PARIS — The lighting of the Olympic torch was a celebration of some of the biggest stars of French sports, both known to the world and not: Zinedine Zidane, the talisman of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup. Rafael Nadal, whose career is defined by his 14 French Open titles. Tony Parker, whose success with the San Antonio Spurs opened the NBA to French players, including current French sensation Victor Wembanyama.

But it was some of the lesser-known athletes who made it truly memorable. Charles Coste, who turned 100 earlier this year and is France’s oldest living Olympian, took the torch while seated in his wheelchair. 

A pair of three-time Olympic champions, judoka Teddy Riner and track and field’s Marie-José Pérec, then came to meet Coste. The two touched their torches to his and then slowly walked up a ramp to what looked like a large sphere suspended in the air. 

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2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

When Riner and Pérec lit the base, however, the cauldron was revealed to be a hot air balloon that lifted high into Paris’ night sky.

On his leg of the relay, which included a boat ride, Nadal was joined by Serena Williams, who won three of her 23 Grand Slam titles at the French Open; Carl Lewis, a four-time Olympic champion at the 1984 Games; and Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic history at the 1976 Games.

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Kirk Cousins sounded like a man taking nothing for granted as he navigates the path to what he believes will be a successful comeback from a torn Achilles tendon. This doesn’t mean merely passing the physical markers during his rehab – the new Atlanta Falcons quarterback achieved another milestone this week as he was medically cleared to fully participate in training camp drills – but also the mental hurdles.

Cousins, 35, knows that regaining confidence in his right foot is a huge part of this process.

“I actually did a top 10 power ranking of people who have torn their Achilles,” Cousins shared after the first camp practice on Thursday.

It’s an impressive list that includes notable athletes such as the late Kobe Bryant, Splash Brother Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Tiger Woods. Yet Cousins went deeper and discovered that former Vice President Al Gore had a similar setback. Then there was Judi Dench, who had to withdraw from the original Broadway production of ‘Cats’ because of a torn Achilles.

Yes, Cousins, 35, has done some homework on this. With much purpose.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

“I took a lot of hope,” Cousins said of his research. “A lot of people came back and led really successful lives off torn Achilles (injuries). Al Gore became vice president. So…there’s hope for me.”

And maybe some relief for the Falcons, who made a massive investment in a 13-year veteran coming off the major injury suffered in October that abruptly ended his final season with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the fact that Cousins was coming off the first surgery of his career, the Falcons were convinced enough that he will rebound that they signed him to the NFL’s biggest free agent deal in March – a four-year, $180 million contract that guarantees $100 million.

Here’s to modern medicine – and the desperation of a franchise, backed by team owner Arthur Blank’s deep pockets, that has never won a Super Bowl and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017.

Typically, Cousins was upbeat and energetic as he provided a status update. He was quick to reiterate that he has been careful not to rush the rehab progress, yet seemingly emboldened by the significance of getting fully cleared a few days before his Aug. 1 target date.

For all that he’s achieved in his career, Cousins is looking for another layer of confidence to fuel his rebound.

“Really, the last part of rehab is just playing football,” Cousins said.

It’s been a steady progression. After Cousins was limited during the offseason minicamp and OTA practices, he’s at the point now where the primary limitations will come from the load management prescribed by the Falcons.

Of course, Cousins still won’t be subjected to contact during practices, which is pretty standard for all quarterbacks during training camp. Yet he can run, roll out, pivot and plant on the foot that is getting stronger. Falcons coach Raheem Morris termed the limitations at this point as “modifications” to the workload.

One of the keys during the offseason sessions, Morris explained, was to keep Cousins clear from traffic that might have resulted in incidental contact – and risk.

“Now there will be people around him and you feel comfortable with that, moving forward,” Morris said. “Obviously, some of his limitations will come in our individual drills, some of our movement, making sure that we don’t wear him out. We want to get all of the team reps with him. He’s fired up. The team’s fired up. The limitations for him, he won’t notice, either. That will just be our own modifications, being smart.”

It is also apparent that Morris, who succeeds Arthur Smith, will be steadfast in sticking to the real timeline they are working with for Cousins.

Although Cousins maintains that he wants to see action during the preseason, Morris has apparently squashed that idea. Atlanta opens its preseason slate at the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 9, followed by exhibitions at the Baltimore Ravens and at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I want to play,” Cousins said of the prospect of getting at least a few snaps of live action during the preseason. “But I think that ask fell on deaf ears. Raheem’s motto is, ‘You’re not playing.’ Coach is like, ‘That’s just not how we want to do things.’ “

In other words, the target date for Cousins’ return to game action is Sept. 8, when the Falcons open the regular season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The closest thing to simulated game action before that could be the two days of joint practices the Falcons will engage in with the Dolphins before the teams meet in their preseason openers.

“Maybe I can persuade him,” Cousins added of the slim-to-none possibilities of playing at some point in the preseason. “Maybe there’s a conversation. Who knows? There’s so much that can change. I think seeing live balls and playing is helpful, but I can understand the logic behind not doing it. Everything we do is calculated and that will be as well.”

No, there’s no reason to rush it. Yet there are plenty of reasons to anticipate what might be. New coordinator Zac Robinson, a Sean McVay protégé who followed Morris from the Los Angeles Rams, brings the expectation of creativity and balance. And there’s a bevy of playmakers, including running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, promising a wide variety of options.

Cousins says getting to this point in his comeback represents “a cautious relief.”

But he can’t wait for what could come next.

Eight Major League Soccer teams were in action as the Leagues Cup tournament began with five games on Friday night.

The Leagues Cup is a midseason tournament featuring teams from MLS and LIGA MX in Mexico. In all, 47 total teams will play 77 matches in a World Cup-style tournament. The championship match will be played on Aug. 25.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami won the first Leagues Cup last year, but Messi won’t be in action when the club begins its title defense Saturday.

Here are highlights from the five Leagues Cup matches on Friday night:

Leagues Cup Friday night scores

∎ D.C. United 3, Atlanta United 3 (D.C. United won penalty shootout, 6-5)

∎ Orlando City 4, CF Montreal 1

∎ Austin FC 3, Pumas 2

∎ Seattle Sounders 2, Minnesota United FC 0

∎ Los Angeles FC 3, Club Tijuana 0

WHAT IS LEAGUES CUP? Explaining MLS vs. Liga MX World Cup-style tournament

LEAGUES CUP SCHEDULE: Times, TV, live stream, groups for MLS vs. Liga MX tournament

LAFC vs. Club Tijuana highlights

LAFC cruised to an easy 3-0 win over Club Tijuana behind two goals from Cristian Olivera and another from 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga.

Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United highlights

Jordan Morris and Paul Rothrock got Seattle off on the right foot in Leagues Cup play with goals against Minnesota.

Austin FC vs. Pumas UNAM highlights

Despite having a player red-carded off the field during the first half, Austin FC pulled off a 3-2 win over Liga MX club Pumas.

Goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland preserved the win with a save on a penalty kick in second half stoppage time.

DC United vs. Atlanta United highlights

D.C. United prevailed in a sudden-death penalty shootout against Atlanta United.

Orlando City vs. CF Montreal highlights

Dagur Thorhallsson, Facundo Torres, Ramiro Enrique and Martin Ojeda each scored goals for Orlando City as it cruised to a 4-1 win over CF Montréal.

Cristian Olivera puts LAFC up 3-0 on Club Tijuana

Cristian Olivera scored his second goal of the night, giving LAFC a comfortable 3-0 lead over a seemingly overmatched Club Tijuana at BMO Stadium.

Paul Rothrock goal gives Seattle 2-0 win vs. Minnesota

There were no goals for 86 minutes, then two in the final minutes of the match.

Paul Rothrock scored a left boot in stoppage time, and Seattle beats Minnesota 2-0.

Jordan Morris goal puts Seattle up 1-0 late vs. Minnesota

Jordan Morris scored in the 87th minute for Seattle for the first goal in the match against 10-man Minnesota.

Denis Bouanga goal gives LAFC 2-0 lead vs. Club Tijuana

Denis Bouanga has found the back of the net, taking a cross by Cristian Olivera to score in the 43rd minute for LAFC’s 2-0 lead against Club Tijuana.

Cristian Olivera goal gives LAFC early 1-0 lead vs. Club Tijuana

Cristian Olivera chipped in a cross from Denis Bouanga in the 9th minute, and LAFC has an early 1-0 lead against Club Tijuana.

Stefan Cleveland save helps Austin FC keep 3-2 lead vs. Pumas

Austin FC goalie Stefan Cleveland with the play of the match, his penalty save against Pumas’ Guillermo Martinez during stoppage time to help his side maintain its 3-2 lead.

Guillermo Martinez goal helps Pumas cut deficit 3-2 vs. Austin FC

Guillermo Martinez scored in the 72nd minute for Pumas, but they still trail 3-2 to Austin FC.

Sebastián Driussi goal gives Austin FC 3-1 lead vs. Pumas

Sebastián Driussi scores in the 55th minute, and Austin FC’s lead is 3-1 over Pumas in the second half.

D.C. United beats Atlanta United 3-3 (6-5 in penalties)

D.C. United wins after a 6-5 edge in penalty shootout to beat Atlanta. Atlanta United’s Bartosz Slisz missed the final shot in the penalty round, after missing a penalty kick earlier in the match against D.C. United goalie Alex Bono.

Daniel Ríos scores to bring Atlanta United back vs. D.C. United

Daniel Ríos scored in the 81st minute, and Atlanta United is tied 3-3 with D.C. United late in the second half.

Gyasi Zardes gives Austin FC 2-0 vs. Pumas before halftime

Gyasi Zardes has scored in the 45th minute to help Austin FC take a 2-0 lead over Pumas. Austin FC is playing with 10 min after Osman Bukari’s ejection in the 34th minute.

Josef Martínez goal gets Montreal on the board, down 4-1 vs. Orlando City

Josef Martínez’s left boot was impressive and gets Montreal on the board in the 69th minute. But they trail 4-1 to Orlando City. The Orlando City SC vs. CF Montreal match live stream is on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Martin Ojeda’s goal gives Orlando City 4-0 lead vs. Montreal

Martin Ojeda’s goal in the 57th minute has extended Orlando City’s lead to 4-0 over Montreal.

Alex Ring goal gives Austin FC early 1-0 lead vs. Pumas

Austin FC’s Alex Ring has scored in the 8th minute to take a 1-0 lead over Pumas in the opening minutes. The match is on FS1, Apple TV, UniMas and TV Azteca.

Ramiro Enrique goal gives Orlando City 3-0 lead vs. Montreal

Orlando City’s roll continues just before halftime as Ramiro Enrique’s goal gives them a 3-0 lead against Montreal.

Saba Lobjanidze goal helps Atlanta United narrow score to 3-2 vs. D.C. United

Saba Lobjanidze scored in the 38th minute, and Atlanta United is down 3-2 to D.C. United in an entertaining first half. The Atlanta United vs. DC United is available for free live stream on Apple TV.

Facundo Torres goal gives Orlando City a 2-0 lead vs. Montreal

Facundo Torres scored in the 40th minute to double Orlando City’s lead against Montreal.

Jared Stroud brace gives D.C. United 3-1 lead vs. Atlanta United

Jared Stroud has scored his second goal of the game in the 31st minute to give D.C. United a 3-1 lead over Atlanta in their Leagues Cup match.

D.C. United takes 2-1 lead vs. Atlanta United

The goals are plenty in Atlanta: Jared Stroud has scored in the 25th minute and D.C. United has a 2-1 lead.

Atlanta United ties it up vs. D.C. United

Atlanta United with a quick response, a header by Daniel Ríos in the 20th minute to tie this match against D.C. United at 1.

Orlando City takes early 1-0 lead vs. Montreal

Dagur Thorhallsson has scored a goal in the 7th minute to give Orlando City an early 1-0 lead over Montreal. The Orlando City SC vs. CF Montreal match live stream is on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

DC United takes early 1-0 vs. Atlanta in Leagues Cup

Christian Benteke, the second-leading scorer in MLS this season, has D.C. United on the board with an early goal in the fourth minute to give his side a 1-0 lead over Atlanta. The goal was allowed after official review.

How to watch Pumas vs. Austin FC Leagues Cup live stream

The Pumas vs. Austin FC match begins at 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast in English on FS1, with a free live stream on Apple TV. The game will also be available in Spanish on UniMas and TV Azteca.

