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Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn headline World Cup finals in US

SUN VALLEY, Idaho — Mikaela Shiffrin is getting a head start on the Olympic season. First, though, she and the rest of the world’s top skiers have to wrap up this one.

The World Cup finals, the last event on a circuit that began in late October, begin Saturday. While most of the attention will be on the season titles still to be decided, skiers also will be focusing on adding to their points total to improve or solidify their start positions for next year.

And for Shiffrin and the rest of the Americans, it’s a chance to show the world that the U.S. team will be a formidable one at next year’s Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Of the 14 skiers on the U.S. team for the finals, which run through March 27, six made the podium in a World Cup race or at the world championships. And that doesn’t even include Lindsey Vonn, who ended a five-year retirement last fall after having a partial knee replacement.

But much of the focus will be on Shiffrin, who missed two months with a deep gash in her oblique muscles after crashing during the giant slalom race at the World Cup in Killington, Vermont. She’s returned to form in slalom, claiming her 100th World Cup win at the World Cup in Sestriere, Italy, last month, and will be a favorite in the slalom final next Thursday.

GS has been trickier, however, with Shiffrin acknowledging she was dealing with PTSD from the crash. She didn’t qualify for the GS race at the World Cup finals, but posted photos of herself training Thursday with the caption, ‘GS Season 2025/26 starts now… Buckle up, buttercup.’

Here’s all you need to know about the World Cup finals:

What are the World Cup finals?

The World Cup finals are the last event of the season, featuring the top men’s and women’s skiers in downhill, super-G, giant slalom and slalom races. Smaller than other World Cup races, only the top 25 men and women in each discipline qualified.

This is the last chance skiers have to earn points for the season standings, which also dictate starting list positions for next year.

Where are the World Cup finals being held?

All of the races will take place on the International Trail on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Have the World Cup finals been in the United States before?

This will be the fourth time the World Cup finals have been held in the United States since the event began in 1993. They were in Vail in 1994 and 1997, and in Aspen in 2017.

Which U.S. skiers qualified?

Shiffrin, who has more World Cup wins than any other skier in history, leads the U.S. contingent of 14 skiers. It’s a star-studded group, too. In addition to Shiffrin, who won three slalom World Cups and placed third in another, five of the other Americans had podium finishes this season.

Lauren Macuga won a super-G and got a silver in the downhill. Paula Moltzan won two giant slalom bronzes and Breezy Johnson won a downhill bronze. All three also medaled at the world championships, with Johnson winning the downhill and pairing with Shiffrin to win the team combined, Macuga claiming bronze in the super-G and Moltzan winning bronze in the slalom.

For the men, Jared Goldberg won a silver in super-G and Ryan Cochran-Siegle won a downhill bronze

What races are U.S. skiers doing?

The Americans will have at least one entrant in each race, with Macuga, Cochran-Siegle, Moltzan and Lindsey Vonn each qualifying for two races.

Here’s the lineup:

Women

Downhill: Johnson, Macuga, Vonn, Jacqueline Wiles

Super-G: Macuga, Vonn

Giant slalom: Moltzan, Katie Hensien, AJ Hurt, Nina O’Brien

Slalom: Shiffrin, Moltzan

Men

Downhill: Cochran-Siegle, Bryce Bennett

Super-G: Cochran-Siegle, Goldberg

Giant slalom: River Radamus

Slalom: Ben Ritchie

What’s the schedule?

Saturday, March 22

1 p.m. Men’s downhill

2:30 p.m. Women’s downhill

Sunday, March 23

1 p.m. Women’s super-G

2:30 p.m. Men’s super-G

Tuesday, March 25

11:30 a.m., first run, women’s giant slaom

2 p.m., second run, women’s giant slalom

Wednesday, March 26

11:30 a.m., first run, men’s giant slaom

2 p.m., second run, men’s giant slalom

Thursday, March 27

11 a.m., first run, women’s slalom

Noon, first run, men’s slalom

2 p.m., second run, women’s slalom

3 p.m., second run, men’s slalom

How can I watch the World Cup finals?

NBC will have live coverage of the World Cup finals across its various platforms, as well as a highlights show March 29. Outside+ is also streaming all of the races live.

Here’s NBC’s schedule:

Saturday, March 22

1 p.m. on NBC, Peacock

Sunday, March 23

1 p.m., NBC, Peacock

2:30 p.m. CNBC, Peacock

Tuesday, March 25

2 p.m. USA Network

Wednesday, March 26

2 p.m., USA Network

Thursday, March 27

2 p.m., USA Network

Saturday, March 29

2 p.m., NBC, Peacock

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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March Madness Friday: NBA draft prospects to watch

Duke is loaded. Not only do the top-seeded Blue Devils have three projected lottery picks, including the likely No. 1 overall pick in freshman Cooper Flagg, they have at least three other players who could get selected in the NBA’s June draft.

And Duke isn’t the only team who is playing in the NCAA men’s tournament with multiple potential draft picks. Connecticut, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois and North Carolina each have at least two players who could get drafted.

As March Madness continues on the men’s side, let’s take a look at projected draft picks who are playing in first-round games Friday:

V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor

  • Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19 years old
  • 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.5% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 77.9% FT
  • Projected pick: Top-five lottery pick

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals in 36 minutes in a Big 12 tournament victory against Kansas State and 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 36 minutes in a Big 12 tournament loss to Texas Tech.

First-round matchup: No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 9 Baylor, 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Labaron Philon, Alabama

  • Freshman, guard, 6-4, 177, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 10.9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 45.7% FG, 30.1% 3PT, 75.6% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid to late first round

Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He’s a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season with seven games against ranked opponents, going 3-4, and Philon had 15 points in an overtime victory against top-ranked Auburn on March 8. He had a team-high 21 points, four assists and three steals in an SEC tournament victory against Kentucky but just three points on 1-for-9 shooting in a conference tournament semifinals loss to Florida.

First-round matchup: No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 15 Robert Morris, Friday, 12:40 p.m. ET, tru; streaming: Sling

Nique Clifford, Colorado State

  • Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-6, 200, 23
  • 2024-25 stats: 19.0 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 50.7% FG, 39.8% 3PT, 77% FT
  • Projected pick: Late first round

Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA Tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament.

