2026 WNBA expansion draft: Predicting protected players for every team

The2026 WNBA expansion draftis nearly here.

On Friday, April 3, the league's newest teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, will pick players to become the first athletes on their respective rosters. After anofficial coin tosson March 27, the Fire will select first in the expansion draft. The Tempo will draft players second.

The expansion draft will have two rounds. Portland and Toronto will select players from a designated pool of available athletes determined by the league's 13 teams. Established teams were required to protect five players each, leaving unprotected players available for the pool. The draft will use a snake format, allowing each of the teams to make up to six picks per round for a total of 12 selections.

The Fire and Tempo will alternate selections and have the right to acquire the player contract of, or negotiating rights to, one player from the available pool of unprotected players. Portland and Toronto can only draft one impending free agent each.

Here is USA TODAY Sports' prediction for who each WNBA team will protect:

WNBA expansion draft protected player prediction

Players listed below are listed by position and may include additional information related to their free agency status in parentheses.

UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent | RFA = Restricted Free Agent | ERFA = Exclusive Rights Free Agent

Atlanta Dream

Predicted protected players:G Rhyne Howard (RFA), G Allisha Gray (UFA), G Te-Hina Paopao, F Naz Hillmon (RFA), F Brionna Jones (UFA)

As hard as it might be to leave the current starting point guard, Jordin Canada, unprotected, Atlanta will potentially place its faith in Te-Hina Paopao. Paopao has high upside and already proved she could run the point as a rookie. Regarding post players, if the selection is Brionna Jones or Brittney Griner, the Dream likely land on Jones. Jones had a career year last season in head coach Karl Smesko's system.

Chicago Sky

Predicted protected players:G Courtney Vandersloot (UFA), G Ariel Atkins (UFA), F Angel Reese, F Ajša Sivka, C Kamilla Cardoso

Despite a season-ending injury last year, Chicago has already made it clear that Courtney Vandersloot is someone they plan to prioritize. After that, it becomes easy to land on Atkins as another priority after the team traded for the former Mystics guard in February 2025. The last remaining question mark is Angel Reese. The Sky and Reese had a rocky end to the season last year, but Reese likely stays put for now.

Connecticut Sun

Predicted protected players:G Leilan Lacan, G Saniya Rivers, G Marina Mabrey (UFA), F Aneesah Morrow, C Olivia Nelson-Ododa (RFA)

The name to watch on this list is Marina Mabrey. Mabrey publicly asked for a trade ahead of the 2025 season, but the Sun denied it. The question that remains is whether Connecticut considers Mabrey part of its future.

Dallas Wings

Predicted protected players:G Paige Bueckers, G Arike Ogunbowale (UFA), G Aziaha James, F Maddy Seigrist, C Luisa Geiselsöder (ERFA)

After a down year in 2025 with career lows in shooting percentage (36.4) and points (15.5), it remains unclear if Dallas will hold on to Arike Ogunbowale. However, she'll likely stay protected for now and will be a name to watch as the offseason progresses. The other player to keep an eye on is Aziaha James. James showed flashes of promise last season, but she has competition from JJ Quinnerly, who also turned heads.

Golden State Valkyries

Predicted protected players:G Veronica Burton (RFA), G Justė Jocytė, G Carla Leite, F Kayla Thornton (UFA), F Janelle Salaün (ERFA)

Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton are no-brainers to protect, along with Carla Leite and 2025 draft pick Justė Jocytė. The Valkyries then have some really tough decisions. Does Golden State prefer Tiffany Hayes, Janelle Salaün, Iliana Rupert, Monique Billings or even Cecilia Zandalasini? Ultimately, Salaün likely has the highest upside after starting 33 games last season.

Advertisement

Indiana Fever

Predicted protected players:G Caitlin Clark, G Kelsey Mitchell (UFA), G Lexie Hull (RFA), G Sophie Cunningham (UFA), C Aliyah Boston

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Fever will do everything in their power to retain Caitlin Clark's running mate, Kelsey Mitchell. Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham are also players Indiana will likely protect, as they've proved essential to the Fever's push for a championship.

