The 2026 MLB trade deadline certainly didn't disappoint. Starting on Saturday night when Tarik Skubal joined the Dodgers, there was an avalanche of deals that spanned the final 48 hours. From a fantasy baseball perspective, the value of many players shifted over the past two days, which means that managers who react quickly can make substantial roster improvements.Here are the details that every manager should know.WinnersTarik Skubal, SP, Dodgers: Although the value of Skubal couldn't go much higher, the needle is pointed up slightly by virtue of his membership on baseball's deepest roster. The Dodgers have outscored the Tigers by 67 runs this season, and the added offensive support could help Skubal secure an extra win or two down the stretch.Freddy Peralta, SP, Rays: Fantasy managers who stubbornly held onto Peralta through four unproductive months (4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP) got the news they wished for when the right-hander was traded to one of the top organizations in terms of handling hurlers. The Rays' front office is well-aware that the right-hander's skills have declined especially a strikeout rate that is 6.1% lower than last year and surely has a plan to get him back on track. The guess here is that Peralta will be serviceable and possibly better than that over the final two months.Kevin Gausman, SP, Cubs: Although Gausman is not a winner to the same degree as Peralta, he should enjoy the backing of an elite defensive group, and he will definitely have greater win potential while supported by a top-five offense rather than one that ranks last in runs scored. Of course, the greatest variable for Gausman will be his own effectiveness, as he went 0-7 with a 6.32 ERA over June and July before tossing six innings of one-run ball in his initial August start.Clay Holmes, SP, Cubs: Similar to Gausman, Holmes will enjoy the switch to a winning team with a terrific defense and productive offense. Given that he maintains an elite groundball rate, Holmes could benefit from his supporting cast even more than Gausman. Holmes should return from the 60-day injured list in a few days and logged a 2.39 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over nine starts prior to suffering a fractured right fibula.Jos Soriano, SP, Blue Jays: Gausman's replacement in Toronto, Soriano could finally realize his vast potential under the tutelage of Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker. The strengths of Soriano are obvious he's a workhorse who uses his solid strikeout skills and elite ability to induce grounders to rack up innings and limit scoring. And his weakness is just as obvious he leads the AL in walks. The Angels couldn't help Soriano to take the next step, but they're an organization that is known for failing to maximize the production of their pitchers.Dustin May, SP, Brewers: May tends to infuriate fantasy managers, as his immense skills (3.13 FIP, 106:35 K:BB ratio) rarely translate to outstanding results (4.38 ERA, 1.28 WHIP). If only there was an organization that could get the most out of him.Enter the Brewers, who are famous for maximizing pitcher production and opted to acquire May on Monday. Rostered in just 24% of Yahoo leagues, May should be added in 12-team formats as soon as he is inserted into Milwaukee's rotation. After all, the team leads the majors with a 3.36 ERA from their rotation despite having Jacob Misiorowski and a cast of characters who were fantasy afterthoughts in March.Zac Thornton, SP, Mets: Now that the much-anticipated departure of Peralta has happened, the runway is clear for Thornton to remain in the Mets rotation. The rookie is coming off a rough outing against Miami (4.2 IP, 3 ER) but has been effective overall across five starts since being promoted on June 26 (2.10 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). There are weaknesses in Thornton's game, especially a lack of swing-and-miss skills, but he should be rostered in 12-team leagues.Kade Anderson, SP, Mariners: Although the trade of Luis Castillo doesn't open up a rotation spot for Anderson, we are now one injury away from seeing the debut of the best pitcher who is currently toiling in the minors. Anderson's 2026 stat line is ridiculous, including a 1.20 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 119:12 K:BB ratio. He is worth stashing now, destined to be the most exciting waiver wire option over the stretch run.Luis Arrez, 1B/2B, Phillies: Although this one is only a small upgrade, Arrez is better off as a member of the Phillies than Giants. Baseball's best contact hitter will post an elite batting average wherever he goes, and he lacks the power skills to take advantage of a favorable park switch. But the Phillies have a better lineup than the Giants, which raises the 29-year-old's floor for accumulating R+RBI.Bryce Harper, 1B, Phillies: The arrival of Arrez coincides with a decision to move Harper from first base to right field. First base is this year's deepest position, while the 2026 outfield pool has proven to be shallow, especially in five-outfielder leagues. Having the option to slide Harper to the outfield will open exciting possibilities for some fantasy managers.Cole Carrigg, OF, Rockies: Although Carrigg was likely going to play everyday anyways, the trade of Brenton Doyle has freed an outfield logjam in Colorado. A speedster with a .914 OPS and a hitter-friendly home park, Carrigg should see his 25% Yahoo roster rate double in the coming days.Zyhir Hope, OF, Tigers: Hope has a much clearer path to the majors now that he has escaped a Dodgers organization that was