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Chelsea have confirmed the signing of United States women's national team defender Naomi Girma for a world record fee on a long-term deal from San Diego Wave, as first reported by ESPN.
The deal sees Girma become the first player to break the $1 million mark in the women's game.
ESPN revealed on Jan. 16 that Chelsea were the leading contenders to sign Girma, with initial interest from Lyon and Arsenal, before confirming that the west London club had won the race for the 24-year-old's signature. It is understood that Arsenal were not among the final candidates.
The fee surpasses the previous record deal of $767,600, paid by NWSL side Bay FC to sign Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF in February 2024.
Girma was unveiled on the pitch at Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea's Women's Super League (WSL) clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
"I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real," Girma said in a statement.
"There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here -- the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It's a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do. It was an easy choice for me."
Girma was instrumental in helping the USWNT achieve gold at the Paris Olympics last summer.
Former Chelsea manager and reining USWNT coach Emma Hayes has said Girma is "the best defender I've ever seen. Ever. I've never seen a player as good as her in the back."
Girma was under contract with the NWSL's San Diego Wave until 2026. She has 44 caps and has scored twice for her country after debuting in 2022. In 2023, she was named U.S. Soccer's women's player of the year.
Chelsea are six points clear at the top of the WSL table.
Information from ESPN's Tom Hamilton contributed to this report
India seal semi-final spot with win over Bangladesh; Australia and South Africa also advance
Rajshahi's overseas players sit out Sunday's game over non-payment of dues
"We have few changes. Four or five. Because no foreigners today. All the local players are playing today," Taskin said.
The BPL's rules state that a team must field a minimum of two overseas players in their XI this season. The BCB put out a statement soon after the toss saying the tournament's technical committee had granted approval for an all-local XI in this instance. "The Durbar Rajshahi team... has applied to the BPL Technical Committee for special approval to field a team consisting solely of Bangladeshi players for today's match against Rangpur Riders due to the non-availability of overseas players," the BCB said. "After a review of the request and in accordance with the provisions outlined in Clause 1.2.8 of the Match Playing Conditions of BPL 2024-25, the Technical Committee has granted approval for Durbar Rajshahi to field a team consisting of only Bangladeshi players for this match."
The Rajshahi team owner Rahman also ran into trouble with their Chattogram hotel when he couldn't pay that bill on time. TV reports showed a security person stationed outside his hotel room, and a car he was using was reportedly seized.
The team changed hotels in Dhaka on Sunday morning. The overseas players remained at the hotel in Dhaka while Sunday's match got underway at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Sinner rolls to 2nd straight Australian Open title
MELBOURNE, Australia -- There's all sorts of ways beyond merely the score to measure just how dominant Jannik Sinner was while outplaying and frustrating Alexander Zverev during the 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory Sunday that earned the 23-year-old Italian a second consecutive Australian Open championship.
The zero break points Sinner faced. Or the 10 he accumulated. The 27-13 advantage in points that lasted at least nine strokes. Or the way Sinner accumulated more winners, 32 to 25, and fewer unforced errors, 27 to 45. The way Sinner won 10 of 13 points that ended with him at the net. Or the way he only let Zverev go 14 of 27 in that category, frequently zipping passing shots out of reach.
And here is one more bit of evidence: Listen to what Zverev told Sinner during the on-court trophy ceremony: "You're the best player in the world, by far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today, but you're just too good. It's as simple as that."
That's coming from the guy who is ranked No. 2 behind Sinner, who has held the No. 1 spot since last June and is not showing any signs of relinquishing it. This was the first Australian Open final between the men at No. 1 and No. 2 since 2019, when No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated No. 2 Rafael Nadal -- also in straight sets.
"It's amazing," Sinner said, "to achieve these things."
That includes being the youngest man to leave Melbourne Park with the trophy two years in a row since Jim Courier in 1992-93 and the first man since Nadal at the French Open in 2005 and 2006 to follow up his first Grand Slam title by repeating as the champion at the same tournament a year later.
