North America’s premier professional baseball league, 30 teams, world’s oldest major pro sports league.
Bryce Harper has recorded a personalized video for a high-rolling FanDuel customer amid a gambling case involving FanDuel and DraftKings. The video has raised questions about the relationship between athletes, sportsbooks, and promotions that may affect vulnerable bettors. Several outlets report the same developments, with Harper stating he did not knowingly endorse gambling promotions.
MLB has circulated proposals for a cap and payroll floor as players push back. The league argues the changes are needed to restore competitive balance, while players warn the plan could curb top earners and disrupt star players’ schedules during the All-Star period.
[Synopsis here]
The New York Post reports that Chris “Mad Dog” Russo has no immediate plans to retire, saying he will continue with ESPN and his radio show for the next few years as he weighs steps back. He notes he still feels able to contribute and is not planning to take on numerous jobs. The piece also mentions that a separate interview covers his ongoing influence on sports talk.
Apollo Global Management is in talks to back the Yankees with a debt-heavy financing package worth about $3 billion, as the franchise seeks to refinance obligations and fund expansion. The deal would mark Apollo’s largest US sports investment and underscores the growing financial heft of professional sports.
The South African Netflix drama The Polygamist has captivated global audiences since its June release, topping non-English streaming charts and sparking worldwide conversations about polygamy, modernity, and African family life.
Spain has beaten Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the New Jersey final and the match has drawn record U.S. audiences: Fox's English broadcast has averaged about 38.9 million viewers and Telemundo/Peacock has added roughly 23.9 million, a combined total that far exceeds the 22.3 million U.S. viewers for the 2022 final.
Ryan Lasko has undergone surgery after a vertebral fracture from a collision in a Double-A game. He is making progress in his recovery, with partial return of sensation and movement, as Athletics rally around him.