Major League Baseball, which fired umpire Pat Hoberg for his association with a known gambler and officially denied his appeal Monday, said there is no evidence Hoberg gambled on baseball or manipulated the outcome of any game he umpired during his career.

While MLB made it clear that Hoberg violated their gambling policy, MLB officials insist there’s a distinction between Hoberg’s wrongful actions and those of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who was sentenced to prison for betting on games that he officiated.

There were 141 baseball bets placed by Hoberg’s close friend, called Individual A in the MLB report, a professional poker player who placed 19 of the bets from Hoberg’s house. There were eight bets placed during the 2021 season on five games that Hoberg either umpired or was a replay review official.

MLB found no evidence of any wrongdoing in those five games, the investigation revealed in its detailed report:

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April 13, 2021

Hoberg was the third base umpire in the game San Francisco Giants-Cincinnati Reds game and had three close plays, according to the MLB evaluation system. The three calls were all correct.
Hoberg’s friend made two bets for $2,000 and $1,000 on the Reds – and lost with the Giants winning, 7-6.

June 15, 2021

Hoberg was the lead replay official for the Chicago Cubs-New York Mets game. There was not a single replay review.
Hoberg’s friend bet $1,050 on the Cubs – and won $1,550.

Aug. 15, 2021

Hoberg was the home plate umpire for the Los Angeles Dodgers-New York Mets game. He missed only two pitches in the game, according to MLB’ evaluation system, with a score of 98.89%. The two missed pitches were in “low-leverage situations’’ and benefitted the Dodgers, with the six other calls “within the buffer zone”, with four going against the Dodgers and two against the Mets.
Hoberg’s friend bet $3,200 on the Dodgers – and won $5,200.

Oct. 8, 2021

Hoberg was the third base umpire for the Los Angeles Dodgers-San Francisco Giants playoff game in the NLDS but did not have any calls close enough to be logged in MLB’s evaluation system.
Hoberg’s friend bet $2,000 on the Giants and $3,000 on the over-under – and won both bets for a total of $9,300 with the Giants beating the Dodgers, 4-0.

Oct. 30, 2021

Hoberg was the lead replay official for Game 4 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves. There was only one replay review when the Houston Astros challenged a safe call at second base. Hoberg confirmed the call, which was supported by the staff in the Replay Operations Center.
Hoberg’s friend made two separate bets on the Astros for $3,000 and $1,050 – and lost both when Atlanta won, 3-2.

‘MLB analyzed baseball bets placed from Individual A’s accounts and corresponding game data to search for any discernible patterns that could indicate integrity risks,’ MLB said in its investigation. “Overall, although the baseball bets were profitable, the data did not support a finding that baseball bets from Individual A’s accounts were connected to game-fixing or other efforts to manipulate any part of any baseball game or event.

‘Critically, the baseball betting activity did not focus on any particular club, pitcher, or umpire, and there was no apparent correlation between bet success and bet size.  The eight bets on games Hoberg worked similarly did not reveal any obvious pattern.’

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The start of the San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies game was delayed due to a fan getting medical attention courtside, with several reports of the person receiving CPR.

Monday’s game was taking place at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, and the game was about to tip off when it was delayed for the individual in distress. Reporters at the game said on social media it appeared a man courtside passed out, and emergency services were on the scene. Video shared on social media showed medical personnel administering CPR to the fan as officials waited on the court, and other spectators looked on.

The Grizzlies huddled up and prayed as the scene was unfolding.

Both teams were sent to their locker rooms as emergency services continued. Video showed the fan being taken out of the court on a stretcher as arena workers tried to cover the person as he was escorted out.

‘Just prior to the start of tonight’s game, a fan sitting courtside suffered a medical emergency,’ a Grizzlies spokesperson said, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network. ‘We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the individual involved and are thankful to the first responders and medical staff who provided the necessary care. The start of the game commenced after a delay.’

San Antonio and Memphis eventually came back out and took part warm-ups. The delayed tip-off time was around 8:50 p.m. ET. The status of the fan was not revealed.

(This story was updated with additional information.)

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The biggest trade of the NBA season – and one of the biggest deals in NBA history – happened Saturday.

That’s when the Dallas Mavericks sent star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in a three-team, multi-player, multi-draft pick trade.

So, it’s going to be difficult to top that explosive deal ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Even so, De’Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine are off the board following the three-team trade Sunday among Sacramento, San Antonio and Chicago that sent Fox from the Kings to the Spurs and LaVine from the Bulls to the Kings.

Who is next? Can the Heat find a palatable deal for unhappy Jimmy Butler? Is New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram staying or going? What about Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciunas and Jordan Poole? And Utah’s Collin Sexton, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson? Will the Bulls dismantle the roster with an additional trade involving Nik Vucevic and/or Lonzo Ball? Will Brooklyn find the perfect deal for Cam Johnson?

