Diamondbacks fan removed from win over Giants after controversial interference review

Diamondbacks fan removed from win over Giants after controversial interference review

An Arizona Diamondbacks fan was escorted out of Chase Field on Monday night after he interfered with what was nearly a home run for Christian Koss. The San Francisco Giants infielder hit a deep fly ball to center in the eighth inning that went all the way to the wall and appeared to be on track to give him a solo home run. That would have tied the game up at the time, too. But as Diamondbacks outfielder Tim Tawa jumped up to try and make the catch at the wall, a man in a red Diamondbacks shirt reached out and actually made the grab above Tawa with his own glove. The fan seemed to lose his balance while making the grab, but he caught himself in time before flipping over the wall and falling down onto the field. Initially, it was ruled an out due to fan interference. But the Giants challenged the play, and it was later determined that there was no fan interference as Tawa wasn't actually in a position to make the catch. The fan didn't appear to make contact with Tawa, either, which helped back that argument up. But that led to Koss receiving a double instead of a home run, as the ball wasn't quite on track to cross the outfield wall. That kept the tying run off the board. Umpires initially ruled this an out because of fan interference. After review, they called it a doubleThe fan was ejectedpic.twitter.com/FgAgLDmoaF — Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia)July 1, 2025 After everything, the fan in question was then escorted out of the stadium. Both Rafael Devers and Heliot Ramos then struck out after Koss, which ended the inning and kept the Diamondbacks out in front. Arizona then added another run in the bottom of the inning after Eugenio Suárez hit a solo home run. That put them up by two and sealed the 4-2 win. That snapped a four-game losing skid from the Diamondbacks, who were just swept by the Miami Marlins before Monday night's series-opener with the Giants. They now sit at 42-42 on the year. The Giants, at 45-40, have also lost three straight and six of their last seven. While the fan's interaction undoubtedly altered the game in the moment, the ball was short of the wall anyway, the Giants still had work to do to actually tie the game up, and they missed an opportunity to hit the game-tying run in even after the incident.

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June 30, 2025

Diamondbacks fan removed from win over Giants after controversial interference review

Diamondbacks fan removed from win over Giants after controversial interference review An Arizona Diamondbacks fan was escorted out of Chase ...

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Has the USMNT found its next No. 10? Malik Tillman has the keys once earmarked for Gio Reyna

Has the USMNT found its next No. 10? Malik Tillman has the keys once earmarked for Gio Reyna

MINNEAPOLIS — The buzzword was "generational talent." The possibilities, everyone agreed, were limitless. The U.S. men's national team had been starving for a creative No. 10, and up through the ranks came a blessing,Gio Reyna. He broke into Borussia Dortmund teams before his 18th birthday. He broke several of Christian Pulisic's "youngest to" records. He cracked countless lists of soccer's top teens, and by 2026, everyone assumed, he'd be driving the USMNT. But with 2026 near, Reyna's career is on ice, and instead, another languid playmaker born in 2002 is seizing control of the U.S. attack. Malik Tillman has the keys, and he's using them. In a span of less than nine hours Sunday and Monday, here in the Midwest and across the pond in Europe, two events further established Tillman as a potential USMNT centerpiece. First, hehelped drive the U.S. to a Gold Cup quarterfinal victory. Then, by the time he awoke — or perhaps before he went to sleep — Bayer Leverkusenreportedlyreached an agreement to buy Tillman for well over $40 million. He will likely become the second-most expensive American soccer player ever, behind only Pulisic, when the deal is finalized. And an ocean away, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, he showed why. Tillman was far from perfect in adramatic win over Costa Rica. (And yes, it wasonlyCosta Rica.) But he glided around a subpar pitch, dictated the USMNT's most dangerous moves, contributed to two goals, and also won a penalty (which he missed). He spent much of the game lurking, on the prowl for space between Costa Rican lines, and when his teammates found him, he did things that very few players in the U.S. pool are capable of doing. Some might argue the list includes only Tillman and Reyna. Maybe Christian Pulisic. Reyna, though, hasn't played 90 minutes of competitive soccer in a year. Over the lastfouryears, he has played 70-plus minutes in only seven official matches for his clubs. He has only played once, for 21 minutes as a sub, under U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino. He is currently at the Club World Cup, but, as per usual, he is stuck on Dortmund's bench. Tillman, meanwhile, is rising. Born in Germany to an American father, he first rose through Bayern Munich's academy. He learned on loan at Rangers in Scotland. Then he really rose at PSV Eindhoven. In 2024-25, despite missing three months with an ankle injury, he was one of the very best players in the entire Dutch Eredivisie. That's when Leverkusen came calling; that'swhyLeverkusen apparently sees him as a replacement for Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz. For the U.S., Tillman had never quite justified the hype. Entering this summer, he'd never scored or assisted a senior national team goal. Nonetheless,with ranks depleted, Pochettino built a makeshift Gold Cup squad around Tillman. And the 23-year-old has repaid Poch's faith. He scored twice in abeatdown of Trinidad and Tobago. Hedazzled in an inconsequential win over Haiti. Sunday, though, brought the first true-ish test … and Tillman dazzled again. Throughout the 90 minutes, his full repertoire was on display. He combined with Patrick Agyemang several times on the edge of the box. In the 31st minute, with U.S. possession stagnant, he enlivened it with a lovely flick, a bursting run into the box, and a dangerous cross that earned the U.S. a penalty. On paper, he started as a right winger; but in reality, he lives in the so-called "half-spaces," in the interior "pockets" between an opponent's fullback, center back and midfielders. He roamed those spaces on Sunday, with the "freedom" that Pochettino has given him. He found space, but far too often, the U.S. didn't find him — and on a few occasions, he appeared frustrated. But at halftime, coaches showed players a few instructive clips. The message, Tillman said, was to "find different spaces" and "the opposite side." Sure enough, less than two minutes after halftime, when the U.S. circulated the ball from left to right, Chris Richards activated Tillman with an expertly disguised pass. Tillman, with the ball en route to his feet, glanced ever so briefly over his left shoulder; saw he had time and space to turn; played a 1-2 with Agyemang, and set up Max Arfsten's first career USMNT goal. This was a beauty 🔥Another look at Max Arfsten's first international goal for the@USMNT🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/WWNdQg2ZdJ — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer)June 30, 2025 That you saw. What you probably don't recall is how the U.S. gained possession in the first place. That, too, was thanks to Tillman. His pressing — including his back-pressing, as seen above — is an underrated part of his game. The nonchalant, almost leisurely way that Tillman moves can fool some first-time observers. Statistically, at PSV, compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers in mid-tier leagues, his tackling and interceptions ranked in the 97th and 99th percentile, respectively, this past season. Even compared to true midfielders, he's in the 81st percentile,per FBref. And he's been similarly active defensively for the U.S. He is hardly flawless. He bore some fault on Costa Rica's second goal, when he tried to force a through ball into a non-existent window; and then, when it was intercepted, rather than race back into position, he brought his hands to his head and almost sulked, enablingLos Ticosto build their possession. His utility, though, outweighs his shortcomings. He has even added long-range shooting to his arsenal, and nearly scored a banger Sunday. He'll probably be the chief goal threat when the U.S. meets Guatemala in Wednesday's semifinal (7 p.m. ET, FS1/Univision). It's his off-ball movement, though, that is perhaps his best trait. And it's less about dynamism, more about intelligence. It's sneaky, and often slow, almost Messi-like. As 19 other players jog side to side, following the ball, Tillman will often walk — because he knows that alackof movement, coupled with the movement of opposing midfielders, is sometimes the best way to create passing lanes. He can also run off a target man like Agyemang. He can join strikers in the box, as he did for a goal against Haiti. He does not have Reyna's vision or creativity. In fact, all in all, the two are very different players. But he currently has the spot that once seemed earmarked for Reyna, and a chance to make it his own ahead of the World Cup next summer. The question, of course, is how he'll cope with higher levels. Costa Rica isn't Colombia; Haiti isn't Japan. And Heracles Almelo isn't RB Leipzig. Eredivisie stardom, historically, is notoriously not predictive of stardom elsewhere. There is a chance that Tillman's occasional slowness and inconsistent sharpness humble him in the Bundesliga and against better national teams. There's a chance that all this success is a mirage. There is also a chance he doesn't mesh with Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Weston McKennie and the rest of the USA's A-squad. There's a chance he doesn't ultimately fit in Pochettino's starting 11. For now, however, there is genuine excitement that the USMNT has found a No. 10, a playmaker who can operate between lines and pick locks that, in the past, have proven unbreakable. "Malik is an unbelievable talent," Pochettino said last fall, shortly after taking the U.S. job. Perhaps not generational, but, as Pochettino said more recently, "one of the most talented players that we have in the USA."

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June 30, 2025

Has the USMNT found its next No. 10? Malik Tillman has the keys once earmarked for Gio Reyna

Has the USMNT found its next No. 10? Malik Tillman has the keys once earmarked for Gio Reyna MINNEAPOLIS — The buzzword was "generation...

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Diamondbacks snap a 4-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Giants

Diamondbacks snap a 4-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Giants

PHOENIX (AP) — Alek Thomas went 3 for 3 with two runs scored, Ryne Nelson struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. One pitch after Nelson was pulled in the seventh after exceeding his pitch count, Tyler Fitzgerald sent a shot to the warning track in center — just past a diving Thomas — to score two runs and tie it at 2. The Diamondbacks answered with a run in the seventh on Geraldo Perdomo's bloop single to score Thomas. A controversial call for fan interference came in the top of the eighthon Christian Koss' deep shot to left-center field, resulting in a ground-rule double. John Curtiss struck out Rafael Devers and Shelby Miller came in to get Heliot Ramos looking. Eugenio Suarez added a solo shot in the eighth — his 11th home run in June. The Giants have lost three in a row. Nelson allowed two earned runs and five hits, while not giving up a walk. Curtiss (1-0) got his first win of the season and Miller earned his first career four-out save. Diamondbacks pitchers combined to hold the 1-2-3 hitters to 1 for 12 with seven strikeouts. San Francisco stater Logan Webb (7-6) allowed three earned runs and seven hits, while striking out seven in 6 1/3 innings. Key moment San Francisco manager Bob Melvin was ejected in the ninth inning after arguing with the home plate umpire. Key stat Webb allowed just his seventh home run of the season when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit his 11th in the sixth for a 2-0 lead. Up next Arizona will start RHP Zac Gallen (5-9, 5.75 ERA) on Tuesday night against the Giants, who he has beaten twice in a row with a 0.75 ERA. San Francisco will go with RHP Hayden Birdsong (0-0, 4.13 ERA). ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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June 30, 2025

Diamondbacks snap a 4-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Giants

Diamondbacks snap a 4-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Giants PHOENIX (AP) — Alek Thomas went 3 for 3 with two runs scored, Ry...

