Sports News

Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to move into the semifinals of the Copa América on Thursday after goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match went to penalties after Lisandro Martínez's opener for Argentina was canceled out by Kevin Rodríguez in stoppage time. There is no extra time in Copa América knockout games apart from the final. In the shootout, Lionel Messi clipped the crossbar with Argentina's first effort, but Martinez saved from Ángel Mena and Alan Minda as the defending champions moved into a semifinal matchup against either Venezuela or Canada. "In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper, and that is fundamental," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "Even after Leo's miss and with all that means for the team, it's very important that our goalkeeper came up clutch. "I think it's not enjoyable when you win in this way....

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier suffered a left foot injury in Thursday night's 78-73 loss to the Connecticut Sun. She was hurt with 2 minutes, 36 seconds left in the third quarter and did not return to the game. Collier is having a standout season. She was named MVP of the Commissioner's Cup final, won by the Lynx on June 25. Earlier in June, she was named to her second 5-on-5 Olympic team for the United States. Cheryl Reeve, who is coach of both the Lynx and the U.S. women's national team, said in the postgame news conference that she didn't yet have an update on Collier or Lynx reserve guard Olivia Epoupa, who suffered a thigh injury during the game. Collier left with nine points, which ended her streak of 29 consecutive games scoring in double figures, dating to last season. Another 5-on-5 U.S. Olympian, Alyssa Thomas, had a triple-double (13 points, 14 assists, 10 rebounds) for the Sun (16-4). The Lynx (14-6) have lost two games in a...

Oregon landed a Fourth of July recruiting win with a commitment from five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore on Thursday night, beating Texas, LSU and Ohio State to the pledge of the No. 1 wide receiver and top uncommitted prospect in the 2025 class. Moore, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound pass-catcher from Duncanville, Texas, is the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300. He joins the Ducks as the program's 11th ESPN 300 pledge in 2025 and the highest-rated prospect in Dan Lanning's incoming class. Per ESPN rankings, Moore represents Oregon's highest-rated commitment since it landed Kayvon Thibodeaux as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2019 class. A two-time Texas 6A Division I state champion at Duncanville High School, Moore initially committed to LSU in August 2023 as the second-highest-rated prospect in the Tigers' 2025 class before pulling his pledge from the program May 16. Brian Kelly and the Tigers remained in contention for Moore's commitment after he reopened...

The WBC has expelled boxing star Ryan Garcia from any activity with the organization after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty Thursday on the social media platform X. "We reject any form of discrimination," Sulaiman wrote. "I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse." It wasn't immediately clear what sanctions the WBC would take against Garcia, who is serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine. That suspension is retroactive to Garcia's April 20 decision victory over Devin Haney, which was overturned to a no-contest. Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X. "I was trolling I want all the killing to stop," Garcia wrote. "I love everyone sorry if I...

Canada coach Jesse Marsch has spoken of his disappointment in the United States' poor performance at the Copa América as his side prepares to take on Venezuela in the quarterfinals at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday. The 50-year-old American coach led Canada to the last eight with a 1-0 win over Peru to finish second in Group A behind holders Argentina, while the U.S. failed to progress from the group stage after a 2-1 loss to Panama followed by a 1-0 defeat by Uruguay. "I'd like to say that I'm only focused on what we're doing here in Canada, but obviously I'm paying attention to the U.S. men's national team as I always do, and like you, I'm sad," the coach told " FOX Soccer Now." "I'm disappointed with the performances, the lack of discipline. There are a lot of things that I think we've tried to embody about the game in the U.S., and we've always believed in this group of players." The former Leeds United boss...

Luka Doncic and Slovenia still have Olympic hopes.  Doncic had 36 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Slovenia beat New Zealand 104-78 on Thursday to clinch a semifinal spot in the Olympic qualifying tournament at Piraeus, Greece. Slovenia needed to win by at least 10 points to make the semifinals. Slovenia's opponent on Saturday is Greece, meaning it'll be Doncic and fellow NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo leading their squads. The winner will advance to Sunday's final with a berth in the Paris Olympics at stake, and the loser eliminated. Josh Nebo had 20 points and 10 rebounds for Slovenia. Shea Ili led New Zealand with 28 points. Antetokounmpo got the day off, but Greece rolled into the semifinals anyway with 93-71 win over Egypt in Piraeus. Konstantinos Mitoglou and Georgios Papagiannis each had 16 points for Greece, which got 15 from Kostas Popanikolaou. Ahmed Metwaly scored 22 for Egypt, which was eliminated. The matchups for Saturday's semifinals are as...

