The Wire
Every headline that moves a line.
The stories Big Mike’s feeds are tracking right now across the NFL, MLB, college football, NBA, and WNBA, refreshed around the clock, straight from the sources that break them.
- MLBCal Raleigh hits career-high 3 HRs as Mariners top PhilliesCal Raleigh, the switch-hitting catcher who's been in a season-long slump after a career season last year, busted out with the first three-homer game of his career Monday, as the Seattle Mariners polished off a 9-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
- WNBAAngel Reese sets WNBA single-game, season rebounding recordsAngel Reese broke the WNBA single-game rebounding record with 26 while also breaking the league's season record for rebounds as the Dream beat the Sparks 78-71 on Monday night.
- NFLAllen Robinson officially announces retirement on 33rd birthdayAllen Robinson, a former Pro Bowl receiver who most recently played in the NFL in 2024, officially announced his retirement Monday.
- NFLAllen Robinson officially announces retirement on 33rd birthdayAllen Robinson, the former Pro Bowl receiver who most recently played in the NFL in 2024, officially announced his retirement Monday.
- MLBPete Fairbanks leaves Marlins' loss with nerve irritationVeteran closer Pete Fairbanks, 32, who signed a one-year deal to join the Marlins this season, felt nerve irritation and numbness in his throwing arm and departed after facing just one batter in Miami's 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.
- CFBFour former college football officials will be rules analysts for ESPN this FallSteve Shaw joins three veteran rules analysts for ESPN college football coverage in 2026.
- WNBAKoval of Ukraine leaves LSU after Tigers sign Russian playerUkrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia.
- WNBAKoval of Ukraine leaves LSU after Tigers sign Russian playerUkrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia.
- MLBReds' Michael Toglia to have season-ending shoulder surgeryReds infielder/outfielder Michael Toglia will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder after he was injured Friday making a diving catch.
- NBARJ Luis Jr., '25 Big East POY, granted injunction to play for LSUA Louisiana judge on Monday granted RJ Luis Jr., the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, a temporary injunction to play for LSU this season despite signing multiple NBA contracts.
- MLBOwners thrilled with 'family investment' of San Diego PadresAs part of an energetic press conference that signaled a new era for the San Diego Padres, co-owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones called the franchise's purchase a "family investment," and vowed to spend "ambitiously" yet "judiciously" on Monday.
- MLBOwners thrilled with 'family investment' of San Diego PadresAs part of an energetic press conference that signaled a new era for the San Diego Padres, co-owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones called the franchise's purchase a "family investment," and vowed to spend "ambitiously" yet "judiciously" on Monday.
- NFLCardinals activate edge rusher Josh Sweat from PUP listCardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat was activated off the physically unable to perform list Monday.
- NFLSEC: Pro athletes should not 'return to college competition'As LSU hopes to sign NFL tight end Dae'Quan Wright, if he clears waivers, the SEC on Monday issued a statement emphasizing its belief that athletes who choose to leave to sign pro contracts "should not then be permitted to return to college competition."
- MLBSeason over for Mariners' Emerson; Woo to make next startMariners rookie shortstop Colt Emerson will have season-ending surgery Wednesday, but Seattle right-hander Bryan Woo will make his scheduled start.
- MLBDiamondbacks hoping Ketel Marte returns to lineup next weekThe Diamondbacks hope All-Star Ketel Marte will return to their lineup next week, roughly two weeks after his unexpected disappearance from the team.
- NFLPolice close case into death of Ed Oliver's son; no criminal findingsA police investigation into the death of Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver's son has resulted in no criminal findings and the case is now considered closed, the Harris County Sheriff's Office in Texas announced Monday.
- NFLESPN Fantasy Football Hall of Fame inducts its first two playersA celebration of the best players and moments since ESPN's fantasy game was introduced in 1995.
- NBAESPN's NBA predictions put the Phoenix Suns in the 2026–27 Play-In Tournament - Burn City Sports Phoenix SportsESPN’s NBA insiders have the Phoenix Suns projected as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, and headed towards the play-in tournament.
- NBAESPN’s NBA predictions put the Phoenix Suns in the 2026–27 Play-In TournamentPHOENIX – ESPN’s NBA insiders have the Phoenix Suns projected as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, placing the Suns in the Play-In Tournament and suggesting they remain closer to the playoff bubble than the conference’s elite.
- NBAESPN: Sacramento Kings will fail to win 20 games in 2026-27ESPN projects the Sacramento Kings to finish 19-63 in 2026-27. Could the prediction become bulletin-board material for a healthier roster?
- NBAESPN predicts Suns a play-in team again. Blazers suffer key injuryESPN posted Aug. 24 its "NBA Summer Forecast" projection for Eastern Conference and Western Conference standings.
- MLBColorado Rockies place pitcher Kyle Freeland on injured listThe Colorado Rockies placed pitcher Kyle Freeland, the left-hander who left his start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers after 3 2/3 innings, on the 15-day injured list Monday because of a pinched nerve.
- NFLCowboys OL Shiyazh Pete, Schottenheimer reflect on viral postgame speechShiyazh Pete, a member of the Navajo Nation, said the reaction from fans during the Cowboys game against the Cardinals was overwhelming to him.
- NFLLSU's Lane Kiffin defends pursuit of NFL players returning to collegeLSU's Lane Kiffin defended his decision to pursue NFL rookies seeking a fifth year of playing college football, saying he's just one of many coaches trying to do so.
- CFBLSU's Lane Kiffin defends pursuit of NFL players returning to collegeLSU's Lane Kiffin defended his decision to pursue NFL rookies seeking a fifth year of playing college football, saying he's just one of many coaches trying to do so.
