Some are booking bigger venues for when Clark and the Indiana Fever come to town.

The Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics have moved their games against the Fever to bigger arenas. The numbers Clark generated in college indicates it’s a smart move.

While at Iowa, when the No. 1 pick in the draft and the Hawkeyes went on the road this past season, they played in front of sellout crowds or set attendance records.

“She helps ticket sales, so I think it’s a really great time to have eyes. She’s going to be an elite player,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said. “She has been in college. She’s done stuff in college that nobody else has. She’s going to be a great player in the W. There’s no doubt about it.

“So the more people we can pack into the building to cheer against her, we’ll take it, although I don’t know if they’ll be cheering against her,” Hammon quipped. “I guess they might be cheering for her.”

The two-time reigning WNBA champion Aces relocated their game on May 25 from the 12,000-seat Michelob Ultra Arena to the 18,000-seat T-Mobile Arena.

Aces players credit Clark, but also know that their own team, which has won the past two WNBA championships, has done a great job increasing attendance at games over the past few seasons.

“We’re not rolling out any red carpet. We’re here to be a business and sell a lot of tickets. Kudos to her (Clark), but we also have done that in previous years in big games as well,” Las Vegas guard Kelsey Plum said. “There are a lot of people that play basketball. People are coming to watch A’ja Wilson. People are going to watch Chelsea Gray.

“That’s not a slight on anyone, but I’m saying that’s not for her. We played in Chicago last year. We sold it out last year.”

Clark will make her preseason debut on Friday night at Dallas — a game that is already sold out.

The Mystics game against Indiana on June 7 will be played at Capital One Arena — Washington’s old home. Their normal home, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, can seat up to 4,200 fans, but the Capital One Arena has a maximum basketball capacity of more than 20,000.

Nearly half of WNBA teams play in NBA arenas, so there’s no need to move those games.

Still, a few others that don’t are feeling a push to move games to larger arenas, including the Chicago Sky. The Sky and Angel Reese play their home games in the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena. Fans started a petition to move their first home game against Indiana to the bigger United Center. There’s a concert scheduled at that arena on June 23 when the Fever come to town — so that’s not going to happen.

The Los Angeles Sparks are another team that could move their game against Indiana.

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The Sparks are playing their first five home games at Long Beach because of arena conflicts from construction and the NBA and NHL playoffs. They are hosting the Fever on May 24, which is scheduled to be played at Long Beach. The team’s first five games will be played there in a 4,000-seat arena.

The Sparks have played games in the past at USC and there’s always a chance they could move the Indiana game there. The Sparks said they have nothing official to report when asked about moving the game.

The Atlanta Dream, who also play in a smaller venue that seats only 3,500, host Clark and the Fever on June 21. The team hasn’t said whether it’s exploring trying to move to a bigger arena yet.

Columbus Crew on Wednesday punched its ticket to the 2024 final after beating Pachuca 3-1 on the road, sealing a 5-2 aggregate score.

Pachuca booked its spot on Tuesday after upsetting Club America, the side with the most wins in the tournament, 3-2 on aggregate.

So, with the matchup now set, here’s everything to know about the Crew-Pachuca 2024 final:

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When is the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Final?

The final will take place on Saturday, June 1. It was scheduled to take place the following Sunday, but it was moved due to the 2024 Mexican general election. The start time has not yet been announced.

Where is the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Final?

Estadio Hidalgo, home of Pachuca, will be the host venue for the final. Pachuca was rewarded the final for having better performances in the tournament, excluding the first round.

What is Columbus Crew’s history in the Concacaf Champions Cup?

The Crew just made its first semifinal appearance in the tournament and advanced, so the final will be the team’s first ever in the competition. Columbus are the reigning MLS Cup champions and have an excellent tactical manager in Wilfried Nancy, so the squad should be well prepared to fight for history.

What is Pachuca’s history in the Concacaf Champions Cup?

Pachuca has plenty of experience in this tournament. It is five-time winners, having lifted the trophy in 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2017. It also has never lost in the final, so history is on its side. With a win, Pachuca would tie Cruz Azul for the second-most trophies in the tournament. Only Club America (seven) has more, so manager Guillermo Almada has the chance to push his team closer to the record.

Who won the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup?

The 2023 final was contested between MLS side LAFC and Liga MX’s Leon. The latter won 3-1 on aggregate.

The only MLS team to win the tournament was the Seattle Sounders in 2022 when it beat Liga MX side Pumas 5-2 on aggregate.

Griner spoke for the first time about her months-long detention in Russia during an hourlong interview that aired Wednesday night on ABC. Her memoir, “Coming Home,” is set to be released on May 7.

Griner was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from cannabis.

“I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks,” Griner told interviewer Robin Roberts. “I felt like leaving here so badly.”

She decided against it in part because she was afraid the Russian authorities wouldn’t release her body to her family.

Her plight unfolded at the same time Russia invaded Ukraine and further heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S., ending only after she was freed in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Griner said before she was released, she was forced to write a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“They made me write this letter. It was in Russian,” she said. “I had to ask for forgiveness and thanks from their so-called great leader. I didn’t want to do it, but at the same time I wanted to come home.”

She was disappointed when she got on the plane for the trade and that Paul Whelan, another American who has been detained in Russia, wasn’t with her.

“I walked on and didn’t see him, maybe he’s next. Maybe they will bring him next,” she said. “They closed the door and I was like, are you serious? You’re not going to let this man come home now.”

Griner plays for the Phoenix Mercury. The WNBA season begins on May 14.

___

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

After a 19-54 finish to the 2023-24 regular season, the Sharks made it five straight without qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

But, after a season mostly filled with losing, San Jose has the chance to pick first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft if it wins the upcoming lottery.

San Jose has the best odds to land the top pick, edging the second-best Chicago Blackhawks, who picked No. 1 overall last year, and the third-best Anaheim Ducks.

So, who should the Sharks consider if they’re on the clock first? Let’s take a look at the five best prospects in the 2024 draft:

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1. Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University

Just like last season when Connor Bedard was the consensus top pick, so is Macklin Celebrini this year. The 17-year-old Boston University product logged 32 goals and 32 assists in 37 games this past NCAA season. His unique blend of competitiveness, IQ and end product should see him go first overall no matter who is on the clock. He has the potential to be a franchise’s best player in his prime.

2. Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State

If defense and building out from the back is more coveted, then Artyom Levshunov may be the best prospect in that regard. The 18-year-old Spartan recorded nine goals and 26 assists in 38 NCAA games, and he has the versatility to play anywhere. But he can make the right defenseman spot his own thanks to his range of passing and defensive command.

3. Ivan Demidov, F, SKA St. Petersburg

Another top potential forward is Ivan Demidov, who plays in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league. The 18-year-old right wing/center hybrid had 23 goals and 37 assists to his name across 30 games. He missed some due to a knee injury but still possesses robust burst and agility with a 5-foot-11, 168-pound frame.

4. Cayden Lindstrom, F, Medicine Hat Tigers

From a pure potential perspective, Cayden Lindstrom is one of the most intriguing players in this class. At 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, the Canadian suited up for the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, where he posted 27 goals and 19 assists in 32 games. He has the tools to be a dominant goal-scoring forward in the NHL, but it’ll take the right environment and coaching staff to extract it from him.

5. Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights

Sam Dickinson comes from the OHL’s London Knights, where had 18 goals and 52 assists in 68 games, primarily playing as a left defenseman. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound Canadian has an excellent ability to find teammates with long passes or join the offense in transition to produce goal output. Like Levshunov, Dickinson is also versatile across the ice and can play long shifts if needed.

Honorable mentions:

• Anton Silayev, D, KHL’s Torpedo
• Carter George, G, OHL’s Owen Sound
• Cole Eiserman, LW, USA Hockey National Team Development Program
• Zeev Buium, D, Denver

Garcia defeated Devin Haney, a former amateur rival, by majority decision on April 20 in New York. Garcia knocked Haney down three times and handed the WBC super lightweight champion his first loss but did not win the title because he was over the weight limit.

“Everybody knows that I don’t cheat,” Garcia said in a video posted on X. “Never taken a steroid … I don’t even know where to get steroids. … I barely take supplements. Big lies.”

ESPN reported that the 25-year-old Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine the day before and the day of the fight, citing a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association letter. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator, and its use can stimulate muscle growth. The drug is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The samples were taken before the fight, but the results weren’t known until later, ESPN reported.

Garcia’s victory could be overturned if the positive drug test is confirmed.

Such could be the case with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who currently are last in the NL Central at 14-18.

Specifically, the Pirates could further bolster their pitching department. Pittsburgh’s starters have been solid to start, with names like Martin Perez looking promising early on, but the bullpen has been quite shaky.

One name who could provide a needed injection is Paul Skenes, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick.

Skenes, 21, has been dominating Triple-A action in Indianapolis, Pittsburgh’s affiliate, posting a 0.39 ERA and 0.87 WHIP to go with 41 strikeouts across six games (23 innings).

Should the Pirates make the call soon?

“While he hasn’t gone very long, I think the Pirates will bring him up this summer,” NBC Sports’ Vaughn Dalzell predicted. “He’s going to be one guy to watch for NL Rookie of the Year because his 100 mph fastball rivals only Hunter Greene right now in MLB.

“He’s tearing up the minors, and he’ll be tearing up MLB pretty soon, too.”

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Other names in Pittsburgh’s pitching room include Aroldis Chapman, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller, Bailey Falter and David Bednar, among others.

Skenes, a product of LSU, is ranked as MLB’s No. 3 prospect in 2024, behind No. 2 outfielder Jackson Chourio (Milwaukee Brewers) and No. 1 shortstop/second baseman Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles).

Encino was scratched from Saturday’s highly anticipated Triple Crown race due to injury.

Trainer Brad Cox said Encino didn’t look right following a training session Tuesday morning. Encino was transported to an equine hospital in Lexington, where the colt was diagnosed with a soft tissue strain in his front right leg.

“He galloped first thing this morning, he looked amazing. That’s what’s so confusing,” Cox told the Daily Racing Form. “He was traveling as well this morning as he was all last week leading up to his breeze.”

Encino, who boasted 20-1 morning line odds, was set to race from the No. 9 post position. But, following the scratch, a new horse has drawn into the field.

Here’s an updated look at the horses competing in the 150th Kentucky Derby, along with their post positions:

What are the Kentucky Derby scratches in 2024?

Encino is only horse to be scratched from Derby so far.

What are the changes to the 2024 Kentucky Derby field?

Replacing Encino in the field is Epic Ride, who was assigned 50-1 morning line odds.

Mugatu is next in line should another horse be scratched.

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How many horses are racing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

There are still 20 horses set to compete at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

What are the updated Kentucky Derby post positions in 2024?

Horses who drew post positions 10 through 20 will now move in one spot following Encino’s scratch. Epic Ride will start from the No. 20 gate.

Here’s a full look at the updated post positions, along with the morning line odds:

1. Dornoch, 20-1

2. Sierra Leone, 3-1

3. Mystik Dan, 20-1

4. Catching Freedom, 8-1

5. Catalytic, 30-1

6. Just Steel, 20-1

7. Honor Marie, 20-1

8. Just a Touch, 10-1

9. T O Password, 30-1

10. Forever Young, 10-1

11. Track Phantom, 20-1

12. West Saratoga, 50-1

13. Endlessly, 30-1

14. Domestic Product, 30-1

15. Grand Mo the First, 50-1

16. Fierceness, 5-2

17. Stronghold, 20-1

18. Resilience, 20-1

19. Society Man, 50-1

20. Epic Ride, 50-1

When is the Kentucky Derby this year?

This year’s Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 4.

What time does the Kentucky Derby start in 2024?

The race is set to begin at 6:57 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

With the 150th Run for the Roses looming on Saturday, some may wonder if horse trainer Bob Baffert will be involved.

Baffert has a long list of accomplishments in the Triple Crown, but they haven’t always come without controversies.

Here’s what to know about Baffert and his involvement in the 2024 Derby:

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Who is Bob Baffert?

Baffert is an American racehorse trainer from Nogales, Ariz. He is tied for the most Kentucky Derby wins of all time. He also has won multiple times at the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

How old is Bob Baffert?

Baffert is 71 years old. He was born on Jan. 13, 1953.

How many American Classic races has Bob Baffert won?

Baffert has helped win 17 races in the Triple Crown series, including two Triple Crowns in 2015 and 2018. Here’s the full list of his American Classic triumphs:

• Kentucky Derby: 1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020
• Preakness Stakes: 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2023
• Belmont Stakes: 2001, 2015, 2018

Baffert won his first Triple Crown in 2015 with American Pharaoh before achieving it again in 2018 with Justify.

What is Bob Baffert’s most recent American Classic race win?

Among the Derby, Preakness and Belmont, Baffert most recently was involved in National Treasure’s Preakness win in 2023. It marked his eighth Preakness triumph and 17th total in the Triple Crown series.

Will Bob Baffert be at the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

Baffert will not be at the 2024 Derby. In July of 2023, Churchill Downs tacked on another year to Baffert’s two-year suspension from the race after 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, trained by the Arizona native, failed a post-race drug test and was later disqualified.

Baffert, though, will be available to enter horses in the Preakness and the Belmont races that transpire in the weeks following the Derby.

Why is Bob Baffert controversial?

Despite Baffert’s successes on the track, controversies have followed off of it. Including Medina Spirit’s situation in 2021, Baffert’s horses have been linked to at least 30 failed drug tests in the last four decades. Five of those came in a 13-month span around 2021. Subsequent fines have also been prominent.

What is Bob Baffert’s career earnings?

Through 2023, Baffert has collected $351 million in purse earnings with 3,358 race wins, per the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

As aforementioned, his fines have been worth roughly $20,000, via The Washington Post.

The opening of free agency in March saw several big names change teams, with Kirk Cousins joining the Atlanta Falcons and Saquon Barkley leaving the New York Giants for the rival Philadelphia Eagles among the headliners.

Another frenzy of action then followed in April’s NFL draft, where a record-tying six quarterbacks were selected in Round 1 and all within the first 12 selections.

So, assuming top overall pick Caleb Williams is the Chicago Bears‘ Day 1 starter, which team will he make his NFL debut against? And when will Barkley make his return to MetLife Stadium to take on the Giants? Fans will have answers to those types of schedule-related questions soon.

