For the first time since baseball’s devastating 1994-95 strike, Major League Baseball owners have put forward a salary cap proposal
On Thursday, Major League Baseball ownership presented their anticipated salary cap proposal to the players’ union, introducing a system that the union has pledged to reject outright. This development puts both sides on a collision course that could jeopardize the 2027 season and potentially future seasons. Baseball’s ownership hasn’t put forth a hard cap since 1994, when their previous attempt led to a 7 1/2-month work stoppage that resulted in the World Series being canceled for the first time in nine decades. Under the new proposal, team spending would be limited to $245.3 million in 2027, while establishing a minimum spending requirement of $171.2 million.
Basketball league approves major revisions to draft lottery system to discourage tanking
The NBA has given the green light to significant modifications in the draft lottery structure that will prevent teams with the poorest records from having the strongest chances at securing the top draft selection. These modifications received approval on Thursday primarily as a measure to combat deliberate losing. The league’s Board of Governors officially endorsed the plan for the upcoming three seasons, with another evaluation scheduled before 2030. Beginning with the upcoming lottery, all 16 participating franchises will receive between one and three lottery balls.
Finals performance will determine whether the Knicks achieved greatness or simply rode good luck
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — The New York Knicks are experiencing an unprecedented playoff journey. However, they must capture one additional series to establish themselves as an elite franchise. Should they secure four more victories — and do so efficiently — they would earn recognition among the NBA’s legendary postseason dynasties. Should they lose to Oklahoma City or San Antonio in the NBA Finals, they face the possibility of being viewed as a squad that dominated a vulnerable Eastern Conference, winning numerous contests until reaching the most crucial games. They must demonstrate they represented genuine excellence, rather than a team that simply benefited from favorable circumstances.
Mahomes makes significant progress in knee rehabilitation, participates in Chiefs voluntary training
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes continues to aim for a Week 1 comeback from his significant knee injury with the Kansas City Chiefs. The dual MVP winner has reached a crucial milestone in his recovery from damaged ligaments by taking part in voluntary training sessions this week. On Thursday, Mahomes completed individual exercises and 7-on-7 practice drills while media observed, sporting a knee brace. He remains unauthorized for complete team practice sessions. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is exercising caution regarding a timeline for that milestone, though Mahomes remains optimistic about returning to competition by Sept. 14, when the Chiefs face Denver on Monday night.
Hockey legend Claude Lemieux, aggressive four-time Stanley Cup winner, passes away at age 60
Four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux has passed away. He was 60. The NHL Alumni Association confirmed Lemieux’s passing through a social media announcement. Details regarding the cause of death were not immediately released. Lemieux served as the Montreal Canadiens’ ceremonial torch bearer before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final on Monday evening. He earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with New Jersey in 1995. Following his extensive playing career, Lemieux transitioned into player representation and served as agent for Carolina’s Frederik Andersen and Detroit’s Moritz Seider among over a dozen NHL clients.
Tennis upset at French Open: Top seed Sinner battles heat-related dizziness in second-round defeat
PARIS (AP) — World number one Jannik Sinner has been eliminated in the French Open’s second round. Sinner battled dizziness and squandered an opportunity to close out the match in a 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 defeat to 56th-ranked Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Sinner entered with a 30-match victory streak and was heavily favored to achieve a career Grand Slam. Sinner repeatedly doubled over on the clay surface in visible exhaustion. He used a portable fan during breaks and placed ice bags on his neck for cooling. Temperatures reached 32 C (90 F).
College sports reform advocate Campbell urges leaders to consider bipartisan legislation
A key figure behind the Senate legislation designed to address college sports’ mounting issues says he immediately heard the pushback, alongside discussions about conference realignment, collective bargaining and escalating costs. Cody Campbell’s message to those conversations: You created this mess; we’re attempting to repair it. The wealthy chairman of the Texas Tech board of regents believes the legislation represents the optimal, possibly final opportunity to address issues that have intensified since college athletics entered their billion-dollar transformation. He acknowledges the legislation proposed by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell is far from perfect but superior to any alternative he’s encountered.
Racing star Kyle Busch battled pneumonia for extended period before death, certificate reveals
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch’s death resulted from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation following complications when bacterial pneumonia progressed to sepsis, according to his death certificate. The former NASCAR champion was 41 at the time of his death last week. Busch experienced pneumonia symptoms for “days to weeks” before sepsis developed. Busch was cremated in Mooresville, North Carolina. Busch claimed two Cup Series championships and held the record with 234 victories across NASCAR’s three premier series. He was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway when his family announced his withdrawal due to “severe illness.” Public memorial plans have not been disclosed.
Female viewership drives significant growth in NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs audience
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs viewership has increased substantially, with women representing the main growth demographic. ESPN and TNT report audience jumps of 101% and 66% respectively, attributed to several contributing elements. The 4 Nations Face-Off’s success last year and February’s Olympics, enhanced play quality, emerging Gen Z stars, and enthusiasm surrounding “Heated Rivalry” and “Off Campus” have collectively attracted more female viewers to hockey throughout this season and playoffs.
Celebrini and Crosby find the net as Canada defeats US to reach world championship semifinals
FRIBOURG, Switzerland (AP) — Macklin Celebrini scored once more and Jet Greaves made 34 saves as Canada defeated the United States 4-0 to reach the semifinals at the ice hockey world championship. In this recent chapter of their intense rivalry, Canada’s quarterfinal triumph concluded the Americans’ attempt to defend the title they captured for the first time since 1933. The teams faced each other for the first time since the Milan Cortina Olympics final three months prior, when the Americans won 2-1 in overtime to claim gold. Celebrini netted his sixth tournament goal, Sidney Crosby scored his first, while Dylan Holloway and Connor Brown also contributed goals. Mark Scheifele recorded two assists.
