Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesThe NBA is in expansion mode.As well as the would-be franchises in Vegas and Seattle reportedly attracting bids of up to $10bn, commissioner Adam Silver wants the NBA to expand its horizons into Europe.Across the Atlantic, NBA Europe franchises and there are going to be at least 12 of them are fetching bids of at least $500m, potentially up to and beyond $1bn.There are kinks to iron out there, but Silver sees NBA Europe as his legacy project. One way or another, it is going to happen.With a 2027 launch date targeted for NBA Europe, the Vegas franchise likely to launch in the 2028-29 season and Seattle soon after, it could be a very lucrative few years for the league.In the case of NBA Europe, the party line is that the vast majority of the competition-wide economics will be reinvested in the continent-hopping league over the first decade. But even in the most charitable of scenarios, existing NBA owners will profit at some point from the initiative.Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Fortune MediaWhen it comes to domestic expansion franchises, those fees are pretty much reinvested evenly across the NBAs 30 owners. Its the dividend to end all dividends.As for players and agents, expansion fees fall outside the scope of the existing collective bargaining agreement although they would dearly like to change that.NBPA would love expansion fees to be included in BRISpeaking to the Boston Globe, NBPA Executive Director David Kelly said players are quite interested in NBA Europe because it could serve as another revenue stream for league owners that does not include the players.My issue with NBA Europe is the fact that its outside of [basketball related income], and I think it should be inside of BRI.We look at expansion fees also being outside of BRI is something that, you know, historically has been the case. We dont think it should be the case. We dont think its fair. Now, of course, fairness has nothing to do with the negotiation. The CBA is leverage, but thats definitely something we would want to address depending on when expansion teams come in.Read more:New $100m reveal speaks volumes about NBAs plans to conquer EuropeIts a big difference Draymond Green names the biggest loser after LeBron James joined the 76ersPhiladelphia 76ers facing major roster headache after LeBron James signing

CHICAGO (AP) The expectations are not new for Lincoln Riley or Southern Cal. He faced them as a first-time head coach at Oklahoma before arriving at USC, and the Trojans have faced them nearly every year for generations.Still, in Riley's five years at USC, those expectations have perhaps never been higher than they are this fall. With more than a dozen contributors returning, including star quarterback Jayden Maiava, the country's top-ranked freshman class and a handful of impact transfers, a lot of the pieces that were missing during the first few years of Riley's tenure have now fallen into place, on paper at least.Its what its supposed to feel like here, Riley said Tuesday at Big Ten football media days. Ive said this multiple times: I mean, the only two places that Ive been a head coach at were blue-blood schools that have the highest of expectations. Honestly, Ive really not known anything different. Were a product of our own experiences. Thats been mine."Every year, I expect to win. I expect us to win. I expect us to compete for and win championships. That doesnt change. I certainly will give you what has changed: Were more equipped than at any point in the previous few years. Thats not a hope or wish, those are facts. Theres a lot of facts to back that up.Riley cited institutional alignment including NIL support and a new $200 million practice facility, the addition of new defensive coordinator and longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson and the overall depth of talent on the roster among his reasons for optimism that he can get USC back to where it is used to being.So far, that's been tough going. Riley enters his fifth year at USC with a 35-18 overall record and 24-12 record in the Pac-12 and Big Ten. Since going 11-3 in his debut, the Trojans have ended the season in the Top 25 only once, when they finished 20th last season after an Alamo Bowl loss to TCU to finish 9-4, tied for fourth in the Big Ten.With all three losses on the road to ranked teams, Maiava said the Trojans are ready to build on their success last season.Just the work and the preparation, Maiava said. Thats where it comes from, what gives us the confidence to be willing to go out there and compete against everybody and anybody. I think were just ready. Were all keeping the main thing the main thing and were all driven to push each other and make each other better.It starts with the 6-foot-4 Maiava, a native of Hawaii who threw for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns last season while rushing for six more scores in his second season at USC after transferring from UNLV.Then theres what Riley called the best depth of his tenure on both the offensive and defensive lines, along with the 32-player freshman class. That group includes three five-star linemen and a local four-star tight end, Santa Anas Mark Bowman, all of whom will be expected to contribute immediately.I do think this is a special unit, and if it wasn't, I would say it wasn't, said defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren, a transfer from Michigan State who played against USC last season. Now, what does that mean? It doesn't guarantee us any games to win. It just means that we have a very talented group of guys on the team. It's about what we do with it now, and I'm confident we're going to do something good.The Trojans will have to try to move forward in the face of a difficult schedule that includes national champion Indiana and Big Ten favorites Ohio State and Oregon, along with trips to Penn State and Wisconsin - but not, for only the second time since World War II, Notre Dame.The two longtime rivals were unable to reach an agreement to extend their series beyond last season and are unlikely to meet again any sooner than 2030, based on their current nonconference schedules.Nothings changed from my vantage point, Riley said. We want to play the game. I want to play the game. We would be playing the game had some things come true that were said. Hopefully we get to that point. Obviously we want it to happen. I know our fan base wants it to happen. College football wants it to happen.___AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Green will be back with the Warriors alongside Steph Curry for a 15th season