First-round matchup: No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State, Friday, 2 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling

Cooper Flagg, Duke

  • Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18
  • 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 48.8% FG, 36.8% 3PT, 83% FT
  • Projected pick: No. 1 overall

The do-it-all young star leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who has added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He is leading Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title and ACC tournament title. Flagg sprained his left ankle in Duke’s first game of the ACC tourney, missing the second half against Georgia Tech, the semifinal game against North Carolina and final against Louisville. He is available to play Friday.

First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Kon Knueppel, Duke

  • Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.2% FG, 39.2% 3PT, 91.4% FT
  • Projected pick: Top-10 lottery pick in the first round

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured.

First-round matchup: No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Khaman Maluach, Duke

  • Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
  • 2024-25 stats: 8.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 69.3% FG, 74.6% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid to late lottery pick in the first round

Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, posted 11.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game and shot 76.2% from the field in three ACC tournament games.

First-round matchup: No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Derik Queen, Maryland

  • Freshman, center, 6-10, 246, 20
  • 2024-25 stats: 16.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.9% FG, 76.8% FT
  • Projected pick: Late lottery pick in the first round

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 23 points and 10 rebounds against Illinois and 31 points and three rebounds against Michigan, shooting 56.7% from the field in Big Ten tournament games.

First-round matchup:No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon, 4:35 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling

Kam Jones, Marquette

  • Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23
  • 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.5% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 64.3% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid to late first round

All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn’t afraid of contact. He has improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a 37% shooter from deep in his four-year career. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John’s.

First-round matchup:No. 7 Marquette vs. No. 10 New Mexico, 7:25 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling

Carter Bryant, Arizona

  • Freshman, forward, 6-8, 225, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 6.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 47.4% FG, 36.6% 3PT, 67.3% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid to late first round

The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency and gets limited minutes. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft.

First-round matchup: No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Akron, 7:35 p.m. ET, truTV; streaming: Sling

Liam McNeeley, UConn

  • Freshman, forward, 6-7, 210, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 39.1% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 86.1% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid to late lottery in the first round

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He has bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year’s Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch of the regular season. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s.           

First-round matchup:No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling

Alex Karaban, UConn

  • Junior, forward, 6-8, 225, 22
  • 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.6 bpg, 43.9% FG, 35.7% 3PT, 83.9% FT
  • Projected pick: Late first round, early second round

After initially declaring for the 2024 draft, Karaban withdrew and opted to return to UConn. In the NBA, Karaban figures to be more of a complimentary player, with a knack for finding open gaps in a defense. His ability to catch and shoot should translate instantly. He shot the ball well at the end of the regular season, going 27-for-56 from the field and 12-for-26 on 3s in five games before the Big East Conference tournament. After accumulating 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a Big East tournament victory against Villanova, Karaban had just six points, one rebound and one assist in a loss to Creighton.

First-round matchup:No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling

Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

  • Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 18
  • 2024-25 stats: 17.0 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.6% FG, 27.5% 3PT, 84.5% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid to late lottery pick in the first round

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky.

First-round matchup: No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma, 9:25 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling

Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

  • Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.8% FG, 32.9% 3PT, 84.1% FT
  • Projected pick: Top-10 lottery pick in the first round

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively in the Big Ten tournament, going 1-for-6 with no assists in a victory against Iowa and scoring 15 points on 4-for-10 shooting with 10 rebounds and four assists in a loss to Maryland. He had 12 turnovers – six each game – in the conference tournament.

First-round matchup:No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Xavier, 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Will Riley, Illinois

  • Freshman, forward, 6-8, 195, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 12.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 42.9% FG, 32.1% 3PT, 71.6% FT
  • Projected pick: Late first round, early second round

Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Looks for offensive rebounds. Like many young players, he needs to improve his shot. He struggled to score in Big Ten games early in conference play but found his shooting touch as the season progressed, scoring 27 points against Minnesota, 22 against Purdue and 21 against Iowa.

First-round matchup: No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Xavier, 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Jase Richardson, Michigan State

  • Freshman, guard, 6-3, 185, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 12.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 51.2% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 84% FT
  • Projected pick: Late lottery, mid-first round

Richardson has improved as the season has progressed and has turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He ended the regular season and Big Ten conference tournament as a starter and perhaps the most important player for the Spartans. He is the son of former Michigan State star and NBA player Jason Richardson, a two-time dunk contest champion and 14-year veteran.

First-round matchup: No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Bryant, 10 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling

Drake Powell, North Carolina

  • Freshman, guard-forward, 6-6, 195, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 49.5% FG, 37.4% 3PT, 64.8% FT
  • Projected pick: Late first round, early second round

Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential.

First-round matchup: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina, 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling

Ian Jackson, North Carolina

  • Freshman, guard, 6-4, 190, 20
  • 2024-25 stats: 12.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 46% FG, 40% 3PT, 72.8% FT
  • Projected pick: Late first round, early second round

An athletic scoring guard, Jackson has a jump shot, likes getting to the rim and uses his quickness in the open court. Has strength and initiates contact. Crafty at the rim in tight spaces. His scoring and shooting fluctuated but he was a key player during the Tar Heels’ late-season push to get into the NCAA Tournament and is North Carolina’s second-leading scorer.

First-round matchup: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina, 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling

Isaiah Evans, Duke

  • Freshman, guard-forward, 6-6, 175, 19
  • 2024-25 stats: 7.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 44.6% FG, 43.9% 3PT, 81.3% FT
  • Projected pick: Late first round, early second round

On a loaded Blue Devils team, Evans is an outstanding shooter with a role and minutes that vary game to game. He had a nice stretch late in the season scoring 17, 17, 16 and 19 points in consecutive games.

First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Tyrese Proctor, Duke

  • Junior, guard, 6-6, 183, 21
  • 2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.1% FG, 38.2% 3PT, 69.7% FT
  • Projected pick: Early to mid second round

Proctor struggled with his 3-point shot late in the season – 12-for-43 in Duke’s eight games before the NCAA Tournament began – however, he was 6-for-14 on 3s with 19 points against Louisville in the ACC championship game.

