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LeBron James visited China in 2025, marking a significant step in restoring NBA's relations after the 2019 Hong Kong controversy. His op-ed in Chinese state media emphasized basketball as a bridge, and his visit included meetings with Chinese players and fans, signaling efforts to repair the league's image in China.
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WNBA players, including Napheesa Collier and Satou Sabally, criticize league leadership and commissioner Cathy Engelbert over issues like officiating, salaries, and accountability. The ongoing dispute is linked to stalled CBA negotiations, with players demanding better pay, more opportunities, and transparency amid rising tensions.
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YouTube TV subscribers are facing a blackout of Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, after failed negotiations. Disney accuses Google of market dominance tactics, while Google offers a $20 credit to affected customers. The dispute impacts over 10 million viewers during a key sports weekend, with no resolution yet.
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Paul Tagliabue, former NFL commissioner from 1989 to 2006, died of heart failure. He led the league through a period of growth, expanding teams and revenue, and introduced policies like the Rooney Rule. His death was announced during an NFL game in Berlin.
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Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Fame NBA player and coach, died at age 88. He coached 2,487 games, a league record, and led the Seattle SuperSonics to an NBA title in 1979. Wilkens also won Olympic gold with the US team in 1996. His family said he was surrounded by loved ones at his death today, with no immediate cause released.
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Major League Baseball announced new restrictions on pitch-level prop bets following indictments of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz for allegedly taking bribes to influence specific pitches. The league aims to protect game integrity as investigations reveal vulnerabilities in micro-betting, which can be manipulated by individual players. The move comes amid broader concerns across North American sports about betting-related corruption.