A blockbuster $12.5B deal as Josh Kushner and Bob Iger agree to buy the Lakers, AP source says
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for the second time in a year, going to businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for a record-breaking price. This sale agreement is $12.5 billion, according to a person familiar with the terms who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because neither side revealed specific details. ESPN first reported Wednesday that Kushner and Iger are buying the NBA’s most valuable franchise. The businessmen had been involved in trying to get an expansion team for Las Vegas. By buying the Lakers, Iger and Kushner simply don’t have to wait for that decision. Expansion might not take place until the 2028-29 season.
WNBA denounces 'bad-faith' transgender debate and says league has no eligibility issues
The WNBA is criticizing those trying to create a narrative about transgender women playing in the league. The league's anti-hate task force, which was formed last year, met virtually on Wednesday. A league spokesperson says “there are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the league.” The spokesperson also says the league opposes “bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.” The league's collective bargaining agreement says only women are eligible to play in the WNBA, without specifics. Last week, two former NBA players said they wanted to enter the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women.
Russell Westbrook retires from the NBA with a farewell video narrated by Michael B. Jordan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Russell Westbrook, the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles and the 2017 MVP, announced Wednesday he’s retiring after 18 seasons during which he was selected to the league’s 75th anniversary team. The two-time scoring champion shared his decision on social media in a post featuring a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan where the guard never says a word. Westbrook was the No. 4 pick in 2008 out of UCLA by the Seattle SuperSonics, just before they moved to Oklahoma City. He played his first 11 seasons with the Thunder and spent this past season with the Sacramento Kings.
Travis Kelce: Chiefs camp offers welcome 'sanctuary' after closely watched wedding to Taylor Swift
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce calls training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs his “sanctuary.” That refuge is especially welcome after his recent star-studded wedding to Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden. The event tying together the famous tight end and even more famous pop star featured celebrities like Adam Sandler, Stevie Nicks and Tom Brady. Kelce has also been busy with business ventures, including buying a stake in the Cleveland Guardians. Despite contemplating retirement after last season, Kelce is determined to prove he can still perform at a high level. He remains focused on preparing for what many believe could be his final year in the NFL.
Deshaun Watson starting Browns' exhibition opener at QB, Shedeur Sanders to start next week vs Bills
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Watson will start Cleveland’s exhibition opener at Chicago on Saturday. It will be the quarterback's first game action since 2024 due to injuries. Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders to be the Browns' full-time starter. First-year coach Todd Monken informed the QBs of his plans following Wednesday’s practice. The QBs have been battling throughout training camp with every throw, incompletion and interception being scrutinized by media and fans. Monken intends to play his starter for the first half against the Bears. The second QB will play the third quarter. The roles will be flipped against Buffalo on Aug. 22.
Former NFL QB Matt Hasselbeck part of latest CTE frontier — diagnosing brain disease in the living
PHOENIX (AP) — Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has participated in a study at Boston University to find ways to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy in living individuals. The degenerative brain disease linked to head trauma currently can only be diagnosed after death. Hasselbeck, who played in the NFL for 17 years, hopes his involvement will aid researchers in finding ways to diagnose CTE accurately. Michael Alosco leads the study, which seeks participants who played football or have Alzheimer’s disease. The research aims to distinguish CTE from Alzheimer’s and develop diagnostic markers. Hasselbeck’s participation highlights changing attitudes towards head injuries in football.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers wishes Thursday's preseason game with Packers could take place in Green Bay
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has one regret about starting his final NFL season with an exhibition game against the team that drafted him. He would have preferred Thursday’s matchup with the Packers take place in Green Bay rather than Pittsburgh. Rodgers wanted to have one final moment in the place where he spent his first 18 seasons and won four MVP awards and a Super Bowl. Rodgers has announced that he will retire after this season. There's no indication whether Rodgers will play Thursday.
Daniels sends LSU cease-and-desist letter regarding decision to give No. 5 jersey to current player
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A representative for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has told LSU it can no longer use the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s name, image and likeness. ESPN got a copy of the letter that was sent to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and said Daniels’ decision stems from the school’s decision to allow cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear a No. 5 jersey. That’s the number Daniels wore during his two seasons at LSU. This would mark the first time an LSU player has worn No. 5 since Daniels’ departure. The school hadn't retired the jersey.
Major League Baseball is back at the Field of Dreams, now in a permanent ballpark amid the corn
Major League Baseball is back at the Field of Dreams after a four-year hiatus while the community around tiny Dyersville, Iowa, worked on building a permanent ballpark. The Minnesota Twins will play the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday next to where the 1989 movie was filmed. MLB staged games in a temporary facility there in 2021 and 2022. Acres of corn rows sit beyond the outfield walls in a visible connection to the film that featured Kevin Costner turning his farmland into a ballfield, where he saw the ghosts of former baseball players — including his late father — emerge from the corn.
Pope hats, bloody shirts and so many bobbleheads: The creative ways MLB teams lure fans to the park
CHICAGO (AP) — An array of creative promotions has played at least a small role in an MLB-wide average attendance of 29,618 through Tuesday’s games, the highest such number for a full season since 2017. Notable giveaways include the New York Mets handing out fake glasses and mustaches for a Bobby Valentine Disguise Night, the Texas Rangers giving away a Nolan Ryan bloody lip jersey and the Chicago White Sox dolling out pope hats in honor of famous fan Pope Leo XIV. The pitch clock and other innovative rules introduced by MLB in 2023 are often credited for spurring fan interest. But it’s clear from the long lines — and occasionally astronomical resale prices on eBay — what a clever giveaway can do for ticket sales, too.
