The 2025 WNBA season has been a thrilling ride, filled with incredible on-court performances and intense competition. Yet, amidst the high-energy games, Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty has emerged as a true standout, not just for her talent but for her kindness and emotional connection with fans.

Her recent gesture after a Liberty game has gone viral, demonstrating the powerful role athletes can play in shaping the lives of others, especially young fans.

A moment that melted hearts

Following the New York Liberty’s win over the Phoenix Mercury on July 25, 2025, a touching moment captured on Instagram quickly garnered widespread attention. A young fan, clearly overwhelmed with emotion, was seen holding a signed jersey from Sabrina Ionescu, tears streaming down her face.

The post accompanying the image read: “Tears of happiness. It doesn’t take much to make someone’s day. We surprised Emery with tickets to see her favorite team, the @nyliberty, and her favorite player @sabrina_i Sabrina took time to sign her jersey. That made her year. And mine. #ThankYou #Grateful #everyonewatcheswomenssports @wnba.”

The post struck a chord with many, showcasing just how much this simple act meant to the young fan. The moment didn’t go unnoticed by Ionescu, who responded on Instagram with four heart emojis, solidifying her connection with the fan.

This small yet significant gesture became a powerful reminder of the impact athletes can have, especially when they make time to connect with their supporters.

A legacy of giving

This wasn’t an isolated act of kindness from Ionescu. Earlier in the season, after a game against the Las Vegas Aces, she made another fan’s day unforgettable.

A middle schooler named Ashton Piner had a sign asking for a pair of Ionescu’s sneakers, and without hesitation, the star player took off her game-worn shoes, signed them, and gave them to Ashton. The young fan’s face lit up with joy, and this act quickly became another moment that illustrated Ionescu’s genuine care for her supporters.

Her interactions, often with younger fans, demonstrate her understanding of her influence and her willingness to use it for good.

A champion on and off the court

Ionescu’s off-court kindness is matched by her performance on the court. Against Phoenix, she led the Liberty with an outstanding 29 points, guiding her team to a dominant 89-76 victory. Her performance, which also included 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game, exemplifies her leadership on the floor.

Coach Sandy Brondello praised Ionescu, saying, “There’s some elite passers, and I’ve coached some great ones in Diana Taurasi, and Sabrina’s right up there.” Her all-around contributions have helped elevate the Liberty to the top of the Eastern Conference.

As the Liberty head into their next game against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 26, Ionescu’s influence continues to extend beyond the basketball court. Her combination of elite performance and heartfelt gestures for fans embodies the true magic of the WNBA: connection, community, and compassion.

In a world often filled with negativity, Ionescu’s simple yet profound acts of kindness serve as a powerful reminder that sports can bring people together and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who look up to athletes as role models.

The Dallas Wings fell on the road to the Golden State Valkyries on Friday night, losing 86-76. The Wings allowed five different Valkyries to score double figures, led by Tiffany Hayes with 17 points. Paige Bueckers was able to match that with 17 points of her own, but the team defense allowed 56 points in the second half after only allowing 30 in the first.

It was clear the game was going against the Wings, but they put up a fight, finding themselves down by just six with 59 seconds remaining. During a timeout, Wings head coach Chris Koclanes was drawing up a play in the huddle. And it must not have been a good play based on the reaction of the bench, in what has become a viral moment.

READ MORE: WNBA star Paige Bueckers continues historic start in loss to Valkyries

Watching Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and Haley Jones individually all showed reactions of disbelief and surprise. Clearly, whatever Coach Koclanes drew up didn’t work because the Wings wouldn’t score for the rest of the game.

Coach Koclanes has drawn considerable criticism from Dallas Wings and WNBA fans, as he often avoids answering questions in press conferences and frequently changes the team’s playing style. Paige Bueckers has had her role shifted a few times, but has always found ways to be productive. Others have struggled with shifting roles.

The Wings will now return to Dallas for a quick four-game homestand, starting against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday in front of a sold-out crowd, and ending against the Indiana Fever on Friday in American Airlines Center, although Caitlin Clark may miss that game, too.