San Diego Wave president Jill Ellis called allegations of an abusive work environment made by a former employee of the National Women's Soccer League team "false" and "personally damaging." Ellis released a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday in response to a social media post by Brittany Alvarado, a former video and creative manager for the team. Alvarado called on the NWSL to remove Ellis, the former U.S. women's national team coach. Alvarado alleged the workplace was discriminatory and said it took a toll on her mental health in a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter. Ellis said mental health concerns are a priority for the club and noted that it has support measures, including an employee assistance program. She added that when allegations of mistreatment have occurred, the team has investigated. "In addition, when appropriate, independent third parties have assisted us in evaluating our workplace. At no time have those evaluations...

Andy Murray's Wimbledon farewell got off to a difficult start on Thursday as he was knocked out of the men's doubles in the first round alongside his older brother Jamie with a 7-6 (6), 6-4 loss to Australian pair Rinky Hijikata and John Peers. Clearly having his movement limited by back pain, Andy Murray had to rely on his service game as he battled through the straight-sets defeat that potentially leaves him with one match left to play at the tournament. The two-time Wimbledon singles champion withdrew from his first-round singles match on Tuesday, having not recovered in time from a spinal cyst procedure that left him with reduced feeling in his right leg. However, Murray's decision to take to the court alongside his brother in the doubles generated considerable excitement at the All England Club as supporters reckoned with the prospect of seeing the British tennis legend compete at the championships for one final time. The British duo were welcomed...

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott recently suffered a minor right foot sprain that temporarily required a walking boot, a source told ESPN's Todd Archer.  Prescott was seen in a walking boot while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas in a picture posted to X on Wednesday. It was unclear when the picture was taken, and he is no longer wearing the boot, according to the source. The injury is not expected to impact Prescott when the Cowboys hold their first training camp practice on July 25. It is not known how Prescott suffered the injury. The Cowboys last held an organized workout on June 5. Prescott underwent season-ending surgery for a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in 2020 after suffering the injury in a Week 5 victory over the  New York Giants. Prescott hasn't injured his right ankle since the surgery. Prescott is entering the final year of his contract which will pay him $29 million for the 2024 season.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been wearing a protective walking boot because of a sprain on his right foot, according to multiple reports. The injury is not serious and Prescott has worn the boot for a week, according to  The Dallas Morning News.  A picture of Prescott wearing the boot while walking with his girlfriend on vacation in Cabo San Lucas was  posted on social media on Wednesday. It is not known how Prescott suffered the injury. The Cowboys last held an organized workout on June 5 and will hold their first training camp practice on July 25. Prescott underwent season-ending surgery for a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in 2020 after suffering the injury in a Week 5 victory over the  New York Giants. Prescott hasn't injured his right ankle since the surgery. Prescott is entering the final year of his contract which will pay him $29 million for the 2024 season.

SAN FRANCISCO --  Buddy Hield is joining the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers that guarantees him two years and $21 million, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Thursday. Hield will receive $18 million in the first two years and a $3 million partial guarantee for 2026-27 as well as a player option for a non-guaranteed fourth year, sources said. Golden State is sending Philadelphia a 2031 second-round pick it received from the Dallas Mavericks in the Klay Thompson sign-and-trade. Pairing Hield with Stephen Curry will give the Warriors the top two 3-point scorers over the past five seasons. Hield is a 40% 3-point shooter in his career. Hield is part of the Warriors' attempt to fill the void Thompson leaves as he heads to Dallas after 12 years with Golden State. The Warriors have also signed De'Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson, giving the team decent versatility on both...

Outside linebacker LaVar Arrington II, the son of former Penn State All-American and seven-year NFL veteran LaVar Arrington, announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions on Thursday. Arrington II hails from Covina, California, and is a two-way standout at Charter Oak High School where he totaled 65 tackles and 12 sacks during his junior season last fall. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defender held offers from the likes of Michigan, Washington and Colorado, and commits to his father's alma mater following spring visits to Penn State, Tennessee and UCLA. The elder Arrington authored a career worthy of the College Football Hall of Fame with the Nittany Lions from 1997-99, where he emerged as one the nation's fiercest linebackers and became known for the "LaVar Leap." Arrington tallied 173 total tackles, 19 sacks and 3 interceptions on the way to back-to-back All-America selections, including unanimous honors in the 1999 season. That same year, Arrington took home the Butkus and...

