Bob Pettit, the NBA’s first MVP, has died at age 93. He was a two‑time MVP, 11‑time All‑Star and the first player to reach 20,000 points, spending his career with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks and winning the 1958 NBA title.
Ukrainian basketball forward Kate Koval left LSU after the program signed a Russian player and after her family was affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She was granted an NCAA waiver and transferred to Baylor University, where she will continue her college career.
Ukrainian forward Kate Koval left the LSU women’s basketball program after the school added Russian centre Anna Minaeva. Koval said the ongoing war in Ukraine and her family’s involvement forced her to reconsider staying at LSU.
The NBA has fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million and stripped them of five first‑round draft picks after finding violations of salary‑cap rules tied to the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard. Owner Steve Ballmer and president Gillian Zucker were also suspended, and Leonard received a $700,000 personal fine.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from the Chicago Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever after a heated verbal exchange with guard Natasha Cloud. The incident occurred at Wintrust Arena and the Fever won the match 113-90. The ejection sparked further discussion about transgender athlete eligibility in the WNBA.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and their WNBA sister team, the Lynx, have been sold to American businessman Marc Stad, who now holds a controlling stake. The transaction values the combined franchise at $4.5 billion, making it the fourth‑largest NBA sale ever, and sees Alex Rodriguez joining as co‑chairman alongside Marc Lore.
Scotland’s women’s wheelchair 3×3 basketball team secured a silver medal after defeating Australia in the semi‑final and losing to England in the gold‑medal match at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The men’s 3×3 side also celebrated a bronze medal, beating New Zealand in their contest. Veteran Robyn Love, who also coaches the women’s squad, reflected on the emotional journey from a car‑park venue in Birmingham four years earlier to the SEC arena today.
LeBron James, the 41‑year‑old NBA superstar and all‑time leading scorer, confirmed he will leave the Los Angeles Lakers to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final season. The move follows rumors linking him to several other teams and includes a quote expressing his excitement to help the 76ers become a championship contender.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark confronted referee Gerda Gatling after disputed calls during a loss to the Golden State Valkyries. Clark claimed she was fouled five times and criticized the officiating, returning to play despite a leg injury. This follows previous complaints about Gatling’s calls and coach Stephanie White’s recent criticism of referees.
NBA star Victor Wembanyama has signed a five-year, $252 million contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs, the maximum allowable for a rookie scale player. The deal includes an option in the fifth season and prioritizes financial flexibility for the team. Wembanyama, 22, helped the Spurs reach the 2025 NBA Finals and recently won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.