How to watch Seattle vs. Minnesota Leagues Cup live stream

The Seattle Sounders FC vs. Minnesota United FC match begins at 10 p.m. ET with a live stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

How to watch LAFC vs. Club Tijuana Leagues Cup live stream

The Los Angeles Football Club vs. Club Tijuana match begins at 11 p.m. ET with a live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Leagues Cup dates to remember

Here are the key schedule dates for the Leagues Cup:

Group Stage: July 26-August 6
Round of 32: August 7-9
Round of 16: August 12-13
Quarterfinals: August 16-17
Semifinals: August 20 or 21
Final and third-place match: August 25

The 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off with an opening ceremony unlike any other, with athletes from more than 200 nations floating down the Seine River on boats. The city itself served as a magnificent backdrop as the parade of nations unfolded with iconic landmarks making appearances throughout the show.

The opening ceremony is complete and now it’s on to more action for the 32 sports in this year’s Olympic Games. Here are all of the best moments from what was a magical night in Paris. 

When do the Olympic events start Saturday? TV, time and streaming

The Paris Olympics waste little time getting back in action after the opening ceremony. Things kick off at 2:30 a.m. ET with action in badminton. Multiple sports including swimming, judo, and shooting have medals on the line.

You can watch all of the action from Paris on E!, NBC, USA Network, Telemundo, Universo and Golf Channel on TV and streaming on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. Here’s a full schedule of Saturday’s events.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

‘I’m honored to have performed tonight’: Celine Dion closes out opening ceremony

The best-selling French-language artist of all time was the final act of the opening ceremony and performed Édith Piaf’s ‘L’Hymne à l’amour’ (‘Hymn to Love’) on the Eiffel Tower after the Olympic cauldron was lit.

This is the second time Dion’s performed on the Olympic stage. She sang ‘The Power of the Dream’ in 1996 at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

She posted on X after her performance to encourage the athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

2028 Summer Olympics

Los Angeles will host the next Summer Olympics in 2028. Those games will be the ninth time the U.S. is hosting the Olympics, more than any other country, and Los Angeles joins London and Paris as the only cities to host the Summer Olympics three times.

U.S. Summer Olympics host years:

1904: St. Louis
1932: Los Angeles
1984: Los Angeles
1996: Atlanta
2028: Los Angeles

U.S. Winter Olympics host years:

1932: Lake Placid, New York
1960: Squaw Valley, California
1980: Lake Placid, New York
2002: Salt Lake City
2034: Salt Lake City

When do events start again?

Paris Olympics action starts up again at 2:30 a.m. with Group Play in badminton mixed doubles, women’s and men’s singles, and women’s and men’s doubles.

Beyoncé introduces Team USA in 2024 Olympics

The most-awarded artist in Grammy history introduced the 594 athletes – the largest delegation in the Paris Olympics – representing the U.S. in the Summer Games. Beyonce gave special shoutouts to sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, swimmers Katie Ledecky and Caleb Dressel, and gymnastics legend Simone Biles, among others.

When are the first medals?

The first medal events of the Paris Olympics are set for Saturday and start with shooting. The 10 meter Air Rifle Mixed Team bronze and gold medal matches start at 4:30 a.m. ET.

Saturday will also feature medal events in diving, individual time trial road cycling, judo, skateboarding, rugby sevens, fencing, and swimming.

Coco Gauff, LeBron James leading the way

LeBron James and Coco Gauff made history as Team USA’s first men’s basketball player and first tennis player, respectively, to serve as flag bearers. Gauff, making her Olympic debut, posted on social media just how excited she was to be in Paris.

Stephen Curry among Team USA debutants in Paris Olympics

The Paris Olympics will be the first for many young stars on Team USA like women’s sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. One of the older Olympians making their debut is 36-year-old two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry. The Golden State Warriors star is suiting up for Team USA men’s basketball for the first time and reuniting with former teammate Kevin Durant.

Peyton Manning weighs in on Noah Lyles’ nails

Team USA’s top men’s sprinter Noah Lyles is a favorite in the 100 and 200 meters in the Paris Olympics. During the Olympic trials, he raced with Yu-Gi-Oh cards in one of the more viral moments from the trials. He’s making his mark in the Olympics with ‘ICON’ painted on his nails and Peyton Manning complimented his attitude.

Team USA is off down the Seine

Team USA’s contingent of nearly 600 athletes is making the trek down the famed Seine, which will take the Olympians past the Trocadero, the Austerlitz Bridge and many other culturally rich locations before arriving near the Eiffel Tower.

French anthem sung by Axelle Saint-Cirel

French mezzosoprano Axelle Saint-Cirel, wearing the colors of the French flag and holding an enormous Tricolore, sang a stunning rendition of France’s national anthem, ‘La Marseillaise.’

Saint-Cirel’s singing would have been remarkable by itself, but the drama was elevated by the fact that she was on the very top of the Grand Palais the towering exhibition hall and museum along the Champs-Élysées.

Minions attempt, fail to join Olympics

The Minions, popular characters from the Despicable Me franchise, have blessed the opening ceremonies with a slapstick attempt at Olympic participation. The lesson? It turns out you can’t do a javelin competition in a submarine.

Why the Minions? Illumination Studios Paris is the animation studio responsible for the mischievous yellow…creatures, and its headquarters is located mere blocks away from the Seine River.

Olympic Surfing will take place in Tahiti

The opening ceremonies have cut away from Paris entirely, switching to shots from the other side of the world in Tahiti.

Why? The Surfing competition at the 2024 Paris Games will take place many thousands of miles away from Paris, with Tahiti (the main island in French Polynesia, a semi-autonomous region governed by France) making a beautiful setting that just so happens to have the big waves required.

Why are Russia and Belarus not in the Paris Olympics?

Russia and Belarus are suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Has Paris hosted the Olympics before?

Paris has played host for the Summer Olympics twice, in 1900 and 1924.

As a country, France has hosted six Olympic Games (three summer, three winter). They will host the 2030 Winter Olympics as well, with the competition spread throughout the French Alps.

Metal band Gojira draws rave reviews

The remarkable musical portion of the opening ceremonies continued with a Marie Antoinette-inspired performance from metal band Gojira.

As the Olympians floated by the Conciergerie on the Seine, Gojira took the celebration of this 33rd Olympics into a unique place. Following up a song from the famous musical Les Miserables, Gojira’s segment involved a beheaded and singing Marie Antoinette, punishing guitar riffs, flamethrowers, and fireworks.

