NIL

Luka Doncic returns to Dallas as Mavericks face Lakers amid emotional tribute and shocking …

A Triumphant Return Amidst High Emotions Luka Doncic’s imminent return to Dallas promises more than just a basketball game; it heralds an emotionally charged homecoming that captivates fans and reshapes narratives. With anticipation building to a crescendo, Doncic steps back into the American Airlines Center, where memories of former triumphs and bitter trades intertwine. Reclaiming […]

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2025

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Luka Doncic returns to Dallas as Mavericks face Lakers amid emotional tribute and shocking ...

A Triumphant Return Amidst High Emotions

Luka Doncic’s imminent return to Dallas promises more than just a basketball game; it heralds an emotionally charged homecoming that captivates fans and reshapes narratives. With anticipation building to a crescendo, Doncic steps back into the American Airlines Center, where memories of former triumphs and bitter trades intertwine.

Reclaiming the Spotlight

This homecoming marks Doncic’s first game in Dallas since a shocking mid-season move, a decision that left both the superstar and the fan base grappling with mixed emotions. The Dallas Mavericks have been meticulously setting the stage, orchestrating a heartfelt tribute that includes a specially curated video and creatively themed seating with t-shirts celebrating the player’s legacy. These gestures underscore the franchise’s enduring dedication to reconnect with fans who once revered his talent and leadership.

A Controversial Endorsement Fallout

Beyond the heartfelt tributes on display, a lesser-known financial twist has emerged. The Mavericks had arranged lucrative sponsorship deals tied to several brands endorsed by Doncic. However, these partnerships quickly unraveled when Doncic’s camp declined to sanction them, a decision rooted in his new affiliation with the Los Angeles Lakers. This strategic move not only defied the original endorsements in the pipeline but also served as a symbolic counterpoint to the financial fallout experienced by the Mavericks following his departure. In a move that turned tables on the franchise, Doncic’s shift has directly impacted the Mavericks’ pending endorsements, inflicting a multi-million-dollar setback.

Historical Context and Strategic Shifts

The underlying drama dates back to the controversial trade that separated Doncic from the Mavericks, a transaction that many argue cost the franchise not only a generational talent but also the potential to secure a supermax extension. With a contract landscape dramatically transformed by his exit, the ensuing ripple effects now resonate on both the court and in the boardrooms of sponsorship and endorsements. This historical schism fuels a narrative of strategic recalibration, where financial decisions and on-court loyalties intertwine to reshape futures on both sides of the trade.

Looking Ahead: Impact and Future Possibilities

As the Mavericks and Lakers prepare to tip off in the early evening, this game transcends a mere contest of speed, skill, and strategy. It becomes a symbolic battleground where past decisions meet present ambitions, and financial realities intertwine with emotional legacies. Luka Doncic’s return carries with it a dual narrative of redemption and retribution—a reminder that in professional sports, every move has both personal and financial repercussions. The unfolding drama leaves fans and industry observers pondering the broader implications for franchise strategies, athlete endorsements, and the evolving nature of loyalty in the modern sports era.

Related Topics:athlete Basketball Brands building center deals new professional sports season speed sports video

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Huskies Punch Ticket to the 2025 BIG EAST Championship Game

VILLANOVA, P.a. – The No. 2 seed UConn softball team defeated the No. 4 seeded Creighton Bluejays in the BIG EAST semifinal, 12-1 in a six inning run rule on Friday evening, advancing the Huskies to the BIG EAST championship game on Saturday, May 10 at 5:00pm. UConn advances to the championship […]

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48 minutes ago

May 10, 2025

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VILLANOVA, P.a. – The No. 2 seed UConn softball team defeated the No. 4 seeded Creighton Bluejays in the BIG EAST semifinal, 12-1 in a six inning run rule on Friday evening, advancing the Huskies to the BIG EAST championship game on Saturday, May 10 at 5:00pm. UConn advances to the championship series for the for the third time in the last five years.

Payton Kinney made her second consecutive start in the circle at the BIG EAST Tournament for the Huskies, marking her 25^th start of the season. Kinney was sensational, tossing 4.0 scoreless innings, giving up just one hit, adding three strikeouts. The right hander moves to 14-5 this season.

UConn got their offense going early, scratching a run across in the first inning, giving the Huskies a 1-0 lead. UConn loaded the bases for Kaitlyn Breslin who was hit by a pitch, forcing in Grace Jenkins from third base.

In the third inning Grace Jenkins doubled the Huskies lead with a solo home run to center field, her 20^th of the season, edging the UConn lead to 2-0.

