The Saudi fund supporting LIV Golf will stop financing after 2026. LIV Golf plans to raise outside money and run a smaller schedule focusing on key markets. Player Cam Smith said the high prize money era is over and changes, including pay cuts, are coming.
Key Facts
LIV Golf has been funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund since it began.
The fund will end support after the 2026 golf season.
LIV Golf hired the bank Ducera Partners to find $250-$350 million from new investors.
CEO Scott O'Neil wants a shorter schedule with about 10 events, targeting countries like Australia and South Africa.
The league’s revenue doubled from 2024 to 2025 and is expected to grow again in 2026.
LIV Golf now offers Official World Golf Ranking points, an important milestone.
Player Cam Smith said prize money will likely be reduced next year and the unlimited Saudi money era is over.
LIV currently gives out $30 million in prizes per event, which may be hard to maintain without new investment.
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Russell Wilson announced his retirement from the NFL through an emotional video message. He will join CBS Sports as an analyst on the show "NFL Today" after a 14-season career as a quarterback, including a Super Bowl win with the Seattle Seahawks.
Key Facts
Russell Wilson officially retired from playing professional football at age 37.
He will become an NFL analyst on CBS Sports' "NFL Today."
Wilson was drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.
He led Seattle to a Super Bowl victory in the 2013 season (Super Bowl XLVIII).
Wilson’s career record includes 121 wins, 80 losses, and 1 tie.
He threw 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdowns, and 114 interceptions.
Wilson was selected to 10 Pro Bowls during his career.
After Seattle, he played for Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants before retiring.
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Aaron Glenn, head coach of the New York Jets, led the team to a 3-14 record last season after an 0-7 start. The Jets are rebuilding with new draft picks and hope to show improvement next season, even if they do not immediately compete for the division title.
Key Facts
The Jets finished last in the AFC East with a 3-14 record.
Aaron Glenn is in his second year as the Jets' head coach.
The Jets had three first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft: David Bailey (defensive end), Kenyon Sadiq (tight end), and Omar Cooper Jr. (wide receiver).
Veteran receiver Garrett Wilson and quarterback Geno Smith are expected to help the team’s offense.
The Jets also have three first-round picks for the 2027 draft, which is expected to feature many quarterbacks.
Sports writer Albert Breer says Glenn’s job depends on showing the team is improving and developing young players, not necessarily on playoff wins.
The Jets are rebuilding after a failed attempt with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Glenn needs to demonstrate progress and potential in the next season to keep his position.
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Trent Williams, the 37-year-old left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, signed a two-year contract and plans to play at least the upcoming NFL season. He mentioned that he will likely retire after the 2026 season to spend more time with his family.
Key Facts
Trent Williams is a 37-year-old All-Pro left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.
He signed a two-year contract worth $50 million.
Williams was originally drafted in 2010 by the Washington Commanders.
He has been with the 49ers since 2020 and is a key player on their offense.
Williams said he will probably retire after the 2026 NFL season.
He wants to spend more time with his family, especially his daughter.
Williams earned his 12th Pro Bowl nomination last season.
The 49ers have signed Vederian Lowe and drafted Enrique Cruz as possible future replacements at left tackle.
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Russell Wilson, a quarterback who played in the NFL for 14 seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl ten times, announced his retirement. He plans to start a new career working for CBS Sports.
Key Facts
Russell Wilson played as a quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons.
He was chosen for the Pro Bowl, an all-star game, ten times.
Wilson announced his retirement on a Wednesday.
After retiring, he will work for CBS Sports.
This marks the end of his professional football playing career.
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During the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, a fan ran onto the court at Frost Bank Center and tried to take a selfie with Victor Wembanyama. The incident stopped the game for a short time before the New York Knicks won 105-95.
Key Facts
The event happened at the Frost Bank Center during the NBA Finals.
The fan entered the court during the fourth quarter of the game.
The fan tried to take a selfie with Victor Wembanyama, a player in the game.
The game was briefly paused because of the fan on the court.
The New York Knicks won the game with a score of 105-95.
This was Game 1 of the NBA Finals series.
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Caitlin Clark, a star player for the Indiana Fever basketball team, faced criticism after a poor performance and a visible disagreement with her coach during a recent game. Fellow WNBA player Paige Bueckers spoke out in support of Clark, saying she handles pressure well despite high expectations.
Key Facts
Caitlin Clark struggled in a game where the Indiana Fever lost 100-84 to the Portland Fire.
Clark got into early foul trouble, scored only six points, and played 21 minutes.
Clark had a brief, noticeable exchange with her coach Stephanie White during the game.
Clark was replaced in the game by rookie Raven Johnson.
Clark often faces intense scrutiny from fans and media every time she plays.
