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.
Rangers' Trocheck: Long absence due to infection
Vincent Trocheck said the reason he missed a month early in the Rangers' season was because of a bacterial infection in one of his lungs that required surgery.
🏆 Final 2026 NHL Awards Watch: Who's leading?
Our panel of PHWA voters identify their finalists for all the awards, with some tight finishes in a few spots.
Ducks clinch No. 3 seed in Pacific by beating Preds
The Ducks beat the Predators 5-4, helping them clinch the third seed in the Pacific Division for the postseason.
Goal king Ovechkin 'pretty sure' he'll keep playing
Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, said he's "pretty sure" that Tuesday's season finale won't be his last game as he ponders retirement.
McDavid seals 6th scoring title with 4-assist finale
The Oilers' Connor McDavid won his sixth Art Ross title as the NHL scoring leader, finishing the regular season with 138 points after a four-assist performance in a 6-1 win over the Canucks.
GM Patrik fired by Canucks after last-place finish
After finishing with the worst record in the NHL, the Canucks have fired general manager Patrik Allvin.
Avs favored, but Sabres storyline tempts bettors
The Colorado Avalanche, along with the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, but the betting public is hoping a longshot like the Buffalo Sabres have a…
Is MacKinnon already the best player in Avalanche history?
Joe Sakic has long been considered Colorado's signature player. Has the 30-year-old MacKinnon surpassed him?
Postseason roundtable: NHL player, coach, GM predict the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs
Which team is better than we think? Who has the most flop potential? And who wins the Cup?
Stanley Cup contender flaws: Biggest issues for the NHL's top playoff teams
No NHL team is perfect, and postseason opponents will be certain to key in on these areas of weakness.
Lapsed fan's guide to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs
Miss anything the past six months? Miss EVERYTHING? Here are the top teams, players, matchups, stats to know.
Who's winning the Stanley Cup? All the intel you need on the 16 playoff teams
The postseason Thunderdome is about to open its gate. Which team will emerge as the 2026 Stanley Cup champion?
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.
⬆ Players who have boosted their draft stock
Dillon Thieneman and Monroe Freeling have drastically boosted their stock since the start of last season. Who else has climbed the board?
Chiefs GM expecting a lot of trades in first round
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Thursday that there will "probably be a lot of trades" in the first round of this year's NFL draft.
Titans QB Ward on track to throw at minicamp
Quarterback Cam Ward, who injured his throwing shoulder in the Titans' season finale, is trending toward throwing at minicamp in June, general manager Mike Borgonzi says.
Report: Penix, Njoku among targets used in fraud
A former Alabama defensive end is accused of using wigs and fake IDs to impersonate NFL players to secure nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans, with a report identifying Michael Penix Jr., David…
Chargers GM shuts down Johnston trade rumors
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz shut down trade rumors surrounding wide receiver Quentin Johnston on Thursday.
Falcons trade DT Orhorhoro for Jags DT Smith
The Falcons have traded DT Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars for DT Maason Smith. Both players were selected in the second round of the 2024 draft.
WR Flowers: Harbaugh's practices led to injuries
Ravens wideout Zay Flowers says "heavy" practices under former coach John Harbaugh were the reason Baltimore "had a lot of injuries" last season.
Sources: Brissett not at Cards' offseason program
Cardinals incumbent starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett has not been in attendance for the start of the team's offseason program as he waits for a new deal, sources told NFL Network.
Source: Texans, Anderson agree to $150M deal
Texans and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. have agreed to a historic three-year, $150 million extension to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Forget the 40: The true measure of Carnell Tate
Wide receiver Carnell Tate is confident, intelligent and ready to star in the NFL. His mother made sure of it.
10 anonymous scouts predict the top of the NFL draft: Mini mock of picks 1-10 -- with a few surprises
We asked NFL scouts to make draft picks for other teams, assigning one to each top-10 slot. Which prospects could go early?
Latest NFL draft buzz: What we're hearing on Caleb Downs' range, Day 2 steals, more
What are the Eagles, Giants and Steelers thinking for their picks? Our experts share new intel.
Time running out on Bears to decide on site for new stadium; here's what we know
It's between Hammond, Indiana, and Arlington Heights, Illinois for the Bears, who will leave Soldier Field after 50 years.
How all 32 teams can crush the NFL draft: We have prospects and positions to target
A week before the NFL draft, Ben Solak hits the top priorities for every single team -- and the prospects who can meet those needs.
Which 3-0 team tops the list, plus an exciting stat for each team
The Dallas Renegades are scoring at a high rate; the DC Defenders have bounced back after losing the opener.
2026 fantasy football rankings: Profiles for more than 30 tight ends
Mike Clay provides breakdowns of the top tight ends in fantasy football for the 2026 season.