loaded with outfield talent in both the majors and minors. The Tigers could bring the 21-year-old to the majors down the stretch, but the more likely scenario is that he debuts early in 2027. Either way, Hope is a big part of the Tigers future and a more desirable option in dynasty leagues.Luke Weaver, RP, Pirates: This is exactly the type of news that closer-starved fantasy managers were looking for on deadline day. One of baseball's best relievers, Weaver (1.84 ERA, 0.82 WHIP) instantly becomes the top option in a mediocre Pirates bullpen. Gregory Soto has done a respectable job as the team's closer, converting 14 of 19 save chances. The right-handed Weaver and left-handed Soto could share the role in the coming days, with Weaver having the best odds of gaining sole possession of the ninth inning. Managers who need saves should add him tonight.Heliot Ramos, OF, Yankees: A lifelong member of the Giants, Ramos is a power hitter who has never known the benefit of a hitter-friendly home park. The slugger should thrive in Yankee Stadium, which should push his current Yahoo roster rate (39%) past the 50% threshold. It worth noting that the win for Ramos could eventually come to an end, as the Yankees 1B/OF/DH situation could become crowded when Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger return from the IL. But given that neither of those two stars have a firm timeline, fantasy managers can live in the moment by adding Ramos.LosersTaylor Ward, OF, Mariners: Ward has completely remade himself as a hitter this season, and although the changes aren't necessarily bad from a real-life perspective, they aren't what fantasy managers are looking for. The 32-year-old is currently 29 homers and 73 RBI short of his 2025 totals, with the power dropoff being offset by major on-base improvements (.383 OBP). Ward's power is unlikely to return at T-Mobile Park, which is notoriously tough on hitters. His current roster rate (81%) should drop by at least 25%.Jo Adell, OF, Guardians: An all-or-nothing power hitter, Adell is leaving a home park that is above average for right-handed power and is going to a venue that suppresses the homer total of righties. The slugger also ditched an Angels offense that ranks 22nd in runs scored for a Guardians group that ranks 29th. Things aren't completely hopeless, as Adell could be spurred by a postseason chase, but otherwise, there isn't much to like about this move from a fantasy perspective.Lane Thomas, OF, Braves: The Royals played Thomas regularly during June and July, which led to nine homers, 27 RBI and 23 runs over the two-month stretch. Unfortunately, the Braves will deploy him as a short-side platoon player when everyone is healthy, which will push him to the waiver wire in deep formats.Brenton Doyle, OF, White Sox: Chicago grabbed Doyle (.635 OPS over 2025-26) as a reclamation project. He leaves an outfield logjam in Colorado and joins a similar situation with his new team, and will no longer benefit from playing his home games at Coors Field. He should be on waivers in all mixed leagues.Emmet Sheehan, SP, Dodgers: Although Sheehan has been a disappointing fantasy asset (4-7, 4.95 ERA), his underlying skills (104:29 K:BB ratio) and rotation spot on a juggernaut Dodgers team has made him someone to dream on. Unfortunately, the acquisition of Skubal may end the dream, as there may not be a rotation spot for Sheehan when Blake Snell returns from the IL in the coming days. Managers can keep Sheehan for now but should be looking for more stable options.Luis Castillo, SP, White Sox: Although Castillo had struggled at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park this season (5.04 ERA), the possibility of succeeding at the venue where he has a lifetime 3.07 ERA was the only thing keeping the veteran on the radar. Now that he is no longer affiliated with Seattle, Castillo is someone to drop in mixed leagues.Gregory Soto, RP, Pirates: Although I wouldn't immediately drop Soto in deeper formats, the addition of Weaver is bad news for the inconsistent closer. Soto rebounded from a terrible June (13.50 ERA) with a strong July (1.74 ERA) but continues to walk more batters than one would expect from a reliable closer. His days in the ninth inning could be numbered, especially since he is just one of two lefties in the Bucs bullpen.Foster Griffin, SP, Guardians: I was close to putting Griffin in the unchanged section, as the Guardians typically do a good job of maximizing the value of their hurlers. But its hard to imagine things going any better for someone who entered the season as a fantasy afterthought and now sits at 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Griffin has less win potential now that he is backed by the 29th best offense rather than the one in top spot, and its hard to imagine him making improvements on his terrific ratios.Value UnchangedAdley Rutschman, C, Red Sox: Rutschman will play as often in Boston as he did in Baltimore. The biggest variable in his stretch-run production will be his return from the IL (wrist inflammation). The same can be said for Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, who is on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, he would have played often whether Rutschman was on the team or not.Liam Hicks, C/1B, Rays: Hicks had already cooled off from his surprising start to the season (.692 OPS in July). He will continue to hit for average while being platooned (.515 OPS vs. LHP) in Tampa.Luis Garcia Jr., 1B/2B, Yankees: Garcia goes from a quality lineup where he played exclusively against righties to a quality lineup where he will