Browns cornerback Denzel Ward made it clear this offseason that he wanted to stay in Cleveland. Now he and the Browns have agreed to a deal to make that happen.Ward and the Browns have agreed to a two-year contract extension.Ward's agents told reporters that it's a $62.2 million deal with $52.3 million guaranteed and makes Ward the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL.The 29-year-old Ward is an Ohio native who was drafted by the Browns with the fourth overall pick in 2018 after starring at Ohio State. He has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and now appears set to play out his prime years in Cleveland.With the Browns in the midst of a rebuild, they could have considered trading Ward, just as they traded Myles Garrett. But while Garrett wanted out, Ward did not. So Ward remains in Cleveland, and will get paid a lot to do so.

Denzel Ward is now the highest-paid cornerback in the league.Jason Miller via Getty ImagesThe Cleveland Browns have locked down Denzel Ward yet again.The Browns reached a two-year, $62.2 million extension with their cornerback on Tuesday afternoon, according to the NFL Networks Ian Rapoport. At just more than $31 million per season, the deal will now make him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.Ward had two years left on his five-year, $100.5 million rookie extension. The new deal will keep him in Cleveland through the 2029 campaign. According to ESPNs Adam Schefter, $52.3 million of Wards new contract is guaranteed, too.Ward has spent his entire career with the Browns, who selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2018 out of Ohio State. The 29-year-old had 39 total tackles and an interception last season, his eighth in the league.Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie was the highest-paid cornerback in the league previously while earning $31 million per season. Indianapolis Colts Sauce Gardner was the only other cornerback in the league earning more than $30 million a year.The Browns went just 5-12 last season and missed the playoffs for the sixth time since Ward joined the franchise. The Browns, who hired head coach Todd Monken to replace Kevin Stefanski, will open the 2026 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13.This post will be updated with more information shortly.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears speaks to the media before the Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesChicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson met with the media today to open up training camp. Here are some noteworthy nuggets. Kyler Gordon / PUPKyler Gordon was the talk of the town today as he continues to not be healthy enough to play. Spidey opens up training camp on the Physically Unable to Participate list. Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson were understandably frustrated. According to them, he has done everything he has needed to do this off-season to prepare and get healthy, but when asked about what his message has been to Kyler Gordon, Ben Johnson succinctly said: Get healthy.A healthy Kyler goes a long way for this team. But your best ability is availability, so it remains to be seen if he sees out his recently inked contract just a year ago.Joining Kyler on PUP are TJ Edwards, Elijah Hicks, Keyshaun Elliott, and Montez Sweat, but none of them are expected to be long-term. For more on the Bears roster moves today, you can click here.Darnell WrightThe young stalwart at RT was also discussed today, specifically regarding his contract extension. According to Poles, that is something they are working on and they have a window of time they are focused on getting it done. But it remains to be seen if the window is now. With Vikings RT Brian ONeill signing a lucrative contract to open up camp in Minnesota, there is now a reasonable floor for Wrights next deal. 4 years $96millionWhile Poles doesnt want any distractions regarding the contract and dragging it on into the season, he also said Wright is a guy we want here for a while. So hopefully we hear some news in the coming days or weeks for one of the best tackles in the league remaining in Chicago. Left Tackle CompetitionI found it noteworthy to hear both Poles and Ben to highlight this position and how each player is looking healthy and ready to compete. Loved the mention of Theo Benedet as a player to watch and how Jedrick Wills has gained double digit lean mass weight. Braxton is the healthiest hes been since his rookie season and seems to be the frontrunner but some encouraging update on Ozzy and even a positive mention of Kiran. Center CompetitionIt sounds like Garret Bradbury will not be given the job to start the season. While he obviously has a leg up from an experience standpoint, rookie Logan Jones will have every opportunity to compete for the starting gig. Poles touted the knowledge and wisdom, especially with a young QB behind him in regards to Bradbury, but the hunger of Jones will be something to watch. I will add his athleticism and headiness for a young player. Miscellaneous Thoughts and prayers for former Bears OC Eric Bieniemy and his wife Mia as she is in stable condition following a tragic shooting. Hats off to the Bears camp crew for preparing for camp. Sounds like there is some brand new bells and whistles this year with new fields, new state-of-the-art film setup on each field. Luther Burden III got yet ANOTHER glowing endorsement. This time from Ryan Poles. All Edge rushers will be entering camp healthy (I do not consider Sweats illness as unhealthy), including Dayo Odeyingbo who finished the season on IR. Caleb has Bens FULL trust and vote of confidence as a player and QB for this offense. He can do everything, coach said matter-of-factly.