Here’s what to know about the 2024 NFL schedule release:

When does the NFL schedule come out for the 2024 season?

The 2024 schedule will be released in May, but the NFL hasn’t yet revealed which day it will come out.

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When did last year’s NFL schedule come out?

For what it’s worth, the 2023 schedule was released on May 11 of last year.

When does the NFL season start in 2024?

The two-time reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs will kick off the 2024 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Arrowhead Stadium. Their opponent remains TBD, though the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens headline the top potential foes.

What games on the 2024 NFL schedule have been released?

The day after the Chiefs open the season, the action will shift south to São Paulo, Brazil, where the Eagles will face the Green Bay Packers in the second game of the season. The Sept. 6 matchup will be the NFL’s first ever contest in South America.

“She has … a negative connotation to the game, because when she was growing up, golf took Daddy away from her,” Woods told TODAY’s Carson Daly on May 1. “I had to leave, and I’d be gone for weeks.”

“So we developed our own relationship, our own rapport, outside of golf,” he continued. “Meanwhile, my son (Charlie) and I do everything golf related.” 

Charlie, 15, who is making a name for himself in the world of golf, did not advance in a U.S. Open qualifying event in April. 

Woods said Charlie usually listens to his playing tips, but added that lately, there’s been “some pushback.”

“He’s 15 years old,” Woods said. “It’s what happens — it’s what teenagers go through. They’re trying to find their own place in the world.”

Woods shares Sam, 16, and Charlie with his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren. The former couple were married for nearly six years before splitting in 2010.

While chatting with Carson, Woods also opened up about why he wears red on Sundays and on the final day of tournaments. It’s a tradition that started when Woods was a teenager and it comes from his mother, Kultida Woods.

“My mom thought, being born a Capricorn, that red was my power color,” Woods explained.

As luck would have it, Woods ended up winning some junior golf tournaments in red. When he switched to a blue shirt, he lost — proving that mom is always right!

“It’s a nice little tie to mom,” Woods told Daly of his red ritual.

Woods’ father, Earl, died in 2006 at at the age of 74.

“I wish my dad could have met Charlie. I wish Charlie could have met my dad,” Woods said. “They would have loved each other.”

Woods noted that he feels Earl is always with him, especially when he’s being a dad to Charlie and Sam.

“It’s amazing how many things I say to my kids that came from him,” Woods said. “I’m so happy he was a part of my life and that I get to pass on some of stuff that is in me (because) of him.” 

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With that, it’s the perfect time to start some classic offseason debates.

On Tuesday’s edition of “PFT Live,” NBC Sports’ Chris Simms and Mike Florio held a draft to pick the teams with the best trio of wide receivers.

There are two ways to look at this exercise — Simms’ way and Florio’s way. The former NFL quarterback tried his best to stay true to the prompt, opting for truly deep trios. But Florio’s strategy after the first round was to pick the best wide receiver duos and then tack on a random third receiver to round it out.

Let’s get to the selections, with three teams for each analyst:

First pick: Chicago Bears (Simms)

“I’m excited about the Bears,” Simms said. “It is a (group of) three, it’s a complete three. One’s really young (Rome Odunze), one’s right in the prime of his career in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen is coming down the stretch, but still damn good and has real value to the football team.”

The Bears drastically changed their offense over the past few weeks — first by signing D’Andre Swift, then by trading for Allen and finally by drafting Caleb Williams and Odunze. Allen and Odunze join Moore to create a truly elite trio of wideouts.

Second pick: Houston Texans (Florio)

“With Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, give me the Texans,” Florio said.

The Texans’ young duo of Collins and Dell emerged last season with rookie quarterback CJ Stroud. Then, Houston made the blockbuster trade for the former Bills star. Diggs, fresh off his sixth straight 1,000-yard season, will make the Texans’ attack even more dangerous.

Third pick: Los Angeles Rams (Simms)

“I’m trying to stay within the spirit of three,” Simms said. “I’m going to make (the No. 3 be) Tutu Atwell, not Demarcus Robinson. Puka (Nacua), Cooper Kupp and Tutu Atwell.”

Kupp, the former Super Bowl MVP, paired with Nacua last season to form a dominant duo for Matthew Stafford — when he was healthy. Nacua broke the rookie receiving yards record, while Atwell — in his third season — finally showed signs of life with a career-best 39 catches and 483 yards.

Fourth pick: Minnesota Vikings (Florio)

“If it was just Justin Jefferson it would get him on the list,” Florio said. “But Jordan Addison was great last year. And Brandon Powell, who was kind of a ‘Who is that guy? He’s pretty good’ last year. So, they have three really good receivers but especially because they have the best one in the NFL.”

Florio might be overrating Powell a bit here, but Jefferson really is good enough to justify this pick. The journeyman Powell had 29 catches last season, a career-high. Addison, a first-round pick, starred as a rookie with the former Offensive Player of the Year Jefferson battling injuries. Incoming rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is joining an ideal situation.

Fifth pick: Seattle Seahawks (Simms)

“I have to go with Seattle next,” Simms said. “It’s DK Metcalf, he’s a superstar. … Tyler Lockett, of course. Then Jaxon Smith-Njigba came on at the end of the year.”

Simms’ strategy continues with another legitimate trio. Metcalf is the headliner — he’s in the prime of his career after another 1,000-yard season. Then there’s the veteran Lockett, who remains steady entering his 10th season. Smith-Njigba had an up-and-down rookie season, but finished with a respectable 63 receptions for 628 yards.

Sixth pick: Miami Dolphins (Florio)

“Just put Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle out there, and you can put (49ers coach) Kyle Shanahan out there as the third and you’re still one of the top trios,” Florio said.

Hill and Waddle are undoubtedly one of the league’s best duos. Add in Braxton Berrios or River Cracraft or Malik Washington and you still have a solid trio — but it’s obviously carried by the two stars.

Honorable mentions

The PFT crew wrapped things up without giving a mention to any other teams, so here are some of the league’s other best wide receiver trios:

• Philadelphia Eagles: AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, DeVante Parker
• San Francisco 49ers: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall or Jauan Jennings
• Detroit Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond
• Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Trenton Irwin
• Las Vegas Raiders: Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Michael Gallup
• Cleveland Browns: Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore

The Kentucky Derby takes only about two minutes to complete, which is why it’s known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.”

Those two minutes have been run each and every year since 1875, making this year’s edition the 150th running of the prestigious horse race.

It’s known now as the first jewel of the Triple Crown, and of course, the “Run for the Roses.”  

But, when the Derby first began, the term “Triple Crown” was not commonly used, and horses were not even running for roses. Not that we know of, at least. The first recorded account of draping a rose blanket over the winning thoroughbred was in 1896, according to the Lexington Herald Leader.

Those are some of the many changes that have occurred over the years at Churchill Downs, which, by the way, was called The Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park when it hosted the first Derby.

Here’s everything you need to know about the first running of the Kentucky Derby:

How did the Kentucky Derby start?

The Kentucky Derby was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the grandson of famed Lewis and Clark Expedition explorer William Clark.

While traveling in Europe in 1872, Clark Jr. was inspired by England’s Epsom Downs racecourse, according to History.com. When he returned to Kentucky, he founded the Louisville Jockey Club and raised money to build a racetrack on land donated by his uncles, Henry and John Churchill.

What would later become known as Churchill Downs opened its gates in 1875. It’s the grounds, not the infrastructure, where the history lies. All original structures were first replaced by 1896 and have undergone many changes since.

KENTUCKY DERBY Apr 29

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KENTUCKY DERBY Apr 29

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When was the first Kentucky Derby?

The first Kentucky Derby was run on May 17, 1875.

Unlike in modern day, when the prestigious race has long been run on the first Saturday of May, the inaugural Derby was held on a Monday.

Approximately 10,000 spectators attended the event, with admission to the track costing as little as a dollar, according to the Courier-Journal. Bets were made through bookmakers, per the Lexington Herald Leader, and women were discouraged from placing wagers.

Who won the first Kentucky Derby?

The winning horse in the first Kentucky Derby was Aristides, who won by two lengths in a time of 2:37.75

Fifteen three-year-old Thoroughbreds entered to run in the race, which was held on a 1.5-mile track, a quarter-mile longer than the traditional distance established in 1896.

Of the 15 jockeys competing in the race, 13 were Black. That included Oliver Lewis, who guided Aristides to victory.

Volcano finished second and Verdigris came in third.

How much did the first Kentucky Derby winner get?

The winner of the first Kentucky Derby received $2,850, which equates to roughly $70,000 today, according to Horse Racing Radio Network. The second-place finisher received $200.

The winner in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby will earn $3.1 million. The second-place finisher will take home $1 million and the third-place finisher will receive $500,000.

The 41-year-old Lloyd announced her pregnancy on Instagram on Wednesday. She has been married to Brian Hollins for seven years and indicated in her social media post that she had gone through fertility treatments.

“It has been a rollercoaster of a journey to get to this point,” Lloyd wrote. “We are beyond excited to be parents! I couldn’t have gotten through this without my amazing husband, Brian. He truly kept me going.”

Lloyd retired in 2021 after a career that included two World Cup titles and a pair of Olympic gold medals. Her crowning moment was scoring three goals in the opening 16 minutes of the U.S. victory over Japan in the 2015 Women’s World Cup final.

Lloyd played 316 matches with the national team, the second-most international appearances of any player. She scored 134 goals for the United States, third most in team history, along with 61 assists.

Lloyd was twice named the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year during a 22-year playing career.

Last week, Lloyd joined onetime U.S. men’s great Cobi Jones in Greece to participate in the U.S. State Department’s Sports Envoy program.

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Placing a bet is as close as a cellphone, tablet, computer or even a smart TV with internet access. But for the novice or inexperienced bettor, making a wager that pays off with a profit can be a challenge: Beginners need to know how to place a bet, who to bet on and where to place the bet.

Off-track simulcasting in more than two dozen states offers a convenient alternative to going to the track. Of course, there’s nothing like the actual experience of walking up to the betting window at the track.

That’s a good option if you can’t get to Churchill Downs, where tens of thousands of spectators are expected for Saturday’s 150th Derby and hoping to get some action on 5-2 favorite Fierceness.

Minimum bets and accessibility vary from state to state, but here are some things to consider when placing a wager:

KENTUCKY DERBY Apr 29

The Kentucky Derby post positions with the most and fewest winners

KENTUCKY DERBY Apr 30

How much does the Kentucky Derby winner earn? Here's a prize money breakdown

How to place a bet: The basics

The obvious wager is betting on a horse to win. Just pick one. But after that, it can get a little trickier.

Bets can be made on a horse to win, place (finish first or second) or show (finish first, second or third) — or all three with an across-the-board wager. An exacta involves correctly picking the first two horses in order, or in any order with a combination known as a box bet (1-2 or 2-1, for example).

Superfecta bets (picking the first four horses) are also available, as are exotic wagers such as Pick 3 and Pick 6 that require choosing the winning horses in multiple races. A Pick 3 and a Pick 6 are the hardest to predict, leading to rollover jackpots that can be very lucrative. But they probably are best left to more seasoned bettors.

How to choose a horse

Determining who to bet on can start with a daily racing program that lists entrants for each race and information including odds, jockey, trainer, silks, saddle towel color and past performances. They can be purchased at the track, simulcast venue or a track’s website.

It will initially seem like a lot of numbers and statistics, but tracks and websites offer instructions on how to read and understand a program. One benefit to being at the track is seeing how the horse looks in the paddock or during the pre-race parade. Appearance and temperament are important, so keep an eye on the horse’s ears to see how engaged the horse is with the atmosphere.

And there’s nothing wrong with playing a hunch, since, after all, it’s just a gamble.

Placing a horse racing bet online or from your phone

After learning what to bet and who to bet on, the next step is placing the bet.

Numerous websites such as TwinSpires.com (Churchill Downs’ online service), Equibase.com and TVG.com offer betting at racetracks worldwide. Wagering is free, but it will require setting up a subscription and require banking information to place bets and deposit winnings. Those services even provide live streaming and replays.

While these sites are accessible via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, there are also dedicated horse racing apps bettors can download. TVG is available on the Apple App Store and TwinSpires is available on both on both Apple and Google Play. FanDuel’s app has expanded to sports betting, but it’s only available in certain states. See the full list here.

Various online sites offer betting tips along with news and updates. It’s the most convenient way to bet on marquee races such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes as the Triple Crown season unfolds. It’s also a good option for other marquee races during the year such as the Travers Stakes and season-ending Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Is horse betting legal in my state?

While sports betting has expanded in several states following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that states could legalize sports gambling, most betting apps do not include horse racing. Even in most states that have legalized sports betting, placing a bet on horse racing is limited to certain tracks or websites, as the sport examines how to implement the new legislation.

Larger betting sites like Twinspires.com, TVG.com and FanDuel are licensed by gaming commissions in each state. When creating an account, the site will let you know if you cannot register if you choose a state on the “illegal” list. In New Jersey, TVG.com operates under the brand 4NJBets, and in Pennsylvania as PABets.

These states have legalized horse betting (check with your state’s gaming commission for terms and conditions): Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

What are pari-mutuel payouts?

When wagering, the longer the odds the bigger the payoff.

In horse racing, the odds are not finalized until the race begins. That is known as pari-mutuel betting. That’s different than sports betting in which bettors get the odds that are available at the time they make their bet.

New Jersey tracks also offer exchange wagering for horse races, which differs from pari-mutuel betting. Exchange wagering matches and locks in the odds at the time a bet is placed and also allows betting during the race.

Knowing your limits

As rewarding as cashing in a winning bet can be, the desire to win more or recoup some inevitable losses can get intoxicating — and risky. When novice or inexperienced bettors make wagers on horse racing, it should be for entertainment purposes and not income.

If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, please call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 to speak to a counselor. Help is also available via an online peer support forum at www.gamtalk.org, and additional resources can be found at NCPG website.

While the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery is approaching. Luck will come into play with the No. 1 overall pick up for grabs as non-playoff teams look to improve their draft positioning.

How exactly does the NHL draft lottery work? Here’s everything to know, from history to odds to key details for the 2024 event:

What is the NHL draft lottery?

