TL;DR

NL wins MLB All-Star swing-off; Jets, Chiefs lock in stars; Caitlin Clark re-injures groin.

Highlights

• NL wins MLB All-Star Game after first-ever swing-off; Schwarber hits 3 HRs, earns MVP.1
• Cal Raleigh takes Home Run Derby for Mariners, edging Brent Rooker by less than an inch in tiebreaker.18
• MLB, union in talks to let big-leaguers play in 2028 LA Olympics; midseason schedule changes possible.6
• MLB Commissioner Manfred pushes for salary cap in next CBA; union opposition raises lockout risk for 2026.7
• Jets extend Sauce Gardner ($120.4M/4yr, highest-paid CB) and Garrett Wilson ($130M/4yr, $32.5M/yr WR).2
• Chiefs make Trey Smith NFL’s highest-paid guard ($94M/4yr), removing franchise tag.3
• Commanders’ Terry McLaurin may hold out of camp as contract talks stall, risking absence for rookie QB Daniels.4
• Caitlin Clark re-injures groin late in Fever win; status for Liberty game and WNBA All-Star events uncertain.5
• UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier trilogy headlines New Orleans card; Poirier expected to retire after fight.9
• Conor McGregor signs Romero, Santos, Ladd, Brunson to BKFC; targets UFC return at White House event.8
• Kevin De Bruyne joins Napoli, takes Maradona’s retired #10 jersey; Almada to Atlético Madrid for €40M.1213
• England docked 2 WTC points for slow over rate; West Indies call in legends after record-low 27 all out.1110

Commentary

MLB’s All-Star break delivered notable on-field drama and off-field developments. The NL’s victory in the first-ever swing-off, led by Schwarber’s three home runs, and Cal Raleigh’s razor-thin Derby win, signal a focus on high-leverage moments and highlight the volatility of single-event formats for bettors and DFS players.118 Meanwhile, the league’s ongoing talks with the union about allowing MLB players in the 2028 Olympics could introduce a midseason schedule pause, affecting fantasy and futures markets in that year.6

Labor negotiations loom large, as Commissioner Manfred’s push for a salary cap ahead of the 2026 CBA is meeting strong union resistance. A potential lockout is now a tangible risk for long-term planners, with implications for player contracts, fantasy drafts, and season win totals.7

NFL contract activity is reshaping team outlooks. The Jets’ extensions for Gardner and Wilson lock in key talent and clarify roster stability for fantasy and betting projections.2 Kansas City secures Trey Smith, maintaining continuity for Mahomes’ protection.3 In contrast, Terry McLaurin’s stalled talks and possible holdout could disrupt Washington’s offense and rookie QB Jayden Daniels’ development—a key watch for preseason markets.4

Injuries and roster changes remain critical. Caitlin Clark’s groin re-injury clouds her status for upcoming Fever games and the WNBA All-Star break, impacting prop bets and DFS lineups.5 In combat sports, UFC 318’s Holloway-Poirier trilogy offers a high-profile betting slate,9 while Conor McGregor’s BKFC signings and UFC return plans keep the spotlight on cross-promotion and event markets.8

Soccer and cricket see major moves: De Bruyne’s arrival at Napoli (with the symbolic #10 jersey)12 and Almada’s transfer to Atlético Madrid shift club outlooks for the coming season.13 England’s WTC points deduction11 and the West Indies’ record collapse10 are key factors for Test championship odds and team strategies.