Sports

June 26, 2025

Published 2 months ago

TL;DR

Ronaldo extends at Al Nassr; Cooper Flagg goes No. 1 to Dallas; Mets’ Soto sets HR record.


Highlights

  • Cristiano Ronaldo extends Al Nassr contract through June 2027, remains focal point for club and Saudi Pro League1.
  • Dallas Mavericks select Cooper Flagg No. 1 overall in NBA Draft; Spurs take Dylan Harper at No. 224, Jazz add Ace Bailey at No. 5 and trade up for Walter Clayton Jr.3.
  • Portland Trail Blazers acquire Chinese center Hansen Yang at No. 16, a long-term developmental move5.
  • Sacramento Kings exploring trades for DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, signaling possible roster overhaul20.
  • Mets’ Juan Soto sets MLB record for most multi-homer games before age 27; Mets tie Phillies atop NL East after seven solo homers end skid78.
  • Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski sets modern pitching records; Jacob deGrom throws one-hit shutout for Rangers9.
  • Vancouver Canucks acquire Evander Kane from Oilers, absorb full $5.1M cap hit; Kane returns after missing regular season due to injury6.
  • A’ja Wilson becomes fastest WNBA player to reach 5,000 career points in 238 games10.
  • NCAA to increase college basketball regular-season cap to 32 games starting 2026–2712.
  • PayPal secures exclusive deals to handle athlete revenue-sharing payments for Big Ten and Big 1213.
  • NHL governors discuss 84-game season in CBA talks; Bill Haslam becomes controlling owner of Nashville Predators11.
  • All Blacks lose Wallace Sititi (ankle surgery) for France series; Christian Lio-Willie recalled18.

Commentary

The NBA Draft reshapes several franchises: Dallas accelerates its rebuild with Cooper Flagg, a versatile forward projected to contribute immediately alongside veterans2, while San Antonio and Utah invest in youth with Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant, Ace Bailey, and Walter Clayton Jr.34. Portland’s selection of Hansen Yang at No. 16 is a notable long-term bet, unlikely to affect immediate rotations but worth monitoring for dynasty fantasy managers5. Sacramento’s willingness to discuss trades for DeRozan and Sabonis could trigger significant movement in the Western Conference, affecting both fantasy values and betting markets20.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract extension secures his on-field and commercial role for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League through 2027, keeping him a high-usage, high-impact player for fantasy and prop bettors1. In MLB, Juan Soto’s power surge—culminating in a new multi-homer record—has fueled the Mets’ resurgence, making him a priority asset78. Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski’s historic pitching start and Jacob deGrom’s one-hit shutout for Texas highlight evolving pitching trends relevant for daily fantasy and wagering9.

Off the field, the NCAA’s move to a 32-game basketball season starting in 2026–27 will increase opportunities for player evaluation, impact team scheduling, and alter betting volumes12. PayPal’s exclusive deals with the Big Ten and Big 12 streamline revenue-sharing payments, a key operational change as direct athlete compensation ramps up13. In the NHL, the potential shift to an 84-game season and new Predators ownership are developments to watch for future scheduling and team investment implications11.

Evander Kane’s move to Vancouver gives the Canucks added size and playoff experience, though his recent injury history warrants caution6. In the WNBA, A’ja Wilson’s scoring milestone further cements her status as a top fantasy and betting target10. The All Blacks’ loss of Wallace Sititi ahead of the France series is a blow to their lineup, with Christian Lio-Willie stepping in as cover18.

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