In Jenkins’ next plate appearance in the fifth inning, the BIG EAST Player of the Year took Creighton’s starter deep once again, this time it was a towering two-run shot to right field, her 21^st of the year, extending the Huskies lead to 4-0.

The two-run homer from Jenkins jump started the UConn offense, as the Huskies pushed across three more runs in the fifth inning, putting UConn in the driver’s seat with a 7-0 lead.

Cat Petteys continued her hot hitting at the plate, homering in her fourth straight game, as the rookie hit a two-run shot to right center field, the 14^th homer of the season for the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year.

Later on in the fifth inning, UConn manufactured another run with two outs on back to back base hits. Haley Coupal got it started with a single to left field. Kaitlyn Kibling followed with a double to left center, scoring Coupal all the way from first base.

Sydnee Koosh came on in relief for Kinney in the fifth inning, making her 26^th appearance this season for the Huskies. Koosh went just 0.2 inning giving up one run on a pair of hits.

Creighton scored their lone run of the game in the fifth inning on a bases loaded walk, making it 7-1.

Hope Jenkins came on in relief for Koosh in the middle of the fifth inning, making her 31^st appearance of the season for the Huskies. Jenkins closed out the game in the circle, keeping the Bluejay lineup hitless through her 1.1 innings, adding a strikeout.

UConn’s offense put up another five spot in the sixth inning, putting the game out of reach for Creighton at 12-1. The Huskies once again loaded up the bases for the middle of the order to do damage. Petteys knocked in her third RBI of the game with sac fly to center field, scoring Grace Jenkins from third base. Breslin followed with a single to left field, scoring Kaiea Higa from second base.

Haley Coupal capped off the big inning with a three-run homer off the scoreboard in left field, her second of the season, securing the run rule victory in the BIG EAST semifinals.

News and Notes

Three Huskies had three RBI in Grace Jenkins, Cat Petteys, and Haley Coupal.

Grace Jenkins recorded her third multi-home run game this season and the fourth of her career. She notched her fourth three-hit game this year, and her team leading 18^th multi-RBI game, giving her 67 RBI this season. Jenkins extended her on-base streak to 29 straight games.

Cat Petteys has hit two home runs through her first two career postseason games. Petteys has homered in her last four straight games, the most by a Husky this season.

Payton Kinney has started in five straight games for the Huskies. She retired 8 straight Bluejay hitters from the first to fourth innings.

Haley Coupal has had back to back multi-hit games to begin her 2025 BIG EAST campaign. This is the fourth multi-RBI game for Coupal this season.

Kaitlyn Breslin recorded her 14^th multi-RBI games this season.

Kaiea Higa recorded her 15^th multi-hit game this season.

UConn’s offense scored double digit runs for the 14^th time this season.

UConn loaded the bases twice.

UConn advances to the championship series for the for the third time in the last five years.

Up Next

UConn advances to the BIG EAST championship game on Saturday, May 10 at 5:00pm. UConn will play the winner of Creighton vs. Providence set to take place before the championship game at 1:30pm.

Follow our social media pages for updates.

Twitter – UConnSoftball

Instagram – UConnSoftball

Facebook – UConn Softball

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NIL

Texas Tech Red Raiders – Official Athletics Website

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Texas Tech (44-12) completely dominated its Big 12 Championship Semifinals game against Arizona State (35-19) on Friday afternoon, defeating the Sun Devils 18-0 – setting a new Big 12 Championship record for runs in a game. The Red Raiders picked up their 22nd shutout win of the season and their […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2025

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Texas Tech (44-12) completely dominated its Big 12 Championship Semifinals game against Arizona State (35-19) on Friday afternoon, defeating the Sun Devils 18-0 – setting a new Big 12 Championship record for runs in a game.

The Red Raiders picked up their 22^nd shutout win of the season and their first run-rule win in the Big 12 Championship since 2001. Tech’s 18-0 victory also set a new program record for most combined runs in a Big 12 Championship game as they improved to 21-29 all-time in the event.

18 hits and 17 RBI including, five extra-base hits, were racked up by the Red Raider’s offense. Mihyia Davis and Demi Elder both went 3-for-4 out of the one and two spots in the lineup while Raegan Jennings and Hailey Toney both went 3-for-3 out of the eight and nine holes in what was true team effort on offense.

Alana Johnson and Lauren Allred each picked up two hits, Anya German and NiJaree Canady recorded RBI hits and Bailey Lindemuth record an RBI on a sac fly.

Canady and Samantha Lincoln combined to throw 5.0 innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven batters as Canady improved to 25-5 on the year. Canady’s 25 wins this season is tied for the second most in a single season in program history.

