Popovich visits Spurs, won't return this season

The San Diego Padres have signed All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, with a $30 million club option for a 10th season, potentially totaling $204 million. Merrill, who debuted last season and was an All-Star, will earn $809,500 this year, up from the $740,000 minimum last year. The 2021 first-round draft pick is the latest Padre to secure a nine-figure contract, joining other high-profile players like Manny Machado and Fernando...

Alexa Philippou, a Stanford graduate and Baltimore native, covers women's college basketball and the WNBA for ESPN, having previously covered UConn and the WNBA Connecticut Sun for the Hartford Courant. Michael Voepel, an ESPN senior writer since 1996, also covers the WNBA and women's college basketball, with experience dating back to 1984. The article recounts UConn's historic 1994-95 season, culminating in their first NCAA title and second perfect season in women's basketball history, under coach...

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is unfazed by speculation about his future at the club, stating there are excellent candidates available if he were to be sacked. He did not feel disrespected by Mauricio Pochettino's comments about wanting to return to Spurs, and remains focused on his responsibilities to rejuvenate the squad and bring success. Despite facing potential history with a fourth consecutive league defeat, Postecoglou is focused on the upcoming Europa League quarter-final as a...

The 2025 MLB season showcases standout performances, including a surge in Yankees home runs and Rafael Devers' historic strikeout streak. ESPN's MLB Rank list of the top 100 players features MVPs, Cy Young winners, and rising stars like Shohei Ohtani, who secured his third MVP in four years with a record-setting 50/50 season. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals continues to improve, aiming for an MVP-caliber season with enhanced baserunning and defensive skills....

Your support helps The Independent to cover important stories like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, with a commitment to factual reporting. By donating, you enable journalists to report from the ground and provide unbiased coverage accessible to all. In the UFC, Ian Machado Garry will now face Carlos Prates in a welterweight main event after a planned fight fell through, with Machado Garry looking to bounce back from his first professional loss against...

The 1,500m world champion is gearing up for his Grand Slam Track campaign, embracing a new era for athletics. Despite beating rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen, he fell short of winning gold at last summer's Olympics but has no regrets. He remains focused and determined as he looks ahead to his upcoming races. Full Article