Spring training 2025: Schedule, highlights, updates and more

Keith Lipscomb is a senior editor for ESPN Fantasy and a contributor for men's college basketball at ESPN, offering insights and trends for the 2025 NCAA tournament bracket. He highlights key statistics and historical trends, such as the SEC's record 14 teams in the field and the success of at-large teams with poor conference records in the first round. Lipscomb also notes the prevalence of upsets among high seeds and the consistent success of double-digit...

Jack Draper dominated the BNP Paribas Open final, defeating Holger Rune in straight sets to claim his first ATP 1000 Masters title. With a career-high ranking of seventh in the world, Draper showcased his power and aggression, securing victory in just 68 minutes. His impressive run included wins over top players, culminating in a memorable performance that solidified his status as a rising star in the tennis world. Full Article

Mak Whitham, 14, made history as the youngest player in NWSL history to appear in a regular-season match for NJ/NY Gotham FC, coming on as a substitute in their season opener against Seattle Reign. Whitham signed the youngest contract in NWSL history at 13, and after training with the team, she made her debut last year and has since impressed with her performance. With a goal to help her team, Whitham looks forward to playing...

Your support enables The Independent to cover important stories from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with a commitment to factual reporting and analysis. By donating, you help fund on-the-ground reporting and ensure quality journalism remains accessible to all Americans. In sports news, Newcastle United defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, with goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak securing their first domestic silverware in 70 years, while Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher and...

The Hanshin Tigers showcased their dominance by sweeping both MLB clubs, including a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan, with Daichi Ishii sealing the win with a strikeout. Hiroto Saiki impressed on the mound, while Teruaki Sato's three-run homer secured the Tigers' lead. The Tigers' strong performance highlighted the talent of Japanese baseball players, setting the stage for the upcoming regular season matchups between MLB teams at the Tokyo Dome. Full Article

Lando Norris won the Australian Grand Prix with a narrow margin over Max Verstappen, showcasing McLaren's strong performance. Despite challenges such as rain and damaged floor, Norris maintained his lead. McLaren's ability to manage tires effectively gave them an advantage over rivals, leading to their dominant performance. Verstappen acknowledged McLaren's superiority in this aspect and highlighted the need for improvement in his own team. Overall, Norris's victory solidified his status as a top contender for...