Are Milwaukee, Phoenix and Memphis in the mix for a big-time player?

We soon will find out.

Here are the trades that have happened since the start of the 2024-25 NBA season:

2024-25 NBA trade deadline tracker

Spurs add De’Aaron Fox in trade involving Zach LaVine

Feb. 2: The San Antonio Spurs reached a deal to acquire De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade that also sends the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine to the Kings. In addition to Fox, the Spurs also acquired Jordan McLaughlin, while the Kings get Sidy Cissoko, three future first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2031) and three future second-round picks (2025, and two in 2028). The Bulls receive Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and a 2025 first-round pick..

Luka Doncic traded to Lakers for Anthony Davis

Feb. 1: The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a deal to acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks as part of a three-team trade that has Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick going to Dallas in a stunning blockbuster trade that also involves the Utah Jazz. The Lakers will also receive Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from Dallas. The Jazz will acquire Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from the Lakers and a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks.

P.J. Tucker situation resolved in Jazz-Clippers trade

Feb. 1: The Los Angeles Clippers traded forward P.J. Tucker, who hasn’t played this season as the Clippers found a trade for him, center Mo Bamba, a 2030 second-round pick and cash considerations to the Utah Jazz for forward/center Drew Eubanks and guard Patty Mills.

Suns receive first-round picks from the Jazz

Jan. 21: The Utah Jazz sent three first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) to the Phoenix Suns for the Suns’ 2031 unprotected first-round pick.

Suns trade for Nick Richards

Jan. 15: The Charlotte Hornets sent center Nick Richards and a second-round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns for guard-forward Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.

Lakers land Dorian Finney-Smith

Dec. 29: The Los Angeles Lakers traded guard D’Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks (a protected pick in 2027 and unprotected picks in 2030 and 2031) to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton.

Warriors acquire Dennis Schroder from Nets

Dec. 15: The Golden State Warriors acquired guard Dennis Schroder and a 2025 second-round pick (via Miami) from the Brooklyn Nets for guard De’Anthony Melton, guard Reece Beekman and three second-round draft picks – one in 2026 from Atlanta, one in 2028 from Atlanta and one in 2029 from Golden State.

Heat sends Thomas Bryant to Pacers

Dec. 15: The Heat traded center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers for the right to swap second-round picks in 2031. Miami will receive the more favorable of the two teams’ second-round picks in 2031.

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Myles Garrett requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns after eight seasons, seeking a Super Bowl title.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions might make sense for Garrett’s services.
Garrett’s potential landing spot will depend on a team’s willingness to absorb his contract and the Browns’ asking price.

Myles Garrett has been a member of the Cleveland Browns since the team selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. The 29-year-old is hoping that will change during the 2025 offseason.

Garrett requested a trade after eight seasons with the Browns. He cited a desire ‘to compete for and win a Super Bowl’ in a statement announcing his request.

It isn’t yet clear whether Cleveland will capitulate to Garrett. Browns general manager Andrew Berry told reporters at the Senior Bowl that Cleveland wasn’t interested in trading the star pass rusher and wanted him to retire as a member of the Browns.

Nonetheless, a plurality of NFL teams will be interested in acquiring Garrett, who won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2023 and has averaged 12.8 sacks per season during his eight-year career.

Here’s a look at some of Garrett’s top potential landing spots if Cleveland trades him and fully rebuilds.

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Philadelphia Eagles

If Garrett wants to play for a Super Bowl contender, he’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Eagles. Philadelphia has gone to two of the last three Super Bowls and will need to bolster its pass rush during the offseason, as Josh Sweat, Milton Williams and Brandon Graham (16.5 combined sacks) all hit free agency.

The Eagles have just under $18.1 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com, but general manager Howie Roseman would find a way to make the remainder of Garrett’s five-year, $125 million deal work. Roseman has made aggressive trades before, including one recently for A.J. Brown, so expect Philadelphia to be involved in the bidding.

Detroit Lions

The Lions are another NFC contender that should have a strong interest in Garrett. They have one of the league’s best pass rushers in Aidan Hutchinson, but the team struggled to find a complement to him before he went out for the season with a broken leg.

Garrett and Hutchinson combined would instantly give the Lions one of the league’s best pass rushes. And despite being in a championship window, Detroit has the 10th-most cap space league-wide ($46.5 million) without too many stars set to hit free agency.

It’s also worth noting the Lions acquired veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Browns ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline, so there is a positive history between these two front offices.

