CHICAGO As WNBA All-Star practices were set to begin on Friday at the new Obama Presidential Centers basketball court, players gathered on the court with WNBA dignitaries and Obama Foundation representatives. It was only fitting that the first person to ever play on the court show up to welcome them. Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance to welcome the 22 All-Stars, who are the first professional athletes to take the WNBA-regulation Home Court. In his remarks, Obama praised the players for the trajectory of the league.The way the game has been going lately, the way its been picking up, and people paying attention to your excellence, I think has been something for basketball fans generally a sight to see, he said. Its been making me happy. All of you have been not just operating with some excellence on the court, but I know many of you are involved in some wonderful ventures off the court, looking out for young people and inspiring them. So I just want to say thanks.Barack Obama links with Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers during WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago pic.twitter.com/css3TpZhHx Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 24, 2026He went on to rib the players as they began practice for their exhibition.This doesnt look like the toughest practice Ive ever seen, Obama joked. But its All-Star break, yall arent supposed to be working too hard, although I suspect it may get a little competitive toward the end of the game.Obama concluded by reiterating how impressed he is with the growth of the game.Could not be prouder of what you guys are doing, he said. Youre well deserving of all your success, and seeing the fan base grow and the attention grow, thats exactly where it should be.The All-Stars practiced and held media availability at the Obama Center ahead of Friday nights 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena. Obama said he is not able to attend Saturday nights All-Star Game at the United Center.The Obama Presidential Center, which opened on Chicagos South Side in June, features a separate, 60,000-square-foot building with a dedicated basketball court that he christened with a game of H.O.R.S.E. upon the centers opening. Obama is famously a basketball fan and has played the game recreationally throughout his career. He and former First Lady Michelle Obama attended the 2026 NBA All-Star Game earlier this year in Los Angeles, and he joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner and minority owner in 2021. He also hosted several WNBA championship teams during his eight years in the White House.

Enzo Maresca responds to James Trafford transfer links amid Leeds United interestManchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued an update from his side on the future of James Trafford.Having played as the clubs No.2 choice last season behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, Trafford has been expected to depart.Despite interest from Newcastle United and Aston Villa, it is Leeds United who appear to be leading the race.Enzo Maresca has issued a clear update on the future of James Trafford, amid recent links to a move to Elland Road and Leeds United this summer.Trafford returned to the Etihad Stadium having developed through the clubs Academy system only last summer, re-joining from Burnley in a deal reportedly worth 27 million plus further add-ons.The belief at the time was the Englishman would come in as the clubs new No.1 between the posts, replacing Ederson at the time, and started all of the clubs first three Premier League matches against Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton.However, a late opportunity to secure Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain saw the Italian instantly installed as the clubs new first-choice, leaving Trafford restricted predominantly to Carabao Cup and FA Cup appearances.With the 23-year-old holding clear ambitions of becoming Englands new number one ahead of Jordan Pickford, the expectation is that James Trafford would seek a move this summer in search of increased opportunities as a first choice at the top of the game.James Trafford gives go-ahead for next club as Manchester City enter formal talks over saleNow, despite a belief in various quarters that Newcastle United would revisit interest from recent windows, it is Daniel Farkes Leeds United who are in direct talks with Manchester City over the goalkeeper who is in favour of an Elland Road move.What has Enzo Maresca said on James Traffords future?Speaking during his first press conference as Manchester City manager, Enzo Maresca was asked for his thoughts and updates surrounding the future of James Trafford amid developments on the England international this week.I know James because he was my keeper when I was with the Under-23s, so I know James very good, said Maresca.The Manchester City manager continued, But again, when the transfer window is open, now or in January, anything can happen.So well see, but at the moment hes one of our keepers.How would Traffords exit affect Man Citys transfer plans?Should James Trafford formalise a move away from Manchester City as expected this summer, the Englishman would likely spark further movement from Hugo Viana in the transfer market.Manchester City have already invested in their goalkeeper ranks once this summer, re-signing former Academy starlet Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday, but opting to loan the Northern Ireland international to Championship side QPR for the 2026/27 campaign.At present, it remains to be seen what options City could turn to in their search for a new back-up goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, whilst it will also intrigue fans as to whether the club will install any favourable terms in an agreement with Leeds for Trafford.

