Sports briefs
Trending
Title games
might end
(AP) -- College football has moved closer to a 24-team postseason after securing what a person familiar with the negotiations called a “handshake agreement” between the College Football Playoff and broadcast partner ESPN. The deal would make up for the nine-figure sums the major conferences would lose by getting rid of their title games.
The person familiar with the agreement, which has not been finalized, spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing negotiations.
It would take effect next season. ESPN is reporting that the average additional payment for six years of the expanded playoff would be $345 million a year.
Valkyries
meet Dream
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The two best defensive teams in the WNBA are about the meet for the title. Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream visit Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries in the seven-game WNBA Finals starting today.
The Valkyries have had quick success as a second-year expansion team, and they play in front of a raucous home crowd at Chase Center, which is nicknamed “Ballhalla.” Golden State eliminated the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the Dream haven’t lost in the playoffs, sweeping Washington and New York to reach the finals. Atlanta is seeking the franchise’s first title.
Ohtani may
need surgery
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers face uncertainty after their earliest postseason exit in three years. Shohei Ohtani struggled with injuries and didn’t pitch after the All-Star break.
He may need offseason surgery, but it’s unclear if his recovery would affect next season. A potential MLB lockout looms with the collective bargaining agreement expiring Dec. 1. Team owners have proposed a salary cap, which the players’ union rejects.
The Dodgers had the second-highest payroll this year and could be constrained by a cap. Nine players, including pitcher Tarik Skubal, are set to become free agents. Infielder Miguel Rojas has announced his retirement.
NCAA sues
governor
(AP) -- The NCAA has filed a federal lawsuit against Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. This comes after DeWine signed an executive order allowing Ohio colleges to let athletes who graduated in 2022 play a fifth year.
NCAA President Charlie Baker says the lawsuit, filed Friday, aims to prevent DeWine from disrupting fair competition among schools. The order allows public and private universities in Ohio to let athletes play, despite the NCAA’s new rule excluding those who have played four seasons.
The rule, passed in June, is already facing multiple court challenges.
Jackson
ruled out
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Lamar Jackson will miss a second straight game this weekend because of an ankle injury. Coach Jesse Minter says Jackson would not play Sunday at Cleveland. Tyler Huntley led the Ravens to an overtime win at Atlanta last weekend.
Huntley also won both his starts for Baltimore last season. Jackson was hurt while taking a sack near the end of the first half in Week 4 against Tennessee. Jackson missed four games last season, and Baltimore went 2-2 without him.