How it happened:
The Sun Devils were the first team to make any noise on offense as they had runners on first and second with two outs to open up the game after a hit-by-pitch and walk. Canady worked out of the jam getting the next batter to pop out to third base.

The Red Raiders went down in order in the first inning as Arizona State’s pitching needed just seven pitches to get the outs.

That would be the only inning Tech didn’t have multiple runs as they picked up three runs in the bottom of the second thanks to a double by Canady and a two-run single off the bat of Toney. Johnson and Jennings both recorded stolen bases in the inning to advance from first to second and put themselves in scoring position.

Tech effectively ended the game in the third inning, putting up 11 runs – the most in a single inning since 2013 – on 10 hits and were helped out with one Sun Devil error. Davis started things out strong with a solo home run on the first pitch she saw.

Elder passed the bat after a double to right field and Allred moved her over to third with a single up the middle. Lindemuth recorded the first out of the inning but did so on a sacrifice fly to put Tech up 5-0. Johnson drove in Allred the next at-bat with a single before becoming the second out of the inning after Victoria Valdez reached on a fielder’s choice.

Up 6-0, five straight Red Raiders singled including Jennings, Toney, Davis, Elder and Allred as Tech had an 11-0 lead. Only one batter saw more than two pitches during that stretch as the Red Raiders came up in attack mode and gained confidence with each at bat. Lindemuth reached on a fielder’s choice and Johnson finished up the inning with another single to make it 14-0 going into the fourth inning.

Lincoln entered in relief of Canady in the circle and after getting a quick out on the first batter had the bases loaded. The freshman didn’t panic however, striking out the next batter for the second out before getting the final via a pop up to shortstop.

The Red Raiders added four more runs in the fourth, opening the inning with the first five batters reaching safely. Freshman catcher Anya German delivered the record-breaking RBI on a single to the left field that brought home Elder from third.

Lincoln closed out the game with a 1-2-3 inning to secure Tech’s first appearance in the Big 12 Championship game.

UP NEXT: The Red Raiders will take on No. 2 Arizona tomorrow at 11 a.m. on ESPN.

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NIL

Nebraska’s in-state recruiting is a sign of the future.

Matt Rhule arrived with much pomp and ceremony as the chosen one to drag Nebraska out of the endless spiral of losing seasons. He placed an enormous emphasis on in-state players on scholarship or the walk-on program. The world of college football has been turned on its head with NIL and roster limits to the […]

Published

5 hours ago

May 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The world of college football has been turned on its head with NIL and roster limits to the point where Rhule had to pivot. To see this playing out in real time, one only has to look at the top-ranked in-state players in the 2026 class and where they are heading.

Lone Ranger

Linebacker Jase Reynolds (6-3/206lbs) out of Elkhorn North in Omaha is a 3-star recruit ranked 10th in Nebraska’s 2026 class, according to 247. He is currently the only in-state recruit committed to the Huskers, and only a handful of crystal balls are floating around for in-state recruits, but nothing concrete.

Reynolds is a rangy athlete with great instincts, blowing up plays, but he is raw and will need considerable bulking up to play as an inside linebacker.

To 105 or not to 105?

The ever-changing debate on roster sizes has not yielded any real answers, and Nebraska’s lack of real portal subtractions bears that out. The trimmer roster sizes will undoubtedly hurt the in-state prospects’ chances of being offered.

It was almost a given that the top 10 players in the state could rely on a Nebraska offer—that is no longer the case. The fact that some in-state prospects have publicly said that the coaching staff is not in contact is a sign of the future.

Nebraska will continue cherry-picking players it feels can make a realistic difference on the team and ‘culture players’ who may not threaten the two deep but are key to maintaining standards.

The state produces capable, tight-end body types, and these sorts of players will always be in demand.

Isaac Jensen (6-6/205lbs) is the next in the conveyor belt of tight ends, and this trend will continue as long as football needs beefy blockers.

Football has changed so rapidly that it may very well shift again, but for right now, in-state prospects can’t guarantee a Nebraska offer.

GBR

NIL

Fouad Messaoudi breaks own school record in 1,500 Meters as OSU Track & Field wraps …

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Oklahoma State men’s and women’s outdoor track and field wrapped up regular season action Friday at the Arkansas Twilight in Fayetteville. The day’s action was highlighted by senior Fouad Messaoudi, who closed out his illustrious regular season career as a Cowboy in dominant fashion with a first place finish in the 1,500 […]

Published

5 hours ago

May 10, 2025

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Fouad Messaoudi breaks own school record in 1,500 Meters as OSU Track & Field wraps ...