READ MORE: Dallas Wings make Las Vegas Aces announcement

Stick with WingsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Wings throughout the 2025 Season.

Angel Reese wasn’t just making shots during the WNBA All-Star Game last weekend. She was making a statement that echoed far beyond the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. When players walked onto the court wearing black warmup shirts emblazoned with “Pay Us What You Owe Us” in bold white letters, they weren’t just warming up for an exhibition. They were drawing a line in the sand as collective bargaining negotiations continued to stall.

What Makes Revenue Sharing Angel Reese’s Non-Negotiable Demand?

Reese has emerged as one of the most vocal advocates for players during these crucial contract talks. The 23-year-old Chicago Sky forward, despite being in just her second season, refuses to stay quiet while the league and players’ association work toward a new collective bargaining agreement.

During her recent interview with ESPN’s Elle Duncan, Reese made her priorities crystal clear. When pressed about the one issue she absolutely won’t compromise on, Reese pointed directly to revenue sharing.

“The team revenue. The revenue shares. That’s really important for us. We deserve it. I know were are not letting up. We are going to do whatever it takes to get what we deserve,” Reese said.

“I know we’re not letting up. I know we’re going to do whatever it takes to get what we deserve.”

Angel Reese sits down with @elleduncanESPN to share her none negotiable regarding the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement ✍️ pic.twitter.com/5jzKPC5J8J

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 25, 2025

Revenue sharing and salary increases have become the two primary battlegrounds as both sides race against the October deadline. The current collective bargaining agreement expires then, creating urgency that wasn’t there when players first opted out of their previous deal in 2024. That earlier agreement had been in place since January 2020.

For Reese, the math is simple. As attendance figures climb, viewership numbers soar, and merchandise sales continue growing, players should see their piece of the pie expand accordingly. The league’s success should translate directly into player compensation.

How Is Reese Using Her Platform to Drive Change?

The Maryland native understands exactly what she brings to these negotiations. Since bursting onto the scene with LSU’s championship-winning team in 2023, she has built a massive following that extends well beyond basketball courts. That celebrity status has become her weapon of choice in contract talks.

“I’m just going to continue to educate myself on what’s going on and staying involved. I know my voice, I know my platform, and I know when I speak people are listening,” Reese explained during her ESPN interview.

This isn’t the first time the Sky forward has leveraged her influence for the cause. During All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, she spoke candidly about her growing role in the WNBPA and her frustrations with the negotiation process.

“Yesterday was an eye-opener for me. It was disrespectful,” Reese said, referring to recent talks with league officials. “This is for the next generation. It’s important to be able to be vocal. If I sit back, it looks like I don’t care. I know my voice and I know my platform. You love it or you hate it, I know it gets views. So I just know that I have to be vocal. I have to sit at that table one day.”

WNBPA leadership may be in Angel Reese’s future.

“If I sit back it looks like I don’t care….I know my platform.” – Angel Reese pic.twitter.com/dK9GicrtII

— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) July 18, 2025

Reese’s commitment to the cause runs deeper than public statements. She’s already hinted at the ultimate bargaining chip players might deploy if negotiations continue to stagnate. During an episode of her Unapologetically Angel podcast from March, she mentioned that players might consider sitting out if their demands aren’t met.

With October approaching and both sides still far apart on key issues, Reese’s unwavering stance on revenue sharing could determine whether fans see their favorite players on the court when the season tips off. The All-Star forward has made it clear that backing down isn’t an option, especially when she believes the future of women’s professional basketball hangs in the balance.

The crack of a bat, the roar of the crowd—baseball’s usual soundtrack was replaced by stunned silence and nervous laughter on live television when Savannah Bananas sensation Robert Anthony Cruz attempted a gravity-defying stunt that instantly became internet history. During a July 24, 2025 CNN segment showcasing the Bananas’ signature blend of baseball and circus-style entertainment, Cruz’s celebratory backflip ended in a spectacular faceplant that left anchors speechless and social media ablaze. This Savannah Bananas backflip fail has since exploded across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, racking up millions of views as fans marvel at the athlete’s blend of showmanship and humility.

