NCAA tournament Final Four ticket prices fell considerably after Duke's loss to UConn

How much would it cost to get into theNCAA men's tournament Final Fourin Indianapolis on Saturday?

Well, it's much less than what it would have been ifDuke had closed out the game against UConnin the Elite Eight instead oflosing on a last-second shot by Braylon Mullinsin anNCAA tournament epic on Sunday night.

According to Gametime, get-in ticket prices peaked at $594 during the day on Sunday when it looked like Duke was going to secure a spot in the field on the final weekend. AfterDuke collapsed late in the game, however, that get-in price has dropped to around $500 for the semifinal matchups of UConn vs. Illinois and Michigan vs. Arizona. The average ticket price for the Final Four is $1,397, with the highest ticket price going for $7,869. (The get-in price jumped up after the Sweet 16 was played, from $345 to $519.)

For the men's championship game on Monday, when you're not getting a two-for-one special, the get-in price is currently $192, with an average price of $857 and the highest ticket going for $17,599.

For thewomen's tournament, it's more costly to get into the title game than the Final Four games, with championship prices averaging $776 and a get-in price of $236, while the semifinals are averaging $644 with a get-in price of $212 on Gametime.

So if you want more bang for your buck, the semifinal showdowns between South Carolina-UConn and Texas-UCLA may be the route to go in Phoenix.

Here's all the ticket info for the men's and women's NCAA tournament championship weekends:

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Final Four ticket info (courtesy ofGametime)

• Men's Final Four:

  • Get-in: $524

  • Average: $1,397

  • Max: $7,869

• Men's Championship:

  • Get-in: $192

  • Average: $857

  • Max: $17,599

• Women's Final Four:

  • Get-in: $212

  • Average: $644

  • Max: $5,009

• Women's Championship:

  • Get-in: $236

  • Average: $776

  • Max: $4,980

How to watch, follow the men's Final Four

Saturday, April 4

No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConnWhen: 6:09 p.m. ETTV: TBS, TNT and TruTVBetMGM line:Illinois -1.5

No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 1 ArizonaWhen: 8:49 p.m. ETTV: TBS, TNT and TruTVBetMGM line:Michigan -1.5

Monday, April 6

National Championship GameWhen: 8:30 p.m. ETTV: TBS, TNT and TruTV

How to watch, follow the women's Final Four

Friday, April 3

No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 1 UConnTime: 7 p.m. ET TV: ESPNBetMGM line: UConn -6.5

No. 1 Texas vs. No. 1 UCLATime: 9:30 p.m. ET TV: ESPNBetMGM line: Texas -2.5

Sunday, April 5

National Championship GameTime: 3:30 p.m. ET TV: ABC

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 02, 2026

NCAA tournament Final Four ticket prices fell considerably after Duke's loss to UConn

How much would it cost to get into theNCAA men's tournament Final Fourin Indianapolis on Saturday? Well,...

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2026 WNBA expansion draft: Predicting protected players for every team

The2026 WNBA expansion draftis nearly here.

On Friday, April 3, the league's newest teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, will pick players to become the first athletes on their respective rosters. After anofficial coin tosson March 27, the Fire will select first in the expansion draft. The Tempo will draft players second.

The expansion draft will have two rounds. Portland and Toronto will select players from a designated pool of available athletes determined by the league's 13 teams. Established teams were required to protect five players each, leaving unprotected players available for the pool. The draft will use a snake format, allowing each of the teams to make up to six picks per round for a total of 12 selections.

The Fire and Tempo will alternate selections and have the right to acquire the player contract of, or negotiating rights to, one player from the available pool of unprotected players. Portland and Toronto can only draft one impending free agent each.

Here is USA TODAY Sports' prediction for who each WNBA team will protect:

WNBA expansion draft protected player prediction

Players listed below are listed by position and may include additional information related to their free agency status in parentheses.

UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent | RFA = Restricted Free Agent | ERFA = Exclusive Rights Free Agent

Atlanta Dream

Predicted protected players:G Rhyne Howard (RFA), G Allisha Gray (UFA), G Te-Hina Paopao, F Naz Hillmon (RFA), F Brionna Jones (UFA)

As hard as it might be to leave the current starting point guard, Jordin Canada, unprotected, Atlanta will potentially place its faith in Te-Hina Paopao. Paopao has high upside and already proved she could run the point as a rookie. Regarding post players, if the selection is Brionna Jones or Brittney Griner, the Dream likely land on Jones. Jones had a career year last season in head coach Karl Smesko's system.