play exclusively against righties. Overall, there is a small lineup downgrade and small park upgrade. Consider it a wash.Daulton Varsho, OF, Astros: Varsho hasn't been able to match his power production from 2025, which is the main reason that he is a fringe fantasy asset. He will play against all right-handers and some lefties in Houston, just as he did in Toronto.Robbie Ray, SP, Padres: Ray had been spectacular at home (2.22 ERA) and mediocre on the road (4.06 ERA) this season, which may make his relocation down the west coast feel like a downgrade. But the Padres have their own pitcher-friendly home park, where the southpaw should succeed.Casey Mize, SP, Padres: Mize is having a terrific season (2.70 ERA, 0.99 WHIP), albeit one that has been limited by injury to 16 starts. He is unlikely to fare any better in San Diego, but he also shouldnt be worse while enjoying the benefits of a pitcher-friendly home park and outstanding relief corps.

CINCINNATI Nineteen minutes before practice began Monday morning, Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden was discussing his prized defensive tackle acquisition.Then Golden looked up.A 6-foot-5, 350-pound man was strolling out to practice.Did you see the blackout? Golden joked, amid an interview with Yahoo Sports. Whats up, big man? So that was an eclipse right there.Lawrence had caught his coordinators eye for neither the first time nor the last.The Bengals acquired Lawrence from the New York Giants on April 19, sending New York the 10th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft as compensation. Lawrence received an additional year of his deal, worth $28 million, to lock him up through the 2028 NFL season. He and Golden celebrated that day at the Cincinnati-based Jeff Rubys Steakhouse.And then? Lawrence got to work learning his new terminology and verbiage after six years playing for the Giants (albeit in different systems). As the Bengals staged their first padded practice of training camp Monday, Lawrences impact was loud and immediate.Honestly, hes been terrorizing practice, wide receiver JaMarr Chase told Yahoo Sports. I can honestly say that.Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!A maligned Bengals defense loaded up on offseason upgrades to the tune of a practice group that offensive players say is more intense and competitive than Cincinnatis defense flashed last training camp. The clubs offense has carried the teams weight for years. And while the offense still has high hopes, offensive coaches and players left practice frustrated Monday after a series of pass breakups and eager defensive plays slowed their progress.That frustration is why the Bengals acquired Lawrence, albeit with the hopes that hell trigger it in opponents from September through February.Members of the Bengals offense who faced Lawrence in past games know what they now have in their arsenal. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitchers first thought is nightmare. Lawrence slid to the play slide when the Bengals faced him previously and, like his fellow elite defensive tackles, eliminated escape lanes in a way edge rushers cant quite.When you have a man as big as [Lawrence], the quick twitch and the speed theyre able to play with just disarms you, Pitcher told Yahoo Sports. I dont know what you do to counteract that other than you just really focus on the technique of this interior line and you got to be really cognizant of what types of schemes youre trying to run and how often that guys truly one-on-one.Running sideways and backwards at quarterback in the NFL is a good way to not play very long. So its a problem.On Day 1 in pads, Lawrence already knocking linemen to groundLeft guard Dalton Risner had faced Lawrence while playing for the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings.So he knew from his experience that game-planning against Lawrence meant changing season-long blocking schemes to account for the 17th overall selection of the 2019 NFL Draft.Still, Risner received a reminder Monday.The Bengals were working on heavy personnel packages in team drills, with tight ends supplementing the offensive line and size getting the nod over speed along the defensive front. Risner saw another Bengals offseason acquisition, defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, rushing wide between the left tackle and guard spots. Risner turned to take on Allen, at which point Lawrence hit him from the other side, sending Risner to the ground.Sometimes you got to assert yourself and let guys know you who are, Lawrence told Yahoo Sports after practice, smiling sheepishly from his locker. It aint going to stop.Risner took solace in recounting that a few plays later, Allen and Lawrence ran the same stunt again.And we picked it up, Risner said. So its a good example of you got me and I got you. Im never going to get Dexter by putting him in the ground, dont get me wrong. Getting each other looks a little different.The Bengals hope their defense with Lawrence will look a little different, too.In six seasons with New York, Lawrence amassed 30.5 sacks, 341 tackles, 103 quarterback hits and five forced fumbles. He broke up 15 passes and last year secured his first interception. In all, Lawrence started 102 games in New York.Capturing defensive tackle production with traditional data is complicated. But Lawrences pass-rushing production dropped last year from a career-best nine sacks in 2024 to a career-low half a sack in 17 games in 2025. Lawrence's pass-rush win rate, per ESPN, registered 19th-best in the league (8%), per ESPN's advanced metric, while his run-stop