Opening ceremony makes Assassin’s Creed reference

The opening ceremony made multiple references to Assassin’s Creed, one of the most successful video game franchises in the world. The franchise has sold more than 200 million copies since November 2007 and is developed by French publisher Ubisoft.

When do events start again?

Paris Olympics action starts up again at 2:30 a.m. with Group Play in badminton mixed doubles, women’s and men’s singles, and women’s and men’s doubles.

Lady Gaga performs ‘Mon Truc En Plumes’ in opening ceremony

The Oscar- and Grammy-award winning musician led a performance of French musician Zizi Jeanmaire’s iconic song along the Seine River.

How many countries are in the Olympics?

There are 206 total countries, including the Refugee Olympic Team.

What number Olympics is the 2024 Games?

The Paris Olympics are the 33rd edition of the modern Summer Games. There have been 24 Winter Games events, most recently in Beijing in 2022, bringing the total to 55 combined Olympic Games.

Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson make Olympic debut

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson joined Olympics host Mike Tirico for NBC’s broadcast for the opening ceremony. Their debut was met with mixed response, including from social media.

Why is Greece first in the Parade of Nations?

Greece – considered the birthplace of the Olympic Games – has gone first in the Parade of Nations since 1928.

How many spectators are at the opening ceremony?

According to Olympic officials, 320,000 spectators are spread out in 124 grandstands along the river.

When is Team USA’s first event?

Team USA athletes have already started competition, beginning with rugby sevens on Wednesday with a 12-12 tie against host France.

Team USA is back in action after the opening ceremony starting with mixed doubles competition in badminton. Americans Vinson Chiu and Jennie Gai take on China’s Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping starting at 2:30 a.m. ET.

How many boats are in the opening ceremony?

The Paris Olympics marks the first opening ceremony to be held outside of a stadium. Thousands of athletes are riding on 85 boats for the ceremony.

Steven Spielberg kicks off primetime

The Oscar-winning director started off the broadcast with a montage of incredible moments and tributes to the host city, Paris.

Paris Olympics opening ceremony in primetime

NBC will replay the opening ceremony in primetime on the East Coast, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Paris Olympics 2024: How to watch the Summer Games across TV and streaming

Every event at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be aired live across NBC, USA Network, E!, CNBC, GOLF Channel, and there will be a Spanish broadcast on Universo and Telemundo. All events will be available to stream live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.

Date: July 24-Aug. 11

TV: Games broadcast across NBC, USA Network, E!, Telemundo, Universo, CNBC and Golf Channel

Streaming: Peacock, nbcolympics.com, fuboTV

Team USA flag bearers

Team USA selected four-time Olympian LeBron James as the male flag bearer for the opening ceremony. He is the first men’s basketball player to serve as a flag bearer and the third basketball player overall after women’s basketball team members Sue Bird (2020) and Dawn Staley (2004).

Three years after missing the Olympic Games in Tokyo because of a positive COVID-19 test, tennis star Coco Gauff is the female flag bearer for Team USA. She’s the first tennis player to have that honor.

Where is the opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games?

The opening ceremony for the Paris Olympic Games will be held in downtown Paris on the Seine river. The parade of nations will bring athletes down the river before stopping at Trocadéro Palace to finish off the ceremony.

How long is the opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony is scheduled for four hours of broadcast time, both live and in primetime coverage.

2024 Olympics schedule

The 2024 Olympic Games began on July 24 and finish with the closing ceremony on Aug. 11. Check USA TODAY’s Olympics schedule for a daily event times and viewing options.

How many athletes are in the opening ceremony?

An estimated 10,500 athletes are competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games but not all of them will be in the Parade of Nations. Paris Olympics officials estimate 6,800 athletes are attending the ceremony.

Smallest countries in the opening ceremony

Tuvalu is the smallest country by estimated population in the Parade of Nations. The Polynesian island nation has an estimated population of 11,312 people as of 2022 and has two athletes in the Paris Olympics: Karalo Maibuca (men’s 100 meters) and Temalini Manatoa (women’s 100 meters).

Pacific island nation Nauru is close behind with one athlete – men’s 100 meters athlete Winzar Kakiouea – and an estimated population of 12,668 as of 2022.

Monaco is the smallest country by size (0.8 square miles) and has six athletes in the Paris Olympics:

Marie-Charlotte Gastaud, women’s 100 meters
Marvin Gadeau, men’s +100 kg judo
Quentin Antognelli, men’s single sculls rowing
Théo Druenne, men’s 800-meter freestyle
Lisa Pou, women’s 10 km open water swimming
Yang Xiaoxon, women’s singles table tennis

How many events are in the Paris Olympics?

There are 339 events across 32 different sports in this year’s Summer Games. Team USA is competing in 31 out of 32 sports; U.S. athletes are not competing in team handball.

Which country has the most athletes at the Paris Olympics?

The U.S. has the most athletes at the games with 592.

Parade of Nations order

The Parade of Nations order is set alphabetically in the host nation’s language, hence why some countries are higher than expected. For example, Spain is earlier in the order than expected because the French word for Spain is Espagne.

Future host nations are at the end of the Parade of Nations as well. Australia will host the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane and the U.S. will host the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, so both countries are at the end of the parade ahead of this year’s host France.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Eight Major League Soccer teams were in action as the Leagues Cup tournament began with five games on Friday night.

The Leagues Cup is a midseason tournament featuring teams from MLS and LIGA MX in Mexico. In all, 47 total teams will play 77 matches in a World Cup-style tournament. The championship match will be played on Aug. 25.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami won the first Leagues Cup last year, but Messi won’t be in action when the club begins its title defense Saturday.

Here’s are our live updates from the five Leagues Cup matches tonight:

Leagues Cup Friday night scores

∎ D.C. United 3, Atlanta United 3 (D.C. United won penalty shootout, 6-5)

∎ Orlando City 4, CF Montreal 1

∎ Austin FC 3, Pumas 2

∎ Seattle Sounders 2, Minnesota United FC 0

∎ Los Angeles FC 3, Club Tijuana 0 (Second half on Apple TV)

WHAT IS LEAGUES CUP? Explaining MLS vs. Liga MX World Cup-style tournament

LEAGUES CUP SCHEDULE: Times, TV, live stream, groups for MLS vs. Liga MX tournament

Cristian Olivera puts LAFC up 3-0 on Club Tijuana

Cristian Olivera scored his second goal of the night, giving LAFC a comfortable 3-0 lead over a seemingly overmatched Club Tijuana at BMO Stadium.