The NHL draft lottery is a weighted system that determines the early order for the NHL draft.

When did the NHL draft lottery start?

The NHL first implemented a draft lottery in 1995. Prior to that, the NHL draft order was strictly determined by the regular season standings.

There have been plenty of changes since the original lottery, including the numbers of teams now that there are 32 NHL franchises.

How many teams are in the NHL draft lottery?

The NHL draft lottery features the 16 teams that did not make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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How far can you move up in the NHL draft lottery?

There are two lottery drawings: one for the No. 1 pick and one for the No. 2 pick. Once the top two picks have been established, the remaining teams will be assigned picks Nos. 3-16 based on the inverse order of the regular season standings. Picks Nos. 17-32 are based on regular season standings and playoff results.

Through the lottery, teams can move as many as 10 spots up the NHL draft order compared to where they finished in the regular season standings. Therefore, 11 teams are in the mix for the No. 1 pick.

The team with the 12th-worst record can move up to No. 2 at the highest, the team with the 13th-worst record can move to No. 3 and so on.

Teams are only allowed to improve their draft positioning through the lottery twice in a five-year period beginning with the 2022 lottery.

How far can you move back in the NHL draft lottery?

Teams can only move two spots back in the draft order relative to their lottery odds. The team with the worst regular season record can pick at No. 3 at the latest, the team with the second-worst record can pick at No. 4 at the latest and so on.

Which team has the best odds for the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft lottery?

The team with the fewest regular season points has a 25.5% chance of earning the No. 1 pick. The team with the second-worst record has 13.5% odds of getting the top pick, the team with the third-worst record has 11.5% odds of getting the top pick and the odds continue to gradually drop until it reaches the team with the 11th-worst record.

The San Jose Sharks have the best chances of landing the top overall pick in 2024 after finishing with the lowest point total (47) in the 2023-24 season. They are followed by the Chicago Blackhawks (52 points) and Anaheim Ducks (59 points).

NHL draft lottery odds

Here is a look at how the odds are distributed for the NHL draft lottery, with the 2024 teams in their respective places (via Tankathon):

2024 NHL Draft Lottery date and time

The 2024 NHL Draft Lottery will be held at the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey, on Tuesday, May 7. The time for the event has not yet been announced.

How to watch the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery

ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports will broadcast the lottery.

2024 NHL Draft date and time

The 2024 NHL Draft reportedly will be held at The Sphere in Las Vegas from June 28-29.

Round 1 will be held on Friday, June 28, and Rounds 2-7 will be held on Saturday, June 29.

“Certainly appears that way,” Schlossnagle said in a text to The Associated Press on Tuesday. “It’s part of the game … wish we would’ve caught it.”

He declined further comment.

Mracna, a graduate transfer from George Mason in his first season with the Bulldogs, pitched the last two innings of a 5-4 win in College Station, Texas, on Saturday. He allowed a single to the first batter he faced and struck out six in a row to end the game for his first save. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound right-hander threw 30 pitches, 23 for strikes.

A 30-second video of Mracna in the bullpen, posted by Barstool Texas A&M, showed Mracna appearing to work on his glove in a corner. He reaches for something near or behind a post, but otherwise the view is largely blocked. Another video, taken from the SEC Network telecast, shows Mracna touching the thumb area of his glove with his right fingers between pitches against Texas A&M.

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Georgia declined to comment or make Mracna available. The Southeastern Conference declined comment.

According to NCAA rules, players cannot apply a “foreign substance or moisture to the ball or to the pitching hand or fingers, or do anything to deface the ball.” Use of a foreign substance, typically something sticky that improves grip, can create higher spin rates that increase the ball’s movement. A violation results in ejection.

Mracna has made 13 appearances, including 10 starts, and has 57 strikeouts in 36 innings.

The federation on Tuesday released a 154-page report on Ted Nash, who died in 2021. The report said Jennifer Fox’s allegations that Nash had groomed and sexually abused her in 1973 were believable. They met that year at a horseback-riding camp where Nash was teaching when he was 40 and Fox was 13.

Fox documented her experience in a 2018 movie “The Tale” that she told investigators was a fictionalized account of the alleged abuse. The movie did not name Nash, who was still alive at the time. The New York Times published a 2023 story about Fox’s experience — in which she revealed Nash’s identity — that led to the investigation.

“This whole process has been really, really hard and the result is like removing a lifelong festering tumor from your body,” Fox told the newspaper Tuesday.

The law firm that conducted the report was not asked to find legal evidence of abuse. Still, it said it interviewed nearly 50 witnesses who corroborated many of the allegations “and we did not uncover evidence that expressly refutes Ms. Fox’s claims or suggests a motive for Ms. Fox to fabricate her account of abuse.”

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Among the report’s findings were that a third party turned in details of the case to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which took jurisdiction over the matter but administratively closed the case in part because Nash had already died.

Fox turned to U.S. Rowing, which said in a news release “we determined that the gravity of Ms. Fox’s claims outweighed Mr. Nash’s inability to respond to these allegations.”

U.S. Rowing rescinded all honors it had given to Nash, including his 2005 Man of the Year and 2013 U.S. Rowing Medal of Honor.

The start of Tuesday night’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks has been delayed after a bee colony swarmed the top of the protective netting directly behind home plate.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with the umpires shortly after the delay began and the public address announcer told the crowd about the delay.

A grounds crew member wheeled out a scissor lift after about 20 minutes, then waited for a beekeeper to arrive as fans in the sections behind home plate were cleared out for safety.

The beekeeper arrived about 70 minutes after the scheduled first pitch and pumped up the already-cheering crowd as he rode in on a cart from right field. The beekeeper suited up then rose up toward the swarm, causing more cheers.

With another quick wave to pump up the crowd, he stunned the bees with spray and started sucking them up with a shop vac, hitting the last few stranglers with more spray before heading down. The crowd cheered again and the beekeeper pumped his fist as he lowered back onto the field.

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The delay lasted nearly 90 minutes and the players were given 30 minutes to loosen back up before first pitch. The Diamondbacks switched starting pitchers after the delay, from Jordan Montgomery to Brandon Hughes.

Bee swarms are common during the spring in Arizona and have caused numerous spring training delays through the years. A bee swarm also caused a lengthy delay in a match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, last month.

Chase Field has a retractable roof, but it was open for Tuesday’s game.

Down 97-90 and facing elimination at the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Maxey helped pull Philadelphia back in it to later win 112-106 in overtime.

The 23-year-old led all scorers with 46 points on 17-for-30 shooting (7-for-12 from deep) to go with nine assists and five rebounds in 52 minutes.

Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris each added 19 points as the next highest scorer for Philadelphia on the night.

With the result, the 76ers will head back home for Game 6 in another elimination game. Here are some of the best reactions to Maxey’s performance on social media:

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Game 6 of the first-round series is slated for Thursday, May 2.

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With the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated from the NBA playoffs once again at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, the primary topic that emerged involved LeBron James.

Would the 39-year-old star hang up his sneakers after contemplating retirement last season? Or is it possible he leaves Los Angeles for a different location?

James addressed the rumors about his future on social media Tuesday.

“I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future,” James wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends! When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know. Until then [hush emoji]. Love [crown emoji].”

If James chooses to return, it’d be Year 22 for the former 2003 No. 1 overall pick. He has a player option for 2024-25 worth $51 million if he opts in, via Spotrac.

After being eliminated in Game 5 on Monday, James was asked if it was his last game as a Laker.

“I’m not going to answer that,” he said.

He could opt out and re-sign a new deal with the Lakers — as he’s done with the past — or potentially test free agency. The deadline to opt in is on June 29.

James could do the latter of those two options, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst speculated Tuesday morning. If so, it’d be the first time James was available in free agency since 2018, which is when he left Cleveland for Southern California.

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Age didn’t slow James down in Year 21, where he played 71 games and averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks on a 54/41/75 shooting split.

Then against Denver, the reigning champions, in the first round, James posted these stat lines:

• Game 1: 27 points, eight assists, six rebounds, one steal, one block, 10-for-16 shooting
• Game 2: 26 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds, two steals, two blocks, 9-for-19 shooting
• Game 3: 26 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, one block, 12-for-20 shooting
• Game 4: 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block, 14-for-23 shooting
• Game 5: 30 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, four steals, 11-for-21 shooting

In the case James calls it a career, though, it might be Father Time’s first loss.

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A couple of first-round series in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs have been decided, with some teams able to keep their championship hopes alive for at least another round and others seeing them come to an end early.

The Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers were the first team to advance to Round 2, sweeping the Washington Capitals in four games. The reigning Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers joined New York with an impressive five-game series victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. And the Carolina Hurricanes closed out the New York Islanders in five games as well.

Over in the West, the Colorado Avalanche advanced with a gentleman’s sweep of the Winnipeg Jets.

There are four more second-round berths up for grabs as the playoff field is cut in half from 16 teams down to eight. From the updated bracket and more, here’s what to know about the second round:

Does the NHL reseed in the playoffs?

Like the NBA playoffs, the NHL follows a bracket format in the postseason and doesn’t reseed.

What is the Round 2 bracket for the 2024 NHL playoffs?

There are still several first-round series to be decided, but here’s a look at the updated Round 2 bracket (teams in bold have officially advanced):

Eastern Conference

Florida Panthers (D1) vs. Boston Bruins (D2)/Toronto Maple Leafs (D3)

New York Rangers (D1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (D2)

Western Conference

Dallas Stars (D1)/Vegas Golden Knights (WC2) vs. Colorado Avalanche (D3)

Vancouver Canucks (D1)/Nashville Predators (WC1) vs. Edmonton Oilers (D2)/Los Angeles Kings (D3)

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When does Round 2 of the 2024 NHL playoffs start?

The NHL has not announced when the second round will begin yet.

For what it’s worth, the final potential Game 7s of the first round are scheduled for Sunday, May 5.

What is the Round 2 schedule in the 2024 NHL playoffs?

Check back here for the second-round schedule details as they become available.

How many games are in Round 2 of the NHL playoffs?

Just like the other playoff series, the second round features a best-of-seven format where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5 and 7.

How many rounds are in the NHL playoffs?

There are four rounds in the NHL playoffs. Following the second round will be the conference finals and then the Stanley Cup Final.

The Angels believe Trout will be able to return this season, general manager Perry Minasian said while announcing the injury Tuesday.

Trout is batting .220 with a major league-leading 10 homers, 14 RBIs and six stolen bases this year, but he will be sidelined by a major injury for the fourth consecutive season.

Trout had an MRI after playing in the Angels’ 6-5 victory over Philadelphia on Monday. The outfielder fought back tears while describing the pain that gradually crept up on him after the game.

“It’s crazy, because I look back and I don’t even know when I did it,” Trout said. “I was kind of telling myself, ‘Maybe I just banged it on something and I didn’t realize it.’ And then after the game, getting treatment on it, it was really sore. The plan was just to see how I felt in the morning. If I woke up and it was sore, just get it looked at. That was the plan. Last night was tough for me to sleep. It was just aching all night.”

Trout’s latest injury is another major blow to the Angels, who are off to an 11-18 start in their first season since Shohei Ohtani’s free-agent departure.

Los Angeles also lost Anthony Rendon indefinitely to a torn hamstring earlier this month. The $245 million third baseman also has been sidelined for major portions of the past four consecutive seasons by an array of injuries.

Trout and Rendon are by far the Angels’ two highest-paid players, each making more than $37 million this season.

The 32-year-old Trout won his three MVP awards during a dominant decade of play in the 2010s, but the formerly durable outfielder has been bedeviled by injuries since 2021.

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He missed all but 36 games of the 2021 season with a strained calf, and he missed several weeks of the 2022 season with a back injury. Trout then broke a bone in his hand last season, missing all but one game after July 3.

Trout said he has never had health problems with his knees.

“I’ve talked to a couple of guys in there that’s had” meniscus repair,” Trout said while standing outside the Angels’ clubhouse. “It’s a pretty simple procedure. I’ll have it right away and get back as fast as I can, (but) this is tough.”

Starting with the second Grand Slam of the year, players will be strutting their best clay court slides in hopes of winning the tournament’s massive purse.

Last year, tennis fans saw Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek take home titles. While these players have a lot of ranking points to defend, there’s a whole lot more money to be earned as well.

Ahead of the competition set for May 26 – June 9, let’s take a look at how much money players can earn in the tournament:

What is the total purse at the 2024 French Open?

The total sum of prize money comes to $57.1 million, up 7.82% on 2023’s tournament.  

The prize money increase is most clearly reflected in the first three rounds whereas later in the tournament, a more measured rise is seen.

How much do players earn per round in singles at the 2024 French Open?

Here is the prize money for men and women in singles at the 2024 French Open:

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How much do players earn per round in doubles at the 2024 French Open?

Here is the prize money per team for men’s and women’s doubles at the 2024 French Open:

Finch, who was hurt in a sideline collision with Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley, will have his ruptured right patellar tendon repaired Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the plan. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not yet made the details public. ESPN first reported the news.

The surgery will leave Finch with only three days of recovery before Game 1 in Denver, and this type of procedure typically requires the leg to be immobilized for more time than that. He’ll need crutches for awhile, too. The cramped space on an NBA sideline makes it difficult to envision Finch being able to be on the bench for the beginning of the series.

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Assistant coach Micah Nori took the lead after Finch hobbled off late in the Game 4 win at Phoenix that completed the first-round sweep. Nori also coached the team March 8 at Cleveland when Finch was ill. Filling any voids will be a team effort from a staff that has developed a strong sense of chemistry in the short time it’s been together.

Conley was dribbling up the court near the boundary when Suns star Devin Booker bumped into him, sending him hurtling toward the coach. Conley tried to brace their fall, but the damage was already done by the impact. Finch immediately grimaced and grabbed his knee in pain.

Finch, who finished third in the NBA Coach of the Year voting, is 160-127 in three and a half years with the Timberwolves. He’s 7-8 in the playoffs, having led the team there in each of his three full seasons. Finch took over for the fired Ryan Saunders in 2021 when he was plucked from Toronto’s staff. He has also been an assistant with New Orleans, Denver and Houston.