San Diego Wave sign Arsenal midfielder HarbertAmerican National Womens Soccer League (NWSL) club San Diego Wave have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Laila Harbert on a permanent deal.Wave announced news of the deal via a post on their official club website this evening.The 19-year-old has signed a deal which will keep her Stateside until the end of the 2029 NWSL season.Harbert is a product of the Arsenal academy system and she signed her first professional terms with the club in 2025. The youngster has got some vital senior experience under her belt in loan spells with Watford, Southampton, Portland Thorns and Everton. Harbert also represented Arsenals first team in a couple of non-competitive fixtures.On the international stage, Harbert has represented England up to and including Under-23 level.After taking Harbert to San Diego Wave, the clubs Sporting Director and General Manager, Camille Ashton said Were really excited to welcome Laila to San Diego. Shes an exciting young talent with exceptional technical quality, vision, and composure under pressure.We look forward to supporting her continued development and seeing the impact she will make with this team this season and for years to come.Harbert joins a San Diego Wave side who currently occupy a play-off place in the NWSL.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 26: Sung-Mun Song #24 of the San Diego Padres throws the ball to first base against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning of the game at loanDepot park on July 26, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe San Diego Padres have won three games in a row and will look to make that four games with a win against the Colorado Rockies who have a 2-4 record coming into the two-game series at Petco Park.As is the case seemingly every season, the Rockies players are essentially auditioning for other teams around the league. It is understandable that the Colorado roster wants to play well.The Padres are stuck in limbo of will they or wont they as the trade deadline approaches. The San Diego players have made no secret that they are aware of how important the next six games are to the team and the season. The Padres have built momentum despite a 5-5 road trip and will need a win today to keep the good vibes going.Taking the moundMichael King (SD) v. Michael Lorenzen (COL)Michael King came into the season as a co-ace with Nick Pivetta. He quickly became the sole ace when Pivetta went down with injury. King has not had a dominant season, but he has looked better over the last couple of outings. He is he lone pitcher in the San Diego rotation that is a threat to throw a complete game and time out.Michael Lorenzen has had a down year, but that does not automatically mean the San Diego offense will have success against the Colorado right-hander. Lorenzen sits at 3-9 on the year and carries a 6.53 ERA. The Padres will have to jump on Lorenzen early and often to give King a chance to pitch with a lead.Batter up!The San Diego offense has been clicking and there is no reason to make massive changes to the order. The top five had a productive road trip and despite an 0-for-5 from Fernando Tatis Jr. on Sunday, they keep collecting hits. As the saying goes, ride the hot hand. Bogaerts has fallen into one of those cold spells we have come to know in San Diego, but he did hit the ball hard out of the eighth spot in the lineup. He should remain in that spot to give the lineup some length and limit the number of opportunities he has to roll into a double play. Rengifo has been too good to sit and Sheets showed signs of getting back on track. Campy should start for his offense but his defensive blunder on Sunday could mean he sits in place of Freddy Fermin and is used later in the game as a pinch-hit threat off the bench.Fernando Tatis Jr., RFJake Cronenworth, 2BManny Machado, 3BTy France, 1BJackson Merrill, CFLuis Rengifo, LFGavin Sheets DH, 2BXander Bogaerts, SSLuis Campusano, CCronenworth has been much better since returning from the IL and Sunday may have been his best game at the plate this season. If he can continue to set the table for Machado, France and Merrill he could help to extend the San Diego win streak with a win over the Rockies. Relief corpsThe San Diego bullpen has seen a lot of work this season and saw even more over their 10-game road trip. The Padres have reverted to an 11-man pen, which means there are plenty of arms should Padres manager Craig Stammen need to go to that group early. The hope is that King can give the team some length in his outing, but if he is unable to do so, everyone should be available to cover the remaining innings after the off day on Monday.

Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Rodri has undergone successful minor surgery to address an ongoing back issue following Spain's World Cup triumph. The club have also stated that Rodri is only facing a "short" recovery process, allaying any fears he could be sidelined for a significant period. City Confirm Rodri Surgery The Etihad Stadium outfit have confirmed that star midfielder Rodri has undergone successful minor surgery to address a back problem. The 30-year-old captained Spain to World Cup glory in North America earlier this summer. City announced that the medical procedure aimed to relieve discomfort the midfielder had been experiencing. Maresca Addresses Transfer Speculation With Rodri being heavily linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, new City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the ongoing noise surrounding the Spaniard's future prior to the operation: "First of all, we have to say that around big players there is always speculation. So Im not worried about that, its normal, also because they won the World Cup he is one of the best players. "I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because hes a top player. But now, surgery on Monday, and then he needs holiday, he needs to rest, recovery, and then he will be back here with us." City have now released an official statement confirming the procedure, which reads: "Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery. The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation." Midfielder Faces Contract Uncertainty The core reason behind the transfer links stems from Rodris contract at the Etihad Stadium, which has now entered its final 12 months. Although City executives have reportedly tabled a lucrative renewal offer, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is yet to give any indication regarding his long-term commitment. Real Madrid are reportedly keen to capitalize on this hesitation and remain optimistic about finalizing a deal before the window closes. When Will Rodri Return? With his mandatory post-World Cup rest and rehabilitation timeline underway, Rodri will miss the club's upcoming pre-season tour of Asia early next month. The City squad are set to return to competitive action in the Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16, and The Athletic reports that Rodri is expected to return before the end of that month.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to join Liverpool following discussions with new manager Andoni Iraola. While the 23-year-old is eager to move to Anfield, the two clubs remain far apart in their valuation of the player. Barcola Agrees Liverpool Move According to L'quipe, Barcola has reached an agreement in principle to join Liverpool. The 23-year-old has informed the French champions that he does not intend to extend his current contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2028. Barcola is determined to discover the Premier League and take the next crucial step in his career. The same report claims that the France international recently held positive discussions with new Reds manager Iraola and several club executives to outline a potential move to Anfield. However, despite the player's clear desire to relocate to Merseyside, no formal contractual agreement has been signed. Searching For Regular Starting Spot After enjoying three highly successful years in the French capital, Barcola is eager to establish himself as a regular at a major European club. The Lyon-born attacker grew frustrated after frequently being relegated to the role of a substitute during PSG's most crucial fixtures in recent months. Having regularly featured as a designated "12th man" under the current coaching regime, Barcola believes it is time to spread his wings. He has subsequently identified Liverpool as his preferred destination to secure consistent starting opportunities. Barcola is now focused solely on securing a transfer to Anfield. The 23-year-old hopes that his personal agreement with the English club will help push the complicated negotiations forward. PSG Demand Massive Transfer Fee While Barcola has agreed to the move in principle, completing the transfer remains a highly complex operation. Liverpool officials have opened preliminary talks with their Parisian counterparts, but the two European heavyweights are currently far from reaching a consensus. PSG are now reportedly open to sanctioning Barcola's departure this summer, but they remain steadfast in their financial demands. Les Parisiens are holding out for a monumental transfer fee that could easily exceed the 120 million mark. Next Steps For Liverpool And Barcola It remains to be seen whether Barcola's personal agreement with Liverpool will accelerate club-to-club negotiations over the coming days. The Reds are fully expected to continue their dialogue with PSG in an attempt to bridge the massive financial divide. If a mutual compromise cannot be reached, Liverpool may be forced to walk away from the negotiating table. However, Barcola's clear preference for a move to Anfield provides the Premier League side with a distinct advantage during these high-stakes discussions.