Paul Rothrock goal gives Seattle 2-0 win vs. Minnesota

There were no goals for 86 minutes, then two in the final minutes of the match.

Paul Rothrock scored a left boot in stoppage time, and Seattle beats Minnesota 2-0.

Jordan Morris goal puts Seattle up 1-0 late vs. Minnesota

Jordan Morris scored in the 87th minute for Seattle for the first goal in the match against 10-man Minnesota.

Denis Bouanga goal gives LAFC 2-0 lead vs. Club Tijuana

Denis Bouanga has found the back of the net, taking a cross by Cristian Olivera to score in the 43rd minute for LAFC’s 2-0 lead against Club Tijuana.

Cristian Olivera goal gives LAFC early 1-0 lead vs. Club Tijuana

Cristian Olivera chipped in a cross from Denis Bouanga in the 9th minute, and LAFC has an early 1-0 lead against Club Tijuana.

Stefan Cleveland save helps Austin FC keep 3-2 lead vs. Pumas

Austin FC goalie Stefan Cleveland with the play of the match, his penalty save against Pumas’ Guillermo Martinez during stoppage time to help his side maintain its 3-2 lead.

Guillermo Martinez goal helps Pumas cut deficit 3-2 vs. Austin FC

Guillermo Martinez scored in the 72nd minute for Pumas, but they still trail 3-2 to Austin FC.

Sebastián Driussi goal gives Austin FC 3-1 lead vs. Pumas

Sebastián Driussi scores in the 55th minute, and Austin FC’s lead is 3-1 over Pumas in the second half.

D.C. United beats Atlanta United 3-3 (6-5 in penalties)

D.C. United wins after a 6-5 edge in penalty shootout to beat Atlanta. Atlanta United’s Bartosz Slisz missed the final shot in the penalty round, after missing a penalty kick earlier in the match against D.C. United goalie Alex Bono.

Daniel Ríos scores to bring Atlanta United back vs. D.C. United

Daniel Ríos scored in the 81st minute, and Atlanta United is tied 3-3 with D.C. United late in the second half.

Gyasi Zardes gives Austin FC 2-0 vs. Pumas before halftime

Gyasi Zardes has scored in the 45th minute to help Austin FC take a 2-0 lead over Pumas. Austin FC is playing with 10 min after Osman Bukari’s ejection in the 34th minute.

Josef Martínez goal gets Montreal on the board, down 4-1 vs. Orlando City

Josef Martínez’s left boot was impressive and gets Montreal on the board in the 69th minute. But they trail 4-1 to Orlando City. The Orlando City SC vs. CF Montreal match live stream is on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Martin Ojeda’s goal gives Orlando City 4-0 lead vs. Montreal

Martin Ojeda’s goal in the 57th minute has extended Orlando City’s lead to 4-0 over Montreal.

Alex Ring goal gives Austin FC early 1-0 lead vs. Pumas

Austin FC’s Alex Ring has scored in the 8th minute to take a 1-0 lead over Pumas in the opening minutes. The match is on FS1, Apple TV, UniMas and TV Azteca.

Ramiro Enrique goal gives Orlando City 3-0 lead vs. Montreal

Orlando City’s roll continues just before halftime as Ramiro Enrique’s goal gives them a 3-0 lead against Montreal.

Saba Lobjanidze goal helps Atlanta United narrow score to 3-2 vs. D.C. United

Saba Lobjanidze scored in the 38th minute, and Atlanta United is down 3-2 to D.C. United in an entertaining first half. The Atlanta United vs. DC United is available for free live stream on Apple TV.

Facundo Torres goal gives Orlando City a 2-0 lead vs. Montreal

Facundo Torres scored in the 40th minute to double Orlando City’s lead against Montreal.

Jared Stroud brace gives D.C. United 3-1 lead vs. Atlanta United

Jared Stroud has scored his second goal of the game in the 31st minute to give D.C. United a 3-1 lead over Atlanta in their Leagues Cup match.

D.C. United takes 2-1 lead vs. Atlanta United

The goals are plenty in Atlanta: Jared Stroud has scored in the 25th minute and D.C. United has a 2-1 lead.

Atlanta United ties it up vs. D.C. United

Atlanta United with a quick response, a header by Daniel Ríos in the 20th minute to tie this match against D.C. United at 1.

Orlando City takes early 1-0 lead vs. Montreal

Dagur Thorhallsson has scored a goal in the 7th minute to give Orlando City an early 1-0 lead over Montreal. The Orlando City SC vs. CF Montreal match live stream is on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

DC United takes early 1-0 vs. Atlanta in Leagues Cup

Christian Benteke, the second-leading scorer in MLS this season, has D.C. United on the board with an early goal in the fourth minute to give his side a 1-0 lead over Atlanta. The goal was allowed after official review.

How to watch Pumas vs. Austin FC Leagues Cup live stream

The Pumas vs. Austin FC match begins at 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast in English on FS1, with a free live stream on Apple TV. The game will also be available in Spanish on UniMas and TV Azteca.

How to watch Seattle vs. Minnesota Leagues Cup live stream

The Seattle Sounders FC vs. Minnesota United FC match begins at 10 p.m. ET with a live stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

How to watch LAFC vs. Club Tijuana Leagues Cup live stream

The Los Angeles Football Club vs. Club Tijuana match begins at 11 p.m. ET with a live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Leagues Cup dates to remember

Here are the key schedule dates for the Leagues Cup:

Group Stage: July 26-August 6
Round of 32: August 7-9
Round of 16: August 12-13
Quarterfinals: August 16-17
Semifinals: August 20 or 21
Final and third-place match: August 25

The Baltimore Orioles, proving they won’t be satisfied with another playoff berth, are going for the jugular and a first World Series title since 1983, acquiring veteran starter ZachEflin and cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Rays for three prospects Friday.

The Orioles are sending infielder Mac Horvath, right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister and outfielder Matthew Etzel to Tampa. Horvath is ranked as the Orioles’ 13th best prospect, according to Baseball America’s updated ranking while Baumeister is No. 18.

The move comes just hours after the Oriole landed veteran reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Philadelphia Phillies for 2023 All-Star outfielder Austin Hays.

