June 2025 is a powerhouse month for ESPN+, bringing an action-packed lineup of live sports, exclusive original content, and marquee championship events to subscribers. Whether you’re into football playoffs, combat sports, lacrosse, or iconic tennis tournaments, there’s something for every type of sports fan. And for bundled Disney+ viewers, much of this content is accessible […]
June 2025 is a powerhouse month for ESPN+, bringing an action-packed lineup of live sports, exclusive original content, and marquee championship events to subscribers. Whether you’re into football playoffs, combat sports, lacrosse, or iconic tennis tournaments, there’s something for every type of sports fan.
And for bundled Disney+ viewers, much of this content is accessible directly via the ESPN hub—blending convenience with premium coverage.
Here’s your complete guide to what’s streaming on ESPN+ in June 2025:
Football
United Football League (UFL) Playoffs
The UFL Playoffs heat up in June as teams fight for the 2025 Championship:
June 8 – Conference Championships
Michigan Panthers vs. Birmingham Stallions – 3 PM ET (ABC, ESPN+)
DC Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks – 6 PM ET (FOX, ESPN+)
June 14 – UFL Championship Game
Live from St. Louis, 8 PM ET (ABC, ESPN+)
Basketball
NBA Finals
June 5–22
The NBA Finals stream across ESPN platforms, with ESPN+ offering expanded highlights, analysis, and companion coverage for subscribers.
WNBA Regular Season
June 3 – Dallas vs. Seattle
June 22 – Indiana vs. New York
WNBA games continue on ESPN+ as the season builds toward All-Star selections.
Hockey
2025 NHL Draft
June 27 – Round 1
June 28 – Rounds 2–7
Live draft coverage includes in-depth prospect analysis and interviews, with ESPN+ carrying all rounds.
Soccer
The Soccer Tournament (TST)
June 4–9
ESPN+ streams 27 live matches from WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, featuring both men’s and women’s teams in a 7v7 winner-takes-all format.
Lacrosse
Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
June 6 – Denver Outlaws vs. Carolina Chaos – 6 PM ET
June 7 – Utah Archers vs. Boston Cannons – 1 PM ET
June 7 – California Redwoods vs. Carolina Chaos – 7 PM ET
Weekly games continue through June 28 on ESPN+ and ABC.
Combat Sports
UFC
June 7 – UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2
Main Card: 10 PM ET (ESPN+ PPV) | Prelims: 8 PM ET (ESPN) | Early Prelims: 6 PM ET
June 14 – UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley – 7 PM ET
June 21 – UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. – 12 PM ET
June 28 – UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira
Main Card: 10 PM ET (ESPN+ PPV) | Prelims: 8 PM ET | Early Prelims: 6 PM ET
PFL (Professional Fighters League)
June 12 & 20 – World Tournament Semifinals
Featuring featherweight and welterweight contenders battling for a spot in the 2025 Finals.
Top Rank Boxing
June 7 – Keyshawn Davis (C) vs. Edwin De Los Santos
Lightweight clash with major title implications, streaming live on ESPN+.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 32
New episodes every Tuesday in June
Celebrating 20 years of TUF, this season features Hall of Famers Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen as rival coaches.
Auto Racing
Formula 1
June 15 – Canadian Grand Prix
In addition to traditional race coverage, ESPN+ offers live telemetry feeds, on-board cameras, and F1 Academy, Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup events.
Baseball
Savannah Bananas – Banana Ball
June 7 – Charlotte, NC – 7 PM ET (ESPN2 & ESPN+)
June 28 – Washington, D.C. – 7 PM ET (ESPN2 & ESPN+)
This viral baseball phenomenon brings entertainment and athleticism in equal measure.
Tennis
Wimbledon 2025 (Preview)
June 30–July 13
ESPN+ will stream full daily coverage from every court in English and Spanish, along with replays, highlight reels, and historic matches.
College Sports
NCAA Championships
Through June 6 – Women’s College World Series
June 11–14 – Outdoor Track & Field Championships
June 13–23 – Men’s College World Series
Over 140 college events will stream live on ESPN+ this month.
Original Programming
Rabil’s Places – Premiering June 4 (New Episodes Weekly)
Produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, this five-episode series follows lacrosse legend Paul Rabil as he explores the game’s deep roots and cultural evolution. Guests include Bill Belichick, Chris Hogan, Gary Gait, Charlotte North, Mick Foley, and more.
Episode 1: Turf Wars (June 4)
Episode 2: Slick Sticks (June 11)
Episode 3: Crab Cakes and Lacrosse (June 18)
Episode 4: Crease and Desist (June 25)
Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan, a basketball junkie, or a casual viewer looking for something new, ESPN+ in June 2025 offers one of its most diverse and jam-packed schedules yet. Stay tuned for updates and enjoy the ride.