Since the start of 2024, Sinner has won three of the five major tournaments, including the US Open in September, and his record in that span is 80-6 with a total of nine tournament titles. His current unbeaten run covers 21 matches.
The only thing that's clouded the past 12 months for Sinner, it seems, is a doping case in which he was cleared by a ruling that was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. He tested positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid twice last March but blamed it on an accidental exposure involving two members of his team who have since been fired. Sinner initially was exonerated in August; a hearing in the WADA appeal is scheduled for April.
While Sinner became the eighth man in the Open era (which began in 1968) to start his career 3-0 in Grand Slam finals, Zverev is the seventh to be 0-3, adding this loss to those at the 2020 US Open and the 2024 French Open.
Those earlier setbacks both came in five sets. This contest was not that close. Not at all.
"We're trying to do all the right work," Zverev said. "I'm just not good enough."
Just before Zverev began speaking into a microphone during the trophy ceremony, a voice cried out from the stands, making reference to two of the player's ex-girlfriends who accused him of physical abuse.
During the match, there truly was only one moment that felt as if it contained a hint of tension. It came when Zverev was two points from owning the second set, leading it 5-4 and at love-30 on Sinner's serve. But a break point -- and a set point -- never arrived.
Zverev dropped the next four points, making it 5-all, and Sinner emerged with the ensuing tiebreaker. No surprise there: He went 4-0 in those set-deciders over the past two weeks and has grabbed 16 of his past 18.
A year ago, Sinner went through a lot more trouble to earn his first Slam, needing to get past Djokovic -- who quit one set into his semifinal against Zverev on Friday because of a torn hamstring -- first, before erasing a two-set deficit in the final against 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
This time, the 6-foot-3 Sinner applied pressure with an all-around style that does not really appear to have any holes as his sneakers squeak from a sprint to a slide that often nearly ends in the splits and he uses his long limbs to deliver deep groundstrokes.
On this night, he proved superior in just about every meaningful way, other than aces.
Returning serves from Zverev that reached 138 mph, Sinner got the lone break of the opening set with a passing shot for a 5-4 lead. Zverev walked back behind the baseline, shaking his head while talking to his father and brother, who were seated in the front row of their courtside coaches' box.
There was more negative body language after Sinner served out that set at love to continue his crescendo, the final note an ace at 120 mph. Zverev trudged to his bench, shoulders sagging, and dropped his racket on an equipment bag, a gesture that conveyed annoyance more than anger. Later, it became the latter: Zverev cracked one racket on the court and used a racket to hit another on the sideline.
Understandable, given what Sinner was doing on the other side of the net.
The father-son dynasties powering England's future
There are challenges that come with a famous family name though. These are young men carrying the preconceptions and expectations of others.
"I always get called Mike Friday's son, every time," says 18-year-old Friday with a smile.
"I want to make a name for myself as well. My dad has done everything he was really good but obviously I want to try and push on for myself.
"It is not about escaping his shadow. I just want to be seen as my own person as well, not just a son."
For Bracken it is about being more than a brother as well. Charlie, two years older, is also on Saracens' books and has represented England under-20s in the past.
Bracken says that being a wing rather than a scrum-half like Charlie and Kyran limits comparisons, though even if they do come he has the belief that he could hold his own against his father's heyday.
"I have been shown a few highlight reels and been told my dad used to be quicker than me I'm not sure that works anymore!" he says.
"I have also watched a few England games from the 2003 World Cup run. It is funny seeing how the game has changed so much in a short space of time, with the speed and the structure there is now.
"I wonder how good he would be today. I'm sure he would do alright."
The more pressing question for many England fans is how good this generation of youngsters can become after winning the junior version of both the Six Nations and World Cup in 2024.