10 NFL draft prospects to put on your fantasy radar -- and three others to monitor
With the NFL draft nearly upon us, it's time to think about how the top prospects will fare in fantasy.
Hail Raiser: Commanders roll out fresh uniforms with new alternate logo
Washington's updated three-uniform set is headlined by the black "Hail Raiser" look with a new alternate logo.
Out with the old, in with the new: Ravens unveil new uniforms
The Ravens revamped their on-field look since 1999 with new uniforms after a process that took three years.
Akheem Mesidor's long, long road to the NFL
The Miami DE once struggled to make an impact in youth football. Now, he's a potential first-round pick.
Cards won't name starting QB; will it be Ty Simpson?
Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew are on the roster, but draft speculation keeps linking Arizona with Simpson.
How a 'big argument' and lucky draft moves led to the Chiefs selecting Chris Jones
A look back 10 years later at the selection of Jones, one of the most important picks in franchise history.
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.
Slams, blocks and game winners: Top 10 plays from Wemby's record-setting season
Victor Wembanyama has made his case for MVP, DPOY and All-NBA. Here are the top plays that highlight his season.
NBA Futures: Thunder, Celtics favored to make Finals
The Thunder and Celtics are the favorites to represent their conferences in the NBA Finals.
'It's all basketball': LaMelo says no rift with Bam
LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets says he's relieved that Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo wasn't more hurt after the run-in with Ball in the second quarter.
🏆 NBA playoffs: Predicting the entire bracket
ESPN's Zach Kram decides each NBA series in the playoffs through the Finals. Who will square off in June?
Jones guilty plea expected in NBA gambling case
Damon Jones is expected to become the first person to plead guilty in a gambling sweep that led to the arrests of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball figures.
LeBron looking forward to playoffs with Bronny
LeBron James is looking forward to sharing the floor with son Bronny James in the playoffs when the Lakers face the Rockets.
Nuggets-Pacers to play in Mexico City next season
The NBA is sending Denver and Indiana to Mexico City for a regular-season game Nov. 7, the league said Thursday.
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said Thursday that LaMelo Ball didn't need to be "penalized more moving forward" in the wake of the Hornets star's fine for tripping Miami's Bam Adebayo.
Luka, Cunningham win appeal, eligible for awards
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham are eligible for season honors after their challenge of the 65-game rule was approved, while Anthony Edwards' challenge was declined.
NBA awards: Bontemps' ballot for MVP, top rookie, every honor
Which award battles are too close to call? Tim Bontemps unveils his official ballot for MVP, All-NBA, Sixth Man and every major honor.
The NBA's biggest antagonist is beloved by teammates
Dillon 'The Villain' Brooks has helped turn around two franchises.
'A bigger shock to the system than we acknowledged': How 48 hours changed the Lakers' season
After a devastating blowout loss in Oklahoma City on April 2, the Lakers lost two of their three stars. Now they face Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets -- as a home underdog.
NBA Rank, playoffs edition: The 50 most impactful players in the 2026 postseason
ESPN analyst Zach Kram ranked and tiered the 50 NBA players most likely to make the biggest impacts in the postseason.
Offseason: Draft, free agency, trade targets for every team
Summer is here for 12 franchises to miss the playoffs. What lies ahead for the Clippers, Mavericks and others?
NBA season grades: Why play-in darling Charlotte gets one of 7 As
Did your team meet its preseason projections? Tim Bontemps grades all 30, from surprise contenders to franchises banking on lottery luck.
'He's already unlocked things': Why the Magic needed Desmond Bane
Orlando hopes its all-in approach for Bane will help stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner win a championship.
Inside Hornets' metamorphosis into the NBA's buzziest team
The Hornets are two wins away from snapping the NBA's longest current playoff drought. Can Charlotte end the futility by advancing out of the play-in against the Heat?
Inside the end of the Ja Morant era in Memphis
Morant is now the last man standing on a Grizzlies team that hopes to move on from him this summer.
Arch '100%,' says wins came when he loosened up
Texas quarterback Arch Manning said Wednesday he feels "100% right now" following offseason foot surgery. He also reflected on last year, saying, "The first half of the season, I was pissed. I wasn't…
WR Knox found negligent in crash, to pay $2.88M
A Texas court issued a default judgment of more than $2.8 million against Theodore Knox, the co-defendant in one of the civil lawsuits against Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice stemming from a 2024…
Report: Ex-Bama DE used Penix, others for fraud
A former Alabama defensive end is accused of using wigs and fake IDs to impersonate NFL players to secure nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans, with a report identifying Michael Penix Jr., David…
Duke, Diaz reach contract extension through '31
Duke and football coach Manny Diaz have agreed to a contract extension through 2031, the school announced Thursday.