The Orioles, who won 101 games last year and are leading the AL East, were in desperate need of a third starter behind Cy Young award winner Corbin Burnes and rising star Grayson Rodriguez. They had lost three starters to season-ending injuries, and wanted a veteran arm with postseason experience.

Eflin, 5-7, 4.09 ERA, was the perfect fit. He won 16 games a year ago with the Rays, and has 11 postseason appearances with the Phillies and Rays. He told friends he was thrilled by the trade knowing he has a chance to reach the World Series.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

The Orioles, who set out to acquire a starter and reliever, now could be set heading into the pennant race. Baltimore’s urgency for late-inning bullpen help increased on Thursday when they coughed up a 6-0 lead against Miami with veteran closer Craig Kimbrel blowing the save in the ninth inning. Dominguez, who has been erratic this season, is yielding a 4.75 ERA in 38 relief appearances, but has a 1.13 ERA in 15 career playoff appearances.

They also showed they are willing to spend money under new owner David Rubenstein, who is expected to complete the sale purchase of the club within the next few days.

Eflin, who received the biggest free-agent contract in Rays’ franchise history, is in the second year of a three-year, $40 million deal. He is owed $18 million next year.

While the Orioles are going for their first World Series title in 41 years, the Rays are waving the white flag after reaching the postseason five consecutive years, including a World Series appearance in 2020.

PARIS — Peyton Manning made remarkably seamless career transitions from NFL quarterback to advertising pitchman to football broadcaster. But the two-time Super Bowl champion expanded his repertoire with a far trickier challenge on Friday night, in serving as co-host of NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

Manning co-hosted the broadcast with Mike Tirico and Kelly Clarkson. The three announced their roles live on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ in March, although NBC had secured the trio before then; Tirico began trying to persuade Manning to co-host more than a year ago. But for Manning, despite plenty of time to prepare, this wasn’t as easy as riffing through a clever ad for Nationwide, and was a far bigger stage than hosting the Country Music Awards.

NBC ultimately got what it should’ve expected: the widespread appeal of a household name in American sport, but one who lacked the intrinsic understanding of the Olympics that a veteran of the Games could have provided. On the former count, Manning’s presence guaranteed more audience; on the latter, NBC signed up for something that no amount of preparation by Manning could’ve changed. The best and worst of Manning’s performance:

Peyton Manning’s best moments from Paris Olympics opening ceremony

1) Manning relayed some solid insight into the opening ceremony experience of U.S. water polo captain Maggie Steffens, who honored the recent death of a family member of her husband, Bobby, by dropping flowers into the river Seine as the boat carrying Team USA athletes made its way through the ceremony.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

‘Maggie texted me earlier today. She told me this is a very emotional evening for her. Two days ago there was an unexpected death in her husband Bobby’s family,’ Manning said. ‘She wanted to drop flowers in the river tonight as a tribute. She is grateful to have the support of her teammates here in Paris. She hopes her husband’s family is watching this and they are in her prayers.’

2) On U.S. heptathlete Anna Hall: ‘This past January she had knee surgery, but she has an incredible team around her. That includes her mentor, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Anna told me Jackie’s support has meant the world to her on her path to making her first Olympic team. (She) has a chance to be the first heptathlete gold medal winner since her mentor. (I’m) a big fan of hers.’

3) Manning knew his role as wingman to Tirico. He interjected at moments when a second voice was needed without talking over NBC’s eight-year veteran. For all the heat Manning drew from hardcore Olympics fans on social media, he at least wasn’t overbearing. His tone was loose and fun, a straight duplication of the jokey mood that underpins his wildly popular Manningcast of ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football.’ That can be endearing, although too many of his best wisecracks had football ties, not Olympic ties.

Peyton Manning’s worst moments from Paris Olympics opening ceremony

1) At one point, Manning donned a play-call wristband over his jacket, apparently loaded with Olympic intel written on it, similar to what pro quarterbacks use in NFL games. He joked that he had info on ‘all 200 countries, all 10,000 athletes.’ Amid fairly heavy criticism of Manning’s overall contribution, this moment actually drew some of his highest praise, but it fell flat here. Whether viewers took it seriously or not, it came off as a cheap prop.

2) Manning should definitely leave the French language to the French, but he gave it a shot.

‘I’m from New Orleans, or should I say, La Neuvelle Orleans, and our saying down there is ‘laissez le bon temps rouler’, or ‘Let the good times roll,’ Manning said of the opening ceremony. ‘It’s a party. I told you I took a little French in high school. I just wanted to get that in.’

Jump in any time, Kelly.

Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread.

PARIS — What seemed like a whole field army patrolled, scrutinized and locked down every doorway, window, rooftop, bridge, subway stop, manhole, backpack, handbag and water bottle. Helicopters and drones did not whirl overhead only because there was no place to whirl. The airspace was closed.

At every turn, police asked for a QR code and official ID as proof of identity. Then they asked for it again.

And again.

The Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony Friday was only the first − albeit major − security hurdle organizers of the Games faced. The world’s biggest sporting event has several weeks to run across an ancient and in places maze-like city, in a country where extremists’ plots, terrorism and large-scale civil unrest are not uncommon.

But despite a soggy backdrop of rain and dull gray skies they appeared to clear it, and then some, as many of the world’s best athletes excitedly floated down the Seine as part of an elaborate spectacle that saw a Summer Olympics opening ceremony take place outside a main athletics stadium for the first time.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

‘An absolutely massive, massive deployment of security forces,’ is how Mathieu Zagrodzki, a security expert at the University of Versailles, who watched the ceremony unfold from Paris’ city hall, described it in a WhatsApp message.

‘Very well organized. Nothing really negative to say.’

Yet it was a daring endeavor and even French President Emmanuel Macron at first thought it was “a crazy and not very serious idea’ to hold the ceremony along the river, a very public and dynamic setting open to every kind of risk, threat and variable known to emergency planners, when it was first proposed. (Speaking this week, Macron said, confidently: ‘We decided it was the right moment to deliver this crazy idea.’)

In the end, the ‘crazy idea’ allowed more than 300,000 people to watch the opening ceremony from bridges and riverbanks as dancers, pop stars, tightrope walkers and others told stories in different ways about French culture and history; about global friendship and solidarity and everything in between.

Footbridges were turned into catwalks. A metal horse somehow galloped down the river, its rider wearing a cape emblazoned with the Olympic rings. An opera singer delivered a spine-tingling song from atop the dizzying heights of the Grand Palais. A laser show was beamed from the Eiffel Tower. A 100-foot tall hot-air balloon, ringed by flames, lit the sky and capped the lavish affair, though it did not obscure the scale of Paris’ security challenge.