Key Takeaways
ESPN+ will offer extensive live sports events, studio shows, and exclusive films in June 2025 with select content available through Disney+.
A new Marvel original series premieres alongside the return of an Emmy award-winning program on the platform.
Bundled subscribers gain access to a specially curated collection of sports content through both ESPN+ and Disney+ interfaces.
Complete List of New Releases on ESPN+ in June 2025
ESPN+ subscribers can look forward to an action-packed June with major sporting events, exclusive documentaries, and special programming across multiple sports. The streaming service continues to expand its offerings with both live content and on-demand viewing options.
Major Live Games and Scheduled Events
ESPN+ will broadcast several live events throughout June 2025, including key matchups across multiple sports. The month kicks off with the conclusion of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, with games scheduled for June 3, 6, and if necessary, June 9 and 12.
Soccer fans can enjoy the International Champions Cup starting June 15, featuring premier clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich competing in pre-season matches across the United States.
The 2025 College World Series will stream from June 14-25, with all games available exclusively on ESPN+.
Tennis coverage includes weekly ATP and WTA tour events, with the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships (June 16-22) serving as a key Wimbledon warm-up tournament.
UFC Fight Night events are scheduled for June 7 (Las Vegas) and June 21 (Austin), with exclusive preliminary coverage and post-fight analysis.
Exclusive Originals and Documentaries
“The Captain: Beyond the Field” debuts June 5, a four-part follow-up to the acclaimed Derek Jeter documentary, exploring his business ventures and ownership aspirations.
The highly anticipated original series “Playmakers” premieres June 12, profiling innovative coaches who transformed their respective sports through tactical innovations.
“Summer of Golf: 2025” launches June 18, providing behind-the-scenes access to players preparing for the major tournaments ahead.
Two new “30 for 30” documentaries arrive: “Breaking Barriers: The Story of Althea Gibson” (June 10) and “The Miracle Marathon” (June 24), examining the legendary 1984 Olympic women’s marathon.
“In the Arena: The WNBA Revolution” debuts June 15, chronicling the league’s explosive growth and cultural impact through its 30-year history.
Seasonal Highlights and Recaps
ESPN+ will feature comprehensive coverage of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 26-27, including exclusive interviews, analysis, and behind-the-scenes content from the two-day event.
MLB coverage expands with “Baseball Tonight: Midseason Special” on June 30, providing in-depth analysis of the season’s first half and predictions for the pennant races.
Weekly NFL offseason programs continue with “NFL Live: Training Camp Preview” episodes, focusing on team-by-team breakdowns ahead of the 2025 season.
“The Return: Formula 1 Mid-Season Review” premieres June 22, examining the championship battle at the halfway point of the racing calendar.
“EURO 2025: Group Stage Highlights” will compile the best moments from the European Championship’s opening rounds, available June 28.
Upcoming Series and Specials
“Peyton’s Places” returns for its sixth season on June 8, with NFL legend Peyton Manning exploring football history through conversations with the game’s greatest figures.
The popular ESPN series “Detail” adds new episodes focusing on NBA Finals analysis from Kobe Bryant’s archives and fresh baseball breakdowns from Alex Rodriguez.
“Quest for Gold: Paris Edition” debuts June 29, following American athletes in their final preparations for the 2025 Summer Olympics.
“The Point with Serena Williams” premieres June 20, featuring the tennis legend interviewing prominent athletes about competition, mental preparation, and life after sports.
“Inside the Octagon: Championship Roadmap” releases June 13, providing an in-depth preview of upcoming UFC title fights scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Featured Sports and Leagues Streaming in June 2025
ESPN+ delivers an extensive lineup of live sports this June, with major league baseball games, international soccer tournaments, and exclusive SportsCenter analysis. Subscribers can enjoy a diverse range of competitions across multiple sports categories.
MLB and Baseball Coverage
Baseball fans will have plenty to watch on ESPN+ this June with a robust schedule of MLB games and college baseball action. The platform will stream select MLB regular season matchups each week, giving subscribers access to teams battling for playoff positioning as the season heats up.
College baseball continues with NCAA tournament coverage, including regional finals and Super Regional games leading up to the College World Series. ESPN+ will provide exclusive access to many of these matchups not available on traditional ESPN channels.
The Women’s College World Series will be a major highlight, with games streaming through early June. This tournament showcases the best teams in women’s collegiate softball competing for the national championship.
Baseball enthusiasts can also find classic MLB games, analysis shows, and baseball documentaries in the on-demand library. ESPN+ continues to strengthen its baseball offerings with insider content and technical breakdowns from former players and coaches.
Soccer, Basketball, and Additional Sports
Soccer takes center stage in June with international competitions and club tournaments streaming exclusively on ESPN+. The platform will feature matches from prestigious leagues like Bundesliga, LaLiga, and FA Cup, providing soccer fans with high-quality action from around the globe.
