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Deadspin | Liberty re-sign Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones Aug 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forwards Jonquel Jones (35) and Breanna Stewart (30) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) watch the game from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images New York Liberty stars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones signed contracts for the 2026 season, the team announced on Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team. “This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Re-signing Breanna, Jonquel and Sabrina reflects the trust, sacrifice and shared purpose that define what it means to represent the Liberty, this city and our fanbase. The three cornerstone players chose to invest in each other and the long-term legacy of this organization, a rare commitment that has the chance to redefine that standard of excellence across basketball.” Stewart, a forward, and Ionescu, a guard, announced earlier this month that they planned to re-sign with New York, ending suspense over their intentions as free agents. Stewart, 31, will embark on her fourth season with the Liberty and 10th WNBA campaign overall. She is a two-time MVP, winning the award with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and with New York in 2023. Stewart averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 games last season. She was named an All-Star for the seventh time. The three-time WNBA champion — 2018 and 2020 with Seattle, 2024 with New York — has career averages of 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 292 games (all starts). Ionescu, 28, will be entering her seventh season and has spent her entire career with the Liberty. She was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2020 and is a four-time All-Star. The Oregon product averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games last season. Ionsecu has career averages of 16.7 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 181 games (177 starts). She has won one WNBA title (2024). Jones, 32, averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in 31 games (all starts) last season. A 2021 WNBA MVP, Jones averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 boards in 306 career games (259 starts) with the Connecticut Sun and Liberty. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Liberty #resign #Breanna #Stewart #Sabrina #Ionescu #Jonquel #Jones

Deadspin | Liberty re-sign Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones
Deadspin | Liberty re-sign Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones Aug 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forwards Jonquel Jones (35) and Breanna Stewart (30) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) watch the game from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images New York Liberty stars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones signed contracts for the 2026 season, the team announced on Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team. “This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Re-signing Breanna, Jonquel and Sabrina reflects the trust, sacrifice and shared purpose that define what it means to represent the Liberty, this city and our fanbase. The three cornerstone players chose to invest in each other and the long-term legacy of this organization, a rare commitment that has the chance to redefine that standard of excellence across basketball.” Stewart, a forward, and Ionescu, a guard, announced earlier this month that they planned to re-sign with New York, ending suspense over their intentions as free agents. Stewart, 31, will embark on her fourth season with the Liberty and 10th WNBA campaign overall. She is a two-time MVP, winning the award with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and with New York in 2023. Stewart averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 games last season. She was named an All-Star for the seventh time. The three-time WNBA champion — 2018 and 2020 with Seattle, 2024 with New York — has career averages of 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 292 games (all starts). Ionescu, 28, will be entering her seventh season and has spent her entire career with the Liberty. She was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2020 and is a four-time All-Star. The Oregon product averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games last season. Ionsecu has career averages of 16.7 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 181 games (177 starts). She has won one WNBA title (2024). Jones, 32, averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in 31 games (all starts) last season. A 2021 WNBA MVP, Jones averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 boards in 306 career games (259 starts) with the Connecticut Sun and Liberty. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Liberty #resign #Breanna #Stewart #Sabrina #Ionescu #Jonquel #JonesAug 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forwards Jonquel Jones (35) and Breanna Stewart (30) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) watch the game from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Liberty stars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones signed contracts for the 2026 season, the team announced on Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the team.

“This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Re-signing Breanna, Jonquel and Sabrina reflects the trust, sacrifice and shared purpose that define what it means to represent the Liberty, this city and our fanbase. The three cornerstone players chose to invest in each other and the long-term legacy of this organization, a rare commitment that has the chance to redefine that standard of excellence across basketball.”

Stewart, a forward, and Ionescu, a guard, announced earlier this month that they planned to re-sign with New York, ending suspense over their intentions as free agents.

Stewart, 31, will embark on her fourth season with the Liberty and 10th WNBA campaign overall. She is a two-time MVP, winning the award with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and with New York in 2023.


Stewart averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 games last season. She was named an All-Star for the seventh time.