Judge grants Oklahoma LB Heinecke extra year
A district court judge has granted Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke a preliminary injunction, handing him an additional year of eligibility in 2026.
NCAA recommends earlier start to football season
An NCAA committee recommended Thursday that Football Bowl Subdivision teams play a 12-game schedule over 14 weeks beginning in 2027 with the season starting on the Thursday of what is now designated…
Nebraska plans $600M stadium renovation for '28
Nebraska's Memorial Stadium will undergo a $600 million renovation targeted for the start of the 2028 season, according to a plan announced Friday.
🏈 Connelly's favorite transfer classes for 2026
Looking beyond the numbers, here are the teams that took the boldest steps in their portal approaches.
Ex-Michigan coach Moore avoids jail in sentencing
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was sentenced to 18 months' probation Tuesday for misdemeanors related to a confrontation with his executive assistant.
Way-Too-Early Top 25: Spring update
With rosters settled and practices underway, we rank the top contenders for the 2026 college football season.
Spring football games: Previewing Virginia Tech, Michigan, Miami and others
Spring football games are in full swing this weekend. Here's what to know ahead of Friday and Saturday.
2027 SC Next ESPN 300 player rankings: College comps for the top prospects
As we introduce 2027's top prospects, here's what their college careers could look like.
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.
What makes Arizona QB Noah Fifita tick? Loyalty, generosity
Fifita, who runs monthly community events, is one of just five senior QBs nationally who has not transferred.
Kiper's two-round NFL mock draft: Projecting 64 picks -- and two possible trades
Mel Kiper Jr. predicts 64 picks, including two potential trades and plenty of impact additions.
The college football fan's guide to this year's NFL draft: Top schools, trends, more
Attention college football fans: The NFL draft is coming. Here's everything you need to know.
More than a mullet and mustache, Gennings Dunker has taken over the NFL draft
He was "one of five" on Iowa's OL. That was before the mullet and personality took over the NFL combine.
Akheem Mesidor's long, long road to the NFL
The Miami defensive end once struggled to make an impact in youth football. Now, he's a potential first-round pick.
Source: Padres nearing sale for MLB-record $3.9B
The Padres are on the verge of being sold for a record price of $3.9 billion, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Cubs closer Palencia to IL with oblique strain
Cubs closer Daniel Palencia was placed on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain, and starter Cade Horton underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time.
Mets president backs Mendoza amid 8-game skid
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is backing manager Carlos Mendoza despite the team's current eight-game losing streak.
Angels' Garret Anderson, All-Star MVP, dies at 53
Outfielder Garret Anderson, who played 15 of his 17 major league seasons with the Angels and is a member of the team's hall of fame, has died at the age of 53.
✍️ Best and worst free agent signings in history
The first free agent contract ever was signed 50 years ago today. We rate the 8,340 deals of the past half-century.
Sources: MLBPA fires two top execs with cause
The Major League Baseball Players Association fired two top executives with cause Wednesday following an internal investigation, sources told ESPN.
Drone sightings at Coors Field prompt warnings
A rash of drone sightings during the Rockies' first homestand of the season at Coors Field sent law enforcement scrambling to track down the operators.
Dodgers spent record $515M on 2025 title run
The Dodgers shattered Major League Baseball's spending record in 2025 with a combined $515 million in payroll and luxury tax last season.
Trout's latest blast caps 5-homer series in Bronx
Mike Trout homered for the fifth time during a four-game series at Yankee Stadium by crushing a 446-foot drive in the seventh inning.
19 going on 35: How Konnor Griffin's maturity is making an impression on Pirates
As the Bucs build for the future, the youngest player in MLB has his teammates singing his praises.
Updated 2026 MLB draft rankings: Top 85 prospects and a 13-pick mock draft
The top of the 2026 MLB draft is coming into focus. Here's who your team could be targeting this summer.
MLB Power Rankings: NL teams dominate top 10 with two debuts
Three weeks into the season, two red-hot NL teams are shooting up our list while another powerhouse plummets.
Are the Dodgers this good? Are the Mets this bad? What we learned from MLB's $1 billion series
It's early. Still, the richest showdown in baseball history said a lot about both teams.
Inside the making of Mariners' now-famous Ichiro Suzuki statue
You know about the reveal mishap. Here's what went into creating the sculpture that will forever honor a Seattle icon.
Astros, Padres struggle to keep rotations healthy
All of the important fantasy spin and actionable takeaways resulting from the latest baseball news.
Mason Miller tops all pitchers? CJ Abrams goes 30-100-30? 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.
STAYING IN? ORDER OUR AMAZING FOOD ONLINE
METS vs CUBS
12:00PM
