Team Wisco and general manager Gord Ash didn't go with perhaps the obvious choice in making the first pick of the Milwaukee Brewers Alumni Legends Game, a selection made at the Saint Kate hotel in downtown Milwaukee on July 23.A fleet of former Brewers players will be on hand at American Family Field for a three-inning alumni showcase July 24, following the Brewers' regularly scheduled game against the Colorado Rockies, which starts at 3:10 p.m. CT. Former Brewers general manager Doug Melvin (Team Milwaukee) and his top assistant, Ash (Team Wisco), selected the teams a day in advance, with former coaches Garth Iorg (Team Wisco) and Ed Sedar (Team Milwaukee) serving as managers.Ryan Braun was on the board, but Ash went with a player he called "the former Ohtani" in selecting Yovani Gallardo, the ex-Brewers standout pitcher who could also hit a little bit during his tenure with the Brewers from 2007-2014, with 12 career home runs.With the chance to draft six position players, two catchers and seven pitchers, there's a boatload of value in a pitcher who can do a little work in the field. A later-round pick for Brooks Kieschnick demonstrated further how much Ash had this in mind.Melvin and Sedar quickly snapped Braun up with their first-round pick. "I'm going to have to tell him the game's only three innings," Melvin said. "He didn't start hitting in the clutch until the seventh, eighth and ninth inning, so I'm a little worried."Players were selected based on positional availability and ... well, the perception that they still have enough left in the tank to contribute on a baseball diamond.Here's how the picks played out in the draft:Round 1: Yovani Gallardo (Team Wisco) and Ryan Braun (Team Milwaukee)Round 2: Geoff Jenkins (Team Wisco) and Corey Hart (Team Milwaukee)Round 3: Bill Hall (Team Wisco) and Richie Sexson (Team Milwaukee)Round 4: Eris Sogard (Team Wisco) and Jeremy Jeffress (Team Milwaukee)Round 5: Jonathan Lucroy (Team Wisco) and Carlos Villanueva (Team Milwaukee)Round 6: Randy Wolf (Team Wisco) and Jace Peterson (Team Milwaukee)Round 7: Casey McGehee (Team Wisco) and George Kottaras (Team Milwaukee)Round 8: Corey Knebel (Team Wisco) and Travis Shaw (Team Milwaukee)Round 9: Eric Thames (Team Wisco) and Ben Sheets (Team Milwaukee)Round 10: Chase Anderson (Team Wisco) and Jeff Bianchi (Team Milwaukee)Round 11: Brooks Kieschnick (Team Wisco) and Chris Narveson (Team Milwaukee)Round 12: Brad Boxberger (Team Wisco) and Doug Davis (Team Milwaukee)Round 13: Brandon Kintzler (Team Wisco) and Dan Kolb (Team Milwaukee)Round 14: Erik Kratz (Team Wisco) and Manny Pia (Team Milwaukee)Round 15: Jess Aguilar (Team Wisco) and Tim Dillard (Team Milwaukee)Dillard (now a team broadcaster) appropriately became this draft's version of Mr. Irrelevant, and Sedar immediately expressed an interest in trading him."I like our offensive power, and our pitching ... you just don't know," Melvin said. "Story of my career."Team Wisco General manager: Gord AshManager: Garth IorgPosition players: Jess Aguilar, Bill Hall, Geoff Jenkins, Casey McGehee, Eris Sogard, Eric ThamesCatchers: Erik Kratz, Jonathan LucroyPitchers: Chase Anderson, Brad Boxberger, Yovani Gallardo, Brooks Kieschnick, Brandon Kintzler, Corey Knebel, Randy Wolf Team MilwaukeeGeneral manager: Doug MelvinManager: Ed SedarPosition players: Jeff Bianchi, Ryan Braun, Corey Hart, Jace Peterson, Richie Sexson, Travis ShawCatchers: George Kottaras, Manny PiaPitchers: Doug Davis, Tim Dillard, Jeremy Jeffress, Dan Kolb, Chris Narveson, Ben Sheets, Carlos VillanuevaThis article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who was No. 1 pick in Brewers alumni-game draft? It wasn't Ryan Braun