Kylian Mbappé has praised Cristiano Ronaldo as "unique" ahead of France's quarterfinal clash with Portugal on Friday, adding that he and the 39-year-old stay in contact regularly. Mbappé's fandom for Ronaldo is well known, with the France captain having posted a picture of him meeting his then-hero at the Madrid training ground in 2012 when his recent free transfer to Real Madrid was announced. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday ahead of the game in Hamburg, Mbappé said of Ronaldo: "It's truly an honour, everyone knows the respect I have for him. He is still a legend and we are in contact but I hope tomorrow that we can win. "We have to appreciate who he is and what he has done -- he is a unique player. His CV speaks for itself." Asked if he wanted to replicate Ronaldo after his move to Madrid, for whom the Portuguese star is the all-time leading goal scorer, Mbappé added: "There is only one of him. Me, I just want to follow my own...

Novak Djokovic said he wouldn't have been surprised if his second-round match against Jacob Fearnley at Wimbledon went to a fifth set, but he's "very glad it didn't." The seven-time champion at the All England Club beat his 22-year-old Scottish opponent 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 on Centre Court on Thursday in another test of his fitness following recent knee surgery. "Can I be playing better and moving better? Yes, absolutely," Djokovic said in an on-court interview. "So I'm hoping that as the tournament progresses each day or each match I'll be feeling a bit better." Fearnley, a wild-card entry who recently finished playing college tennis at TCU, had a strong cheering section that erupted when he took the third set. "He served very well. It was very difficult to break his serve. He made me work, definitely," Djokovic said. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he should have closed it out in straight sets but that he "was not really comfortable in my own skin, particularly in...

Jessica Pegula became the highest-seeded women's player to lose at Wimbledon, as the No. 5-seeded American was defeated by Wang Xinyu 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-1 in the second round Thursday. Wang recorded 38 winners, which combined with 33 unforced errors from Pegula secured the victory and a third-round matchup against Harriet Dart, who beat fellow Briton Katie Boulter in a tense three-set thriller. For Wang, world No. 42, the victory was her first over a top-10 player. "Couple of days ago I was asking my coach when will this happen," Wang said. "Jessica was really tough to play on grass. Her ball was super low, and I'm just really happy I won in the end." For Pegula, the loss ruined high hopes of improving on last year's quarterfinal finish and reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal. She had won her first grass-court title in Berlin in the lead-up to Wimbledon but joined No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka, who pulled out before the first round because of a...

Kylian Mbappé has praised Cristiano Ronaldo as "unique" ahead of France's quarterfinal clash with Portugal on Friday, adding that he and the 39-year-old stay in contact regularly. Mbappé's fandom for Ronaldo is well known, with the France captain having posted a picture of him meeting his then-hero at the Madrid training ground in 2012 when his recent free transfer to Real Madrid was announced. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday ahead of the game in Hamburg, Mbappé said of Ronaldo: "It's truly an honour, everyone knows the respect I have for him. He is still a legend and we are in contact but I hope tomorrow that we can win. "We have to appreciate who he is and what he has done -- he is a unique player. His CV speaks for itself." Asked if he wanted to replicate Ronaldo after his move to Madrid, for whom the Portuguese star is the all-time leading goal scorer, Mbappé added: "There is only one of him. Me, I just want to follow my own...

Erik ten Hag has extended his contract with Manchester United, the club confirmed Thursday. His deal will run until 2026, and he will keep the title of "first team manager" after United triggered a one-year option. Sources have told ESPN that discussions about revamping ten Hag's backroom staff are continuing, with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake set to arrive at Old Trafford. "I am very pleased to have reached an agreement with the club to continue working together," ten Hag said. "Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined. "However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles." "In my discussions with the club," ten Hag continued. "We have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to...

Joey Chestnut is usually a footlong favorite in the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, but the 16-time champion will not be participating this year, leaving a wide-open field with tighter betting odds than there have been in years. Geoffrey Esper was an even-money favorite in the men's competition at ESPN BET as of Thursday morning, followed closely by James Webb at +150. The men's event will be held at noon ET (ESPN2). Miki Sudo, who was a commanding favorite in the women's competition at -750, became a 10-time champion by consuming 51 hot dogs in 10 minutes to set a world record for women. Chestnut has eaten 1,214 hot dogs and buns in the contest since 2005, more than double the number ingested by any other competitor during that span. But Chestnut won't be competing in the annual Fourth of July event at New York City's Coney Island because of a dispute over his recent sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a competitor of Nathan's Hot Dogs. Patrick Jay, senior...

