Alex Rodriguez Loses Bid For T'Wolves, Lynx ... After Deal Falls Through

UPDATE

10:00 AM PT -- Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are adamant they were not the reason for the failed deal, releasing a statement through their spokesperson on Thursday afternoon that read, "We have fulfilled our obligations, have all necessary funding and are fully committed to closing our purchase of the team as soon as the NBA completes its process."

"Glen Taylor's statement," the two continued, "is an unfortunate case of seller's remorse that is short sighted and disruptive to the team and the fans during a historic winning season."

Alex Rodriguez won't be the majority owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx after all ... the orgs' owner just announced the former MLB star's bid to buy the teams has fallen through.

Glen Taylor, the current honcho of the NBA and WNBA squads, announced the news in a statement on Thursday morning ... explaining Rodriguez and former Walmart CEO Marc Lore's effort to become new majority owners collapsed after the two missed a key deadline this week.

"Under terms of the purchase agreement," Taylor said in the statement, "the closing was required to occur within 90 days following the exercise notice issued by Lore and Rodriguez. That 90-day period expired on March 27, 2024."

"Under certain circumstances, the buyer could have been entitled to a limited extension. However, those circumstances did not occur."

Rodriguez and Lore had previously bought 40 percent of the teams in prior sales. The most recent agreement between the two and Taylor was set to give them an additional 40 percent of the franchises.

Taylor said despite the failed pact, he'll still work with Lore and Rodriguez to "ensure our teams have the necessary resources to compete at the highest levels on and off the court."

As for going forward, Taylor doesn't appear to have plans of re-entering into talks with the two about a purchase ... saying, "The Timberwolves and Lynx are no longer for sale."

The Wolves currently have one of the best teams in the NBA, holding a 50-22 record. The Lynx -- who've won four WNBA titles -- are slated to begin their season this summer.

Originally Published -- 8:42 AM PT

Ex-NBA Star Kenyon Martin If Caitlin Clark Joined Big3 She Wouldn't Score A Point!!!

Not One Point
Gil's Arena

Ice Cube clearly thinks Caitlin Clark can succeed in the Big3 ... but one man who's convinced she can't is ex-NBA star Kenyon Martin, who said Wednesday she wouldn't be able to score a single point in the 3-on-3 league.

The Iowa Hawkeyes star received a $5 million offer to join Cube's hoops org. on Wednesday ... but when Martin was asked how he thinks she'd fare if she accepted the deal -- he made it clear, he thinks it'd be a mess.

"It's a step under prison ball," the former NBA player said of the Big3's action on Gilbert Arenas' "Gil's Arena Show." "Could you imagine her getting stuck down on Reggie Evans?"

Ice Cube We Haven't Heard From Caitlin Clark ... After $5 Million Offer

Caitlin Clark's team hasn't pounced on the Big3's $5 million offer just yet ... with Ice Cube revealing his basketball league doesn't know whether she'll take the massive payday.

The 3-on-3 organization cofounder joined the "Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday to discuss the historic proposal ... and despite the radio silence on Clark's end so far, he's holding out hope until he gets a definitive "yes" or "no."

"They have it and if they wanna sign it, we'll be happy to have her play in the Big3," Cube said.

ALL IN ON CAITLIN
ESPN

Minnesota Lynx Retiring Maya Moore's Jersey

Maya Moore's No. 23 will hang in the rafters forever -- the Minnesota Lynx are slated to retire the superstar's jersey this upcoming season.

The WNBA team listed the ceremony on its upcoming schedule ... showing "Maya Moore jersey retirement" for the August 24 game against Indiana Fever.

Moore became the 1st overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft ... and led the Lynx to four WNBA championships.

She was also named WNBA Finals MVP, a six-time All-Star ... and led the league in scoring and steals.

Moore is one of the greatest winners in women's basketball history ... and it all started with her four seasons at UConn.

Moore -- a McDonald's All-American -- averaged 19.7 points per game with a 52% shooting average during her college career ... and broke several school records including the all-time single-season scorer.

While winning two NCAA titles with the Huskies, Moore was also named Naismith College Player of the Year and earned the John R. Wooden Award twice and AP College Player of the Year twice.

She also won two Olympic gold medals and FIBA gold medals.

However, the 34-year-old stepped away from basketball in 2018 to focus on criminal injustice reform cases ... including her longtime friend, Jonathan Irons', whom she helped free from prison while he was serving a 50-year bid for assault and burglary.