‘It’s complicated,’ said one police officer as he gestured toward the huge security perimeter that was erected along both banks of the Seine to enable 85 boats carrying thousands of athletes make their way down the river. Watching closely, in and out of public sight, were frogmen, snipers and powerful AI-assisted cameras.

The officer reminded a reporter that there’s another 2½ weeks to go.

Ahead of the ceremony, there were a few scares and some jitters.

French authorities had been on alert for potential acts of sabotage targeting the Games.

The country has no shortage of adversaries. They had warned there could be cyberattacks from Russia over France’s backing for Ukraine in that war, or Iran. Possibly both. Israel’s authorities had cautioned that its athletes and officials were targets. They often are, but this year perhaps more than most because of Israel’s nearly 10-month-old war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’ murderous attacks and kidnappings there Oct. 7.

On Wednesday, a Russian man who has lived in France for more than a decade was arrested on suspicion of plotting with a foreign power to stage “large scale” acts of ‘destabilization” during the Games.

French police said this week that they foiled a planned attack in May near Marseille, in the south, apparently timed for the arrival of the Olympic flame in that city. The plot involved a possible incendiary device, a bomb.

For days there has been a steady drip of bomb alerts at Paris train stations.

And early Friday, saboteurs vandalized several signal boxes and electricity pylons on France’s high-speed train network. The incident, described by authorities as a ‘massive attack,’ took place far from Paris but it caused disruptions to hundreds of thousands of travelers on the day of the Olympics’ showpiece.

It did not impact the opening ceremony but it set a bit of a sour tone to the first part of the day for some as French media covered it non-stop and raised questions about what it might mean for the Seine event and beyond.

‘I was really anxious leading up to it. I didn’t want to to take the subway, I wanted to try to walk here,’ said Katrina Palanca, a tourist from San Antonio, Texas, who was watching the ceremony from Pont du Carrousel, a bridge that spans the Seine, connecting the Quai des Tuileries near the Louvre museum and Quai Voltaire on Paris’ Left Bank.

‘But after going through that pat-down I feel really safe,’ she said.

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NHL general managers had money to spend this offseason with the salary cap rising from $83.5 million to $88 million.

That led to a busy free agency season in which USA TODAY Sports’ top 25 players moved within three days.

Though things are calming down and the Columbus Blue Jackets filled the final coach opening, there are more transactions to come.

Stars Leon Draisaitl, Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner and Igor Shesterkin are eligible to receive contract extensions. Jeremy Swayman, Lucas Raymond, Seth Jarvis and Moritz Seider are among restricted free agents needing new contracts.

Here are the top NHL transactions that have occurred during the 2024 offseason:

July 26: Trade target Patrik Laine cleared by assistance program

Patrik Laine’s request to be traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets received a significant boost.

The Finnish forward was released from the NHL/NHL Players’ Association’s player assistance program, clearing him to personally speak with coaches, executives and players from around the league for the first time since entering the program Jan. 28 for undisclosed reasons.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell did not comment on Friday’s news but told the Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, on Tuesday he’s confident a trade for Laine can be worked out this summer. A big holdup in trade talks, according to Waddell, was Laine’s inability to speak with him or opposing GMs while in the NHL/NHLPA program.

– Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch

July 25: Flyers’ Travis Konecny signs eight-year extension

– Field Level Media

July 24: Sabres agree to terms with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

The Buffalo Sabres avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing to terms with goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on a five-year deal with a $4.75 million cap hit. The restricted free agent gets a big bump from last season’s $837,500 after setting career highs with 54 appearances, 27 wins and a 2.57 goals-against average. The Sabres will go with a young goaltending duo of Luukkonen, 25, and Devon Levi, 22, next season as they try to end a 13-season playoff drought.

July 24: Oilers name Stan Bowman general manager

New Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is known both for his three Stanley Cup titles and for stepping down after a 2021 report criticized how the Chicago Blackhawks handled a sexual-assault complaint during their 2010 championship run. He was recently reinstated by the league. Bowman detailed the steps he took during his absence from the NHL and said, ‘I can tell you without a doubt that those things will never happen on my watch again.’

OILERS: What Stan Bowman, others said about Blackhawks scandal

July 23: Sabres agree to terms with Beck Malenstyn

Forward Beck Malenstyn, acquired from the Washington Capitals in an offseason trade, agreed to terms with the Buffalo Sabres on a two-year contract with a $1.35 million cap hit. He had filed for salary arbitration. Malenstyn is known for his defensive work, penalty killing and physical play. He led the Capitals last season with 241 hits while recording career highs with six goals, 15 assists and 21 points.

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen also has filed for arbitration.

Also: The Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Connor Dewar agreed to a one-year, $1.18 million deal. He had filed for salary arbitration.

July 22: Blue Jackets hire Dean Evason as coach

The Columbus Blue Jackets have settled on a new head coach.

Dean Evason will run the Blue Jackets’ bench after agreeing to a multi-year contract to fill a void created by the June 17 firing of Pascal Vincent. Not counting interims, Evason, 59, becomes the 11th coach in the franchise’s 24-year history.

Evason steps into the role after veteran Todd McLellan removed himself from the search process earlier this month. Evason doesn’t have as much experience as an NHL head coach as McLellan, but handled that role with the Minnesota Wild for five years before he was fired in November. Evason went 147-77-27 in 251 games with the Wild, including four trips to the playoffs.

– Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch

July 22: Joe Pavelski announces retirement

Joe Pavelski, who said in June he would take next season off, is retiring, he and the Dallas Stars announced. Pavelski, 40, finishes with 476 goals and 1,068 points in 1,332 career regular-season games between the San Jose Sharks and Stars. He’s the NHL’s leading U.S.-born playoff goal scorer with 74 and helped lead the Stars to back-to-back trips to the Western Conference final. Pavelski never won a Stanley Cup but he went to the Final in 2016 with the Sharks, scoring a playoff-leading 14 goals and four game-winners, and in 2020 with the Stars. He had been captain of the Sharks.