Mississippi football quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was voted first-team All-SEC by the conference's media poll, the league announced Friday, July 24.Chambliss was joined by Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy on the first team, as Ole Miss is set for one of the best backfield tandems in college football this season. Texas quarterback Arch Manning was selected to the All-SEC second-team by media.REQUIRED READING: SEC predicted order of finish: Who did media vote to win conference in 2026?Texas and LSU led all teams with four first-team All-SEC selections. Texas put receiver Cam Coleman, offensive lineman Trevor Goosby, defensive lineman Colin Simmons and linebacker Rasheem Biles, a transfer from Pittsburgh, on the list. LSU placed tight end Trey'Dez Green, offensive lineman Jordan Seaton, linebacker Whit Weeks and defensive lineman Princewill Umanmielen under first-year coach Lane Kiffin.Here's a look at the preseason first-, second- and third-team All-SEC selections for 2026:Preseason All-SEC football team 2026First teamOffenseQuarterback: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole MissRunning back: Kewan Lacy, Ole MissRunning back: Ahmad Hardy, MissouriWide receiver: Cam Coleman, TexasWide receiver: Ryan Coleman-Williams, AlabamaTight End: Trey'Dez Green, LSUGuard/Tackle: Trevor Goosby, TexasGuard/Tackle: Cayden Green, MissouriGuard/Tackle: Jordan Seaton, LSUGuard/Tackle: Earnest Greene III, GeorgiaCenter: Drew Bobo, GeorgiaAll-purpose: Mario Craver, Texas A&MDefenseDefensive line: Colin Simmons, TexasDefensive line: Will Echoles, Ole MissDefensive line: Dylan Stewart, South CarolinaDefensive line: Princewill Umanmielen, LSULinebacker: Whit Weeks, LSULinebacker: Xavier Atkins, AuburnLinebacker: Rasheem Biles, TexasDefensive back: KJ Bolden, GeorgiaDefensive back: Zabien Brown, AlabamaDefensive back: Bray Hubbard, AlabamaDefensive back: Ellis Robinson IV, GeorgiaSpecial teamsKicker: Tate Sandell, OklahomaPunter: Grant Chadwick, LSUReturner specialist: Ryan Niblett, TexasKickoff specialist: Tate Sandell, OklahomaLong snapper: Ben Anderson, OklahomaREQUIRED READING: What's best SEC college football stadium? LSU's Tiger Stadium leads rankingsSecond teamOffenseQuarterback: Arch Manning, TexasRunning back: Jadan Baugh, FloridaRunning back: Nate Frazier, GeorgiaWide receiver: Mario Craver, Texas A&MWide receiver: Isaiah Sategna III, OklahomaTight end: Lawson Luckie, GeorgiaGuard/Tackle: Dontrell Glover, GeorgiaGuard/Tackle: Michael Fasusi, OklahomaGuard/Tackle: Michael Carroll, AlabamaGuard/Tackle: Lance Heard, KentuckyCenter: Mark Nabou Jr., Texas A&MAll-purpose: Ryan Niblett, TexasDefenseDefensive line: David Stone, OklahomaDefensive line: Elijah Griffin, GeorgiaDefensive line: Taylor Wein, OklahomaDefensive line: Quincy Rhodes Jr., ArkansasLinebacker: Raylen Wilson, GeorgiaLinebacker: Suntarine Perkins, Ole MissLinebacker: Kip Lewis, OklahomaDefensive back: Kelley Jones, Mississippi StateDefensive back: DJ Pickett, LSUDefensive back: Ty Benefield, LSUDefensive back: Eli Bowen, Oklahoma *Defensive back: Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma *Special teamsKicker: Lucas Carneiro, Ole MissPunter: Grayson Miller, OklahomaReturn specialist: Isaiah Sategna III, OklahomaKickoff specialist: Lucas Carneiro, Ole MissLong snapper: Trey Dubuc, TexasThird teamOffenseQuarterback: Gunner Stockton, GeorgiaRunning back: DeSean Bishop, TennesseeRunning back: Hollywood Smothers, TexasWide receiver: Ryan Wingo, TexasWide receiver: Nyck Harbor, South CarolinaTight end: Willie Rodriguez, KentuckyGuard/Tackle: David Sanders Jr., TennesseeGuard/Tackle: Patrick Kutas, Ole MissGuard/Tackle: Brandon Baker, TexasGuard/Tackle: Wendell Moe Jr., TennesseeCenter: Braelin Moore, LSUAll-purpose: Jadan Baugh, FloridaDefenseDefensive line: Kam Franklin, Ole MissDefensive line: DJ Hicks, Texas A&MDefensive line: Gabe Harris, GeorgiaDefensive line: Jayden Woods, FloridaLinebacker: Arion Carter, TennesseeLinebacker: TJ Dottery, LSULinebacker: Yhonzae Pierre, AlabamaDefensive back: Keon Sabb, AlabamaDefensive back: Champ Anthony, AuburnDefensive back: Khalil Barnes, GeorgiaDefensive back: Jelani McDonald, TexasSpecialteamsKicker: Alex McPherseon, AuburnPunter: Ethan Pulliam, Mississippi StateReturn specialist: Vernell Brown III, FloridaKickoff specialist: Terry Bussey, Texas A&MLong snapper: Brett Le Blanc, Missouri* TiedThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Preseason All-SEC football teams: Who got nod between Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss?