Moore then revealed in 2020 she and Irons got married. Their son, Jonathan Jr., was born in 2022.

After being away from the game for several years, Moore decided to retire in 2023.

OFFICIALLY RETIRED
ABC

Moore still does work with her non-profit, Win With Justice, which aims to educate those on "the excessive power that prosecutors have in maintaining and expanding mass incarceration while inspiring the public and prosecutors to action."

Congrats, Moore ... and well done!

WNBA Star Sabrina Ionescu We're Married!!! ... Ties Knot W/ Raiders OL Hroniss Grasu

wedding bells

Sabrina Ionescu is officially off the market ... the star NY Liberty guard just married her longtime boyfriend over the weekend, Raiders center Hroniss Grasu!

One of the wedding guests, Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally, shared photos and videos from the beautiful ceremony ... showing Ionescu and Grasu dancing, as friends and family watched.

"To an everlasting bond of love 💗," Sabally wrote in the IG caption.

"What an amazing wedding of two very special people, a weekend full of smiles and happy tears 🥹"

Vanessa Bryant, along with her daughter Natalia, was also in attendance. Remember, Ionescu was mentored by Kobe before his tragic death in 2020.

"Congratulations to Sabrina and Hronnis!" Vanessa said ... "Such a beautiful couple. Wishing you both the very best, always!!! Xo"

Ionescu and Grasu -- who revealed their relationship to the public in 2021 -- are both of Romanian descent and University of Oregon alum.

Sabrina, heading into her 5th season with the Liberty, and Hroniss, who has been in the NFL since 2015, got engaged last January ... as the big man got down on one knee in front of a massive floral arrangement on the roof of a high-rise in the city.

Congratulations!!!!

Shaunie O'Neal On Me'Arah O'Neal College > WNBA Get That NIL Money, Baby!

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
TMZSports.com

Shaunie O'Neal wants her hoops star daughter, Me'Arah, to stay in school as looooong as possible ... telling TMZ Sports the NIL cash is way better than a WNBA salary!

Depending on the athlete, there's a ton of money to be made at the collegiate level thanks to the "Name, Image and Likeness" rules ... with a reported $917 million in deals being made in the first year alone.

With Shaq and Shaunie's 17-year-old daughter, one of the best high school players in the country, heading to the University of Florida next year, her mom tells us the money's SO good she (and other young women) should wait as long as possible before going pro.

"For the women, for sure, hold on to your college career and NIL money," O'Neal told us at LAX.

"The more I look into it, the more I see these WNBA players are doing multiple things just to make that kinda money."

O'Neal added ... "I think those college students who are able to get these NIL deals, ride it until the wheels fall off!"

Shaunie makes a valid point. The highest base salary for a WNBA player is $241k ... while LSU star Angel Reese reportedly makes around $1.7 million with all her NIL deals.

Shaunie wants Reese's numbers for her daughter ... even though the ultimate goal for the McDonald's All-American is to play in the WNBA.

"If she can hold on to that NIL money and be in college and get a great education along with playing the sport she loves, then why not?!" the TV producer/personality told us.

SHE'S A TRUE BALLER
TMZSports.com

Whenever she finally is ready for the next level, don't be surprised to see Me'Arah starring in the Association ... she's the best athlete out of Shaq's kids, according to her brother, Shareef O'Neal.

But, first things first ... let that NIL money rolllllllllll in!

Darren Waller Not Splitting From Kelsey Plum ... Just Some TikTok Fun!!!

Darren Waller is addressing all the speculation surrounding his marriage -- adamantly denying he is heading for divorce from his wife, WNBA superstar Kelsey Plum ... and explaining the recent TikTok that sparked the rumors was nothing more than some internet shenanigans.

The New York Giants tight end raised some eyebrows with his social media activity this week ... when he posted a video of himself dancing to a remixed breakup song and including the caption, "Stay strong kings!!! 🤣 #fyp #explore #men #heartbroken #music #vibes."

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

Some folks took the clip at face value and assumed Waller and Plum were taking a trip to Splitsville ... but TMZ Sports spoke with the Pro Bowler, and he tells us that couldn't be further from the truth.

Waller explained he was just goofing around with his sample of The Delfonics song, "Think It Over" ... and he's surprised with how people took it.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As we previously reported, Waller and Plum got hitched back in March 2023 ... at a beautiful ceremony in front of their closest friends and family.