The three-time WNBA champion — 2018 and 2020 with Seattle, 2024 with New York — has career averages of 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 292 games (all starts).

Ionescu, 28, will be entering her seventh season and has spent her entire career with the Liberty. She was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2020 and is a four-time All-Star.

The Oregon product averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games last season.

Ionsecu has career averages of 16.7 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 181 games (177 starts). She has won one WNBA title (2024).

Jones, 32, averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in 31 games (all starts) last season. A 2021 WNBA MVP, Jones averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 boards in 306 career games (259 starts) with the Connecticut Sun and Liberty.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Liberty #resign #Breanna #Stewart #Sabrina #Ionescu #Jonquel #Jones

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Aug 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forwards Jonquel Jones (35) and Breanna Stewart (30) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) watch the game from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Liberty stars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones signed contracts for the 2026 season, the team announced on Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the team.

“This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said. “Re-signing Breanna, Jonquel and Sabrina reflects the trust, sacrifice and shared purpose that define what it means to represent the Liberty, this city and our fanbase. The three cornerstone players chose to invest in each other and the long-term legacy of this organization, a rare commitment that has the chance to redefine that standard of excellence across basketball.”

Stewart, a forward, and Ionescu, a guard, announced earlier this month that they planned to re-sign with New York, ending suspense over their intentions as free agents.

Stewart, 31, will embark on her fourth season with the Liberty and 10th WNBA campaign overall. She is a two-time MVP, winning the award with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and with New York in 2023.

Stewart averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 games last season. She was named an All-Star for the seventh time.

The three-time WNBA champion — 2018 and 2020 with Seattle, 2024 with New York — has career averages of 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 292 games (all starts).

Ionescu, 28, will be entering her seventh season and has spent her entire career with the Liberty. She was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2020 and is a four-time All-Star.

The Oregon product averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games last season.

Ionsecu has career averages of 16.7 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 181 games (177 starts). She has won one WNBA title (2024).

Jones, 32, averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in 31 games (all starts) last season. A 2021 WNBA MVP, Jones averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 boards in 306 career games (259 starts) with the Connecticut Sun and Liberty.

–Field Level Media

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IPL 2026: Shubman Gill lifts Gujarat Titans to comfortable win against Kolkata Knight Riders <div id="content-body-70875188" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Shubman Gill, the captain, rotated his pace battery astutely and the quartet responded by tightening the noose around Kolkata Knight Riders at both ends of the innings. And Gill, the batter, was at his gorgeous-yet-glitzy best, setting up Gujarat Titans’ comfortable win against a beleaguered opponent at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday.</p><p>Gill not only notched up a hat-trick of fifties in the 2026 Indian Premier League but, more importantly, ensured Titans completed a hat-trick of wins to strengthen its claim for a Playoffs berth.</p><p>Chasing 181 — a competitive but far from imposing target given KKR’s depleted pace resources and C.V. Varun’s dip in form — Titans were never under real pressure. Gill’s knock, laced with textbook precision and effortless timing, meant the chase was always under control.</p><p>The tone was set early. The moment Gill caressed a cover drive off Vaibhav Arora in the opening over, it hinted at what was to follow. While Gill unfurled strokes all around the ground, B. Sai Sudharsan added impetus, taking on Anukul Roy with a pair of sixes in the third over.</p><p>Even after Sudharsan fell to Sunil Narine’s off-spin, Jos Buttler ensured the PowerPlay ended on a brisk note, scoring 14 off the final five deliveries. From there, Gill took charge, never allowing KKR to claw its way back.</p><p>There was a brief moment when Gill looked set to finish the game in style and perhaps even push towards a fifth IPL hundred. But Cameron Green’s acrobatic effort running in from deep third cut short that possibility. By then, however, the job was all but done. With 23 needed off three overs, Glenn Phillips and Rahul Tewatia completed formalities without fuss.</p><p>Earlier, Titans’ pacers had laid the foundation for the win. Striking thrice in the PowerPlay to reduce KKR to 37 for three, they dictated terms early. Even as Green and Rovman Powell mounted a counterattack in the middle overs, the Titans attack never lost control.</p><p>The death overs sealed it. KKR managed just 32 runs for five wickets in the last five overs, a collapse that ensured Green’s first substantial contribution of the season did little to alter the outcome.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Shubman #Gill #lifts #Gujarat #Titans #comfortable #win #Kolkata #Knight #Riders