win rate did not rank in the league's top 10.Of note: Lawrence faced more double teams (71%) than 18 of the 19 interior defensive linemen who won their pass rushers within 2.5 seconds more often than he did.Interesting to note on Giants DL Dexter Lawrence's production last season: While 18 players beat their block within 2.5 seconds more often than Dexter did, per ESPN Analytics, only 1 of those 18 (Braden Fiske, 73%) faced double teams more frequently than Dexter's 71% clip. pic.twitter.com/BMvJBlEn9L Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) April 7, 2026After a rocky Giants season last year, including the midseason firing of head coach Brian Daboll, Lawrence sought a change. Some in the league were surprised the Giants let Lawrence leave, noting that new head coach John Harbaugh often invested in big defensive tackles during his time as Baltimore Ravens head coach.But the Bengals were happy to take advantage. They added Lawrence to an offseason bundle that included Allen, former Seattle Seahawks hybrid rusher-linebacker Boye Mafe and former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook.Theyre betting Lawrence elevates the whole group. On the first day of pads, that was what they saw.Bengals changing playbook to accentuate LawrenceWith pads anew, defensive backs flew around and Lawrence showed how he could penetrate or counter, push or pull. Bengals offensive linemen touted how theyll be better prepared for Week 1 thanks to Lawrence.There's certain guys in this league like Dexter who wreck a whole game play and you have to do everything around them and you change everything you're doing, Risner said. Youre going to have to change how you block against certain guys.Hes just making us do it really early and really often.The Bengals defense will shift to Lawrences strengths, too. Golden was watching film from previous practices on Sunday when he noticed one of Lawrences strengths he wasnt yet highlighting.I changed a couple things this morning even just to utilize the strengths of some of our guys, Golden said Monday. A design for Dexter and a simple change, but one thats not in the playbook.Were not static at all.Neither is that solar eclipse that walked past Golden before practice began, the blackout with striking resemblance to the game-wrecker Golden saw on early practice film.The Bengals are eager to send that shade toward Baker Mayfield Week 1, C.J. Stroud Week 2 and so on. Theyre hopeful even that quarterback Joe Burrow wont try to play hero ball as often if and when Cincinnatis defense can contribute more to the final product.Interior linemen may need to watch out then. Tackles and tight ends, too, if practice trends continue.Lawrence will be watching their tendencies and applying all hes learning from practicing against quarterback Joe Burrow.Monday, Lawrence marveled at how Burrow responded to his movement.Youre actually seeing him going through his progression, Lawrence said of Burrow. Today Im on a rush, I know Im supposed to balance up. He steps up the other side and dots the ball down the middle. Im like, OK, thats on me. But its little things like that help you feel better going against the quarterbacks like him.

On Monday, Aaron Rodgers had some strong things to say about ESPN. While appearing on ESPN.Per an ESPN spokesperson, ESPN has no comment regarding Rodgers's comments.Rodgers's rant initially focused on Dr. Anthony Fauci, as Rodgers did a COVID victory lap one that glossed over the fact that Rodgers was disingenuous at best when he misled reporters in August 2021 on the question of whether he had received a vaccine. Rodgers then pivoted to ESPN, for not covering Fauci's repeated invocation of the Fifth Amendment at a Senate hearing last Thursday. (Should it have been the lead item on SportsCenter?)How much time did the network spend on that? Rodgers said. How much time do they spend on my responses every week? On my vaccination status, on Taylor [Swift] and Travis [Kelces] wedding? Did they do even a minute? Did they do even a minute on Tony Fauci? No, I bet they didnt.Rodgers also chastised ESPN for not covering the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini situation.Then there was another scandal this offseason, too, involving a voter for MVP, for coach of the year, Rodgers said. How much time did your network spend on that? . . . Like, you have literally an individual that maybe used to work at ESPN that covers our league at the highest level, and theres a major scandal, and its just, like, nobody can fucking talk about it. What are we even doing here? . . . [I]f its affecting certain things, if theres leaks going on, if theres tampering going on, if that person is also an MVP voter and a coach of the year voter.While ESPN did cover it to an extent, it wasn't as big of a deal as it could have been. A thorough item from Ben Strauss was posted by ESPN.com on a Friday afternoon, with no corresponding car wash of interviews on the various ESPN shows. And ESPN has kept its head low and its mouth shut regarding the question of whether the relationship between Vrabel and Russini impacted her reporting while she worked for ESPN.Rodgers also accused ESPN of being a "gutless organization" with "no integrity."Last year, Rodgers ended his weekly Tuesday visits with Pat McAfee on ESPN. It will be very interesting to see whether Rodgers, in his final NFL season, resumes making the appearances and whether he continues to air personal grievances and settle old scores. And whether he continues to take shots at the company that ultimately owns the platform, without any pushback from ESPN.

