Spain wins World Cup

Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner as Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup on Sunday and shatter Lionel Messi's dreams of a triumphant farewell to football's greatest stage.

Barcelona striker Torres lashed home a thumping finish in the 106th minute to reward a dominant display by Spain against an Argentina team who failed to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.

A star-studded crowd of 80,663 that included US President Donald Trump packed East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium to see if Argentina captain Messi could crown his glittering career with a second World Cup victory.

Red Sox win 13th straight

Willson Contreras hit a two-run homer, Sonny Gray gave up one run and five hits over six innings, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 on Sunday for their 13th win in a row.

The streak is tied for the second-best in franchise history with a 13-game run in July 1948. The franchise’s longest was 15 games in June 1946.

Barkley family okay after burglary attempt

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and his family were unharmed following an attempted burglary at their home early Saturday morning, according to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department.

Police said officers were dispatched to Barkley's house at 5 a.m., but the suspects had fled before they arrived. At least one suspect entered the home.

Ryan Fox wins the British Open

Ryan Fox captured his first major championship in epic fashion Sunday, birdieing the difficult 18th at Royal Birkdale to claim the Open Championship by one shot over Cameron Young.

Young began his round seven shots off Sam Burns' lead, but blitzed the course early with a 6-under 64 to post 9-under for the championship. He then watched from the clubhouse for over two hours as the contenders faltered one-by-one leaving just Fox as his threat.

The New Zealander made a clutch birdie on No. 16 to match Young at the top, and stuffed his approach on the last hole to 11 feet to set up the winning putt.

Blackhawks sign Bedard to 5 years

The Chicago Blackhawks signed star forward Connor Bedard to a five-year contract worth $15 million per season, the team announced Saturday.

Bedard became a restricted free agent upon the expiration of his entry-level contract. The 21-year-old notched 75 points in 69 games last season but missed time due to a shoulder injury. Bedard is scheduled to miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign due to an ailment on his other shoulder.

Flyers sign Drysdale to 4 years

The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed restricted free-agent defenseman Jamie Drysdale to a four-year deal with an average annual value of $6.5 million, the team announced Friday.

Drysdale was set to have an arbitration hearing Monday.

The contract makes him Philadelphia's highest-paid defenseman and fourth-highest-paid player overall for the 2026-27 season.

Red Sox 11 game winning streak

Wilyer Abreu homered twice, All-Star Willson Contreras went deep in his first game back from a five-game suspension, and the Boston Red Sox extended their winning streak to 11 games with a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night to sweep a doubleheader.

The streak is the longest for the Red Sox since Sept. 15-25, 2016, and Boston (48-48) moved to .500 for the first time since its second game of the season.

Connor McMichael signs 6 years with Blues

The St. Louis Blues locked up forward Connor McMichael with a six-year deal carrying an average annual value of $6.75 million, the team announced Thursday.

McMichael, a restricted free agent, was set to have an arbitration hearing July 25.

Chase Burns signs 7 years with Reds

The Cincinnati Reds and All-Star right-hander Chase Burns agreed to a seven-year, $105-million contract extension, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Burns' deal runs from 2027 through 2033 and includes no options or deferrals, reports Morosi.

The extension's guaranteed money also reportedly ties Homer Bailey for the largest amount ever given to a Reds pitcher and sets a record for any MLB hurler with less than four years of MLB service time.

Trevor Zegras signs 4 years with Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers and forward Trevor Zegras have agreed to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $9.125 million, the team announced Wednesday.

Zegras, 25, was a restricted free agent and was ineligible from receiving an offer sheet after filing for arbitration earlier this offseason.

He scored a career-high 26 goals and added 41 assists over 81 games this past season.

Argentina rallies late to knock out England

Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain.

England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time in the semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.

Yzerman transitioning to Senior Advisor role

The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday that Steve Yzerman will no longer serve as the team's general manager and executive vice president, transitioning instead to a senior adviser role to CEO Chris Ilitch.

Bellinger named All Star Game MVP

New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger was named the Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP after the American League's 4-0 win in the 96th Midsummer Classic.

Bellinger drove in the game-winning run Tuesday with a two-RBI single in the top of the first inning off of Philadelphia Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez.

Celebrini will be NHL 27 EA Sports cover

San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini is the cover athlete for NHL 27, EA Sports announced Tuesday.