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RCB vs DC, IPL 2026: Hitting the hard length has been my strength, says Josh Hazlewood <div id="content-body-70874195" itemprop="articleBody"><p>In a format which places high value on variations and innovations, Josh Hazlewood has stuck to the tried and trusted.</p><p>The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler revels in honing in on a hard length, making it tough for batters to get under and slog.</p><p>This classical approach has worked well not just in the two IPL matches he has played thus far, but in the previous season as well.</p><p>Now back to full fitness, Hazlewood is a natural fit as leader of the RCB attack.</p><p>“We see different bowlers in our group have different styles, so I try to copy a different ball here and there. But at the same time, you first and foremost rely on your strengths. Obviously, my strength is hitting the length, and hitting it hard. It’s not about floating the ball up; it’s not about digging it in. It is about making it hard for the batter to hit me off that length,” Hazlewood said on the eve of RCB’s game against Delhi Capitals.</p><p><b>RELATED | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/rcb-vs-dc-ipl-2026-royal-challengers-bengaluru-delhi-capitals-preview-kohli-injury-update-news/article70874077.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Delhi Capitals looks to stop marauding Royal Challengers Bengaluru</a></b></p><p>The 35-year-old is doubly dangerous if the pitch is not a batting beauty, as seen in RCB’s fixture against Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday.</p><p>“The other night, the pitch actually helped a little bit. It was hard to time the ball; the pitch was a bit up-and-down. If you’re on a nice glassy pitch and everything’s coming onto the bat nicely, then things have to change, and you try a few different things,” Hazlewood said.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #RCB #IPL #Hitting #hard #length #strength #Josh #Hazlewood

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Deadspin | WR Zay Flowers blames ex-coach for Ravens’ injury issues Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up for game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers theorized the cause of injury issues in Baltimore was former coach John Harbaugh’s demanding practice schedule. Flowers said on the podcast “4th and South” the Ravens were in “full pads all the time” and didn’t have ample time for recovery and treatment of injuries. Harbaugh was fired at the end of the 2025 regular season after 19 years with the team and quickly hired by the New York Giants. “However many practices in pads you can get, every single one. We’re doing one-on-ones in Week 17,” said Flowers. “Week 17, we’re doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going.” Padded practices are permitted under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with restrictions. A total of 14 padded practices — and no more than one padded practice per week — are allowed during the regular season. Eleven of the total padded practices in the regular season must be held during the first 11 weeks of the season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was a regular non-participant in practices last season. When was asked how players handled Harbaugh’s practice schedule, Flowers replied, “We don’t. That’s why we had a lot of injuries, because of how we practiced, how we went. The load was heavy.” Former Ravens assistant Jesse Minter, hired to replace Harbaugh, is making changes after hearing from players, according to Flowers. “He knows how we worked with Harbaugh,” Flowers said. “So, he’s like, ‘You’re going to get your work, but it’s going to be a little easier on your body. You’re going to be fresher for the game.'” Minter worked for Harbaugh and the Ravens from 2017-20 and joined Jim Harbaugh as defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2022 and 2023. When Jim Harbaugh won a national title with the Wolverines and returned to the NFL as head coach of the Chargers, he hired Minter as his defensive coordinator (2024-25). John Harbaugh led the Ravens to six AFC North titles and a Super Bowl in the 2012 postseason, compiling an overall record of 193-124. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Zay #Flowers #blames #excoach #Ravens #injury #issuesJan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up for game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers theorized the cause of injury issues in Baltimore was former coach John Harbaugh’s demanding practice schedule.

Flowers said on the podcast “4th and South” the Ravens were in “full pads all the time” and didn’t have ample time for recovery and treatment of injuries. Harbaugh was fired at the end of the 2025 regular season after 19 years with the team and quickly hired by the New York Giants.

