The Las Vegas Aces, whose two-time championship run ended in a semifinals loss to the New York Liberty, fired general manager Natalie Williams on Saturday.

Williams was hired in 2022 as part of a new regime that included Becky Hammon as coach. The Aces won titles in 2022 and 2023 to become the first WNBA team to claim back-to-back championships since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02.

However, the team president announced her contract will not be renewed as part of a “restructuring” of the front office.

Her tenure wasn’t without controversy. The Aces are being sued by former player Dearica Hamby and are under a league-directed investigation regarding potential salary-cap circumvention.

The Aces hoped to become the first team since the Houston Comets in 1997-2000 to win at least three consecutive titles, but lost in four games to the eventual champion Liberty.

The next general manager will inherit a team with most of its core players intact, including reigning MVP A’ja Wilson. However, Kelsey Plum is a key pending free agent. The Aces also could be affected by the upcoming expansion draft.

NFL

Cowboys Elevate Dalvin Cook ahead of Sunday’s game >> The Dallas Cowboys are elevating running back Dalvin Cook from the practice squad, adding an option for the NFL’s worst rushing offense going into a prime-time meeting with rival San Francisco.

Cook signed with the Cowboys late in the preseason but was inactive through six games. Dallas’ running back by committee has been led by Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys’ former two-time rushing champion who returned to his original team in the offseason.

A season-ending knee injury for tight end John Stephens in practice this past week opened the door for Cook to come off the practice squad.

Soccer

Campbell makes Bundesliga debut >> American forward Cole Campbell played his first game for Borussia Dortmund as a late substitute in the 2-1 loss to Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

The 18-year-old Campbell came on in the 88th minute as a substitute for Donyell Malen as Dortmund sought to level the score.

Campbell signed for Dortmund in 2022 and had, until Saturday, played for only the club youth teams and for its reserve team, which competes in the German third tier.

Haaland lifts Man City to top of EPL >> Even if Erling Haaland is expected to miss out on the Ballon d’Or next week, his campaign to win it in 2025 is well underway.

City manager Pep Guardiola described Haaland as a “guarantee for us” after the forward sealed three points against a Southampton team that has yet to win in the league since its promotion last season.

The Norwegian goal machine scored for the 14th time in 13 games in all competitions for Manchester City to send the defending English Premier League champion to the top of the standings.

MMA

Topuria knocks out Holloway at UFC 308 >> Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria vowed to become the first man to knock out Max Holloway.

He made good on his promise at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.

Using a huge right hand to daze Holloway, Topuria (16-0) followed up moments later with a powerful left hook that dropped the 32-year-old. Topuria pounced on Holloway immediately for a ground-and-pound finish before referee Mark Goddard stopped the bout at the 1:34 mark of the third round.

Racing

Muniz NASCAR race spoiled by mechanical issues >> Frankie Muniz finished 33rd on Saturday in his first Truck Series race since the “Malcolm in the Middle” star announced he will become a full-time NASCAR racer next season.

Muniz, who is 38, recently made the jump from part-time racer to a full slate in the No. 33 Ford for Reaume Brothers Racing. He made two starts for Reaume Brothers this season in the Truck Series.

Muniz has said he is confident his team could be successful in this series, but Saturday’s race was marred by mechanical issues for his Toyota. He qualified 31st out of 34 cars.