With the Nuggets, he was hired by coach Mike Malone, his foe for the second straight postseason. Denver beat Minnesota in five games in the first round last year to spark the championship run.

Game 1 is Saturday, followed by Game 2 on Monday and then a three-day break before Game 3 in Minnesota on May 10.

The featured race headlines a full day of competition on the eve of the Derby. The 2024 Kentucky Oaks will also have a record purse as 14 horses chase “lilies for the fillies.”

From history to horses to viewing info, here is everything to know for the 2024 Kentucky Oaks.

What is the Kentucky Oaks?

The Kentucky Oaks is a race for 3-year-old fillies held annually on the day before the Kentucky Derby.

Where is the Kentucky Oaks?

Like the Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Oaks

USA Network and Peacock will have five hours of live Kentucky Oaks coverage starting at 1 p.m. ET on Friday.

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2024 Kentucky Oaks schedule

Friday’s schedule features 13 races starting at 10:30 a.m. ET. The main race – the actual Kentucky Oaks – has a post time of 5:51 p.m. ET.

2024 Kentucky Oaks prize money

The 2024 Kentucky Oaks has a $1.5 million purse, a raise from the $1.25 million purse it had in 2023.

Additionally, the winning filly will earn a garland of lilies, aptly named “lilies for the fillies.”

2024 Kentucky Oaks horses

Here are the post positions for every participant in the 2024 Kentucky Oaks, along with their trainers, jockeys and odds listed by the Derby:

1. Tapit Jenallie: Eddie Milligan Jr., Manny Esquivel, 30-1
2. Gin Gin: Brad Cox, Florent Geroux, 30-1
3. Where’s My Ring: Val Brinkerhoff, Jose Lezcano, 15-1
4. Regulatory Risk: Chad Brown, Jose Ortiz, 20-1
5. Thorpedo Anna: Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr., 5-1
6. Lemon Muffin: Wayne Lukas, Keith Asmussen, 30-1
7. Fiona’s Magic: Michael Yates, Luis Saez, 30-1
8. Tarifa: Brad Cox, Flavien Prat, 7/2
9. Everland: Eric Foster, Abel Cedillo, 30-1
10. Into Champagne: Ian Wilkes, Julien Leparoux, 30-1
11. Ways and Means: Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione, 5-1
12. Power Squeeze: Jorge Delgado, Daniel Centeno, 12-1
13. Just F Y I: Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado, 9/2
14. Leslie’s Rose: Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr., 4-1

Our Pretty Woman and Candied are eligible to race if another competitor scratches.

A ceremony for the roof over the 10,000-seat Suzanne Lenglen court will be held on May 26 when play starts in the main draws, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said at a news conference.

Even before the inauguration for the two-week tournament, the roof can be closed if rain comes during qualifying rounds on the six previous days.

The main 15,000-seat Philippe Chatrier court has had a retractable roof since 2020.

“It is a court that will help us a lot,” Mauresmo said, calling it the “most visible new feature” of the 2024 tournament.

Mauresmo praised the new roof as giving more flexibility in scheduling matches and ensuring play for 25,000 fans on the grounds and TV viewers worldwide.

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The two roofed courts will help keep the Olympic tournament on schedule from July 27-Aug. 4 at the Paris Games. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, matches in open-air courts were disrupted by searing heat and humidity.

Rafael Nadal, the record 14-time men’s singles champion at the clay-court Grand Slam, doubted on Wednesday he will be ready for Roland Garros as he’s dealing with injuries at age 37.

“We cross our fingers for him and for us. He’s at home and he knows it,” Mauresmo said, hours before Nadal was due on court at the Madrid Open. “We are waiting to see what happens and we will follow his desires.”

Even though Nadal is the all-time greatest player at Roland Garros, Mauresmo is not yet prepared to make a special case for him to be seeded as his ranking has dropped to No. 512. Wimbledon has given preferred seeding to grass-court specialist players.

“We have also seen that it brought some benefits but it has also brought some drawbacks,” Mauresmo said about seeding according to a player’s history instead of current ranking. “So that is not a subject on the table yet.”

If Nadal is unseeded, he could be drawn to face any other player in the first round, including long-time rival and defending champion Novak Djokovic or two-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal, an Olympic gold medalist in singles and doubles, is expected at Roland Garros for the Summer Games, and could play doubles with Alcaraz, French Tennis Federation official Stéphane Morel suggested.

Roland Garros also stages boxing finals in the second week of the Olympics. Mauresmo said the extra attractions had only a positive effect on demand for the French Open.

The tournament is sold out for the first week with daily crowds of 75,000 expected, and about 650,000 across the three weeks including qualifying.

Tuesday night will feature three Eastern Conference Game 5s, two of which could be potential elimination games. The No. 2 New York Knicks will host the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers with a chance to advance, the No. 6 Indiana Pacers can clinch a gentleman’s sweep over the No. 3 Bucks in Milwaukee and the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers will battle the No. 5 Orlando Magic in a series currently knotted at 2-2.

Each game has its own stakes, but one markedly stands out when it comes to ticket prices.

Fans will need to shell out hundreds to get into Madison Square Garden Tuesday night with the cheapest Sixers-Knicks Game 5 tickets starting at $364 on Vivid Seats (before fees). Knicks fans already made their presence felt in Philadelphia during Sunday’s Game 4 – much to Joel Embiid’s chagrin – and they will look to bring a similar intensity to the Big Apple for Game 5.

Should the Sixers keep their season alive, tickets for Game 6 at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday are as low as $88.

Elsewhere, tickets for Pacers-Bucks and Magic-Cavs could almost be confused for regular season prices.

Entry into Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum starts at $30. Those prices could be higher if the Bucks weren’t facing elimination and if Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were healthy.

Over in Cleveland, fans can get into Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for as little as $28. By comparison, tickets for Game 6 at Orlando’s Kia Center are going for $75.

Of all the possible Game 7s, tickets for Sixers-Knicks, which would be played at MSG on Saturday, are listed as the most expensive at $371. Heat–Celtics comes in as the next-most expensive at $173, followed by Mavericks–Clippers at $122.

The Kentucky Derby, which has been held annually on the first Saturday of May since 1875, is back for its 150th edition. 

Winning the Derby is a prestigious achievement within the sport and a career-defining moment for the owners and trainers, but the icing on the cake is the record $5 million million purse that will be awarded to the top five horses and their jockeys.

With the highly anticipated race approaching, here’s a look at the $5 million purse and how it’s distributed amongst the winners:

Who gets a part of the Kentucky Derby purse in 2024?

Twenty equines compete in the one-and-a-quarter-mile event, but only the top five finishers in the race will get part of the cash prize.

How much is the Kentucky Derby purse in 2024?

The total purse is $5 million in 2024, up from $3 million in 2023.

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How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner take home?

The first-place winner will get $3.1 million, with the jockey taking home $310,000. 

The second-place finisher will take home $1 million, the third-place finisher will take home $500,000, the fourth-place finisher will take home $250,000 and the fifth-place finisher will take home $150,000.

How does the Kentucky Derby purse compare to other Triple Crown races?

The Kentucky Derby has the highest purse of the Triple Crown races.

Both the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes have $2 million purses in 2024.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article was published in May 2023.

The league, which was originally founded in the 1980s, hit some snags when it kicked off its third iteration with games on Saturday.

In March, the NFL announced a partnership that would have 30 AFL regular season games broadcasted on NFL Network starting on Saturday, April 27, with the Albany Firebirds and Orlando Predators facing off after the network’s 2024 NFL Draft coverage. The game wound up being broadcasted on VYRE Network.

The NFL did not respond to a request for comment from ProFootballTalk. Current NFL Network listings have its next AFL broadcast scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Thursday when the Firebirds face the Nashville Kats.

The AFL’s Saturday schedule announcement did not include the Philadelphia Soul’s matchup against the Louisiana Voodoo.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Christian Red reported on a “chaotic and unsettling 48 hours” for the Soul. Head coach Patrick Pimmel reportedly “stepped down the day before the team’s first game, and many of the Soul players had received release forms.” Players from the American Arena League 2’s Dallas Falcons then filled in on the Soul’s roster and the team went on to lose 53-18 in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The drama extended to the Soul’s hotel. Sports agent Tristen Burnett said that Soul players were kicked out of the team’s Super 8 motel in the Philadelphia area and that the players’ luggage was taken from them and locked in a motel room, Red reported, via Sports Business Journal.

Red noted that the Soul’s turmoil stems from an ownership situation after a venture group “backed out.”

“Cracks in the Soul foundation started to appear last month, when word began to leak that the AFL would take ownership of the Soul,” Red wrote.

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray once again hit a game winner versus Los Angeles, this time to eliminate them from the first round of the playoffs.

In Denver’s final possession during Monday’s Game 5, Murray drove just past the free-throw line thanks to Nikola Jokic’s screen and hit a shot over Austin Reaves to make it 108-106.

LeBron James passed it to Taurean Prince for the final heave, but it didn’t fall.

Murray’s first game-winning shot of the series also came at home during Game 2. The Nuggets trailed by 20 points, but Murray hit a step-back jumper over Anthony Davis as time expired to secure a 101-99 win.

The Nuggets will now play the No. 3-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in what should be a riveting matchup between two robust squads.

But, with the Lakers now eliminated by Denver for the second straight postseason, here are some of the best reactions to Murray’s second game winner:

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After a meeting arranged by coach Trent Dilfer, athletes.org announced Monday its co-founders met recently with UAB’s players and staff and laid out a vision of a not-so-distant future of college sports, which includes athletes collectively bargaining with schools, conferences or possibly the NCAA to determine how revenue is shared and other polices.

Athletes.org is not a union — yet — and one of several organizations trying to organize athletes. Jim Cavale, one of the founders, said the group has signed up more than 2,900 college athletes from all sports over the last eight months, mostly one by one.

“It’s a lot easier if you can get in front of team and at least have the opportunity to earn their trust and see if they want to sign up. Give them a the choice, as a team,” Cavale told AP in a phone interview.

He said the meeting with UAB took place about two weeks ago in Birmingham, Alabama.

Signing up is free and athletes.org already provides pro bono legal, financial and mental health services to members along with background checks for agents and companies athletes might want to do business with.

With more potentially drastic changes to college sports likely on the horizon, including multiple antitrust lawsuits that could re-direct millions of dollars in revenue toward the athletes, the organization is positioning itself to evolve into an association that aligns players by sport.

“The income piece is down the line,” Cavale said.

Last month, the Dartmouth men’s basketball team voted to join a union after a ruling by a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board deemed the players to be employees. The school is fighting that ruling and while it does, the school is not obligated to bargain with the players.

Another NLRB complaint is being heard in California, asking that USC athletes be deemed employees of the school and their conferences. And yet another complaint was filed recently calling for Notre Dame athletes to be treated as employees.

Those cases could take years to come to a conclusion.

Looming over college sports is several antitrust lawsuits that are threatening to force the NCAA, conferences and schools to change the way college athletes are compensated. Most notably House vs. the NCAA case could cost the association and major college conferences billions in damages. Another case in Pennsylvania is specifically asking for college athletes to be deemed employees.

College sports leaders are looking to Congress for help with a federal law that would prevent college athletes — at least most of them — from getting employees status. NCAA President Charlie Baker has repeatedly said that most athletes he speaks with would prefer to not be employees of their schools.

Excerpts from the meeting with UAB players and athletes.org officials were posted on social media. Dilfer, a former NFL quarterback in his second season as UAB coach, explained to his team that in the NFL players are represented and supported by a union.

“Right now, you have no help,” Dilfer told his team. “It’s just you and your parents.”

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Cavale, the former CEO of INFLCR, a company that provides schools and athletes with support for name, image and likeness compensation opportunities and brand building, also spoke to the team along with former NFL player Brandon Copeland.

Cavale said he has spoken with numerous football coaches in power conferences who would like their teams to hear about athletes.org, and he hopes school administrators will see the benefit of players being organized.

“The schools helping us at least get in front of the athletes to give them the choice to sign up or not should not be a concern,” Cavale said. “The athletes don’t have to sign up, but they need to be aware of the moment in time we’re in and have the option to.”

With the conclusion of the recent draft, all 32 franchises got a fair shot to potentially improve their respective rosters in preparation for the upcoming season.

Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles made a bevy of trades to bolster their depth after falling apart as the 2023 season progressed. However, teams like the Dallas Cowboys didn’t do as much as they should’ve.

So, let’s rank all 32 NFL teams based on how their rosters look entering the 2024 season:

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32. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers added more young offensive talent to complement Bryce Young in WR Xavier Legette, RB Jonathon Brooks and TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, but they’ll still be a few years away from potentially making noise under new head coach Dave Canales. Jadaveon Clowney, Diontae Johnson and Jordan Fuller are intriguing veteran additions, but they don’t move the needle too much just yet.

31. New England Patriots: How the Patriots fare will rely on Drake Maye’s in-season development. Second-round wideout Ja’Lynn Polk could play a crucial role in that, as could fourth-round wideout Javon Baker. New head coach Jerod Mayo has plenty of work to do with all three units.

30. New York Giants: The Giants are sticking with Daniel Jones as their QB1, but at least they drafted Malik Nabers to give him better receiving talent. They didn’t pick any offensive lineman but signed four in free agency, so how that group performs in front of Jones will tell the story.

29. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix is Sean Payton’s new QB1. Maybe Troy Franklin’s drop to the fourth round pans out, but there’s not too much Denver did this offseason that inspires optimism.

28. Tennessee Titans: New head coach Brian Callahan will be responsible for Will Levis’ next steps. Drafting tackle J.C. Latham in the first round could provide Levis a blindside blocker for years if everything pans out, while T’Vondre Sweat could push for a key role on the defensive line. How Tony Pollard takes over for Derrick Henry as RB1 will also determine how well Tennessee does.

27. Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce is here to stay, but Las Vegas is still lacking a franchise quarterback. First-round pick Brock Bowers will be a key target for either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell, while the defense will have to carry the burden.

26. New Orleans Saints: Kool-Aid McKinstry was the draft highlight for the Saints in the second round, but having Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler and Nathan Peterman in the same quarterback room doesn’t exactly provide much confidence.

25. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray will have a full season under his belt with Marvin Harrison Jr. reinforcing the wideout department. Arizona made 12 draft picks in total while tackle Jonah Williams was the big free-agent signing. The Cardinals will have some steps to climb in a tough division, though.

24. Washington Commanders: The Commanders made noise in the offseason by signing a compelling mix of productive veterans and rising talent in their prime that make them a potential sleeper team. How soon No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels adjusts to NFL life, if at all, will be pivotal.

23. Seattle Seahawks: Expect the Seahawks to field a sturdy defense with Mike Macdonald now in charge. They prioritized defenders in both free agency and the draft, but a Geno Smith-Sam Howell QB tandem leaves more to be desired.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Second-year head coach Shane Steichen did a phenomenal job keeping Indianapolis fighting after Anthony Richardson’s season-ending injury. Now that Richardson is back, he’ll get to work with Michael Pittman Jr., Jonathan Taylor and Adonai Mitchell. Laiatu Latu could also be in for a robust rookie year on defense.

21. Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell will have to work out Sam Darnold vs. J.J. McCarthy in training camp. The Vikings still have talent across all units, led by Justin Jefferson and Harrison Smith, but they might regress from this position if the QB play is bland.

20. Atlanta Falcons: QB drama aside, there’s plenty of talent under Raheem Morris’ disposal to make a run in an open NFC South. The draft class may not have bolstered things much, but Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell headline talent elsewhere.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay’s roster isn’t all that much different than last season and Baker Mayfield got capital-P paid, so it should be favorites to win the NFC South again. But the Buccaneers have to hope the team has more room to grow in order to advance past the wild-card round in the postseason.

18. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams will have Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore as his wideout options. That’s before getting into Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift, among others. The Bears‘ defense then is headlined by Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson. Expectations are high for Chicago to at least push for a wild-card spot, so they’ll have to translate the on-paper glamour to on-field success.

17. New York Jets: Robert Saleh should have the Jets‘ defense thriving again, even with losses like Bryce Huff. The real question comes down to how Aaron Rodgers fares after returning from a torn Achilles. The 40-year-old QB will have Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams and Malachi Corley as his top wideouts.

16. Los Angeles Rams: The Rams indicated last season the Matthew Stafford-Sean McVay era isn’t going anywhere just yet. Aaron Donald’s story may be over, but Los Angeles still has intriguing young talent on both sides of the ball. How new CB signing Tre’Davious White fares coming off an Achilles injury will also be crucial for the defense, as will the developments of first-round DE Jared Verse and second-round DT Braden Fiske (both from Florida State).

15. Los Angeles Chargers: You could flip the Rams and Chargers here and there would be little pushback. The biggest thing going for the Chargers is the potential Jim Harbaugh effect. Harbaugh may not always win titles but he’ll have his teams in the conversation. Let’s see if he can help break the Chargers’ curse and build toward that status after this year, even though the wide receiver room is quite bleak (Ladd McConkey, come on up).

14. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville’s draft was OK, to be blunt. Trevor Lawrence is entering a crucial season and the Jaguars made most of their noise in free agency, picking up Arik Armstead, Gabe Davis, Darnell Savage and Ronald Darby, among others. Is that enough to go past the opening round of the playoffs like they did two years ago? This year could be consequential if they fumble again.

13. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys‘ biggest move this offseason was reportedly signing Ezekiel Elliott — after the draft. That’s a red flag, coupled with contract situations looming with Mike McCarthy, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. If this is a Super-Bowl-or-bust year for Dallas, it’s a script the league has seen already.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson obviously is the most enticing QB battle in the league. The Steelers also did well to add Patrick Queen and Cordarrelle Patterson, among others, in free agency. Then add the fact that Mike Tomlin just does not miss playoffs and you have to like where Pittsburgh currently stands. How the QB battle pans out will determine their ceiling both in this ranking and in the official standings.

11. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins struggled to win the big games last season and predictably lost right away in the postseason. But, after watching several stars go down to season-ending injuries, they made proactive moves in signing veteran defensive free agents in Jordan Poyer, Shaquil Barrett, Jordyn Brooks, Kendall Fuller and more. However, Tua Tagovailoa holds the keys to Mike McDaniel’s offense — and Miami’s ceiling.

10. Cleveland Browns: As long as the Browns’ defense remains elite, they’ll be in the conversation like last season when Joe Flacco was under center. Deshaun Watson has an immense “prove-it” season ahead after struggling most of last season. If he’s decent, Cleveland can be a tough postseason out.

9. Buffalo Bills: The Bills‘ main problem in recent years has been Kansas City. But this year they have a new-look wideout room with rookie Keon Coleman and signing Curtis Samuel joining the rising Khalil Shakir. If their defense can rise a few levels, Buffalo should be right in the mix.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati is a top-10 team when Joe Burrow is healthy, but he needs to prove he can stay on the field for a whole season. The Bengals also have some trade drama with Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson, so those decisions could have a say in how 2024 pans out.

7. Green Bay Packers: Green Bay impressively made noise in the playoffs with the league’s youngest roster. Jordan Love will also have Josh Jacobs in the backfield now, though first-round pick Jordan Morgan may have a big role to play along the offensive line early. Second-round linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is also one to watch.

6. Detroit Lions: Detroit reached the conference championship game last season, and there’s a path back if Jared Goff keeps improving alongside a plethora of young talents on offense. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader was its splash in free agency, while sixth-round DT Mekhi Wingo could be a steal.

5. Baltimore Ravens: After Lamar Jackson struggled en route to another postseason exit, Baltimore went out and signed Derrick Henry before drafting tackle Roger Rosengarten and wideout Devontez Walker. The Ravens also drafted corners Nate Wiggins (first round) and T.J. Tampa (third round), who could play key roles early.

4. Houston Texans: The Texans managed to keep key players from last season while also adding Danielle Hunter, Stefon Diggs, Azeez Al-Shaair and Denico Autry, among others in free agency and the draft. With C.J. Stroud proving Super Bowl-caliber already, Houston can spend expensive elsewhere before his next big contract. And with DeMeco Ryans being a young, proactive head coach, there’s definitely more levels this squad can reach.

3. Philadelphia Eagles: Based on the Eagles’ free-agency signings and subsequent draft picks, they are determined not to collapse again like last season. Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Devin White are entering the fold along with rookies Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., among others. They can be dangerous if Nick Sirianni can assemble the pieces properly.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Before Brock Purdy gets a lucrative extension, the 49ers made sure to stock up on ready-now rookies. Ricky Pearsall, Renardo Green, Dominick Puni, Isaac Guerendo and Jacob Cowing could all play pivotal roles early while free-agent signings Leonard Floyd, Isaac Yiadom, Maliek Collins and De’Vondre Campbell, among others, will be tasked to plug defensive gaps in what could possibly be the final year of the Deebo Samuel-Brandon Aiyuk tandem on offense.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs proved that no matter what happens in the regular season, all they need is to get in the postseason with a healthy Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Losing L’Jarius Sneed is a blow at corner, but Mahomes also got a speedy wideout in Xavier Worthy. That might just be a worthy tradeoff.

Francis Ngannou is in mourning.

The former UFC heavyweight champion shared on Monday that his 15-month-old son died April 27. While Ngannou didn’t share his cause of death, he paid tribute to his late son on social media.

“Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone,” he wrote over a black and white photo with his son, alongside his son’s birth date and death date. “My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.”

The 37-year-old — who’s very guarded about his personal life and has not shared who his son’s mother was — added he was his “best self next to” his son, saying that he doesn’t know who he is anymore.

“How do you deal with such a thing?” he continued. “How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”

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Ngannou, 37, also shared about his sadness on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “What’s the purpose of life if what we’re fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!?”

Asking why life is “so unfair and merciless,” he also pondered why it “always takes what we don’t have.”

E! News has reached out to Francis’ reps for comment.

Many of the Cameroon native’s friends in the MMA and UFC world shared their thoughts and prayers, with Conor McGregor writing on X, “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”

Eric Nicksick, Ngannou’s coach, also shared a heartfelt message. “It’s been a heavy few days, words can’t express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time,” he wrote on X. “Please keep Francis and his family in your heart, and may this be a reminder of the fragility of life. Say ‘I love you,’ more often, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”

The No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves were the first team to win a first-round series in 2024 NBA playoffs, eliminating the star-studded No. 6 Phoenix Suns in four games. The Wolves’ sweep marked the franchise’s first playoff series win since 2004.

Two more Western Conference heavyweights have since joined Minnesota in Round 2. The No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder impressively swept the No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans, while the No. 2 defending champion Denver Nuggets bested the No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers in a tightly contested five-game series.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the top-seeded Boston Celtics were the first team to advance. Boston got some revenge on the Miami Heat, taking down the reigning conference champs in five games.

So, when will these aforementioned contenders continue their chase for the Larry O’Brien Trophy?

Here’s what we know about the second round of the playoffs so far:

What teams are left in the 2024 NBA playoffs?

With several first-round series still undecided, here’s an updated look at the second-round bracket (teams in bold have officially clinched a Round 2 berth):

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Boston Celtics vs. No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers/No. 5 Orlando Magic

No. 2 New York Knicks/No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers vs. No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks/No. 6 Indiana Pacers

Western Conference

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers/No. 5 Dallas Mavericks

No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves

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When is Round 2 of the 2024 NBA playoffs?

Nuggets-Wolves, the only second-round series that’s set so far, will get underway Saturday, May 4.

How many games are in Round 2 of the NBA playoffs?

Just like the other playoff rounds, Round 2 features a best-of-seven format where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5 and 7.

What is the schedule for Round 2 of the 2024 NBA playoffs?

Here’s an updated look at the second-round schedule details we know so far (* = if necessary):

No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves

• Game 1: Wolves at Nuggets, May 4 (time TBD, TV channel TBD)
• Game 2: Wolves at Nuggets, May 6 (time TBD, TV channel TBD)
• Game 3: Nuggets at Wolves, May 10 (time TBD, TV channel TBD)
• Game 4: Nuggets at Wolves, May 12 (time TBD, TV channel TBD)
• Game 5*: Wolves at Nuggets, May 14 (time TBD, TV channel TBD)
• Game 6*: Nuggets at Wolves, May 16 (time TBD, TV channel TBD)
• Game 7*: Wolves at Nuggets, May 19 (time TBD, TV channel TBD)

Does the NBA reseed in the playoffs?

Unlike the NFL, the NBA doesn’t reseed in the playoffs. That means the 1-8 series winner meets the 4-5 series winner, while the 2-7 series winner will be up against the 3-6 series winner.

How many rounds are there in the NBA playoffs?

There are four rounds in the NBA playoffs. Following the second round will come the conference finals and then the NBA Finals.

Using Google search data for soccer-related terms and U.S. Census Bureau population statistics, soccer experts tapped into America’s growing fascination with soccer.

For example, more than four million people searched for soccer highlights last year in the U.S.

While American football reigns supreme, soccer is steadily gaining traction across the United States. Interest varies regionally, with some states embracing the “beautiful game” more than others.

When the U.S. hosted the 1994 World Cup, it had no professional league. Since then, the growth of soccer has skyrocketed.

With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, sixteen cities will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The schedule of games includes 11 host cities in the United States and three in Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey). Canada will play host to a baker’s dozen of matches as well, with seven set in Vancouver and six in Toronto.

Where does soccer shine brightest in the United States?

Studies suggest a trend of higher soccer interest in coastal areas and states with large metropolitan populations, such as California and Texas.

This aligns with the presence of Major League Soccer (MLS) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchises, often concentrated in major cities.

Factors like youth club participation, professional team presence and online engagement played an important role in rounding the numbers and crowing Washington state as the number one in followers in the U.S.

A study done by Sports Innovation Lab, a company that measures sports fan data, shows that 55% of U.S. soccer fans are from the ages of 18 to 34. The younger demographic is clearly at the forefront of the fandom, and this could be because they grew up playing or watching the game. 

Who are the top 3 states embracing soccer in the United States?

• #1 – New Jersey is the top state in the US for soccer interest, with over 174,500 monthly searches by its 9.3 million residents. No wonder the iconic MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets, will stage the final for the World Cup on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
• #2 – California‘s love for soccer is evident, ranking second with an impressive 1,791 searches per 100,000 individuals. With its population of 39 million people, the Golden State racked up an immense 698,100 soccer-related searches monthly as they gear up to host the World Cup at two locations: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. 
• #3 – Florida is gearing up to shine as a host for the 2026 World Cup, solidifying its reputation as a haven for soccer fans. Ranking third among states, Florida, with its 22.6 million population and total of 397,300 soccer-related searches per month, sees 1,757 searches per 100,000 people. The arrival of the legendary Lionel Messi to play for Inter Miami in MLS has undoubtedly played a crucial role in boosting the state’s soccer fervor.

Which U.S cities are most interested in Soccer?

States traditionally known for American football dominance might show less enthusiasm for soccer. However, even in these regions, participation among youth is steadily rising, indicating a potential shift in future generations.

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States like West Virginia, Mississippi and Montana are listed as the states least interested in the “jogo bonito.”

According to Forbes, the 2022 men’s World Cup final garnered almost 26 million viewers on average as Lionel Messi and Argentina lifted the trophy after beating France.

The U.S. men’s team’s group-stage game against England in that same World Cup peaked at over 15 million viewers, and their game against Iran averaged 12.01 million, according to Sports Watch Media.

The average viewership in the Iran match was higher than the average for the 2023 NBA Finals which, according to Forbes, sat at 11.65 million.

While the U.S. may not have the same soccer culture as other countries, the data suggests that the sport is becoming more popular than ever in the country.

The decision left a proposal from Brazil and a joint Germany-Netherlands-Belgium plan competing to be picked for 2027 by the FIFA Congress that meets May 17 in Bangkok.

The USSF said the 2031 bid will call for FIFA to invest equally in the men’s and women’s World Cups.

FIFA said last year it planned to spend $896 million in prize money for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The governing body devoted $110 million in prize money for last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“Hosting a World Cup tournament is a huge undertaking — and having additional time to prepare allows us to maximize its impact across the globe,” USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. “I’m proud of our commitment to provide equitable experiences for the players, fans and all our stakeholders. Shifting our bid will enable us to host a record-breaking Women’s World Cup in 2031 that will help to grow and raise the level of the women’s game both here at home as well as across the globe.”