Savannah Bananas Backflip Fail Stuns Live Audience

The viral moment unfolded during a live interview on CNN’s “This Morning” program. Cruz, known for performing acrobatic catches during Bananas games, aimed to demonstrate his athleticism in the studio. As captured in a tweet by Kristin Sokoloff (July 24, 2025), the 26-year-old sprinted across the set, launched into a backflip—but failed to rotate fully. He landed face-first on the studio floor with an audible thud, leaving hosts Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly momentarily frozen before concerned inquiries. The Bananas, who play exhibition games nationwide combining baseball with theatrical antics, regularly feature such flips during games, but the controlled environment of a television studio proved unexpectedly challenging. Cruz later admitted the studio’s carpeted surface and spatial constraints differed sharply from his familiar turf.

Cruz’s Good-Humored Response Wins Fans

Rather than hiding from the mishap, Cruz addressed it head-on with disarming humor. On his Instagram story (@coach.rac, July 24, 2025), he told his 758K followers: “Hey guys, you have my full permission to laugh… With the sound, it’s crazy!” He emphasized his extensive experience, noting he’d performed “10s of 1000s of backflips” during games and practices. His lighthearted reaction—contrasted with his signature acrobatic catches like one highlighted by Twitter user @RandomTheGuy (July 24, 2025)—resonated widely. Sports media analyst David Samson commented on the incident’s virality: “It’s a masterclass in handling embarrassment. Cruz turned a stumble into a moment of connection by laughing at himself first” (SportsTalk Daily, July 25, 2025).

The Entertainer Behind the Flip

Beyond the viral blunder, Cruz embodies the Savannah Bananas’ mission to reinvent baseball as interactive entertainment. A former collegiate player at Biola University and coach for Diamond Kinetics, the 6’1″ athlete joined the Bananas in 2023. His background in gymnastics enables the team’s trademark combination of athletic precision and showmanship. Married to Gigi Cruz since 2021, he’s become a fan favorite for performing backflips while catching fly balls—a skill showcased in sold-out games across the U.S. The Bananas’ innovative approach has drawn attention from Major League Baseball for revitalizing fan engagement through unexpected spectacles.

This unforgettable Savannah Bananas backflip fail transcends a simple blooper—it captures the joy and unpredictability of America’s pastime reimagined. Robert Anthony Cruz’s humility in the face of viral fame reminds us why sports connect us: not through perfection, but through shared, human moments. Watch the full clip on the Savannah Bananas’ official social channels and experience their revolutionary brand of baseball firsthand.

Must Know

Q: What exactly happened during Robert Anthony Cruz’s CNN appearance?
A: On July 24, 2025, Cruz attempted a backflip during a live CNN interview to showcase Savannah Bananas’ entertainment style. He lost rotation mid-flip and landed face-first, creating an instant viral moment captured by multiple audience recordings.

Q: How did Cruz react to the backflip fail going viral?
A: Cruz responded humorously via Instagram, granting fans “full permission to laugh” at the clip. He noted the studio environment differed from his usual on-field performances but took the mishap in stride.

Q: Are the Savannah Bananas a professional baseball team?
A: They’re an exhibition team founded in 2016, known for blending baseball with circus-like entertainment. Their games feature dancers, unconventional rules, and acrobatic plays like Cruz’s backflip catches.

Q: Was Cruz injured during the fall?
A: No significant injuries were reported. Cruz resumed the interview immediately after the fall, joking about the incident with CNN hosts.

Q: Why do Savannah Bananas players perform stunts like backflips?
A: The team prioritizes fan engagement and theatricality, aiming to make baseball accessible and unpredictable. Stunts like Cruz’s flips are core to their “Banana Ball” entertainment philosophy.

Q: Where can I watch Savannah Bananas games?
A: Their tour schedule and tickets are available at SavannahBananas.com. Games often sell out months in advance due to their unique blend of athletics and comedy.

By ALYCE BROWN

Venus Williams’ recent singles win at the D.C. Open showcased her longevity and brought attention to health coverage for aging athletes following a joking comment she made in an on-court interview.

