Briefing: 🏀 NBA All-Contract Team: Playoff contenders?
Strategic angle: Could a roster built with only the best contracts in the league -- no max or rookie deals allowed -- reach the playoffs?
Briefing: Champions League: Newcastle hold Barça to draw as Yamal saves Spanish side
Strategic angle: Barça came from behind to draw level in stoppage time against Newcastle (1-1) in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Briefing: Hofstra, again led by Claxton, returns to tourney
Strategic angle: Hofstra is returning to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 25 years after defeating Monmouth 75-69 for the Coastal Athletic Association tournament championship.
Briefing: Source: Ricard latest to rejoin Harbaugh in N.Y.
Strategic angle: Former Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard agreed to a two-year deal with the Giants, a source told ESPN.
Briefing: Two more people connected to Iranian football team choose to stay in Australia
Strategic angle: A player and a support staff member join five others in opting to remain in Australia after most of the team departed.
Briefing: Kelce says Swift inspired return for 14th season
Strategic angle: Travis Kelce credits fiancée Taylor Swift for motivating him to continue his NFL career.
Briefing: Spurs GK subbed after Atléti score 3 in 15 mins
Strategic angle: Goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky was hauled off after just 17 minutes as Tottenham fell behind in their Champions League match.
Briefing: Browns re-sign RG Jenkins amid O-line overhaul
Strategic angle: The Browns have re-signed guard Teven Jenkins as they navigate a complete overhaul of their offensive line.
Briefing: Source: WR Raymond leaves Lions to join Bears
Strategic angle: Kalif Raymond has agreed to sign a one-year contract with the Bears, reuniting the wide receiver with Ben Johnson.
Briefing: Sources: TE Knox stays with Bills on new deal
Strategic angle: The Bills found a way to keep tight end Dawson Knox on the 2026 roster amid a difficult cap situation by signing him to a new three-year contract.
Briefing: NCAA to Monitor Tournament Officials for Betting with New Tech
Strategic angle: The NCAA introduces ProhiBet to oversee referees in basketball, baseball, and softball tournaments amid betting concerns.
Briefing: Packers Add St-Juste to Bolster CB Depth
Strategic angle: The Packers signed CB Benjamin St-Juste to a two-year, $10 million contract, a source told ESPN.
Trump confirms Australia will grant asylum to five Iranian women football players
Amid concerns for player welfare, the Australian Iranian Council urged the government to protect the squad members.
Briefing: Inside Bodo/Glimt - the Champions League's ultimate giantkilling story
Strategic angle: It's early January and Bodo/Glimt are holding a team meeting in Spain to discuss their upcoming Champions League campaign.
Briefing: Galatasaray vs. Liverpool live stream: Champions League odds, where to watch, start time, lineup predictions
Strategic angle: The English side will face Galatasaray in the round of 16 first leg
Briefing: Reindeer racing draws crowds in Finland’s frozen north near the Russian border
Strategic angle: Traditional reindeer racing delights fans despite freezing temperatures.
Briefing: Why Fins released Tua Tagovailoa; how he fits with Falcons
Strategic angle: If Michael Penix Jr. isn't ready for the season, the Falcons have a new lefty QB to start.
Offseason grades: Who won the Crosby trade?
We're handing out report cards on big offseason moves, including the Ravens dealing two first-rounders for Maxx Crosby.
Sources: Ravens, QB Huntley reach 2-year deal
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will remain with the Ravens after agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $11 million.
Briefing: Seahawks keep Shaheed in fold with $51M deal
Strategic angle: The Seahawks are bringing back wide receiver Rashid Shaheed on a three-year, $51 million deal that includes $34.7 million guaranteed.