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The GIST: The No. 1 Las Vegas Aces (up 2-1) can clinch their second consecutive WNBA Championship tonight, but they’ll need to persevere through injuries and a raucous Big Apple crowd to take down the No. 2 NY Liberty at Barclays.

• And as the superteams fight for the trophy, a hot new bombshell entered the villa new head coach signed a record-setting deal with the Phoenix Mercury.

Game 4 preview: As you read, Chelsea Gray and her scooter will be on the sidelines for tonight’s game, along with her teammate, Kiah Stokes. Both are nursing foot injuries, putting Las Vegas down two starters and leaving 2023 Sixth Player of the Year Alysha Clark and WNBA rookie Cayla George likely to step in.

• Now, the suddenly back-in-it Libs have a prime opportunity to finally hit their offensive groove. With Gray on the sidelines, watch for NY's league MVP Breanna Stewart to exploit that newfound defensive hole in her quest to force this series to a fifth and final game. It all goes down tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

Phoenix Mercury ink highest-paid coach in the W: As Mercury owner Mat Ishbia’s franchise overhaul continues, former Orlando Magic assistant coach Nate Tibbetts will lead the squad. According to ESPN, the move will make Tibbetts the highest-paid coach in the WNBA, despite having no previous head coaching experience in the W or connection to the league.

• While Tibbetts’ salary — which will reportedly top $1M — could lead to greater payroll parity for future coaches, the Minnesota Lynx Napheesa Collier was quick to point out that this man will make nearly four times as much as the highest-earning WNBA players.

Content warning: This section contains mention of domestic violence.

🏅 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved LA 2028’s proposal to include five additional sports at the Summer Games, including newcomers flag football and squash. Counting down the days.

🏈 In NFL injury news, Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris was released from the hospital on Monday after suffering a scary neck injury during Sunday Night Football, while Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will likely miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

🏎️ Ahead of this weekend’s Austin Grand Prix, Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and world No. 2 golfer Rory McIlroy joined a star-studded group that invested €200M in the Alpine F1 team. They’ve got the getaway car.

🇺🇲 The USMNT topped Ghana 4–0 in last night’s friendly, their final tune-up match before next month’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals.

🏀 LSU superstar Angel Reese signed an endorsement deal with Reebok yesterday, making her the first athlete to join the brand after Shaquille O’Neal took over as president of their basketball division earlier this week.

🎓 Speaking of LSU, the defending champs sit atop the NCAA women’s basketball AP Top 25 preseason poll for the first time in program history, with UConn, Iowa, and UCLA rounding out the top four.

😠 After being arrested on domestic violence charges last month, Kevin Porter Jr. was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder yesterday, and OKC will waive Porter once the trade is approved. Good riddance.

What’s up, mid-week warriors? Pull out your cal, because Ally’s back with another “What to Watch Wednesday” guide to this week’s can’t-miss action. After one of the wildest regular-season NWSL finishes in recent memory, the playoffs are officially set. Here’s how things are lining up:

• First up on Friday, the No. 4 OL Reign will take on No. 5 Angel City FC at 10 p.m. ET on Paramount Plus, followed by the No. 3 North Carolina Courage battling No. 6 NJ/NY Gotham FC Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.

• Waiting in the wings are the No. 1 San Diego Wave and No. 2 Portland Thorns FC, who earned a bye straight to the semifinals.

With NWSL hype at a fever pitch, there’s no better time to back women’s sports. Check out Ally’s “Change the Game” campaign to learn more about how you can help just by tuning in and cheering ’em on.

⚾ MLB: Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers — Tonight at 8:03 p.m. ET — Fox Sports

• Boasting a 2-0 series lead in this Lone Star State American League Championship Series, the Rangers will send veteran pitcher Max Scherzer to the mound for his first start in over a month following a faster-than-anticipated rehab from a shoulder strain.

• And if Mad Max does Mad Max things, undefeated-in-the-playoffs Texas might just be one win away from eliminating the defending champs and cartwheeling right into a World Series ticket.

⛳ LPGA: BMW Ladies Championship — Tonight through Saturday — Peacock

• A star-studded field tees off from South Korea highlighted by reigning champ, world No. 13 Lydia Ko, swinging for a repeat and No. 1 Lilia Vu looking to continue her stellar year in the hunt for a piece of the $2.2M purse.

⚾ MLB: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks — Tomorrow at 5:07 p.m. ET — TBS

• The home run–happy Phils look unstoppable, and the DBacks will need a big splash to get back into this one, even as things shift to the desert.

🏈 NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints — Tomorrow at 8:15 p.m. ET — Prime Video

• Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence said he’s “optimistic” he’ll play despite a knee sprain, but this game could still come down to the defenses — Jacksonville and New Orleans are tied for second in the league with eight interceptions each this season.

Florida's sports teams turned into championship contenders this year, but that’s not all the Sunshine State has to offer. The magical and luxurious Hotel Effie at the Sandestin Resort is calling your name for a three-day, two-night wellness getaway.

• Enjoy spa treatments at the Spa Lilliana, plus a prize pack filled with sustainable goodies from eco-friendly brands like Gogh Jewelry Design and more. Hit reset by entering this contest today.