Basketball coverage includes WNBA regular season games as the season gains momentum. ESPN+ will stream select matchups featuring star players and championship contenders. Subscribers can also access basketball analysis shows and documentaries.
Additional sports featured in June include:
UFC fight nights and exclusive prelims
PGA Tour golf coverage
Tennis tournaments
College lacrosse championships
Formula 1 racing analysis
With over 140 college sporting events streaming live in June, ESPN+ continues to be a premier destination for college sports fans. The diverse lineup ensures something for every sports enthusiast.
Spotlight on SportsCenter Segments
ESPN+ subscribers gain access to exclusive SportsCenter segments in June, offering in-depth analysis not available on the regular broadcast. These segments feature renowned ESPN analysts breaking down key storylines across all major sports.
Daily SportsCenter briefings will highlight the previous day’s action and preview upcoming events with expert commentary. The platform will also offer specialized segments focusing on MLB standings, soccer tournaments, and emerging stories across the sports landscape.
SportsCenter’s digital-exclusive content includes extended interviews with athletes and coaches competing in June events. These conversations provide unique insights into strategies and preparation methods.
The popular “SVP’s One Big Thing” and other branded segments will be available on-demand shortly after their initial broadcast. ESPN+ users can access these segments anytime, making it easy to stay informed on breaking sports news and analysis throughout June.
How to Access June 2025 Content on ESPN+
ESPN+ offers multiple ways to access its extensive June 2025 content lineup through various platforms, subscription options, and bundle packages designed to provide flexibility for sports fans.
Streaming Service Platforms and Devices
ESPN+ content is accessible through the enhanced ESPN App on numerous devices, making it convenient for subscribers to watch their favorite sports programming. Viewers can stream June 2025 content in HD on:
Living room devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast)
Mobile phones and tablets (iOS and Android)
Computers and laptops via web browsers
Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
The ESPN App interface features a dedicated ESPN+ section where all June programming is organized by category, making it easy to find live events, original shows, and exclusive content. Users can create personalized watchlists for upcoming June events and receive notifications when their selected content becomes available.
Integration with Hulu and Direct-to-Consumer Access
Unified content recommendations based on viewing habits
For those preferring direct access, ESPN has launched new direct-to-consumer plans designed to give fans more choice and flexibility. These plans allow standalone access to all ESPN content through the enhanced ESPN App without requiring additional subscriptions.
ESPN’s strategy focuses on providing multiple entry points to its content while maintaining consistent user experiences across platforms.
Subscription Details and Benefits
The newly launched ESPN+ subscription plans offer comprehensive access to June 2025 programming. The primary plan costs $29.99 per month and includes:
Core Benefits:
Full access to all live sports events in June 2025
Complete library of ESPN+ Originals and studio shows
Exclusive content not available on cable ESPN channels
Ad-free viewing experience (premium tier)
4K streaming where available
ESPN+ subscribers also gain access to NFL PrimeTime and other exclusive shows like “Man in the Arena: Tom Brady” without additional fees. The service offers flexible payment options including monthly subscriptions or annual plans with savings.
For budget-conscious viewers, ESPN+ can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu at reduced rates compared to individual subscriptions. New subscribers can often find promotional trial periods to test the service before committing.
Trends and Insights for ESPN+ in 2025
ESPN+ is undergoing significant transformation in 2025 as sports streaming continues to evolve and reshape how fans consume content. The platform is responding to changing viewer habits with new features and expanded offerings.
Cord-Cutting and Sports Streaming Growth
The cord-cutting trend has accelerated dramatically in 2025, with ESPN+ benefiting significantly from the shift away from traditional cable. Sports content has remained one of the last strongholds of cable TV, but that barrier is now crumbling.
ESPN’s new standalone streaming app launching in May 2025 represents a major acknowledgment of this trend. For $29.99 monthly, viewers can access ESPN’s live sports without a cable subscription.
Sports fans increasingly expect on-demand access across multiple devices. The flexibility of watching games on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
Industry data shows sports streaming subscriptions have grown 34% year-over-year, outpacing all other streaming content categories. This surge in sports streaming coincides with declining cable subscriptions, which dropped below 50% of American households for the first time in early 2025.
Subscriber Statistics and Viewer Demographics
ESPN+ has seen remarkable subscriber growth, reaching 28.3 million subscribers by May 2025—a 22% increase from the previous year. The platform’s expansion comes as sports viewing demographics continue to evolve.
The core demographic for ESPN+ has broadened significantly. While the 18-34 male demographic remains strong, female viewership has increased by 41% since 2024. Viewers over 45 now constitute 33% of the subscriber base, showing the platform’s widening appeal.
Geographical distribution reveals interesting patterns:
Urban areas: 58% of subscribers
Suburban regions: 31% of subscribers
Rural communities: 11% of subscribers
The ESPN Insider feature continues to draw subscribers interested in fantasy sports and analysis from experts like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. Engagement data shows subscribers spend an average of 7.3 hours weekly on the platform, with peak usage during major sporting events.