Everybody take a deep breath. Love still exists.

Brittney Griner Releasing Doc On Russia Drug Case ... Scripted Series On Life

Brittney Griner's story is getting the Mickey Mouse treatment -- the WNBA superstar just inked a deal with Disney, ESPN and ABC for multiple upcoming projects ... including a documentary about her Russian drug case.

"The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world," Griner said in a statement on Thursday.

"I’m proud to partner with ESPN and Disney to share this very personal story because of its incredible potential to inspire hope around the world and their proven ability to do just that."

The partnership also includes the development of a scripted limited series on Griner's life, which is said to already be "in the works."

Griner was arrested at a Russian airport in February 2022 for cannabis possession. She was sentenced to nine years in prison ... before the U.S. government made a deal to get her back in Dec. 2022 that involved Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Since Griner's release, the center signed a one-year deal with the Phoenix Mercury -- averaging 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season -- and has become an advocate for Americans who have been detained in another country.

"Brittney is an exceptional athlete whose hardship and resilience are nothing short of extraordinary," ESPN president Burke Magnus said. "We are thrilled to be working with her to tell the nuances of her story and feel confident that this documentary will captivate audiences everywhere."

The documentary will feature previously unreleased footage, records and letters from Griner's time in prison.

The release date is to be determined.

Candace Parker planea volver a la WNBA

quiero jugar
TMZSports.com

La carrera de Candace Parker en la WNBA no ha terminado todavía. La superestrella le dice a TMZ Sports que tiene planes de volver a la cancha la próxima temporada si todo sale bien.

Por supuesto, hubo preguntas sobre su futuro en el baloncesto después de que la alero de 6 pies y 4 pulgadas se viera obligada a perderse la victoria de las Aces en las Finales de la WNBA, así como gran parte de la temporada 2023, mientras luchaba contra una lesión en el pie. Sin embargo, cuando la vimos en Los Ángeles esta semana no parecía alguien dispuesta a colgar las zapatillas todavía.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"Estoy sana", nos dijo, "y quiero jugar".

Parker dijo que el proceso de recuperación de su lesión en el pie va bien.

En cuanto al número de temporadas que le quedan a la jugadora de 37 años si su cuerpo vuelve a estar en forma... dice que no está muy segura.

La leyenda de los Tennessee Volunteers también dio un consejo para todas las jugadoras de baloncesto universitario que están en medio de la lucrativa era NIL, diciendo simplemente: "¡Consigue ese dinero!"

Candace Parker I'm Coming Back To The WNBA ... If I'm Healthy

I WANNA PLAY
TMZSports.com

Candace Parker's WNBA career ain't over just yet ... the superstar hooper tells TMZ Sports she's got plans to return to the hardwood next season -- if she's healthy.

Of course, there were questions about her basketball future after the 6-foot-4 forward was forced to miss the Aces' WNBA Finals win -- as well as a large portion of the 2023 season -- while battling a foot injury.

However, when we got her out in Los Angeles this week ... she sure didn't seem like someone ready to hang up her sneakers just yet.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"If I'm healthy," she told us, "I want to play."

Right now, Parker said the recovery process from her foot injury is going well.

When it comes to how many seasons the 37-year-old might have left in her if her body gets back into playing shape ... she says she isn't quite sure.

The Tennessee Volunteers legend also gave out a tip for all the female college hoopers who are in the midst of the lucrative NIL era ... saying simply, "Get that money!!!"

Kim Kardashian SKIMS to Be NBA's Undies Partner ... Major Collab Announced

Kim Kardashian's underwear line just teamed up with a huge partner -- it's none other than the freaking NBA -- to be the official underwear of the league.

The announcement came Monday ... SKIMS is now officially collaborating with the National Basketball Association, and the team-up goes well beyond just the men's league -- SKIMS is gonna sprinkled into the WNBA and USA Basketball as well for this.

Their new venture is part of a multi-year deal, and is a huge win for Kim -- as this'll give SKIMS a whole new level of exposure.

She says, "I am incredibly proud of SKIMS partnership with the NBA, as it is a reflection of SKIMS growing influence on culture. Together, SKIMS and the NBA will connect people of all backgrounds through fashion, sport, and talent, and I look forward to seeing the partnership thrive."