You went to school to play basketball? they asked, sizing up my 511 frame.No, no, I explained. I went to school to watch basketball.They rolled their eyes.Back in the spring of 2009, there was this guy named DeJuan Blair. He has no ACLs now, but we dont talk about that. So Blair is playing against this other guy named Hasheem Thabeet. What a bust. Anyways, the two of them are fighting over a rebound, and Blair flips Thabeet over his shoulder. The crowd went wild, and I applied to Blairs college, the University of Pittsburgh, right then and there.They rolled their eyes yet again.During my time at Pitt, I crossed paths with plenty of sports stars, from Aaron Donald to Ashton Gibbsbut few were as enigmatic as big Steven Adams, the young center from New Zealand. While Pitt hoops has gone through a bit of a rough patch since my tenure in the Oakland Zoo, Steven Adams has carried the torch throughout his 13-year career in the NBA.Over that same time period, I graduated college, moved to New York City, moved home to Chicago, and rediscovered my love for collecting. Somewhere along the way, thanks to the r/basketballcards subreddit, I discovered what I can only presume is the biggest and best collection of Steven Adams cards on Earth. A collector who goes by the name of SouljaDad on reddit and upandadamsnz on Instagram is always happy to show off his PC, answer questions, and help a fellow hoop head. Long before this interview, the Kiwi and I connected on Instagram, sharing our love of Adams and talking about his best rookie cards. Now, its time for him to share his own story.How long have you been following Steven Adams?Im from New Zealand, so there was a bit of buzz in the media here when he was in his teens, as we dont historically produce NBA-quality players (only two before Steve, shout out Sean Marks and Kirk Penney!).Adams played a season here with the Saints (our local Wellington team), then went Stateside. It was big news here when he declared for the draft, particularly as he was projected to go 12th overall to a contending Thunder team, which turned out to be the case.Id always been an NBA fan, but never really had a team. Since then, Ive been a Thunder fan.How many Steven Adams cards do you have?Oh gosh. I had to look this up!I try to be more of a quality collector than a quantity collector. My main goal was to chase his 2013 rookie cards. When I started, I picked up pretty much anything I didnt already have, but over time I curated the collection down to the cards that truly interest me.He has 331 pack-pullable rookie cards (to the best of my knowledge). Of the ones that interest me, I must have over 90%.I also have a binder of some of his Prizm, Select & Chrome cards through the years, and a number of slabbed non-rookies where the card itself is particularly interesting to me.Whats your favorite Steven Adams cardeither that you own or want to own one day?This is really tough to answer.Of those I own, if I had to choose, the 2013 Select Prizms Black One of One might be it.Its a beautiful card, and black is the perfect parallel for a New Zealand sportsman.Id still love to add a game-worn laundry tag.How did you first get into collecting?Like most 90s kids, I started with Pokmon cards, and I never got rid of my old binder.When Pokmon cards started gaining popularity again, I pulled it back out and started filling in the gaps through eBay. That eventually sent me down the rabbit hole and