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) celebrates with teammates after the Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 89-86, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces battles for the ball with Alyssa Thomas #25 and Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Chelsea Gray (12) and A'ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces grab a rebound past DeWanna Bonner (14) and Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) looks to tip a loose ball away from Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith (3) shoots against Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: A'ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates after making a basket against the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Megan Gustafson (17) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury looks to shoot the ball against NaLyssa Smith (3) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: NaLyssa Smith (3) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts during the third quarter.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Chelsea Gray (12) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts against the Phoenix Mercury during the fourth quarter.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury drives to the basket against Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) dribbles against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) drives against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Kahleah Copper (2) of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates after her 3-point basket.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Head coach Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the first quarter.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Maddy Westbeld of the Chicago Sky (left) and Rae Burrell of the Los Angeles Sparks look on.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts in front of Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon looks on.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Dana Evans of the Las Vegas Aces, shoots the ball between Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury grabs a rebound against the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces shoots the ball against Monique Akoa Makani of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces grabs a rebound against Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

Las Vegas Aces

Predicted protected players:G Chelsey Gray (UFA), G Jackie Young (UFA), G Dana Evans, F NaLyssa Smith (RFA), C A'ja Wilson (UFA)

A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray are the core of the Las Vegas Aces. That won't change. Las Vegas also potentially keeps NaLyssa Smith, who bloomed after being traded to there last season. The next question is which player gets the remaining protection: Jewell Loyd or Dana Evans? Both Loyd and Evans were critical to the Aces' championship run, but Loyd was inconsistent for much of the 2025 season and that may be the deciding factor.

Los Angeles Sparks

Predicted protected players:G Kelsey Plum (UFA), F Rickea Jackson, F Dearica Hamby (UFA), F Azurá Stevens (UFA), C Cameron Brink

Unfortunately, there are way too many options for the Sparks and not enough spots. Rae Burrell likely becomes the odd player out with Azurá Stevens having a career year in 2025 and Los Angeles investing in its young players, Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.

Minnesota Lynx

Predicted protected players:G Kayla McBride (UFA), G Courtney Williams (UFA), F Napheesa Collier (UFA), F Alanna Smith (UFA), F Bridget Carleton (UFA)

The Lynx will likely protect its entire starting five, but it won't come without consequences. Protecting Courtney Williams means Minnesota could lose Natisha Hiedeman, breaking up the "StudBudz." Choosing Bridget Carleton over Dorka Juhász and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu is also a tough decision. Finally, leaving DiJonai Carrington unprotected, after trading for her last season, is tough for such a dynamic two-way player.

New York Liberty

Predicted protected players:G Sabrina Ionescu (UFA), G Leonie Fiebich, G Natasha Cloud (UFA), F Breanna Stewart (UFA), F Kennedy Burke (UFA)

The Liberty might have one of the hardest decisions of any team: Does Breanna Stewart or Jonquel Jones get protected? Would New York potentially risk losing a core players? When faced with the decision, the Liberty are likely to land on Stewart, who is at the core of their identity. Stewart stays in New York, and Jones potentially becomes a supermax candidate for Portland or Toronto. Natasha Cloud and Kennedy Burke are likely to be rewarded for their contributions last season. Cloud brings the defense and additional facilitator depth, and Burke continues to lead the Liberty's bench production.

Phoenix Mercury

Predicted protected players:G Kahleah Copper (UFA), G Monique Akoa Makani (ERFA), F Alyssa Thomas (UFA), F Satou Sabally (UFA), F Natasha Mack (ERFA)

Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and Monique Akoa Makani all feel like safe bets to be prioritized by Phoenix. The Mercury then have to decide if Kathryn Westbeld, who started 24 games and played significant minutes off the bench, gets the nod over Natasha Mack, who started 23 games and was essential to the team's defensive muscle. Ultimately, Phoenix will likely protect the starting five that took the team to the WNBA Finals.

Seattle Storm

Predicted protected players:G Skylar Diggins (UFA), G Gabby Williams (UFA), F Nneka Ogwumike (UFA), C Ezi Magbegor, C Dominique Malonga

It might come as a surprise Brittney Sykes, who was traded to Seattle last season, is not on the list of protected players. However, Sykes, who started 13 games for Seattle, never found her stride within the offense. She shot 38.6% from the field, the third-lowest percentage of her career, while averaging close to 12 points per game. Seattle could be OK with leaving Sykes unprotected to prioritize established players like Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike.