The 20-year-old is the youngest player ever to be a cover athlete for the popular video game franchise.

Walker wins HR derby

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker went on an epic heater with his back to the wall to stun hometown hero Kyle Schwarber and win the 2026 Home Run Derby.

Walker appeared to be finished when he sat at eight homers with one swing left, three back of Schwarber. That's when he took off, crushing homers on each of his final four swings to take the title with a 12-11 win in the finals.

Tom Kim fires 64 to win Scottish Open

Tom Kim played bogey-free during a tight race to the finish Sunday and closed with a 6-under 64 for a two-shot victory in the Scottish Open, his first PGA Tour title since the fall of 2023.

It was the latest and best sign the 24-year-old Kim had his game on track after spending all season outside the top 100 in the world. He finished third in the U.S. Open, and then outlasted a strong field and a marathon day at The Renaissance Club.

Kim, who reached as high as No. 11 in the world at age 21 when he won in Las Vegas nearly three years ago, delivered the clinching blow with a shot from 203 yards to 6 feet on the par-4 16th, giving him a two-shot lead.

Cease will start for AL All Stars

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease was named the American League's starting pitcher for the All-Star Game in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

This will be Cease's first appearance in an All-Star Game. He is also the first Blue Jays pitcher to start the Midsummer Classic since Roy Halladay in 2009.

Sanchez will start for NL All Stars

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez will start for the National League at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

"He deserves it. He's the hometown ball player. The city of Philly will enjoy watching, support him," NL manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday, according to Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times.

Sánchez owns an 11-4 record with a 2.62 ERA and 10.2 K/9 in 20 starts this season. He's also second in the majors in innings pitched (127 1/3), boasts the fourth-lowest walks-per-nine, and leads all of baseball in ground-ball percentage.

McGregor injures knee in UFC fight

Conor McGregor shut down speculation that he had a pre-existing injury going into his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway.

The former two-division champion injured his right knee in his long-awaited comeback bout Saturday night in Las Vegas, leading to a 69-second TKO defeat. In his first public comments since the fight, McGregor wrote on X that the injury caught him off guard and that he is extremely disappointed.

Roch Cholowsky 1st overall pick

The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA star shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday.

Cholowsky enters the White Sox system after leading the Bruins to the nation's top seed this past NCAA season.

Adebayo & Herro fight

Former Miami Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were involved in a physical altercation in Las Vegas on Friday that resulted in the center striking Herro.

The fight took place at a practice court and stemmed from Herro's recent social media critique of the Heat big man.

Herro was working with the AAU team he runs when Adebayo walked into the gym they were practicing in. After Herro apparently said something to his ex-teammate, Adebayo walked over to Herro and punched him.

Spurs sign Wembanyama to 5 years

The San Antonio Spurs signed All-Star center Victor Wembanyama to a five-year, $252-million extension.

Wembanyama agreed to a 25% maximum contract instead of the 30% supermax he was eligible for in order to give the team more financial flexibility

Kawhi Leonard trade officially on hold

Kawhi Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors is on hold pending the outcome of the NBA’s investigation into whether the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented salary cap rules, the teams announced Thursday.

It does not necessarily mean that the trade is off. The Raptors said they still want Leonard, and the Clippers, in a statement sent to multiple outlets including The Associated Press, again insisted that they are not guilty of any wrongdoing related to an endorsement contract between Leonard and a now-bankrupt California-based digital bank that touted itself as environmentally friendly.

Harper will participate in home run derby

Bryce Harper will take part in Monday's Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

"Derby at home? Sure, why not?" Harper wrote Thursday on Instagram.

It will be Harper's first Home Run Derby since he won the competition in 2018 as a member of the Washington Nationals. He also participated in 2013, finishing as the runner-up.

France advances to semifinals at World Cup

France continues to dominate at the 2026 World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored second-half goals just six minutes apart as France beat Morocco 2-0 on Thursday to reach the semifinals of the competition for the third consecutive World Cup.

Mbappe, who missed a penalty in the first half before eventually breaking the deadlock in the 60th minute, now has 20 career World Cup goals. He's tied with Lionel Messi on eight tallies at this summer's event.

Judge will have injured rib tested

Aaron Judge will have his injured rib tested during the All-Star break and the New York Yankees are hopeful the results show the three-time AL MVP is healing.

