How the Sabres became the newest Stanley Cup contender
Buffalo isn't just ending a playoff drought; it's smashing the gate open.
NHL playoff watch: Clinching day for the Sabres, Hurricanes, Wild?
Buffalo, Carolina and Minnesota can punch postseason tickets on Thursday. Here's what to watch in a 14-game slate.
🏒 Ranking each NHL team's top prospect
Scouting notes on the top young players set to make an impact for each club -- possibly quite soon.
Stars GM Nill earns two-year contract extension
The Dallas Stars have extended general manager Jim Nill's contract for two years through the 2027-28 season.
Ovechkin extends record with 20th 30-goal season
Alex Ovechkin scored twice and hit the 30-goal mark for the record-extending 20th time in his NHL career, and the Washington Capitals beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-4 on Tuesday night.
Leafs CEO cites 'culture' for GM Treliving's firing
Maple Leaf CEO Keith Pelley cited "alignment" and "culture" as reasons the club fired GM Brad Treliving.
Shesterkin, Markstrom delight in rare goalie fight
Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin and his Devils counterpart Jacob Markstrom had a lengthy fight midway through the third period of New York's 4-1 win.
Avs' Makar (upper body) to miss 'a few games'
The Avalanche will be without defenseman Cale Makar for a few games after he suffered an upper-body injury in a win over the Flames earlier this week.
Avs' MacKinnon 1st to reach 50 goals this season
Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon became the first NHL player this season to reach 50 goals when his liner from up top beat Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen early in the first period on Wednesday night.
How Brandon Bussi's brother, Dylan, continues to inspire his NHL journey
The 27-year-old goalie has had a record-breaking debut season for the Hurricanes, and his brother remains in his mindset.
Chris Pronger on Auston Matthews hit, future of NHL Player Safety
The Hall of Fame defenseman gives his take on the latest hot topics around hockey.
Viva Las Vegas: Frozen Four keys for Michigan, Denver, Wisconsin, North Dakota
With the men's hockey tournament heating up, we've got all the results, analysis and highlights.
Weekly pickups: Add hot-scoring McMann, Snuggerud for fantasy hockey finals
The essential Monday guide to fantasy hockey pickups, with who to add and how to get set for the week ahead.
Bears' stadium choice 'late spring, early summer'
Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Chicago Bears, says the team is targeting "late spring, early summer" for a decision on where the team's new stadium will be built.
🐝 Buzz from the NFL league meeting
The NFL's annual league meeting wrapped up Tuesday, and 30 of our reporters shared all the buzz from Phoenix.
Veteran QB Cousins agrees to deal with Raiders
Kirk Cousins has agreed to a contract with the Raiders, the veteran quarterback's agent announced.
Pats' Vrabel doesn't dismiss Brown trade chatter
As speculation swirls, coach Mike Vrabel didn't rule out the possibility of the Patriots acquiring receiver A.J. Brown in a trade with the Eagles.
Goodell backs Rooney Rule amid litigation threat
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he believes the Rooney Rule is "consistent" with hiring laws after recently being threatened by Florida's attorney general with potential civil litigation if the…
QB Mendoza puts on show at Indiana pro day
Expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza threw roughly 56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and more than 100 members of the media Wednesday.
NFLPA: Player safety requires trained, pro refs
Player safety requires "trained, professional officials on the field," NFLPA executive director JC Tretter said in a statement amid ongoing contract negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Referees…
Fanatics takes over exclusive NFL card license
A 20-year deal between Fanatics and the NFL has kicked in, consolidating the league's and players' union's trading card licenses under one company.
Rams receiver Nacua is in rehab, attorney says
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has checked in to rehab, his attorney told The California Post. Last month, a woman in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against Nacua alleging he made an "unprovoked…
Latest on Vikings' next GM, Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy
Here's what we learned during the NFL's annual league meeting in Phoenix this week.
Ranking all 32 NFL free agency classes: Which teams most improved their rosters?
How did every team fare in March, taking into account free agent signings, trades, extensions and departures.
An early look at 2027 free agency: Which playmakers could be available next March?
Which top players might be available in next year's NFL free agency? We picked out 50 stars to keep an eye on.
Three-round NFL mock draft: Kiper, Miller, Reid and Yates' top 100 picks
We asked four NFL draft analysts to make picks in the first three rounds. Where do the top prospects land?
These flaws could hold back the NFL draft's top QBs
We've seen a lot during the college careers of the draft's top QBs. Each has something that could set them back.
Best team fits for 20 draft prospects: We found matches for Delane, Downs, Boston
We found ideal scheme matches based on what these 20 players do best.
Solak's favorite NFL draft prospects to watch at every position: The best tape in the class
NFL scouts are watching a lot of tape as we get ready for the 2026 draft. Which underrated players jump off the screen? Ben Solak fills out his All-Film team.
Inside Eagles' 2025 friction as Jalen Hurts stands at crossroads
ESPN pulls back the curtain on what's ailing a star-studded Eagles offense, one in which its QB must evolve.