Erik ten Hag has extended his contract with Manchester United, the club confirmed on Thursday. The Dutchman's deal will run until 2026 and he will keep the title of "first team manager" after United triggered a one-year option. Sources have told ESPN that discussions about revamping Ten Hag's backroom staff are continuing, with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake set to arrive at Old Trafford. "I am very pleased to have reached an agreement with the club to continue working together," Ten Hag said. "Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined. "However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles. "In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that...

Erik ten Hag has signed a new contract with Manchester United, the club have confirmed. The Dutchman has agreed a deal until 2026 to remain as "first team manager." Sources have told ESPN that discussions about refreshing Ten Hag's backroom staff are continuing with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake set to arrive at Old Trafford. "I am very pleased to have reached an agreement with the club to continue working together," Ten Hag said. "Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined. "However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles. "In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together."

Chris Sale allowed only three hits in six innings to earn his 11th win, leading the Atlanta Braves to a  3-1 decision over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night.  Sale (11-3) tied the  Kansas City Royals'  Seth Lugo for the most wins in the majors, confirming his return to form of winning 11 or more games in seven consecutive seasons with the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. It was also Sale's eighth victory at home, the most by any pitcher this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. "Is that more wins than I've gotten in the last five years combined?" Sale asked with a smile. It is Sale's most wins since finishing 12-4 in 2018 with Boston. The left-hander recorded nine strikeouts while allowing one run to position himself for All-Star consideration. "We'll cross that bridge if it gets here," Sale said when asked about the possibility of being named the National League's starting pitcher....

Former San Diego Wave employee Brittany Alvarado alleged a pattern of abusive behavior by club president Jill Ellis in a social media post Wednesday. The team denied the accusations in a statement, calling them "inaccurate and defamatory," and defended the former United States women's national team coach. Alvarado alleged "devastating" mental health impacts for herself and other employees and said Ellis "has no place in this game." "Ellis's actions have been life-altering," wrote Alvarado, a former video and creative manager for the Wave. "She prioritizes personal gain over employee well-being, fostering an environment that enables abusive behavior." The Wave said Alvarado's accusations against both the team and Ellis are "categorically false." "San Diego Wave FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club," the team's statement said. "The claims made...

Former San Diego Wave employee Brittany Alvarado alleged a pattern of abusive behavior by club president Jill Ellis in a social media post on Wednesday. The team vehemently denied the accusations in a statement, calling them "inaccurate and defamatory," and defended the former United States women's national team coach. Alvarado alleged "devastating" mental health impacts for herself and other employees and said Ellis "has no place in this game." "Ellis's actions have been life-altering," wrote Alvarado, a former video and creative manager for the Wave. "She prioritizes personal gain over employee well-being, fostering an environment that enables abusive behavior." The Wave said Alvarado's accusations against both the team and Ellis are "categorically false." "San Diego Wave FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club," the team's statement said. "The...

The Philadelphia Phillies are sending three infielders to the MLB All-Star Game later this month, as Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Alec Bohm were among the starters named for the Midsummer Classic on Wednesday evening. Turner won out over Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts in a close vote -- although Betts wouldn't be able to play in the game because of a broken left hand. Meanwhile, Bohm will be making his first All-Star start after having won 70% of the final voting over San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado. Harper, the National League's leading vote-getter, is nursing a left hamstring injury but is expected to play in the game. "Obviously it's something you dream about as a kid. It's something that's not to be taken lightly," Bohm said. "But I think it's just going to be cool to be able to look to my left and see the guy I play with every night over there and look across the field and throw the ball to...

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi's status for its Copa América quarterfinal against Ecuador on Thursday is unclear. The World Cup-winning coach said the lineup would be determined after the evening training session, in which Messi took part. "We will train in a couple hours, and then we will decide. One more day is always better, yesterday we had good sensations and today we will decide. Based on today's answer [In training], we will decide if Messi plays," he said in a news conference before practice. Messi did not play in Argentina's final group stage match -- a 2-0 win over Peru on June 29 -- due to a right leg injury sustained in its 1-0 defeat of Chile. His status was described as "day to day" before returning to training earlier this week. Scaloni expects to have an individual conversation with Messi after the last session and before the match to further understand his physical status. "I haven't spoken with him...