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Jalen Ramsey trade grades: Who won deal between Steelers, Dolphins?

Jalen Ramsey trade grades: Who won deal between Steelers, Dolphins?

So much for a slow summer in the NFL. With all teams on break until training camps open in mid-to-late July, this stretch would seem like a natural window for a break in action for a league that seemingly never rests. Yet on Monday, two teams brokered an ultra-rare swap of star players. The headline of the deal: The Miami Dolphins traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey to thePittsburgh Steelersin exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Also headed to Pittsburgh aretight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round pick,while Miami also receives a 2027 seventh-round draft pick. Jalen Ramsey trade details: Dolphins deal star CB to Steelers in blockbuster move The shake-up brings an end to the uncertainty that had prevailed for months since the Dolphins first acknowledged they were looking to part with Ramsey, the seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback. And for Pittsburgh, it served as the latest marquee addition – and departure with the exit of Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowl selection – for a franchise reshaped by the arrivals ofAaron RodgersandDK Metcalf. How did each team fare in the deal? Here are our trade grades: When news of the Ramsey trade first broke, it seemed to be a fitting move for an organization clearly embracing a truncated timeline for competing with Rodgers at the helm. The surprising return, however, muddled the outlook a bit. Cornerback play tends to be volatile year to year, but there's little question that Ramsey raises both the floor and ceiling for Pittsburgh at this vital position group. The Steelers in March signed reliable veteran Darius Slay to fill the void opposite Joey Porter Jr., seemingly settling one of the more pressing deficiencies of the defense. But trusting a 34-year-old to run with the likes of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins within the division was always going to be a stretch. With Ramsey on board, the Steelers now size up as one of the most imposing matchups for opposing wide receivers. Ramsey can handle the lion's share of reps in base looks alongside Porter, and his experience working inside should pay off massively in allowing him to kick inside to get all three standout corners on the field in nickel packages. That sort of rotation can keep the team fresh down the stretch, with both of its matchups against the rival Baltimore Ravens and a trip to face the Detroit Lions all coming in the final six weeks. Still, given the loss of Fitzpatrick, does this trade truly move the needle much in reshaping the secondary for a defense that ranked 25th in passing yards allowed (228 per game)? The Steelers will try to scrape by on the back end with Juan Thornhill seemingly stepping in alongside Deshon Elliott, but there's little question that the unit will miss Fitzpatrick's playmaking range, though he has recorded just one interception in the last two years combined. Of course, the outlook shifts considerably if Pittsburgh utilizes Ramsey in this role, but it'd be yet another adjustment for all involved. Adding Smith might seem like a natural move, as the tight end will be reunited with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who first helped the pass catcher flourish with the Tennessee Titans and later helped him bounce back with the Atlanta Falcons. But even with an abundance of multiple tight end sets, it's still unclear exactly how he'll be incorporated alongside established starter Pat Freiermuth. "It would be complicated having (Smith) and Pat. They're kind of the same type of tight end," Steelers tight end Connor Heyward said earlier in June,according to PennLive, when discussing the rumors of a potential Smith trade. "They both got to have 100 balls a year thrown their way." Maybe the doubling down in Pittsburgh isn't so much a bet on Rodgers as it is on Mike Tomlin finding a way to bring all these disparate pieces together. Regardless, it's a lot of upheaval – even if it largely appears for the better – for the coach to navigate. With the Dolphins in April broadcasting their intention to move on from Ramsey, it seemed as though the organization could only expect a modest return. Instead, it addressed its biggest hole by bringing on one of the top players at his position. Fitzpatrick returns to the franchise nearly six years after it dealt him amid his clash with then-coach Brian Flores regarding his utilization. This time around, there shouldn't be any issues regarding his role. Miami was preparing to enter the season with perhaps the most unstable safety tandem in Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis. Fitzpatrick isn't at his peak as he prepares to enter a season in which he'll turn 29 in November, but with Ramsey's departure essentially looking inevitable, he's probably the most meaningful addition who could have been acquired at this point in the calendar. Yet it's difficult to feel good about the state of Miami's secondary overall given the outlook after the trade. With Ramsey gone, the Dolphins will depend on the likes of 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith, 2024 undrafted free agent Storm Duck and fifth-round rookie Jason Marshall Jr. on the outside, with nickel Kader Kohou providing the lone bit of stability. Fitzpatrick can only do so much to compensate for a group that doesn't seem up to the task of running with the AFC's best. Sending off Smith also further ups the challenge for an aerial attack that lacks much depth in its pass-catching options beyond Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Julian Hill could see a sizable leap in action as a potential replacement at starter, but the move likely necessitates an addition sometime before the season (NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the team is scouring the trade market). A fine return for Miami on the whole, but the prevailing issue of the top-heavy roster remains as pervasive as ever. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jalen Ramsey trade grades: Did Steelers or Dolphins win deal?

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June 30, 2025

Jalen Ramsey trade grades: Who won deal between Steelers, Dolphins?

Jalen Ramsey trade grades: Who won deal between Steelers, Dolphins? So much for a slow summer in the NFL. With all teams on break until trai...

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Brad Marchand reportedly agrees to 6-year extension with Florida Panthers after championship run

Brad Marchand reportedly agrees to 6-year extension with Florida Panthers after championship run

Fresh off an NHL championship, Brad Marchand is staying with the Florida Panthers long term. The veteran left wing, whojoined the team after a late-season tradefrom the Boston Bruins in March, has agreed to a six-year extension with the Panthers, per multiple reports. The deal is reportedly worth just under $32 million. BREAKING: Brad Marchand has agreed to a six-year extension with the Florida Panthers, per@PierreVLeBrun.pic.twitter.com/YzRNcV3Bh8 — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports)June 30, 2025 Marchand, 37, was traded to the dominant Panthers after 16 seasons with the Bruins, including the past three as team captain. The winger's eight-year contract with Boston, which started in 2016, expired this offseason. Afternegotiations for a new contract fell throughwith Boston, the team opted to trade him. But Marchand thrived with the Panthers, becoming a key part of Florida's postseason run. He scored a career-high 10 playoff goals, plus 10 postseason assists; six of those goals came in the Panthers' 4-2 series win over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. With Marchand sticking around, Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuk seemed prettypleasedwith the re-signing. pic.twitter.com/ovamczDLWu — Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_)June 30, 2025 It's been a busy weekend for Florida, which has managed to keep its back-to-back championship-winning team together so far this offseason. The Panthersre-signed forward Sam Bennetton Saturday, with defenseman Aaron Ekbladreportedly signing a multi-year extensionas well. With those three deals, the team will now have eight of its key players — including Tkachuk, forward Sam Reinhart, defenseman Seth Jones and more — locked up through 2030, setting the stage for a dominant couple of seasons in Florida.

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June 30, 2025

Brad Marchand reportedly agrees to 6-year extension with Florida Panthers after championship run

Brad Marchand reportedly agrees to 6-year extension with Florida Panthers after championship run Fresh off an NHL championship, Brad Marchan...

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Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson headline 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starters

Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson headline 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starters

Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collierare already headed to the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game as this year's captains. Now, the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx star have learned who will be sharing the court with them as starters for the WNBA's annual showcase. The league announced Monday, July 1 the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game, which has a blend of veteran and young stars that will be on the court for tip-off. Notably making the list isPaige Bueckers, who will be an All-Star in her first season in the league. TheNo. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draftleads all rookies in scoring and assists, and has six games of at least 20 points in her young career. Joining Bueckers are three WNBA champions: three-time MVP A'ja Wilson, two-time MVP Breanna Stewart and three-time All-Star Sabrina Ionescu. Also on the list as a starter, the Seattle Storm's Nneka Ogwumike, who earned her 10th All-Star selection, tying her for third-most in WNBA history. Clark and Collier are the captains of the All-Star Game as the leading vote getters, and will draft their teams during "WNBA Countdown" on July 8. They will select among the rest of the starters before picking from the 12 reserves. The reserves will be determined by the league's head coaches, which will include three guards, five frontcourt players and four players at either position. The reserves will be announced on July 6. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will be held July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, on Clark and the Fever's home court. The Game will be the centerpiece of All-Star weekend activities, which also includes the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge on Friday, July 18. HOW THE PLAYERS RANKED:WNBA All-Star Game voting results Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever(2nd selection, captian) Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx(5th selection, captain) Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever(3rd selection) Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings(1st selection Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream(3rd selection) Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty(4th selection) Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm(10th selection) Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury(3rd selection) Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty(7th selection) A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces(7th selection) The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game take place July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Date:Saturday, July 19 Time:8:30 p.m. ET TV:ABC Stream:ESPN+, Disney+ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2025 WNBA All-Star Game starters: Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson selected

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June 30, 2025

Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson headline 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starters

Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson headline 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starters Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collierare already headed to the 2025 W...