Who Is Larry Berg? What MLSs New Commissioner Means for the LeagueYes its worth an English version. The strongest angle is not simply who Larry Berg is, but what his appointment signals for MLS after Don Garber.Larry Berg has been a managing owner of LAFC since 2016 and is a familiar figure to those who follow the Los Angeles club closely. His appointment marks a generational shift for MLS as the league enters the post-2026 World Cup era.Who is Larry Berg?Berg grew up in the Philadelphia area and has played football since he was eight. He earned an economics degree from the Wharton School before completing an MBA at Harvard Business School.He spent more than three decades at Apollo Global Management, where he was a senior private equity partner. Berg retired from the firm in 2022 and later joined 26North, the investment company founded by Josh Harris.His name will already be familiar to longtime LAFC observers.Berg joined the ownership group as a limited partner in 2014, when MLS awarded an expansion franchise to the group led by Henry Nguyen. In 2016, he became one of the clubs three lead managing owners alongside Bennett Rosenthal and Brandon Beck.Under that leadership, LAFC made its MLS debut in 2018, opened BMO Stadium and won two Supporters Shields, in 2019 and 2022, as well as the 2022 MLS Cup. The club is now valued at around $1 billion or more.Berg also holds a minority stake in AS Roma alongside Rosenthal and previously invested in Welsh club Swansea City.He will need to give up his interest in LAFC to take the commissioner role without a conflict of interest.His relationship with U.S. SoccerThe MLS commissioner does not hold a formal position, board seat or executive role within the U.S. Soccer Federation.Berg describes himself as a longtime supporter of the U.S. mens national team. He has also argued publicly that MLS academies can help both the league and the national team move ahead of Mexico in player development.Close cooperation with U.S. Soccer will still be unavoidable. Disciplinary matters, international call-ups, scheduling and the U.S. Open Cup all require regular coordination.That relationship should be productive in areas such as youth development and reducing calendar conflicts.Criticism of MLS as an American Super League, built around a closed structure without promotion and relegation, will not disappear with a new commissioner.However, Bergs experience with Roma and Swansea clubs operating in promotion-and-relegation systems may help MLS reframe its position: a closed league with rising competitive standards, rather than one isolated from the wider football world.More investment and the end of the three-DP limit?Berg is likely to support higher investment across MLS, although not a radical spending overhaul.He already sits on the leagues sporting and competition committee and has been directly involved in discussions over the salary cap.Proposals under consideration include a higher, more flexible cap and a minimum spending floor for every club. Such a system would spread investment more evenly across squads while preserving Designated Player slots for marquee signings.At LAFC, Berg backed competitive but controlled spending. The club used its DP positions effectively and recruited expensive talent such as Denis Bouanga without matching the leagues biggest spenders dollar for dollar.The expectation is that Berg will favor rules designed to raise the league-wide standard without abandoning the financial stability valued by owners.The major question is how he would approach a possible expansion of the DP rule. Allowing four Designated Players per squad has regularly surfaced in debates over whether MLS places too many restrictions on spending.What it means for the next media-rights dealMLSs agreement with Apple runs through the 202829 season. Discussions over the next cycle have already begun, with some owners reportedly targeting annual rights revenue of between $400 million and $500 million well above the current figure of approximately $250 million.Berg is not a media executive. That was the key strength of David Nathanson, another finalist for the commissioner position.Bergs advantages lie in negotiation, investment and improving the product itself. A move toward the European calendar and more competitive roster rules could help raise the leagues value.The bet is that better football, combined with the commercial experience developed at LAFC, will strengthen MLSs position when the next media agreement is negotiated.What MLS can learn from LAFCLAFC has built a model around strong local energy, a diverse supporter culture and a packed stadium with a clear identity. BMO Stadium has become one of the leagues leading examples of a purpose-built football venue.MLS could also draw from the clubs heavy investment in its academy as a long-term growth engine.LAFCs ownership structure offers another lesson: multiple investors can still make quick, aligned decisions. Berg has shown that a club can compete consistently without always being the leagues biggest spender.That approach could translate into stricter stadium standards, stronger academy incentives and a renewed emphasis on local roots, even as MLS becomes increasingly global.Berg vs. Garber: What changes?Berg arrives with direct experience as an owner