Vladimir Tarasenko, who just won his second Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, signed a two-year contract Wednesday with the Detroit Red Wings worth $4.75 million annually. Signing Tarasenko is the latest move in what's been a steady offseason for the Red Wings. It started June 30 when they re-signed three-time Stanley Cup winner and 2016 Hart Memorial Trophy recipient Patrick Kane to a one-year deal. Then, they brought back Christian Fischer and Tyler Motte before signing Jack Campbell, Erik Gustafsson and Cam Talbot in free agency. But it also saw the Red Wings, a team that had 13 players with more than 10 goals, lose some of their firepower. Jake Walman was traded to the San Jose Sharks, Shayne Gostisbehere signed with the Carolina Hurricanes and David Perron joined the Ottawa Senators. The multitude of moves left the Red Wings with more than $24 million in...

Nikki Hiltz wants people to educate themselves on trans women in sports.

Free agent forward Joe Ingles has agreed on a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, reuniting him with Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Once the Timberwolves knew they were losing Kyle Anderson in free agency, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly engaged with Ingles' agent, Mark Bartelstein, on landing a deal to bring his 3-point shooting and playmaking to the Western Conferences finalists. Ingles, 36, played with Gobert and Conley in Utah, where they regularly advanced in the playoffs together. Ingles is a career 41% 3-point shooter -- including 43.5% for Orlando last season -- and stands fourth best among players with 2,500-plus attempts since coming to the NBA in the 2014-15 season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He trails only JJ Redick (42.9%), Steph Curry (42.1%) and Klay Thompson (41.4%). Ingles has played 10 NBA seasons after...

Free agent Alec Burks has agreed on a one-year deal with the Miami Heat, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday. Anthony Fields and Rich Paul of Klutch Sports negotiated the deal with the Heat front office, sources told ESPN. Acquired by the New York Knicks from the Detroit Pistons in a deadline deal last season to shore up their backcourt depth, Burks averaged 6.5 points in 13.5 minutes to end the regular season with New York. However, after OG Anunoby's injury in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers, Burks received extended playing time and exploded for nearly 18 points on 51% shooting across five games in that series, showing his worth as a microwave scorer off the bench. Overall, Burks averaged 10.4 points on 38% 3-point shooting last season Burks is a veteran of 13 NBA seasons after being drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2011. A 6-foot-6 shooting guard, Burks has averaged at least...

Free agent forward Joe Ingles has agreed on a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, reuniting him with Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley Jr., sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Once the Timberwolves knew they were losing Kyle Anderson in free agency, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly engaged with Ingles' agent Mark Bartelstein on landing a deal to bring his 3-point shooting and playmaking to the Western Conferences finalists. Ingles, 36, played with Gobert and Conley in Utah, where they regularly advanced in the playoffs together. Ingles is a career 41% 3-point shooter -- including 43.5% for Orlando last season -- and stands fourth-best among players with 2,500-plus attempts since arriving to the NBA in the 2014-2015 season, according to ESPN Stats and Information. He only trails JJ Redick (42.9%), Steph Curry (42.1) and Klay Thompson (41.4). Ingles has played 10 NBA seasons after...

Kemba Walker, a day after ending his playing career, is returning to where he found his greatest NBA success, as the Charlotte Hornets announced he is joining the coaching staff as a player enhancement coach. Walker was a three-time All-Star during his eight years with the Hornets franchise and remains the team's all-time leader in points with 12,009. The 34-year-old announced his retirement Tuesday, ending a career that included stints with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. He played sparingly last season with AS Monaco as it won the French League championship. Walker joined the then-Charlotte Bobcats in 2011 as the No. 9 overall pick. Along with the points milestone, he is also the franchise's all-time leader in 3-pointers, win shares and minutes played and is top 10 in assists (second), steals (third), games played (third) and rebounds (eighth). Walker's hiring was one of a number of assistant coaching positions ...

LOS ANGELES -- Bronny James signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers on Wednesday, a league source told ESPN, reaching his rookie deal on the same day LeBron James  agreed to an extension with the team and ensured the first father-son duo in NBA history will play for the purple and gold next season. Bronny James' contract begins at $1,157,143 in 2024-25 and progresses to $1,955,377 the following year, $2,296,271 in 2026-27 and $2,486,955 for a team option in 2027-28, sources told ESPN. The Lakers announced Wednesday that they had signed Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 pick in this year's draft, without disclosing terms. James averaged 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting (26.7% from 3), 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes at USC after undergoing a heart procedure last summer. He said the nearly five-month layoff because of the medical issue affected his development. Lakers vice president of basketball...