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NHL trade tracker: Red Wings send Vladimir Tarasenko to Wild, plus other moves

NHL trade tracker: Red Wings send Vladimir Tarasenko to Wild, plus other moves

NHLfree agency is just around the corner on July 1. But there are also trades to be made as NHL teams acquire or move players to improve their immediate future or get their salary cap situation under control. TheDetroit Red Wingsmade their second trade in several days, sending forward Vladimir Tarasenko to theMinnesota Wildon June 30. They earlier acquired goalie John Gibson from theAnaheim Ducks. TheMontreal Canadiensmade a big trade on draft day when they acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from theNew York Islandersfor winger Emil Heineman and Montreal's first two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall). Trades will pick up with free agency approaching. Tracking the latest NHL deals: Tarasenko has won two Stanley Cup titles, but he disappointed with 33 points in his lone season in Detroit, while averaging less than 15 minutes a game. He has another year on his contract at $4.75 million, so the Wild get secondary scoring at a reasonable price. Detroit gets future considerations in the deal. The Mammoth get a conditional 2027 third round pick in return. Maccelli, 24, gets a fresh start after dropping to 18 points in 55 games this past season. But he can provide secondary scoring for Toronto after totaling 106 points over the two seasons before that. If he gets 51 points this season and the Maple Leafs make the playoffs, the third rounder becomes a 2029 second-round pick. TheNashville Predatorsacquire defenseman Nicolas Hague and a conditional third-round pick from the Golden Knights in exchange for forward Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. Nashville will retain 50 percent of Sissons' salary. If Vegas wins two rounds in the 2026 playoffs, the Golden Knights will move a second-round pick instead. TheDetroit Red Wingsacquire goalie John Gibson from theAnaheim Ducksfor goalie Petr Mrazek, a 2027 second- round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick. Gibson had been mentioned in trade rumors for years and the Red Wings have needed better goaltending for years. Lukas Dostal has emerged as a No. 1 goalie in Anaheim and needs a new contract as a restricted free agent. Mrazek is a better fit financially at $4.25 million than Gibson at $6.4 million. Gibson, who will get more playing time in Detroit, had a solid season with a 2.77 goals-against average and .911 save percentage, a little better than how Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon performed. Spence's ice time had dropped, particularly in the playoffs, so the trade gives him more opportunity. The defenseman is only 24. Los Angeles had drafted a defenseman, London's Henry Brzustewicz, in the first round. The Kings receive a 2025 third round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder. TheBuffalo Sabresacquire defensemen Conor Timmins and Isaac Belliveau from thePittsburgh Penguinsfor defenseman Connor Clifton and a 2025 second-round pick.. The Sabres are changing up their defense after earlier acquiring Michael Kesselring. Clifton is entering the final year of his contract. Timmins is four years younger. Also:The Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Declan Chisholm and a 2025 sixth-round pick from theMinnesota Wildfor defenseman Chase Priskie and a 2025 third-rounder. The Avalanche get back 20-year-old forward Gavin Brindley, a third-round selection (77th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft and a conditional 2027 second-rounder. This move helps the Blue Jackets' depth. Wood has a lot of speed and kills penalties. Coyle, acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline, had 25 goals two seasons ago. The Avalanche clear cap space. Dobson, a restricted free agent, signed an eight-year, $76 million extension as part of the deal, according to Friedman. Dobson, a skilled offensive defenseman, had 70 points two seasons ago and joins a Montreal blue line that featuresrookie of the year Lane Hutson. Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche gets two picks in the middle of the first round. Could he use the 16th and 17th picks as part of a package to move up in the draft? He didn't, drafting Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson. Heineman, whom the Islanders acquired from the Canadiens as part of the deal, is known for his speed and two-way ability. The Utah Mammoth will be aggressive this offseason as they head into their second season in Salt Lake City. Peterka is coming off a career-best 68 points and totaled 55 goals the past two seasons. The 23-year-old was a restricted free agent and signed a five-year deal with the Mammoth after the trade. The Sabres, who need to adjust their roster to try to end a14-season playoff drought,get back defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. Kesselring, 25, had a career-best 29 points as he got more ice time because of injuries on the Utah blue line. Doan, 23, is the son of former Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan. He has another year left on his contract. The Panthers give up a 2025 fifth-round pick for Tarasov, 26, a restricted free agent who became available with Jet Greaves emerging in Columbus. Current backup Vitek Vanecek is a pending unrestricted free agent. Tarasov has a career 3.44 goals-against average but those numbers should come down while playing behind a better Panthers defense. Sergei Bobrovsky will be 37 next season and has a year left on his contract. General Bill Zito potentially has found his future No. 1 goalie. Also:The Seattle Kraken acquired two-way center Frederick Gaudreau from theMinnesota Wildfor a 2025 fourth-round pick. ... In a free agency move, theDallas Starsre-signed captain Jamie Benn for one year at $1 million, plus an additional $3 million in potential performance bonuses This was a salary cap move, saving more than $5 million with the Oilers needing to re-sign defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Oilers get back a fourth-round pick. Kane, a Vancouver native, adds help on the wing with the Canucks expected to lose Brock Boeser to free agency. Zegras wanted to play center and the Ducks didn't have room for him there in their top six. The Flyers land a creative forward who has scored several lacrosse-style goals but also has dealt recently with injuries. The Ducks get back center Ryan Poehling, who wins faceoffs and kills penalties, two areas where Anaheim needed improvement. They also receive a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder. Also:The Seattle Kraken acquired two-way center Frederick Gaudreau from the Minnesota Wild for a 2025 fourth-round pick. This was a salary cap move, saving more than $5 million with the Oilers needing to re-sign defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Oilers get back a fourth-round pick. Kane, a Vancouver native, adds help on the wing with the Canucks expected to lose Brock Boeser to free agency. Zegras wanted to play center and the Ducks didn't have room for him there in their top six. The Flyers land a creative forward who has scored several lacrosse-style goals but also has dealt recently with injuries. The Ducks get back center Ryan Poehling, who wins faceoffs and kills penalties, two areas where Anaheim needed improvement. They also receive a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NHL trade tracker: Updates, analysis of big hockey deals

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June 30, 2025

NHL trade tracker: Red Wings send Vladimir Tarasenko to Wild, plus other moves

NHL trade tracker: Red Wings send Vladimir Tarasenko to Wild, plus other moves NHLfree agency is just around the corner on July 1. But there...

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Years after learning soccer in their basement, brothers Brenden and Paxten Aaronson both play for US

Years after learning soccer in their basement, brothers Brenden and Paxten Aaronson both play for US

Brenden and Paxten Aaronson play on better soccer fields these days than the New Jersey basement known as "The Dungeon" where they used to practice penalties and free kicks. "We had to put in special lights so they wouldn't kick the light bulbs and break them," mom Janell Aaronson recalled. "We had to do some padding on some of the poles that are in the basement so they didn't get hurt. We made it as safe as we could." On June 10, she was in the stands at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, watching them become just the fourth pair of brothers to start the same match together for the U.S. national team, the first since George and Louis Nanchoff against the Soviet Union in 1979. "I played with this guy since, I don't know, 5 — he was probably actually 2 at that time," Brenden said. "Maybe 7, I was, and he was probably 4." Brenden, 24, already is a World Cup veteran, appearing as a substitute in all four U.S. matches at Qatar three years ago, Paxten, who turns 22 in August, hopes to make the World Cup roster for the first time when the U.S. co-hosts next year's tournament. "Completely different players. Both in different ways can perform," U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. Both are on the roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the Americans play Guatemala on Wednesday night and hope to advance to a final against Mexico or Honduras on Sunday. Both are midfielders and wingers who made their way up through the Philadelphia Union academy system and moved to Europe after two seasons in Major League Soccer, Paxten at age 19 and Brenden at 20. At the start of their national team camp together, they reflected on learning the sport in their backyard and the downstairs room given its nickname by their dad, Rusty. "We always played in the basement, right before or after dinner," Paxten said. "We had a basement with kind of like a mini-pitch that we built off of carpet and goals that we taped on the wall and stuff like that. So we would always just play down there and then come up for dinner, then after dinner go down and play, We broke a lot of lights." And learned competition. "Toes have been stepped on," Paxten said. Their dad, Rusty, played college soccer at Monmouth, ran a risk management firm and is sporting director of Real Futbol Academy in Medford, New Jersey. In addition to the brothers, 18-year-old sister Jaden will be a freshman on Villanova's soccer team this fall. "I don't know how these guys do it without having a younger brother or someone to train with," Brenden said. "When you're in a shooting drill, sometimes you can take times off. But you know he's going to want to beat me and I'm going to want to be him, so you go that extra mile to keep even getting better at it." Brenden scored in his MLS debut with Philadelphia in March 2019 and has played for Salzburg (2021-22), Leeds (2022-25) and Union Berlin (2023-24). He made his U.S. debut in 2020 and has nine goals in 51 international appearances. Paxten debuted in MLS with the Union in May 2021 and has played for Eintracht Frankfurt (2023-24), Vitesse (2024) and Utrecht (2024-25). He made his first U.S. appearance in 2023 and scored against New Zealand at last year's Olympics. Before the match against Switzerland, they hadn't played on the same team together since the youth academy. Theyfaced each other briefly on Nov. 4, 2023, when Brenden entered in the 83rd minute for Eintracht Frankfurt and Paxten in the 85th for host Union Berlin. "There's been some fights throughout the years," Brenden said, with Paxten sitting adjacent and laughing. "It's more in the one v. ones when I would get beat by him. Because you're the older, you feel like you have to win. But he's beat me a handful of times where I had a temper tantrum. I was kicking the ball against the wall. I literally — I can't take it sometimes." But afterward, they resumed playing the FIFA video game. Having the common "E" in the names of the siblings was mom's idea. "We spelled Brenden `E-N. I just liked the spelling of that vs. 'A-N. Just visually. It looked better to me,'" Janell said. "When we ended up having our other kids, I just made sure that they all ended in `E-N.' I don't know why. I just did that." After the Gold Cup and brief time off, Brenden will return to England to prepare for the Premier League season with newly promoted Leeds. Paxten will report to Eintracht Frankfurt unless he's loaned again. Trying to watch all their matches is daunting for their parents, who also will be at Villanova for Jaden. "Sometimes when the games are on, I don't like to get the updates because I do like to go back and watch," Rusty said. "Sometimes I've looked at my phone, something good has happened and then the cat's out of the bag and there's no need to watch the game." Streamed replays are not for mom. "I don't even know how to work any of that," she said. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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June 30, 2025

Years after learning soccer in their basement, brothers Brenden and Paxten Aaronson both play for US

Years after learning soccer in their basement, brothers Brenden and Paxten Aaronson both play for US Brenden and Paxten Aaronson play on bet...