Chicago Sky

Predicted protected players:G Courtney Vandersloot (UFA), G Ariel Atkins (UFA), F Angel Reese, F Ajša Sivka, C Kamilla Cardoso

Despite a season-ending injury last year, Chicago has already made it clear that Courtney Vandersloot is someone they plan to prioritize. After that, it becomes easy to land on Atkins as another priority after the team traded for the former Mystics guard in February 2025. The last remaining question mark is Angel Reese. The Sky and Reese had a rocky end to the season last year, but Reese likely stays put for now.

Connecticut Sun

Predicted protected players:G Leilan Lacan, G Saniya Rivers, G Marina Mabrey (UFA), F Aneesah Morrow, C Olivia Nelson-Ododa (RFA)

The name to watch on this list is Marina Mabrey. Mabrey publicly asked for a trade ahead of the 2025 season, but the Sun denied it. The question that remains is whether Connecticut considers Mabrey part of its future.

Dallas Wings

Predicted protected players:G Paige Bueckers, G Arike Ogunbowale (UFA), G Aziaha James, F Maddy Seigrist, C Luisa Geiselsöder (ERFA)

After a down year in 2025 with career lows in shooting percentage (36.4) and points (15.5), it remains unclear if Dallas will hold on to Arike Ogunbowale. However, she'll likely stay protected for now and will be a name to watch as the offseason progresses. The other player to keep an eye on is Aziaha James. James showed flashes of promise last season, but she has competition from JJ Quinnerly, who also turned heads.

Golden State Valkyries

Predicted protected players:G Veronica Burton (RFA), G Justė Jocytė, G Carla Leite, F Kayla Thornton (UFA), F Janelle Salaün (ERFA)

Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton are no-brainers to protect, along with Carla Leite and 2025 draft pick Justė Jocytė. The Valkyries then have some really tough decisions. Does Golden State prefer Tiffany Hayes, Janelle Salaün, Iliana Rupert, Monique Billings or even Cecilia Zandalasini? Ultimately, Salaün likely has the highest upside after starting 33 games last season.

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Indiana Fever

Predicted protected players:G Caitlin Clark, G Kelsey Mitchell (UFA), G Lexie Hull (RFA), G Sophie Cunningham (UFA), C Aliyah Boston

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Fever will do everything in their power to retain Caitlin Clark's running mate, Kelsey Mitchell. Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham are also players Indiana will likely protect, as they've proved essential to the Fever's push for a championship.

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) celebrates with teammates after the Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 89-86, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces battles for the ball with Alyssa Thomas #25 and Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Chelsea Gray (12) and A'ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces grab a rebound past DeWanna Bonner (14) and Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) looks to tip a loose ball away from Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith (3) shoots against Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: A'ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates after making a basket against the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Megan Gustafson (17) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury looks to shoot the ball against NaLyssa Smith (3) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: NaLyssa Smith (3) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts during the third quarter.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Chelsea Gray (12) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts against the Phoenix Mercury during the fourth quarter.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury drives to the basket against Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) dribbles against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) drives against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Kahleah Copper (2) of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates after her 3-point basket.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Head coach Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the first quarter.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Maddy Westbeld of the Chicago Sky (left) and Rae Burrell of the Los Angeles Sparks look on.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts in front of Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon looks on.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Dana Evans of the Las Vegas Aces, shoots the ball between Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury grabs a rebound against the Las Vegas Aces.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces shoots the ball against Monique Akoa Makani of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Game 1: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces grabs a rebound against Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

Las Vegas Aces

Predicted protected players:G Chelsey Gray (UFA), G Jackie Young (UFA), G Dana Evans, F NaLyssa Smith (RFA), C A'ja Wilson (UFA)

A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray are the core of the Las Vegas Aces. That won't change. Las Vegas also potentially keeps NaLyssa Smith, who bloomed after being traded to there last season. The next question is which player gets the remaining protection: Jewell Loyd or Dana Evans? Both Loyd and Evans were critical to the Aces' championship run, but Loyd was inconsistent for much of the 2025 season and that may be the deciding factor.

Los Angeles Sparks

Predicted protected players:G Kelsey Plum (UFA), F Rickea Jackson, F Dearica Hamby (UFA), F Azurá Stevens (UFA), C Cameron Brink

Unfortunately, there are way too many options for the Sparks and not enough spots. Rae Burrell likely becomes the odd player out with Azurá Stevens having a career year in 2025 and Los Angeles investing in its young players, Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.

Minnesota Lynx

Predicted protected players:G Kayla McBride (UFA), G Courtney Williams (UFA), F Napheesa Collier (UFA), F Alanna Smith (UFA), F Bridget Carleton (UFA)

The Lynx will likely protect its entire starting five, but it won't come without consequences. Protecting Courtney Williams means Minnesota could lose Natisha Hiedeman, breaking up the "StudBudz." Choosing Bridget Carleton over Dorka Juhász and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu is also a tough decision. Finally, leaving DiJonai Carrington unprotected, after trading for her last season, is tough for such a dynamic two-way player.