With the demise of Ignite program, guard Dink Pate, who is projected as a 2025 NBA first-round pick, is signing with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes for next season, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday. Pate, 18, a native of Dallas, became the youngest known professional basketball player in American history last year at age 17 when he joined the Ignite. Because Pate will not turn 19 until the 2025 calendar year, he was not eligible for the 2024 NBA draft. He committed to spend two years with the Ignite before becoming automatically eligible for the 2025 draft, but the program was shut down after this past season because of the "changing basketball landscape." He averaged 8.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 23.6 minutes over 31 games for the Ignite last season. Prior to joining the Ignite, Pate, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 194 pounds, played primarily point guard at L.G. Pinkston High School in West Dallas and on the Adidas...

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Kraken have hired Jessica Campbell as an assistant coach, making her the first woman behind a bench in NHL history. This is the second time Campbell has made history. In 2022, the Kraken hired her as an assistant coach for their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she became the first woman behind a bench in the AHL. In her time with the Firebirds, Campbell coached the team's forwards and power-play unit was instrumental in the team reaching the Calder Cup Final where they lost to the Hershey Bears for the second consecutive season. Back in May, the Kraken hired Firebirds head coach Dan Bylsma to replace Dave Hakstol, who was fired after three seasons. Bylsma, who previously coached the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres, said at his introductory news conference that Campbell's name was in discussion for a similar role at the NHL level. "Obviously now with the last couple of weeks, part of the conversations with...

The Los Angeles Lakers are hiring Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks as top assistants on JJ Redick's new staff, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday. Redick gets two longtime coaches for his staff who have a combined 31 seasons of head-coaching experience between them. McMillan, 59, was fired as coach of the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 21. He replaced Lloyd Pierce as interim coach for the Hawks in 2021, engineered a run to the Eastern Conference finals and was awarded a four-year contract. He went 99-80 with Atlanta and has a career record of 760-668. Prior to joining the Hawks, he spent five seasons with Seattle, seven with Portland and four with Indiana. McMillan has taken his teams to 11 playoff appearances, going 28-48. Brooks had been serving as an assistant with the Trail Blazers on Chauncey Billups' staff. He last served as head coach of the Washington Wizards, with whom he spent five seasons from 2016 to 2021. Prior...

LOS ANGELES -- Bronny James agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers on Wednesday, a league source told ESPN, reaching the deal on the same day LeBron James  agreed to an extension with the team and ensured the first father-son duo in NBA history will play for the purple and gold next season. Bronny James' rookie deal begins at $1,157,143 in 2024-25 and progresses to $1,955,377 the following year, $2,296,271 in 2026-27 and $2,486,955 for a team option in 2027-28, sources told ESPN. The 19-year-old guard averaged 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting (26.7% from 3), 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes at USC after undergoing a heart procedure last summer. He said the nearly five-month layoff because of the medical issue affected his development. Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka praised James' mindset and potential as a point-of-attack defender, and new Lakers coach JJ Redick...

WIMBLEDON, England --  Coco Gauff continues to "enjoy the ride" at Wimbledon, especially after an easy victory to reach the third round, while  Naomi Osaka will have to wait another year after her return to the Grand Slam event resulted in a quick exit. On Wednesday, Gauff beat qualifier Anca Todoni 6-2, 6-1 on No. 1 Court to advance to the third round at the All England Club. The court is a special place for Gauff, as its where she beat Venus Williams in 2019, when Gauff made her Wimbledon debut at age 15. "This is the court where I first started here at Wimbledon. Court 1 is always a special place for me to play on," the 20-year-old Gauff said in her on-court interview. The victory also allows Gauff, the No. 2 seed, to move another step away from last year's first-round exit. "Overall, I just learned about life a lot," the US Open champion said when asked about putting that three-set loss to Sofia Kenin behind her. "I just realized...

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-hander Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, adding the veteran to a thin starting rotation in hopes of holding onto first place in the National League Central. Tampa Bay will receive infield prospect Gregory Barrios. Civale, 29, was dealt to the Rays near the trade deadline from Cleveland last season for first baseman Kyle Manzardo and joins a Brewers rotation beleaguered by injury, with young starters Robert Gasser and DL Hall as well as veteran Joe Ross on the 60-day injured list. While Civale has struggled since joining Tampa Bay, posting a 5.17 ERA over 27 starts, he adds a reliable starter to a Brewers team that has leaned on Freddy Peralta, Colin Rea, standout rookie Tobias Myers, and Bryse Wilson, who has split time as a starter and bulk-innings reliever following an opener. Civale is on pace to surpass his career-best innings total of...

