Nothing like annoying a Brad and Chad

The GIST: In a true change in tune, world No. 3 Jon Rahm is defecting to the Saudi Arabian–backed LIV Golf, a stunning blow to the PGA Tour in the continually chaotic world of men’s professional golf. You either die a hero…

The details: The defending Masters champion reportedly signed a three-year deal worth more than $300M, proving, once again, that money talks.

• Additionally, the contract includes a lucrative ownership stake in a new LIV Golf team that the league plans to fill with even more PGA players. *gulp*

The context: In 2022, LIV burst on the scene as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s official foray into golf and part of the country’s growing sports portfolio. Created to compete with the PGA, LIV drew immediate outrage as a prime example of sportswashing Saudi Arabia’s atrocious human rights record.

• Then in June 2023, LIV and the PGA announced a shocking merger after a bitter year-long rivalry full of sh!t talking. However, as of today, the deal is not finalized, as the entities agreed to only make an agreement…by December 31st.
  

• Poaching Rahm, a two-time major and 11-time PGA Tour winner, is a serious power move by the Saudis, one that indicates LIV isn’t going anywhere, alliance or not.

Zooming out: Heading back into negotiations, the PGA has a serious problem on its hands: if the Saudis’ endless wealth can convince an elite, likable, enigmatic talent like Rahm to go back on his word, one can only wonder, who’s next?

The GIST: Ahead of April’s star-studded WNBA Draft and May’s season start comes Sunday’s WNBA Lottery that will determine which team will snag the No. 1 pick. May the odds be ever in their favor.

How it works: With picks five through 12 already claimed, the top four spots will be drawn lottery-style. The four squads that didn’t make last season’s playoffs — the Indiana Fever (who drafted reigning Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston in 2023), Phoenix Mercury, LA Sparks, and Seattle Storm — are all hoping for the coveted No. 1 pick.

• The Fever and Mercury are most likely to win the No. 1 selection come Sunday, with each team’s lottery chances being determined by their combined 2022 and 2023 season records. With an 18-58 record, Indiana has a 44.2% chance of snagging the top spot.

The players: For context, domestic WNBA hopefuls must be 22 years old during the draft year, have completed their college eligibility, or be set to graduate within three months. Unlike the NBA, there are no one-and-done rules here.

• This year’s draft class is one of the most talented groups to date, featuring record-breaking Iowa Hawkeye Caitlin Clark, LSU’s Angel “Bayou Barbie” Reese, Stanford’s Cameron Brink, and UConn’s Paige Bueckers. But these stars are keeping mum on if they'll stay at school or go pro in 2024.
  

• Why? Many student-athletes are sticking around the NCAA to make bank with lucrative name, image and likeness deals. Notably, players have until 48 hours after their final collegiate game to declare for April’s draft. Watch this space.

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⛳ Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational — Today through Sunday — NBC

• Sixteen teams featuring one player from each the LPGA and the PGA will compete in the first mixed-team event since 1999. Tune in to see how American duo Lexi Thompson and Rickie Fowler swing for the $4M prize.

⛸️ Figure Skating: ISU Grand Prix Finals — Today through Sunday — YouTube

• With six regular-season events in the books, it all comes down to the grand finale in Beijing, where only the top six men, women, pairs, and ice dancers are invited. Cheer on 19-year-old American Ilia Malinin, who took the lead yesterday after landing a quadruple axel.

⚽ MLS Cup: No. 3 LAFC vs. No. 3 Columbus Crew — Tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET — Apple TV

• Defending champions LAFC cruised through the playoffs without dropping a match and are on the hunt for their second consecutive MLS Cup, but don’t count out the Crew, who upset No. 1 FC Cincinnati and will have the home crowd behind them. Bring on the golazos.

🎓🏐 NCAA volleyball: Elite Eight — Tomorrow — ESPN2/ESPNU

• And then there were eight. See who will serve their way into the national semifinals for a chance at college volleyball’s highest honor. Can you dig it?