The biggest superstars the WNBA are flocking to the Windy City for 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, which officially kicks off on Thursday, July 23, with the orange carpet.Minnesota Lynx All-Star Courtney Williams and Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, known as the Studbudz, kicked off their 72-hour WNBA All-Star Weekend live stream on Thursday with preparations for the event. Williams got a haircut in her hotel room bathroom, while Hiedeman simultaneously got her nails done. Ari Chambers and Jordan Robinson are set to host the 2026 All-Star Orange Carpet live stream presented by Bumble, where players are expected to showcase high fashion looks that are normally reserved for pregame tunnel walks. The orange carpet precedes the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest and Shooting Stars competition on Friday and the 2026 WNBA All-Star GamebetweenTeam Teresa Weatherspoon and Team Cynthia Cooperon Saturday.Here's what you need to know:How to watch WNBA All-Star orange carpetDate:Thursday, July 23Location:ChicagoTime:7:30 p.m. ETStreaming:YouTubeReach USA TODAY National Womens Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA All-Star orange carpet: How to watch stars arrive in Chicago

The Detroit Lions have no shortage of intriguing position battles heading into training camp, but few are more important than determining who will start opposite D.J. Reed when the regular season kicks off.What looked like a settled position just a few months ago was thrown into complete uncertainty when former first-round pick Terrion Arnold was released in June following his arrest on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.Now, one of the most wide-open competitions on Detroits roster is underway.No Clear Favorite YetDuring organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and veteran Rock Ya-Sin each received opportunities with the first-team defense.However, head coach Dan Campbell was quick to caution against reading too much into those early rotations.Were still sorting things out, Campbell essentially conveyed, making it clear that no one has secured the job.Thats exactly what training camp is for.Plenty of Challengers Are in the MixDetroits cornerback room suddenly features a fascinating blend of youth and experience.Rakestraw enters his second NFL season looking to build on the flashes he showed as a rookie. His physical style and confidence fit exactly what the Lions want from their defensive backs, but hell need to prove he can consistently handle starting responsibilities.Ya-Sin, meanwhile, brings something the Lions value tremendously: experience.The veteran has appeared in 79 NFL games with 40 career starts and has lined up against some of the leagues best receivers. While he may not possess the long-term upside of some younger players, he understands how to play the position and rarely looks overwhelmed.Detroit also added Keith Abney II in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Arizona State standout has intriguing athletic tools but likely faces an uphill climb to earn a starting role immediately.Veterans Roger McCreary and Khalil Dorsey shouldnt be overlooked either. Both have NFL experience and will be looking to capitalize on an opportunity that few expected to exist entering the offseason.Experience Could Win OutThe Lions have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.That matters.When teams expect to compete for a championship, coaches often lean toward veterans at critical positions, especially early in the season.Cornerback is one of the toughest positions in football, and mistakes are often magnified.Thats one reason Rock Ya-Sin could have the inside track.He has seen nearly everything an NFL offense can throw at him and has proven capable of holding his own against starting-caliber receivers.That experience may be exactly what defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard wants while younger players continue to develop.My PredictionThis battle could continue well into the preseason, and its entirely possible multiple players rotate with the first team over the next several weeks.Still, if I had to predict Detroits Week 1 starting lineup today, Im going with Rock Ya-Sin.His experience, physicality, and steady play make him the safest option opposite D.J. Reed as the Lions open what they hope is a Super Bowl season.That doesnt mean the job will belong to him all year.If Ennis Rakestraw Jr. takes a significant leap or Keith Abney II develops faster than expected, the competition could look much different by midseason.For now, though, I believe the veteran gets the nod.

Shams Charania shares a key LeBron James update following fresh speculation involving Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.LeBron James could be slow-playing his decision to announce his new team, according to NBA analyst Kevin OConnor on Wednesday. OConnor wrote that the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar could be waiting to see if the teams interested in signing him could get Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis.On Thursday, NBA insider Shams Charania gave his latest intel on the four-time MVP after rumors ramped up that he is looking to team up with either one of his former teammates.Shams Charania Shares Major LeBron James Update Amid Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving BuzzJames was reportedly ready to make a decision early last week about where he would play next. Just as anticipation went to a fever pitch, the 41-year-old told fans at the Fanatics Fest in New York that he wasnt ready yet to commit to a new team.By prolonging the inevitable, some are speculating that James could still be waiting for interested teams to make a major trade to entice him to sign.Charania, on the Pat McAfee Show, told the host what he has gathered about those rumors.Theres nothing left. LeBron has everything he needs to make a decision. The conversations have happened. From my understanding, my sources tell me LeBron James, his agent Rich Paul, that inner circle, theyre not waiting for another domino (to fall) right now. Theyre not waiting for Anthony Davis to get traded anywhere, not waiting for anyone else to move around, Charania said.The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are the favorites to win the James sweepstakes. However, trading Irving or Davis seems to be out of their reach.About two weeks ago, the Dallas Hoops Journal reported that the Dallas Mavericks have informed inquiring teams that they have no intention of moving the All-Star point guard.At the start of free agency roughly three weeks ago, NBA insider Marc J. Spears tweeted that the Washington Wizards also have no interest in listening to trade offers for Davis.Charania added that James is set in playing for the veterans minimum, so a team doesnt have to gut the roster to acquire a major star such as Irving and Davis.SEE ALSO:LeBron Is Done ESPNs Brian Windhorst Explains Why Heats YouTube Slip-Up Isnt a Free-Agency HintWhat Charania said is in line with what James agent, Rich Paul, shared on the Game Over podcast on Monday. Paul emphasized that the delay has nothing to do with getting attention or to prompt teams to make significant changes. The Klutch Sports Group founder added that his client only wants to weigh every possible option.James said last week that he wouldnt hold up free agency for long, but until he makes an announcement, speculation about the delay will likely continue.