Bracken, who is studying at Loughborough University, made his Saracens debut earlier this season in the Premiership Cup, while Friday appeared in the Premiership for the first time in December, coming off the bench in a victory over Newcastle.
Among the under 20s preparing for their Six Nations opener against Ireland on Thursday, they are now the wise, old heads.
"There are different faces from last time, but I am really enjoying the vibe and brotherhood we have got going," says Bracken.
"It has almost continued from last season and built again this season."
From babes-in-arms to brothers-in-arms, they won't be the last to follow their parents' stud marks towards the top.
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Veteran goaltender John Gibson sustained an upper-body injury during the first period of the Anaheim Ducks' 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.
Lukas Dostal took over netminding duties at the start of the second period. Gibson made nine saves in the first period as the Ducks held a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. Dostal made 31 saves across the final 40 minutes, giving up only one goal, en route to the win.
It's the second time this season Gibson has left a game because of injury. He was hit in the right eye by a stick blade during a Dec. 23 game against the Vegas Golden Knights and sat out the next two games.
Anaheim coach Greg Cronin, in his postgame media availability, told reporters that, after the first period -- when Gibson was being evaluated -- he was preparing the team to return to the ice, so he didn't have a major update other than saying "I think he's going to be fine."
One of few proven netminders who has been mentioned in trade rumors as the regular season hits its stretch run, Gibson also was out for the first 12 games of the regular season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy.
Gibson came into Saturday's game with an 8-8-2 record in 20 games, a 2.76 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. He has 201 career victories with the Ducks and is five away from tying Jean-Sebastien Giguere for the most wins in franchise history.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Powerful Hurricanes stand between Thunder's Warner and perfect captaincy comeback
Big picture: A first for Hurricanes, or Thunder's great revival?
But it hasn't quite been such a seamless run for Thunder, who had started strongly with four wins in five games before stumbling a little. By finishing third, they had to reach the final the hard way, but did it impressively with victories over Stars and Sixers. A potentially pivotal point in Thunder's season came on the night of the horrific collision between Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams, which left the pair in hospital and their team-mates shaken. But somehow, Thunder were able to get over the line against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, their fortress. It reinforced the close-knit nature of the squad.
Injuries, a Test call to Sam Konstas, and the usual coming and going of overseas names have tested Thunder's depth, but they have found answers at each turn. Warner is now one win away from having a very significant moment in his career after the leadership ban was overturned ahead of the season.
"This year challenged us in every way - injuries to key players, the demands of international tournaments, and the introduction of new faces to the team," Thunder coach Trevor Bayliss said. "But each time, the team rose to the occasion without making excuses. You can't ask much more of your team than that."
Players to watch: Tim David and Tanveer Sangha
Team news: Teams may ponder batting depth
Hurricanes juggled their batting order again for the Qualifier, with Matthew Wade moving to No. 3. Chris Jordan potentially feels a place high at No. 7, leaving the onus on the top six to get the job done if that balance is retained.
Hobart Hurricanes (possible): 1 Mitch Owen, 2 Caleb Jewell, 3 Matthew Wade (wk), 4 Ben McDermott, 5 Tim David, 6 Nikhil Chaudhary, 7 Chris Jordan, 8 Nathan Ellis (capt), 9 Cameron Gannon, 10 Peter Hatzoglou, 11 Riley Meredith
Sydney Thunder (possible): 1 David Warner, 2 Jason Sangha, 3 Matthew Gilkes, 4 Sam Billings (wk), 5 Hugh Weibgen/Ollie Davies, 6 Chris Green, 7 George Garton, 8 Nathan McAndrew, 9 Tom Andrews, 10 Wes Agar, 11 Tanveer Sangha
The pitch for the Qualifier was on the slower side of what has been produced this season. Chasing has been the preferred option, but Hurricanes won against that script against Sixers. The forecast is for a warm day and a chance of a thunderstorm, although they are expected to clear by the evening. There is a reserve day for the final, but the first aim would be to complete a five-over match on Monday.