LeBron James has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104 million contract that includes a player option for 2025-26 and a no-trade clause, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The deal brings James back for his 22nd NBA season and essentially becomes a one-plus-one deal that allows him to reassess his Lakers and NBA future next summer. James joins Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal as one of only two players in the NBA with no-trade clauses. The maximum deal of $104 million would put the Lakers about $1 million over the league's new punitive salary second apron and would severely limit the team's roster flexibility. James' agent Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, is planning to discuss with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka the possibility of taking $1 million or so below the maximum to keep Los Angeles under the $188.9 million second apron, sources said. The Lakers also reached an agreement Wednesday to sign  Bronny James Jr. --...

The Milwaukee Brewers are acquiring right-hander Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league infielder Gregory Barrios, according to multiple reports. Civale, 29, is 2-6 with a 5.07 ERA over 17 starts for the Rays this season. He has allowed 93 hits while striking out 84 in 87 innings. Civale, who is making $4.9 million this year and is under team control for one more season, was dealt from the Guardians to Tampa Bay during last year's trade deadline. His time with the Rays ends with a 5.17 ERA over 27 starts. For his career Civale is 33-32 over 103 starts with a 4.10 ERA. The deal was first reported by the New York Post.

LAS VEGAS --  Aces coach Becky Hammon said when team officials asked her about moving Tuesday's game with the Indiana Fever to the larger T-Mobile Arena, her only question was, "Can we make money?" Told they could, Hammon said, "Move it!" The result was a sellout crowd of 20,366, the fifth largest in WNBA history and largest regular-season crowd at a WNBA game since 1999. They watched the Aces -- led by a season-high 34 points from  Kelsey Plum -- defeat the Fever 88-69. Indiana has become accustomed to big crowds at home and on the road this season, as the popularity of No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark has helped the Fever drive up their attendance. Sunday's Fever- Mercury game in Phoenix drew 17,071 fans, the largest crowd at Footprint Center since 1997. There have been eight games in WNBA history to draw at least 20,000 fans. Four came in the opening years of the league, from 1997 to '99. There were two from 2000 to '23. Two have...

Brazil played out an action-packed 1-1 draw with Colombia in Santa Clara, California on Tuesday to qualify for the Copa América quarterfinals. Colombia, who finished top of Group D on seven points, face Panama in the quarters while second-placed Brazil take on Group C winners Uruguay. A frantic first 15 minutes at Levi's Stadium saw Colombia go within inches of scoring after James Rodriguez hit the crossbar, before Raphinha whipped a sublime free kick into the top corner to give Brazil the lead in the 12th minute. Colombia had a Davinson Sanchez goal disallowed for offside before striker Jhon Cordoba's brilliant through ball was rifled into the net by Daniel Munoz to level the scores in first-half stoppage time. "It was a match we all wanted to play to measure ourselves in a good moment for the team. I think we took another step forward today," Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said. "With Brazil you cannot neglect the...

Rookie sensations Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky headline the 12-player Team WNBA that will face the U.S. women's national team in Phoenix on July 20 in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, the league announced Tuesday night. Clark and Reese, the respective No. 1 and No. 7 picks in the 2024 draft, are the only first-time All-Stars of the group. Dating to their playing days at Iowa and LSU, respectively, the dynamic pair and their on-court rivalry have helped propel women's basketball to a new era of growth. Their three meetings across the first two months of the WNBA season were decided by a combined 10 points, and the soon-to-be All-Star teammates are the clear front-runners in the Rookie of the Year race, with Clark taking home Rookie of the Month for May and Reese earning the honor for June. "I don't think I've ever been her teammate before, even at USA Basketball. I know people will be really...

Rookie sensations Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky headline the 12-player Team WNBA that will face the U.S. women's national team in Phoenix on July 20 in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, the league announced Tuesday. Clark and Reese, the No. 1 and No. 7 picks in the 2024 draft, are the only first-time All-Stars of the group. Dating back to their playing days at Iowa and LSU, respectively, the dynamic pair and their on-court rivalry have helped propel women's basketball to a new era of growth. Their three meetings across the first two months of the WNBA season were decided by a combined 10 points, and the soon-to-be All-Star teammates are the clear front-runners in the Rookie of the Year race, with Clark taking home Rookie of the Month for May and Reese earning the honor for June. The Team WNBA roster is also highlighted by nine-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike and six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner....