led me into collecting basketball cards.What challenges do you face as a collector based in New Zealand?New Zealand is actually a good place to be if youre an Adams collector. Most of his biggest cards are already here, and plenty of Kiwis collect him.Non-Adams cards are more challenging, but services like ShipMyCards make it much easier by letting you consolidate purchases. Shipping individual cards to New Zealand can be prohibitively expensive otherwise.Whats your favorite memory from Steven Adams basketball career (so far)?This is not Syria. Its not that hard Were living at a bloody resort.Collecting a player whos genuinely a good bastard certainly helps!A particularly brutal screen on Patrick Beverley also comes to mind.More broadly, its the Westbrook and Adams Thunder era.It went through a few different iterations, but they were always fun to watch, even if they couldnt quite get over the line in the playoffs.I also like the connection with SGA. Adams final season with the Thunder was SGAs first, so theres a nice little through line between the two eras.Do you collect any other players or are you strictly a Big Steve guy?I do.My other PC is the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. I love on-card autos and game-worn relics, so Im slowly working my way through that collection.I also have smaller SGA and Westbrook collections, as theyre two of my favourite Thunder players.Have you ever been to the States to watch him play live?Unfortunately not. Thats definitely on the list.Have you ever had a chance to meet him?Nope!He runs basketball camps for kids in New Zealand during the off-season, so Id love to take my daughter to one, and have a yarn with the big fella.What collection should we cover next? Let us know on Instagram and X.

The Philadelphia 76ers were named the winner of the LeBron James sweepstakes when the 41-year-old officially announced he would be joining the team in a post to social media on Friday, July 24.James made it clear he had one goal in deciding to play for the 76ers after being courted by a plethora of teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves."I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," James wrote in a post to X.James isn't alone in his belief about the 76ers being a championship-caliber squad. Oddsmakers believe the Philadelphia will be among the favorites to win the 2026-27 NBA title after inking the 22-time All-Star to a two-year, $8 million contract.Even so, the 76ers haven't riser to the top of the list yet, as two Western Conference squads are the co-favorites to win the 2027 NBA Finals.Here's a full look at how James signing with the 76ers has shaken up the NBA power structure.Ranking NBA teams by odds after LeBron signs with 76ersOdds via BetMGM as of Friday, July 24.T-1. Oklahoma City Thunder (+275)The Thunder have one of the NBA's deepest teams, led by perennial MVP candidate Shai Gligeous-Alexander and a quality collection of young talent headlined by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Sam Presti re-tooled Oklahoma City's roster during the offseason to avoid the dreaded second apron, but the squad still has the talent needed to be one of the NBA's top contenders.T-1. San Antonio Spurs (+275)The Spurs made a surprise run to the 2026 NBA Finals as Victor Wembanyama blossomed into one of the league's most impressive two-way talents. If Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle can continue their development alongside Wembanyama, San Antonio's young core could soon power it to an NBA title.3. New York Knicks (+800)The Knicks won their first NBA title since 1973, dispatching the Spurs in five games during the 2026 NBA Finals. Can New York do it again? The Knicks are returning most of that title-winning core, and the chemistry possessed by the Jalen Brunson-led starting five should make the team a tough out in the Eastern Conference.4. Philadelphia 76ers (+1000)No team has improved more during the 2026 NBA offseason than the 76ers. Not only did they