Flyers winning the East? Sabres cooked? Judging early Stanley Cup playoff overreactions
The hot takes are flying after the opening games. We hand down a verdict on all of them.
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Critical Game 3 on tap for Bruins, Sabres
Here's a preview for all of Thursday's games, plus a best bet and a recap of Wednesday's thrillers.
Mehta vows to focus on process as new Devils GM
New Devils GM Sunny Mehta didn't divulge any details on how he plans to build a title contender Tuesday but discussed the importance of sticking with the process and trusting that success will follow.
👕 Utah offers jersey exchange for Vegas fans
On a first-come basis, fans can exchange their Golden Knights jerseys for a 2025-26 Mammoth home jersey.
Lightning end home playoff skid at 4, knot series
Trailing late in the third period on home ice and staring at a potential 2-0 series deficit, the Lightning rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory over the Canadiens in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference…
Kraken CEO: Botterill 'not threatened' by audit
Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said general manager Jason Botterill is encouraging an internal audit as the team looks for ways to improve after failing to make the postseason for a third straight year.
Bruins 'played to our identity' in Game 2 victory
The Bruins, who let a two-goal lead slip away late in Game 1, stormed ahead in Game 2 with four goals in the first 41 minutes and goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves en route to a 4-2 victory over…
Kings coach hit by shattered glass as panel breaks
Kings interim coach D.J. Smith had shattered glass fall on him after a pane broke behind the Los Angeles bench during Game 2 against Colorado.
Ducks tie series; Oilers' McDavid escapes injury
The Ducks beat Edmonton on Wednesday night to even the first-round series, with Oilers star Connor McDavid escaping a leg injury.
Pens on brink, sound off on game-changing melee
A scrum that saw all 10 skaters in their respective penalty boxes helped the Flyers to a 5-2 win and drew the ire of the Penguins, who now find themselves in a 3-0 series hole.
Johnston's deflection gives Stars 2OT win vs. Wild
Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime to give the Stars a 4-3 victory over the Wild and a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.
How the 'Lumber Yard' was built: Inside the Avalanche's goaltending tandem
The professional lives of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood intersected twice before suiting up together for Colorado.
Ranking the top 50 players in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs
As 16 teams face off for the ultimate prize in pro sports, these players will have the biggest impact.
Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon lead way-too-early 2026 fantasy hockey rankings
It's never too early to plan for next season with the fantasy hockey way-too-early rankings for 2026-27.
Stanley Cup first-round betting guide: A bet and Conn Smythe prediction for every team
Odds, Conn Smythe Trophy picks and future bets for every first-round matchup in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Keys to the offseason: Free agency and draft plans for every eliminated NHL team
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
McVay says Nacua a full go for offseason program
Puka Nacua, who spent part of the offseason in rehab, will be a "full participant" in the team's offseason program, with coach Sean McVay saying Tuesday that the star WR "looks great and is doing…
Sources: NFL prospect Banks eyes June clearance
Florida's Caleb Banks, one of the top defensive tackles in this year's draft, is expected to be fully cleared for football activities in early June after offseason foot surgery, sources told ESPN.
Sources: Tomlin joining NBC as studio analyst
Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is joining NBC's Sunday night pregame show, "Football Night in America," as a studio analyst, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Cowboys won't talk long-term deal with Pickens
The Cowboys will not discuss a long-term contract with George Pickens and want him to play this season on the franchise tag, executive Stephen Jones said.
Sanders touts 'new vibe' under Browns' Monken
Shedeur Sanders said there is a "new vibe" and "new energy" with the Browns under first-year coach Todd Monken and his staff.
Bettors split on Bailey, Reese as No. 2 overall pick
The betting market has been set on Fernando Mendoza going first in Thursday's NFL draft for months. But who will be the second pick, a selection owned by the Jets, is a different story. The odds on…
Pearce OKs intervention program to avoid trial
The Falcons' James Pearce Jr. agreed to enter an intervention program, allowing him to avoid trial on felony charges stemming from an alleged incident with WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Vrabel to seek counseling, miss Day 3 of draft
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel won't be with the team for the third day of the NFL draft Saturday, as he plans to be with his family outside of Massachusetts.
NFL draft cheat sheet: The prospects, team needs and sleepers you need to know
Here's the ultimate guide to this year's draft, including predictions and buzz.
Our NFL draft-day mock: Yates' final predictions for all 32 picks, plus Kiper's notes
Field Yates projects the first 32 draft picks one last time -- including a trade -- and Mel Kiper Jr. shares what he's hearing heading into Round 1 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC).
Why the Cardinals might draft QB Ty Simpson and then bring him along slowly
The Alabama prospect is on Arizona's radar, but he has a small body of work for a college quarterback.
Meet Prospect X, who could be the 2026 NFL draft's brightest diamond in the rough
After months of searching, we've found the prospect we believe is the 2026 NFL draft's best-kept secret.
The Draft Day Predictor settles big Round 1 debates: Could Ty Simpson slide? Should Dallas trade up?