First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

Sion James, Duke

  • Fifth year, guard, 6-6, 220, 22
  • 2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 53.2% FG, 42.2% 3PT, 82.1% FT
  • Projected pick: Second round

James, who played four seasons at Tulane before joining Duke, is another one of the Blue Devils’ strong shooters who makes the most of his offensive opportunities. He finished the regular season and ACC tournament strong, scoring 16 points and 12 points in two games against North Carolina and 15 points against Louisville in the ACC title game.

First-round matchup:No. 1 Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS; streaming: Fubo, Paramount+

PJ Haggerty, Memphis

  • Sophomore, guard, 6-3, 191, 21
  • 2024-25 stats: 21.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.8 spg, 48.4% FG, 38.1% 3PT, 81.9% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid second round

Haggerty, who led Memphis in scoring and was the American Athletic Conference player of the year, had 23 games with at least 20 points, including 42 against Wichita State in the AAC tournament.

First-round matchup:No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State, Friday, 2 p.m. ET, TBS; streaming: Sling

Augustas Marciulionis, Saint Mary’s

  • Senior, guard, 6-4, 200, 23
  • 2024-25 stats: 14.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 3.0 rpg, 1.4 spg, 44.9% FG, 34.8% 3PT, 79.6% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid to late second round

Marciulionis is the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Sarunas Marciulionis. He was named West Coast Conference player of the year for the second consecutive season.

First-round matchup: No. 7 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt, 3:15 p.m. ET, truTV; streaming: Sling

Alex Condon, Florida

  • Sophomore, forward-center, 6-11, 230, 20
  • 2024-25 stats: 11.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50.2% FG, 32.7% 3PT, 61.3% FT
  • Projected pick: First round, early second round

On a roster filled with talent, Condon provides scoring and rebounding with eight double-doubles this season, including 27 points and 10 rebounds in a late-season victory against Alabama.

First-round matchup: No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling

Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

  • Senior, guard, 6-3, 195, 22
  • 2024-25 stats: 17.5 ppg, 4.3 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 spg, 44.4% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 85.7% FT
  • Projected pick: Mid second round

Clayton led the Gators in scoring and averaged 20.7 points and shot 50% on 3s in the SEC tournament, scoring 22 points against Tennessee in the championship game.

First-round matchup: No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT; streaming: Sling

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Panama stuns USMNT in Nations League semifinals with last-minute goal

The U.S. men’s national team simply cannot solve Panama, who came up with yet another win between the sides in Thursday’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal.

Los Canaleros came up with an absolutely stunning late goal from Cecilio Waterman to down the USMNT at SoFi Stadium, condemning Mauricio Pochettino’s side to its first-ever loss in a Nations League knockout-round match.

In one of its biggest tests before the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, the USMNT held Panama to just three shots, but the Coquimbo Unido forward’s goal five minutes into second-half stoppage time was precisely the kind of moment of class the U.S. lacked throughout.

Pochettino may well be under pressure after leaving attacking-third specialists like Gio Reyna on the bench, especially after the USMNT saw attack after attack end against a wall of white Panama shirts.

It extends a recent run of Panamanian success against the USMNT as well. Los Canaleros eliminated the USMNT on penalties at the 2023 Gold Cup, and condemned them to a shock Copa América loss that resulted in Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal. Panama has defeated the U.S. just four times in 29 meetings, but two of those wins have come in the last nine months.

For a full recap of Thursday’s action, click here Pro Soccer Wire‘s live blog of the match.

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Meet the 2025 women’s March Madness coaches who played in WNBA

A champion will be crowned in the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament on April 6. A little more than a week later, some of the college basketball stars of March Madness will turn the page and start the next phase of their career at the 2025 WNBA draft.

Dawn Staley has been on this path before. Before Staley was the head coach of South Carolina women’s basketball, she was a star athlete for the Virginia Cavaliers. She parlayed her collegiate success into a lengthy WNBA career and three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women’s team. Staley’s experience at winning at all levels has translated to her coaching, helping South Carolina win three national championships in seven years, including the most recent one in 2024.

Staley is not the only coach in the 2025 women’s March Madness field who has WNBA experience. From Staley to Duke’s Kara Lawson, here’s a list of former WNBA players coaching in the 2025 NCAA Tournament:

WOMEN’S MARCH MADNESS: Bracket predictions and expert picks for 2025 NCAA Tournament

Dawn Staley, South Carolina

  • College: Virginia (1988–1992)
  • WNBA: Charlotte Sting (1999–2005), Houston Comets (2005–06)

Staley led the Virginia Cavaliers to four NCAA tournaments, three Final Fours (1990-92) and one national championship game (1991) during her collegiate career. She was named the 1991 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player – despite her team losing the national title to Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Volunteers – and the Naismith College Player of the Year for two consecutive years (1991, 1992).

Staley was drafted by the Charlotte Sting with the ninth overall pick of the 1999 WNBA draft. She earned six All-Star nods during her eight-year career and was later named to the WNBA’s 10th and 15th Anniversary Teams in 2006 and 2011, respectively. Staley also won three Olympic gold medals with the Team USA (1996, 2000, 2004).

Staley began her head coaching career at Temple in 2000, while she was still playing in the WNBA and remained there for eight seasons, taking the Owls to the NCAA Tournament six times. She took over as the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecoks in 2008 and has led the Gamecocks to three national titles (2017, 2022, 2024).

Kara Lawson, Duke

  • College: Tennessee (1999–2003)
  • WNBA: Sacramento Monarchs (2003–09), Connecticut Sun (2010–13), Washington Mystics (2014–15)

Lawson played for legendary head coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee and went to one Sweet Sixteen (2001), one Final Four (2002) and two national championship games with the Lady Volunteers, although Tennessee dropped both title games to UConn.

Lawson was selected by the Detroit Shock with the fifth overall pick in 2003 and was immediately traded to the Sacramento Monarchs, where she was key member in the team’s 2005 WNBA championship run. She earned an All-Star nod in 2007 and won gold with Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she had a team-high 15 points in the gold-medal game against Australia.

Lawson was an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics (2019-2020), before taking over as the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils in 2020.