18-game regular season? Mixed reaction by NFL owners, coaches
Colts, Chiefs, Browns and Patriots owners among those talking about the feasibility of expanding the schedule.
UFL Power Rankings: Which Week 1 winner tops the list, plus each team's MVP
The first UFL Power Rankings feature familiar teams at the top and include each team's Week 1 MVP.
25 trends to know before draft season begins
Mike Clay shares his favorite notes from the research that informed his fantasy projections for 2026.
2026 fantasy football rankings: Profiling the top 35 QBs
Mike Clay delivers bite-sized but detailed breakdowns of his top 35 quarterbacks for 2026.
Super Bowl 2027 on ESPN: Date, location, venue, more details
The 2027 Super Bowl will air on ESPN for the first time in network history. Learn more information about Super Bowl LXI festivities now.
NBA playoff watch: MVP showdown in OKC?
Luka and SGA go head-to-head. Plus, updated playoff projections, draft lottery standings after Wednesday.
NBA Power Rankings: What to watch over the final two weeks for all 30 teams
With just a handful of matchups left for each team in the regular season, where do all 30 teams land in this week's Power Rankings?
The latest on Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer and the NBA's investigation into the LA Clippers
What was actually in Leonard's contract? What do league insiders think of it? Here's what we know about the allegations -- and where the investigation stands.
Who will go No. 1 in June's NBA draft? Where could Boozer land? We asked execs
Fit over talent? Versatility over production? NBA scouts and execs break down the conversations happening at the top of the draft.
Wemby stays hot, doubles down on MVP chase
After putting up 41 points and 18 rebounds in a runaway win, Spurs center Victor Wembanyama reiterated that the MVP award is squarely in his sights.
Cuban: I regret selling Mavs to Adelson, Dumont
Mark Cuban says he regrets selling the Mavericks to the Adelson and Dumont families, adding that he "made a lot of mistakes in the process."
Grizzlies' Clarke arrested on drug, traffic charges
Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested Wednesday in Arkansas on charges that include speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
Sources: Rapper J. Cole to play pro hoops in China
Rap megastar J. Cole has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Trail Blazers fined $100K for early Hansen contact
The NBA has fined the Trail Blazers $100,000 and suspended assistant GMs Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva for two weeks for illegal contact made with Yang Hansen in December 2023, two years before the…
Izzo 'seriously' eyed Suns HC job last summer
Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo said he "talked seriously" with Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia about Phoenix's head coaching job last summer before the team ultimately hired Jordan Ott.
Celtics net 53 in first quarter, 2 off NBA record
The Boston Celtics had a first quarter like none other in their storied history Wednesday night, scoring 53 points in the opening 12 minutes of a 147-129 victory over the Miami Heat.
👀 Detailing six free agency options for LeBron
Lakers? Cavs? Warriors? A wild card? Before LeBron makes his decision this summer, sources around the league weigh in.
No seats, no silence: A night inside the Clippers' Wall
Built to disrupt, the Intuit Dome's most intense section affects games in real time by turning fans into participants -- and opponents into targets.
NBA Futures: Lakers' championship odds shortening, Wemby making MVP push
The Lakers continue to see their championship odds shorten, while Victor Wembanyama is still in the mix with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP.
Pickups: Harper, Sexton, Hayes among top players to add
Advancing in the fantasy basketball playoffs means finding available players who can help fill holes in your roster. Here are the ones to add for the week ahead.
Kryptonite for 10 NBA title contenders: Which weaknesses could sink playoff teams?
We evaluated every playoff contender's biggest weaknesses and how it will impact the postseason.
Future of Giannis and Ja, and the big questions facing every NBA lottery team
With 10 NBA teams already eyeing the offseason, Bobby Marks examines each front office's biggest priority.
Three-round NFL mock draft: Kiper, Miller, Reid and Yates' top 100 picks
We asked four NFL draft analysts to make picks in the first three rounds. Where do the top prospects land?
These flaws could hold back the NFL draft's top QBs
We've seen a lot during the college careers of the draft's top QBs. Each has something that could set them back.
🏈 Inside CFB's unique tampering etiquette
Tampering 101, 201 and 301: What is considered OK, and what crosses the line in college football?
Burns sues Kent State, officials over '25 firing
Former Kent State football coach Kenni Burns has sued the university and several top officials for wrongful termination, breach of contract and defamation, alleging that his April 2025 firing was the…
Syracuse two-sport star Russell out indefinitely
Syracuse two-sport athlete Calvin Russell III, who also played basketball this season, will miss an "indefinite period of time" after suffering an undisclosed injury in spring football practice.
OSU's Day likens CFB to dinosaurs: 'Adapt or die'
Ohio State coach Ryan Day drew parallels between the evolving state of college football and when dinosaurs faced their extinction-level event. "Either adapt or you die," he said.
Texas A&M lands No. 11 prospect DE Forstall
Texas A&M secured a commitment from five-star defensive end Zyron Forstall, ESPN's No. 11 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.