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Steelers don't want to trade T.J. Watt despite other teams' interest, per reports

Steelers don't want to trade T.J. Watt despite other teams' interest, per reports

Teams are free to call thePittsburgh Steelersto ask ifT.J. Wattis available. They just shouldn't expect them to pick up. ESPNreportedMonday that "multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for Steelers' standout T.J. Watt" after the star edge rusher sat out of the Steelers' mandatory minicamp. However, both ESPN andNFL Networkwent on to report that the Steelers are committed to keeping Watt in the Steel City. Watt, 30, is entering the final year of the four-year, $112 million contract extension he signed in 2021. His refusal to attend minicamp earlier this month is reportedly related to his desire to secure a renewed extension before the 2025 season begins. Steelers have been adamant they want T.J. Watt to finish his career in Pittsburgh.https://t.co/eRVzeuTjZo — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)June 30, 2025 STEELERS NEWS:Dolphins deal Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh in blockbuster move In addition to Watt's current contract expiring after 2025, there's the added context that two other star edge rushers – the Raiders'Maxx Crosbyand Browns'Myles Garrett– signed massive extensions earlier this offseason. As of Monday, Watt has not reached a new deal to stay with the Steelers past the 2025 season. Pittsburgh's blockbuster trade to acquire cornerbackJalen Ramsey– who's under contract through 2028 – and tight endJonnu Smith– whom the Steelers extended through 2026 – on Monday fanned the flames of trade speculation for Watt. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that "outside team interest [to trade for Watt] is likely to increase given (Monday)'s trade." However, he went on to post on the social media website X that the "Steelers have been adamant they want T.J. Watt to finish his career in Pittsburgh." NFL Network's Tom Pelissero corroborated the follow-up report, writing, "The Steelers have no intention of trading star pass rusher T.J. Watt and their focus remains on extending Watt's contract." The#Steelershave no intention of trading star pass rusher T.J. Watt and their focus remains on extending Watt's contract, per sources.Watt, who turns 31 in October, is due $21.05 million in the last year of his current deal.pic.twitter.com/ta0jMQVHGj — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)June 30, 2025 In 2024, Watt played all 17 regular-season games for a second straight season after sustaining a knee injury in Week 18 of the 2023 season. He recorded 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks and four pass deflections, and his six forced fumbles led the league. Watt earned a seventh consecutive Pro Bowl nod as well and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Barring a new contract, Watt is set to make $21.05 million in 2025. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:T.J. Watt trade rumors: Steelers don't want to move star edge rusher

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June 30, 2025

Steelers don't want to trade T.J. Watt despite other teams' interest, per reports

Steelers don't want to trade T.J. Watt despite other teams' interest, per reports Teams are free to call thePittsburgh Steelersto as...

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Ty Jerome reportedly agrees to 3-year, $28 million deal with Grizzlies

Ty Jerome reportedly agrees to 3-year, $28 million deal with Grizzlies

Ty Jerome has agreed to a three-year, $28 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies,according to ESPN's Shams Charania, taking a sought-after scoring and playmaking guard off the market early in the NBA's 2025 free agency period. Jerome, who turns 28 on July 8, is coming off a breakout season in Cleveland, where he averaged 12.5 points on pristine 52/44/87 shooting splits in 19.9 minutes per game across 70 appearances for a Cavaliers team that lit up scoreboards all season long en route to 64 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. All of those numbers represented a quantum leap for a player who bounced around from Phoenix to Oklahoma City to Golden State to Cleveland during his first five NBA seasons, rarely lingering long in the rotation before an ankle injury that required surgical repair cost him nearly all of the 2023-24 campaign. "You're climbing an uphill battle," Jerometold Chris Fedor of cleveland.com. "You're lost. You feel forgotten." Jerome issued one hell of a reminder last season, marking himself as one of the NBA's top reserves and most improved players — and a free-agent-to-be in line for a significant payday. The Virginia product's combination of high-efficiency shooting and complementary playmaking fit perfectly in head coach Kenny Atkinson's uptempo, ball- and player-movement-heavy offensive system, leading to one of the most productive seasons for any reserve in the NBA. Onlysix other players who logged at least 1,000 minutesposted a true shooting percentage north of .600 while dishing assists as frequently and committing turnovers as rarely as Jerome did: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton, Jimmy Butler, Jalen Brunson and Tyler Herro. That's not to say that Jerome's necessarily ready to start waltzing onto All-Star and All-NBA teams. It's worth noting that he'd never logged 1,000 minutes himself before last season, owing to a combination of injuries, inability to crack rotations and the defensive shortcomings that became more pronounced in Cleveland's second-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers — all of which are the sorts of things that might give a would-be suitor pause before making a significant offer in free agency. Even after that pause, though, Jerome's still a 6-foot-5 guard who's a threat to knock down 3-pointers bothoff the catch and off the dribble; an excellent in-between player with an elite floater and a strong midrange pull-up game; a high-levelpick-and-roll facilitatorwith a career assist-to-turnover ratio just south of 3-to-1; and a quick processor with good vision and anticipation who can contribute on and off the ball. Those attributes make Jerome the kind of player who, when healthy, can energize and optimize any backcourt. Combine them with the kind of commitment and attitude that allowed him to persevere through inconsistency and injury and come out on the other side, and you've got someone worth betting on. "He's such a great dude," former Warriors teammate and two-time NBA MVP Stephen Currysaidof Jerome. "He's such a great teammate and locker room guy. He's a competitor. He's a dog. Doesn't have any of the attributes that would jump off the page. But he's a hooper with the ultimate confidence in himself."

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June 30, 2025

Ty Jerome reportedly agrees to 3-year, $28 million deal with Grizzlies

Ty Jerome reportedly agrees to 3-year, $28 million deal with Grizzlies Ty Jerome has agreed to a three-year, $28 million contract with the M...

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New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye Marries Ann Michael Hudson. Then Goes Viral with His Groomsmen

New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye Marries Ann Michael Hudson. Then Goes Viral with His Groomsmen

Drake Maye/Instagram New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye married longtime girlfriend Ann Michael Hudson on Saturday, June 21 The couple announced the news via a joint Instagram post, sharing photos of their outdoor ceremony and reception Maye and Hudson, whose love story began back in their middle school days, got engaged in January 2025, shortly after the athlete wrapped his rookie NFL season NFL starDrake Mayesaid "I do" to his longtime sweetheart. The New England Patriots quarterback, 22, marriedAnn Michael Hudsonon Saturday, June 21. The newlyweds announced the happy news with a jointInstagram postfeaturing a series of photos of their scenic outdoor ceremony. One image featured the couple posing by a large, flower-adorned wooden cross in front of a lake with a green mountain landscape in the background. The athlete sported a classic black tux for the occasion, and Hudson wore a strapless gown with a lace-covered bodice, along with a tulle veil. Other photos capture the pair sharing their first kiss as husband and wife, holding hands while walking across a bridge and smooching on the dance floor. "What a night! Cheers to forever🥂I love you!" Maye wrote in the caption. Hudson commented on the post, "Best day ever!!!! I love you❤️❤️." Drake Maye/Instagram Hudson also shareda videoof the wedding festivities on her Instagram, showing an aerial view of the wedding venue, the couple walking with their wedding party, the bride having an emotional moment with her father and the newlyweds swaying together on the dance floor under twinkling lights. "1 week married to you calls for a little glimpse of the most special day ❤️. I love you!" Hudson wrote. A number of Maye's NFL friends offered their congratulations in the comments, including Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. In one memorable moment at the wedding — which has since gone viral — Maye and his tuxedo-clad groomsmen posed fora photoas they lined up in a football formation. Sports journalist Dov Kleiman shared the snapshot on X, writing, "What an awesome picture 🔥." Patriots' star QB Drake Maye with his Groomsmen at his wedding this past weekend.What an awesome picture 🔥pic.twitter.com/rDXVKMMa6K — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman)June 26, 2025 The couple's love story took root all the way back in middle school when the two began dating at 12 years old. Throughout Maye's high school and college football careers — he played for the University of North Carolina Tarheels from 2021 to 2023 — Hudson was on the sidelines, cheering him on as his biggest supporter. Maye was later selected by thePatriotsin the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At the time, Hudson shared her excitement — and pride — for his achievement. "Drake, words cannot describe how proud I am of you. What an incredible blessing it has been to be by your side through all of this," she wrote onInstagram. "I love you and can't wait for this next chapter! GO PATS!!" Shortly after concluding his rookie season, Mayepopped the questionto Hudson in a sunset beach proposal in January 2025. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Love doing life with you. Can't wait to marry you! ❤️," Maye wrote onInstagramas the couple announced the news and shared photos of the romantic moment. The couple recently celebrated another special occasion together —Hudson's graduationfrom UNC, where she was a business school student with a double minor in entrepreneurship and conflict management, per herLinkedIn. Hudson shared photos of herself in a light blue graduation gown and cap on Instagram, prompting Maye to comment, "Grad szn❤️." As for Maye, he is off to a promising career in the NFL, according to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who described the 22-year-old as a "young, dynamic quarterback" on ESPN'sSportsCenterin January. "I think he's young, talented, willing to learn. I think there's a toughness to him. There's an amazing skillset in which to mold and to have him lead our football team and lead our offense," Vrabel said. Read the original article onPeople

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June 30, 2025

New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye Marries Ann Michael Hudson. Then Goes Viral with His Groomsmen

New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye Marries Ann Michael Hudson. Then Goes Viral with His Groomsmen Drake Maye/Instagram New England ...