Innovations and Future Developments
ESPN+ is implementing several technological innovations to enhance the viewing experience. Personalization algorithms have been refined to provide customized content recommendations based on viewing history and preferences.
The platform has expanded its interactive features, including multi-angle camera views for select events and enhanced statistics overlays. These innovations help differentiate ESPN+ from traditional broadcasts and competing streaming services.
ESPN’s new bundling strategy offers subscribers more flexibility. Users can bundle ESPN with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 monthly, creating a comprehensive entertainment package under the Disney umbrella.
4K streaming capabilities have been expanded to cover more live events, with plans to implement 8K streaming for select premium content by year-end. The platform is also testing augmented reality features that allow viewers to project game statistics into their living rooms.
Mobile viewing enhancements include improved battery optimization and offline viewing options for replays and documentaries, addressing key pain points identified in user feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
ESPN+ continues to expand its content lineup for June 2025 with exciting sports events, original series, documentaries, and special programming. Subscribers can look forward to extensive coverage across multiple sports and entertainment categories.
What new sports events will be available on ESPN+ in June 2025?
ESPN+ will stream several major sporting events in June 2025, including exclusive UFC Fight Nights and the continuation of the MLB regular season. Tennis fans can enjoy coverage of pre-Wimbledon tournaments and qualifying matches.
The platform will also feature expanded WNBA coverage during the middle of their season with several exclusive games not available on traditional ESPN channels.
Which original series are set to release on ESPN+ next month?
“Detail” returns with new episodes featuring in-depth analysis from sports legends examining gameplay from the NBA Finals and other major competitions.
Season 3 of “Peyton’s Places” continues with new episodes exploring football history and culture with the legendary quarterback as host.
“Man in the Arena: Tom Brady” will release a special supplementary episode covering Brady’s broadcasting career and post-retirement ventures.
Are there any exclusive documentaries premiering on ESPN+ in June 2025?
A new “30 for 30” documentary exploring the 1995 Seattle Mariners season will debut exclusively on ESPN+ in early June.
“The Captain: Beyond the Field,” a follow-up to the Derek Jeter documentary series, examines his business ventures and ownership aspirations.
ESPN Films will also release “Racing Dreams,” a documentary focusing on young NASCAR hopefuls and their journey through development programs.
Can viewers expect any special live programming on ESPN+ for June 2025?
ESPN+ will feature special live coverage of the College World Series with additional camera angles and interactive features exclusive to the platform.
The PGA Tour will have enhanced coverage of select tournaments with featured groups and additional analysis not available on traditional broadcasts.
Special draft preview shows for both the NBA and NHL will provide in-depth analysis of prospects ahead of their respective drafts in the ESPN streaming service.
What are the latest ESPN+ exclusive shows to be added in June 2025?
“The Point” debuts as a new hockey analysis show featuring former NHL players breaking down playoff performances and upcoming draft prospects.
“Inside the Octagon” premieres as an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at UFC fighters preparing for upcoming bouts throughout the summer.
“Quarterback Camp” returns with a new format focusing on rookie QBs adjusting to the NFL following their first minicamps.
How can I find a complete list of ESPN+ releases for June 2025?
Subscribers can access the complete June 2025 programming schedule directly through the ESPN+ app under the “Coming Soon” section.
The official ESPN+ website provides a regularly updated calendar of upcoming content that can be filtered by sport, type, and date for easy reference.
ESPN+ subscribers can also sign up for personalized notifications about upcoming content in their favorite sports categories through the ESPN+ service settings.
Lev Katzin draft profile | Penn State Men’s Hockey News
The landscape of college hockey is changing rapidly with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) athletes flooding over into the NCAA. The deal agreed to in November 2024 for this circumstance changed the sport tremendously, and it particularly aided incoming Penn State freshman Lev Katzin in his development. Katzin, 18, spent his 2023-24 campaign and a small […]
The landscape of college hockey is changing rapidly with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) athletes flooding over into the NCAA. The deal agreed to in November 2024 for this circumstance changed the sport tremendously, and it particularly aided incoming Penn State freshman Lev Katzin in his development.
Katzin, 18, spent his 2023-24 campaign and a small portion of his 2024-25 season in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Shortly after the agreement by the NCAA passed, he moved on to the CHL to further develop.
The left-shot center committed to Penn State on Oct. 17, 2024, and the new revelation allowed Katzin to take his talents to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the remainder of his season.
Katzin thrived in his lone year in Canada, recording 48 points, 16 goals and 32 assists in just 44 games. He is now eligible for the NHL entry draft and will most likely get selected before moving onto Penn State for the 2025-26 campaign.
