Lakers Lock Up Doncic, NFLPA Elects New Leader
MLB Playoff Race Tightens as Young Stars Shine
The sports world is buzzing with major team and player moves, alongside emerging talents making their mark on the global stage. From contract extensions to surprising trade requests and historic sales, the landscape is shifting rapidly.
Basketball World Reacts to Doncic Extension
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured their future by signing star player Luka Doncic to a significant three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension. This move solidifies his role as the franchise’s cornerstone. Their next major task is identifying a suitable secondary star to eventually succeed the legendary LeBron James, who is now 40 years old.
NFLPA Undergoes Leadership Change
In a significant development for the National Football League Players Association, David White has been elected as the new interim executive director. He steps into the role following the resignation of Lloyd Howell, who departed amid controversy.
Historic WNBA Franchise Sale
The WNBA is witnessing a landmark transaction as a group spearheaded by Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca is set to acquire the Connecticut Sun. The reported $325 million deal sets a new record for a women’s sports franchise. The team is anticipated to relocate to Boston by 2027.
ESPN Secures NFL RedZone Rights
ESPN has finalized a major agreement with the NFL to acquire the popular “NFL RedZone” and other NFL Media assets. The deal, reportedly valued at over a billion dollars, also includes ESPN giving the league up to 10% equity.
Cowboys Face Player Standoff
Star edge rusher Micah Parsons has officially requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys. The move comes as contract negotiations have stalled. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones appears unfazed by the demand, urging fans not to worry.
MLB Playoff Picture Wide Open
With just eight weeks remaining in the regular season, Major League Baseball’s playoff picture remains exceptionally tight. A historic level of parity across the league suggests an unpredictable postseason field.
Entering August, the top 10 MLB teams were separated by a mere 4.5 games, the closest margin recorded through July in league history. This competitive balance is expected to fuel an exciting race for postseason berths.
American League Outlook
Currently, the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers would secure byes to the ALDS. The Houston Astros are slated to host the Seattle Mariners in one Wild Card series, while the Boston Red Sox would face the New York Yankees in the other.
Teams like the Rangers, Guardians, Royals, Rays, and Angels remain in contention for Wild Card spots, all within 5.5 games. Meanwhile, the Twins and Orioles were notable deadline sellers, and the Athletics and White Sox are too far out of contention.
National League Outlook
The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers currently hold the top spots, earning byes to the NLDS. The Philadelphia Phillies are set to host the San Diego Padres, and the Chicago Cubs are scheduled to face the New York Mets in Wild Card series.
In the hunt are the Reds, Giants, Marlins, and Cardinals, all within striking distance of a Wild Card position. The Diamondbacks, Pirates, Braves, Nationals, and Rockies are looking towards future seasons.
Notably, the Brewers’ league-best winning percentage through July was just .593, the lowest ever for an MLB leader entering August in the modern era.
Track Phenom Stuns at Championships
Sixteen-year-old track sensation Cooper Lutkenhaus delivered a remarkable performance at the USATF Outdoor Championships, securing second place in the 800m. His performance qualified him for the World Championships and was hailed as one of the greatest 800m races in history.
Lutkenhaus was in a field with three different world champions, and he beat all but one… who held him off by 0.11 seconds. The winner is 28. Cooper is a rising high school junior. It’s pure insanity. pic.twitter.com/o_YcooE_NLDk6nCdvDo7Hw
— Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 21, 2025
MLB Speedway Classic Marred by Rain
The MLB Speedway Classic encountered significant disruptions due to rain, leading to a postponement and logistical issues that plagued fans. Despite the Braves ultimately defeating the Reds 4-2 when play resumed, many attendees did not return for the conclusion.
The event did, however, set a new MLB attendance record with 91,032 fans on Saturday, though the rain limited the number who experienced the full spectacle.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Welcomes New Inductees
The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined four new members: Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe. Their induction brings the total Hall of Fame membership to 382.
Profiles of the new inductees are available, highlighting their impactful careers:
- Antonio Gates (2003-18)
- Eric Allen (1988-2001)
- Jared Allen (2004-15)
- Sterling Sharpe (1988-94)
Rodman’s Late Goal Lifts Spirit to Victory
Trinity Rodman made a triumphant return to the field after a three-month layoff due to a back injury, scoring a stoppage-time game-winner to lead the Washington Spirit to a 2-1 victory over the Thorns.
The NWSL standings see Kansas City leading, with Orlando and Washington close behind. Seattle, Portland, Louisville, and Gotham FC round out the potential playoff picture as the second half of the season progresses.
Ferrand-Prévot Claims Tour de France Femmes Title
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made history by winning the Tour de France Femmes, becoming the first French cyclist to claim the prestigious race since 1989. Her victory ends a long drought for French cycling in its flagship event.
Not since Bernard Hinault last won the men’s Tour de France in 1985 and Jeannie Longo won the women’s edition in 1989 has a French cyclist taken home the yellow jersey — a long, long wait for a nation whose summers have been entwined with the race for more than a century.
— CNN (@CNN) July 21, 2025
Yamashita Wins Women’s Open Championship
Japan’s Miyū Yamashita secured her first major title by winning the Women’s Open Championship by two strokes. She is the 21st different LPGA Tour winner this season. Japanese golfers have now claimed four of the last nine majors, a significant surge after only three prior major wins.
USA Dominates World Swimming Championships
The U.S. women’s swim team concluded the World Aquatics Championships with a dominant performance, setting a world record in the 4x100m medley relay. Earlier, Katie Ledecky achieved her seventh consecutive world title in the 800m freestyle, defeating Summer McIntosh in a highly anticipated race.
The United States topped the medal table with nine gold and 29 overall medals, significantly outpacing Australia, which finished second with eight golds and 20 total medals.
Son Heung-min Moves to MLS
Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min has officially departed the club, with reports indicating a move to LAFC. The transfer, potentially worth $20-26 million, could become the richest fee in MLS history. As of 2023, the record transfer fee in MLS was $22 million.
MLB Season Statistics Highlight Parity and Oddities
The New York Yankees, despite their storied history, hold a winning regular season record against every MLB franchise except the Miami Marlins. The Marlins recently swept the Yankees, leveling their all-time series at 24 wins apiece.
Cameron Young achieved his first PGA Tour victory at the Wyndham Championship, marking the 1,000th unique winner in Tour history. His win also finalized the 70-man FedEx Cup Playoffs field.
Brazil secured its ninth Copa América Femenina title, winning against Colombia in a penalty shootout. Star player Marta was named Player of the Tournament for her crucial contributions, including two goals in the final.
In a remarkable display of offensive firepower, the Colorado Rockies overcame a nine-run deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 17-16. This wild game saw all 18 players score, an exceptionally rare occurrence in baseball.
MLB Trivia Challenge
Which young centerfielder hit his 100th career home run on Sunday, becoming the first player in MLB history with 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases in each of his first four seasons?
Hint: He plays in Seattle.
Trivia Answer: Julio Rodríguez (Mariners)
Catch up on all the top plays of the weekend:
