If you need proof that manifestation can be a winning strategy, just look at tennis star Aryna Sabalenka’s rose-covered proposal. The moment came nearly two months after she gave a not-so-subtle hint to her then-boyfriend. Glad he understood the assignment. From engagement rings to Olympic medals, athletes are showing off their hardware — and one Harry Potter star had the most Gryffindor reaction when asked if he wanted to try on a gold medal. Guess his golden Snitch-catching days are behind him. Speaking of medals, the Paralympic Games kick off today with wheelchair curling — yes, our obsession with winter sports is back on. Only this time, these service dogs are also making an appearance on the ice. And if you’re looking for even more sports, don’t miss tonight’s Unrivaled championship game. Now, let’s see what else is making headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
The Cap Is Up. So Is the Gap
What's going on: The NFL is having a full-on Jerry Maguire moment. Just last week, the league announced it had raised the salary cap to a record $301.2 million per team, according to The Athletic. That’s a $22 million jump from last year, more than 40% in four years, and nearly double what it was a decade ago. Clearly, business is booming. The cap rises with league revenue, so the more the NFL makes, the more teams have to spend. Though it’s designed to make the game more competitive, the cap puts a ceiling on what its biggest stars take home. For context, the quarterback’s salary tag sits at $43.9 million, per ESPN. And if you’re wondering how that compares to women’s sports leagues, well, prepare to throw a flag — or anything within reach.
Tell me more: Warning, the following might make your blood boil.For the 2025 season, the National Women’s Soccer League had a team salary cap of $3.5 million. The Professional Women’s Hockey League has a $1.34 million per team cap, with player minimum salaries just above $37,000 a year, per The Athletic. So, we did the math — the NFL’s cap increase is more than 16 times that. (Now ice is running through our veins.) Meanwhile, the Women’s National Basketball Association players are in a full-on fight for their share. The league’s latest proposal could push team caps from $1.5 million to around $5.75 million and projected player minimums past $230,000. But the deal still isn’t done — and the 2026 season hangs in the balance.