Metrics
Age: 18
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 176 lbs
Shoots: L
Position: Center
Projected round drafted: 4th round
Player comparison: Nathan Walker (STL)
Scouting Report
When most teams ponder selecting Katzin in the 2025 NHL draft, they’ll likely look at his size immediately and raise a red flag. While his build is certainly not ideal for professional hockey, it shouldn’t overshadow his elite hockey IQ and offensive creation.
The strongest part of Katzin’s game is his playmaking, and that was shown not only in the OHL last season, but also in the U18 World Juniors which saw the forward rank third on Team Canada in points with 10.
He combines his slick stickhandling with precision passing, completing 90% of his feeds last season, marking him as one of the more distinguished playmakers in the OHL. These traits not only make Katzin deadly at even strength, but also lethal on the power play.
Outside of his size, some other concerns stem from his finishing ability and turnover rate. Despite potting 16 goals last year with Guelph Storm, many scouts and media mention that he’s left some chances on the ice around the net. Additionally, he averaged 5.9 giveaways per game in the OHL, which has labeled him as careless and predictable at times.
Best team fit: Boston Bruins
With Katzin’s age and size, he likely wouldn’t sign his entry-level contract (ELC) for a few years. Thus, Katzin will be added to a team’s prospect pool, and there is none better than the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins have one of, if not the worst, farm system in the NHL. While the group has added an influx of players due to its selling at the 2025 NHL trade deadline — dealing away players such as Brandon Carlo, Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle and more for prospects — the system still lacks depth at the center position.
Adding a young talented center in Katzin will raise the ceiling of that position group. Although his size represents a low floor, it is most definitely a risk the Bruins should take in the middle rounds.
MORE HOCKEY COVERAGE
A former Nittany Lion is heading to France.
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CT prep star makes MLB splash; big change for college hockey, and more
Christian Moore was just a 10-year-old, running around Suffield Academy’s baseball field while his older brother played for the Tigers. “And his older brother, C.J., kept telling me, ‘That’s the kid you want to look at,’” Coach Bryan Brissette remembered. “That’s the better player.” C.J. Moore was drafted by the Diamondbacks out of Suffield Academy […]
Christian Moore was just a 10-year-old, running around Suffield Academy’s baseball field while his older brother played for the Tigers.
“And his older brother, C.J., kept telling me, ‘That’s the kid you want to look at,’” Coach Bryan Brissette remembered. “That’s the better player.”
C.J. Moore was drafted by the Diamondbacks out of Suffield Academy in 2012, setting a pretty high bar. His little brother cleared it, and kept rising. This week, Brissette was at Yankee Stadium, watching the first major-leaguer to emerge from his program at Suffield.
“It was surreal,” Brissette said, “to be in Yankee Stadium — I’m a Yankee fan and have been to the old stadium, the new many times — and to be there and to see a kid you’ve had a small piece in getting him to that point, yeah surreal is the right word.”
Christian Moore, who went from Suffield Academy to play at Tennessee, was drafted in the first round, No. 8 overall, by the Angels in 2024 and it took just 79 minor-league games for them to determine he belonged in the big leagues. The Angels summoned Moore, a second baseman, on June 13 in Baltimore.
Los Angeles Angels’ Christian Moore at bat during the second inning of a baseball game against the Orioles. He got his first MLB hit, a triple, against the Yankees on June 16. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
When the Angels arrived in New York, Moore’s hometown on Monday, he was in the lineup at second base, got his first major-league hit, a triple off Clark Schmidt, then later saved the game, throwing a runner out at the plate, and eventually scored the winning run as the “ghost” runner in the 11th inning. On Friday night, he hit his first homer, a 411-foot solo shot off Houston’s Bryan King. So far, Moore is 4 for 22.
“I always imagined one day that I’d be on that field,” Moore told MLB.com this week. “But when you’re standing out there it’s completely different. And I’m definitely happy right now. I’m definitely making that little kid’s dream come true, so it’s awesome. … It’s starting to become a little more normal. I know that sounds weird to say, but it is. I’m starting to get my routine going on and off the field. I’m knowing what I got to do, and just being out there, being in the bright lights, definitely feels a little better.”
Brissette met the Moore brothers through a connection with the Boys and Girls Club in Brooklyn, and they were two of a number of New York City players he has gotten to come to Suffield.
“He’s a New York City kid, and I’ve coached a lot of New York City kids in my 20 years,” Brissette said. “It’s interesting, because it’s a balancing act of New York City attitude and edge and, as a coach, I’m trying to make sure we’re doing things the right way and respecting the game. Chris came to us, and he and I came to an understanding of what it was to play with an edge, play with a fiery competitiveness, but also be able to rein that in a little bit.
“But he was one of those guys who could instill confidence in his teammates. With great players, they’re able to elevate their team.”