Niele Ivey, Notre Dame

  • College: Notre Dame (1996–2001)
  • WNBA: Indiana Fever (2001–04), Phoenix Mercury (2005), Detroit Shock (2005)

Ivey has been to college basketball’s promised land. She led the Fighting Irish to their first NCAA women’s national championship in 2001 as a player under then-head coach Muffet McGraw and was named to the All-Tournament team. Ivey was then selected by Indiana Fever in the second round of the 2001 WNBA draft with the 19th overall pick.

Ivey spent five years in the league before transitioning into coaching. She got her coaching career started at Xavier as an assistant (2005-07) and returned to her alma mater as an assistant under McGraw (2007–19). Ivey took over as head coach in 2020 after McGraw retired.

Fun Fact: Ivey is the mother of son Jaden Ivey, who was drafted fifth overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2022.

Brooke Wyckoff, Florida State

  • College: Florida State (1997–2001)
  • WNBA: Orlando Miracle (2001–02), Connecticut Sun (2003-05), Chicago Sky (2006–09)

Wyckoff is another player who returned to coach at their alma mater. Wyckoff was a star forward at Florida State, picking up ACC All-Defensive Team honors in 2000 and 2001.

She was drafted with the 26th overall pick of the 2001 WNBA draft by the Orlando Miracle and spent time with the Connecticut Sun (after the team move from Orlando) and Chicago Sky during her eight-year career. She notably hit a 3-pointer with two seconds left in Game 2 of the 2005 WNBA Finals between the Sun and the Monarchs to send the game to overtime. The Sun went on to win the game, but lost the championship series, 3-1.

Wyckoff retired in 2009 after tearing her ACL and went into coaching. She joined her alma mater as an assistant coach under her former head coach, Sue Semrau. Wyckoff was named interim head coach of the Florida State women’s basketball team during the 2020-21 season when Semrau had to take a leave of absence. She became the Seminoles full-time head coach in 2022 when Semrau retired.

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Washington Spirit to announce multi-year deal with CVS Health

The Washington Spirit and CVS Health will announce Friday a three-year partnership renewal that is among the most valuable deals in the National Women’s Soccer League, according to a statement from the club.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed aside from it being a ‘multimillion-dollar investment in the club and women’s sports.’

As part of the deal, the Spirit, who lost in the 2024 NWSL playoff championship, will continue to wear the CVS Health logo on both their home and away uniforms. The announcement comes ahead of the Spirit’s first home game of the 2025 NWSL season at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday against the Kansas City Current.

‘Our partnership renewal with CVS Health goes beyond a business deal — it is a validation of where our team, league and women’s sports as a whole are headed,” Washington Spirit Owner Michele Kang said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY. ‘When you have influential, national brands like CVS Health recognizing the trajectory of our club and wanting to be an integral part of our growth, it is a testament to the sport’s increasing relevance in both business and American culture.’ 

CVS Health has been a kit sponsor of the Spirit since 2020. The new 2025 kit ‘Shockwave’ was made by Nike and has two new shades of green added to the signature neon yellow.

The partnership includes CVS Health committing to ‘support community programs that empower women and improve community health,’ according to the statement. The stadium will host ‘CVS Health Day’ Oct. 18, which will include ‘health-related initiatives and programming emphasizing women’s health.’

‘We think it’s the right place to be, and the right team to support,’ Melissa Schulman, senior vice president of government and public affairs for CVS Health, told USA TODAY. ‘We don’t necessarily think about it (as), ‘What’s the ROI on the jersey?”

Instead, Schulman said they entered the partnership with ‘eyes wide open’ years ago, viewing it somewhat as a startup investment that would pay dividends in the future and was a good fit for the company’s goals of helping adults and children make healthy choices. And, ‘it just felt right,’ she said.

Recognition of the Spirit’s stadium and operations teams, along with local CVS store employees, will continue. One stadium employee will also be honored for their commitment and customer service during a ceremony before each home game.

The Spirit say the partnership will also include player panels with CVS branding inside and outside Audi Field, along with in-game Field LEDs displaying the CVS Health logo and tagline message, ‘Healthier Happens Together.’

‘From the beginning, our partnership with CVS Health has been rooted in community impact,’ Spirit CEO Kim Stone said in the statement, ‘and setting a new standard for what’s possible through women’s sports.’

USA TODAY reporter Jason Anderson contributed to this report.

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Hydrogen Stocks: 9 Biggest Companies

Hydrogen stocks are benefiting from cleantech sector momentum as the world moves closer to a green energy future.

The most abundant element on Earth, hydrogen is a colorless gas. It can be produced in liquid form and burned to generate electricity, or combined with oxygen atoms in fuel cells. In this way, hydrogen — which produces no carbon emissions — can replace fossil fuels in household heating, transportation and industrial processes such as steel manufacturing.

Rising demand for carbon-free energy sources alongside significant new government policies are driving growth in the hydrogen market. Grand View Research projects that the global hydrogen-generation market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3 percent from 2024 to 2030, reaching US$317.39 billion by the end of the forecast period.

It’s worth noting that the downside to hydrogen as a clean energy source is that 99 percent of the hydrogen fuel currently in production is derived from power generated by coal or gas. To combat this problem, some companies are pursuing green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting hydrogen atoms from oxygen using electrolyzers powered by renewable energy.

The hydrogen stocks on this list are focused on a diverse range of sectors in the hydrogen space, including: low-carbon hydrogen gas production, green hydrogen technology and production, hydrogen fuel cell companies, and hydrogen distribution and storage.

US hydrogen stocks

The US hydrogen market is well established, accounting for “more than half the world’s fuel cell vehicles, 25,000 fuel cell material handling vehicles, more than 8,000 small scale fuel systems in 40 states, and more than 550 MW of large-scale fuel cell power installed or planned,” according to the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association.

The US was also the top exporter of hydrogen in 2023 with US$2.15 billion in exports based on data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).

Looking at the medium to long term, the use of hydrogen as a fuel source is expected to grow. While the strong government incentives enacted under former US President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, such as a production tax credit, may be on the ropes under the Trump Administration, there is still optimism among industry leaders.