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Who's playing where? A cheat sheet on college sports realignment

Who's playing where? A cheat sheet on college sports realignment

The upcoming year for college sports has at least a modest sense of stability: The$2.8 billion House settlementhas been approved, clearing the way for schools to share millions in revenue with their athletes, and major conferences are inyear two of realignmentafter welcoming new programs across the country. There is still of urgency and uncertainty. The settlement has brought a new set of questions about compensating athletes and managing rosters, while realignment has not vanished by any means.The Pac-12 next seasonwill be home to a number of programs fromthe Mountain West,moves that prompted a domino effect. Football membership in the Power Four and the Group of Five over the past three decades: ACC 1996 (9): Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Wake Forest, Virginia. 2023 (14): Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest. 2025 (17): Boston College, California, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, SMU, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest. BIG TEN 1996 (11): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin. 2023 (14): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Wisconsin. 2025 (18): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Southern California, UCLA, Washington, Wisconsin. BIG 12 1996 (12): Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech. 2023 (14): BYU, Baylor, Cincinnati, Central Florida, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, West Virginia. 2025 (16): Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Baylor, Cincinnati, Central Florida, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah, West Virginia. PAC-12 1996 (10): Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Southern California, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Washington State. 2023 (12): Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Southern California, UCLA, Utah, Washington, Washington State. 2024-25 (2): Oregon State, Washington State. 2026 (9): Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State,Gonzaga (non-football),Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, Washington State. SEC 1996 (12): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt. 2023 (14): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt. 2025 (16): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt. AMERICAN ATHLETIC 2013 (10, first season): Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Louisville, Memphis, Rutgers, SMU, South Florida, Temple. 2023 (14): Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Navy, North Texas, Rice, SMU, South Florida, Temple, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UTSA. 2025 (14): Army, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Navy, North Texas, Rice, South Florida, Temple, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UTSA. CONFERENCE USA 1996 (6): Cincinnati, Houston, Louisville, Memphis, Southern Mississippi, Tulane. 2023 (9): Florida International, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, UTEP, Western Kentucky. 2024 (10): Florida International, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, UTEP, Western Kentucky. 2025 (12): Delaware, Florida International, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, Missouri State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, UTEP, Western Kentucky. MID-AMERICAN 1996 (10): Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Toledo, Western Michigan. 2023 (12): Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan. 2025 (13): Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Massachusetts, Miami (Ohio), Northern Illinois, Ohio, Toledo, Western Michigan. 2026 (12): Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Massachusetts, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Toledo, Western Michigan. BIG WEST/WAC/MOUNTAIN WEST 1996 (Big West, 6): Boise State, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico State, North Texas, Utah State. 1996 (WAC, 16): Air Force, BYU, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, New Mexico, Rice, San Diego State, San Jose State, SMU, TCU, Tulsa, UNLV, Utah, UTEP, Wyoming. 2025 (MWC, 12): Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Wyoming. 2026 (MWC, 11): Air Force, UC Davis (non football), Grand Canyon (basketball), Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Illinois, San Jose State, UNLV, UTEP, Wyoming. SUN BELT 2001 (7, first season): Arkansas State, Idaho, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, North Texas. 2025 (14): Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, Old Dominion, South Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Texas State, Troy. 2026 (13): Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, Old Dominion, South Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Troy. INDEPENDENTS 1996 (11): Arkansas State, Army, Central Florida, East Carolina, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Navy, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame, UAB. 2023 (4): Army, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Notre Dame. 2024 (3): Connecticut, Massachusetts, Notre Dame. 2025 (2): Connecticut, Notre Dame. ___ AP college football:https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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June 30, 2025

Who's playing where? A cheat sheet on college sports realignment

Who's playing where? A cheat sheet on college sports realignment The upcoming year for college sports has at least a modest sense of sta...

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Athletics activate C Shea Langeliers from the 10-day injured list

Athletics activate C Shea Langeliers from the 10-day injured list

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Shea Langeliers is back with the Athletics after the veteran catcher was sidelined for 3 1/2 weeks with a strained left oblique. Langeliers was reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Monday. He was in the starting lineup for the opener of a three-game series at Tampa Bay. The A's also brought up right-hander Justin Sterner and outfielder Colby Thomas from Triple-A Las Vegas. Outfielder JJ Bleday, catcherWillie MacIverand right-hander Tyler Ferguson were sent down. The 27-year-old Langeliers got hurt when he fouled off a pitch from Minnesota's Kody Funderburk on June 5. He went 8 for 13 with a homer and four RBIs in three rehab games with Las Vegas. Langeliers, a first-round pick in the 2019 amateur draft, is batting .237 with 10 homers and 27 RBIs in 56 games with the A's. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

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June 30, 2025

Athletics activate C Shea Langeliers from the 10-day injured list

Athletics activate C Shea Langeliers from the 10-day injured list TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Shea Langeliers is back with the Athletics after the ve...

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Lawsuit accusing outgoing BYU QB Jake Retzlaff of sexual assault dismissed by both parties

Lawsuit accusing outgoing BYU QB Jake Retzlaff of sexual assault dismissed by both parties

A lawsuit accusing BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff of sexually assaulting a woman in his home has been dismissed. Accordingto multiple reports, attorneys for Retzlaff and his accuser filed a joint motion Monday in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court to dismiss the case "with prejudice and upon the merits of the Plaintiff's complaint against the Defendant," meaning that the plaintiff cannot refile the lawsuit. News of the lawsuit's dismissal arrives a day after news broke thatRetzlaff reportedly intends to transfer from BYUin the wake of a pending seven-game suspension by the school stemming from the lawsuit. The suspension is reportedly not because of the now-dismissed sexual assault allegation, but because Retzlaff contended in his response to the lawsuit that he engaged in consensual premarital sex. BYU is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The school's honor code instructs students to "live a chaste and virtuous life" and prohibits them from engaging in premarital sex. It applies to all students whether or not they are Mormon. Retzlaff is not Mormon. In the lawsuitthat was filed in May,a Salt Lake County woman referred to as Jane Doe A.G. accused Retzlaff of sexually assaulting her in his home in 2023. The lawsuit stated that she consented to kissing while in Retzlaff's room as the two watched a movie but "did not want to do anything more." Jane Doe A.G accused Retzlaff of forcibly raping her after she repeatedly told him "no" and to "stop." Per the lawsuit, Retzlaff's accuser reported the alleged sexual assault to police, underwent a rape kit and had pictures taken of her injuries. According to the lawsuit, she did not initially identify Retzlaff to police. Retzlaff does not face criminal charges. Retzlaff denied that he assaulted his accuser in a legal response filed Friday. In the response filed by his attorney, Retzlaff stated that he had sex with his accuser as part of a "normal evening of consensual sexual interaction." The filing stated that Retzlaff and his accuser exchanged text messages for months after the alleged assault and that his accuser intended to "extort money from him" now that he's an NFL prospect. The lawsuitsought damages of at least $300,000. Two days after his response asserting that he had consensual sex with his accuser, it was reported thatBYU planned to suspend Retzlafffor the honor code violation. Regarding the lawsuit, BYU previously issued a statement when it was filed in May. "The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment." Retzlaff would not be the first BYU athlete to face a lengthy suspension for an honor code violation. Former running back Jamaal Williams missed the entire 2015 season when he was at BYU before returning to the team for his senior season in 2016. When asked by the Green Bay Packers in the pre-draft process why he missed that season,Williams said he told them, "I had a girl in my room." In 2011, basketball playerBrandon Davies was dismissed from the teamfor an honor code violation. That team featuring Jimmer Fredette was ranked No. 3 in the nation at the time of Davies' dismissal. Retzlaff is a graduate student and has one year of NCAA eligibility remaining.Per ESPN, he was working out with BYU with the intention of playing in the fall prior to news of his pending suspension. He has since informed his teammates and coaching staff of his intent to transfer and plans to put his name in the transfer portal in the coming days, according to the report. Retzlaff initially transferred to BYU from Riverside City College in 2023. He was BYU's starting quarterback in 2024 after playing a backup role in his first season. He led the Cougars to an 11-2 season in 2024 that concluded with an Alamo Bowl victory over Colorado. Retzlaff completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,947 yards (226.7 yards per game) on 8 yards per attempt with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

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June 30, 2025

Lawsuit accusing outgoing BYU QB Jake Retzlaff of sexual assault dismissed by both parties

Lawsuit accusing outgoing BYU QB Jake Retzlaff of sexual assault dismissed by both parties A lawsuit accusing BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff ...

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2025 NBA free agency tracker: Live updates on news, rumors and latest reported signings

2025 NBA free agency tracker: Live updates on news, rumors and latest reported signings

TheNBA's free agencyperiod begins Monday evening, June 30, with several notable names expected to be available on the market. Free agency will provide teams with the opportunity to reshape and retool their rosters to take one step closer to their respective NBA championship aspirations. Several big-name players who had the potential to become free agents are no longer expected to be available. That list includesLakers star LeBron James,Clippers standout James HardenandTimberwolves forward Julius Randle. Centers Myles Turner and Al Horford are among the top unrestricted players on the market as of Sunday evening. Chris Paul, Tyus Jones and Josh Giddey are expected to be among the top unrestricted guards available. Malik Beasley also could be among the list of notable guards, but instead will be the subject of one another storyline after it was reported he is beinginvestigated for gambling on NBA games. USA TODAY Sportswill have live updates and analysis on all of the NBA free agency news and rumors as they happen: NBA FREE AGENCY:Who are the biggest names on the market? NBA free agency officially begins on Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET. Teams and players can then start agreeing to the terms of a contract. Teams and players will have to wait until July 6 for contracts to be officially signed. It's not often that consistent, double-digit scorers hit the open market. But as theUtah Jazzcontinue to remake their roster, Jordan Clarkson has finalized a buyout,according to the Athletic, making him an unrestricted free agent. Clarkson, 33, averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 37 games last season. Clarkson had carved out a role as Utah's sixth man and became known for providing a scoring spark off the bench. Given his ability to score off the bench, Clarkson could draw interest from contenders looking to bolster their depth. Forward Nicolas Batum, a steady presence off the bench for theLos Angeles Clippers, will sign a two-year deal worth $11.5 million, per ESPN. After locking up one of their reserve forwards earlier Monday in Ziaire Williams, the Nets moved to do the same for backup center, Day'Ron Sharpe.ESPN reportsthat Sharpe is set to sign on a two-year deal to keep him in Brooklyn, worth $12 million. Veteran forward Joe Ingles will be playing his 12th season in the NBA, returning to theMinnesota Timberwolveson a one-year contract worth $3.6 million,according to ESPN. Knicks forwardJosh Hart had a funny response to the news, writing: "Man someone tell him to go head and retire already" in a social media post. Free agent forward Ziaire Williams is on the verge of signing a two-year, $12 million deal to return to theBrooklyn Nets,ESPN reports. Williams, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 draft, averaged 10 points and 4.3 rebounds in 63 games with the Nets last season. Center DeAndre Ayton is finalizing a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers,according to ESPN, which will make him a free agent -- and one of the more interesting players available. Ayton was acquired by the Blazers in 2023 as part of a three-team trade with Phoenix and Milwaukee. He's played in only 95 games in two seasons with Portland, averaging 15.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. As part of the contract he signed with the Suns, Ayton was scheduled to make $35.6 million next season. The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments bysubscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NBA Free agency tracker: Live updates on news, rumors

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June 30, 2025

2025 NBA free agency tracker: Live updates on news, rumors and latest reported signings

2025 NBA free agency tracker: Live updates on news, rumors and latest reported signings TheNBA's free agencyperiod begins Monday evening...