Green Bay Packers

Rashan Gary has developed into a star pass rusher for the Packers, but 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness hasn’t yet developed into a force across from him as Green Bay had hoped. Garrett’s presence would give the Packers a formidable one-two punch along with Gary and could help Jeff Hafley’s defense continue its upward trajectory (the Packers ranked fourth in defensive EPA last year).

Green Bay has just under $42.1 million in cap space for the 2025 offseason, so the team could easily absorb Garrett’s remaining salary.

Washington Commanders

Here’s another up-and-coming NFC playoff team that could use a top-tier pass rusher. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. turned Washington’s defense into a respectable unit, but the Commanders still need to add some star power on the edge. Garrett qualifies and would soften the potential blow of losing pending free agent Dante Fowler Jr. (10.5 sacks).

With Jayden Daniels on a cost-controlled rookie contract, the Commanders are armed with the third-most cap space league-wide, an excess of $78.1 million. That could prompt Adam Peters to aggressively pursue Garrett with Washington well ahead of schedule in its rebuild.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are also ahead of schedule in their rebuild, though not quite to the extent of the Commanders. They reached the playoffs in Jim Harbaugh’s first season but will look to infuse their middling roster with some star power during the offseason.

Garrett would be a natural replacement for pending free agent Khalil Mack, who will turn 34 this month. Pairing the Browns star with Joey Bosa would create one of the NFL’s most fearsome two-man pass rushes.

San Francisco 49ers

If Garrett doesn’t team up with Joey Bosa, why not do so with his younger brother? The 49ers could use a top-tier complement to Nick Bosa and have the eighth-most cap space in the league at $48.3 million. John Lynch’s front office has spent big on defensive linemen throughout his tenure as general manager, so seeing them chase Garrett wouldn’t be a surprise.

That said, the 49ers chasing Garrett isn’t a slam-dunk. They need to conserve some cap space for Brock Purdy’s new deal and have four defensive starters set to hit free agency, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and top cornerback Charvarius Ward. San Francisco may prefer to take care of some of their own as such rather than go big game hunting again.

Chicago Bears

The Bears don’t check all of Garrett’s boxes, as they aren’t presently a proven winner. That said, he would provide a massive upgrade for the team’s defense across from Montez Sweat. That could make Chicago’s defense, which ranked 15th in the NFL in defensive EPA despite a dismal season for the team as a whole, one of the NFL’s best.

Chicago is armed with just under $63 million in cap space (sixth-most in the NFL) so perhaps Ben Johnson can sell Garrett on the Bears making a big leap in his first season as a head coach.

Las Vegas Raiders

Yes, the Raiders don’t check the box of a winner either, but imagine Garrett and Maxx Crosby playing across from one another with Christian Wilkins at defensive tackle. That’s enough to make opposing offenses lose sleep.

The Raiders also have the second-most cap space league-wide ($92.6 million) and hired Pete Carroll to turn their franchise around. Carroll built formidable defenses during his time with the Seattle Seahawks and posted a winning record in 11 of his last 12 seasons in Seattle. Perhaps the ever-energetic Carroll could get Garrett excited about the team’s defensive potential and get him to come to Las Vegas.

The NHL Player Safety department announced Monday that Hartman was being suspended for 10 games for roughing against the Ottawa Senators’ Tim Stutzle. The suspension will cost him $487,804.90 in lost pay.

Hartman ‘used his forearm to violently slam’ Stutzle’s head into the ice during a faceoff late in the second period. The department disagreed with Hartman’s assertion that he put his hand there to regain his balance and that the fall was accidental.

‘This is not a hockey play,’ the department said in a video, calling the play ‘inherently dangerous and unacceptable.’

Stutzle suffered a cut on his head but was stitched up and returned in the third period.

Hartman received a match penalty and was offered an in-person hearing, reserved for a potential suspension of six games or more.

Hartman had been suspended four times previously in his career, most recently for three games in April for throwing his stick in the direction of an on-ice official.

He also has been fined seven times, including once in January for high-sticking an opponent during a faceoff. The department noted that he has been disciplined roughly once every 60 games.

The suspension was the longest this season, topping the eight games given to the New York Rangers’ Matt Rempe.

Hartman will be able to appeal the suspension to commissioner Gary Bettman.

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world by trading for Luka Doncic and many fans cannot wait to see his first game with the franchise.

But what some may not remember is that Doncic is currently injured and has not actually played in a game since December 25. That is one of the reasons why Doncic did not actually make the NBA All-Star Game this season.

Doncic is currently dealing with a left calf strain injury but has also missed time due to other lingering issues including his wrist. However, after more than a month on the sidelines, he is expected to return soon.

In fact, according to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, his first game could come as soon as Saturday against the Pacers in Los Angeles. This would give Doncic three games before the All-Star break, including two against the Jazz.

