AP – Sports
July 1, 2026
NBA free agency: Norman Powell to Chicago in another All-Star move as teams continue shaping rosters
MIAMI (AP) — Add Norman Powell to the list of this past season’s All-Stars who are changing addresses this summer in NBA free agency. Powell has agreed to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million with the Chicago Bulls, according to a person with knowledge of the talks. Powell also had received some interest from the Detroit Pistons, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be finalized until July 6 at the earliest.
NFL player Calais Campbell’s brother is charged with murder after mother found dead
ATLANTA (AP) — The brother of NFL player Calais Campbell has been charged with murdering their mother in Atlanta. Police found her body on Tuesday during a welfare check. An arrest warrant says Ciarre Campbell was found with a knife. He’s being held in Fulton County Jail with a court hearing set for Wednesday. The Campbell family has requested privacy while they grieve. Calais Campbell, a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, is entering his 19th NFL season. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection with 117 career sacks.
3 people die of asphyxiation during Mexico City celebrations after World Cup win
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican health authorities report that three people died of asphyxiation during celebrations in downtown Mexico City. The national team’s victory over Ecuador secured a place in the World Cup Round of 16. The Health Secretariat said on Wednesday that two women and one man were found unconscious near the Angel of Independence monument. Thousands had gathered there Tuesday night to celebrate. The victims were 48, 44, and 19 years old. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada urged the public to celebrate responsibly. Fireworks lit up the sky as about 1 million people celebrated along Paseo de la Reforma.
Naomi Osaka shows off another fashion creation before reaching 3rd round at Wimbledon
LONDON (AP) — Naomi Osaka had a new look to show off before winning her second-round match at Wimbledon. Osaka’s fashion reveals have become an event of their own at Grand Slam tournaments. She wore a less elaborate outfit for her walk-on than the kimono for her opening match on Monday. This all-white outfit featured a wide belt and a long train. The four-time major winner took off the latest ensemble as she began warming up for Wednesday’s match against Anastasia Gasanova. Osaka won 6-3, 6-2. Also, men’s No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner beat Nuno Borges in straight sets.
US set for a round of 32 World Cup game with Bosnia-Herzegovina as knockout play begins
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. team spent Monday like millions of other interested followers of the World Cup. The players watched thrilling games from other venues that included a major upset with Germany falling to Paraguay, three games that went down to the wire and two nervy shootouts. Then the reality quickly set in that they would soon be back in the spotlight themselves. The U.S. has a round of 32 matchup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday that will go a long way to determining how successful this World Cup will be.
Why are World Cup refs giving red cards to players covering their mouths when confronting opponents?
World Cup players have been warned about a new rule that results in a red card for anyone covering their mouth when verbally confronting another player. Officials are actively enforcing the rule change. The latest incident occurred Tuesday when Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off in a match against Mexico. FIFA established the rule to prevent players from hiding abusive comments. The International Football Association Board approved it, allowing tournament organizers to enforce it. Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón was the first to be penalized under the rule last week. A red card means a player is ejected from the match and is suspended from the following one.
LeBron James has governors, the NHL and the NFL waiting for his free agency decision
MIAMI (AP) — LeBron James has announced he’s returning for at least one more NBA season but won’t be with the Los Angeles Lakers. This news has sparked interest from teams across various sports, including the New York Jets and even DJ Khaled. James wants his agent to meet with NBA teams before making a decision. Cleveland, Miami, and Golden State are among the top contenders. James, still playing at an All-Star level, averaged over 20 points last season. Wherever he goes, his presence will boost ticket sales and merchandise. Only James knows when he’ll make his final decision.
Serena Williams tweaked her knee during Wimbledon return at age 44 but still aims to play doubles
LONDON (AP) — Serena Williams’ agent says the 23-time Grand Slam champion tweaked her right knee at Wimbledon during her first singles match in nearly four years but still hopes to play doubles with sister Venus later in the week. The 44-year-old Williams did not ask for medical treatment during a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 loss to 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in the first round on Tuesday. Williams did not meet with media after the match. Agent Jill Smoller says “Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams.” Smoller adds “she left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”
World Cup buzz has the potential to mint more soccer fans among kids — some just toddlers now
LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Across the country, experts are watching to see whether the World Cup will give a boost to youth soccer and mint fans for decades to come. Soccer already ranks among the most popular youth sports in the country. Michael Lewis is a professor of marketing at Emory University. He says the popularity of soccer in the U.S. is a generational story. Among baby boomers, soccer fandom is next to nonexistent. But youth teams began forming in the 1980s and 1990s. Now the children that played on those teams are parents. They are watching soccer and coaching it. And the World Cup adds to the excitement.
Heavyweight boxing enters a new era after Usyk vacates his belts. Here’s where they’re all headed
Heavyweight boxing is entering a new era. Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to stand down as unified champion will send his belts to different parts of the world and give a bunch of globally unheralded fighters the chance to emerge from the shadows in sport’s glamor division. Usyk announced on Friday he was vacating his WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight world titles “ahead of stepping into the ring for my final fight.” Here’s a look at where the belts are headed at a time when established stars like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are seemingly in the twilight of the careers.