Washington Mystics

Predicted protected players:G Sonia Citron, G Georgia Amoore, G Sug Sutton (RFA), F Kiki Iriafen, C Shakira Austin (RFA)

The Mystics have made it clear they plan to keep their core group of players young and prioritize the draft. With this in mind, it's easier to predict who Washington would potentially protect. If the decision is down to Shakira Austin over Stefanie Dolson, the Mystics are likely to lean towards Austin, who is nine years younger at 25 and started 30 games last season. Dolson's is 34 and had 14 starts.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:WNBA expansion draft: Predicting every team's protected players

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

April 02, 2026

2026 WNBA expansion draft: Predicting protected players for every team

The2026 WNBA expansion draftis nearly here. On Friday, April 3, the league's newest teams, the Portland Fir...

Read More

From The Sports Desk: World Cup qualifying drama

The final World Cup qualifiers took place yesterday and were, as expected,full of drama. OurAndrew Greifbreaks down all the results below. The headline: The final member of Team USA's group will be Turkey, not Kosovo, and Italy will miss the tournament entirely.

Also, ourRohan Nadkarnirecently had a wide-ranging interview withBam Adebayo, the Miami Heat center who scored 83 points in a single game last month. In today's newsletter: an excerpt from that conversation, on one of the greatest playoff moments in Heat history.

CheckNBC Newstomorrow for a full story on Adebayo, and keep coming back for continued coverage leading up to this summer's World Cup.

The Field is Set

You didn't have to be a soccer fan to appreciate the drama that played out yesterday across six matches — the final qualifying matches for the World Cup — stretching from Kosovo to Guadalajara, Mexico. There were penalty kicks, extra-time goals and a red card — and 12 hours after the day's qualifiers started, the field for thissummer's World Cupwas finally set.

That means that nearly four months after the 48-team field was drawn into four-team groups, the U.S. men at last know their third and final group stage opponent.

With a 1-0 win over Kosovo, Turkey qualified for Group D, where it will face the U.S. on June 25 in Inglewood, California. That will follow U.S. matches on June 12 against Paraguay, also in Inglewood, and June 19 against Australia in Seattle. One analysis of yesterday's result is that the group stage games just got harder for the U.S.: In FIFA's world rankings, Turkey is 22nd, while Kosovo, Team USA's other prospective opponent, is 78th.

This will be Turkey's first World Cup appearance since 2002, and it wasn't the only nation yesterday to end a long tournament drought. The Democratic Republic of Congo made itsfirst World Cup since 1974after its 100th-minute goal beat Jamaica in extra time.

In Prague, Denmark scored a game-tying goal in the 111th minute — only for Czechia to ultimately win on penalty kicks to book its first World Cup appearance since 2006. Sweden, which missed out on the 2022 tournament, snuck past Poland after a goal in the 88th minute.

Iraq grabbed the final qualifying spot to advance to its first World Cup since 1986 by beating Bolivia, 2-1, in the day's final game.

In perhaps the biggest shocker, Bosnia and Herzegovinaoutlasted Italy on penalty kicksto return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. A proud soccer nation with four World Cup titles in its history, Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup. Italy was down a player for the entire second half after earning a costly red card.

"We still don't believe it," the Italian defenderLeonardo Spinazzolasaid, according to The Associated Press.

Bam's Block

The Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics tonight, the latest chapter in an ongoing Eastern Conference rivalry. We recently spoke with Heat centerBam Adebayoabout one of the great plays from the team's postseason battles: Adebayo's game-clinching block againstJayson Tatumin overtime of Game 1 of the 2020 Eastern Conference finals.

"I could have, for sure, been on the other end of the highlight," Adebayo told NBC News. "That moment happened so fast, but also like it was in slow motion at the same time."

Advertisement

The Heat were leading 116-114 with 12 seconds left when Tatum received the ball at the top of the key. After eventually driving byJimmy Butler, Tatum went up for a dunk, only to be met with a denial by Adebayo above the rim. Miami won the game and eventually the series, advancing to the NBA Finals.

"I remember — it was so quiet in there, because it's the bubble — it sounded like the basketball popped. And I remember like, 'Damn. What just happened?' I remember my hands tingling. But also when it happened, I was just so worried about getting the ball that I didn't realize what happened. By the time I blocked it, I'm looking to grab the ball, and then I just see my teammates on the sideline going crazy, and I was like, 'Dang, I really blocked that at the rim.'"

Heat coachErik Spoelstrarecalled: "I said 'Oh, s---!' in the moment of it, and it was oh, s--- because Tatum had a wide-open angle to the rim, and that's unlike us. And then the double oh, s--- when Bam made the play."