and operator. He helped build a club from the ground up and turn it into a champion.He also brings private equity discipline, international multi-club experience and detailed knowledge of the reforms already being discussed within MLS committees.Garber, by contrast, offers 27 years of institutional experience. During his tenure, MLS grew from roughly 10 clubs to 30, built a network of new stadiums, secured the Apple agreement and navigated several major crises.He will remain involved as chairman of the board from 2027, providing continuity during the transition.Berg inherits a far stronger foundation than the one Garber encountered. His challenge is to take it to the next level.No declared political affiliationThere is no clear public record of Berg making partisan donations, declaring a political affiliation or expressing a strong ideological position.Private equity executives are often assumed to be fiscally conservative, but Bergs work with education boards and the Crisis Text Line, along with his arts philanthropy with his wife, Allison Berg, suggests a more culturally centrist profile.He has generally avoided party politics when speaking publicly about football.The most likely outcome is a pragmatic commissioner focused on the sport and the business rather than an ideological agenda. Given the way politics has increasingly intersected with global football, that will still be worth monitoring.The MLS glass ceilingBergs biggest challenge is to establish MLS among the worlds five leading leagues, both competitively and commercially.That ambition also includes developing players capable of winning major trophies with the United States national teams.The leagues closed structure, competition from North Americas four major sports leagues and skepticism toward its Super League model remain significant obstacles.Success will be measured through media-rights growth, international respect and sustainable club profitability not simply by adding more expansion franchises.Why Berg, and why now?Berg is an MLS insider. He has already helped build a model club in LAFC and serves on committees working through the leagues biggest proposed changes, including the shift toward a European-style calendar and revised roster rules.The timing matters.MLS is preparing to capitalize on the momentum of the 2026 World Cup, transition to a new calendar from 2027 and negotiate future collective bargaining and media-rights agreements. At the same time, Garber is preparing to step away after nearly three decades in charge.Who else was considered?The final list of candidates included Berg and David Nathanson, the former Fox Sports executive who holds a minority stake in the Seattle Sounders and was a founding investor in NWSL club Angel City FC.Nathanson brought the stronger media and broadcasting rsum.Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and a senior figure at Leeds United, was reportedly among the three finalists but withdrew before the final decision.Berg ultimately secured the required two-thirds majority in the owners vote.

The Los Angeles Rams have an abundance of depth at tight end, which is a good thing because one of their key players is a bit banged up. Sean McVay told reporters on Monday that Davis Allen has a quad injury and will be out for "some time." Because it's a soft tissue injury, the team isn't going to rush him back.Allen is in his fourth season with the Rams after being a fifth-round pick in 2023 out of Clemson. Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson and Tyler Higbee are the primary contributors at tight end, with rookie Max Klare also in the mix. Klare figures to get more reps with Allen out, which will only benefit the rookie out of Ohio State.Per Sean McVay, TE Davis Allen is dealing with a quad injury. Since it's a soft tissue injury, McVay said it will be "some time" before Allen returns to practice. McVay said they don't want to rush Allen back. "Davis is going to be a big part of what we do," McVay said. Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) August 3, 2026Allen caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns last season, playing significant snaps after the team shifted toward more 13 personnel packages.This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams TE Davis Allen out for 'some time' with quad injury

Every offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles are linked to some of the NFL's biggest names. Most of those rumors never materialize into anything. Rarely does smoke lead to an actual fire, but every so often a player reveals there was more substance to the speculation than fans ever realized.Former All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu recently did just that. During the 2022 offseason, Mathieu became one of the most intriguing free agents on the market after his three-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs ended. The Eagles were looking to bolster their secondary, and yes, some conversations mentioned the City of Brotherly Love as a logical landing spot. He and Philadelphia's leadership even enjoyed a virtual interview once, but it wasn't meant to be. Mathieu ultimately chose to return home, signing a three-year, $28.3 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Philadelphia ultimately