‘Handshake agreement’ with ESPN brings college football closer to a 24-team playoff, AP source says
College football has moved closer to a 24-team postseason after securing what a person familiar with the negotiations called a “handshake agreement” between the College Football Playoff and broadcast partner ESPN. The deal would make up for the nine-figure sums the major conferences would lose by getting rid of their title games. The person familiar with the agreement, which has not been finalized, spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing negotiations. It would take effect next season. ESPN is reporting that the average additional payment for six years of the expanded playoff would be $345 million a year.
Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are top defensive teams in WNBA, now facing off in finals
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The two best defensive teams in the WNBA are about the meet for the title. Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream visit Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries in the seven-game WNBA Finals starting Saturday. The Valkyries have had quick success as a second-year expansion team, and they play in front of a raucous home crowd at Chase Center, which is nicknamed “Ballhalla.” Golden State eliminated the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the Dream haven’t lost in the playoffs, sweeping Washington and New York to reach the finals. Atlanta is seeking the franchise’s first title.
Shohei Ohtani’s health and a possible lockout loom over an uncertain offseason for the Dodgers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers face uncertainty after their earliest postseason exit in three years. Shohei Ohtani struggled with injuries and didn’t pitch after the All-Star break. He may need offseason surgery, but it’s unclear if his recovery would affect next season. A potential MLB lockout looms with the collective bargaining agreement expiring Dec. 1. Team owners have proposed a salary cap, which the players’ union rejects. The Dodgers had the second-highest payroll this year and could be constrained by a cap. Nine players, including pitcher Tarik Skubal, are set to become free agents. Infielder Miguel Rojas has announced his retirement.
NCAA sues Ohio governor over his executive order allowing schools to ignore new eligibility rule
The NCAA has filed a federal lawsuit against Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. This comes after DeWine signed an executive order allowing Ohio colleges to let athletes who graduated in 2022 play a fifth year. NCAA President Charlie Baker says the lawsuit, filed Friday, aims to prevent DeWine from disrupting fair competition among schools. The order allows public and private universities in Ohio to let athletes play, despite the NCAA’s new rule excluding those who have played four seasons. The rule, passed in June, is already facing multiple court challenges.
Two of MLB’s smallest spenders will meet in the World Series for first time since 1991
NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time since 1991, two teams with bottom-half payrolls will meet in the World Series. Milwaukee will face either Cleveland or Tampa Bay starting Oct. 23. The matchup comes as baseball owners push for a salary cap, which they argue is needed to help small markets compete with big spenders. Milwaukee, with MLB’s 19th-highest payroll, swept the Dodgers to win the NL pennant. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay ranks 25th and Cleveland 30th. MLB owners have proposed a salary cap, but players oppose it. A management lockout threatens the 2027 season.
LeBron James calls helicopter rides ‘transportation’ after he soars on big dunk in 76ers home debut
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — LeBron James performed his famed chalk toss and was introduced to a roaring ovation on Friday night in his first preseason game for the 76ers in Philadelphia. The 41-year-old James joined the 76ers this summer for his NBA-record 24th season. He brought the crowd to its feet early when he finished a dunk against the Boston Celtics off a half-court lob pass from Tyrese Maxey. Sixers fans had been waiting to catch a glimpse of him in his No. 23 jersey since he signed with the team in July.
NFL will remove Packers’ Josh Jacobs from commissioner’s exempt list. He can play again on Oct. 25
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs is getting removed from the commissioner’s exempt list and will be eligible to play again Oct. 25 when the Packers visit the Detroit Lions. The NFL announced Friday that Jacobs would be removed from the list on Monday. The league’s review of Jacobs continues unaffected by the change to his roster status. The NFL started investigating Jacobs under the league’s personal conduct policy after his arrest in May. The arrest followed an altercation with his then-girlfriend. Jacobs pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
Lamar Jackson ruled out for 2nd straight week as the Ravens prepare to take on the Browns
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson will miss a second straight game this weekend because of an ankle injury. Coach Jesse Minter says Jackson would not play Sunday at Cleveland. Tyler Huntley led the Ravens to an overtime win at Atlanta last weekend. Huntley also won both his starts for Baltimore last season. Jackson was hurt while taking a sack near the end of the first half in Week 4 against Tennessee. Jackson missed four games last season, and Baltimore went 2-2 without him.
Some wagers, certain parlays no longer can be offered to bettors, NBA tells sportsbooks
The NBA has told sportsbooks about new restrictions on certain types of wagers for the upcoming season. These include bets on which player records the first stat of a game and the outcome of the opening tip. The league also requires players, coaches, and staff to attend in-person training on sports betting rules. The changes follow betting scandals that led to arrests of former NBA figures. Additionally, the NBA has developed an AI-based platform to monitor unusual betting activity and has upgraded protections against harassment from sports bettors.