Bank of America and the Carolina Panthers have extended their naming rights partnership for Bank of America Stadium. This continues one of the NFLs longest-standing agreements. Tepper Sports & Entertainment announced on Thursday that it will increase private investment to more than $1.3 billion through 2045. The project aims to create a year-round destination, with construction phased to allow continued hosting of Panthers and Charlotte FC matches.The financial commitment includes $650 million from Tepper Sports & Entertainment, an increase from its original $150 million pledge. The City of Charlotte is also contributing $650 million toward the overall project, which the Charlotte City Council approved in June 2024.David Tepper, owner and chairman of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, emphasized the strength of the partnership with the long-term extension with Bank of America. The long-term extension with Bank of America reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to the Carolinas, Tepper said in a news release. For over three decades, Bank of America Stadium has helped create lasting memories for our fans and were excited for them to see whats ahead. Our goal is to create experiences that enhance the passion and energy of the region while transforming this corridor into a weekend destination for world-class sports, entertainment and community events.The projects expanded scope now includes more concourse upgrades, additional concession stands, locker room and front office updates, new premium and social spaces, a redesigned press box and club level, and private rental makeovers. Tepper Sports and Entertainment has released renderings of these renovations.READ MORE: Charlotte City Council approves $650 million for Bank of America Stadium renovationsThe initial plan, budgeted at $677 million, consists of exterior faade improvements, new seating, replacing all scoreboards, video boards, audio and control room systems, updating locker rooms, refreshing restrooms on all levels and creating a group seating and social area on the upper level, our partners at the Charlotte Business Journal reported.An indoor practice center, measuring 101,400-square-feet and currently under construction on property neighboring the stadium, is included in the renovation budget. This facility is scheduled to open next year.An initial renovation phase focusing on back-of-house upgrades, such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, began last month at the stadium. Fan-facing improvements, both inside and outside the stadium, are scheduled to follow between 2027 and 2030. Bank of America Stadium will continue to host all Panthers and Charlotte FC home games, though the number of concerts and other outside events may be reduced to accelerate construction, CBJ reported.A new 4,400-capacity indoor music venue is planned at the stadiums north gate and is visible in the latest renderings. It is projected to open in 2029 or 2030 and will host between 80 to 100 concerts, comedy shows and other events annually. Tepper Sports and Live Nation Entertainment Inc. are joint investors in this music venue project, though the specific construction cost has not been disclosed by the companies.Last year, Bank of America Stadium hosted 47 events, including concerts, college football, Savannah Bananas games and NFL and MLS games, CBJ reported. This marks an increase from 15 events in 2018. Renovations aim to position Tepper Sports to attract more events, such as the NFL Draft, the Super Bowl and the 2031 FIFA Womens World Cup.The stadium renovation project is scheduled for completion in 2030. The indoor practice center will open next year. The new indoor music venue is expected to open in 2029 or 2030. Fan-facing improvements are planned between 2027 and 2030. The agreement ensures the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC will remain in Charlotte through 2045.CAA Icon is consulting with Tepper Sports on the renovation efforts.Clark Construction Group and D.A. Everett Construction Group are serving as the lead contractors for the stadium project. The Charlotte Business Journal contributed to this report.

Also, there have been suggestions made on TV this week that James made up his mind, changed it and is back to square one. Sources close to James told The Athletic those suggestions were a lie. Others have floated roster moves James might be holding out for, which Paul has said is not true.New York TimesThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Notion that LeBron James made up his mind and changed it back is a lie?