The NBA's commish, Adam Silver, is excited too, adding, "SKIMS has quickly become one of our most culturally-influential brands. We look forward to bringing NBA fans and SKIMS users unique experiences, new offerings and premium products through our partnership."

Now, in terms of what they're actually going to do together ... it's a little ambiguous at this point. Silver says fans will start to see SKIMS pop up in creative ways at league events going forward -- including the All-Star Game, in-season tournaments and probably the playoffs.

Basically, get ready to see SKIMS signage all over the place at basketball stadiums and beyond ... you'll likely see some players wearing the gear, too.

Of course, this comes on the heels of KK launching her men's line -- which has been a record-setting bestseller on the digital marketplace ... and which actually roped in some high-profile athletes, such as Neymar Jr., Nick Bosa and even OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Ball don't lie ... and neither do the undies!!!

Becky Hammon I'm 'An Old Ass Bitch!!' ... Hilarious Speech At Championship Rally

"I'M AN OLD ASS BITCH"
FOX 5 KVVU-TV

Becky Hammon was cussin' like a sailor at the Las Vegas Aces' championship celebration Monday night ... hilariously referring to herself as an "old ass bitch" while addressing the crowd.

The Aces head coach hopped on the mic after the team made its way to the T-Mobile Arena as part of the parade and rally festivities ... and she didn't shy away from speaking her mind.

Hammon -- who became the HC for the Aces in late 2021 -- appeared to be a bit tipsy as she gave star player A'ja Wilson her flowers ... and hopefully the young fans in attendance were covering their ears.

"Listen here, I'm an old ass bitch," Hammon told the crowd.

GETTING LIT

"I played against all the GOATs. I'mma put it out there, [A'ja] gon' be the GOAT of the GOATs. She don't even know how I'm about to be on that ass ... 'cause she's that good!"

46-year-old Hammon was really feeling herself ... even counting her money onstage to make sure she had enough for the fines she'll get for the bad language.

The former WNBA star was getting lit way before she made it to the stage ... and Kelsey Plum caught her on video dancing to the "Tootsie Roll" on the bus with the team.

WORK IT

She wasn't the only one showing off some moves ... Sydney Colson was in slow motion onstage with legendary R&B singer Tank, who made a special appearance at the event.

Congrats ladies!!!

Georgetown Coach Tasha Butts Dead At 41

Georgetown women's basketball head coach Tasha Butts has tragically died following a battle with breast cancer, the school announced Monday.

She was just 41 years old.

In revealing the heartbreaking news, school president John J. DeGioia called her death "a devastating loss."

"She was extraordinary," DeGioia said. "Tasha was a person of character, determination, vision, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by our community and by so many people around the country who have been inspired by her life."

Butts starred on the court at Tennessee from 2000 to 2004 -- playing forward for Pat Summit ... before she was picked by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round of the 2004 WNBA Draft.

She eventually got into coaching following her one season in the league, beginning as an assistant with Duquesne in 2007. She later coached for LSU and UCLA, before landing a promotion to the associate head coach role at Georgia Tech in 2021.

She found a ton of success as the leader of the Yellow Jackets, this despite being diagnosed with breast cancer during the 2021 season ... and in April, she was named Georgetown's head coach.

She stepped away from the team last month, however, to continue her fight with cancer.

"When I met Tasha, I knew she was a winner on the court, and an incredible person whose drive, passion and determination was second to none," Georgetown AD Lee Reed said. "She exhibited these qualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown community, and we will come together to honor her memory."

The school announced Darnell Haney will be the interim head coach for this upcoming season. It also said Monday it and the Big East will continue to raise funds and breast cancer awareness through her "Tasha Tough" initiative.

RIP.

Las Vegas Aces 'Go Mark! Go Mark!' Owner Dances W/ Team After 2nd WNBA Title Win

OKAYYY MARK
X/@WNBA

Mark Davis threw on his dancin' shoes at the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night ... hitting some wild moves after his Las Vegas Aces won their second consecutive championship -- and the team loved it!

The Raiders owner -- who bought the Aces in 2021 -- couldn't have been more thrilled to see his team beat the New York Liberty in Game 4 for the title ... storming the court and moving his body in a way we've never seen from the 68-year-old.

Rockin' his trademark white getup, Davis rolled his hands, gyrated his hips and fist pumped ... all while his players cheered him on.

"Go Mark!" the ladies yelled while Davis grinned from ear to ear. "Go Mark!"

