The NCAA and its five power conferences voted to approve new rules Thursday that will allow schools to directly pay college athletes for the first time.
Why it matters: The change is groundbreaking for the organization that has long sought to maintain the amateur nature of college sports.
The WNBA announced Thursday it will expand outside of the U.S. with a new Toronto-based team joining the league for the start of the 2026 season.
Why it matters: The professional women's basketball league has seen a surge in popularity, ticket sales and prices — as interests mounts in the women's sports industry as a whole.