pivoted, adding C.J. Gardner-Johnson instead. There isn't anyone in the Delaware valley who doesn't know how all of that worked out in the end.Tyrann Mathieu says the Eagles were a real possibilityMatthieu is now retired and co-hosting the In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu podcast. He admitted that joining Philadelphia was something he seriously considered before deciding on New Orleans.Tyrann Mathieu almost signed with the Eagles before eventually becoming a New Orleans Saint "Howie Roseman was sending me highlights and sh*t, he went all out. It was just funny because by the time I looked up at the end of the season, Philly was playing the Chiefs in the pic.twitter.com/UQ26RGQfFN In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) August 1, 2026The decision appeared understandable at the time. Returning to Louisiana allowed Mathieu to play for his hometown team, while the Saints believed they could remain competitive in the NFC.Instead, New Orleans finished 7-10 during the 2022 season. Although the Saints defeated the Eagles in Week 17 on New Year's Day, Philadelphia rebounded to capture the NFC Championship and advance to Super Bowl LVII against the Chiefs, the very organization Mathieu had just left.Looking back, that's the opportunity he believes slipped away. Rather than getting a chance at what he described as some "get back" against his former team on football's biggest stage, Mathieu watched from afar as the Eagles and Chiefs battled for the Lombardi Trophy.No one can say whether Mathieu would have altered the outcome of Super Bowl LVII had he signed with Philadelphia. What his comments do illustrate, however, is how one free-agent decision can reshape a career. In choosing the Saints, Mathieu returned home, but he also passed on what could have been one final opportunity to face the Chiefs with a championship on the line.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Tyrann Mathieu reveals how close he came to joining the Eagles

The arrival of Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers made Emmet Sheehan expendable. A disastrous outing the day before the trade deadline appears to have sealed his fate. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Monday that the Dodgers are optioning Sheehan to to Triple-A Oklahoma City. By optioning Sheehan, the Dodgers send him directly to the minor leagues without him having to clear waivers. Roberts delivered the news minutes after the conclusion of the MLB trade deadline.Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on optioning Emmet Sheehan today. pic.twitter.com/oqCRuOXL3C Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 3, 2026Its going to give him a chance to reset and get out of this hotbox of performance, Roberts said. Obviously, we believe in him. Weve shown that year in and year out. Weve just got to get him back to being who he is.The Dodgers, obviously, had the option of shopping Sheehan at the trade deadline. They either declined to do so or didnt see a deal that they liked enough to part with the 26-year-old starter.Sheehans in his third season as a starter for the Dodgers. He posted a 2.82 regular-season ERA in 15 appearances, including 12 starts during last seasons run to a World Series title. He moved into a bullpen role for the playoffs where he struggled with an 8.59 ERA in 7 1/3 postseason innings.This season has been the worst of his career, and the Dodgers added two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to an already stacked rotation via a Saturday trade with the Detroit Tigers. Sheehan struggled in final start post-Skubal tradeOn Sunday, with Skubal making his dugout debut for the Dodgers, Sheehan gave up five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in an 8-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox. He allowed three solo home runs in the third inning before he was pulled. The effort inflated his ERA to 5.29 for the season."Somebody go get Wally again!"Masataka Yoshida hits the third @RedSox homer of the inning pic.twitter.com/kmXvjXLBbQ MLB (@MLB) August 3, 2026Roberts hinted at Sheehans fate in his postgame remarks. "When you're pitching in big-league games, you've got to get guys out," Roberts told reporters Sunday, per The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. "I don't know where we go from here."So Skubal effectively moves to the top of the rotation and will make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. And Sheehan is bumped from the bottom of the rotation to the minor leagues. The Dodgers now project to run a rotation that features All-Star and reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto and All-Star Justin Wrobleski in addition to Skubal. And they hope to return two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, former All-Star Tyler Glasnow and, of course, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who was in Cy Young contention before the Dodgers shut him down from pitching in early July. The latter three are all sidelined from pitching with ailments. Any or all of them could return at some point during the stretch run of the regular season for for the postseason.Sheehan, meanwhile, will look to work back into form in the minors. His fate beyond that with the Dodgers or another team is uncertain.