This is aligned with reporting from Marc Stein, who indicated that Doncic was targeting a Feb. 8 return before he was traded from the Mavericks.

Other reporting from both ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania suggested that he could wait until after the All-Star break for his first game with Los Angeles.

Their first game after the All-Star break is Feb. 19 against Charlotte in Los Angeles. If he chose this path, it would allow him an eight-week recovery window for his calf strain.

Mark Cuban’s reaction

Something else you might not remember: Mark Cuban is no longer the majority owner of the Mavericks.

So when he found out that Dallas was trading Doncic to the Lakers, he was just as surprised as the rest of us.

Shootaround

Luka Doncic’s dad was as surprised by his son’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers as everyone else.

But Sasa Doncic vented his frustration with the deal Sunday to Slovenian outlet Arena Sport 1. He said while he understood that players often change teams, he was unhappy with the secrecy in which the trade was conducted.

He also used the word ‘hypocrisy’ to describe how he believes the Dallas Mavericks treated the player who helped them reach the NBA Finals last year for the first time since 2011.

‘I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy,’ Sasa Doncic said, as translated by Arena Sport. ‘You don’t like this or that player, all good – I get it.

‘But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally. Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this.’

Doncic, who has been out since Dec. 25 with a calf injury, was named Rookie of the Year in his 2018-19 season and had spent his entire career with Dallas. He is a five-time All-Star and has finished in the top five in MVP voting three times.

While he has been limited to 22 games this season because of injury, the fewest he played before this season was 61. In seven seasons (2020-21 was 72 games because of COVID-19), he averaged 76 games a season, with 28.6 ppg, 8.3 apg, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals.

In trading him for Anthony Davis, a defensive stalwart, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said he and coach Jason Kidd believed defense wins championships. Harrison also alluded to Doncic’s upcoming contract situation, when he would have been eligible for a five-year, $345 million super max contract extension this summer.

There also was talk around the league that the Mavericks were unhappy with Doncic’s conditioning.

This is where Sasa Doncic really took the team to task.

‘[Luka’s conditioning] wasn’t even a problem last year since, I am saying again, one individual said he’s not fit enough,’ Sasa said. ‘That he played, I don’t know, 100 games ‒ practically 40 minutes with two or three players constantly on him.

‘That he was beaten, and you say such things about him ‒ I feel that this is very unfair from certain individuals. You traded him, stand by your actions but don’t look for excuses or alibis, that’s it.’

In his farewell letter, Luka Doncic thanked fans and the Dallas community for their continued support throughout his career – the ups and downs – but specifically did not mention the organization.

He wrote in part: ‘For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home. In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.’

The 2025 Major League Soccer season — the 30th in league history — is quickly approaching.

While the Los Angeles Galaxy enter the season as defending MLS Cup champions and Inter Miami CF are the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners, San Diego FC is the latest expansion club to join the league. San Diego FC is the league’s 30th team.

The regular season will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 22 and will conclude with Decision Day on Saturday, Oct. 18.

In the time leading up to the season openers, teams will be shaping rosters in preparation for a run at MLS Cup 2025.

Follow along here this preseason for transfers, trades and other MLS news and analysis:

Atlanta United acquiring Emmanuel Latte Lath for MLS record fee, per reports

Feb. 3 — Atlanta United’s busy offseason continued with the transfer of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from English Premier League club Middlesbrough. Atlanta United will pay what will be a league-record fee of around $22 million for Latte Lath, per reports. The current MLS record transfer fee is $16.2 million, which FC Cincinnati paid for Kevin Denkey in November.

Latte Lath, a 26-year-old from Ivory Coast, scored 27 goals in 58 appearances for Middlesbrough, which plays in the EFL Championship.

Atlanta United also brought back midfielder Miguel Almiron, who helped the team win the 2018 MLS Cup. Almiron was an MLS Best XI selection in both of his seasons (2017-18) in Atlanta.

Cucho Hernandez transferred from Columbus Crew to La Liga’s Real Betis

Feb. 3 — The Columbus Crew have transferred star forward Cucho Hernandez to La Liga’s Real Betis in Spain. The transfer fee for Hernandez was for approximately $16 million, according to a source.

Following the closure of La Liga’s winter transfer window on Monday, the Crew officially announced the move.

Last year, Hernandez was the runner-up in the MLS MVP vote behind Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi. The 25-year old’s two goals in the 2024 Leagues Cup final allowed the Crew to defeat Los Angeles FC for the title.

Another key goal for Hernandez with the Crew was his penalty kick in a 2023 MLS Cup victory over LAFC, earning the club its third MLS Cup title. — Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch

Philadelphia Union trade USMNT prospect Jack McGlynn to Houston Dynamo

Feb. 3 — U.S. national team prospect Jack McGlynn is on the move.