July 20: Canucks sign free agent forward Daniel Sprong

Winger Daniel Sprong’s deal with the Vancouver Canucks is for one year at a reported $975,000. He’s coming off back-to-back 40-point seasons despite averaging 11 to 12 minutes a night. He’ll add secondary scoring to a team that ranked sixth in goals per game last season. Sprong will get another chance to prove himself after the Seattle Kraken didn’t give him a qualifying offer in 2023 and the Detroit Red Wings let him go to free agency.

July 19: Red Wings, Joe Veleno reach deal, avoid arbitration

The Detroit Red Wings and forward Joe Veleno agreed to a two-year, $4.55 million contract, according to Sportsnet. He had filed for salary arbitration after getting a career-best 12 goals and 28 points in a bottom six role.

July 17: Hurricanes, Evgeny Kuznetsov agree to terminate contract

The Carolina Hurricanes placed forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. He cleared waivers and the contract was terminated, which will allow Kuznetsov to play in Russia. He had one year, at a $7.8 million cap hit, left on his contract. The Washington Capitals, who traded him to the Hurricanes last season, retained half of that, and both teams are now free of that cap hit.

The mutual decision brings another offseason change to the Hurricanes roster. They weren’t able to re-sign trade deadline acquisition Jake Guentzel and traded his rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he signed. Defensemen Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce and forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Stefan Noesen left in free agency. Defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Matt Walker and forwards Jack Roslovic and William Carrier are among the offseason additions.

Kuznetsov spent time last season in the NHL/NHL Players’ Association assistance program and finished with only 24 points in 63 games. He scored a league-best 32 points during the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup run. He also was known for his goal celebration of flapping his arms like a bird.

The Hurricanes announced later in the day that they had re-signed forward Jack Drury to a two-year contract with a $1.725 million cap hit.

July 16: Kings re-sign Quinton Byfield

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft will get five years at a $6.25 million average. The Los Angeles Kings forward was a restricted free agent. The deal follows a breakthrough last season with a jump from three goals and 22 points to 20 goals and 55 points while being moved into a top six role. If he continues that progress, the deal will look good years from now.

Also: The St. Louis Blues said defenseman Torey Krug has been diagnosed with pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle and will be evaluated in six to eight weeks. If he needs surgery, he will miss the 2024-25 season. The team said the injury is a cumulative result of a bone fracture from earlier in his career. … Vancouver Canucks goalie Arturs Silovs signed a two-year contract. He was pressed into action in the playoffs after an injury to Thatcher Demko.

July 13: Rangers, Blue Jackets sign players

The New York Rangers re-signed defenseman Braden Schneider to a two-year contract with a reported $2.2 million cap hit. The Columbus Blue Jackets and goalie Jet Greaves settled on a two-year deal and avoided arbitration. It’s a two-way deal the first year that pays him less in the American Hockey League, but the second year is a one-way deal.

July 11: Utah’s Tij Iginla signs entry-level contract

Igina, the son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, was the Utah Hockey Club’s first draft pick, taken sixth overall in June. He had 84 points in 64 games last season with Kelowna of the Western Hockey League. Iginla and Detroit Red Wings selection are the 13th and 14th of June’s 32 first-round picks to sign a three-year, entry-level contract.

Also: The Lightning and defenseman J.J. Moser reached a two-year, $6.75 million contract, avoiding arbitration. He was acquired from Utah in the Mikhail Sergachev trade.

July 10: Ryan Suter signs with Blues

Defenseman Ryan Suter, 39, who was bought out for the second time in his career, signed a one-year, $775,000 contract. He can earn another $2.225 million in performance bonuses. The Dallas Stars bought out the final year of his three-year contract. He was bought out by the Minnesota Wild in 2021.

July 8: Capitals name Chris Patrick general manager

Chris Patrick becomes the seventh general manager in Capitals history after being promoted from associate GM. Brian MacLellan was promoted to president of hockey operations. Patrick is the son of Capitals chairman Dick Patrick.

The Capitals were one of the busier teams this offseason, trading for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun and Logan Thompson and signing Matt Roy, Brandon Duhaime and Taylor Raddysh.

July 6: Top two NHL draft picks sign

No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini (Sharks) and No. 2 pick Artyom Levshunov (Blackhawks) signed three-year, entry-level deals rather than return for another season at college. They could end up at different levels. Celebrini, who was the clear-cut No. 1 pick, is expected to open the season with the Sharks. Levshunov, depending on what happens in training camp, could start in the American Hockey League.

July 5: 14 players file for salary arbitration

Fourteen restricted free agents have filed for salary arbitration, the NHL Players’ Association announced.

They are (in alphabetical order): Jake Christiansen (Blue Jackets), Connor Dewar (Maple Leafs), Jack Drury (Hurricanes), Ty Emberson (Sharks), Jet Greaves (Blue Jackets), Ryan Lindgren (Rangers), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sabres), Beck Malenstyn (Sabres), Kirill Marchenko (Blue Jackets), J.J. Moser (Lightning), Martin Necas (Hurricanes), Spencer Stastney (Predators), Joe Veleno (Red Wings) and Oliver Wahlstrom (Islanders).

The key one is Necas, who has been linked to trade rumors. Moser and Malenstyn were acquired in offseason trades.

Hearings will be held from July 20 to Aug. 4, though nearly all players reach a settlement beforehand.

July 3: Kraken hires Jessica Campbell as assistant coach

Jessica Campbell made history when she was hired to join Dan Bylsma’s coaching staff on the Seattle Kraken.

She becomes the first female full-time assistant coach in NHL history to work behind the bench

Campbell, 32, made similar history in the American Hockey League when Bylsma hired her as an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2022. Bylsma, a former Stanley Cup winner, is bringing Campbell with him to the NHL after being named Kraken coach in May.

‘I just know that if the team has success and my impact is a good one, it could potentially open the doors for others,’ she said.

July 1-4: Early days of free agency

The Nashville Predators were among the winners by signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. The Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights lost key players early but have added back. On Day 3, the Detroit Red Wings signed two-time Stanley Cup winner Vladimir Tarasenko.

A look at the opening days of 2024 NHL free agency

June 24-July 1: Who was traded before free agency?

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals were busy on the trade front. The Lightning moved out Mikhail Sergachev and Tanner Jeannot, then acquired the rights to Jake Guentzel and signed him to a seven-year, $63 million contract. The Capitals traded for forwards Dubois and Mangiapane, defenseman Chychrun and goalie Thompson, moving out goalie Darcy Kuemper and Beck Malenstyn.