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In detailing the bid in December, the USSF proposed U.S. sites from among the same 11 to be used in the 2026 men’s World Cup. Mexico listed Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey — its three sites for the men’s World Cup — and in addition for 2027 listed as possibilities Leon and Querétaro.

“We feel that moving our bid back to 2031 will allow us to promote and build up to the most successful Women’s World Cup ever,” MFF President Ivar Sisnieg said in a statement. “The strength and universality of our professional women’s leagues, coupled with our experience from organizing the 2026 World Cup, means that we will be able to provide the best infrastructure as well as an enthusiastic fan base that will make all the participating teams feel at home and to put together a World Cup that will contribute to the continued growth of women’s football.”

The post positions for each of the 20 horses in the 150th Kentucky Derby were randomly assigned on Saturday. But, after Encino was scratched from the race due to injury, several horses had their starting gate changed and one new horse drew into the field.

So, which Kentucky Derby participants have history on their side in regard to the starting positions? And which ones don’t?

Before the starting gates open at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, here’s what to know about Derby post positions:

Which post position has the most Kentucky Derby wins?

History is on the side of Catalytic, a 30-1 longshot, as the highest number of Derby winners have come from the No. 5 spot. Ten of the 94 horses that began in that gate went on to be crowned champion, more than any other post position. The most recent champion was Always Dreaming in 2017.

Meanwhile, the No. 8 and No. 10 spots have each seen nine winners, with No. 10 holding a higher winning percentage. Last year’s Derby winner, Mage, started from the No. 8 post position, and Just a Touch (10-1 morning line odds) will do so this year. T O Password (30-1) was originally in the No. 10 spot, but Forever Young (10-1) will now start from there following Encino’s scratch.

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Which post position has the fewest Kentucky Derby wins?

Derby favorite Fierceness (5-2) was originally slated to start from the No. 17 gate, which is the only post position that’s never produced a Derby champion. But now Stronghold (20-1) has the unenviable task of trying to break the Kentucky Derby curse.

Of the 44 horses that have started from the No. 17 gate, zero were winners.

Kentucky Derby winners by post position

Generally speaking, it’s more advantageous to start from a gate toward the middle. Being too far inside could make it difficult to get out in front of a large field.

While the No. 1 and 2 post positions have produced a combined 15 champions, it’s been nearly 40 years since the last one. And the No. 3 spot hasn’t seen a winner since 1998.

Starting too far outside, meanwhile, creates a longer path to the inside of the track. The No. 17 through 20 post positions have combined for five victories in 128 starts.

The No. 20 spot actually boasts the best winning percentage of any gate, though it’s also the post position with the fewest starts. Rich Strike’s historic upset in 2022 marked the second champion in 18 starts from the No. 20 post position. Last year’s Derby didn’t have any horses in the No. 19 and No. 20 gates after several pre-race scratches.

Here’s a full look at Kentucky Derby winners by post position, according to America’s Best Racing:

1: 8 wins in 94 starts, last winner in 1986

2: 7 wins in 94 starts, last winner in 1978

3: 5 wins in 94 starts, last winner in 1998

4: 5 wins in 94 starts, last winner in 2010

5: 10 wins in 94 starts, last winner in 2017

6: 2 wins in 94 starts, last winner 1993

7: 8 wins in 93 starts, last winner in 2021

8: 9 wins in 93 starts, last winner in 2023

9: 4 wins in 90 starts, last winner in 1972

10: 9 wins in 87 starts, last winner in 2005

11: 2 wins in 83 starts, last winner in 1988

12: 3 wins in 79 starts, last winner in 1971

13: 5 wins in 77 starts, last winner in 2016

14: 2 wins in 67 starts, last winner in 1961

15: 6 wins in 62 starts, last winner in 2020

16: 4 wins in 51 starts, last winner in 2011

17: 0 wins in 44 starts

18: 2 wins in 36 starts, last winner in 2019

19: 1 win in 30 starts, last winner in 2012

20: 2 wins in 18 starts, last winner in 2022

What are the Kentucky Derby 2024 post positions?

Encino was assigned the No. 9 post position before being scratched, meaning horses in post positions 10 through 20 will move in one spot. And Epic Ride (50-1), who replaced Encino in the field, will start from the No. 20 gate.

Here are the updated post positions for this weekend’s Derby, along with the morning line odds:

1. Dornoch, 20-1

2. Sierra Leone, 3-1

3. Mystik Dan, 20-1

4. Catching Freedom, 8-1

5. Catalytic, 30-1

6. Just Steel, 20-1

7. Honor Marie, 20-1

8. Just a Touch, 10-1

9. T O Password, 30-1

10. Forever Young, 10-1

11. Track Phantom, 20-1

12. West Saratoga, 50-1

13. Endlessly, 30-1

14. Domestic Product, 30-1

15. Grand Mo the First, 50-1

16. Fierceness, 5-2

17. Stronghold, 20-1

18. Resilience, 20-1

19. Society Man, 50-1

20. Epic Ride, 50-1

When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

The 150th Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 4.

What time is the Kentucky Derby?

The race is set to begin at 6:57 p.m. ET.

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in 2023.

The Sports Bra is a pub where women’s sports are celebrated — and the only thing on TV.

Packed and buzzing with activity, the bar has successfully tapped into a meteoric rise of interest in women’s sports, embodied most recently by the frenzy over University of Iowa basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark’s records-smashing feats.

Just two years after opening, the bar announced plans last week to go nationwide through a franchise model.

“Things have happened at light speed compared to what my forecast was,” founder and CEO Jenny Nguyen told The Associated Press. “This tiny spot that I built for my friends and I to watch games and give female athletes their flowers means so much more. And not just to me, but to a lot of people.”

Under the plan, bars and entrepreneurs elsewhere will be able to apply to use The Sports Bra brand for their franchises. Nguyen is open to working with people who already have a physical space, as well as those who may only have a business plan. What matters, she said, is that the potential future partners share The Sports Bra’s values.

One aspiring partner is Jackie Reau, who hopes to open a franchise in Cincinnati, where she works as the CEO of a media and marketing agency. During an interview at The Sports Bra, where she happily watched her college women’s lacrosse team on one of the TV sets, she said such establishments “celebrate women’s sports and the champions and the athletes behind the story.”

“It’s exciting to see it grow and gain such popularity,” Reau said of the bar. “It’s just such a moment right now for women’s sports.”

The expansion will be boosted by funding from a foundation created by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams. Nguyen said she already has received hundreds of inquiries.

Interest in women’s sports is at an all-time high, helped by Clark’s exploits this year, when she shattered all-time NCAA scoring records for women and men. The championship game between Iowa and South Carolina on April 7 drew 18.9 million viewers on average, surpassing the audience for the men’s title match for the first time.

A week later a record 2.45 million viewers on average tuned in to the WNBA draft to watch as Clark went to the Indiana Fever as the No. 1 pick. Last week it was reported that she was set to sign a $28 million deal with Nike that would be the richest sponsorship contract for a women’s basketball player.

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The rise in interest is not just for women’s basketball, but other sports as well. The 2023 Women’s World Cup reported record attendance with nearly 2 million fans. A University of Nebraska volleyball game played in a football stadium drew more than 92,000 people last August, a world record for largest attendance at a women’s sporting event.

“It’s sort of in this pinnacle moment where eyeballs are plentiful,” said Lauren Anderson, director of the Warsaw Sports Business Center at the University of Oregon. “It’s just been an alignment of many things that has created this incredible moment for women’s sports that seems to be more than just a flash in the pan.”

As the fan base and engagement grow, so too does the appetite for changing a sports bar culture that has traditionally catered to men’s athletics. Other establishments like The Sports Bra have recently opened elsewhere: A Bar of Their Own began operating in Minneapolis earlier this year, and Seattle’s Rough & Tumble launched in late 2022.

Sports bars have not always been welcome spaces for women, Nguyen said. A fan since childhood, she would gather groups of friends to go because she didn’t feel safe going by herself. She recalled encountering macho environments that made her uncomfortable, and bartenders who refused to change the channel to a women’s game.

“That was just what we settled with,” she said. “When I wanted to push back and kind of flip the status quo, that’s when I really started to dig in on how The Sports Bra could matter and change the narrative on sports bars.”

One memory in particular stands out for Nguyen from her time as proprietor: Serena Williams’ last match, in 2022. A massive crowd showed up to watch, spilling over onto the the sidewalk. People outside cupped their eyes with their hands as they peered through the windows to see the screens.

“When Serena would score a point, I swear to God, I thought the glass was going to shatter. My eyeballs were rattling inside my head,” Nguyen said. “And then when they were volleying, I feel like you could hear a burger flip in the kitchen.”

Toward the end, she felt tears welling up. She passed two tissue boxes around for similarly weepy customers as everyone reveled in Williams’ last minutes on the court.

“I remember taking a deep breath and thinking, ‘I don’t know if there’s a single place on the face of the planet that is having this exact moment,’” Nguyen said. “It was amazing.”

Fans can still find it challenging to watch women’s sports games, because many are not broadcast on TV and require different streaming subscriptions, said Tarlan Chahardovali, an assistant professor in the University of South Carolina’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.

Women’s sports bars can be a reliable go-to for many events by having those subscriptions. But more broadly, Chahardovali said, much work remains to be done to ensure the media market doesn’t undervalue women’s sports.

“Today’s numbers are hard to ignore, and I think it’s a very exciting time,” she said. “But it’s a moment that needs to be maintained and sustained, and it needs continuous investment.”

Bill Belichick.

Yes, the former Patriots head coach who drafted Brady in 2000 and won six Super Bowl titles with him in New England, will take part in the roast event, per NFL Network’s Gregg Rosenthal.

Belichick and Brady had their differences throughout their time together in Foxboro, and those were well-documented in the recent Apple TV+ documentary The Dynasty. But there’s obviously an immense amount of respect and appreciation they have for each other.

Belichick wasn’t always very talkative with the media, but by all accounts, he does have a good sense of humor. Hopefully we see some of that during the roast. He should have plenty of good material to work with after being around Brady for 20 years.

The legendary head coach isn’t the only former Patriot who will take part in the event. Julian Edelman, Randy Moss, Rob Gronkowski and Drew Bledsoe also will participate.

The Tom Brady roast on Netflix is scheduled for Sunday, May 5 at 8 p.m. ET.

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The 36-year-old Kelce is going to ESPN to be a part of its “Monday Night Football” pregame show, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported.

According to Marchand, Kelce garnered interest from multiple networks, which isn’t surprising. Kelce already has plenty of star power from his NFL career and his podcast, “New Heights,” which he hosts with his All-Pro tight end brother Travis.

The report said that NBC and CBS were also interested in adding Kelce, but ESPN won out.

Kelce had an incredible 13-year career with the Eagles after getting drafted in the sixth round out of Cincinnati in 2011. He made seven Pro Bowl teams and was an All-Pro six times in his last seven years in the NFL.

Even though Kelce played at a high level in 2023, he finally decided to step away from the game after flirting with retirement after each of the last few seasons.

Kelce officially announced his retirement in a prepared 41-minute speech that only added to his legend in Philadelphia.

The star tight end has agreed to a two-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs that makes him the highest-paid player at the position in the NFL, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported.

While the money and years on the deal have not yet been announced, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was thrilled with the news of Kelce’s reported extension.

Kelce has won three Super Bowl with the Chiefs since the team selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent his entire 11-year NFL career in Kansas City, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro selections to go with his three championships.

In 2020, Kelce signed a four-year, $57 million extension to keep him in K.C. through the 2025 season. He was due a base salary of $12 million in 2024 and $16.25 million in 2025 before becoming a free agent. He was the fourth-highest-paid tight end by annual value ($14.31 million) before the extension, trailing the New York Giants’ Darren Waller ($17 million), Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson ($16.5 million) and San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle ($15 million).

This is a developing story.

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The 150th Kentucky Derby is rapidly approaching. Twenty of the world’s fastest horses will gallop across the track at Churchill Downs for a chance to win a garland of roses, a record prize and the title of Kentucky Derby champion.

Before the bugle blares and the top race gets underway, here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race, typically held the first week of May. The race is 1.25 miles, typically lasts about two minutes and is the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.

The 2024 Derby is the 150th iteration and will feature 14 races throughout the day.

Where is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The venue can accommodate more than 150,000 people on Derby Day.

2024 Kentucky Derby schedule

The Kentucky Oaks will take place on Friday, May 3, ahead of Derby Day.

The post time for the first Derby Day race is 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 4, with a full slate of action ahead of the main event at 6:57 p.m. ET.

The full Derby Day schedule is available here.

How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby

NBC’s live coverage of the Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 4. USA Network and Peacock will have live Derby Day coverage from 12-2:20 p.m. ET.

Viewers can stream Derby Day coverage on Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

USA Network and Peacock will also have Kentucky Oaks coverage from 1-6 p.m. ET on Friday, May 3.

2024 Kentucky Derby horses

Here are the post positions for every participant in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, along with their trainers, jockeys and odds listed by the Derby:

1. Dornoch: Danny Gargan, Luis Saez, 20-1
2. Sierra Leone: Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1
3. Mystik Dan: Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1
4. Catching Freedom: Brad Cox, Flavien Prat, 8-1
5. Catalytic: Saffie Joseph Jr., Jose Ortiz, 30-1
6. Just Steel: Wayne Lukas, Keith Asmussen, 20-1
7. Honor Marie: Whit Beckman, Ben Curtis, 20-1
8. Just a Touch: Brad Cox, Florent Geroux, 10-1
9. Epic Ride: John Ennis, Adam Beschizza, 50-1
10. T O Password: Daisuke Takayanagi, Kazushi Kimura, 30-1
11. Forever Young: Yoshito Yahagi, Ryusei Sakai, 10-1
12. Track Phantom: Steve Asmussen, Joel Rosario, 20-1
13. West Saratoga: Larry Demeritte, Jesus Castanon, 50-1
14. Endlessly: Michael McCarthy, Umberto Rispoli, 30-1
15. Domestic Product: Chad Brown, Irad Ortiz Jr., 30-1
16. Grand Mo the First: Victor Barboza Jr., Emisael Jaramillo, 50-1
17. Fierceness: Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 5-2
18. Stronghold: Phil D’Amato, Antonio Fresu, 20-1
19. Resilience: Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado, 20-1
20. Society Man: Danny Gargan, Frankie Dettori, 50-1

Encino (20-1) was scratched from the race on Tuesday and replaced by Epic Ride.