But as of Thursday morning, there is still no announcement. Nobody knows right now except LeBron, said a source close to James who spoke on a condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations, and Im not even sure LeBron knows.New York TimesThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Nobody knows right now except LeBron, said a source

Jul. 23LEXINGTON, Ky. The Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team had the No. 1 team grade-point average in NAIA for 2025-26, according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association.The Tigers earned top honors in the NAIA Women's category with the highest GPA from the school year, posting a 3.84 team mark on a 4.0 scale. This marks the first time in program history that Dakota Wesleyan volleyball has earned the champion designation from the AVCA.The AVCA honors teams for efforts in the classroom and commitment to excelling as student-athletes. DWU was a top 20% academic program in the NAIA for the third year in a row, making the AVCA Academic Honor Roll. In fall 2025, DWU volleyball had 14 athletes honored as NAIA scholar-athletes with a 3.5 GPA or better.That made the 2025-26 season a successful one both on and off the court for DWU, which had 20 wins, two victories in the NAIA tournament and a pair of All-Americans in Kayleigh Hybertson and Lizzie Tyler.DWU was one of 1,432 total collegiate and high school volleyball teams to earn a 2026 AVCA Team Academic Award by maintaining a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, and achieved Academic Honor Roll for the third-consecutive year as a top 20% academic program in the NAIA.The Tigers begin a new season at the our Lady of the Lake Invitational on Aug. 14 in San Antonio, Texas, facing Saint Francis (Ind.). DWU's home opener is Sept. 9, opening Great Plains Athletic Conference play with Dordt.

Jul. 23MENNO, S.D. Parkston Post 194 punched its ticket to the Class B American Legion state tournament for the third consecutive season after defeating Platte/Geddes Post 115 by a score of 6-2 in the Region 4B championship game on Thursday.With the victory, Parkston went a perfect 3-0 in the regional tournament and advanced to the state tournament scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 4 in Madison.Parkston wasted little time taking the lead, scoring in the top of the first inning when Grady Bowar delivered an RBI single that plated Mason Jervik for a 1-0 advantage. Platte/Geddes answered in the bottom of the second, pushing across a run to even the game at 1-1.Post 194 regained the lead with a run in the third inning before breaking the game open in the fifth. Parkston scored three times in the frame to build a comfortable 5-1 cushion and put the WhiteCaps on their heels. P/G scratched across its final run in the bottom of the sixth to trim the deficit, but Parkston responded in the seventh with a sacrifice fly to right field for an insurance run and a 6-2 lead.Kash Neugebauer turned in a strong outing on the mound, pitching six innings while allowing just three hits and two runs. Johnny Weber took over in relief and retired the side in the seventh to secure the regional championship and send Parkston back to the state tournament.Parkston finished with eight hits, while Platte/Geddes managed three. The WhiteCaps committed two errors compared to one by Parkston. Hudson Fuhrer started on the mound for Platte/Geddes. No further individual statistics were immediately available.

BLAINE, Minn. Ben Kohles is playing the best golf of his career and hes not afraid to say it.Yeah, Id say. The last two months has been the best Ive ever felt, he said. At times, Ive had every part of my game clicking but not all of it put together. It feels like its all right there right now.It was all clicking on Thursday at the first round of the 3M Open. Kohles hit 17 greens in regulation and drilled a hybrid from 245 yards to 4 feet for an eagle at 18 and a 9-under 62 to grab a two-shot lead.I was just in control all day, he said.Confidence is knowing your best golf is still to come and Kohles has been rolling.The 36-year-old has been splitting time between the Korn Ferry Tour, where he won the BMW Charity Pro-Am in June, and PGA Tour this season. This is his 10thstart in the big leagues. He was tied for the lead at the 72nd hole at the John Deere Classic a few weeks ago but tugged his approach into the water, made double bogey and dropped to a share of third. He followed it up with a T-15 at the ISCO Championship, lifting him to No. 100 in the FedEx Cup season-long standings. Kohles wasnt dwelling on what couldve been at the JDC.You know you're playing well so it's just about trying to get yourself back in those positions, he said.You've just got to keep putting the pedal down and see where you go.Kohles made four birdies on the back nine to go along with the eagle at the last en route to his career-low score on Tour.The wind kind of died a little bit so I just kind of backed off (hitting a cut) and went with a stock one and ended up being perfect. Nice to have a three-, four-footer there to finish off the day, he said.Kohles said his iron game has been sharp for the past few seasons. The difference of late has been that the putter has been cooperating. He started working last fall with putting coach TimYelverton andswitched away from a zero torque putter the week before he won the BMW to a Scotty Cameron T9 model.Ever since then it's been feeling really solid in my hands and yeah, just rolling with it, he said.With the way hes been playing the past few months, Kohless deserves a cap sponsorship deal. For now, hes been rocking the cool multi-colored turtle logo of Atlantic Beach Country Club in Florida.If anyone wants to give me a hat deal Id be happy for it, he said, but happy to represent my course I play back home in Atlantic Beach.Adam Schupak is a Golfweek senior writer covering the PGA Tour.This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Ben Kohles is playing the best golf of his career and isn't afraid to say so