1. Linde (NYSE:LIN)

Company Profile

Market cap: US$213.49 billion
Share price: US$453.26

Leading global industrial gases and engineering company Linde has been producing hydrogen for more than a century and is a pioneer in new hydrogen production technologies. Linde’s operations cover each step of the hydrogen value chain, from production and processing through distribution and storage. The company also uses its gases for industrial and consumer applications.

Globally, the company has more than 500 hydrogen production plants. Through its ITM Linde Electrolysis joint venture, Linde has become one of the world’s leading suppliers of green hydrogen produced using proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer technologies. This also makes it one of the few green hydrogen stocks.

In August 2024, Linde signed a US$2 billion long-term supply agreement to supply clean hydrogen to Dow (NYSE:DOW) subsidiary Dow Canada’s Path2Zero project in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

In response to the regulatory uncertainties under the Trump Administration, Linde announced in its Q4 2024 earnings call that 90 percent of its US clean hydrogen projects will be focused on blue hydrogen, which is created by reforming natural gas with carbon capture storage. Blue hydrogen is more cost effective to produce, and although it is not zero emission like green hydrogen, it is more environmentally friendly than grey hydrogen produced with coal.

2. Air Products & Chemicals (NYSE:APD)

Company Profile

Market cap: US$65.32 billion
Share price: US$292.85

Founded in 1940, Air Products & Chemicals sells industrial gases and chemicals and provides related equipment and expertise to a wide range of industries, including the refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage segments.

In addition to producing oxygen, nitrogen, argon and helium, the company operates more than 100 hydrogen plants and maintains the world’s largest hydrogen distribution network. Air Products has an extensive hydrogen-dispensing technology patent portfolio and has been involved in more than 250 hydrogen-fueling projects worldwide.

Air Products also has a joint venture project now under construction with ACWA Power (SR:2082) and NEOM Company in Saudi Arabia. Called the NEOM Green Hydrogen Complex, the operation will be powered by 4 gigawatts of renewable power from solar and wind to produce 600 metric tons per day of carbon-free hydrogen, which it says will be delivered in the form of green ammonia. Once production begins at the complex in 2026, Air Products will be the sole off-taker and plans to deliver the green ammonia to Europe’s transport sector.

Air Products’ Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, its largest US investment, is also making headway, with first production expected in 2028. The complex will produce blue hydrogen for power mobility and industrial markets in the Gulf Coast region and other markets.

3. Cummins (NYSE:CMI)

Company Profile

Market cap: US$43.71 billion
Share price: US$312.92

Indianapolis-based Cummins designs, manufactures and distributes engines, filtration and power-generation products with a specialization in diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators.

In March 2023, the company announced the launch of a new brand, Accelera, which features “a diverse portfolio of zero-emissions solutions, includ(ing) battery systems, fuel cells, ePowertrain systems and electrolyzers.” The brand encompasses Cummins’ established battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell systems, as well as electrolyzers for hydrogen refueling stations. Shortly after, Accelera began production at its first US electrolyzer facility, located in the state of Minnesota.

The hydrogen fuel cell company showcased its next generation B6.7H hydrogen engine at the April 2024 Intermat Sustainable Construction Solutions and Technology Exhibition in Paris. The following month heralded the launch of Accelera’s next-gen hydrogen fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles, specifically the FCE300 and FCE150 fuel cell engines.

Accelera inked a deal in February 2025 to supply a 100 megawatt PEM electrolyzer system for BP’s (NYSE:BP,LSE:BP) Lingen green hydrogen project in Germany. The system is Accelera’s largest to date and uses its HyLYZER PEM electrolyzer technology.

Canadian hydrogen stocks

Like its neighbor to the south, Canada is a world leader in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, especially when it comes to innovation, research and development. The country reportedly generates C$200 million in hydrogen technology exports according to data from January 2023. In terms of the global hydrogen market, the country exported $385 million worth of hydrogen in 2023, ranking ninth overall according to the OEC.

The federal government is heavily invested in the sector both in terms of funding and the implementation of clean energy policies. “The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada laid out a framework that focuses low-carbon hydrogen as a tool to achieve our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, while creating jobs, growing our economy, expanding exports and protecting our environment,’ Natural Resources Canada states.

In British Columbia, the Government of Canada invested C$9.4 billion to launch a new Clean Hydrogen Hub that will use electrolyzer technology and hydroelectricity to generate hydrogen that can be sold to industry users.

On the global stage, Canada and its trading partner Germany have agreed to each commit C$300 million for a total of C$600 million to launch Atlantic Canada’s hydrogen export industry, which will send hydrogen to Germany. However, delays due to factors including high hydrogen prices and inflation as well as lack of infrastructure have pushed the expected start of exports back from 2025.

1. Ballard Power Systems (TSX:BLDP)

Company Profile

Market cap: C$526.98 million
Share price: C$1.82

Ballard Power Systems is a global leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology and is working to accelerate the adoption of this technology. The company develops and manufactures PEM fuel cell products that create electrical energy from the combination of hydrogen and air. Ballard’s products are designed for heavy-duty trucks, buses, trains and marine applications, as well as backup power storage.

Two of Ballard’s 200 kilowatt fuel cell modules are located on the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry, operated by Norwegian company Norled. The company is also supplying hydrogen fuel cell modules to global carbon-reduction company First Mode; they will be used to power several hybrid hydrogen and battery ultra-class mining haul trucks.

In January 2024, Ballard secured a supply contract for a minimum of 100 of its FCmove-HD+ modules to NFI Group to be used in the latter’s New Flyer next generation Xcelsior CHARGE FC hydrogen fuel cell buses, which will be deployed across the US and Canada. The company also announced in April 2024 that it had secured its largest order ever — 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines to be supplied to European bus manufacturer Solaris.

Ballard signed a multi-year supply agreement with an Egypt-based company named Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles, in which Ballard will supply 50 FCmove-HD+ fuel cell engines to support projects in the European Union with deliveries expected between 2025 and 2026.

2. Westport Fuel Systems (TSX:WPRT)

Company Profile

Market cap: C$91.5 million
Share price: C$5.07

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Westport Fuel Systems supplies advanced alternative fuel delivery components and systems to the transportation industry worldwide. This includes its high pressure direct injection (HPDI) fuel system for commercial vehicles, which can run on biogas, natural gas, hydrogen and other alternative fuel products.

