Danielle Lerner

@danielle-lerner.bsky.social

USA TODAY national sports enterprise reporter. California transplant, but the cool kind. 🏳️‍🌈 dlerner@usatodayco.com

Olympian Alysia Montaño lost her Nike deal after giving birth. Now, new research shows she’s not the only athlete who lost funding during pregnancy or postpartum. Montaño wants to be part of the solution, so she’s launching a collective for athlete moms: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

This Olympian lost her Nike deal after giving birth. Research shows she's not alone

Olympic medalist Alysia Montaño is launching the Mother in Sport Collective for athlete moms and brands that support them.

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The 2027-2029 WTA Finals will be held in Charlotte, where the WTA is also moving its global headquarters. Here's what WTA Chair Valerie Camillo said about the move, a new finals format and the tour's finances: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

Women's Tennis Association moves HQ, picks WTA finals host. Here's where

The next three editions of the WTA's year-end tournament will be held where the Women's Tennis Association is moving its global headquarters.

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WPBL playoffs are happening now, and one of the players is still in high school. Meet Addisyn Baird, the 18-year-old from Indiana who received a last-minute call-up and made her pro debut this month:

They asked why she wasn't playing softball. Now this high schooler is playing pro baseball

18-year-old Addisyn Baird signed a contract to play for the LA Queens in the WPBL playoffs this month. After, she'll go back to finish high school.

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Will LIV Golf survive its bankruptcy filing and attempted restructuring? It’s up to the players – many of whom are owed millions by the tour. I enlisted a Harvard law professor to help explain the nitty gritty of the proposal and next steps: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

Will LIV Golf survive its bankruptcy filing? It's up to the players

The golf league's restructuring plan as described in court documents is creative but not without risk, according to a Harvard law professor.

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Sam Kerr’s NWSL second act means a lot to a lot of people - a growth sign for the league, a magnet for Gotham. For Kerr, it’s simpler. “The motivation for me has always been to win trophies. I mean, when that’s gone, I think that will be the end for me because that’s the reason I get up every day.”

Sam Kerr returned to NWSL for one reason: To win championships

Sam Kerr's return to Gotham FC and the NWSL was hailed as a win for the growing league. It also shows the Australian striker is as hungry as ever.

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World Team Tennis has added several top-ranked Americans to its 2026 roster, which includes two of this year’s U.S. Open semifinalists. I chatted with CEO Stephen Amritraj about the league’s relaunch, why they offered players equity and more: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

Top-ranked American players join World Team Tennis for 2026 season

World Team Tennis unveiled the 2026 schedule for its comeback season and added Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien and Iva Jovic.

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The NFL's baseline neurological/ neuropsychological test might have missed signs of advanced CTE in living players -- potentially denying those players compensation in the league's concussion settlement but also undercutting their chances of early diagnosis. Story via @boombaca.bsky.social:

NFL players with advanced CTE got lowest impairment rating in league testing | Exclusive

A Boston University study found that NFL players with advanced CTE did not qualify for compensation under the NFL Concussion Settlement.

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In a new lawsuit, a former Cal softball player alleges she was pressured into a sexual relationship with her head coach, who reduced her playing time when she attempted to end it. The player says the coach kept her job for months after school officials found out. TW: sexual assault, self harm

Ex-Cal softball player sues university, alleges coach pressured her into sexual relationship

A former Cal softball player has sued the university and its former head softball coach, alleging she was pressured into into a sexual relationship.

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1 - With victory over Novak Djokovic, Mariano Navone has now: ✅ become the first player to defeat Djokovic in the R128 at the US Open ✅ become the first to defeat Djokovic in the R128 at a Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein (AO 2006). ✅ claimed a first ATP top 10 win at Grand Slams Firsts. #USOpen

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Didn't have this on my bingo card today: Tulsa Little League parents got a court restraining order to play in the regional tournament after the team was initially disqualified over an ineligible player who hadn't even played in the tournament www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

Barred Little League team gets reinstated for a chance at World Series berth

The Tulsa National Little League team has a temporary restraining order to compete for a spot in the Little League Baseball World Series on Tuesday.

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Coco Gauff weighed in on the WTA's new sex testing requirement, which according to Jessica Pegula is expected to be rolled out this month at the Cincinnati Open. Some details on the eligbility policy: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

Tennis star Coco Gauff addresses WTA gene testing requirement

U.S. tennis star Coco Gauff said she understands the goals of the new requirement, but remains concerned about attacks on transgender athletes.

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The WTA is mandating sex testing for players, but there’s only been one transgender player in tennis history: Renée Richards. As trans bans/ gene testing spread across sports, Richards’ story is more relevant than ever. I spoke with @juliekliegman.com, author of a Richards biography, to learn more:

Renée Richards defeated a tennis trans ban in the 1970s. Now she supports it.

Renee Richards is the only openly transgender player in tennis history. A new biography explores Richards' legacy and debate around trans athletes.

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The Indiana Fever responded to Brianna Turner's allegation that the team told players to keep quiet about a male staffer being fired for sexual harassment in 2025: "Protecting our players and employees and maintaining a respectful, professional workplace is our top priority." Full response:

Indiana Fever asked to 'keep quiet' about 2025 harassment firing, former player says

WNBA forward Brianna Turner, who played for the Fever in 2025, alleged that players were "encouraged to keep quiet" about the issue.

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