It was a busy trade deadline for the Mets, as expected.The team was long expected to part with all of their impending free agents, but there were still questions over whether theyd deal players with club control.Two of the most notable in that category were Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban. Weaver has slid into the back of the Mets bullpen tremendously after signing on a two-year deal this winter, allowing just one earned run since the beginning of May.The 37-year-old Brazoban has thrived in all different situations during a career-best season, and cant hit the open market again until after the 2029 campaign.David Stearns said that the Mets had a lot of internal discussions over the two, before reaching the difficult decision to move on from the both of them.Ultimately the returns that we were able to get, we thought made sense and were in the best interest of the organization, recognizing that at this time of year you are able to get really good talent back for relief pitching, he said.Brazoban was dealt to the White Sox for two mid-tier pitching prospects, while Weaver was able to net a potential top-10 piece from the Pirates in INF Sammy Stafura.As for whats next for the Mets bullpen, they'll have a chance to look at some of their internal pieces down the stretch, but Stearns knows there's plenty of work left to be done.Were going to have to go out and acquire relievers in the offseason in different ways to get our bullpen to where we expect it to be in 2027, he said.Were also excited for some of the members of our pen going forward who are going to have a chance to contribute who we think are going to do a very good job.

In case one has been living under a rock, LeBron James has joined the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. The future Hall of Famer will team up with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey in an effort to win his fifth championship and help the Sixers end a long title drought as an organization.James is still at the top of his game as he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5% from the floor in the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His presence is going to make life so much easier for everybody around him as he will make an immediate impact on this group.Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, a teammate of James' with the Miami Heat, spoke with HoopsHype as he gave his thoughts on the James addition for Philadelphia:I mean, they have a good team. They have championship aspirations. You look on paper, they look pretty good.For them, the most important thing is figuring out how they're going to play, how they're going to play together, their defensive schemes and offensive schemes.But most importantly, the five that are out there on the court and then the team, how are they going to come together? How are they going to share the ball? How are they going to be solid as a unit moving forward? That's going to be the hard part. And, hell, like any other team, being healthy, fighting through the ups and downs, that's what it's about.Bosh did add that he expected James to head back to the Heat, but gave his support to his former teammate for joining the Sixers. This is his career and he wants him to be happy. Either way, James heading to Philadelphia is obviously a game-changer for the franchise as well as the entire Eastern Conference.This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Hall of Famer Chris Bosh gives thoughts on LeBron James joining Sixers

ARCHDALE Jerome Davis remembers visiting the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as a teenager, marveling at the photographs and memorabilia of his larger-than-life cowboy heroes.Fast-forward a few decades, and now its his photo and his inspiring life story that wannabe cowboys will be admiring.On July 18, the 53-year-old former world-champion bull rider was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, a remarkable accomplishment for a small-town guy who bucked rodeo history in 1995 by becoming the first PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) World Championship winner from east of the Mississippi River.This is one of the highlights of my life, Davis said Monday. Ive had a lot of other achievements, ... but this one to me is a big deal. This is the one that, when I was a kid growing up wanting to be a cowboy, I dreamed of this happening one day. Theres only so many that go to that level, and for them to consider me to be at that level, thats pretty awesome.Tiffany Davis, Jeromes wife, accompanied him to the ceremony at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His mother, Pam Simmons, also attended.I had me a big ol speech lined up, Davis said with a chuckle, but when it came time to talk, I got choked up. It went a little south, but I got through it, and it was still a good time at the end of the day.Davis, who rode his first bull at age 11, knew early on that he wanted to become a professional bull rider. Although he also competed in other events such as saddle bronc riding and calf roping, bull riding was the itch he scratched the most. In 1990, he won the N.C. Rodeo High School Bull Riding Championship.In 1992, as a freshman competing for the rodeo team at Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, he won the Bull Riding Championship.The following year, competing professionally in the PRCA, Davis qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo. He would qualify the next four years, as well, never finishing lower than fifth place.His signature moment came at the 1995 finals in Las Vegas, Nevada, when the 23-year-old Archdale cowboy won the world bull riding title. Prior to his win, no rider from east of the Mississippi had ever won the championship.Davis career came to an abrupt halt on March 14, 1998, when he was violently thrown from a bull at an event in Fort Worth, Texas. He landed headfirst in the dirt, fracturing a vertebra and paralyzing him from the chest down.After the accident, Davis found other ways to remain active in the world of bull riding. He began raising bucking bulls for the rodeo circuits, teaching at bull riding schools and clinics, coaching the PBR team leagues Carolina Cowboys which earned him Coach of the Year honors earlier this year and hosting countless rodeo events at his ranch in Archdale.Davis was one of 10 inductees at this years Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame ceremony.Jtomlin@hpenews.com | 336-888-3579