New York Liberty

Predicted protected players:G Sabrina Ionescu (UFA), G Leonie Fiebich, G Natasha Cloud (UFA), F Breanna Stewart (UFA), F Kennedy Burke (UFA)

The Liberty might have one of the hardest decisions of any team: Does Breanna Stewart or Jonquel Jones get protected? Would New York potentially risk losing a core players? When faced with the decision, the Liberty are likely to land on Stewart, who is at the core of their identity. Stewart stays in New York, and Jones potentially becomes a supermax candidate for Portland or Toronto. Natasha Cloud and Kennedy Burke are likely to be rewarded for their contributions last season. Cloud brings the defense and additional facilitator depth, and Burke continues to lead the Liberty's bench production.

Phoenix Mercury

Predicted protected players:G Kahleah Copper (UFA), G Monique Akoa Makani (ERFA), F Alyssa Thomas (UFA), F Satou Sabally (UFA), F Natasha Mack (ERFA)

Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and Monique Akoa Makani all feel like safe bets to be prioritized by Phoenix. The Mercury then have to decide if Kathryn Westbeld, who started 24 games and played significant minutes off the bench, gets the nod over Natasha Mack, who started 23 games and was essential to the team's defensive muscle. Ultimately, Phoenix will likely protect the starting five that took the team to the WNBA Finals.

Seattle Storm

Predicted protected players:G Skylar Diggins (UFA), G Gabby Williams (UFA), F Nneka Ogwumike (UFA), C Ezi Magbegor, C Dominique Malonga

It might come as a surprise Brittney Sykes, who was traded to Seattle last season, is not on the list of protected players. However, Sykes, who started 13 games for Seattle, never found her stride within the offense. She shot 38.6% from the field, the third-lowest percentage of her career, while averaging close to 12 points per game. Seattle could be OK with leaving Sykes unprotected to prioritize established players like Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike.

Washington Mystics

Predicted protected players:G Sonia Citron, G Georgia Amoore, G Sug Sutton (RFA), F Kiki Iriafen, C Shakira Austin (RFA)

The Mystics have made it clear they plan to keep their core group of players young and prioritize the draft. With this in mind, it's easier to predict who Washington would potentially protect. If the decision is down to Shakira Austin over Stefanie Dolson, the Mystics are likely to lean towards Austin, who is nine years younger at 25 and started 30 games last season. Dolson's is 34 and had 14 starts.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:WNBA expansion draft: Predicting every team's protected players

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 02, 2026

2026 WNBA expansion draft: Predicting protected players for every team

The2026 WNBA expansion draftis nearly here. On Friday, April 3, the league's newest teams, the Portland F...

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Barcelona hosts Real Madrid with a 6-2 lead in the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona has amassive 6-2 leadto protect against Real Madrid when it hosts the second leg of their Women's Champions League quarterfinal on Thursday.

The Catalan club is in a commanding position to make a record-extending eighth straight semifinal while Madrid would need an unprecedented quarterfinal turnaround to reach the last four for the first time.

Three-time champion Barcelona seeks to reclaim the title itlost to Arsenal last season. Barcelona topped the league phase with an unbeaten campaign that included 20 goals scored and three against.

Madrid, in its second consecutive quarterfinal, was eliminated by Arsenal last season. It finished seventh in the league phase.

Thursday's game will mark Barcelona's return to Camp Nou for the first time since the stadium partially reopened in November amid ongoing renovations.

"I'm incredibly excited, very motivated, and eager to prepare for the match and train at the Camp Nou beforehand," Barcelona coach Pere Romeu said. "It will be a wonderful day to be able to manage a match in that beautiful stadium."

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Barcelona has beaten Madrid five times in all competitions this season.

The winner will play Bayern Munich.

In the night's other quarterfinal, Wolfsburg takes a 1-0 lead against OL Lyonnes to Lyon. The German side hopes to become the third club to eliminate the French record eight-time champion in 17 quarterfinals.

Defending championArsenal awaitsthe winner.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byAnio Baumeister

in

April 02, 2026

Barcelona hosts Real Madrid with a 6-2 lead in the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona has amassive 6-2 leadto protect against Real Madrid when it hosts the second leg of th...

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Meghan Markle’s Way To Deal With Criticism In Meetings Revealed By Report And Slammed By Public

Amid reports that the multi-year partnership between theDuke and Duchess of SussexandNetflixhas come to an end, new details have surfaced aboutMeghan Markle's meetingswith the streaming giant.

Several insiders, along with journalistMatt Donnelly, have alleged that Meghan has anunusual wayofhandling criticism, particularly during virtual calls with executives.

These behaviors were reportedly most evident during discussions surrounding herlifestyle brand, As Ever, and her recentlynon-renewed series,With Love, Meghan.