“However many practices in pads you can get, every single one. We’re doing one-on-ones in Week 17,” said Flowers. “Week 17, we’re doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going.”

Padded practices are permitted under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with restrictions. A total of 14 padded practices — and no more than one padded practice per week — are allowed during the regular season. Eleven of the total padded practices in the regular season must be held during the first 11 weeks of the season.


Quarterback Lamar Jackson was a regular non-participant in practices last season. When was asked how players handled Harbaugh’s practice schedule, Flowers replied, “We don’t. That’s why we had a lot of injuries, because of how we practiced, how we went. The load was heavy.”

Former Ravens assistant Jesse Minter, hired to replace Harbaugh, is making changes after hearing from players, according to Flowers.

“He knows how we worked with Harbaugh,” Flowers said. “So, he’s like, ‘You’re going to get your work, but it’s going to be a little easier on your body. You’re going to be fresher for the game.'”

Minter worked for Harbaugh and the Ravens from 2017-20 and joined Jim Harbaugh as defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2022 and 2023. When Jim Harbaugh won a national title with the Wolverines and returned to the NFL as head coach of the Chargers, he hired Minter as his defensive coordinator (2024-25).

John Harbaugh led the Ravens to six AFC North titles and a Super Bowl in the 2012 postseason, compiling an overall record of 193-124.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Zay #Flowers #blames #excoach #Ravens #injury #issues">Deadspin | WR Zay Flowers blames ex-coach for Ravens’ injury issues Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers warms up for game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers theorized the cause of injury issues in Baltimore was former coach John Harbaugh’s demanding practice schedule. Flowers said on the podcast “4th and South” the Ravens were in “full pads all the time” and didn’t have ample time for recovery and treatment of injuries. Harbaugh was fired at the end of the 2025 regular season after 19 years with the team and quickly hired by the New York Giants. “However many practices in pads you can get, every single one. We’re doing one-on-ones in Week 17,” said Flowers. “Week 17, we’re doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going.” Padded practices are permitted under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with restrictions. A total of 14 padded practices — and no more than one padded practice per week — are allowed during the regular season. Eleven of the total padded practices in the regular season must be held during the first 11 weeks of the season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was a regular non-participant in practices last season. When was asked how players handled Harbaugh’s practice schedule, Flowers replied, “We don’t. That’s why we had a lot of injuries, because of how we practiced, how we went. The load was heavy.” Former Ravens assistant Jesse Minter, hired to replace Harbaugh, is making changes after hearing from players, according to Flowers. “He knows how we worked with Harbaugh,” Flowers said. “So, he’s like, ‘You’re going to get your work, but it’s going to be a little easier on your body. You’re going to be fresher for the game.'” Minter worked for Harbaugh and the Ravens from 2017-20 and joined Jim Harbaugh as defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2022 and 2023. When Jim Harbaugh won a national title with the Wolverines and returned to the NFL as head coach of the Chargers, he hired Minter as his defensive coordinator (2024-25). John Harbaugh led the Ravens to six AFC North titles and a Super Bowl in the 2012 postseason, compiling an overall record of 193-124. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Zay #Flowers #blames #excoach #Ravens #injury #issues

Deadspin | Notre Dame, Villanova to open basketball season in Rome St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. ( Mark Vergari / The Journal News ) Villanova and Notre Dame will open their 2026-27 basketball seasons on Nov. 1 in Rome. The men’s and women’s teams from both schools will play a doubleheader in the Italian capital that day in what has been named the Eternal City Tip-Off. It is no shock that these two schools were chosen to take part, given that they are two of the most prominent Catholic universities in the United States. Plus, this is a pairing that will remind Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, of home. Well-known as a sports fan, particularly of the Chicago White Sox, the pope is very familiar with these teams. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, he lived less than a two-hour drive from the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Ind. And he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova in 1977, at the same time creating a foundation for eventually joining the priesthood. “Pope Leo has spoken in such inspiring ways about the value of sport, emphasizing that sport is a ‘school of life’ that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, a vision both Notre Dame and Villanova wholeheartedly embrace,” said the Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., the president of Notre Dame. “We are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans. We know well the transformative impact of spending time in a city that is so central to our faith and rich in history.” In Italy, the teams will meet in a welcome reception at a spot overlooking Rome, have the opportunity to attend a shared mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and take part in a planned papal audience with Pope Leo XIV before the basketball games. Cultural and educational events also are being built into the itinerary. “This extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission — uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, the president of Villanova. “From academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.” Fox Sports will broadcast the games. The men will tip off at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women at noon. The playing venue has yet to be announced. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Notre #Dame #Villanova #open #basketball #season #RomeSt. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. ( Mark Vergari / The Journal News )