Noman brings Pakistan back into the game after West Indies' quick start
Lunch West Indies 163 and 129 for 5 (Greaves 5*, Noman 4-59) lead Pakistan 154 by 138 runs
Abrar Ahmed, too, saw his second ball whipped through midwicket for four, but Mikyle Louis was neither as positive nor as comfortable. That was how Pakistan got back into the game, drawing him into a prod towards the off side, Shan Masood taking a straightforward catch at short extra cover.
Brathwaite slapped Noman for six over long-on but found himself slowing down as he approached his half-century. Jangoo, though, motored along nicely, and when he helped himself to two boundaries off Abrar in an over, West Indies' lead approached three figures.
But Pakistan's spinners brought them back into the game. Brathwaite survived two raised fingers off consecutive deliveries with successful reviews but fell in the next over when he tried to charge Noman and ended up beaten by extra turn. It was a manner of dismissal almost identical to the one that would snare Kavem Hodge in the minutes before lunch. In the meantime, Sajid was getting into the game, too. He had dismissed Jangoo shortly after Brathwaite went walkabout, forcing the issue with a sweep when he appeared to have misjudged the flight and pitch of the delivery. It ended up taking a feather off the bottom of the bat to slip, and West Indies had two new batters at the crease.
The final over before lunch saw Pakistan strike a fifth time, Noman landing the ball in the footmarks and ripping it back into the pads. An enthused appeal - needed partially because Pakistan have burnt all three reviews - was successful, and while West Indies may still have the upper hand, their position is nowhere near as impregnable as it might have been an hour earlier.
From 74 all out to the BBL final: Hurricanes a win away from history
The picturesque Bellerive Oval, renamed Ninja Stadium these days and nestled on the eastern shore of the Derwent River, has probably never experienced this type of bedlam before.
Giddy fans in the terraces, many of whom were garbed in purple, were hysterical in rare scenes for a mostly downtrodden franchise. Hurricanes have never won a BBL title with Melbourne Stars the only other team with that dubious distinction.
Before the Sixers victory, Hurricanes had won just two finals matches in their history and none at home. Fans had also dropped off the 'Cane train' in recent years with crowds sparse in an oddity compared to the other one-team cities that enjoy massive support.
Eager fans reportedly lined up outside Bellerive Oval for tickets at 5am, five hours before booths opened, on Saturday amid temperatures of only around 12 degrees Celsius.
It was a gut punch for Hurricanes, long derided as underachievers having missed finals two seasons in a row. Moments after the loss, Ellis got the team together for an on-field rallying cry.
"Boys, it's the first game of a tournament. The conditions probably didn't suit us tonight. Let's leave this here," Ellis told his team-mates.
It was only the second game of the season, but an under-pressure Hurricanes needed a confidence building victory at home against BBL powerhouse Perth Scorchers.
We've got some pretty imposing figures, but the biggest thing is the fact that Mitch [Owen] doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs. Tim David doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs
Nathan Ellis
A strapping seam bowling allrounder, Owen had shown flashes of his big-hitting capabilities well down the order across formats. But Hurricanes' hierarchy in the off-season devised plans to utilise him in the powerplay although Owen was only backed in as an opener days before the Renegades match.
It wasn't envisioned as some type of ingenious idea, but Owen's spectacular success - where he became the competition's most formidable batter in the powerplay - has unlocked a previously inconsistent batting order.
With a staggering strike-rate this season of 191.11, Owen has continually given Hurricanes' fliers while David has dominated the backend with a strike-rate of 177.62.
It has created more defined roles for the other batters instead of the mishmash that existed in previous seasons. Opener Caleb Jewell has complemented Owen at the top of the order, performing the role as an anchor underlined by a strike-rate of 116.15.
He's been able to absorb pressure in the middle overs and help build a platform for David to capitalise on. His statistics are modest, but Chaudhary has made seven scores this season between 20 and 42.