“I had to come back for the insurance,” the five-time Wimbledon champion said after Tuesday’s match, her first in 16 months. “They informed me this year that I’m on COBRA, so it’s like, I got to get my benefits on.”
The 45-year-old Williams, who has won seven major singles titles, became the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match in professional tennis with Tuesday’s victory. After losing on Thursday, she acknowledged that her comment on health insurance was a “fun and funny moment.”
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, more commonly referred to as COBRA, allows Americans to stay on their employer’s insurance plan for a limited amount of time after leaving their job. It comes with high costs.
Williams’ comment led to questions about health insurance in the sports world.
For most active professional athletes, partially or fully subsidized health insurance is provided by their league or governing body and guaranteed in their collective bargaining agreement. A CBA is an agreement reached between a league and its players that guarantees certain levels of player compensation and benefits, and can be renegotiated every few years.
So when athletes are playing, they’re usually covered. But Williams, coming back to the sport after a 16-month hiatus, brought to light how long that insurance lasts — or doesn’t last — for athletes when they’re not playing.
Women’s tennis
In the WTA, the governing body of the women’s tour, players are eligible to enroll in the health insurance plan if they are ranked in the top 500 in singles or top 175 in doubles and have played a minimum of three WTA 250 level or above tournaments that year. If players are in the top 150 in singles or top 50 in doubles, the WTA will pay a portion of the premiums.
If a player is no longer eligible under those requirements, they can enroll in COBRA for up to 18 months, which is likely the situation that Williams was referencing. That is also the WTA’s only option for retiring players.
Venus Williams returns the ball against Magdalena Frech, of Poland, during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
“Nobody wants to be on COBRA, right?” Williams said after her second-round loss on Thursday night. “That remains an issue in my life. … Obviously (the interview was) a fun and funny moment, but it’s an issue that people are dealing with, so it is serious.”
Men’s tennis
The ATP provides health insurance to men’s tennis players who rank in the top 250 in singles or top 50 in doubles. All other players with a ranking point are given the opportunity to purchase health insurance through the ATP’s provider.
For retired players, the only option is COBRA for up to three years.
Golf
As an individual sport without a CBA, golf tours vary. They do have a group insurance plan that is available to active members of the PGA Tour, the PGA Tour Champions (the tour for golfers over 50) and the Korn Ferry Tour (the feeder circuit for the PGA Tour). For players who meet certain “performance criteria,” including how many tournaments they played and how often they won, the PGA Tour will partially subsidize the plan.
In retirement, players are responsible for their own insurance. Some players join the PGA Tour Champions after the PGA Tour and play into their mid-60s, during which they maintain coverage. Top players can receive a subsidy from the PGA Tour in retirement.
The LPGA Tour, the women’s professional golf tour, started offering its players fully funded health insurance for the first time this year. Before this year, players were given a $4,000 stipend.
NBA
NBA players have access to one of the most inclusive insurance plans in retirement. If they played at least three years in the league, retired NBA players are eligible for fully funded health insurance in retirement, and if they played at least 10 years, they will have health care covered for their entire family.
WNBA
WNBA players are fighting for retirement health care as part of their new CBA, which they are currently negotiating with the league. Those negotiations have been heated, and the most recent meeting between the two sides last weekend did not result in an agreement.
One unique facet of the WNBA’s healthcare is that athletes who have spent more than eight years in the league can be reimbursed up to $20,000 a year for costs related to adoption, surrogacy, egg freezing or additional fertility treatments.
NFL
The NFL has less long-term coverage for retirees than most other leagues — athletes who played in the league for at least three years can remain on the NFL health insurance plan, but only for five years into retirement.
NHL
NHL players who have played more than 160 games with the league, which is about two seasons, are eligible to buy NHL health insurance for their retirement. The retirement insurance plan is eligible for partial subsidization from the league.
MLB
Baseball players who spent at least four years in the majors have the option to pay premiums to stay on the MLB’s health care plan indefinitely.
Minor league baseball has its own separate CBA, which also guarantees health insurance for active players. In the minors, however, players who get cut or leave the league lose coverage at the end of that month.
AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

Originally Published: July 25, 2025 at 6:58 PM EDT

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