The Philadelphia Union traded the 21-year-old midfielder to the Houston Dynamo for a $2.1 million fee that includes an additional $1,300,000 if certain performances metrics are met plus a sell on percentage for any future McGlynn transfer.

This deal was consummated due to a new MLS rule that was unveiled in January that allows teams to make up to two trades involving cash, rather than needing to move players or MLS-only assets like allocation money, international spots, or draft picks.

Dejan Joveljic goes from MLS Cup champs to Sporting Kansas City

Feb. 2 — Dejan Joveljic thought he would be part of the Los Angeles Galaxy for a long time.

But after his best MLS season and pivotal part of the franchise’s 2024 title, Joveljic will be looking to further his accolades with Sporting Kansas City.

One day after being acquired for $4 million — the first cash-for-player trade in MLS history — the change in scenery was sinking in for the 25-year-old Serbian.

‘In 2021, I came to the United States for the first time and I had big goals,’ Joveljic said on social media on Sunday. ‘I joined the most historic team in MLS and I wanted to play and score in every match. I had to wait a little longer than I would’ve liked, but I finally showed everyone what my game is about: scoring goals and doing anything and everything for the team to win.’

Joveljic excelled in the 2024 postseason with six goals in five matches. He scored one of LA’s goals in the 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup title match. — Reuters

Miguel Almiron returns to Atlanta United

Jan. 30 — Atlanta United announced the return of franchise hero Miguel Almiron.

The 31-year-old Paraguay international helped Atlanta claim the 2018 MLS Cup before joining the Premier League’s Newcastle United for a then-record outgoing transfer fee of $27 million.

Almiron returns from Newcastle for a reported $10 million transfer fee, plus add-ons. Atlanta also had to pay Charlotte FC $400,000 in general allocation money to acquire his discovery priority. — Reuters

Five MLS franchises top $1B in Sportico’s latest valuations

Jan. 30 — Five MLS franchises top $1 billion, with the average team worth $721 million, in Sportico’s valuations announced on Thursday.

The other four reaching the $1 billion plateau are superstar Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami ($1.19 billion; 17 percent increase), LA Galaxy ($1.11 billion; 11 percent increase); Atlanta United ($1.08 billion, 3 percent increase) and New York City FC ($1 billion, 19 percent increase).

Inter Miami and the Galaxy each moved up one spot from the 2024 rankings, with Atlanta United slipping two spots.

CF Montreal again ranked last at $450 million, which was a 2 percent increase. — Reuters

New 2025 Leagues Cup format for MLS, LIGA MX clubs

Jan. 30 — The 2025 Leagues Cup will feature 18 of 30 MLS teams and all 18 clubs from LIGA MX, beginning July 29 to the Aug. 31 final. Tournament organizers announced the new format Thursday.

Leagues Cup 2025 will be played in two rounds: Phase One and the Knockout Rounds. Phase One will feature three consecutive match dates per club, and all 54 Phase One matches will be played between MLS and LIGA MX clubs.

New York Red Bulls sign Canadian defender Raheem Edwards

The New York Red Bulls announced the signing of Canadian defender Raheem Edwards.

The two-year deal is pending receipt of his international paperwork and includes an option for 2027.

Edwards, 29, has eight goals and 28 assists in 177 MLS matches with Toronto FC (2016-17), CF Montreal (2018, 2024), the Chicago Fire (2019), Minnesota United (2020), Los Angeles FC (2021) and the Los Angeles Galaxy (2022-23).

Edwards won the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield with hometown Toronto FC in 2017. — Reuters

MLS, Apple make push for more viewers; ‘Sunday Night Soccer’ game added for 2025

Jan. 29 — Major League Soccer and Apple are making a major push to reach more viewers in 2025.

Soccer fans with Comcast Xfinity and DirecTV can subscribe and watch MLS Season Pass through the TV providers, while T-Mobile users will be able to access MLS Season Pass for free, the league announced Wednesday.

MLS announces clubs for US Open Cup, Leagues Cup in 2025

Jan. 28 — All 30 Major League Soccer teams will compete in at least one, but no more than two North American competitions during the 2025 MLS season.

MLS announced its qualification structure for the four tournaments — the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Canadian Championship — on Tuesday for the next two seasons. The qualifications will be revisited in the 2027 season. — Safid Deen

NYCFC sells prospect Christian McFarlane to Manchester City

Jan. 27 — New York City FC has sold 18-year-old defender Christian McFarlane to Manchester City, the MLS club announced on Monday.

McFarlane joined NYCFC at age 11 and represented the club at every age category, making his senior debut last season. He is expected to join the academy at City which, like NYCFC, is under the City Football Group ownership umbrella.