The company has operations in partnership with leading global transportation brands across more than 70 countries across Europe, Asia, North America and South America.

One of those partners is Swedish automaker Volvo Group (STO:VOLV-B). The two firms are working together to commercialize Westport’s HPDI fuel system technology for long-haul and off-road applications that will use renewable fuels now and hydrogen in the future.

Westport is also working with a leading global provider locomotive original equipment manufacturer on a two-year proof of concept project to adapt its hydrogen HPDI fuel system for use with the company’s engine design. The project is fully funded by the locomotive company.

3. Tidewater Renewables (TSX:LCFS)

Company Profile

Market cap: C$90.25 million
Share price: C$2.32

Tidewater Renewables produces renewable diesel and hydrogen at its facilities located near Prince George in BC, Canada. The plant has a nameplate capacity of 3,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and 23.7 metric tons per day of hydrogen. It began production during Q4 2023 using feedstock that included soybean and canola oil.

Tidewater is now focused on expanding operations at the site to produce sustainable aviation fuel, targeting 2028 for first production.

Australian hydrogen stocks

Australia is another important hotspot for investing in hydrogen. The Australian Government says that ‘over AU$200 billion is currently in the investment pipeline for hydrogen and derivatives,’ accounting for 20 percent of announced renewable hydrogen projects worldwide.

The Australian government’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which it updated in 2023, highlights its intention to position the country as a “major player” in the global hydrogen market by 2030. To this end, Australia has partnered with a number of other nations on hydrogen technology.

Australia and Germany are working together on a hydrogen technology development program that will help Australia build out its capacity to export hydrogen to Germany as it seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Through a partnership with Japan, Australia is developing new hydrogen fuel cell technology and looking to establish the world’s first clean liquefied hydrogen export pilot project, and its government has invested more than AU$500 million in the development of regional hydrogen hubs across the country.

In May 2024, the Australian government announced an AU$22.7 billion package to bolster the country’s domestic manufacturing and renewable energy sector, including AU$6.7 billion for renewable hydrogen production starting in mid-year 2028 through the 2039/2040 fiscal year.

1. Gold Hydrogen (ASX:GHY)

Company Profile

Market cap: AU$70.29 million
Share price: AU$0.45

Gold Hydrogen is an exploration and development company with a focus on making new hydrogen and helium discoveries in South Australia using recorded government data with modern exploration techniques.

During initial drill work conducted at its Ramsey project in 2023, Gold Hydrogen reconfirmed the historical figures for hydrogen while demonstrating new purity levels of up to 86 percent. Additionally, strong levels of up to 17.5 percent purity helium were found.

In August 2024, Gold Hydrogen reported high concentrations of hydrogen and helium at surface. Using new seismic information, the company has identified sites for its first wells, which it intends to drill beginning in 2025. “To have an initial world first to see Hydrogen and Helium to surface is very exciting for our further ongoing exploration and drilling programs in even better locations,” Gold Hydrogen Managing Director Neil McDonald stated.

Gold Hydrogen announced in February 2025 that it had received a AU$6.45 million research and development tax refund associated with its natural hydrogen and helium exploration activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. The refund will help fund the company’s 2025 work to delineate the hydrogen and helium accumulation at Ramsey.

2. Hazer Group (ASX:HZR)

Company Profile

Market cap: AU$67.93 million
Share price: AU$0.30

Technology development company Hazer Group is working to commercialize the HAZER Process, a low-emission hydrogen and graphite production process initially developed at the University of Western Australia. It uses iron ore as a process catalyst to convert natural gas and similar feedstocks into hydrogen for use as an industrial chemical and in fuel cells, as well as into high-quality synthetic graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries.

Hazer started operations at its commercial demonstration plant in early 2024 and it is now producing hydrogen and graphitic carbon.

In May 2024, the company inked an agreement with Canadian utility FortisBC for the development of a hydrogen production facility in British Columbia that will use Hazer’s proprietary technology. The proposed commercial production facility will have a design capacity of up to 2,500 metric tons per year of clean hydrogen and approximately 9,500 metric tons per year of Hazer graphite.

The company announced in March 2025 that it had successfully completing its commercial reactor test program, validating a commercial scale-up reactor design. ‘The equipment was designed to mimic key aspects of the Hazer Process for producing hydrogen and graphite at commercial scale, and the completion of this testing is a major milestone for the government support from CleanBC,’ the press release states.

3. Pure Hydrogen (ASX:PH2)

Company Profile

Market cap: AU$25.77 million
Share price: AU$0.08

Pure Hydrogen is focused on becoming a leading producer and supplier of hydrogen and hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered vehicles such as buses and waste collection vehicles. The company has several partnerships with companies for its technology. Pure Hydrogen’s hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered Prime Mover truck was displayed at the Brisbane Truck Show last year.

Pure Hydrogen has a 40 percent stake in the Turquoise Group, an Australian clean energy company, as well as exclusive long-term acquisition rights for the company’s future hydrogen production. Turquoise Group announced in May 2024 that it had produced the first graphene powder and hydrogen during testing at its commercial demonstration plant in Brisbane, Queensland. In August 2024, Pure Hydrogen registered Australia’s first hydrogen-powered semi-truck, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell 110kW 6×4 Prime Mover.

Pure Hydrogen’s majority-owned subsidiary HDrive confirmed in January 2025 that it had sold two Taurus 70 metric ton hydrogen fuel cell prime movers to Australian logistics services provider TOLL Transport as part of a broader AU$2 million package. The vehicles are slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of the calendar year.

FAQS for hydrogen investing

Which is better: EVs or hydrogen?

According to research from TWI Global, there are pros and cons to both electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen vehicles. In terms of range and charging time, hydrogen beats electric hands down. However, while a hydrogen-powered vehicle doesn’t need much time to refuel compared to an EV, there is still much more EV charging infrastructure currently available compared to hydrogen fueling stations. EVs are also cheaper to purchase than hydrogen vehicles. As far as safety and emissions are concerned, it’s a draw between the two.

Why does Elon Musk not like hydrogen?

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has used hydrogen to fuel its rockets, and in 2023 Musk talked about hydrogen playing an important role in industrial applications, such as steelmaking. However, he has balked at the idea of hydrogen fueling vehicles, calling fuel cells “fool sells.” Speaking at a Financial Times conference in May 2022, Musk said, “It’s important to understand that if you want a means of energy storage, hydrogen is a bad choice.”

Starting in 2024, rumors began spreading that Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) was planning to launch a Tesla Model H powered by hydrogen, but they have been proven false.

Why is Toyota investing in hydrogen?

Toyota (NYSE:TM,TSE:7203) first invested in hydrogen fuel cell technology in 1992 as its executives saw clean energy as the future of transport. However, with EVs dominating the clean car space, the automaker began to shift its focus to compete with its peers. Toyota brought its newest hydrogen-powered vehicle to market in the fall of 2023 — a revamped Crown sedan that also has a hybrid-electric version. The following year, the auto maker introduced the first prototype of its Toyota Hilux trucks with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.

In 2025, Toyota shared its long-term strategy for developing hydrogen passenger vehicles as well as hydrogen technologies for long-haul freight.

Who is the leader in hydrogen energy?

Some countries leading in green and blue hydrogen production are the US, Germany and Canada. Many countries around the world have released clean hydrogen strategies, including the US, Canada and many countries in the Europe Union. However, clean hydrogen production is still in the early phases as countries develop infrastructure.

Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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NASA Astronauts Return to Earth on SpaceX Capsule After Nine Month Saga

A SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, as well as NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbuno, landed off the Florida coast at 5:57 p.m. EDT on Tuesday (March 18).

This marked the end of a nine month saga for the two astronauts that began last June, when they departed to the International Space Station (ISS) for an eight day mission to test Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) Starliner for future crewed missions.

The astronauts’ prolonged stay and their eventual rescue by SpaceX has undeniably propelled discussions about the reliability and expanded role of commercial entities in space travel.

Boeing Starliner issues and SpaceX rescue mission

Wilmore and Williams’ mission was the Starliner’s first crewed flight, and they were supposed to return after eight days. After they landed on the ISS on June 6, 2024, NASA delayed their return due to technical issues with the Starliner.

NASA had detected a helium leak shortly before launching the Starliner, but proceeded with the mission. However, the spacecraft experienced additional helium leaks and thruster failures during docking. Due to uncertainty about thruster reliability during reentry, NASA opted for an uncrewed return to Earth.

NASA then turned to SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space exploration startup, and began preparations for the crew to return on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. At that time, NASA expected the astronauts to return to Earth in February 2025, but subsequent technical delays led to a revised launch date from earth on March 11.

Wilmore and Williams made the most of their prolonged stay on the ISS, conducting 150 experiments, the CBC reports. Williams also broke the record for total spacewalking time by a female astronaut.

NASA and SpaceX postponed the flight again until March 14 due to an issue with the ground equipment used to support the flight. In the end, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket carrying its Dragon craft left Earth from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center at 7:03 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 14, arriving at the ISS roughly 29 hours later on Sunday, March 16. The Dragon undocked from the ISS to bring the mission home a few days later on Tuesday at 1:05 a.m., landing back on Earth later that day.

“On behalf of Crew-9, I’d like to say it was a privilege to call the station home, to live and work and to be a part of a mission and a team that spans the globe, working together in cooperation for the benefit of humanity,” Hague said as the capsule undocked. “Crew-9 going home.”

Private companies’ growing role in space travel

The successful return of Wilmore and Williams highlights the growing role of private companies in space travel. The aging ISS, slated for decommissioning due to escalating maintenance, helped provide the impetus for this new era.

In June 2023, the US Biden administration awarded SpaceX a contract valued at US$843 million to build a spacecraft that will guide the ISS out of orbit, allowing it to break up upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

While the mission is slated for 2030, Musk advocated in February for completion within two years. ‘It has served its purpose,’ he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. ‘There is very little incremental utility. Let’s go to Mars.’

His push for speed comes as competition in the commercial space sector rises. Multiple delays and technical challenges faced by Boeing’s Starliner program have created opportunities for private companies like SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to expand their presence and capabilities in the commercial space sector. SpaceX is also developing its Starship reusable launch vehicle, intended for a range of purposes, including travel to the Moon and Mars.

2025 has seen numerous high-profile launches and tests, with each launch representing a strategic step in the broader space race. Blue Origin successfully completed the inaugural launch of its New Glenn rocket in January. SpaceX has also conducted two test flights of its Starship rocket so far this year, although both exploded after launch. Four of eight Starship tests have been successful since its first test in 2023, with the next slated for April.

US-China space race and Musk-Trump conflict of interest

Competition between the US and China for strategic dominance in space has intensified since China’s Chang’e-4 mission achieved the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the Moon in January 2019.

This was a significant technological achievement that demonstrated the capabilities of China’s space program, which benefits from consistent investment by the government.

Conversely, while NASA remains a substantial recipient of government funding, the amount has fluctuated over the decades, leading to periods of constrained budgets. Recognizing the potential for innovation and efficiency, NASA has progressively incorporated commercial partnerships into its programs.

The Artemis program — NASA’s lunar exploration program that directly competes with China’s Chang’e — demonstrates this strategic shift through its collaboration with SpaceX for the Human Landing System. SpaceX has also taken a more active role in providing crew and cargo transportation to the ISS, as well as launch services for various NASA missions.

Musk’s financial support to US President Donald Trump’s campaign sparked concerns over the potential influence the billionaire would have over NASA-related decisions, including funding allocation. Trump’s actions since taking office in January fueled these concerns further — Trump chose Jared Isaacman, a close friend of Musk and a billionaire with no government experience, to head NASA. His appointment not been confirmed by the US Senate at this time.

Subsequent decisions, such as the closure of two NASA offices and NASA laying off significant portions of its workforce to comply with the administration, have intensified concerns about the agency’s future direction and the extent to which private interests may be shaping its priorities. These actions have collectively stoked apprehension about a potential conflict of interest due to Musk’s involvement and the consequences for the agency’s independence and public trust.

Since the November US election results, Musk’s private companies have increased in value significantly. SpaceX’s value alone rose by 67 percent to US$350 billion after a secondary share sale in December 2024.

While purchasing shares of privately held SpaceX is not an option for many investors, those who qualify as accredited investors can invest in a SpaceX funding round. Additionally, accredited investors can access shares through secondary markets, which are platforms where existing shareholders of a private company can buy and sell their shares.

Caplight analysis shows the secondary market has increased the collective value of Musk’s private companies — including SpaceX, xAI, the Boring Company and Neuralink — by 45 percent since the US election.

Javier Avalos, CEO of the trading platform, told Bloomberg that investors are willing to pay more than the latest offer price to acquire shares of SpaceX. Caplight states in its reporting that special purpose vehicles (SPVs), which are legal entities often created to pool investments from multiple contributors, accounted for 43 percent of the total secondary transaction volume in Q4 2024. That’s compared to just 12 percent in 2023.

A March 8 Financial Times article states that three anonymous Chinese asset managers shared they had sold over US$30 million in shares of Musk’s private companies over the past two years to Chinese investors using SPVs.

The sources alleged that Chinese asset managers are promoting Musk’s relationship with Trump “as an enticement to raise capital,’ adding that the asset managers tell their clients that SPVs “are specifically designed to avoid disclosure.”

However, the sources said the investments are primarily profit-driven has little connection with technology transfer or influencing public policy. Rather, Chinese investors have utilized SPVs to mitigate public disclosure risks. “Risks do exist because we are not sure how bad US-China relations will become in the next few years,” one source told the outlet.

Investor takeaway

The successful return of the Crew-9 astronauts aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule highlights the increasing role of private companies in space travel. This event, coupled with the growing competition in the commercial space sector and strategic shifts in NASA’s approach, signifies a new era in space exploration.

Moreover, the high valuation and investor interest in companies like SpaceX, despite the challenges and competition, further underscores the dynamism and potential of this evolving industry.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Nolan Watson: Gold Cycle Reset Upward, Price High and Going Higher

Nolan Watson, president and CEO of Sandstorm Gold (TSX:SSL,NYSE:SAND), discusses the outlook for his company, as well has his broader thoughts on gold.

Even as the yellow metal trades at or near all-time highs, he sees further gains ahead.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Silver Crown Confirms Receipt of Royalty Payments and Provides Update

(TheNewswire)

TORONTO, ON TheNewswire – March 21, 2025 Silver Crown Royalties Inc. ( Cboe: SCRI, OTCQX: SLCRF, BF: QS0 ) ( ‘Silver Crown’ ‘SCRi’ the ‘Corporation’ or the ‘Company’ ) is pleased to announce the receipt of payments on its producing royalties. PPX Mining Corp. (‘ PPX ‘) has paid the royalty due to SCRi for the period ending March 31, 2025 in full in the amount of US$40,672.70 several weeks before it was due. Additionally, Elk Gold Mining Corp. (‘ Elk Gold ‘), a wholly owned subsidiary of Gold Mountain Mining Corp. (‘ GMTN ‘), has paid the first C$29,811.99 of its royalty payment due for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Pursuant to a letter agreement dated February 5, 2025, SCRi agreed to delay Elk Gold’s payment of the residual $30,070.25 royalty payment due to SCRi for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 until March 31, 2025.  SCRi anticipates that Elk Gold will pay this residual amount owing on or before March 31, 2025.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, GMTN announced financial and operating results for the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2025. Highlights from the three months ended January 31 st , 2025 include gold sales of 291 oz from 10,055 tonnes delivered grading at an average of 1.23 g/t. Low production results realized during the period were directly attributable to the planned winter work program, which substantially reduced operations throughout the quarter. As a result, production from the Elk Gold Project is consistent with the reduced activity level. The combination of lower stripping volumes and anticipated lower gold production in Q4 2025 resulted in reduced unit costs compared to Q4 2024.

Historically, the silver to gold ratio at the Elk Gold mine was 2:1, implying silver production of approximately 573 oz during the period. SCRi’s royalty agreement with Elk Gold provides for a minimum quarterly royalty payment equal to the cash equivalent of 1,500 ounces of silver, almost 300% of the current quarterly silver output at the mine. Although part of GMTN’s update noted that its current technical report on the Elk Gold Project should not be relied upon, the minimum delivery ounces will remain unchanged while the Elk Gold Project remains in operation.

Peter Bures, Silver Crown’s Chief Executive Officer commented, ‘We are thankful to PPX for their early royalty payment to SCRi, which showcases the successful ongoing operations at Igor 4. We are also encouraged by GMTN’s payment as mining at Elk resumes following the winter work program. We remain committed to supporting our partners and greatly value the collaborative endeavors that contribute to our collective achievements. Furthermore, we wish to underscore the efficacy of our minimum delivery provision, which has proven instrumental in mitigating additional downside risk associated with operating mines.’

ABOUT Silver Crown Royalties INC.

Founded by industry veterans, Silver Crown Royalties ( Cboe: SCRI | OTCQX: SLCRF | BF: QS0 ) is a publicly traded, silver royalty company. Silver Crown (SCRi) currently has four silver royalties of which three are revenue-generating. Its business model presents investors with precious metals exposure that allows for a natural hedge against currency devaluation while minimizing the negative impact of cost inflation associated with production. SCRi endeavors to minimize the economic impact on mining projects while maximizing returns for shareholders. For further information, please contact:

Silver Crown Royalties Inc.

Peter Bures, Chairman and CEO

Telephone: (416) 481-1744

Email: pbures@silvercrownroyalties.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain ‘forward looking statements’ and certain ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘continue’, ‘plans’ or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, SCRi anticipates that Elk Gold will pay this residual amount owing on or before March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions; the absence of control over mining operations from which SCRi will purchase gold and other metals or from which it will receive royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; SCRi’s ability to enter into definitive agreements and close proposed royalty transactions; the inherent uncertainties related to the valuations ascribed by SCRi to its royalty interests; problems inherent to the marketability of gold and other metals; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of the primary commodities mined at such operations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in interest rates; government entities interpreting existing tax legislation or enacting new tax legislation in a way which adversely affects SCRi; stock market volatility; regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on SCRi’s business, operations and financial condition, loss of key employees. SCRi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SCRi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

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