The Golden State Warriors are landing free agent forward Kyle Anderson on a three-year, $27 million contract, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. The Warriors are executing a sign-and-trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, acquiring Anderson for a future second-round pick swap and cash, sources said. The Warriors are using a Traded Players Exception created by the Klay Thompson departure to bring on Anderson. The deal included a nonguaranteed third year, sources said. Anderson, 30, spent the past two seasons with the Timberwolves, where he averaged 6.4 points, 4.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds a season ago. He's a versatile forward with significant playmaking ability. Anderson started his career with four seasons in San Antonio before playing four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors are also planning to hire Terry Stotts as lead assistant coach and Jerry Stackhouse as an assistant, sources told ESPN. Both come to Steve Kerr's...

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- After Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James thanked coach JJ Redick and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka for everything they have "given" to him after drafting him No. 55 last week, Redick corrected his young guard. "Rob and I did not give Bronny anything," he said during a news conference Tuesday to introduce James and No. 17 pick  Dalton Knecht. "Bronny has earned this. ... Bronny has earned this through hard work." Bronny's parents, LeBron and Savannah James, stood off to the side at the Lakers' facility as their eldest son reported to his first day on the job in the family business. "For sure, amplified amount of pressure," Bronny said of the attention surrounding his joining the Lakers. "I've already seen it on social media and stuff, and the internet and stuff and talking about that I might not deserve an opportunity. But I've been dealing with stuff like this my whole life. So it's...

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- After Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James thanked coach JJ Redick and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka for everything they have "given" to him after drafting him No. 55 last week, Redick corrected his young guard. "Rob and I did not give Bronny anything," Redick said during James' introductory news conference Tuesday, along with the Lakers' No. 17 pick, Dalton Knecht. "Bronny has earned this. ... Bronny has earned this through hard work." Bronny's parents, LeBron and Savannah James, stood off to the side at the Lakers' facility as their eldest son reported to his first day at the job in the family business. "For sure, amplified amount of pressure," Bronny said of the attention surrounding him joining the Lakers. "I've already seen it on social media and stuff, and the Internet and stuff and talking about that I might not deserve an opportunity. But I've been dealing with stuff like this my...

United States winger Timothy Weah will miss the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal in November to serve the second match of his two-game suspension for punching Panama's Roderick Miller in the back of the head during the Copa América. Weah served the first game of the penalty on Monday, watching from the stands as the U.S. was eliminated from the Copa with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay. The remainder of the suspension will be served in the Americans' next competitive match, against a Concacaf Nations League opponent to be determined, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Tuesday. Weah will be eligible for selection for September and October friendlies. The U.S. plays Canada on Sept. 7 at Kansas City, Kansas, then New Zealand three days later in Cincinnati. There is an Oct. 12 match against Panama at Austin, Texas, and another exhibition three days later against an opponent and site to be announced. Weah, who plays for ...

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac has agreed on a five-year, $84 million contract renegotiation and extension, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday.  Orlando renegotiated the $17.4 million Isaac had in his contract for this upcoming season, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. The contract will decrease in the following years, and he's the 12th player since 2006 to have a contract renegotiated and extended. Isaac was a key player off the bench for the Magic this past season, averaging 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Orlando made its first playoff appearance since 2020, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games. Isaac scored 44 points and snagged 34 rebounds in the series. Isaac was drafted by the Magic with the sixth pick in the 2017 NBA draft out of Florida State. He averaged 12.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in the 2019-20 season before hyperextending his left knee against the Washington Wizards on...

Free agent safety Tashaun Gipson Sr., who spent the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, has been suspended six games by the NFL. The penalty is for a violation of the league's performance-enhancing substances policy, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Signed for extra depth just before the 2022 season, Gipson reenergized his career with the 49ers, quickly becoming the starter at free safety. He was brought back on a one-year, $2.9 million deal. In two seasons with San Francisco, Gipson, who turns 34 in August, became a trusted locker room leader for the other young defensive backs and a stalwart on the back end of the defense. In 2023, Gipson started 16 games, posting 60 tackles with a sack and an interception after tallying 61 tackles and five interceptions in 2022. He also had five of his 14 postseason tackles in the Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Originally an undrafted free agent in 2012 out of Wyoming, Gipson spent four...