In 2021, McFarlane became the third-youngest Homegrown Player signing in MLS history when he signed a pro deal with NYCFC at age 14 years, 234 days.

State of soccer in U.S. 500 days before 2026 World Cup

Jan. 27 — Mark your calendars, soccer fans: The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in 500 days.

Expect President Donald Trump, reigning World Cup champion Lionel Messi and the U.S. men’s national soccer team to be among those playing major roles in driving attention to the sport and the tournament during the next 500 days.

What is the state of the sport in the United States with about a year and a half until the big tournament? — Safid Deen

MLS NEXT Pro releases 2025 schedule

Jan. 27 — MLS NEXT Pro — the developmental league for Major League Soccer — will kick off its 2025 season on Friday, March 7. This is the earliest season kickoff date for MLS NEXT Pro, which is entering its fourth season.

The 2025 season will include 29 clubs — 27 MLS affiliates and two independent teams (Caronlina Core FC and Chattanooga FC).

More than 155 players have signed MLS first-team contracts after playing in MLS NEXT Pro. That collection of players includes five who played for the U.S. national team during its January friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica: defender Max Arfsten and goalkeeper Patrick Schulte of the Columbus Crew, forward Patrick Agyemang of Charlotte FC, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi of Inter Miami CF and midfielder Jack McGlynn of the Philadelphia Union.

Most MLS NEXT Pro matches will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

USMNT’s Luca de la Torre joins San Diego FC on loan

Jan. 21 — San Diego FC has announced the signing of Luca de la Torre on a 12-month loan from Spanish La Liga club Celta Vigo.

The U.S. men’s national team midfielder returns to his hometown ahead of the club’s inaugural season in MLS.

‘We’re thrilled to bring Luca home to San Diego,’ SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps said. ‘Luca’s journey — competing in some of the world’s top leagues and representing the USMNT — speaks volumes about his dedication and talent.’

New England Revolution sign MLS veteran Maximiliano Urruti

Jan. 16 — The New England Revolution signed forward Maximiliano Urruti to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026.

Urruti, 33, joins the Revolution after spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Austin FC, posting 10 goals and two assists in 57 games (38 starts) in that span. In 11 MLS seasons, he has 70 goals and 39 assists in 295 games (218 starts) with Toronto FC, the Portland Timbers, FC Dallas, CF Montreal, the Houston Dynamo and Austin.

The Argentina native ranks ninth in goals and 17th in games played among active MLS players. — Reuters

San Jose Earthquakes sign former MLS MVP Josef Martinez

Jan. 13 — The San Jose Earthquakes signed former MLS MVP Josef Martinez to a one-year contract, the team announced.

The deal with the 31-year-old free agent striker from Venezuela includes a club option for 2026.

Martinez tallied 11 goals in 23 matches with CF Montreal last season, his fifth MLS season with double-digit goals. He has 116 goals and 20 assists in 184 matches with Atlanta United (2017-2022), Inter Miami (2023) and Montreal. — Reuters

First look at ‘Onside: Major League Soccer’

Jan. 9 — A trailer for the eight-part documentary, ‘Onside: Major League Soccer,’ has been released.

‘Onside: Major League Soccer’ will premier on Friday, Feb. 21 on Apple TV+, and is produced by Box To Box Films, the company behind Netflix’s popular ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ series.

The documentary will showcase the biggest moments from the 2024 MLS season, which concluded with the Los Angeles Galaxy winning MLS Cup for the first time in 10 years.

‘Onside: Major League Soccer’ is the latest soccer-themed project from Apple, which includes the docuseries ‘Messi Meets America’ and ‘Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend,’ as well as the award-winning scripted series ‘Ted Lasso.’

Austin FC adds USMNT forward Brandon Vazquez

Jan. 6 — Austin FC finally has its impact striker.

At least it hopes so.

In what at first glance appears to be a major get for the club, Austin FC signed forward Brandon Vazquez from Mexican side C.F. Monterrey for a club-record transfer fee to a four-year deal through 2028.

Vazquez, 26, who has made 11 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team in the past two years, scored 14 goals in 48 appearances for C.F. Monterrey after joining the club in January 2024. Vazquez spent 2020-23 with FC Cincinnati, where he broke out in 2022 with 20 goals across all competitions. — Colby Gordon, Austin American-Statesman

When does the 2025 MLS season start?

Dec. 19 — The 2025 MLS season will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Here is the slate of games for ‘MLS is Back’ weekend (all games on  MLS Season Pass on Apple TV):

Saturday, Feb. 22

Inter Miami CF vs. New York City FC, 2:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles FC vs. Minnesota United FC, 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
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FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET
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Sunday, Feb. 23

Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 4 p.m. ET
LA Galaxy vs. San Diego FC, 7 p.m. ET

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MEDLEY, Fla. — Breanna Stewart loves the fact every Unrivaled game ends with a winning basket. But the feeling is a little different when a game is won at the free-throw line.