Moore did that as a two-way player for Suffield, shortstop and righty pitcher, rising to the top 100 among prospects. He committed to play at Tennessee in 2022 and in three seasons he hit .338 in 186 games for the Vols, with 61 home runs and 160 RBI and 22 steals. He filled out as a power hitter with 34 homers in 2024, hitting for the cycle in a College World Series game, and leading off a game with a home run as Tennessee won the national championship.
“He came to Suffield as a baseball player,” Brissette said, “and rightfully so, he had all the accolades, but he really grew as a student athlete. That was important for me to see. That’s something he took to Tennessee with him, and whenever I would talk to him he would right away tell me how he was doing in the classroom.”
The Angels, who last made the playoffs in 2014, the longest postseason drought in MLB, have been trying to build with young players for a while. They have been putting their high draft picks on the fast track and Moore, with his SEC and NCAA Tournament experience, was an ideal candidate for this unique approach to player development.
“From what I see, where he’s definitely matured,” Brissette said. “Being able to regulate his emotions a little more. Playing baseball, boy, you’re going to have highs and lows. When he struggled a little in Double A to begin this year, I talked to him a couple of times and said, ‘It’s the same game you’ve been playing since you were a little kid, let the game come to you.’ And his mindset was, ‘Hey, I’m going to be fine,’ and he gets to Triple A and now he’s in the big leagues.”
More for your Sunday Read:
UConn’s Head Hockey coach Mike Cavanaugh watches his drives at the 1st tee on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the 2025 Travelers Championship Pro-Am at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant)
Infusion of talent
Last November, the NCAA opened the door for Canadian junior hockey leaguers to play for its member schools. That had never been allowed because players in those leagues received stipends and were not considered amateurs, but with NIL and revenue sharing that has now been recognized as a moot point. So some of the top prospects in North America are headed from the Western, Quebec and Ontario hockey leagues to places like UConn, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart and Yale.
“The proper development path for a player who aspires to play in the NHL is Midget or Junior Hockey, then college and then pro,” UConn coach Mike Cavanaugh said, before teeing off at the Travelers Pro-Am on Wednesday. “Naturally, there is always going to be a player who can skip a step, but those players are few and far between. In Junior Hockey, you’re living with a family, you’re being taken care of. In college, there is structure, but you’re on your own. It’s a little bit more symbolic of life.”
The change in policy, for these reasons, was long overdue.
“We have to stop fighting, we have to work together,” Cavanaugh said. “It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re playing in Canada, Sweden, America, we’re all trying to get the same goals. I think it’s healthy when a kid gets to the pros to have had to get up and go to school.”
Carlin Dezainde, Brendan Dunphy and Alexandre Blais (drafted by the Ducks in the fourth round in 2024) are the first players with CHL ties to commit to UConn, which reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2025. Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart each have four commits, according to SportsNet.ca’s tracker.
Dom Amore: After bottoming out, J.J. Spaun’s view from golf’s mountaintop is spectacular
Sunday short takes
*Newington native Nick Bonino, 37, who helped win two Stanley Cup titles with the Penguins, is retiring after 15 NHL seasons and will rejoin Pittsburgh as a coach. A highly respected veteran leader, Bonino, who played at Farmington High and Avon Old Farms, will make a good one.
*Kevin Vance, a closer on UConn’s now-legendary 2010 and ’11 baseball teams, is the new baseball coach at San Diego State. Vance, a Californian, played on a Huskies team with six future major-leaguers and reached Triple A himself before launching a coaching career. Now he’s tasked with restoring the program at San Diego State, where Tony Gwynn played and coached. The Aztecs haven’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018.
*The Franciscan Life Center and Home Care and Hospice Center will stage its golf event to raise funds on Aug. 11 at Wallingford CC. Cost for 18 holes, lunch and more is $195. Call 203-237-8084 or visit flcenter.org for more information.
*Don’t mean to imply they run the air conditioning too high out at the Travelers, but I thought I saw Otto Preminger come out of one of the tents. (See, he played Mr. Freeze in the ’60s Batman series).
*Katie Sharp, the esteemed stat maven, posted this week that the last time the Yankees were held to seven runs in seven games, losing six, was Sept. 1-7 of 1908. They weren’t even called the Yankees yet. On retrosheet.org I found that during those seven games the Highlanders, who went on to lose over 100 games, faced Walter Johnson three times, and two other Hall of Famers, Eddie Plank and Chief Bender that week. Also, spitballs were legal and they used a deader-than-dead baseball.
*For your upcoming reading list, check out my colleague Dave Borges’ new book, “Hurley’s Heroes: UConn’s Return to College Basketball’s Elite,” an insider account of Dan Hurley’s first seven seasons in Storrs. Published by Globe Pequot, it will be available in stores in November, and can be preordered now at Amazon.com. There will be lots of UConn in bookstores in time for Christmas.