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What to know about WNBA expansion in 3 cities by 2030

What to know about WNBA expansion in 3 cities by 2030

The WNBA has announced three new expansion teams coming to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia over the next five years. "The demand for women's basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Monday. "This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league's extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women's professional basketball." Breaking: The WNBA announced it will expand to 18 teams with new teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia.The Cleveland team will begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030.pic.twitter.com/Ld4pCYL3eo — ESPN (@espn)June 30, 2025 Play in Cleveland will begin in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approvals from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors. Each of the three new teams have NBA ownership groups, with Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert at the helm of the franchise in Ohio, where the WNBA formerly had the Cleveland Rockers, which folded after the 2003 season. "It's such a natural fit that when you already have this basketball-related infrastructure, these strategies, cultures that you find to be successful, combinations of personnel that you find to be successful," said Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers. "Extending that into the WNBA is just a natural next progression, especially if you have a desire to grow like we do." Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, is among the new Detroit team ownership, along with Detroit sports stars Grant Hill, Chris Webber and Jared Goff, who will have minority stakes in the team. The Detroit Shock was the city's WNBA team from 1998 to 2009 before it relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and eventually became the Dallas Wings. All three teams paid a $250 million expansion fee, per the AP, which is nearly five times as much as the Golden State Warriors shelled out to secure theGolden State Valkyries in 2023. The teams will also invest more money through building practice facilities and other amenities, the AP reported. Philadelphia, which has never had a WNBA team, is owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment co-founder Josh Harris, who currently owns the Philadelphia 76ers. "We tell the city it's going to open in 2031. We're hoping for 2030," Harris said Monday. "We're trying to underpromise and overdeliver. But right now it's 2031 so that we have a year gap, you know. We've got the Xfinity center, the Wells Fargo [Center], they'll play there." While no team names have been decided or announced, the Cleveland and Detroit ownership teams said Rockers and Shock, respectively, would be in consideration, pending further research and input from fans. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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June 30, 2025

What to know about WNBA expansion in 3 cities by 2030

What to know about WNBA expansion in 3 cities by 2030 The WNBA has announced three new expansion teams coming to Cleveland, Detroit and Phil...

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Aces acquire NaLyssa Smith from the Wings for first-round pick in 2027

Aces acquire NaLyssa Smith from the Wings for first-round pick in 2027

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Las Vegas Aces have acquired forward NaLyssa Smith from the Dallas Wings for a 2027 first-round draft pick. The trade announced Monday ends what had been a disappointing Dallas debut for Smith, a Texas native who played at Baylor. She was averaging career lows in points, rebounds and minutes for the Wings, who started 1-11 before winning four of their past six games. Smith joined the Wings from Indiana in an offseason trade. The 24-year-old was part of a major roster makeover before Dallas selected Paige Bueckers No. 1 overall in the draft in April. In three seasons with the Fever, Smith was a double-figure scorer each year while averaging nearly eight rebounds per game, although her production dipped after Caitlin Clark joined Indiana last season. This year, Smith's minutes are below 20 for the first time at 19.1 while she is averaging 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. Smith, the No. 2 pick by Indiana in 2022, made the WNBA All-Rookie first team after a standout Baylor career that included a national championship when she was a freshman. Smith is from San Antonio. The Aces, who won back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022-23, are off to a disappointing start after sending Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks while adding Jewell Loyd from Seattle in asix-team tradethis past offseason. The trade required the Wings to release Kaila Charles, who signed a hardship contract on June 17. ___ AP WNBA:https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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June 30, 2025

Aces acquire NaLyssa Smith from the Wings for first-round pick in 2027

Aces acquire NaLyssa Smith from the Wings for first-round pick in 2027 LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Las Vegas Aces have acquired forward NaLyssa Smi...

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Raiders RB Raheem Mostert slams Dolphins after Jonnu Smith trade

Raiders RB Raheem Mostert slams Dolphins after Jonnu Smith trade

TheMiami Dolphins' decision to include tight endJonnu Smithin Monday's blockbusterJalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatricktrade has rubbed one former Dolphin the wrong way. On Monday morning, Miamitraded Ramseyand Smith to thePittsburgh Steelersfor Fitzpatrick and a late-round pick swap. Las Vegas Raidersrunning backRaheem Mostert, who played for the Dolphins in 2015 and (more notably) from 2022 to 2024, slammed Miami on social media after the trade news broke. "Hot take: Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like s---. Happy for my guys though! GO BALL OUT!!" Mostert wrote on the social media site X. Hot take: Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like sh*t. Happy for my guys though! GO BALL OUT!!https://t.co/RyDBVE8h1i — Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball)June 30, 2025 JONNU SMITH:Steelers-Dolphins trade details: TE included in Jalen Ramsey blockbuster deal Mostert made his first Pro Bowl in 2023, his ninth year as a pro, after leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns for the Dolphins. That season was also Mostert's first in which he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with 1,012 rushing yards on 209 carries. Mostert began the 2024 season as Miami's lead back, but a Week 1 injury kept him out of three subsequent games. By the time he returned, second-yearDe'Von Achanehad done enough to take over the top spot on the depth chart. The Dolphins released Mostert in February, and he subsequently signed a deal with the Raiders the following month. The Dolphins' decision to trade Smith months after he finished his first Pro Bowl season was enough to prompt a public reaction from Mostert, who alludes to feeling like he was treated similarly. Smith had been in contract negotiations with Miami as he attempted to cash in on the most statistically productive season of his career. He ended up in a trade to Pittsburgh, where he received a one-year, $12 million extension as part of the deal. The Raiders have not yet released an official depth chart, though Mostert is expected to split carries with rookieAshton Jeantyin both players' first year in Las Vegas. In Pittsburgh, Smith reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who has historically enjoyed deploying two-tight-end sets. For at least the next two seasons, Jonnu Smith will likely be paired with tight endPat Freiermuthin the Steelers' offense. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jalen Ramsey trade: Raheem Mostert slams Miami for moving Jonnu Smith

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June 30, 2025

Raiders RB Raheem Mostert slams Dolphins after Jonnu Smith trade

Raiders RB Raheem Mostert slams Dolphins after Jonnu Smith trade TheMiami Dolphins' decision to include tight endJonnu Smithin Monday...

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Wimbledon 2025: Ons Jabeur appears to shed tears before retiring in first round due to injury

Wimbledon 2025: Ons Jabeur appears to shed tears before retiring in first round due to injury

Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur has a history of success at Wimbledon. Jabeur reached the finals in consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, though never won the event. While she has yet to win it all, Wimbledon is her strongest Grand Slam. In 2025, however, Jabeur won't make it out of the first round. The 30-year-old was forced to retire due to injury during her first-round matchup against Viktoriya Tomova on Monday. Jabeur appeared to shed tears before making the call to retire from the match. Ons Jabeur took a medical time out at 2-3 in the 1st set against Tomova at Wimbledon.She looked very emotional… Tough scenes for the 2-time finalist.This event means so much to her.pic.twitter.com/Be5l7qvTWJ — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter)June 30, 2025 Jabeur required medical attention in the first set vs. Tomova. After just 26 minutes of play, Jabeur briefly had to leave the court and buried her head in a towel after returning. After being checked out, Jabeur returned to action, losing the first set 7-5. Jabeur remained on the court to try and play a second set, but fell behind 2-0 before retiring from the contest. Following the match, Jabeur said she had strong practices leading up to Wimbledon and was sad she needed toleave the event early, per the Associated Press. "I wasn't expecting not to feel good. I have been practicing pretty well the last few days. But I guess these things happen," Jabeur said afterward. "I'm pretty sad. Doesn't really help me with my confidence and what I keep pushing myself to do even though it was a very tough season for me. I hope I can feel better." Jabeur's exit marks yet another disappointing development for the Tunisian, who has struggled with injuries since 2024. Jabeur was forced to retire from the 2024 U.S. Open due to a shoulder injury, and decided to cut her season short due to the issue. She returned to action at the 2025 Australian Open, where she lost in the third round. Jabeur also battled a leg injury at the Miami Open in March. Those injuries, and Jabeur's struggles since returning, have dropped her to No. 59 in the WTA rankings. That's quite the fall for Jabeur, who ranked No. 2 overall in 2022.

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June 30, 2025

Wimbledon 2025: Ons Jabeur appears to shed tears before retiring in first round due to injury

Wimbledon 2025: Ons Jabeur appears to shed tears before retiring in first round due to injury Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur has a histor...

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Nike releases — and sells out — WNBA star Caitlin Clark's version of Kobe Bryant's sneaker

Nike releases — and sells out — WNBA star Caitlin Clark's version of Kobe Bryant's sneaker

Caitlin Clark's version of a popular Nike sneaker, where the WNBA superstar etched her name next to the late NBA icon Kobe Bryant, dropped and sold out quickly on Monday morning. The Kobe V Protroretails for $190and incorporates slightly more splashy versions of blue, red, and gold, colors of her team, the Indiana Fever. They were made available online at 10 a.m. EDT, and Nike's initial offering of the shoes was gone in minutes. It wasn't immediately clear how many pairs Nike sold or when the next offering would be made available. The Protros already appeared in the resale markets, with the onlineseller eBay featuringscores of pairs for more than $350. A rep for Nike could not be immediately reached for comment on Monday. Nike described the sneakers' shades as "Midnight Navy, Bright Crimson, vibrant hits of University Gold, and polished off with a high-gloss finish that glistens under the spotlight." Before his retirement in 2016 and death in a2020 helicopter crash, Bryant was arguably basketball's most famous contemporary name. And likewise, Clark has become the world's biggest name in women's basketball, if not the sport at large. Clark finished her amateur career at the University of Iowa last year as her sport'sall-time leading scorerbefore winning theWNBA's Rookie of the Year award. She was namedTime Magazine's Athlete of the Yearfor 2024. Also on Sunday, Clark and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier were named captains for the WNBA's All-Star Game, which will be held on July 19 at Fever's home court, Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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June 30, 2025

Nike releases — and sells out — WNBA star Caitlin Clark's version of Kobe Bryant's sneaker

Nike releases — and sells out — WNBA star Caitlin Clark's version of Kobe Bryant's sneaker Caitlin Clark's version of a popular ...

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EA Sports teases return of beloved college basketball video game in cryptic tweet

EA Sports teases return of beloved college basketball video game in cryptic tweet

EA Sports delighted video-game fans last July with the release of "College Football 25." Now, the company might try to recapture that magic with the return of another beloved sports franchise. EA Sports sent out a cryptic tweet Monday teasing the return of its college basketball video-game franchise. Bring the Madness. Let's run it back.#CBB#ItsInTheGamepic.twitter.com/iBNhGxn2yj — EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS)June 30, 2025 The tweet didn't exactly confirm the series — known as EA Sports' "NCAA Basketball" — would return, but it seems pretty likely. Why else would the company tweet about a long discontinued game series? Multiple reports suggest the series is aiming for a return in 2028. Roughly 730 teams are expected to be included, as the game will look to include both men's and women's players, per The Athletic. More on the College Basketball video game coming back, per source:- Upwards of 730 teams (men and women)- Plan is game modes like CFB- 2028 release date because it takes a LONG time to get assets and build a gameConfirming@MattBrownEP's reporting.https://t.co/LqhMQMLoKi — Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini)June 30, 2025 EA Sports' "NCAA Basketball" was a series of video games the company put out regularly between 1998 and 2009. It was known as "NCAA March Madness" the first 11 years of its existence before adopting the "NCAA Basketball" branding in its final two years. If you want to feel old, the last athlete to grace the cover of "NCAA Basketball" was Blake Griffin. The Oklahoma star appeared on the cover just months after the Los Angeles Clippers made him the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Griffin hasn't played in the NBA since the 2022-23 season, which gives a sense of how long the "NCAA Basketball" series has been on hiatus. The successful return of "College Football 25" may have played a role in EA Sports reviving its college basketball series. "College Football 25"received an 83 ratingon Metacritic, a strong figure for a sports game. That represents an increase over "NCAA Basketball 10," which received a 75 on the website before EA Sports discontinued the series.

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June 30, 2025

EA Sports teases return of beloved college basketball video game in cryptic tweet

EA Sports teases return of beloved college basketball video game in cryptic tweet EA Sports delighted video-game fans last July with the rel...

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Could collective bargaining be the answer for college sports? Some ADs are ready to say the quiet part out loud

Could collective bargaining be the answer for college sports? Some ADs are ready to say the quiet part out loud