Judge has not played since May 31 and went on the injured list June 5 with a stress fracture of his right rib after a CT scan, an MRI and a meeting with a specialist.

Bedard out 4 months with shoulder surgery

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard will miss about four months after undergoing left shoulder surgery Wednesday, the team announced.

Bedard was injured during an on-ice training session last Thursday.

Justin Verlander will retire after 2026 season

Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander announced Wednesday that he will hang up his cleats at the end of the season.

"Over the last several months, I've realized that time has come," Verlander wrote in a statement. "While I'm fully committed to giving my team everything I have for the rest of this season, I've decided this will be my last. ... It's time for the next chapter."

The 43-year-old was also named to the American League All-Star team as a Legend Pick by commissioner Rob Manfred. The hurler will finish his career as a 10-time All-Star.

Dylan Cease loses no hitter in 9th inning

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease lost his bid for a second career no-hitter in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.

Cease had thrown eight no-hit innings at Oracle Park before allowing a leadoff single to Heliot Ramos on his career-high 118th pitch to start the ninth. He was then lifted to a standing ovation.

Ryan O’Hearn ties team record with 10 RBI night

You can't stop Ryan O'Hearn. You can only hope to contain him.

O'Hearn put together perhaps the greatest offensive performance in the Pittsburgh Pirates' storied history Tuesday, mashing three home runs and a team-record 10 RBIs in a 12-4 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Tyler Tolbert ties MLB record with 12 straight hits

Kansas City Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert tied a major-league record by becoming the fifth player ever to record hits in 12 consecutive at-bats.

His hits in 12 straight plate appearances also set an expansion-era (since 1961) record and tied the overall MLB mark.

Tolbert etched his name in the record books with an infield single off New York Mets pitcher Matt Seelinger during the Royals' seven-run seventh inning.

Ohtani becomes 5th fastest to 300 home runs

Shohei Ohtani reached a new career milestone Tuesday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar became the fifth-fastest player to reach 300 career home runs.

Ohtani accomplished the feat in his 1,102nd career game as a hitter. Only Juan González, Ryan Howard, Ralph Kiner, and Aaron Judge did it in fewer contests. He's also the 18th active player with 300 homers.

Ohtani's 300th round-tripper was a leadoff shot off Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen.

Donovan Mitchell signs 4 Year $273M contract

Donovan Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273-million maximum contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers that includes a player option for 2030-31 and a full trade kicker.

It's the second extension Mitchell has signed since joining the Cavs in a trade in 2022.

The All-Star guard could've earned an additional $80 million by waiting until next summer, but he opted to ink a new long-term deal on the first day he became extension-eligible.

Brunson undergoing wrist surgery

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is undergoing surgery on his left wrist and is expected to resume basketball activities later this summer. Brunson played through the injury during the Knicks' championship run.

The 6-foot-2 guard will require at least two months of rehab following the procedure, sources told SNY's Ian Begley.

Daniel Alfredsson joins Leafs as Assistant Coach

Daniel Alfredsson has flipped allegiances in the longstanding Battle of Ontario.

The Ottawa Senators icon is leaving the club to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach on Jim Hiller's staff, the Leafs announced Tuesday.

John Gruden, who recently coached the Toronto Marlies to a Calder Cup title, and Brad Werenka were also hired as assistant coaches. Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde won't be returning to their roles behind the bench.

Senators resign Giroux

The Ottawa Senators are re-signing forward Claude Giroux.

Giroux tallied 14 goals and 49 points in all 82 games last season. He's been with his hometown Senators since 2022.

The 38-year-old had been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs since becoming an unrestricted free agent July 1. Giroux was drafted by the Flyers and played 15 seasons in Philadelphia.

Donald Trump changes FIFA red card rules?

U.S. President Donald Trump said he personally asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's suspension after the American striker received a red card in a World Cup game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, 'You have to do this,'" Trump said Monday.

Trump added that he "didn't think it was a foul" in reference to the play that resulted in Balogun's red card. Balogun was sent off in the second half of the United States' 2-0 win July 1. Trump called Infantino that night

Robertson files for arbitration

Dallas Stars restricted free agent Jason Robertson filed for arbitration ahead of Sunday's 5 p.m. ET deadline.

