North America's premier men's professional basketball league
The AI-driven shift is forcing brands to rethink online presence, with marketers stressing structured data and authentic content as AI search and recommendation engines gain influence. Firms are investing in content factories and cross-platform strategies as competition for visibility intensifies.
Former NFL star Chris Johnson has announced an ALS diagnosis and is reviving the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and funds. He has challenged Marshawn Lynch, LenDale White and Adam Jones to participate, following Lynch’s own involvement in the challenge at Allegiant Stadium.
The NBA has adopted a single free-throw rule for summer leagues in Salt Lake City, Northern California and Las Vegas to speed up play. The rule replaces multi-shot free throws with one shot worth the total points and applies only to non-final periods, not overtime.
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.
Mark Cuban has alleged that Patrick Dumont is engaging in adversarial business practices as the Mavericks plan a move 10 miles north to a former Dallas mall site. Cuban says he was contracted to oversee basketball operations but Dumont granted Nico Harrison full control, and a trade involving Luka Doncic in 2025 is cited as a failing decision. An option to buy land for a new arena opens in 2031.
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.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has agreed to a five-year, $252 million rookie maximum extension with a player option in the fifth season, according to ESPN and confirmed by the Spurs and multiple outlets. The deal preserves cap flexibility for the team while keeping the promising rookie in San Antonio. The extension follows a dramatic rise from a 22-win season to a 62-win Finals run.
Former Miami Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro remain at the center of an incident in Las Vegas where Adebayo reportedly struck Herro during a summer league workout. Herro has moved to Milwaukee in a Giannis blockbuster, while Miami pivots to a new offensive approach. The Heat say they will say nothing more about the incident.
Trey Alexander has been stretchered off the Salt Lake City Summer League court after a rib injury. He is under a two-way contract with Utah and had spent the previous season with New Orleans, after being named G League Rookie of the Year.
The Guardian reports that FIFA has raised its revenue projections to $15bn for the current cycle, driven by ticketing and hospitality growth. The boost is prompting renewed interest in hosting the 2038 World Cup in North America, with talks involving the United States and possible involvement from Netflix and other bidders. The story also notes political sensitivities around previous hosting decisions and ongoing tensions within FIFA member associations.
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.
NBCUniversal and YouTube strike a multi-year deal to integrate Peacock Premium into YouTube Premium in the U.S. from early 2027. Peacock content will be accessible inside YouTube without extra charge for Premium subscribers, with live sports and NBCU shows featured. The move aims to broaden Peacock’s reach, boost ads, and strengthen YouTube Premium’s offering.
A French trans player Tetart, aged 34, says she would consider playing in the WNBA if allowed by country, while debates over transgender participation in women’s sports continue. Tetart led France’s Ligue 2 last season with 21.2 points and 20.2 rebounds per game, earning multiple player awards.
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.
New York City has hit peak summer activity with record crowds and spending. After Knicks’ championship and World Cup crowds, the city remains lively as visitors push commerce and events into high gear this August.
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.
Zach Holland has admitted to faking a hole‑in‑one at WingHaven Country Club in Missouri during a member‑member event. He has resigned from the club amid backlash and questions about integrity in amateur golf. The incident follows a pattern of scrutiny over ethics in sport.
Bob Iger and Josh Kushner have agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter in a transaction valuing the franchise at about $12.5 billion. The sale has been announced this week, requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors and is subject to due diligence and Kushners divestment of a Miami Heat stake.
Travis Kelce has described his New York wedding to Taylor Swift as the best night of his life. The ceremony at Madison Square Garden has drawn global intrigue, with guests and outfits keeping a tight lid on photos and specifics. Kelce and Swift have kept most details private, while paid city costs and security drew attention.
Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement after an 18-year career that included a 2016-17 MVP season, 42 triple-doubles in a season, and stints with several teams, including the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings. The farewell video, narrated by Michael B. Jordan, marks the end of an era.
The Cavaliers have secured a multi-year deal with James Harden, including a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, after Harden declined a $42.3 million option earlier this summer. The move follows Cleveland’s recent trades, including acquiring Peyton Watson from Denver. Harden has averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 games for Cleveland this season, and his career marks span 1,221 games across multiple teams.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has been ejected from a Chicago Sky–Indiana Fever WNBA game after a verbal confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud and has been banned from attending future Sky home games. He was wearing a T‑shirt that read “WOMAN noun. Adult human female.” Security escorted him from Wintrust Arena; he spoke with police before leaving.
The Buss siblings are contesting the sale of the Lakers while Joey and Jesse Buss have secured a minority stake in the San Diego Padres. Jeanie Buss argues the sale is void, citing fiduciary concerns. The ownership shift unfolds as the Padres deal brackets a broader family-dynasty moment in Southern California sports.
Federal filings show a nurse practitioner prescribed hundreds of thousands of opioid pills across more than 20 states, guiding clients on evading DEA scrutiny. The DEA has revoked her authority to prescribe controlled substances. Civil settlement reached earlier this year did not admit wrongdoing. Details tie prominent athletes and others to the operation.