Our analytics model crunches the numbers on Ty Simpson, Jeremiyah Love and how four NFL teams should approach their first-round picks.
Schrager projects all 32 first-round picks: Four huge trades dominate his final NFL mock draft
Could teams jump all around Round 1 and shake things up? Will Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles go in the top five? Here's what Peter Schrager is hearing and predicting.
NFL Nation mock draft: Our team reporters predict landing spots in the first round
Is Fernando Mendoza the only first-round quarterback? Our reporters make their picks.
Ice melts: Drake seemingly trolls Caleb Williams during 'Iceman' rollout
The Canadian rapper posed in front of blocks of ice while wearing a Packers jacket during his album rollout.
Fortune teller: Egbuka predicted Baker and Emily Mayfield new child's name in November
The Mayfields welcomed their son, Maverick, to the world April 16.
NFL draft faces a new insider betting risk
Former NFL execs say it's only a matter of time until someone parlays inside information on the draft.
Tracking fifth-year options for 2023 first-rounders: Who will return in 2027?
The deadline for teams to pick up the fifth-year option on rookie contracts is May 1.
The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter
We have seen a fair share of massive contracts in the NFL. So who tops the highest-paid list at every position as of today?
The unprecedented rise of Fernando Mendoza
The consensus top pick is bringing his unique mix of curiosity, quirk and command to the NFL.
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.
Rare 1997 Kobe card sells for record $3.15M
A 1997 Kobe Bryant Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green card has been purchased by alternative trading platform Alt for $3.15 million, the most ever paid for a solo Bryant card.
West playoff takeaways: Thunder cruise past Suns for 2-0 lead
Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Western Conference's first round.
East playoff takeaways: Pistons rout Magic to even series
Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Eastern Conference's first round.
Don't panic, Detroit! The five reasons to still trust the Pistons this postseason
Game 1 didn't go Detroit's way Sunday, but there are still a lot of reasons to trust these young Pistons.
'Pistons Won Again': How Gmac Cash became Detroit's voice of victory
The Detroit rapper's team-specific anthem is now a fixture at Little Caesars Arena after every win.
👀 NBA draft lottery: Full details on the event
The 2026 NBA draft lottery will happen May 10, with 14 teams having a chance at the No. 1 overall pick. Here are the full details.
OKC takes 2-0 lead but loses Williams to injury
Thunder star Jalen Williams grabbed his left hamstring after missing a contested layup and left the court in the third quarter of Wednesday's Game 2 win over the Suns.
Nuggets on McDaniels' criticism: 'Let them talk'
In response to the Wolves' Jaden McDaniels calling them out for being "bad defenders," the Nuggets on Wednesday said "it's part of the rivalry."
Silver lauds Memphis, open to Nashville games
NBA commissioner Adam Silver reaffirmed the league's commitment to Memphis but added he'd like to see the Grizzlies play occasional games in Nashville in an effort to widen the team's fan base.
Johnson joins Ginobili as Spurs' Sixth Man winners
Spurs forward Keldon Johnson was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year on Wednesday.
Bickerstaff's fiery talk was 'spark' Pistons needed
After Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff's fiery halftime speech in Game 2, the Pistons delivered an emphatic reminder that they are the East's best team.
Booker, Brooks rip refs after Suns' loss: 'Terrible'
Suns star Devin Booker called crew chief James Williams out by name while saying Wednesday's officiating was "bad for the integrity of the sport."
Projected lottery pick Acuff declares for NBA draft
Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. announced Wednesday on ESPN's "NBA Today" that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft.
'Neither Thibs nor Mike Brown has figured it out': Can the playoffs unlock Karl-Anthony Towns?
KAT's fit and future are constant pressure points in New York. But for now, the Knicks' playoff run hinges on his game-changing versatility.
How Pistons' center Jalen Duren turned muscles into metrics
Jalen Duren's rise from young player to All-Star hasn't quite been meteoric, but for Detroit he's right on time.
NBA Futures: Lakers flip the odds on Rockets, now 35-1 to win title
The Thunder have achieved odds-on title favorite status, but it is the Lakers whose odds are rocketing.
Blockbuster trade? New coach? Hard reset? The Warriors begin an offseason with massive uncertainty
Golden State enters another offseason in search of a co-star for Stephen Curry, and the Warriors might be searching for a new coach too.
The blue blood and the new blood: What we learned at Notre Dame and Indiana this spring
The traditionally basketball-crazed Hoosier state has turned its focus to football.
'I win. Google me': Indiana HC Curt Cignetti earns nod in National Bobblehead Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame created a bobblehead featuring audio from the Indiana coach's famous "Google me" news conference.
Ackerman, Big East leader post-exodus, retiring
Val Ackerman is retiring this summer after leading the Big East as commissioner for 13 years, leading the conference through realignment and team exodus, as well as eight national championships during…
Indiana DC claps back at Simpson, Alabama fans
Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines heard the comments from former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson about the teams' matchup last season in the Rose Bowl and responded with his own observations.