*Former Huskies Stephon Castle and Jordan Hawkins were back on campus this week to work out with the current team. Andre Drummond has been back home, too, at Dunkin’ Park for the Yard Goats game and a courtside presence at a Sun game.
*Alex Heard, medalist at the Big East men’s golf championship, has transferred from UConn to Baylor. In this era, it’s going to get ever trickier for UConn to keep top players in certain sports.
How Azzi Fudd is finding her leadership voice for UConn women’s run for repeat
*Save the date: SCSU is planning a special event called “Southern Hoops Tip-off Talk,” to kick off the men’s and women’s basketball seasons, and raise funds for the programs, on Sept. 24 at Aria in Prospect. Geno Auriemma, Donny Marshall, Bill Raftery and SCSU coaches Scott Burrell and Kate Lynch are among the special guests. For more information visit www.southernct.edu/hoops-talk, contact Ray Reid at reidr12@southernct.edu or call 860-922-1110.
*Watching my friends at WTNH prance around with the trophy from the Travelers’ Celebrity Mini-Golf Challenge rubbed me the wrong way. Team Courant wants in for 2026. Challenge issued.
Last word
The Red Sox’s trade of Rafael Devers was a shocker, and the timing of it, killing the buzz after their sweep of the Yankees, was rough to swallow. But if he wasn’t happy, and they weren’t happy with him, who is to blame becomes irrelevant, a separation and change of scenery was necessary. Hey, the Red Sox midseason trade of Nomar Garciaparra in 2004 was a shocker, too. It worked out all right, though.
Livvy Dunne’s NSFW Madelyn Cline College World Series joke
Olivia “Livvy” Dunne set social media abuzz Friday after making an apparent sexual reference about her and actress Madelyn Cline. The comment came in response to a post on X referencing the College World Series final matchup as the “Madelyn Cline vs Livvy Dunne bowl,” since Cline briefly attended Coastal Carolina and Dunne went to […]
Olivia “Livvy” Dunne set social media abuzz Friday after making an apparent sexual reference about her and actress Madelyn Cline.
The comment came in response to a post on X referencing the College World Series final matchup as the “Madelyn Cline vs Livvy Dunne bowl,” since Cline briefly attended Coastal Carolina and Dunne went to LSU, where she was on the gymnastics team.
Dunne quoted the post, writing: “Gooner World Series.”
“Gooner” is a slang term for a person who masturbates to pornography for a prolonged period of time, sometimes hours or days, without climaxing.
Olivia Dunne attends as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Social Club celebrates the launch of the 2025 Issue on May 16. Getty Images for Sports Illustrated
The post instantly went viral, with some users in the comments questioning whether Dunne had been hacked, while some joked that she was referencing a different meaning of “Gooner” — a nickname for Arsenal fans.
“I sweat this can’t be real,” wrote on user on X.
“This is crazy work,” wrote another.
Besides her gymnastics career, Dunne is an influencer with more than 5 million followers on Instagram.
The 22-year-old is also a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and the boyfriend of Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes, who led LSU to the 2023 national title with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts.
Madelyn Cline at the “I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER” Trailer Launch Event on June 14. Sony Pictures via Getty Images
Cline, 27, is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Cameron in the Netflix series “Outer Banks,” which propelled her into stardom.
She also gained notoriety for her role in the film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.”
Cline dropped out of Coastal Carolina to pursue acting full-time in 2017, reportedly just six weeks into her freshman year.
Olivia Dunne attends the launch of the 2025 Issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at Hard Rock Hotel New York on May 15, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Coastal Carolina, which has become a college baseball powerhouse despite being a mid-major, is 56-11 and enters the College World Series final on a 26-game winning streak that dates back to April 22.
Since arriving in Omaha for the College World Series, the Chanticleers have defeated Arizona (7-4), Oregon State (6-2) and Louisville (11-3).
LSU, on the other hand, clinched its spot after a thrilling come-from-behind 6-5 win over Arkansas on Wednesday.
Madelyn Cline attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 2, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. FilmMagic
The Tigers are riding the momentum of a six-game winning streak.
Game 1 of the best-of-three series begins Saturday night in Omaha.
McKenna is Final Piece to Spartans’ National Title Hopes
The Michigan State Spartans are going to have an elite team entering the 2025-26 season, but adding one final piece could transcend this team to a national title. Junior hockey superstar Gavin McKenna could very well be a Spartan this upcoming year, a commitment that MSU needs to secure. McKenna has been rumored to join […]
The Michigan State Spartans are going to have an elite team entering the 2025-26 season, but adding one final piece could transcend this team to a national title. Junior hockey superstar Gavin McKenna could very well be a Spartan this upcoming year, a commitment that MSU needs to secure.
McKenna has been rumored to join a few different college programs as a 17-year-old that thrived in the Canadian Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers. This past season, he posted 41 goals and 88 assists for a total of 129 points in just 56 games.
