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Happy Hump Day!

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The GIST: Yesterday, the USWNT dropped their final friendlies roster before the Women’s World Cup (WWC), and along with some notable but expected returnees, there was one big (and more than welcome!) surprise…

The shocker: Six hundred days after her last competitive match, defensive midfielder Julie Ertz is back. Recovering from injury and taking maternity leave, Ertz hasn’t played since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but the U.S. midfield has struggled in her absence, making her return both reassuring and risky as the squad fights for an unprecedented third WWC.

• Defender Casey Krueger, fresh off a maternity leave of her own, also made the roster, making it five working mamas on the team, an unofficial national squad record. Who run the world?

What’s next: The red, white and blue will host a pair of friendlies against Ireland in early April, the last national team games before head coach Vlatko Andonovski names his final 23-person WWC roster in June.

• Keep in mind that yesterday’s 26-person roster doesn’t include star forwards Catarina Macario and Megan Rapinoe, who are recovering from injury. Is there such a thing as too much talent?

The GIST: It may be the offseason, but the NFL never stops making headlines. While we’re still in the dark about quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ landing spot, new light has been shed on two other messy league sagas.

Lamar Jackson: The 2019 MVP quarterback poured gasoline on his already drama-filled contract negotiations yesterday, tweeting that he requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens back on March 2nd, just days before his longtime team snubbed him with a non-exclusive franchise tag.

• That means Jackson’s still a Raven…for now, but multiple squads have emerged as potential suitors as the two-time Pro Bowler’s frustration grows with the Baltimore front office. Stay tuned.

Washington Commanders: Years of calls for embattled owner Dan Snyder to sell the team might finally be answered. After Snyder — who’s accused of creating a toxic culture and financial impropriety, among a long list of misgivings — initially said he’d explore a sale last November, multiple ownership groups submitted bids matching his $6B asking price yesterday.

• Three-quarters of NFL owners would need to vote to approve the sale, but there’s belief a deal could be finalized before the NFL Draft on April 27th. That’s right, we may never have to talk about this guy again.

The GIST: The women’s Final Four is officially set, meaning March Madness is nearing its end. The gals have dazzled all tourney, but Buick knows there’s more road ahead of us when it comes to ensuring equity for women in sports. That’s why they’re keeping their foot on the gas with the #SeeHerGreatness campaign.

The drive: Buick’s going the extra mile to spotlight women’s sports by creating platforms for female athletes to discuss the game’s growth. Hoopers like Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird candidly chat about everything from the issues they face to their greatest on-court moments. Binge mode: activated.

The destination: The fun doesn’t stop with the final buzzer. Buick hosted conversations with athletes beyond the court, too (hi, USWNT star Tierna Davidson and USA softball legend Jennie Finch).

• Women receive less than 10% of sports media coverage, but Buick is working to overcome that stat by letting you #SeeHerGreatness. Shine bright, ladies.

🎓🤸 NCAA gymnastics: Regionals — Today through Sunday — ESPN+

• Prepare to splits your screen with four regional tourneys flipping into action across the country and 16 spots in next month’s National Championship on the line.

⛳ LPGA: LA Open — Today through Saturday — Golf Channel

• World No. 4 Nelly Korda is on the hunt for her first win of the season. Time to par-tee.

🎾 Miami Open: Men’s quarter-finals — Tonight at 8:30 p.m. — Tennis Channel

• Catch No. 10 American Taylor Fritz attempt to upset No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. And if you’re looking for more tennis, No. 3 Jessica Pegula takes to the women’s semifinal court against Elena Rybakina tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET. Aces.

🏀 NBA: Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers — Tonight at 10 p.m. ET — NBC/NBA League Pass

• After 16 long years, the Kings can finally snap their playoff drought with a win. Prepare the beam.

The March Madness grand finale is nearly here — how are you faring in The GIST’s bracket challenge, presented by Aflac? As we count down to Friday’s women’s Final Four, bracket entrant Ike leads the way, while Charles has the bracket to beat in the men’s tourney.

• But it’s not over ’til it’s over, and a whopping 32 points will be awarded to every entry that correctly predicted the tournament winner. The GIST’s $10K in cash prizes is truly anyone’s to win.

Aflac is not the sponsor of this promotion and is not responsible for the administration of this promotion in any way.

In need of some new picks? Look no further.