Trump repeats call for college sports regulations
President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his call for Congress to pass legislation that would rein in college sports at a time athletes are allowed to move freely from school to school and command…
Cignetti: IU defense better, deeper this spring
Indiana football coach Curt Cigneti praised his defensive unit and coordinator Bryant Haines as he's seen a defense-dominated spring that is deeper and further along than his previous two teams.
Transfer Daniels wins QB battle, to start for FSU
Ashton Daniels, a transfer from Auburn, won his battle with Kevin Sperry over the spring and has been named the Florida State starting quarterback.
Kentucky governor blasts decision-making at UK
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has publicly questioned the decision-making at the University of Kentucky, including the seven-figure gig retiring athletic director Mitch Barnhart was recently given.
Sankey reiterates SEC prefers 16-team CFP field
As more stakeholders in charge of the CFP express a willingness to consider the Big Ten's proposed 24-team playoff, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey reiterated his league's preference for a 16-team field.
Bama, DeBoer reach new 7-year, $87.5M contract
The University of Alabama has reached a new seven-year contract with football coach Kalen DeBoer that will pay him $12.5 million per season through Jan. 31, 2033.
🏈 Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2026: Spring update
With rosters settled and practices underway, we rank the top contenders for the 2026 college football season.
What questions do Alabama, Georgia, BYU, Oregon and others face after spring ball?
Eleven notable teams and CFP contenders head into summer with some unresolved things that need answers.
Spring football games: Previewing Indiana, Notre Dame, Penn State and others
With 11 spring games this week, here's a top storyline, a position of intrigue and a player to watch for each team.
Our NFL draft-day mock: Yates' final predictions for all 32 picks, plus Kiper's notes
Field Yates projects the first 32 draft picks one last time -- including a trade -- and Mel Kiper Jr. shares what he's hearing heading into Round 1.
Biggest strength, weakness for college football's top 25 teams
We look at where we expect the best teams to excel and where they have potential trouble spots.
How every 2027 five-star college football prospect will fit
There are 21 five-star players in the class and we scout each one's game for the next level.
From Mozart at UNC to dancing in the weight room, Gio Lopez is rediscovering himself
From North Carolina to Wake Forest, the dynamic has changed for quarterback Gio Lopez.
'It's his superpower': Inside Fernando Mendoza's extraordinary rise to No. 1
The consensus top pick is bringing his unique mix of curiosity, quirk and command to the NFL.
2027 recruiting class rankings: Oklahoma among top 10 schools off to strong start
These schools are setting the early pace in the class of 2027 recruiting race.
College comps for the top 2027 prospects
As we introduce next year's class, here's what the college careers could look like for the SC Next ESPN 300.
The eight most astounding stats of MLB's season start
It's hard to know which numbers to trust this time of year. Here are the ones that we do -- and don't.
MLB Power Rankings: A new No. 2 and an NL-heavy top 10 one month in
A new No. 2 and an NL-heavy top 10 dominate our rankings four weeks into the 2026 season.
Royals, Hallmark unveil downtown ballpark plan
The Royals and Hallmark Cards are teaming up on a new $3 billion ballpark project in downtown Kansas City that would surround mixed-use development.
Cruz's 116.9 mph homer hardest-hit this season
Pirates star Oneil Cruz rocketed a cut fastball from Jalen Beeks off the top of the right-field foul pole measured at 432 feet. The exit velocity of 116.9 mph made it the hardest-hit ball this season…
⚾ Updated draft rankings: The top 85 prospects
The top of the 2026 MLB draft is coming into focus. Here's who your team could be targeting this summer.
Clothes call: 107 mph liner finds Gilbert's jersey
A line drive clocked at 107.8 mph from the Athletics' Carlos Cortes was hit directly at Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert and somehow got lodged in his jersey.
Players cite ABS system for early spike in walks
Walks have skyrocketed to near historic highs through the season's first month. There is no direct evidence the ABS system is the reason for the increase, but as Diamondbacks catcher James McCann…
Dodgers keeping options open on Ohtani usage
Shohei Ohtani was on the mound and in the lineup Wednesday night, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains open to giving him a break at the plate during his pitching starts.
Frustrated Phillies drop 8th straight: 'It sucks'
The Phillies lost their eighth consecutive game, 7-2 to the Cubs on Wednesday night, for their longest losing streak since 2018.
Murakami ties rookie mark with HR in 5th straight
White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami tied an MLB rookie record by homering in his fifth straight game.
Mets finally end skid but see Lindor (calf) exit
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was removed from Wednesday's game against the Twins with left calf tightness after scoring from first base in the fourth inning.
Why baseball's 100 mph club is expanding by the day
Here's why the number of pitchers who have reached it has exploded.
Murakami hits 50 homers? Rebound ahead for Luzardo? 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.
Prospect watch: Is Cleveland ready for a new catcher?
All the prospects fantasy managers should be keeping an eye on as the season moves through its first month.
Fantasy baseball news: Phillies place Realmuto on IL, Mets await word on Lindor
All of the important fantasy spin and actionable takeaways resulting from the latest baseball news.
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