American lawyer and sports executive, current NBA commissioner
The Knicks have clinched the NBA title, sparking celebrations across New York. Security around Madison Square Garden has intensified due to a presidential attendance, with perimeter controls and TSA-style screenings. Parades and watch parties are planned with limited outdoor viewing options.
Police confront massed crowds outside Madison Square Garden after a Knicks-Spurs game, with hundreds of officers deployed. The night features brawls in Bryant Park, property damage, and high-profile attendance including President Trump, Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, and celebrities.
The 19-year-old BYU forward AJ Dybantsa has been selected No. 1 by the Washington Wizards in this year’s NBA draft, after leading NCAA Division I in scoring as a freshman with 25.5 PPG. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson goes No. 2 to Utah, while Duke’s Cameron Boozer is picked No. 3 by Memphis. The Jazz and Wizards assemble a young, high-scoring class.
Athletes from tennis to football are expanding into business ventures after retirement. Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal are building portfolios in health, hospitality and education, underscoring a trend of athletes leveraging fame into long-term ventures. Nadal's Zel Hotels and Sharapova's Sugarpova highlight a shift toward diversified brands.
The NBA is investigating potential salary-cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard, Aspiration, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The inquiry has paused a planned return to Toronto and a Raptors trade, with findings due this summer.
The White House has issued an executive order directing sidewalk signs around the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to warn visitors about alleged inaccuracies in the museum’s portrayal of American history and to point to sources for a corrected narrative. Smithsonian leadership defends its scholarship and fullness of America’s story as Republicans press for hearings and potential changes on Capitol Hill.
Caitlin Clark has confronted a referee over disputed calls during Indiana Fever’s 88-75 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. She has cited a leg contusion and a pattern of officiating disputes, prompting scrutiny of officiating and Clark’s on-court conduct.
Tokyo has introduced a policy allowing shorts, t-shirts, and trainers as part of its summer work attire under the "Tokyo Cool Biz" initiative. The change aims to cope with extreme heat while curbing energy use, though reviews are divided—some applaud comfort, others raise concerns about fairness and legibility of dress codes.
Don Nelson, a Hall of Fame basketball coach and longtime Mavericks figure, has died at 86. Family statements describe him as beloved husband, father and grandfather. Nelson leaves a legacy as a pioneering coach who popularized fast-paced play and Nellie Ball, influencing teams and players across the league.
Don Nelson, a Hall of Fame coach who revolutionized NBA offense with a fast, versatile game, has died at 86. He led Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State to extensive success, shaped star careers like Dirk Nowitzki and Steph Curry, and left a lasting mark on the sport.
The Knicks will host the 76ers on Oct. 20 to raise their 2023-24 championship banner, then begin the NBA Cup schedule with a group-stage game against Philadelphia in New York. The league has released a partial schedule, with key Christmas and opening-night matchups revealed and full details due Thursday.
The NBA has found misconduct by the Clippers tied to off‑court income deals for Kawhi Leonard, resulting in five first‑round picks forfeited between 2029 and 2033, a $30 million fine, and suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer and team executives. Leonard has expressed responsibility for lapses and is focusing on the future after the situation. The league notes ongoing compliance monitoring for five years.
Engelbert has announced she is stepping down at the end of 2026 after seven years as the WNBA's first commissioner. The league has seen record growth under her leadership, including a historic CBA, a long-term media deal, and expansion plans, though criticism from players on leadership and responses to protests has persisted.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has publicly apologized in a statement on X for the NBA sanctions that led to a $30 million fine, a five‑first‑round-p picks forfeiture, and a one-year suspension for Ballmer. He says the team is complying with penalties and aims to move forward, while acknowledging disagreements over the investigation’s findings.