Sports

August 18, 2025

Published 20 hours ago

TL;DR

MLB eyes 32-team expansion; Brewers’ streak snapped; Arsenal, Barcelona, Red Sox, NFL see key moves.


Highlights

  • MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirms 32-team expansion and divisional realignment are under discussion; new TV deal expected within weeks 1.
  • Milwaukee Brewers’ 14-game win streak ends via Reds walk-off; Brewers hold NL-best 78-44 record 2.
  • Boston Red Sox to sign 1B Nathaniel Lowe after top prospect Marcelo Mayer ruled out for season with wrist surgery 1617.
  • Arsenal defeat Manchester United 1-0 in Premier League opener; United’s Onana and HĂžjlund omitted amid transfer talks 3.
  • Barcelona register Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford hours before LaLiga opener, navigating salary cap constraints 5.
  • Newcastle sign winger Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for over €45M 7; Nottingham Forest acquire striker Arnaud Kalimuendo for €31.5M 6.
  • Bengals fielding trade offers for Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson 8; Eagles trade for WR John Metchie III to add depth 9.
  • Giants WR Malik Nabers misses 11 days with minor back issue; Week 1 status uncertain 10.
  • Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham suffers knee injury; MRI pending as team remains in playoff contention with depleted backcourt 11.
  • Scottie Scheffler wins BMW Championship, secures FedEx Cup No. 1 12; Henley, English, DeChambeau round out U.S. Ryder Cup auto-qualifiers 12; Jon Rahm clinches LIV Golf season title and $18M bonus 13.
  • Las Vegas Aces extend win streak to seven as A’ja Wilson posts 34 points; Fever’s injury woes continue 1811.
  • Australia wins third straight FIBA Asia Cup 15; Pakistan and India overhaul squads ahead of cricket Asia Cup 19.
  • US Open launches $1M mixed doubles event with star singles players to boost profile 20.

Commentary

MLB’s anticipated 32-team expansion and divisional realignment, paired with an imminent TV rights deal, signal potential changes in scheduling, playoff structure, and market exposure—critical for those tracking future player usage and team travel impacts 1. In the near term, the Brewers’ snapped 14-game win streak keeps them atop the NL, but momentum shifts could affect divisional odds 2. The Red Sox, meanwhile, move quickly to shore up first base by signing Nathaniel Lowe after Marcelo Mayer’s season-ending wrist surgery, impacting both fantasy depth charts and Boston’s infield defense 1617.

In football, Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency and United’s ongoing transfer and injury issues set early trends for both fantasy and betting markets 3. Newcastle’s acquisition of Jacob Ramsey and Forest’s addition of Kalimuendo are notable for squad depth and attacking options 76, while Barcelona’s last-minute registrations highlight ongoing LaLiga salary cap challenges—watch for further roster moves before their next fixture 5.

NFL preseason headlines are dominated by player movement and injuries: Trey Hendrickson’s trade availability could affect pass rush markets 8, while John Metchie III’s arrival in Philadelphia gives Jalen Hurts another target 9. Malik Nabers’ continued absence for the Giants is a concern for fantasy drafters; his Week 1 status remains a key variable 10.

In the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces continue their surge behind A’ja Wilson 18, while the Indiana Fever’s backcourt is stretched thin after Sophie Cunningham’s knee injury and Caitlin Clark’s prolonged absence 11. On the golf front, Scottie Scheffler’s BMW win locks in his FedEx Cup lead and Ryder Cup spot 12, while Jon Rahm’s LIV season title and $18M bonus reinforce his standing 13. The US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event, featuring top singles talent and a $1M prize, is a new wrinkle for tennis fans and bettors 20.

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