Stewart scored the game-winning free throw in the Mist’s 64-61 win — after a technical foul call on Phantom coach Adam Harrington — in the first of two games on Monday night.

“I don’t know if I like ending the game after a free throw,” Stewart, the Unrivaled co-founder with Napheesa Collier, said during a postgame interview on the court after the game.

Mist-Phantom was the first Unrivaled game in three weeks of the new women’s basketball league to be tied, at 53 points, at the end of the third quarter. Unrivaled games end with an untimed fourth quarter, with the winning team needing to score 11 points more than the highest team’s score after the third quarter.

Instead of a thrilling finish, the Mist-Phantom ending was anticlimactic to say the least.

At least Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty teammates with Stewart, tried to bring some levity to the situation as she yelled from half court as Stewart took her free throw to win the game.

“I didn’t see why they gave him one. I know he was fighting for us, and you appreciate a coach that will fight for you on the court,” Phantom star Brittney Griner said of her coach after the game.

“It’s crazy they would call that honestly. Just give me a warning or something. Don’t let a game get decided on an [expletive] free throw.”

Stewart finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds with four assists to help the Mist win their second straight game after a 0-4 start.

Stewart scored six points in the fourth quarter, while Rickea Jackson scored five of her 17 points in the final quarter.

Satou Sabally led the Phantom with 22 points, while Griner had 20 points and eight rebounds.

Harrington did not speak to media after the game.

Napheesa Collier scored 36 points with 12 rebounds, Allisha Gray added 20 points, and Skylar Diggins-Smith hit her fourth game-sealing shot as the Lunar Owls beat the Vinyl 85-68 in the second game.

The Lunar Owls lead Unrivaled with a 6-0 record, while the Laces are in second place at 4-2. The Mist, Phantom, Rose and Vinyl are all 2-4 after the third week of action. Unrivaled returns to action on Friday and Saturday, before the league’s 1-on-1 tournament begins next Monday.

Check out these highlights from Monday night’s Unrivaled games: 

Lunar Owls vs. Vinyl highlights

Mist vs. Phantom highlights

Unrivaled final score: Lunar Owls 85, Vinyl 68

Napheesa Collier had 36 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Lunar Owls to a 6-0 start with an 85-68 win over the Vinyl.

“We come into every practice, every game like the score is 0-0, and we just keep stacking those wins,” Collier said. “I feel like I’m using Unrivaled for exactly what it was built to get myself better for myself and my team.”

Unrivaled third quarter score: Lunar Owls 73, Vinyl 57

Target winning score: 84

Napheesa Collier has 30 points and 11 rebounds, Allisha Grey has 17 points, and the Lunar Owls are in control 73-57 after the third quarter.

The Lunar Owls need to reach 84 points to secure the win, and improve to 6-0 on the season.

Rhyne Howard has 17 points for the Vinyl, who are starting at their fourth straight loss unless an epic comeback is in the works in the fourth quarter.

Unrivaled halftime score: Lunar Owls 52, Vinyl 38

Napheesa Collier has 16 points, Allisha Grey added 12 points and Skylar Diggins-Smith scored 11 points in the first half for the Lunar Owls, up 52-38, over the Vinyl in the first half.

Rhyne Howard leads Vinyl with 11 points, while Dearica Hamby has eight rebounds.

Unrivaled first quarter score: Lunar Owls 29, Vinyl 18

Napheesa Collier had 11 points, while all five Lunar Owls scored in the first quarter leading to a 29-18 advantage in the first quarter.

Rhyne Howard led the Vinyl with six points, all from 3-point range.

Unrivaled final score: Mist 64, Phantom 61

Breanna Stewart scored the game-winning free throw, and the Mist beat Phantom 64-61 in the first of two games on Monday night.

Stewart had 18 points, 13 rebounds and four assists as the Mist won their first two games this weekend after a 0-4 start.

“I think we’ve learned a lot the first four, five games. We continued to stay composed. I don’t know if I like ending the game after a free throw,” Stewart said after the game.

The free throw did lead to an anticlimactic ending for the first Unrivaled game to be tied, at 53 points with a target winning score of 64, entering the fourth quarter.

Phantom coach Adam Harrington was ejected for protesting a late call, leading to the Mist win.

Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty teammates with Stewart, yelled from half court as Stewart took her technical free throw to win the game.

Stewart scored six points in the fourth quarter, while Rickea Jackson scored five of her 18 points in the final quarter.