"She just couldn't handle the truthsabout what was said to her," wrote one social media user.

Netflix officially withdrew as an investor from Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, As Ever, and did not renew her series for another season

Image credits:Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images

In March 2026, Netflix officially announced its withdrawal as an investor from Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, As Ever, along with the non-renewal of her lifestyle seriesWith Love, Meghanfor a third season.

Netflix described its role as a "passive partner" during the brand's launch year, providing initial backing for product development and shipping.

While both parties framed the move as a "natural transition" for the brand to stand on its own, reports suggest the decision followed disappointing viewership for the tie-in series.

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According toVariety, Netflix was also left with approximately $10 million in unsold inventory, including jams, teas, and $64 candles.

Reportedly, Netflix has not completely cut ties due to a "first-look deal" with Meghan and Prince Harry, which gives the platform the right of first refusal on any new projects the Sussexes pitch. However, it no longer provides the same level of guaranteed funding as before.

Amid these developments,Varietychief correspondent Matt Donnelly madeseveral bombshell claimsabout theSuitsactress's approach to handling criticism of her work.

Varietyjournalist Matt Donnelly made several bombshell claims about Meghan's attitude while receiving criticism during meetings

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While appearing on an episode ofThe Royalistpodcast, Donnelly told the host, "Multiple sources told me that when Meghan would sit in meetings, especially those regarding her brand As Ever, her lifestyle and homewares range, if she heard feedback she didn't like or ideas she didn't think were appropriate, she would turn her Zoom camera off toexpress her displeasure."

The journalist jokingly added, "It's certainly an interesting way to provide feedback in Hollywood."

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He also discussed how, despite no longer being active senior royals, both Meghan and Prince Harry still appear to follow certain royal-style protocols, which can interfere with their business model in Hollywood.

Donnelly explained, "I think, for how they live, the protocols they follow are very similar to what a senior royal might have."

"You know, long security advances, many preceding greetings, middle managers and underlings who introduce them or create a buffer before you actually get to the two principals of the company, which I think is unusual in show business," he added.

Image credits:meghan

Donnelly concluded, "For all itsglamour and intimidation, Hollywood is a working culture. It's a business like any other, and it has its own protocols… Deals are done over lunch at the Polo Lounge, which means meetings are often held with large groups inside a studio."

"There is not so much decorum. I think it's maybe the Sussexes are used to," the reporter concluded.

These claims were also echoed by Matt in a March 17 piece forVarietytitledInside Meghan and Harry's Falling Out With Netflix.

One comment read, "She had to go in the other room & make up another lie. She needs rehearsals"

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In the article, Donnelly alleged that a Netflix insider told the outlet, "The mood in the building is 'We're done.'"

The report further claimed that Meghan would frequently interrupt or "talk over" Harry during virtual meetings, sometimes using subtle physical gestures, like touching his arm or thigh, before interjecting.

However, in a statement toVariety, Meghan's attorney, Michael J. Kump, firmlydismissed these allegations, describing them as "calculated to play into a misogynistic characterization of her bossing her husband around."

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Expanding on Markle's meeting behavior, Donnelly also reported that three sources alleged she would occasionally "disappear" from calls.

"Later, Netflix teams, such as the marketing department, would be informed that her absence was due to her being offended by something that was said," the report claimed.

However, attorney Kump refuted these claims, stating that Markle "works from home, is the mother ofyoung childrenaged 4 and 6, and often encounters (as many parents who work from home do) children who enter the space unexpectedly during a meeting."

"Netflix teams… would be informed that her absence was due to her being offended by something that was said," alleged Donnelly

Image credits:meghan

"Independent of being a parent who works from home, Meghan is also conscious of shielding her team from the distraction of children," the lawyer added.

"Nearly all professionals can attest to needing to turn off the audio or camera during a virtual meeting at some point during many hours of virtual business calls."

Reacting to theallegations, one critic bluntly wrote online, "None of this is surprising. It's clear why all her projects fail but she and her husband haven't figured it out yet."

"She's a horrible marketer, negotiator and business woman," read another harsh remark, while a third netizen added, "Messy is so rude and she takes offense if people don't grovel at her feet."

Others responded with sarcasm, with one user writing, "Like she disappeared from royal duties? And then disappeared to Canada? And then to Montecito? Is it too much to hope that she's so offended byVariety, she disappears to Australia, while there for her women's retreat?"

"When s**t doesn't go her way, she shuts down, and shuts ppl out, quite manipulative really," reacted one critic

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byAnio Baumeister

in

April 02, 2026

Meghan Markle’s Way To Deal With Criticism In Meetings Revealed By Report And Slammed By Public

Amid reports that the multi-year partnership between theDuke and Duchess of SussexandNetflixhas come to an end, new deta...

Read More