Ex-Wisconsin TE Pugh dies at 24; cause not given
Jack Pugh, a former tight end on Wisconsin's football team who stepped away from football three years ago citing mental health concerns, has died at 24.
NCAA proposes ban on players who stay in draft
The NCAA Division I Cabinet will consider proposed changes to eligibility rules, including one that would bar athletes who have entered and remained in a professional sports draft from competing in…
Golding rebuts Dabo's accusation: 'Two sides'
Two months after Clemson's Dabo Swinney accused Pete Golding of tampering, the Ole Miss coach recounted the acquisition of LB Luke Ferrelli from his perspective.
QB Mendoza puts on show at Indiana pro day
Expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza threw roughly 56 passes in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and more than 100 members of the media Wednesday.
Top newcomers for Notre Dame and every Big Ten team; what coaches, GMs are saying
Which new faces in the league will make the biggest impact for each school?
Ranking college football coaches and teams that are likely to improve in 2026
Curt Cignetti reset how we view coaching turnarounds while Oklahoma State, with a new coach, has nowhere to go but up.
Which teams, coaches and players have the most to prove in 2026?
From bounce-back hopefuls to hot-seat candidates, these people need to get it right this season.
How the top DL signings will fit in 2026 including three five-stars at LSU
The top 2026 recruits at each position have their new homes. Here's how their games will work.
2026 college football SP+ rankings for all 138 FBS teams
The first SP+ rankings, plus strength of schedule and résumé SP+, for the 2026 season.
'You're looking at a Ferrari': Introducing Konnor Griffin, MLB's next teenage superstar
The No. 1 prospect in the sport is headed to the majors -- and could be baseball's next phenom.
The new aces? Five pitchers poised for a breakout season
Tristan H. Cockcroft takes a look at five pitchers who are likely to be on many a fantasy championship roster.
Alvarez a top-10 bat? Ohtani wins Cy Young? Perdomo for real? Don't be surprised
Eric Karabell looks into the crystal ball to tell fantasy baseball managers what might come to pass in the not-too-distant future.
'Nobody would've believed it if there wasn't a video': Remembering Randy Johnson's bird pitch
In 2001, one of baseball's first viral moments played out on a spring training field. Those who were there relive the "Sea of Feathers" game.
MLB Power Rankings: Who are the top teams one week into the season?
With baseball now underway, how much has changed since our preseason rankings? Our Week 1 rankings tell the story.
Starting pitcher rankings: Who are baseball's 11 true aces -- and who just misses the cut?
Who is the sport's most dominant pitcher right now? We rank the elite.
Who is ACTUALLY more valuable: Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani? We did the math
They're the unquestioned top two superstars in baseball, so we broke down their value to determine which MVP reigns supreme.
Ump Bucknor hit in face mask in Rays-Brewers
In the second inning of the Rays-Brewers game Wednesday, a foul tip from Nick Fortes hit plate umpire C.B. Bucknor in the face mask.
O's Basallo first to clinch win with ABS challenge
Samuel Basallo made a little history when the Baltimore catcher became the first major leaguer to end a game with a successful challenge via the Automated Ball-Strike System.
Sources: Pirates, top prospect Griffin talking deal
The Pirates are deep into contract negotiations with minor league shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is the No. 1 prospect in MLB, sources told ESPN.
Marlins' Alcantara gets 1st complete game of '26
The Marlins' Sandy Alcantara threw the first complete game of the MLB season -- a 93-pitch shutout in a 10-0 victory against the White Sox.
Sale dominates A's despite being 'sick as a dog'
Shaking off an illness that hampered his velocity, Chris Sale allowed only one baserunner in six innings to lead the Braves past the Athletics.
Astros make Sox, Crochet 'pay' after Alvarez HBP
The Astros' hot start to the 2026 season continued Thursday with a sweep of the Boston Red Sox in Houston. Their 6-4 win was especially sweet considering what transpired earlier in the game.
Mets' Lindor on gaffes: 'Should have been better'
Francisco Lindor took the blame after making a couple of uncharacteristic mental mistakes Wednesday in the Mets' extra-inning loss to the Cardinals.
Pirates' Skenes rebounds, limits Reds for first win
Reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes allowed one run in five innings and struck out five in the Pirates' 8-3 win over the Reds on Wednesday.
🍗 Top new ballpark foods for 2026 MLB season
Teams across Major League Baseball continue to raise their game when it comes to concession items.
Passan: How ball-strike challenge rule is rocking baseball
Baseball's new ABS system is the talk of the sport. We hand out awards after the first weekend of the rule.
2026 MLB ABS challenge system tracker: Team, player rankings
The ABS challenge system leaderboard ranks batters, pitchers, catchers, teams and umpires throughout the MLB season.
Olney: The six rookies off to the hottest starts of 2026
From Chase DeLauter to JJ Wetherholt, these young players are making an immediate impact for their teams.
Ready to win big -- or be a big-time disappointment? The 5 most polarizing MLB teams
Is you club more likely to surprise or underachieve this season? Our experts weigh in.
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