Robertson will now be ineligible to sign an offer sheet this offseason.

Robertson is eligible to ink an extension at any point, but if his next deal is settled via arbitration, he can only sign for one year. A one-year contract would make the 26-year-old an unrestricted free agency next summer.

Leafs sign McKenna to 3 Year Entry Level contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed first overall pick Gavin McKenna to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Friday.

Toronto drafted McKenna after a one-year stint at Penn State, where he notched 51 points in 39 games. The 18-year-old put up a whopping 129 points in 56 games with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers the year prior, and he's been a member of Canada's past two world junior teams.

Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift wedding at MSG

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Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift used a former wedding singer to officiate their big day.

Actor Adam Sandler, who starred in "The Wedding Singer," was responsible for marrying Kelce and Swift during Friday's wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Chapman sets all time strikeout record

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman has the most strikeouts by a reliever in MLB history.

Chapman struck out Denzer Guzman swinging for his 1,364th career strikeout in the ninth inning of Friday's 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Rockets sign Eason to 5 years

The Houston Rockets re-signed forward Tari Eason to a five-year, $81.5-million contract, sources told ESPN's Sham Charania.

Eason's new contract includes a player option in the fifth year and a 10% trade kicker, reports The Athletic's Sam Amick.

Houston selected Eason with the No. 17 overall pick in 2022. The LSU product averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 boards, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 60 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. He was also 14th in the Association in steal percentage (2.3%) and 17th in offensive rebound percentage (9%).

Ovechkin returns for another season

The Great Eight isn't done just yet. The Washington Capitals re-signed captain Alex Ovechkin to a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday.

"I'm back!" Ovechkin said in a statement. "Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. I'm healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I'm excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win. See you in September, DC!"

Sharks sign Nurse

The Edmonton Oilers traded defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks for a package including blue-liner Shakir Mukhamadullin and prospect Zack Sharp, the teams announced Wednesday.

The Oilers aren't retaining any of Nurse's $9.25-million cap hit. He has four seasons remaining on his contract.

Nurse requested a trade after 12 seasons with Edmonton and had to approve San Jose as a destination due to his no-movement clause. He recorded 24 points in 82 games this past campaign and posted the second-worst plus-minus of his career at minus-12.

Leafs sign Bobrovsky

The Toronto Maple Leafs have added a future Hall of Famer to their crease, signing free-agent netminder Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.

Bobrovsky, who turns 38 in September, is coming off a down year in which he posted an .877 save percentage in 52 appearances with the Florida Panthers. He ranked 90th out of 98 goaltenders last season with minus-12.2 goals saved above expected.

Sharks land Trouba

The San Jose Sharks signed free agent defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year contract worth $8.25 million per season, the team announced Wednesday.

Trouba suited up in 81 games for the Anaheim Ducks last season, notching 35 points and averaging nearly 23 minutes per contest.

The 32-year-old was traded to Orange County during the 2024-25 campaign after a six-year stint with the New York Rangers.

Kawhi Leonard heading back to the Raptors

The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing a trade to send Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-rounders.

The right to swap picks is for 2027, according to Charania. Toronto is reportedly sending unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033, and the second-round selections are in 2030 and 2033.

Ducks sign Greer to 4 Years

The Anaheim Ducks are signing forward A.J. Greer to a four-year contract with a $4.25-million cap hit.

The Ducks acquired Greer's signing rights from the Florida Panthers on Monday for the signing rights to defenseman Radko Gudas.

Greer recorded 17 goals and 32 points in 78 games last season. He also had 113 penalty minutes and 203 hits.

Contreras throws helmet at Cavalli

It was fight night at Fenway on Tuesday, as the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals cleared benches and brawled after Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras exchanged words with Nationals starter Cade Cavalli.

Contreras responded to Cavalli, who appeared to yell "Sit down, boy" at the Red Sox slugger following a strikeout. Contreras then broke free of Nats catcher Keibert Ruiz, who was holding him back, and threw his helmet at Cavalli in the middle of the scrum.

LeBron James is leaving the Lakers

LeBron James will return for a record-extending 24th season but has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he'll play elsewhere in 2026-27, his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday.

Paul recently spoke with Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka about James' plans to give Los Angeles a head start on free agency.

Los Angeles reportedly expressed a desire to bring James back, but he opted to move on.