenure with Chelsea FC Women, where he held senior leadership roles including general manager and, most recently, head of women's football. Green will report to Kay Cossington, Chief Executive Officer of Bay Collective and head of global women's football at Sixth Street, where she oversees sporting operations and strategic development for Bay FC. "I'm delighted to join Bay FC at such an exciting stage in the club's development," Green said. "What attracted me to this club was the ambition, the vision and the opportunity to help shape its next chapter. The foundations here are solid, and we have a tremendous opportunity to develop something special and build a team that the Bay Area and our fans can be proud of. I'm really looking forward to working closely with Kay, Emma and the wider football staff to keep building an ambitious squad that can compete consistently at the highest level."
Who Doesn't Love a Goalkeeper Assist?
MLS NEXT Pro
Columbus Crew fire Crew 2 coach after incident with female referee
HOCKEY
Professional Women's Hockey League
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will bring its biggest stars together in Toronto on March 7, 2027, for PWHL All-Star presented by Scotiabank, featuring a four-team, 3-on-3 tournament at Scotiabank Arena and marking the first PWHL-hosted all-star event in league history. Scripps Sports will air the tournament on ION throughout the United States, while TSN will provide English-language coverage and Radio-Canada will provide French-language coverage in Canada. "The PWHL was built to feature the best players in the world, and now fans will see the highest level of skill in women's hockey showcased in a new and unique way," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. "The 3-on-3 format creates an intense, fast-paced style of play, while the mix of teams will produce intriguing matchups and give both established stars and emerging talent the opportunity to shine. It's only fitting that we return to Toronto - where the PWHL first dropped the puck - to bring the best of the best together for an unforgettable day for our fans and our league."
As the PWHL gains momentum, it's planning its first-ever all-star event in Toronto this winter. Heather Wright reports.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes announced that Alison Izzi has been named General Manager, bringing a wide-ranging background in professional hockey spanning the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL). Izzi succeeds Cara Gardner Morey, who was named Head Coach in July after serving as the team's General Manager during its inaugural season. "Alison brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to the Goldeneyes, making her an ideal fit to lead the team," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. "She has spent her career working across so many areas that are central to running a professional hockey team - from player contracts to hockey operations, governance, and player safety. She understands how all those pieces connect, and that perspective will be incredibly valuable in her role as General Manager."
Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League announced today Colorado Avalanche prospect Beckett Hamilton has been named Tempo WHL Player of the Week fuelled by Co-op for the week ending Sunday, September 27. Hamilton, an 18-year-old right winger from Saskatoon, Sask., recorded five points (4G-1A) and a plus-2 rating, helping the Rebels go 2-0-0-0 this past weekend.
North American Hockey League
NAHL Stars of the Week - 2026 NAHL Showcase
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
The Rochester Knighthawks select Forward Finn Thomson with the 1st overall pick in the 2026 NLL Entry Draft. "Finn is an incredible talent. He's a versatile player who can play with and without the ball," said Knighthawks President and General Manager Dan Carey. "He has a knack for finding open space and has the skill and finishing ability to score when he gets his chances."
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- 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.
