Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons. The former MVP finishes his career as one of the most decorated point guards in league history. Westbrook won the 2017 Most Valuable Player award and holds the record for the most career triple-doubles, with 199. He played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. Fellow stars, including Kevin Durant, paid tribute to his competitive drive and his impact on the game.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday, ending an 18-year career defined by relentless energy and record-breaking numbers. Westbrook leaves the game as the league's all-time leader in triple-doubles and one of the most recognizable players of his generation. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2017 and was selected to nine All-Star teams. Westbrook played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets. He was known for his explosive drives and relentless playing style. In his retirement message, Westbrook thanked the teams, coaches, and fans who supported him. Analysts say his place in the Hall of Fame is assured, and many expect him to remain involved in the game.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a record $12.5 billion. The buyers are a group led by former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Josh Kushner, the brother of former White House adviser Jared Kushner. The price is the highest ever paid for an NBA team and among the largest for any sports franchise. The deal ends months of speculation about new ownership for one of the league's most storied teams, a franchise with 17 NBA championships playing in the country's second-largest media market. The group beat several rival bidders who offered more than $10 billion. The sale still needs approval from NBA owners, which usually takes a few months.
The Dallas Cowboys and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams agreed to a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension. The deal includes $101 million in guaranteed money and $63.35 million guaranteed at signing, plus a $31.85 million signing bonus. The extension begins in 2028 and keeps Williams in Dallas through the 2030 season. His $35.3 million average annual value ranks second among defensive tackles behind Philadelphia's Jalen Carter. Williams, a four-time Pro Bowler, joined the Cowboys in a midseason trade from the New York Jets in 2025. He recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception in seven games for Dallas last season.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of a knee injury. The Italian said the problem appeared during a practice session and that he cannot risk playing. The decision raises questions about his fitness for the US Open, which begins in two weeks. Sinner won the Australian Open in January and added the Wimbledon title in July, and he was expected to be a top contender in New York. His team says the injury is not considered serious and that he will rest for several days before being re-evaluated. Other top players have also struggled with injuries this season, and several have skipped events to protect their fitness for the final Grand Slam of the year.
Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, as the class of 2026 took its place among the game's greats. Brees, the record-setting quarterback, headlined the group. Vinatieri, the most reliable kicker of his era, was remembered for his 45-yard field goal in a snowstorm during the 2001 playoffs. Craig, a three-time Super Bowl winner, moved the crowd when he revealed he has vascular dementia. Fitzgerald and Kuechly were honored for careers defined by consistency and excellence.
The Las Vegas Raiders suspended quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby from team drills on Saturday, a day after the two stars scuffled during training camp practice. The fight began when Crosby hit Cousins' arm twice during a team period. Cousins grabbed Crosby's jersey and the two exchanged words before being separated; no punches were thrown. With both veterans sidelined, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza took reps with the starting offense. Coach Klint Kubiak said the team has clear expectations about how players practice and that the matter has been addressed with the team.
Lara Gut-Behrami, one of the most decorated ski racers of her generation, announced her retirement on Friday. The Swiss skier won Olympic gold in the super-G at the 2022 Beijing Games and captured the overall World Cup title twice. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, she collected 47 World Cup race wins, three world championship golds and victories in all five disciplines, a rare feat. Gut-Behrami, 35, said her body and mind are ready for a new chapter after 18 seasons on the circuit. She pushed for better scheduling and fairer prize money for female athletes, becoming a voice for change off the snow. Her farewell ends an era for Swiss skiing and leaves a lasting mark on the sport.
Football's governing body is facing a major crisis after UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup and CONCACAF rejected FIFA president Gianni Infantino's funding plan. The revolt began with a FIFA proposal to sell commercial rights to the expanded 2026 World Cup, which critics called a sell-off of the sport's most valuable asset. FIFA's council has reaffirmed support for Infantino and apologized for the plan, but European federations say trust has been broken. The standoff raises questions about whether the 2026 tournament can proceed as planned and whether Infantino can survive as president.
Tadej Pogacar won his fifth Tour de France title, matching the record for the most wins in the race's history. The Slovenian rider finished with a commanding lead, winning multiple mountain stages and the final time trial. He wore the yellow jersey from the second week and controlled the race throughout. The victory places him alongside the greatest names in cycling at just 27 years old. His team protected him on the flat stages, and his rivals could not match his pace on the climbs. Pogacar said he will rest before targeting the world championships in the fall. Many expect him to break the record outright in the coming years.