Mugatu is eligible to race if another competitor scratches.

2024 Kentucky Derby prize money

The total purse for the Kentucky Derby is up to $5 million for the 2024 race, representing a $2 million raise from the 2023 purse.

The winner will take home $3.1 million, up from $1.86 million in 2023. Second place will earn $1 million, third will earn $500,000, fourth will earn $250,000 and fifth will earn $150,000.

OK, maybe not exactly, but it’s never too early to take a peek at what might happen in the draft a year from now.

Looking back at last year’s way-too-early 2024 draft – from April 30, 2023 – I did have Caleb Williams going first overall and Marvin Harrison, Joe Alt, Drake May, Brock Bowers, Olu Fashanu, Xavier Worthy, Jared Verse, Dallas Turner, Michael Penix Jr., and J.C. Latham all in my top 22 picks.

Also had some guys who didn’t even get drafted. So it goes.

That brings us to our first look ahead to the 2025 draft, which will run from April 24-26 next year in Green Bay.

Our draft order is based on reverse order of the Vegas projected 2024 win totals, with ties broken by a random number generator. Here we go:

1. Patriots: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Already a monster pass rusher with 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss – and a 52-yard interception return touchdown – in 2024, if Pearce simply repeats what he did this past season there’s a strong chance he’ll be the first player off the board. At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, he’s got great length and explosion. Barring disaster will be Tennessee’s first first-round EDGE rusher since Derek Barnett in 2017 and first No. 1 overall pick since Peyton Manning in 1998 and join Jadeveon Clowney, Myles Garrett and Travon Walker as EDGE rushers going No. 1 overall.

2. Panthers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Big-time playmaking corner who earned All-America honors for the Wolverines this past year as a sophomore on the national champs. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Johnson had the second-lowest opposing passer rating of all BCS cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus and didn’t allow a touchdown all year. The Panthers haven’t had a top-five pick since 2011, when they took Cam Newton first overall. They’ve gone offense in the first round three straight years and Johnson gives secondary coach DeAngelo Hall an elite young corner.

3. Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Daniel Jones Era has gone on long enough. All D.J. has to show for five NFL seasons is a 22-36-1 record, no 10-win seasons, one playoff appearance and a desultory 62-to-40 TD-to-INT ratio, and it’s time for the Giants to try again. Deion’s kid put up some otherworldly numbers this past fall in his first year at Colorado after playing two years under his dad at Jackson State. He threw for over 3,000 yards, completed just under 70 percent of his passes and finished with 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Including his two years in Jackson, he’s thrown 97 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions and passed for over 10,000 yards. 

4. Broncos: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Buckeyes keep coming up with these stud wide receivers, and the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Egbuka will likely join Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Nijgba and Marvin Harrison Jr. as Ohio State’s sixth first-round wide receiver since 2022. He was hampered much of last season by an ankle injury that required surgery after the season, but two years ago he caught 74 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 TDs while playing alongside Harrison.

5. Vikings: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Burden, who played sparingly in 2022, came into his own this past year with 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. He was third in the SEC in receiving behind only Malik Nabers of LSU and Xavier Legette of South Carolina, so he’s the top returning receiver in the best conference in the country. Not ideal size at 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, but has the explosion and leaps to get open against anybody. Seems like a lock to be Missouri’s first first-round wide receiver since Jeremy Maclin in 2009 as the Vikings load up on weapons for J.J. McCarthy.

6. Raiders: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

The Raiders have taken two quarterbacks in the first round in the last 40 years – Todd Marinovich in 1991 and JaMarcus Russell in 2007. They won a combined 10 games. No wonder they stopped drafting QBs. They haven’t taken any quarterback in the first three rounds since Derek Carr in 2014. But as much as I like Gardner Minshew as a backup, he’s never going to be an elite starter, and it’s hard to imagine Aidan O’Connell will be either. So the Raiders go QB with Beck, who had a breakout season in 2023 in his first year as a starter after backing up Stetson Bennett for a couple years, with 72 percent accuracy, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions for the 13-1 Bulldogs. With a big year could wind up being the top QB in the draft, but any way they line up he should be a top-10 pick if he continues playing at a high level. Even though this is his fifth year in Athens, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Beck is only 21 and will be still be 22 when he starts his rookie year.

7. Titans: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The Titans drafted J.C. Latham at No. 7 on Thursday, and now they find the second piece of their bookend tackles in the same spot. Campbell played 491 pass snaps this past season and didn’t allow a sack. You can’t do much better than that. He’s also an elite run blocker. Big, strong, athletic, Campbell has the whole package. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Campbell projects as the top offensive tackle in the 2025 draft. 

8. Cardinals: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Kyler Murray is going into his sixth year, has had one winning season and hasn’t won a playoff game. If nothing happens for Murray this year, the Cards are going to have to consider moving on, and the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Ewers was the one getting the ball to speedsters Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell in Steve Sarkasian’s offense, which averaged over 35 points per game in 2023. Arch Manning is waiting in the wings, but if Ewers stays healthy he could have a huge season in 2024.

9. Commanders: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Montez Sweat is now with the Bears, Chase Young is now with the Saints and the Commanders go EDGE here with the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Williams, an athletic freak. Williams has 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks in two seasons and while the production hasn’t been elite, his traits are. Williams has the length, explosion and bend teams are looking for from EDGE rushers. Williams is only 19 and will be 20 as an NFL rookie, so his upside is unlimited. If he bumps up his production this coming season, he’s a top-10 pick.

10. Saints: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

A fascinating two-way player at Jackson State for one year and this past year when he followed Deion Sanders to Colorado. Hunter had over 700 yards as a receiver and three interceptions as a corner playing two ways for Deion Sanders, who knows something about two-way players. Hunter averaged an insane 115 snaps per game this past year, but he projects as a corner in the NFL, although he has the ability to contribute as an NFL receiver as well. The Saints haven’t drafted a first-round corner since Marshon Lattimore in 2017.

11. Seahawks: Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas

Burke was a schoolboy lacrosse All-America, and committed to Maryland for lacrosse, then committed to Michigan to play both lacrosse and football before finally opting to focus on football at Texas. He’s still new to the game but last year in his first full year playing college football he had 5.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss for the Longhorns, who had the No. 15 defense in the BCS.

12. Buccaneers: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Third Texas Longhorn within the first dozen picks. Banks is a pass-blocking machine. He’s already played over 1,500 snaps at left tackle going into his final season of college football and has developed outstanding technique and an NFL-ready ability to use his hands to take command of a rep. He’s a powerful but quick and agile 6-foot-5, 320 pounds and has boundless upside.

13. Steelers: Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State

In his first year in the Buckeyes’ defensive rotation, Hancock had a couple interceptions and an outstanding opposing passer rating of 55.7. He’s 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, but has the frame to add some muscle heading into the NFL. Hancock is sticky in coverage and just needs to get bigger and stronger. If he does, he’ll be a top corner prospect in 2025. We have him as the Steelers’ first first-round corner since Artie Burns back in 2016.

14. Jaguars: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Another corner comes off the board in Morrison, a very productive defender who already has nine interceptions in 20 games for the Fighting Irish. The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Morrison isn’t the biggest guy, but his ball skills are off the charts. Morrison missed much of spring practice after getting his right shoulder scoped, so that’s something to keep an eye on, but he’s expected back by the start of the Buckeyes’ 2024 season. Morrison’s father played in the NFL for Washington.

15. Colts: Isaiah Bond, WR, Alabama

Michael Pittman had a big year and Josh Downs showed a lot of promise, but the Colts can’t get enough weapons for Anthony Richardson as he enters his third season in 2025. Bond is a speedster who’s going to draw a lot of attention when it’s time for him to run the 40 at the combine. He had 45-for-668 with four TDs this past season in a run-heavy offense and with his physicality, even at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, he should be a threat after the catch in the NFL. 

16. Browns: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

The Nittany Lions have been sending a a lot of EDGE rushers to the NFL lately, and Dennis-Sutton has all the tools to be another good one – great power, an evolved array of moves, quick hands, explosive first step. So far he hasn’t transferred those traits into production – he has 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in two seasons – but if he can nudge those numbers up he’ll join Micah Parsons, Odafe Oweh, Austin Johnson, Yetur Gross-Matos, Arnold Ebitketie, Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac as yet another Penn State defensive lineman drafted in the first couple rounds, and the Browns get a legit second pass rush option along with Myles Garrett.

17. Bears: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

The Bears haven’t drafted a defensive player in the first round since Roquan Smith back in 2018 and they haven’t taken a defensive back since Kyle Fuller back in 2014. The only thing missing from Burke’s resume is production. He’s played nearly 2,000 snaps over the last three years and has only two interceptions, although you can’t blame opposing quarterbacks for not throwing his way. But the traits are there for him to be one of the top corners in next year’s draft. He’s got good size at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, and exceptional leaping ability, long arms to get his hands on footballs and the speed to lock down opposing receivers.

18. Chargers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Chargers added Ladd McConkey in the second round, but with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both gone, they need more offensive firepower for Justin Herbert. McMillan is an uber-productive wideout with tremendous size. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound McMillan followed a 702-yard, 10-TD freshman year with 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 TDs this past year for the Wildcats. He ranked 5th in the BCS in yards and 9th in catches. He and Rome Odunze were the only receivers in the country last year with 90 catches, 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. With another big year, McMillan will cement his status as the first Arizona wide receiver ever drafted in the first round.

19. Rams: Cameron Ward, QB, Miami

Matthew Stafford turns 37 soon after this season ends and is going into his 16th NFL season, and although Stafford says he isn’t thinking about retirement, the Rams need to start thinking about a succession plan. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Ward began his college career at Incarnate Word in San Antonio and had a huge 2021 season, with nearly 5,000 passing yards, 47 TD passes and 10 INTs. He spent the last two years at Washington State (48 TDs, 16 INTs) and will play this coming season in Coral Gables. 

20. Texans: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Booker projects as a guard in the NFL. He’s already a plus run blocker – a physical, powerful force on the line of scrimmage – and just needs to improve his pass blocking technique to become a complete player and likely first-round pick. Booker is a New Jersey native who grew up in East Orange and began his high school career at Bergen Catholic in North Jersey before finishing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

21. Falcons: Harold Perkins, EDGE, LSU

The Falcons’ last four first-round picks have been on the offensive side of the ball – Kyle Pitts in 2021, Drake London in 2022, Bijan Robinson in 2023 and Michael Penix Jr. this year. They haven’t taken an EDGE since 2017 with Takkarist McKinley, who’s no longer in the league, and they haven’t had anybody with double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley way back in 2016. Their leading sack producer this past year was 37-year-old Calais Campbell. So they desperately need pass rush, and Perkins has that rare ability to convert speed to power at the power of attack. He’s got an advanced array of pass rush moves and unusual coverage ability. Perkins had 13 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and – get this – seven forced fumbles the last two years at LSU.

22. Packers: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Graham, a 6-foot-3, 320-pounder, is already one of the top interior defensive linemen in the country with a year left before he becomes draft eligible and could easily be a top-10 pick if he has a big year in 2024. A rare lineman who has outstanding pass rush ability but is also a beast against the run. Has 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 63 tackles in his first two years with the Wolverines. Packers keep Graham in the Midwest.

23. Jets: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Aaron Rodgers has to retire sometime and the Jets go QB in the first round for the third time in eight years (Sam Darnold third in 2018, Zach Wilson second in 2023). The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Milroe showed tremendous growth during the 2023 season and with another year of experience and seasoning could be a big-time prospect in 2025. Milroe has a big arm and plus athleticism, and while he’s got some technique things to work on, streamlining his unorthodox delivery and making better decisions in the pocket, he has an enormous ceiling and could very well be a first-round lock a year from now. Alabama only had one first-round quarterback between Joe Namath and Tua Tagovailoa (Richard Todd in 1976) but Milroe would be four in six years (Tua, Mac Jones, Bryce Young, Milroe).

24. Dolphins: Davison Igbinosun, DB, Ohio State

Another New Jersey native, Igbinosun prepped at Union High before playing one year at Mississippi State and ultimately landing in Columbus. A long, rangy defensive back, Igbinosun stands 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and has the versatility to play corner or safety. For the record, his full name is Aimuamwosa Davison Igbinosun.

25. Cowboys: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Cowboys make Starks the 18th Georgia Bulldog selected in the first round since 2018. Starks started in 2022 as a true freshman and had two interceptions, 68 tackles and seven pass defenses and then added three INTs, 52 tackles and seven pass knockdowns last year. Starks is a solidly built 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, and plays physical when lined up in press coverage and fast, fluid and instinctive in the open field. Commanding presence against the run also. 

26. Eagles: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Mississippi

Umanmielen would have been a likely Day 2 prospect if he came out this year but he bet on himself, transferred from Florida to Ole Miss and goes into 2025 with a chance to improve his draft stock significantly. Umanmielen is a 6-foot-4, 260-pound dynamo who piled up 14.5 sacks in parts of four seasons in Gainesville, including the four-game 2020 COVID year and a cameo in 2021. He really came into his own this past year with 7.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. With Haason Reddick traded to the Jets, Brandon Graham retiring after the 2024 season, Josh Sweat not signed beyond 2024 and Nolan Smith a question mark, the Eagles get a big-time EDGE alongside Bryce Huff.

27. Bengals: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Transfer from San Diego State, Simmons last year replaced left tackle Paris Johnson, who the Cards drafted sixth overall in 2023 and started all 17 games for the Cards as a rookie. Simmons had played right tackle at San Diego State but grew into the left tackle spot as the year went on and one more full year on the left side should cement Simmons’ status as a first-rounder in 2025. Simmons stands 6-foot-5, 310 pounds. Simmons is a very good athlete, sudden hands and still new to left tackle.

28. Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Grant is an athletic freak who played special teams for the Wolverines in 2022 before starting on last year’s national champion team. At 6-foot-3, 340 pounds (he’s been as high as 360), Grant played alongside Kris Jenkins, drafted Friday by the Bengals in the second round, and Graham, who we have going to the Packers with the 22nd pick, forming one of the best defensive lines in college football. Grant was a rotational piece this past year but still had 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. He’s a no-nonsense lunch-pail guy, a perfect fit for Sean McDermott’s defense in Buffalo.

29. Lions: Clay Webb, IOL, Jacksonville State

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Webb spent three years at Georgia and was named the Bulldogs’ Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year in 2019. He transferred to Jacksonville State and in 2022 played center for an offense that averaged 251 rushing yards and 36 points per game. He was named First-team All-America this past season and Jacksonville State averaged 232 rushing yards per game. Went 45-1 as a high school wrestler in Alabama. Webb gives the Lions a compact, powerful, fundamentally sound lineman who can play either guard or center.

30. Chiefs: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Travis Kelce will be 35 a few weeks into the 2024 season and going into his 12th season. He’s got one of the highest-rated podcasts in the world, a superstar girlfriend and 1st-ballot Hall of Fame credentials with eight straight Pro Bowls, over 11,000 yards and three Super Bowl rings. Who knows how long he’ll keep playing – and the Chiefs did take a tight end in the fourth round this year in fourth-round pick Jared Wiley of TCU – but Loveland is an elite prospect who came into his own this past season in Ann Arbor with 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns. He isn’t Kelce, but at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds with boundless speed and athleticism, he would make a worthy successor.

31. Ravens: Dasan McCullough, LB, Oklahoma

After a year at Indiana, where he had 4.0 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, McCullough got fewer snaps at Oklahoma, but he’s got all kinds of traits that scouts like. He’s got that ability to stay low and bend and turn the corner quickly on offensive tackles, and at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds he’s got a frame that will easily handle additional weight. Because he played in the Big 10 at Indiana and the Big 12 last year at Oklahoma, he’ll have the rare distinction of playing in three conferences in three years with Oklahoma joining the SEC this fall.

32. 49ers: Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky

Walker is a massive and powerful lineman with surprising athleticism for his size at 6-foot-6, 350 pounds. After getting some playing time in 2022 – 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack – he blossomed last fall with 7.5 sacks and 12.5 sacks for the Wildcats. Was such a good athlete coming out of high school some colleges were interested in him as an offensive lineman. Walker will be a three-year starter by the end of this season, so he’ll bring tons of experience with him to the NFL along with a true ability to be disruptive.

The 43-year-old driver scored his 54th career victory – and third in 11 races this season – on Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway after leading a race-high 136 laps. Hamlin held off a hard-charging Kyle Larson in the closing laps to seal the win.

Hamlin is now tied with Hall of Famer Lee Petty for 12th on NASCAR’s all-time win list, with his sights now set on Rusty Wallace’s 55 wins.

So, how does the field stack up heading into the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway? Here’s our latest NASCAR power rankings:

1. Denny Hamlin

Last week: 4

Hamlin’s finishes this season have been far from consistent, but he’s winning races at a high clip. All three of his top-five finishes in 2024 have been victories, while he also has four finishes of 19th or worse. Perhaps the most impressive part of his season is that he’s led laps in every race, a streak dating back 15 races to last fall.

2. Kyle Larson

Last week: 2

Dover was another one that got away for Larson. He leads the points standings after winning his series-best sixth stage of the season, but he couldn’t get around Hamlin during the final run. Larson miraculously has just one win this year despite leading 570 laps through 11 races. Kansas, where he has a win and five straight top-10s, should be another strong showing.

3. William Byron

Last week: 1

Byron’s five-race top-10 streak was snapped at Dover when he crashed out and finished 33rd. He led 36 laps in Stage 1, but a slow pit stop under green put him back in traffic and the No. 24 never recovered. Despite winning three times this season, Byron sits sixth in the standings due to a lack of stage points.

4. Chase Elliott

Last week: 3

Another week, another solid run for Elliott. He finished fifth at Dover, which was his 10th top-five in 14 career starts at the Monster Mile. Even though he never contended for the win, it was another positive step for a team that was behind for much of last season. Elliott, who is third in the standings, had two top-10s at Kansas last season.

5. Martin Truex Jr.

Last week: 5

Like Elliott, Truex has opened the season with 11 straight top-20 finishes. He was third at Dover after leading 69 laps and winning Stage 1. While it was another strong day for points, Truex has to be itching to win again. It’s been 27 races since his last victory, whereas his teammate Hamlin has five wins over that span.

6. Ryan Blaney

Last week: 6

Early in the race, it seemed like Blaney was a contender to win. He led 47 laps and scored 10 stage points before finishing seventh – his fifth top-10 of the year. Ford is still looking for its first win of the season with its new Mustang, and the defending champion is probably its best bet to stop the drought.

7. Tyler Reddick

Last week: 7

Reddick followed up his Talladega win with an 11th-place run at Dover. By adding 12 stage points, the No. 45 team stayed fifth in the standings despite finishing behind several close competitors. Now, Reddick heads to Kansas looking to defend his victory from last fall.

8. Ty Gibbs

Last week: 9

The reigning Rookie of the Year finally got back on track at Dover with a 10th-place finish. He had a five-race top-10 streak early in the season, only to go the last four races on the outside. Gibbs has crashed out twice in three career Kansas starts, but Toyota is typically strong at the track and he does have an Xfinity Series win there.

9. Ross Chastain

Last week: 8

The disappointing start to 2024 continued for Chastain at Dover, which is traditionally one of his better tracks. He finished 12th and was consistently outside the top-10 all day long. That marked his best finish in the last five races, where the No. 1 car has been a step slow.

10. Alex Bowman

Last week: First four out

An eighth-place finish at Dover gave Bowman his sixth top-10 of the season. While his three victorious teammates (Larson, Byron, Elliott) have stolen the show, Bowman is consistently finishing well. His current 13.6 average finish would be a career-best.

First four out: Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, Bubba Wallace

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The Team USA sprinter won gold in the 100m at the USA Track & Field Bermuda Grand Prix on Sunday with a time of 9.96 seconds. Canada’s Aaron Brown (10.09 seconds) and fellow American Pjai Austin (10.10 seconds) joined Lyles on the podium.

“All together, I think it was a pretty well-put-together race,” Lyles told NBC Sports’ Lewis Johnson. “I felt that I had a pretty average start, (and then) my acceleration kicked in.”

Lyles entered the race as the reigning world champion in the 100m and 200m. His time at the Bermuda Grand Prix was an improvement on his 10.01-second time at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitation on April 13 in his hometown of Gainesville, Florida. Gusty conditions created a 3 m/s tailwind on Sunday compared to a 1.7 m/s tailwind at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational.

The 26-year-old already has an Olympic medal in his trophy case after earning bronze in the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics. He will have a chance to add to his collection when the track and field competition gets off and running at the Paris Olympics in early August.

Next up on the track and field calendar is the World Athletic Relays in the Bahamas. The competition will air live on Peacock starting at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 4, and on Peacock, CNBC, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app starting at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 5.

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For the first time, Ovechkin was held without a goal or an assist in a playoff series and had just five shots on net as he and the Washington Capitals were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.

“I didn’t play well,” Ovechkin said after losing Game 4 on Sunday night. “I don’t have that kind of touches. I try to find a different way to put the puck in.”

None of it worked, either on the power play or at 5 on 5. His best chance came in Game 4 with the puck on his stick just outside the crease, but New York’s Vincent Trocheck poked it away and Ovechkin was not much of a threat the rest of the way.

“He’s been doing it for so long,” Trocheck said. “He’s arguably one of the best, if not the best, goal-scorers of all-time and you have to pay a little bit more attention to him on the penalty kill. And that can’t be easy for him. Obviously we’re extremely focused on him, so it’s no shot at him. He’s a great hockey player, and we’re just a little bit extra focused on him.”

That focus worked, even though Rangers winger Artemi Panarin said “it’s a secret” how he and his teammates shut down Ovechkin to move on to the second round. Suffocating defense made it difficult on the 38-year-old Russian superstar, and Igor Shesterkin didn’t have to do much on his own against his countryman.

“The defense was awesome,” Shesterkin said. “All four games, they play in front of him and didn’t let him do anything.”

Washington was back in the playoffs after missing last year, and with an aging core it’s not unrealistic to wonder if this might have been Ovechkin’s final chance to play in the postseason in the NHL.

“I hope I’m still going to get a couple chances,” he said.

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AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

The three-time Pro Bowl running back has agreed to a deal pending a physical with the Cowboys after spending the 2023 season with the New England Patriots, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday morning.

Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram reported that it’s a one-year deal worth $3 million with $2 million guaranteed.

Elliott spent his first seven seasons with the Cowboys after the team took him with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He went on to lead the league in rushing yards in two of his first three seasons and totaled 8,262 rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns and 12 receiving touchdowns across his seven-year tenure in Dallas.

Elliott joined the Patriots just weeks before the 2023 season kicked off and picked up 642 rushing yards with five total touchdowns across 17 games in New England.

The Cowboys were in the market for a running back this offseason after Tony Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Team owner Jerry Jones voiced his interest in Texas running back Jonathan Brooks entering Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Carolina Panthers traded up to draft him 10 picks before the Cowboys were on the clock in the second round.

Elliott joins a running back group in Dallas that includes Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman and Malik Davis.

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Artemi Panarin scored the go-ahead goal on the power play early in the third period, Igor Shesterkin made 23 saves and the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Rangers finished off a sweep of the Washington Capitals with a 4-2 victory in Game 4 on Sunday night to advance to the second round.

“The things that we’ve done in the regular season over 82 games is something that we continue to do,” center Mika Zibanejad said. “We’ve been building toward this, and I still think we can be better, but a great, hard-fought series and it’s nice (to get) a win.”

Trade deadline pickup Jack Roslovic sealed it with an empty-netter with 51 seconds left, and the Rangers will next face either the Carolina Hurricanes or crosstown-rival New York Islanders with a spot in the Eastern Conference final at stake. Carolina leads that series 3-1.

“We have extra few days for rest, and it’s always good,” Shesterkin said. “That’s more time for practice and build our confidence and see who we will play against next round.”

They’ll get that rest thanks to Panarin’s goal with 16:39 left in regulation, 11 seconds after T.J. Oshie was penalized for high-sticking Vincent Trocheck, which helped them avoid overtime or a return to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 on Wednesday. They needed just four to vanquish the Capitals and become the first team to advance this spring.

“We’re happy,” Panarin said. “We’ll keep going. I can’t say we played bad. We played good, but I think we can play better.”

New York moves on thanks to another dominant performance from Trocheck, who was the best player on the ice all series. Trocheck long before drawing the crucial penalty scored on the power play and broke up a scoring chance by Alex Ovechkin, who was held off the scoresheet entirely through four games — the first time that has happened in a single postseason in the Capitals captain’s 15 trips.

“I don’t know,” Ovechkin said after just five shots in four games. “I don’t have that kind of touches. I try to find a different way to put the puck in.”

But he was not Washington’s only problem, and part of the lack of offense was Shesterkin, who several times sparked chants of “Igor! Igor!” from the many Rangers fans in attendance. He turned aside Dylan Strome 14 seconds after Kaapo Kakko scored in the first minute to put them ahead and later made back-to-back saves on Tom Wilson’s point-blank chances on the doorstep.

“I thought he was excellent,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “When the game is hanging in the balance, he still comes across and he makes a huge save.”

Trocheck, Shesterkin and MVP candidate Panarin leading a victory is nothing new, but Kakko contributing made him the 10th New York player to score a goal in the series. That came after Nick Jensen turned the puck over on his first shift back from a two-week injury absence, and Kakko beat Charlie Lindgren for a goal that could boost his confidence after a rough regular season.

Lindgren, who has not lacked self-belief, couldn’t again play the hero despite stopping 19 of the 22 shots he faced. Youngsters Martin Fehervary and Hendrix Lapierre scored for Washington, which was visibly exhausted after expending so much energy just to make it in.

“This team just never gave up,” Strome said. “This team fights for every inch, and we fought to the very end. We put our lives on the line in this series and obviously came up short. They’re a great team.”

UP NEXT

Rangers: Prepare to face the Hurricanes or Rangers in a series that cannot start until Thursday at the very earliest and likely after that.

Capitals: Go into another offseason of change with questions about the future of winger T.J. Oshie, among others.

___

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

The scary moment happened with less than two minutes left in the game and the Timberwolves up four points. Conley tumbled into Finch on the sidelines after being fouled by Suns shooting guard Devin Booker.

Finch was unable to get up on his own following the collision. He was helped to the locker room and did not reappear for the rest of the game.

Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori stepped into Finch’s role for the final 1:41 of the game, which Minnesota won 122-116 to complete a series sweep and earn its first playoff series victory in 20 years.

Finch was seen using crutches after the game, but Nori said the win eased some of the pain.

“He’s obviously in good spirits and so are the guys,” Nori said.

Conley was in good spirits after his team’s victory, as well, telling reporters a joke at his coach’s expense.

“I told him to sit his (butt) down — he shouldn’t be standing up like that late in the game,” Conley said. “He’s in the way. But prayers up for him, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

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The modifications to the Nike Vapor Premier jerseys will include enlarging the lettering, modifying the uniform’s sweat collection and remedying mismatches of the grey color for jerseys and pants, revealed by Passan via a memo put out by the MLB Players Association.

The new Nike jerseys initially went viral for having see-through pants, an issue that MLB is also planning to resolve with their modifications.

MLB is aiming to implement the modifications for the 2025 season, if not sooner.

The MLBPA points the blame on the jersey fiasco on Nike for pushing their new Vapor Premier jerseys even though it has received player complaints so far, and not the jersey’s manufacturer, Fanatics.

The MLBPA memo stated that Nike “was innovating something that didn’t need to be innovated.”

Fanatics founder Michael Rubin spoke out about his company’s role, or non-role, in the new uniforms in March.

“This is a little bit of a difficult position,” Rubin said. “We’re purely doing exactly as we’ve been told, and we’ve been told we’re doing everything exactly right. And we’re getting the s— kicked out of us. So that’s not fun.”

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