Women's sports news covering leagues, equity fights, media coverage, NIL, and major competitions across disciplines.
The 2026 U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club will feature a record $12.5 million purse, an increase of $500,000 from the previous year. USGA chief championship officer John Bodenhamer stated the organization aims to treat men's and women's championships equitably. The purse has grown from $5.5 million five years ago.
Serena Williams, 44, will return to professional tennis at the HSBC Championships in June 2026 after a four-year hiatus. She accepted a wild card to play doubles at the Queen's Club grass-court tournament in London. Fellow athletes and Nike supported her comeback.
This commentary argues that world No. 1 players have historically struggled at the U.S. Women's Open, with only two No. 1s winning in the last 20 years. It contrasts this with men's majors, where top-ranked players have fared better, and questions whether Nelly Korda can buck the trend.
This commentary profiles Manon Rhéaume, the first woman to play in an NHL game, and her recent appointment as general manager of a PWHL expansion team in Detroit. It argues that her pioneering role and continued involvement in hockey highlight the progress of women's hockey and inspire future generations.
Campaigners are calling for Wales to establish women's under-21 or under-23 national teams to bridge the gap between youth and senior levels, citing an 'unacceptable' lack of pathway compared to England and Scotland. The FAW has been approached for comment; Uefa has no current plans for official tournaments, though an independent under-23 European League was created in July 2024.
This commentary argues that defender Jessie Grenvold's unexpected rise to the Australian Diamonds squad represents a 'sliding door moment' in her career, triggered by a teammate's injury. It contends that her strong performance as a starting goalkeeper for the Melbourne Mavericks made her selection inevitable, highlighting her rapid development and impact on the team's finals push.
This commentary argues that criticism of the World Sevens tournament as unserious overlooks its positive impact on women's football, including player enjoyment, team bonding, and club branding opportunities. The author contends that such events are necessary for the sport's growth and that women's football faces a double standard compared to men's football.