For more on Adebayo's defensive greatness, be sure to come back toNBC News tomorrow.

What We're Reading

Iran "will be at the World Cup," FIFA PresidentGianni Infantinosaid.

Changes are coming to the NFL schedule for next year, includingdropping "Monday Night Football"doubleheaders.

Tiger Woodssayshe'll seek treatmentafter his DUI arrest.

NFL CommissionerRoger Goodellsays the league has noplans to ditch the Rooney Ruledespite pressure from the Florida attorney general.

Robin DeLorenzo, one of the first three female NFL officials,filed suit against the leagueover her treatment and firing.

LeBron JamespassedKareem Abdul-Jabbarformost wins in NBA historywith the Lakers' victory over his former team, the Cavaliers.

Mariners prospectColt Emersoninked a $95 million contract— before he's even played a game.

MLB umpireC.B. Bucknoris under more heat aftermissing a call at first baseand not even looking at the play when making the call.

What We're Watching

Barring another team's collapse,Bam Adebayoand the Miami Heat appear headed toward the NBA play-in tournament. They'll try to improve their standing tonight against the rival Boston Celtics.

Also,Victor Wembanyamaand the San Antonio Spurs continue their chase for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference tonight against the Golden State Warriors.

All times are Eastern:

• 7:30 p.m.: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat, on ESPN

• 9 p.m.: Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks, on HBO Max

• 10 p.m.: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors, on ESPN

That's it for now! We'll be back tomorrow.

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

April 01, 2026

From The Sports Desk: World Cup qualifying drama

The final World Cup qualifiers took place yesterday and were, as expected,full of drama. OurAndrew Greifbreaks down all t...

Read More

NBA Europe draws massive interest, proposals of up to $1 billion

A key deadline has come and gone for theNBA's venture into Europe, and the league office is buoyed with the result, all of which signals building momentum for the proposed upstart league.

The NBA had set a midnight deadline of Wednesday, April 1 for prospective investors to submit non-binding bids for consideration into the league's proposed NBA Europe expansion. According to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, north of 120 investment groups expressed interest in teams for the proposed league, with multiple bids even surpassing $1 billion. The league had set a loose threshold for entry at around $500 million; according to the person, many of the bid proposals fell within that $500 million to $1 billion range.

The proposed bids essentially act similarly to licensing fees that represent a buy-in into the league.

The non-binding bids came from wealthy individuals, investment firms and even existing teams in the EuroLeague, which is the legacy league that NBA Europe would be looking to compete against, if not replace altogether.

The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

"We have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe backed by the NBA and FIBA," NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said Wednesday in a statement emailed to USA TODAY Sports. "The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace's belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball. We will now review the bids in more detail and shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment to accelerating the growth of the game across the continent."

There are 12 cities across Europe that the NBA and FIBA, its partner in the venture, are targeting for the new league. The cities are among the biggest in Europe and include Rome, Paris, Barcelona, London and Athens.

Advertisement

Now, the NBA will present the most attractive bids to the Board of Governors for approval.

The NBA held a Board of Governors session March 24 and 25, during which the expansion into Europe was discussed. Tatum, who also operates as the NBA's chief operating officer, updated ownership on the progress of NBA Europe, though no measures were put up for a vote.

The NBA and FIBA are planning to structure the new league with 14 to 16 teams, with 10 to 12 of those being permanent fixtures and the others being open slots based on performance in FIBA leagues.

One key hurdle will be the NBA's ongoing discussions with EuroLeague leadership over the stakes and control of the proposed NBA Europe league. At last week's Board of Governors meeting, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he sensed that EuroLeague was willing to engage in discussions with the objective of getting a deal done.

"I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague here and that we came up with a systematic approach to growing the game throughout Europe," Silver said Wednesday, March 25. "That means complementing the country leagues, working together with the EuroLeague and working together with our federation, FIBA."

Chus Bueno, who was recently appointed as the EuroLeague's CEO, has a friendly relationship with Silver from the time when Bueno worked in the NBA league office.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NBA Europe deadline garners huge interest, proposals up to $1 billion

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

April 01, 2026

NBA Europe draws massive interest, proposals of up to $1 billion

A key deadline has come and gone for theNBA's venture into Europe, and the league office is buoyed with the result, a...