He, of course, wasn't the only one who got down in order to celebrate the Aces' second straight title ... a twerkin' sesh also happened when Sydney Colson and Kierstan Bell got after it before the team popped champagne.

The night also featured a special moment between Aces guard Kelsey Plum and her NFL star husband, Darren Waller. Because the game was in New York, the Giants tight end was able to watch his wife -- and when she won it all, he gave her a big smooch.

Candace Parker, meanwhile, was another person who was filled with joy over the Finals win ... she became the first player to win three WNBA titles on three different teams (Sparks in 2016, Sky in 2021, and now the Aces).

The party ain't over either ... the championship parade is scheduled for Monday in Sin City.

Congrats ladies!!!

Steph Curry Stoked For San Fran WNBA Expansion Team ... 'Let's Get It!'

WELCOME TO THE FOLD
X / @warriors

The WNBA is expanding ... the league just announced they're adding a new women's basketball team in San Francisco, and Steph Curry, the city's biggest superstar, is stoked!!!

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert broke the news on Thursday ... explaining the new squad will be an expansion of the Golden State Warriors, making them the sixth NBA franchise to also have a WNBA team.

"We are thrilled about expanding to the Bay Area," Engelbert said, "and bringing the WNBA to a region with passionate basketball fans and a strong history of supporting women’s basketball."

Curry's excited about it, too ... and welcomed the new squad to the Bay Area minutes after the announcement.

"Looking forward to having y'all," the 4x NBA champ said via social media. "Can't wait to see y'all thrive at the highest level. Let's get it!"

The new team is the first new WNBA franchise since 2008 ... and their inaugural season will begin in 2025. They'll play at the Chase Center.

They will also use the Warriors' practice facility as their headquarters.

"The Bay Area is the perfect market for a WNBA team, and we are thrilled this opportunity has finally come to fruition,” Warriors' CEO Joe Lacob said.

"The WNBA continues to solidify itself as the preeminent women’s professional basketball league and we look forward to supporting the best women’s basketball players in the world and our team starting in 2025."

Expect to see Lacob and Curry sittin' courtside!

Houston Domestic Violence Group Calls Out NBA ... After Kevin Porter Arrest

UPDATE

12:39 PM PT -- The National Organization for Women is outraged as well ... telling us Porter Jr. shouldn't be in the NBA after he was arrested.

UPDATE

"The NBA and the Houston Rockets have a choice here - condone or condemn," NOW President Christian F. Nunes told us on Thursday.

UPDATE

"Does the NBA simply allow a trade and, in turn, permit this type of behavior? Or will the NBA stand against domestic violence and hold players accountable?"

UPDATE

"Kysre Gondrezick was hospitalized with brutal injuries - this shouldn't be a conversation about which team takes Kevin Porter. It should be about how he is no longer part of the league for a felony domestic violence arrest."

A domestic violence victim advocacy group based in Houston is calling out the NBA, demanding the league institute tougher punishment when it comes to disciplining players like Rockets G Kevin Porter Jr. ... who was recently arrested for allegedly assaulting his GF.

"At what point do leagues say it has gone too far?" Houston Area Women's Center president and CEO Emilee Whitehurst told us, adding, "Surely it should have happened before now."

Whitehurst continued ... "We challenge the NBA and similar professional leagues to strengthen their domestic violence policy and to hold offenders accountable."

Of course, Porter Jr. -- a first-round pick in 2019 -- was arrested on Monday, and has been accused of hitting and strangulating his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, during the violent incident in NYC.

Kysre reportedly suffered a gash above her eye during the incident.

The NBA released a statement shortly after the arrest, and say they're looking into the alleged incident. Porter Jr. is still currently on the Rockets team.

But, perhaps not for long. There are reports stating the organization is looking to trade KPJ.

Whether there will be any takers is the question ... as it's not the first time Porter Jr. has allegedly gotten himself into trouble -- something the domestic violence org noted.

"HAWC is calling for public outcry against athletic leagues paying and promoting people with violent reputations. Porter has a longstanding reputation of concerning conduct. He has been suspended, fined, and now arrested for felony assault and strangulation."

The Houston Area Women's Center then went on to call on fans to take action and stop supporting players who allegedly engage in domestic violence.

"We need an entire community to mobilize, to not just say this is wrong, but to act."

As for Porter Jr., he has not yet addressed the arrest. He's due back in court in mid-October.

Old news is old news!
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