Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard agrees to a $75 million, five-year contract

July 20, 2026

CHICAGO — Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard has agreed to a $75 million, five-year contract, completing a major offseason goal for the team. The rebuilding Blackhawks announced the move on Saturday. There is a full no-movement clause in the final year of the deal. Bedard, who turned 21 on Friday, had been a restricted free agent. "Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL," general manager Kyle Davidson said in a release. "He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant ...

Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff to undergo another anterior capsule surgery on his right shoulder

July 20, 2026

MILWAUKEE (AP) — On the same day the Milwaukee Brewers gave fans Brandon Woodruff bobbleheads, the starting pitcher announced he would be undergoing another anterior capsule surgery on his right shoulder, likely ending his season. Woodruff told reporters before Saturday afternoon's game against the Miami Marlins it is the same surgery he had after the 2023 season. While he wouldn't put a timeline on his rehab, his last recovery was about 20 months between surgery and when he returned to the mound. "I'm never closing the door on pitching," Woodruff said. "I'm getting this (surgery) ...

LeBron James says he isn’t ready to reveal a decision on his future, doesn’t offer any hints

July 18, 2026

NEW YORK — If LeBron James knows where he will play this coming season, he's still not saying. The NBA's career scoring king and current free agent spoke publicly for the first time in weeks Thursday afternoon, indicating that a decision is close — though stopping short of revealing ...

NBA ‘continuing to look into’ circumstances regarding Bucks’ signing of Gary Trent Jr.

July 18, 2026

The NBA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks' signing of Gary Trent Jr. that was officially announced Thursday. An NBA spokesman said that "the NBA is continuing to look into it." ESPN first reported that the NBA was investigating the signing for possible ...

World Cup destiny: Messi bathed Yamal as a baby, now they face off for soccer’s top title

July 18, 2026

BARCELONA, Spain — Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn't think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub. Not until the remarkable twist of fate became clear years later, when that infant blossomed into Lamine ...

Giannis arrives in Miami, looking to follow Messi’s path to more titles and success

July 18, 2026

MIAMI — Giannis Antetokounmpo was watching Lionel Messi play in the World Cup semifinals this week, and a realization struck him. Messi, to him, is greatness. And Antetokounmpo wants to follow Messi's path. Antetokounmpo got his welcome-to-Miami ceremony Thursday at the team's arena, with a few fans chanting his name as he walked along his new home court for the first time after he got a tour of his new city. "I need pressure at this time of my career," Antetokounmpo said. "I think in order for me to go to the next level, I've got to get out of my comfort zone — and I feel like ...