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Oklahoma State men’s and women’s outdoor track and field wrapped up regular season action Friday at the Arkansas Twilight in Fayetteville.

The day’s action was highlighted by senior Fouad Messaoudi, who closed out his illustrious regular season career as a Cowboy in dominant fashion with a first place finish in the 1,500 Meters. Messaoudi posted a blazing time of 3:34.34, breaking his own school record by nearly a second. Additionally, this mark is a new Arkansas Twilight meet record and John McDonnell Field facility record, which stood for nearly 37 years.

Alex Stitt (2^nd Place) and Ryan Schoppe (4^th Place) joined Messaoudi in etching their names in the Cowboy record books for the 1,500 Meters, with Stitt’s 3:36.33 mark good for second best all time and Schoppe’s time of 3:37.18 good for third best. Fellow Cowboys Laban Kipkemboi (6^th Place), Denis Kipngetich (7^th Place), and David Mora (9^th Place) also earned top ten finishes in the race.

Rounding out a successful day for the Cowboys was Triston Read, whose 1:48.43 mark in the 800 Meters earned him a fourth place finish as well as the eighth best time in OSU history.

On the women’s side, Katie Chapman and Annie Molenhouse turned in impressive performances in the 100 Meter Hurdles, with Chapman’s 13.82 mark earning her third place as well as the third best time in Cowgirl history. Molenhouse wasn’t far behind, finishing in fourth place with a time of 13.98, sixth best in program history. Earlier in the day, freshman Autumn Michalski delivered a strong showing of her own in the 3,000 Meter Steeplechase, placing second with a time of 10:43.23.

Over in the field, Blair Anderson and Kileigh Mixon added two more victories to Oklahoma State’s tally for the day. On the men’s side, Anderson turned in a season-best effort of 7.63 Meters in the Long Jump en route to a first place finish. Mixon established a new personal best in the women’s High Jump, winning the event with a 1.73 meter leap, good for seventh best in Cowgirl history.

The Cowboys and Cowgirls will begin postseason action next weekend, May 15-17, traveling to Lawrence, Kan., for the Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

For more information on the Cowboys and Cowgirls, continue to check back with okstate.com.

Women’s Individual Results

High Jump

1. Kileigh Mixon – 1.73m/5’8″

3,000 Meter Steeplechase

2. Autumn Michalski – 10:43.23

Shot Put

2. Katie Chapman – 12.97m/42’6.75″

3. Annie Molenhouse – 12.88m/42’3.25″

4. Jamila Isman – 11.82m/38’9.5″

5. Olivija Vaitaityte – 11.58m/38’0″

Long Jump

4. Sara Byers – 5.85m/19’3.25″

6. Maddie Meiner – 5.46m/17’11”

100 Meters

4. Bailey Strain – 12.04

100 Meter Hurdles

3. Katie Chapman – 13.82

4. Annie Molenhouse – 13.98

5. Kessiah Bemis – 14.32

6. Maddie Meiner – 14.43

7. Jamila Isman – 14.46

9. Olivija Vaitaityte – 14.74

800 Meters

3. Jinah Mickens-Malik – 2:04.74

4. Madi Surber – 2:06.01

5. Isis Grant – 2:06.52

8. Kalen Goodman – 2:09.54

12. Ansley Scott – 2:12.42

15. Brilee Payne – 2:15.56

200 Meters

9. Bailey Strain – 24.66

1,500 Meters

2. Isca Chelangat – 4:16.71

3. Josphine Mwaura – 4:18.08

5. Mandeep Sangha – 4:19.81

7. Aubrey O’Connell – 4:20.32

10. Cameron McConell – 4:27.07

11. Lauren Ping – 4:27.31

12. Maureen Cherotich – 4:28.72

13. Krystal Rodriguez – 4:30.45

16. Katie Armstrong – 4:34.49

19. Kevriana Scott – 4:36.16

24. Abby Pickett – 4:46.29

28. Emma Lindsey – 4:58.01

Men’s Individual Results

Long Jump

1. Blair Anderson – 7.63m/25’0.5″

100 Meters

11. Carter Wilkerson – 10.51

400 Meters

8. Sebastian Pesante – 48.13

800 Meters

4. Triston Read – 1:48.43

8. Mason Page – 1:50.30

12. Riley McGowan – 1:52.05

24. Hunter Vaughn – 1:55.60

25. James Edmond – 1:55.71

31. Ben Currence – 1:58.66

Pole Vault

8. Cooper Moore – 4.65m/15’3″

1,500 Meters

1. Fouad Messaoudi – 3:34.34*

2. Alex Stitt – 3:36.33

4. Ryan Schoppe – 3:37.18

6. Laban Kipkemboi – 3:41.16

7. Denis Kipngetich – 3:43.39

9. David Mora – 3:44.51

11. Henry Dover – 3:45.11

14. Ayden Granados – 3:45.79

17. Matthew Thomas – 3:48.72

20. Tate Barr – 3:50.43

21. Ethan Stovall – 3:50.97

21. Keegan Thomas – 3:50.97

29. Will Conway – 3:55.60

30. Oliver Patton – 3:55.61

33. Gabe Simonsen – 3:56.49

34. Ben Calusinksi – 3:56.77

40. Jerry Mendez – 4:05.79

* – Indicates new school record

NIL

Longhorns Daily News

Former Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks will miss the entire 2025 NFL season, according to a recent ESPN report. Brooks suffered his second knee injury since he underwent a similar recovery process after his last season with Steve Sarkisian’s Texas. Panthers placed RB Jonathon Brooks on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he […]

Published

6 hours ago

May 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Panthers placed RB Jonathon Brooks on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he now will be out for the 2025 season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2025

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Associated Press: Texas regents approve basketball coach Sean Miller’s six-year, $32 million contract

Austin American-Statesman: Former Texas runner Haftu Knight is now king of state’s marathoners

Austin American-Statesman: Texas Football: How each first round pick could contribute as NFL rookies

Austin American-Statesman: Golden: Donald Trump and Nick Saban, college football saviors?

Austin American-Statesman: Max Belyeu Injury: Jim Schlossnagle shares latest on Texas baseball OF

247Sports: A day-in-the life tour of what goes through the mind of Texas coach Steve Sarkisian on game day

247Sports: Sarkisian: Texas’ improved culture a key reason Longhorns are in position to challenge for titles

Inside Texas: Inside the Program: Roster battles across every position heading into summer

Inside Texas: Brandon Baker’s youth stands out among a veteran group of starting O-line candidates

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

Lone Star Showdown: No. 5 Texas and No. 1 Texas A&M duel in SEC Tournament semifinal

No. 1 Texas hosts Florida in final regular-season home series

Steve Sarkisian opens up about the Texas legacy of Quinn Ewers

Texas is in May transition period following spring practice

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

247Sports: Top-100 ranked junior Sammy Jackson is eyeing visits

247Sports: News and notes from a few days on the road seeing TXHSFB spring ball practices

247Sports: DL Damari Simeon has three officials set, two other schools in contention

247Sports: Top100 LB Brayden Rouse explains why he’s opting to officially visit Texas instead of Georgia

Inside Texas: Texas lands 2026 four-star CB Hayward Howard Jr.

Inside Texas: Top 2027 ATH Myson Johnson-Cook talks Texas and fit

SEC SHOWDOWN

Austin American-Statesman: Mia Scott delivers walk-off win for Texas softball at SEC Tournament

Austin American-Statesman: Longhorns, Aggies football to meet on Black Friday during 2025 season

Good Bull Hunting: Baseball Preview: Aggies host Missouri in penultimate SEC series

Rock M Nation: Mizzou Baseball Series Preview: Tigers still searching for first SEC win at College Station

Red Cup Rebellion: 13 questions about Ole Miss quarterbacks

Rocky Top Talk: Bru McCoy announces decision to medically retire from football

Roll ‘Bama Roll: No Days Off: Alabama basketball will face St John’s at Madison Square Garden

A Sea Of Blue: Kentucky announces signing of Reece Potter

WHAT WE’RE READING

SB Nation: James Vowles vows ‘it simply won’t happen again’ in F1 Miami Grand Prix debrief

SB Nation: Why 31 NFL teams might be frustrated with the Houston Texans

SB Nation: Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson’s drama-filled UNC experience, explained

NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

Mack Brown on NIL and Phil Knight.

Really interesting to hear why Mack Brown thinks Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning is thriving in NIL era.

“Mr. Phil Knight is a friend of ours, and there’s no better booster in America… money is not the only thing you have to have.”#GoDucks https://t.co/XrHPp4120w pic.twitter.com/avmPeoOTL0

— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) May 9, 2025

NIL

Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers gets insanely low NFL guaranteed money vs. $8M NIL offer

Quinn Ewers chose pride over guaranteed money. The former Texas Longhorns, after transferring from the Ohio State Buckeyes, quarterback reportedly turned down an $8 million NIL offer with one year of college eligibility remaining to pursue his NFL dream. RELATED: Quinn Ewers’ insane NFL draft hunting room looks even more crazy when Dolphins call Kyle […]

Published

6 hours ago

May 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation