SPORTS ON TV

(All times Eastern) Thursday, May 23

Hockey National Hockey League 8:30 p.m.

TNT/TRU/MAX — Edmonton at Dallas

Basketball National Basketball Assoc. 8 p.m.

ESPN — Indiana at Boston

WNBA 7 p.m.

AMZN — Chicago at N.Y. Liberty

10 p.m.

AMZN — Washington at Phoenix

Baseball

Major League Baseball 12:35 p.m.

MLBN — Seattle at N.Y. Yankees MLBN — San Francisco at Pittsburgh

1:10 p.m.

ESPN+ — San Diego at Cincinnati

2:20 p.m.

MLBN — Atlanta at Chicago Cubs

3:37 p.m.

MLBN — Colorado at Oakland

6:40 p.m.

MLBN — Toronto at Detroit

7:40 p.m.

MLBN — Baltimore at Chicago White Sox

Venus Williams among nine to get own Barbie doll

Tennis star Venus Williams is among nine female athletes to be immortalized by Barbie dolls.

Mattel made the announcement on Wednesday, saying it is part of its continued celebration of Barbie’s 65th anniversary that recognizes “the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation.”

The iconic doll made its debut in 1959. Gymnasts Rebeca Andrade from Brazil and Alexa Moreno from Mexico, soccer players Mary Fowler from Australia and Christine Sinclair from Canada, French boxer Estelle Mossely, Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez and Polish track and field runner Ewa Swoboda are the other athletes to have Barbie dolls in their likeness. The nine athletes represent nine different countries where the athletes are from.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos,” Williams said in a statement. “I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”

The 43-year-old Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, five Wimbledon titles and four Olympic gold medals.

Pittsburgh selected as host city for 2026 NFL draft

Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, the league announced Wednesday at its spring league meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

“The NFL Draft is one of the biggest, most-anticipated sporting events of the year, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH for our 2026 event,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We have a unique opportunity to spotlight this wonderful community on a global stage, benefiting Pittsburgh’s economy and entertaining football fans from all markets. We know this pride of Pennsylvania will shine bright in 2026.”

Pittsburgh will serve as the 10th NFL city to host the draft since it moved from New York in 2015. The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay, Wis.

The 2024 draft, held last month in Detroit, drew a record crowd estimated at 775,000 over the three-day event.

“We are excited that the City of Pittsburgh has been selected to host the 2026 NFL Draft,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said. “This will be an amazing event that will highlight everything the region has to offer on a national and international level. … We look forward to football fans from all across the country coming to enjoy our city’s culture while also showcasing our rich football history and tradition in the region.”

– Wire reports