The GIST: As you read, the No. 1 NY Liberty are finally WNBA champions, topping the No. 2 Minnesota Lynx 67–62 in overtime (OT) last night to win the franchise’s first-ever title, a feat 28 seasons in the making. You know what they say: sixth time’s the charm.

Liberty overcome early deficit to claim the crown: After trailing by as many as 12 following a frenzied first half, Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello shook things up, sending out a lineup that had never played together — and it worked.

• 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones (17 points) held steady, while Nyara Sabally contributed 13 points off the bench, making up for lackluster scoring nights from superteam stalwarts Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
• Overall, this was a physical, back-and-forth battle that wasn’t without controversy. The Lynx’s Napheesa Collier (22 points, seven rebounds) and Kayla McBride (21 points) kept Minnesota in the game, but in the end, Minnesota’s six OT turnovers cost them the ’ship.
• Until last night, the Libs were the only original WNBA franchise still in existence without a title, hence the storied superteam overhaul that began in 2023. Two seasons of chemistry-building later, NY has added its name to hoops history. Swish swish.

Zooming out: The W welcomed countless new fans during this record-after-record-breaking season, partially due to the hype around the incredible rookie class. But in the end, it was the league’s established superstars, like Collier, Stewart, and Ionescu, who made this five-game series must-watch tv, setting (and breaking) multiple viewership records from start to finish.

• And the season may be officially over, but don’t expect these hoopers to stay out of the headlines for long.
• The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (the players union) has until November 1st to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, and with the W more popular than ever, it’s widely expected that the players will head to the negotiating table. Cha-ching.

The GIST: After 20 days of heart-stopping playoff action, the World Series (WS) is officially set, with the superstar-powered LA Dodgers and NY Yankees gearing up for their first Fall Classic clash since 1981. Here’s how the two storied franchises got the job done.

The LA Dodgers eliminate the NY Mets in six games to claim National League (NL) pennant: Behind a steely effort from LA’s bullpen and timely swings from the NLCS MVP, shortstop Tommy Edman, the Dodgers are your NL champs for the 25th time in franchise history after last night’s 10–5 Game 6 dub over the plucky Mets.

• The Kings of Queens put up a good fight all postseason long but simply ran out of gas against LA sluggers Edman, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts. Thanks for the memories, Grimace.

Juan Soto’s dramatic home run sends NY Yankees to World Series for first time in 15 years: Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo “ALCS MVP” Stanton’s game-tying sixth-inning blast and NY’s lights out bullpen set the stage for Soto’s three-run homer in the 10th inning of Saturday’s 5–2 series-clinching Game 5 victory over the gritty Cleveland Guardians.

• Cleveland boasted one of the best pitching staffs throughout the regular season, but the Bronx Bombers lived up to their name, with Soto, Stanton, and captain Aaron Judge combining for nine home runs in the series. Partying like it’s 2009.

Dodgers and Yankees renew rivalry with star-powered lineups: Up next, a WS matchup for the ages. Before the Dodgers relocated to LA in 1958, “Dem Bums” called Brooklyn home, igniting a feud with the Boys in the Bronx.

• Forty-three years later, a new generation of stars in Ohtani and Betts (LA) and Soto and Judge (NY) will take center stage for their 12th all-time championship showdown. Lights, camera, action — the Fall Classic starts from Hollywood on Friday.

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Ilona Maher on Royal Court. The USA rugby Olympic medalist takes a hilarious break from the Dancing with the Stars ballroom to join Brittany Broski’s show. Laughs guaranteed.

The Basketdolls, an NYC–based trans basketball league. Rain or shine, they’re creating community through hoops. Love to see it.

A limited edition t-shirt from our “Bet on Women” collection. Tomorrow’s the last day to pre-order, so lock in your tee now.