"We've got some pretty imposing figures, but the biggest thing is the fact that Mitch [Owen] doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs. Tim David doesn't go out feeling like we're relying on him for runs," Ellis said. "I think we've got a group that has such good experiences, such good players to adapt to situations. Guys like Caleb, Nikhil, they sort of go unnoticed but have been brilliant."
While overshadowed by the batting order, Hurricanes' attack has worked as a unit. Meredith's rockets gets them going with the new ball and, though naturally expensive at times, he has been more consistent this season.
Spinners Chaudhary and Peter Hatzoglou have bowled tidily, conceding less than eight runs an over, to further reinforce a team where almost every player is contributing with their specific role.
"It's probably changed a little bit now, but throughout the tournament, you never saw Hurricanes players leading the wickets or leading the runs, but you saw us at the top of the ladder," Ellis said. "That was something that I was really proud of, something I was really staunch on. The fact that every win we had, it felt like 11 blokes had their thumbprint on it."
Much like the long-time formula for Scorchers and Sixers, Hurricanes have benefited from continuity with a core group of players who have been together for a while now.
They've gone through some tough times, but this playing group is on the cusp of creating history for Hurricanes as they reel in their long-suffering supporters.
"We've got a fair few guys who have played together a lot," Ellis said. "We enjoy each other's company and I think you can see that on the field. I think it's a really healthy environment. I know how big this game is for Tasmanian cricket. Hopefully we can be the first ones to bring home the silverware."
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth
Broome's return lifts top-ranked Auburn past Vols
AUBURN, Ala. -- Miles Kelly hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining, and Johni Broome had 16 points and 13 rebounds in his return to the lineup as No. 1 Auburn extended its winning streak to 11 games by outlasting No. 6 Tennessee 53-51 on Saturday night.
Auburn (18-1, 6-0 SEC) was held to its lowest point total of the season by Tennessee's physical defense. Kelly's trey off a feed from Broome turned a two-point deficit into a one-point advantage.
Tennessee had a chance to retake the lead in the final seconds, but a 3-point try by Zakai Zeigler missed the mark.
Broome, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound fifth-year senior and preseason Associated Press All-American, was back in action for the first time since suffering what Tigers coach Bruce Pearl called a "significant sprain" to his left ankle during a win at South Carolina on Jan. 11. The forward secured crucial defensive rebounds on Tennessee's final two possessions.
"I just want to thank my trainers and my doctors and Johni Broome for living in the training room for two weeks. I didn't think he was going to come back tonight, in the middle of the week. And even here the day before, I knew he wanted to go," Pearl said after the victory. "I didn't think he was going to be effective. And he had a triple-double tonight: 16 points, 13 rebounds -- and he missed 12 shots.
"But I think the team really respected their leader for putting it on the line, and I don't know if we win if he doesn't come back."
Tennessee coach Rick Barnes didn't take any chances. He had his Volunteers prepared to see Broome, although, in the end, that didn't stop him.
"There was no doubt in our mind [Broome] was going to play," Barnes said. "We knew he was going to play. So, we prepared all week for him to be there."
Zeigler had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the Vols (17-3, 4-3). Chaz Lanier added 10 points, including a pair of clutch 3-pointers in the second half.
Both teams shot less than 32% from the field in the defensive slugfest.
"The last thing is that we've won four games now in the last possession -- four of the last six," Pearl said. "Last year, we had 20 wins by double digits. And so, whether this team is better or not or whatever we are, this league is better. And so, it's going be a battle every night. But we are happy with this one, because that's a great team."
Auburn will play at LSU on Wednesday.
Tennessee will look to bounce back when it hosts No. 9 Kentucky on Tuesday.
"I thought they fought all night long," Barnes said of his Volunteers. "And we went through just a couple minutes where we didn't quite stick to the details and gave them a few baskets that we wouldn't want to give them."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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