Villanova and Notre Dame will open their 2026-27 basketball seasons on Nov. 1 in Rome.

The men’s and women’s teams from both schools will play a doubleheader in the Italian capital that day in what has been named the Eternal City Tip-Off.

It is no shock that these two schools were chosen to take part, given that they are two of the most prominent Catholic universities in the United States. Plus, this is a pairing that will remind Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, of home.

Well-known as a sports fan, particularly of the Chicago White Sox, the pope is very familiar with these teams. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, he lived less than a two-hour drive from the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Ind. And he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova in 1977, at the same time creating a foundation for eventually joining the priesthood.


“Pope Leo has spoken in such inspiring ways about the value of sport, emphasizing that sport is a ‘school of life’ that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, a vision both Notre Dame and Villanova wholeheartedly embrace,” said the Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., the president of Notre Dame. “We are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans. We know well the transformative impact of spending time in a city that is so central to our faith and rich in history.”

In Italy, the teams will meet in a welcome reception at a spot overlooking Rome, have the opportunity to attend a shared mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and take part in a planned papal audience with Pope Leo XIV before the basketball games. Cultural and educational events also are being built into the itinerary.

“This extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission — uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, the president of Villanova. “From academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.”

Fox Sports will broadcast the games. The men will tip off at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women at noon. The playing venue has yet to be announced.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Notre #Dame #Villanova #open #basketball #season #Rome">Deadspin | Notre Dame, Villanova to open basketball season in Rome St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. ( Mark Vergari / The Journal News ) Villanova and Notre Dame will open their 2026-27 basketball seasons on Nov. 1 in Rome. The men’s and women’s teams from both schools will play a doubleheader in the Italian capital that day in what has been named the Eternal City Tip-Off. It is no shock that these two schools were chosen to take part, given that they are two of the most prominent Catholic universities in the United States. Plus, this is a pairing that will remind Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, of home. Well-known as a sports fan, particularly of the Chicago White Sox, the pope is very familiar with these teams. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, he lived less than a two-hour drive from the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Ind. And he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova in 1977, at the same time creating a foundation for eventually joining the priesthood. “Pope Leo has spoken in such inspiring ways about the value of sport, emphasizing that sport is a ‘school of life’ that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, a vision both Notre Dame and Villanova wholeheartedly embrace,” said the Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., the president of Notre Dame. “We are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans. We know well the transformative impact of spending time in a city that is so central to our faith and rich in history.” In Italy, the teams will meet in a welcome reception at a spot overlooking Rome, have the opportunity to attend a shared mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and take part in a planned papal audience with Pope Leo XIV before the basketball games. Cultural and educational events also are being built into the itinerary. “This extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission — uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, the president of Villanova. “From academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.” Fox Sports will broadcast the games. The men will tip off at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women at noon. The playing venue has yet to be announced. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Notre #Dame #Villanova #open #basketball #season #Rome

Deadspin | Padres’ sale to Chelsea owner on deck for record .9 billion A general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record .9 billion. According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal. If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for .42 billion in 2020. Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team. Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was .1 billion. Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss. Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billionA general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record $3.9 billion.

According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal.

If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for $2.42 billion in 2020.

Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team.


Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was $3.1 billion.

Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss.

Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.

The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billion">Deadspin | Padres’ sale to Chelsea owner on deck for record .9 billion A general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record .9 billion. According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal. If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for .42 billion in 2020. Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team. Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was .1 billion. Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss. Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billion

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