He has proven to be one of the best in the world for his age and the Spartans adding his talent would drastically change their future success. It would also attract even more elite recruits to consider MSU, a school that struggled to acquire top talent just four, five years ago.
The Spartans recently earned two massive commitments in the past few weeks, starting with Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He committed to Michigan State back in very early June, continuing the Spartans’ success on the recruiting trail.
Forward Mason West made his commitment to East Lansing just two days ago. The 27th prospect amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The 6-6 star is a top selection to be picked this upcoming draft but is forgoing that chance to be part of the Spartan program. He will join the team for the 2026-27 season.
Earning those two top talents is impressive enough for head coach Adam Nightingale and the program as a whole, but adding McKenna would put this team over the top as the far-away favorite to win the national championship. It would be the 2015 Golden State Warriors of college hockey.
The only thing that may deter McKenna from becoming a Spartan is the sheer number of players that will be making an impact for this team. McKenna would likely still be a first- or second-line player, but the oversaturation of talent can sometimes be a turnoff for remaining prospects trying to make a choice.
If the Spartans were to land McKenna, it would only further put the pressure on a team that is built to win next year’s national title.
Stay up to date with Michigan State hockey when you follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our lively community group, Go Green Go White, as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Ohio State men’s hockey unveils 2025-2026 nonconference schedule
The Ohio State men’s hockey team surprised a lot of people with their unexpectedly high level of play this past season. The Buckeyes lost a lot of key players but found a way to plug in more talent and shock a lot of people by making it to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game en […]
The Ohio State men’s hockey team surprised a lot of people with their unexpectedly high level of play this past season. The Buckeyes lost a lot of key players but found a way to plug in more talent and shock a lot of people by making it to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game en route to a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Things didn’t end all that well on the national scale in the postseason, but it was still an overachieving year in which OSU went 24-12-2 overall and finished third in the League with a 14-9-1 record. It was a fun season, one that it hopes it can build momentum off of and take it into this upcoming season.
And while we won’t know the Big Ten schedule until a future date, the program did announce its nonconference schedule this past week, so if you are an ice hockey fan, and one that loves to watch the Scarlet and Gray, you’ve got something to look forward to.
All told, the Buckeyes will host five nonconference games and go on the road for another five. Here’s how it all plays out prior to hitting the conference for Big Ten play:
2025-26 Ohio State Men’s Hockey
Nonconference Schedule (home games in bold)
Oct. 10-11 – Northern MichiganOct. 17-18 – at UConnOct. 24-25 – Sacred Heart UniversityNov. 28-29 – at Arizona State UniversityJan. 2 – Bowling GreenJan. 3 – at Bowling Green
It won’t be an easy road for Ohio State — it never is in the Big Ten — but hopefully, the Buckeyes can win their fair share of these nonconference games to prepare for what’s to come in conference and beyond. And while we are at it, the deadline to renew season tickets is 4 p.m. ET June 30, and new season ticket packages are available now. For more information or to view available seating options, go online or contact the Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-GOBUCKS or by emailing athletic.tix@osu.edu. Other ticket options including groups, miniplans, and single games, will be available for purchase later this summer.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Wisconsin sues Miami, alleging tampering in football player’s NIL deal | News
MADISON (WKOW) — UW-Madison is taking legal action after a football player with star potential left the Badgers to play at the University of Miami over the winter. The case could have major implications for how the NCAA handles NIL deals and player transfers. UW-Madison and VC Connect LLC have filed a lawsuit against the University […]
MADISON (WKOW) — UW-Madison is taking legal action after a football player with star potential left the Badgers to play at the University of Miami over the winter. The case could have major implications for how the NCAA handles NIL deals and player transfers.
UW-Madison and VC Connect LLC have filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami, alleging the Hurricanes wrongfully interfered with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts. The complaint, filed on Friday, claims Miami induced Xavier Lucas to break his agreements and transfer.
Lucas had signed lucrative NIL contracts with UW-Madison and VC Connect for the 2025 season. However, Miami allegedly tampered with these agreements, causing him to leave Madison and enroll at Miami, violating NCAA anti-tampering rules.
The up and coming cornerback entered the transfer portal in December 2024. He was coming off a freshman season where he played 11 games, recording 18 tackles and grabbing an interception.
Lucas was a four-star prospect coming out of high school. He was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, about an hour north of Miami.
The complaint outlines how Miami’s actions resulted in significant financial and reputational harm to the plaintiffs. It also highlights the broader implications for college athletics, emphasizing the need to protect contractual commitments amid the evolving NIL landscape.
Miami’s conduct reportedly included contacting Lucas and offering more lucrative financial terms, despite the player’s existing commitments. UW-Madison and VC Connect seek damages and a declaration that Miami’s actions constituted tampering.
The University of Miami has not yet responded to the allegations.
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