• Loading stock data...
Saturday, February 28, 2026

Louisville’s Hailey Van Lith Proves Why She’s a $1M Star

  • She is the first Cardinals women’s player with four consecutive 20-point NCAA tournament games.
  • The Cardinals are seeking the program’s first title after reaching the 2009 and 2013 title games.
Scott Utterback-USA TODAY NETWORK/Design: John Regula

Louisville rode the hot hand of its own superstar sophomore on Monday to punch its ticket to the women’s Final Four — the fourth in school history.

Hailey Van Lith — the first Cardinal women’s player with four consecutive 20-point tournament games — finished with 22, three rebounds, and two steals as the 1-seed topped Michigan 62-50.

Van Lith continues to establish herself as one of the nation’s top players — and one of the most marketable, who could be worth an estimated $1 million in NIL rights.

  • Van Lith, the first Louisville athlete with a jersey for sale, averages 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
  • In August 2021, she became the first women’s college basketball player to sign an NIL representation deal with Octagon Sports & Entertainment Agency.
  • She has agreements with Adidas, Twitch, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Ready Nutrition, among others.
  • Among all remaining March Madness players, she has the second-highest earning potential per social media post ($44.2K) behind UConn’s Paige Bueckers. 

The Cardinals are seeking the program’s first title after reaching the 2009 and 2013 title games.

Of the remaining four teams, Louisville has the worst odds (+850) to win the title, though at Van Lith’s best — when she scores 20-plus — the Cardinals are a perfect 11-0.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA
exclusive

WNBA Players Divided Over CBA Approach at Heated Meeting

Fractures are beginning to show among the players.

Mat Ishbia’s All-Star Weekend Offer Faces Several Major Hurdles

Mark Cuban tells FOS a similar pitch was rejected by the league.
Mar 11, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter (34) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Banned NBA Player Jontay Porter Signs With Upstart USBL

Porter was banned from the NBA for gambling violations in 2024.

Pacers Coach Criticizes NBA Over $100K Tanking Fine: ‘Ridiculous’

Aaron Nesmith sprained his elbow on Feb. 2 against Houston.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Trump and Nick Saban

Trump’s College Sports Roundtable Includes No College Athletes

The list is subject to change but provides a window into attendees.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A NCAA logo flag at the Hall of Champions at the NCAA National Office.
February 26, 2026

NCAA, Women’s Tennis Stars Settle Landmark Prize Money Lawsuit

The details of the settlement are still not known.
Dec 13, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Navy Midshipmen slotback Justin Brown (46) runs the ball against the Army Black Knights during the second half of the 126th Army-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
February 26, 2026

Army and Navy Debate Football Game’s Future

The service academies are debating the best path forward for “America’s Game.”
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
February 26, 2026

Big Ten, SEC Tell Congress There’s No Need to Pool TV Deals

It’s the latest in a college football lobbying battle.
February 26, 2026

​​Cincinnati-Sorsby Lawsuit Marks Latest NIL Court Fight in CFB

Cincinnati sued former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who transferred.
Jun 10, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; A NCAA logo flag at the NCAA Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
February 24, 2026

NCAA Continuing to Crack Down on Tampering

The news comes amid highly public tampering accusations.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) pulls back for the throw during the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
February 20, 2026

Judge Denies Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Another Year of NCAA Eligibility

The ruling has implications for the NCAA’s overall eligibility fight.