ORLANDO — For more than two years now, Danny White, the athletic director at Tennessee, has quietly socialized with select colleagues a detailed presentation that, he believes, serves as a solution to what ails the college sports industry. He's worked mostly in the shadows, pitching his solution through a multi-slide deck in an effort to rally support for this passion project: collective bargaining with college athletes. Well, he's done being quiet about it. "It's time to go public," he said recently from a gathering of athletic administrators at the Orlando World Center Marriott. "I've been voicing it in private rooms for four years. I'm not going to bite my tongue anymore." The presentation, shown in detail to Yahoo Sports, illustrates how a college athlete collective-bargaining model might work. The fact that this concept derives from the leader of an SEC athletic department and one of the country's most valuable brands makes it all the more relevant. The package features multiple flowcharts, a detailed explanation of the concepts and a stunning change that may make university leaders squirm: It refers to players not as student-athletes but as employee-athletes. In White's model, college athletes would, in fact, not be employees of their schools. The structure calls for the creation of a national employment organization that partners with a players association, perhaps one already formed in the professional leagues, to create a "modernized and improved ecosystem" for football and men's basketball players, White describes, and one still tethered to higher education via requirements in a bargained agreement. "Collective bargaining and employment status shouldn't be seen as negative terms," he told Yahoo Sports. "I think there's a lot of people who think the same way I do. We can go through another three or five or 10 years of a difficult environment. Or we can accept the reality and fix it right now." White is right. He's far from alone in thinking that, despite the impending start of athlete revenue-sharing, college sports is in need of a collective-bargaining solution as a way to avoid future litigation and create a more stable environment. In fact, more than three-dozen college athletics leaders — many of them sitting power conference athletic directors — say they support some form of collective bargaining with athletes. A few, like White, are beginning to now speak publicly. "Whether you call it collective bargaining or some kind of negotiating process, I think it is needed," Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades told Yahoo Sports. "It's worth exploring," SMU athletic director Damon Evans says. "There is concern over unionizing and I understand that, but where we are right now … I don't think this is the last iteration of this process." Some athletic administrators, and even head football coaches, are serious enough about the concept that they have participated in in-person bargaining or unionization presentations before those attempting to organize players, like Jim Cavale of Athletes.Org and Jason Stahl of the College Football Players Association. A small group meeting unfolded at the site of the Final Four in San Antonio, in fact, and other gatherings have transpired across individual campuses. FSU athletic director Michael Alford participated in one. "I want all the options on the table, including collective bargaining," he said. On Tuesday, the industry lurches into the age of athlete revenue sharing. Schools can directly pay their athletes millions of dollars every year in a capped system tied to theNCAA's landmark, multi-billion dollar settlement of three antitrust cases, most commonly referred to as "House." With college sports on the eve of its most transformative era in more than 100 years of existence, some of the industry's leading figures fear that the new compensation and enforcement system, while a step forward in progress, fails to bring a permanent level of durability to the landscape, leaving exposed multiple avenues for legal challenges. It is time, they say, to begin talking about the next chapter before the newest one even begins. But what would collective bargaining solve? And how could it realistically happen? "I see everybody saying that collective bargaining is a solution. It's not," said Scott Schneider, who leads an Austin, Texas-based educational and employment law firm. "Logistically, at this point, it's impossible." In many ways, the public push for collective bargaining with players began years ago with some of the country's most high-profile coaches. While Michigan's coach two years ago, Jim Harbaugh, encouraged the unionization of players, so did then-Alabama coach Nick Saban, famously quipping in spring of 2023, "Unionize it, make it like the NFL." The approval of the NCAA's settlement and the arrival on Tuesday of the revenue-sharing era has, for some, only exacerbated their feelings on employment and bargaining as a way to avoid more violations of antitrust law. There is a dire need for a different model, they contend, one that effectively sets regulations for an array of concepts that they believe will not survive a legal test as they currently exist, even within the legal settlement. The unannounced motives of college sports' new compensation and enforcement system are obvious. Revenue-sharing contracts between schools and athletes are intended to limit athlete movement, many of them even written to financially penalize players for entering the transfer portal. Thenew enforcement clearinghouse, designed to prohibit booster-backed deals, and the quasi-salary cap — schools are capped at sharing $20.5 million with athletes in Year 1 — are intended to control compensation and, as it turns out, may force a reduction in player salaries that grew exponentially over the last year. In fact, during a recent football team meeting, one SEC school illustrated the impending decrease in pay, showing players that their expected allocation this coming year (about $14 million) is roughly half of what the school spent on last year's team (about $27 million). Brian Davis, an attorney in California who represents more than 100 football players in the NIL space, anticipates successful legal challenges over both — the restrictions on movement and constraining of salaries. "If the NCAA thinks they're going to put the genie back in the bottle and have the millionaires and billionaires sit on their hands, good luck!" said Davis, who heads the California-based Forward Counsel law firm. "I don't see that ever surviving a challenge in the courts without collective bargaining." Collective bargaining, supporters say, will assure that school revenue-share contracts are binding and that the amount of revenue shared with players is properly agreed to and legally capped. "We continue to negotiate against ourselves," said North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham. "We're starting to realize the transfer portal and the ability to move can only be regulated by the students who agree to that regulation." The player contracts are at the center of debate. As a mechanism to share revenue with athletes and to avoid the appearance of employment, schools are signing players to what universities are terming "marketing" contracts where the school purchases the player's name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. White says this is "disingenuous." "They aren't marketing deals," he continues. "We have to stop pretending that they are not getting compensated for playing for us." Michael Leroy, an Illinois law professor who has published extensive work on labor policy, has obtained, through records requests, several contracts schools are offering to athletes. The contracts "read like employee handbooks," he says, featuring liquidated damages (buyouts) and clauses that grant schools the right to end the deal or stop compensation for a variety of reasons, including for injuries and academic eligibility — hallmarks of employment deals. Already, this past winter, several athletes broke revenue-share contracts with schools and their collectives. At Baylor, basketball guard Rob Wright III left Waco for BYU just weeks after signing what Rhoades says was a "seven-figure" deal with the school. At Wisconsin, defensive back Xavier Lucas transferred to Miami after signing a revenue-share contract with the Badgers —a move that has resulted in a potential precedent-setting legal fight. "Contracts have to matter," Rhoades said. How can they matter? "We should try to get much more like the NFL and have real contracts," Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin told Yahoo Sports in an interview last fall. "If you're trying to do it right, just copy their system." For roughly 15 years, DeMaurice Smith presided over the NFL Players Association. And, yet, he is a realist when it comes to unionization and collective bargaining in college. "Pragmatically, it would be extremely difficult," he told Yahoo Sports in a recent interview. "There are such a large number of athletes playing a disparate number of sports, with some being revenue generating and some not." Smith identifies one of the many headwinds that any college bargaining concept might face. There are plenty more, legal experts contend, including but not limited to the formal recognition of athletes as employees (more difficult now with a Republican-controlled labor board); the creation of a players association (who can both athletes and administrators trust to lead it?); and, perhaps, the biggest of them: Do athletes want this? "It's not clear at this point in time that college athletes want to be in a union," said Gabe Feldman, a sports law professor at Tulane. "They may feel they're getting the benefits they need through antitrust law." Schneider, the Austin-based attorney, describes any bargaining or negotiating in college as benefiting only the schools.Why would athletes bargain for a worse deal?"They currently have a whole bunch of universities competing for their services," he says. It's true. Even players association leaders, Cavale and Stahl, acknowledge that major conference athletes, at least financially, are benefiting from an environment of booster-fueled NIL payments and unrestricted movement. But will that continue under a more rigorous settlement-related structure? None of these issues are stopping the circulation of collective-bargaining proposals across the industry. Everyone seems to have a plan of how to do it, including one from an SEC athletic director — he wanted to remain anonymous — that eliminates recruiting by holding a college draft. As for White, his concept sets up a national organization to employ and unionize athletes, not unlike universities contracting with unionized dining service companies like Aramark, he says — a potential way to avoid complications within right-to-work states with anti-union political leaders. In his proposal, athletes of a particular sport would determine whether they'd like to bargain as employees of the national organization or continue as they currently exist. He'd expect only football and men's basketball to bargain. Sports that do not generate a profit are unlikely to opt into bargain "for their loss," White said. Cavale's proposal relies on congressional action. He's pushing his own draft bill, The Save College Athletics Act, that resolves the employment issue by creating a special, non-employee status for Division I athletes and establishes collective-bargaining rights for them — something former Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick famously encouraged more than two years ago. Cavale's plan works within the House settlement terms and leaves the revenue-share cap amount potentially intact. Tim Pernetti, commissioner of the American conference, participated in one of Cavale's presentations. "Collective bargaining may hold potential benefits and deserves to be explored like every other option available, including what's controversial," he told Yahoo Sports. But these proposals have been met with pushback. Ramogi Huma, the executive director of the National College Players Association and a longtime critic of the NCAA, rebuffs the notion of non-employment bargaining, calling it "disturbing." However, the greatest and loudest resistance has come from the four power conference commissioners, who have repeatedly and publicly spoken against any employment or collective-bargaining model. "I've not heard anyone articulate that there's the ability to create a segment of student-athletes that are employees and a segment that are not," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in April during an event in Washington, D.C. In fact, Sankey said, he believes that once employment and bargaining exists in one place within the NCAA, it will exist across all three divisions, including those schools with little to no resources to support it. At the power conference level, he estimates that schools spend $150,000-280,000 in non-NIL related benefits for each full-time athlete. "Now we're going to make them employees with full taxation?" he asks, rhetorically. Last spring at another event on Capitol Hill, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne told lawmakers that any employment model would result in the elimination of sports teams. If the profits from football and men's basketball, normally used to subsidize other sports, are distributed as employee payments to football and basketball players, how do you fund non-revenue sports that, for example at Alabama, lose a cumulative $40 million a year, Byrne said. "You can go from 28 to six sports in one fiscal year," Phillips said. White pushes back against some of these notions. So does Cavale and Stahl. Americans are "generally fearful people," said Stahl, the leader of the College Football Players Association and someone who has frequented campuses over the last four years in an effort to rally for athlete rights and unionization. "I think it's sad and it leads people to not do the right thing. Fear is the enemy. It is paralyzing." "They're not taking the time to explore what it will look like," Cavale said. "They are keeping this idea in their head that collective bargaining is the devil and will blow everything up and make the [rev-share] cap 10 times higher." Leroy, the Illinois law professor, believes that a non-employment collective-bargaining model may actually work — if Congress would agree to such, a long shot considering the body's divisive state. He described such a setup similar to the Screen Actors Guild, where actors have a separate provision for NIL or publicity rights. There may be an easier way, though. Schneider says schools could begin negotiating with a segment of players even if they have not been deemed employees by the National Labor Relations Board. However, universities lose the primary benefit of bargaining in this scenario: protection from antitrust lawsuits. "Management does not get to decide to collectively bargain," Feldman says. There are many in college sports management — schools and conference leadership — who fear that any negotiation with players to limit the existing transfer and compensation freedoms will end in one way: a strike. Said one SEC athletic director: "That will get ugly." Within a California courtroom in early April, a federal judge said aloud a somewhat jarring statement. Claudia Wilken, presiding over the NCAA and power conferences' settlement of the House antitrust lawsuit, agreed with one of the objectors in the case, attorney Steve Molo, that the settlement's compensation cap on players would have been "better," she said, if it were collectively bargained. In fact, deep within more than 200 pages of settlement documents, one can find a mention of collective bargaining. The settlement allows for the creation of a bargaining structure that may, during negotiations, provide athletes with "additional benefits" outside of the settlement terms. Jeffrey Kessler contends that the settlement, in a way, is a collectively bargained agreement, as he and co-lead plaintiff attorney Steve Berman represented the athletes. For their attorneys fees, they are expected to receive more than $400 million. Leroy, the Illinois law professor, describes the settlement as an "invisible union for an invisible labor market." But many, even those within college sports, contend that the settlement is only a temporary solution for a much more expansive problem — a Band-Aid over a gushing wound. "I question everything and as I sit here as an AD," Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey says. "Why do we continue to live in insanity? Until someone can tell me that collectively bargaining isn't it, that's where my mindset is." Even Wilken, in her approval of the settlement, paved the way for certain concepts to be challenged, including the revenue-share cap and new enforcement clearinghouse. "We've said all along there is only two obvious solutions: federal intervention or collective bargaining," Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said. "Maybe the settlement is a thread-the-needle approach, but you'll probably hear people talk about collective bargaining until we have some semblance of a structure." Federal intervention is perhaps more likely to come directly from the Trump administration instead of a congressional bill over a topic that, while at first described as bipartisan, has been anything but. More than five years and millions spent on the NCAA's lobbying effort has resulted in 14 congressional hearings and more than a dozen bills introduced. No bill has been raised on the House or Senate floor. That said, progress is being made of late. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is expected to move a bill this summer that grants college sports' primary requests: limited liability protection to enforce rules; a clause deeming athletes as students and not employees; and the preemption of state NIL laws. But whether it can garner the necessary votes in the Senate — 60 to avoid the filibuster, which would have to include at least seven Democrats — seems like a long shot. Separate negotiations have been unfolding for months in the Senate over a bipartisan bill, led by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrats Chris Coons, Cory Booker and Richard Blumenthal. No agreement has been reached. "You have this bottleneck of different philosophical differences," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. "The idea they'd come together and say, 'They can collectively bargain!' You're losing half of Congress. If you say, 'Well we want antitrust protection,' you're losing most of the other half." In fact, at the last congressional hearing over college sports, New York Democrat Yvette Clarke said aloud, "There needs to be some kind of legitimate collective bargaining between college athletes and the NCAA and its member institutions." In addition to the pushback, there are also the dozens of more significant domestic and global issues ongoing — tax bills, confrontations in the Middle East, tariffs. "You have to step back and say, 'Is this what voters want us to be working on right now?'" said Lori Trahan, a Democrat from Massachusetts. Given the uncertainty on Capitol Hill and the constant litigation, "the best longer-term scenario" for college sports it to collectively bargain, said Brendan Boyle, a Democrat congressman from Pennsylvania. "The sooner we get to a place where both sides collectively bargain the issues, the better off we will be." Joe Castiglione, the athletic director at Oklahoma and one of the most respected leaders in college sports, does not necessarily disagree. He recalls a meeting among athletic directors more than 10 years ago in which he argued to create a "licensing consortium" where athletes could share in benefits beyond their scholarship. "You should have seen how they looked at me," he said. "It was sacrilegious." And now? Here the industry sits. "We need some path on getting the sides together to create a competitive environment where both share in the upside," he said. From the site of the Final Four in April, Stu Jackson, commissioner of the West Coast Conference and former executive vice president of the NBA, advocated for college athletics to deeply explore a bargaining agreement with athletes. While he's against an athlete employment model, Jackson points to his days with the NBA as an example of the structure that college athletics needs. "Our existing system around revenue sharing, the transfer portal and NIL … there is no real system," he said. "The NBA has provided a system of sharing of resources, timing of player acquisition and I think that would be something that college basketball would truly benefit from." A handful of power conference football general managers share a group text message chain where the two words — collective bargaining — are a common response when something goes awry with a player contract, transfer situation or compensation rate. "You know what would solve this?" the general managers often write to one another. "Collective bargaining." Charlie Baker, the NCAA president, hears very loudly the push for a collective-bargaining setup within his organization and from his individual member schools. But, he says, it's "not as simple as a lot of people alleged." For one, the four professional leagues bargain with about 4,700 players. Each power league has "two to three times" that amount for upwards of 30 sports, not four. "I had 65 unions I negotiated with when I was governor. I'm quite aware of the complexity to this," Baker told Yahoo Sports in a recent interview. "Before everybody says, 'Stop! Let's do something else!' Let's see if the settlement works." On Tuesday, the college sports industry will begin a long march toward learning that answer. Will the settlement work as intended and survive certain legal challenges? Or will college sports' new endeavor fail the legal test and, in the end, arrive at a place so many believe is inevitable? "At some point, collective bargaining is going to be what happens," Boise State football coach Spencer Danielson said. "I don't know why we just don't call them employees," said one sitting FBS university president. "There is an old maxim: Something that must be done eventually must be done immediately."

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June 30, 2025

Could collective bargaining be the answer for college sports? Some ADs are ready to say the quiet part out loud

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