Read More

Tiger Woods Gets Judge Approval to Leave U.S. for Treatment Due to 'Privacy' Concerns

A Florida judge has granted Tiger Woods permission to leave the United States as he seeks treatment following his DUI charge

NEED TO KNOW

• Woods' lawyer requested the motion, citing "privacy" concerns for the pro golfer

• Woods will undergo inpatient treatment in an "intensive highly individualized and medically integrated program" outside of the U.S, according to the filing

Tiger Woodshas been granted permission to travel out of the country as he seeks treatment following hiscar crash and DUI charge.

A Florida judge granted Woods, 50, permission to leave the state to undergo treatment outside of the United States, according to court documents obtained and reviewed by PEOPLE on Wednesday, April 1.

Woods' treating physician recommended he seek treatment at a facility out of the country "based upon the Defendant's complex clinical presentation the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States," per the documents.

The request to leave the country for treatment was also made due to concerns that the golfer's "privacy has been repeatedly compromised,"

"Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment," Woods' lawyer, Douglas Duncan, argued in the filing.

"Based upon Defendant's treating physician's opinions, inpatient treatment at the out of country treatment facility is medically necessary due to the Defendant's complexity, and need for an intensive highly individualized and medically integrated program," the documents said.

Woods will have no restrictions on travel as he faces the DUI charge and a charge for refusal to submit to a urine test, both of which he plead not guilty to on March 31, according to the documents.

Advertisement

The out of country treatment facility will "provide continuous monitoring and the ability to rapidly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment" for Woods, his lawyer said in the filing.

The golferbroke his silence on the March 27 rollover car crashin a post on social media on March 31, in which he said he would be seeking treatment.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he said onX.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," Woods continued. "I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Sheriff John M. Budensiek alleged in a press conference after the accident that Woods appeared "lethargic" and had "signs of impairment" while speaking with officers after the crash. Woods blew "triple zeros" on a breathalyzer test, but he allegedly refused a urinalysis, and authorities believe he was "not impaired by alcohol but possibly by medication or another substance."

A probable cause affidavit, obtained by PEOPLE on March 31, also revealed that Woods wasin possession of two opioid pillsat the time of his arrest.

Read the original article onPeople

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

April 01, 2026

Tiger Woods Gets Judge Approval to Leave U.S. for Treatment Due to 'Privacy' Concerns

A Florida judge has granted Tiger Woods permission to leave the United States as he seeks treatment following his DUI ...

Read More

NBA touts 'significant interest' from investors in European league

In coordination with FIBA, the NBA on Tuesday touted "significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors" for a new league to operate in Europe.

"The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace's belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball," NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said in a statement. "We will now review the bids in more detail and shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment to accelerating the growth of the game across the continent."

This comes days after Tatum presented an update on the NBA's vision at the board of governors meeting. No votes were taken on the matter in New York, but owners continue to express "overwhelming support" for the plan, sources told Yahoo Sports.

As NBA commissioner Adam Silver outlined in a press conference last week, the NBA is working with investment banks JPMorgan and Raine, "soliciting interest" from "over a hundred organizations" to field teams in "12 separate markets" across Europe.

"There has been enormous enthusiasm," said Silver.

London, Paris and Rome are expected to be among the 12 markets. Spain, Germany, Greece and Turkey have also been mentioned in league circles as potential locations.

Advertisement

Prospective teams would come from some collection of: 1) existing basketball teams, 2) existing soccer organizations interested in establishing a basketball program, or 3) entirely new ownership groups. Multiple EuroLeague teams are among more than a dozen existing basketball organizations that have submitted their bids, sources said.

The NBA has received multiple bids for prospective franchises in a range between $500 million and $1 billion, including several offers north of $1 billion, sources said.

The NBA is tentatively targeting a start date of October 2027 for the new league.

Silver has also been encouraged by "ongoing discussions" with the EuroLeague's new CEO, as of January, Chus Bueno, who spent 12 years in the NBA's front office.

"I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague on a systematic approach to growing the game throughout Europe," he said. "That means complementing country leagues, working together with the EuroLeague and working together with our federation, FIBA."

The EuroLeague was organized by FIBA in 1958 and run by the federation until 2000.

The NBA's most recent announcement of "significant interest" in a European-based league comes at the same time as it considersexpanding itself to 32 teams. The NBA is seeking offers in a $7-10 billion range for franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle.

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

April 01, 2026

NBA touts 'significant interest' from investors in European league

In coordination with FIBA, the NBA on Tuesday touted "significant interest from a range of prospective teams and inv...

Read More