Satou Sabally led the Phantom with 22 points, while Brittney Griner had 20 points and eight rebounds.

Unrivaled score: Mist 53, Phantom 53 after third quarter

Target winning score: 64

Satou Sabally missed a layup as time expired in the third quarter, but she tied the game from a two-point free throw with 7.9 seconds left.

For the first time in Unrivaled history, both teams are tied after three quarters. The first club to reach 64 points will win.

Sabally leads the Phantom with 20 points, while Stewart has 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Mist.

Unrivaled halftime score: Mist 40, Phantom 29

Rickea Jackson has 12 points, Jewell Loyd has 11 points, and the Mist lead 40-29 at halftime over the Phantom in the first game Monday night.

The Mist took a 19-point lead in the second quarter after two straight 3-pointers in transition, one by each player and assisted by Breanna Stewart, who has nine points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Satou Sabally has 11 points, while Sabrina Ionescu and Brittney Griner each have eight points for the Phantom in the first half.

Unrivaled score: Mist 18, Phantom 14 after first quarter

Jewell Loyd got off to a hot start with eight points, including two 3-pointers, for the Mist, up 18-14, over the Phantom in the first quarter.

Satou Sabally leads the Phantom with six points, while Brittney Griner has four points and two early blocks.

How to watch Unrivaled games Monday night on TV

Unrivaled is available on cable television on TNT in the United States, and TSN+ in Canada.

How to live stream Unrivaled games on Monday night

Unrivaled games are also available to live stream on Max, and internationally on YouTube.

Watch: Unrivaled games on Sling TV

Phantom (2-3) vs. Mist (1-4) preview 

Ionescu, a WNBA champion with the New York Liberty, led Phantom to its second win of the season Friday with 32 points, nine rebounds and eight assists over the Rose on Friday night. 

The Mist won its first Unrivaled game of the season Saturday. Stewart, who is a Liberty star and Unrivaled co-founder, led with 23 points and 10 rebounds against the Vinyl. 

The Phantom beat the Mist 74-69 in their first meeting Jan. 24, where Griner and Satou Sabally each scored 29 points in the win.  

Vinyl (2-3) vs. Lunar Owls (5-0) preview

The Lunar Owls outlasted the Laces on Friday night to remain the only unbeaten team in Unrivaled. Collier has been Unrivaled’s best player, averaging 28 points and 11.8 rebounds

The Vinyl will be hungry for a win, losing their last three games after a 2-0 start during opening weekend. Dearica Hamby had 35 points and 15 rebounds in the Vinyl’s loss to the Mist on Friday. 

The Lunar Owls beat the Vinyl 67-57 on Jan. 27, as Collier led with 19 points and 17 rebounds.

Is Angel Reese playing tonight?

No, Reese and the Rose played their Week 3 games Friday and Saturday. 

WNBA free agency, offseason takes flight

The Unrivaled games come during a blockbuster week of news several WNBA players will be on the move next season.

Griner agreed to a free agent deal with the Atlanta Dream after 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury.
The Laces’ Alyssa Thomas was traded from the Connecticut Sun after 11 seasons to the Mercury.
A three-team trade featuring Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum and several 2025 WNBA draft picks started the frenzy.

What is Unrivaled?

Six teams with 36 of the best women’s basketball players in the world, including Sabrina Ionescu and Brittney Griner, will compete in the 3-on-3, full court games.

Where is Unrivaled playing games?

Games will be played at Wayfair Arena in Medley, Florida, which is in the Miami metropolitan area, about 7 miles from Miami International Airport.

Unrivaled team names and rosters

Laces: Stefanie Dolson, Tiffany Hayes, Natisha Hiedeman (relief player contract), Kate Martin, Kayla McBride, Alyssa Thomas, Jackie Young.
Lunar Owls: Shakira Austin, Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams, Cameron Brink (IR).
Mist: DiJonai Carrington, Aaliyah Edwards, Rickea Jackson, Jewell Loyd, NaLyssa Smith (relief player contract), Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot.
Phantom: Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Marina Mabrey, Satou Sabally, Katie Lou Samuelson.
Rose: Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Lexie Hull, Angel Reese, Azura Stevens, Brittney Sykes.
Vinyl: Aliyah Boston, Rae Burrell, Jordin Canada, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Arike Ogunbowale.

Unrivaled rules to know 

Unrivaled games start with three seven-minute quarters, and games end when the target winning score is reached in the fourth quarter. The target winning score is 11 points higher than the highest team’s score after the third quarter, known as the Elam Ending. 
Players also take just one free throw after being fouled: A free throw equals two or three points depending on the shooting foul. 
How long is the Unrivaled court size? It’s is 72 feet long by 49.2 feet wide. NBA and WNBA courts are 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. 

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