Paige Bueckers from the Dallas Wings defended Clark, saying Clark handles pressure "with grace."
Bueckers said the expectations for Clark to always play perfectly are unfair and very difficult.
Bueckers believes Clark has support from her team and good strategies to ignore negative comments.
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The San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in a Game 7 to reach the NBA Finals. The Thunder face a tough financial situation with high player salaries, leading to discussions about which players they might trade to manage their salary cap.
Key Facts
The Spurs eliminated the Thunder in a Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Victor Wembanyama scored 22 points for the Spurs; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points for the Thunder.
Chet Holmgren played 33 minutes but only scored 4 points and attempted very few shots, which was historic for a Game 7.
Holmgren and Jalen Williams are set to receive max contract extensions worth $41.25 million each next season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a salary of $40.8 million before his supermax contract starts in 2027-28.
The Thunder’s projected player salaries for 2026-27 could reach $260 million, about $40 million above the luxury tax penalty threshold.
Analysts suggest trading Lu Dort, a strong defender with a $17.7 million team option, to save salary space instead of trading Holmgren.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti plans to keep Holmgren and Williams as key players despite salary pressures.
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Rob Manfred, the MLB commissioner, warned that ongoing labor talks with the players' union might lead to the longest work stoppage since 1994-95. He stressed the need for a deal that keeps the sport competitive and controls team spending, especially on high-payroll teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Key Facts
Rob Manfred is the current commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB).
Labor negotiations with the MLB Players’ Association are ongoing and could cause a long work stoppage.
The last major MLB work stoppage was in 1994-95.
Manfred and MLB owners want a deal that maintains competitive balance in the league.
There is concern that team spending, especially by the Dodgers, is too high despite existing financial penalties (luxury tax).
MLB has a long 162-game season, which helps smaller-market teams compete despite smaller payrolls.
Currently, several first-place teams have the smallest payrolls in their divisions, showing some competitive balance.
Manfred’s comments show worry about losing games due to a possible labor stoppage.
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Maxx Crosby, a top defensive player for the Las Vegas Raiders, spoke about a failed trade to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this year. The trade was canceled after doctors found a knee issue during his physical exam, but Crosby said he is focused on playing for the Raiders and moving forward.
Key Facts
In March, the Raiders agreed to trade Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two future first-round draft picks.
The trade was the first in Ravens history potentially involving a first-round pick for a player.
During Crosby’s medical exam in Baltimore, doctors found a degenerative knee issue.
Because of the knee concerns, the Ravens decided not to complete the trade.
The Raiders announced the trade had collapsed but Baltimore did not make a public statement.
Some people questioned if the knee problem was the only reason the trade failed.
Crosby described the situation as "water under the bridge" and says he is excited to stay with the Raiders.
He is recovering from meniscus surgery and is close to returning to full practice.
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The New England Patriots traded for wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, giving up future draft picks. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye welcomed Brown and promised to involve him a lot in the offense.
Key Facts
A.J. Brown was traded to the New England Patriots from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The trade cost the Patriots a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Brown had expressed frustration with his role on the Eagles previously.
Patriots QB Drake Maye said he will give Brown many opportunities to catch the ball.
Maye is entering his third year as the Patriots' quarterback.
Brown praised Maye’s ability to throw and stay calm under pressure.
The Patriots’ 2026 season starts on September 9 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stefon Diggs was the only Patriots receiver to get over 1,000 yards with Maye before Brown joined the team.
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The New England Patriots have acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the new top receiver for quarterback Drake Maye. Because of this, the Patriots may trade another receiver, Kayshon Boutte, who has not participated in offseason programs and has shown interest in a trade.
Key Facts
The Patriots traded for A.J. Brown, a top NFL receiver known for deep catches and scoring touchdowns.
A.J. Brown scored 18 touchdowns on long passes during his four seasons with the Eagles, the most in the NFL.
Quarterback Drake Maye was the NFL leader in deep pass accuracy last season.
Kayshon Boutte, a wide receiver for the Patriots, has not joined offseason activities and may be traded.
The Patriots also signed receiver Romeo Doubs in free agency.
The team released Stefon Diggs earlier this year to upgrade their receiver group.
The Patriots reached the Super Bowl last season but lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Patriots will open the new season by playing the Seahawks again on September 9, 2026.
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Jalen Brunson helped the New York Knicks reach the NBA Finals with strong performances throughout the playoffs. Basketball legend Charles Barkley praised Brunson as possibly the best free-agent signing in NBA history if he leads the Knicks to a championship.
Key Facts
Jalen Brunson was picked 33rd in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.
Brunson has scored high points in key playoff games, including 38, 35, and 39 points.