ink LeBron on a two-year contract, they also traded Paul George and two first-round picks to add Jaylen Brown to their starting lineup. Adding those two talents to a strong core that already featured Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe could allow Philadelphia to emerge as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.5. Boston Celtics (+1400)The Celtics made a head-scratching trade dealing Brown to the 76ers for George. Even so, Boston has been a perennial contender under Joe Mazzulla and shored up one of its biggest weaknesses by signing center Mitchell Robinson from the Knicks in free agency. That should allow the Celtics to remain competitive, though their over-reliance on the 3-point shot could again be their undoing.6. Denver Nuggets (+2200)T-7. Cleveland Cavaliers (+2500)T-7. Detroit Pistons (+2500)T-7. Minnesota Timberwolves (+2500)T-7. Toronto Raptors (+2500)11. Miami Heat (+3000)12. Los Angeles Lakers (+4000)13. Indiana Pacers (+5000)T-14. Golden State Warriors (+6000)T-14. Houston Rockets (+6000)T-16. Atlanta Hawks (+8000)T-16. Orlando Magic (+8000)T-16. Portland Trail Blazers (+8000)19. Phoenix Suns (+12500)T-20. Charlotte Hornets (+15000)T-20. Dallas Mavericks (+15000)T-20. Washington Wizards (+15000)23. Utah Jazz (+20000)T-24. Los Angeles Clippers (+50000)T-24. New Orleans Pelicans (+50000)T-26. Chicago Bulls (+75000)T-26. Memphis Grizzlies (+75000)T-26. Milwaukee Bucks (+75000)T-29. Brooklyn Nets (+100000)T-29. Sacramento Kings (+100000)This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Power ranking all 30 NBA teams by championship odds following LeBron's decision

Vlone Juice WRLD: The Story Behind the Iconic Streetwear Legacy Streetwear has produced many unforgettable collaborations, but few have left a lasting impact like Vlone Juice WRLD. Combining the bold identity of the Vlone brand with the emotional influence of legendary rapper Juice WRLD, this collaboration became an instant favorite among fans of fashion and hip-hop culture. Years after its...

According to the latest report published by Data Bridge Market Research, the Invisible Orthodontics Market The global Invisible Orthodontics market size was valued at USD 8.48 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 21.91 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 12.60% during the forecast period. Invisible Orthodontics Market survey report is intended to help the readers develop a...

Notre Dame football, due to its independence, has the ability to schedule whoever it wants, with some marquee matchups for the 2026 season along with the future schedules as well. However, like USC, it looks like another team might be backing out of its series with the Irish. On Thursday during SEC Media Days, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was asked about the upcoming home-home series with Notre Dame set to start in 2028. His answer didnt give much hope to the games actually being played.Sarkisian said that I dont know about Notre Dame. Well see, putting a good amount of doubt in the future series. Its an odd statement to make, as recently the SEC put priority in scheduling the Irish for their non-conference portion of its slates. Starting in 2027, Notre Dame will face Auburn, Arkansas, and Alabama through 2030, meaning theyll be plenty of future SEC matchups. Hopefully Sarkisians comments dont start the beginning of canceling the series, as the two teams havent faced off against each other since 2016, and Notre Dame holds a 9-3 series advantage against the Longhorns.Texas' Steve Sarkisian on whether Longhorns will play Notre Dame series: "I don't know about Notre Dame. We'll see." Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 23, 2026Contact/Follow us@IrishWireNDon X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebookto follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChenThis article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Could an SEC team be backing out of home-home series with Notre Dame?