The Knicks reached the NBA Finals thanks largely to Brunson’s effort.
Charles Barkley called Brunson possibly the greatest free-agent signing ever if he wins a championship with the Knicks.
Unlike superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, Brunson has only signed with one team since joining the NBA.
LeBron and Durant were already top players before signing with new teams and winning championships.
Brunson moved to the Knicks in 2022 for a bigger role and better contract.
If the Knicks win the championship, Brunson’s legacy as a free-agent signing will be very significant.
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Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are preparing to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals starting Wednesday. Former player Kendrick Perkins predicts Wembanyama will win multiple championships and awards, and become one of the greatest basketball players ever.
Key Facts
Victor Wembanyama is a 7-foot-4 French basketball player with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs will play the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals starting Wednesday night.
Kendrick Perkins expects Wembanyama to win three NBA championships within five years.
Perkins also predicts Wembanyama will earn three to four Defensive Player of the Year awards in that time.
Perkins foresees Wembanyama winning three MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards in five years.
Wembanyama is the first unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
At 22 years old, Wembanyama led the Spurs to the NBA Finals.
Perkins believes Wembanyama has the potential to be one of the all-time greats alongside LeBron James and Michael Jordan if he stays healthy.
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The New York Knicks will play the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday night. Former player Iman Shumpert predicted the Knicks will win the first game, despite the Spurs being the favorites.
Key Facts
Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals is on Wednesday, with the Spurs hosting the Knicks.
The Spurs are generally favored to win the opening game.
Iman Shumpert, a former NBA player, believes the Knicks have the advantage in Game 1.
Shumpert played three seasons with the Knicks and won an NBA title with Cleveland in 2016.
The Knicks are on an 11-game win streak entering the Finals.
Knicks star Jalen Brunson was the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Spurs beat the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games to reach the Finals.
The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
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Mitchell Robinson, a center for the New York Knicks, is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals despite a recent hand injury. He broke a bone in his right hand but had surgery last week and has been practicing with the team.
Key Facts
Mitchell Robinson hurt his right hand by breaking the fifth metacarpal bone.
The injury happened off the basketball court.
He had surgery to fix the hand injury last Friday.
Robinson practiced fully with the Knicks on Tuesday and Wednesday before Game 1.
He is officially listed as "questionable" but is expected to play unless something unexpected happens.
Robinson is an important player for the Knicks, often coming off the bench.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the Spurs is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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The San Antonio Spurs are in the NBA Finals with a strong lineup that includes young stars Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. NBA insider Brian Windhorst highlighted Castle as a key player to watch in the Finals due to his strong defense and overall impact on the team.
Key Facts
The Spurs have young stars Victor Wembanyama (2024 draft pick), Stephon Castle (4th overall in 2025), and Dylan Harper (2nd overall in 2023).
The Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder to reach the NBA Finals.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said Castle could prove himself as one of the league’s most valuable players during the Finals.
Castle has played strong defense against several All-Stars like Deni Avdija, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and now Jalen Brunson.
Jalen Brunson was the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and is known for scoring and passing well.
Castle signed a standard rookie contract after being drafted and the Spurs must decide to keep him for the 2027–28 season by October.
Castle is expected to become a restricted free agent in 2028 and could receive a higher-value contract then.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals, featuring the Spurs vs. the Knicks, is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
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The NBA Finals Game 1 in 2026 features the New York Knicks vs. the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs last won the championship in 2014, while the Knicks last won in 1973. Writers predict a close series with different opinions on which team will win.
Key Facts
The Spurs last won the NBA championship in 2014 with Kawhi Leonard as Finals MVP.
The Knicks last won the NBA championship in 1973, with Willis Reed as Finals MVP.
The Spurs have a highly regarded young player, Victor Wembanyama, seen as a major factor.
The Knicks are considered strong in ball handling and shot creation.
The Spurs have more playoff experience this season after a tough series against the defending champions.
Writers’ predictions for the series vary: some say Knicks will win 4-2 or 4-1, others favor Spurs winning 4-2 or 4-3.
The series will test the Knicks’ offense against the Spurs’ defense and Wembanyama’s talent.
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The 2026 NBA Finals will start with Game 1 between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Before the game, singer Tori Kelly will perform the U.S. national anthem, and the NBA plans to enhance the show's presentation on ABC.
Key Facts
The NBA Finals Game 1 takes place at San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center.
Tori Kelly will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the game starts.
The NBA will include the national anthem and starting lineups in the ABC broadcast to improve the show's energy.
The Knicks are in their first NBA Finals since 1999 and have not won a title since 1973.
The Knicks have the best recent streak, winning 11 games on their way to the finals.
The Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to reach the finals, led by MVP Victor Wembanyama.
Game 1 is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday.
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