- WNBAESPN No. 22 prospect Charis Rainey recaps Arkansas women's basketball visitRainey, ESPN’s No 22 overall prospect, was the first visitor of what’s expected to be a busy fall recruiting stretch for the Razorbacks.
- WNBAESPN No. 22 prospect Charis Rainey recaps Arkansas women's basketball visitRainey, ESPN’s No 22 overall prospect, was the first visitor of what’s expected to be a busy fall recruiting stretch for the Razorbacks.
- MLBGuardians vs. Angels (Aug 24, 2026) Game StatsComplete team stats and game leaders for the Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels MLB game from August 24, 2026 on ESPN.
- NBAESPN source: Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe out 6 months with torn meniscusPortland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe is expected to miss six months after sustaining a torn meniscus in his knee.
- NFLESPN India - Serving Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.Visit ESPN for live scores, highlights and sports news. Stream exclusive games on ESPN and play fantasy sports.
- CFB‘The Floodgates Are Open’ — ESPN Star Predicts Dae’Quan Wright Will Be First of Many NFL Players Returning to College FootballLast week, a Louisiana judge granted several players a temporary restraining order allowing them to return to college football from the NFL. Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright is on track to become the first player to take advantage of the order by reaching an agreement with the LSU Tigers after the Browns waived him.
- NFLHarbaugh: 'Reasonable to assume' Nabers will be ready for openerGiants wide receiver Malik Nabers shed the red no-contact jersey and took part in live drills Monday for the first time with Week 1 in sight.
- NBASources: Blazers' Sharpe to miss 6 months with meniscus tearPortland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee and is expected to miss six months, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania
- NBASources: Blazers' Sharpe to miss 6 months with meniscus tearPortland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee and is expected to miss six months, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania
- CFBSources: Oregon State names Braden Atkinson starting QBSources have told ESPN's Pete Thamel that Oregon State first-year coach JaMarcus Shephard on Monday named Braden Atkinson the team's starting quarterback, a transfer from Mercer who will be under center when the Beavers take on No. 23 Houston on Sept. 5.
- NFLRavens believe center Danny Pinter is out for seasonThe Ravens now believe center Danny Pinter is out for the season and are unsure whether Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike will be ready for the start of the regular season.
- MLBFantasy baseball lineup advice for Tuesday: Nola, Kay among top streamersEverything you need to know to set your fantasy baseball lineups for Tuesday's MLB action.
- WNBAFantasy baseball lineup advice for Tuesday: Nola, Kay among top streamersEverything you need to know to set your fantasy baseball lineups for Tuesday's MLB action.
- NBAWhere ESPN experts predict Warriors, Kings will finish 2026-27 NBA seasonESPN experts predicted where the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings will finish the NBA season, leaving them staring up at the conference.
- NBAESPN picks Spurs as NBA’s best team for 2026-27 seasonLooks like the Spurs went from mild expectations one season, to all the pressure on them in the next.
- NFLSources: Patriots trading Boutte to Texans for Reed, draft pickThe Patriots have agreed to a trade that will send wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday.
- NBASources: Kanter Freedom not WNBA-eligible; arena ban TBDThe WNBA has not announced any plans to ban Enes Kanter Freedom from attending future games but, according to multiple sources, the ex-NBA player will not be eligible to play in the league.
- WNBASources: Kanter Freedom not WNBA-eligible; arena ban TBDThe WNBA has not announced any plans to ban Enes Kanter Freedom from attending future games but, according to multiple sources, the ex-NBA player will not be eligible to play in the league.
- CFBOle Miss had FBI sweep for bugs after Lane Kiffin's exit for LSUThe executive director of Ole Miss' NIL collective said FBI agents searched the Rebels' football office for recording devices after Lane Kiffin left for rival LSU.
- MLBBengals release offensive lineman Cody Ford after three seasonsThe Bengals released offensive lineman Cody Ford on Monday.
- NFLBengals release offensive lineman Cody Ford after three seasonsThe Bengals released offensive lineman Cody Ford on Monday.
- CFBCollege football schedule: When does the 2026 college football season start?
- NFLField Yates' fantasy football PPR rankings: Top 160 for 2026Field provides his latest rankings for the upcoming season, which will be updated throughout the summer.
- CFBPaul Finebaum Reveals the Two Most Talented College Football TeamsWith just days until the start of the 2026 season, college football’s most intriguing question may not be who can win the national championship, but which teams
- WNBAMercury buy out DeWanna Bonner, who will seek title chanceThe Mercury and DeWanna Bonner have reached an agreement to buy out her contract. Once she clears waivers, the six-time All-Star will look for a chance to sign as a free agent with a playoff team.
- NBADo You Agree With ESPN’s Prediction for the 2026-27 Trail Blazers?Too low? Too high? Or just right?
- NBAESPN projects 2026-27 Rockets to finish tied for third in WestIn its 2026-27 NBA summer forecast, ESPN insiders are projecting the Rockets and Nuggets to finish in a third-place tie in the Western Conference.
- NFLThe daft is complete: all 32 Disney | Champion NFL team pairings revealedThe first-of-its-kind collaboration between Disney, the NFL, Champion and Fanatics expands nationwide, bringing every team-character pairings to fans beginning today as part of Disney and ESPN’s “Year of the Super Bowl.”
- MLBBlue Jays, Cubs set to face off in 2027 Little League ClassicThe Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs will headline the 2027 “MLB Little League Classic, Presented by New York Life,” in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Major League Baseball announced on Sunday […]
- MLBFantasy Baseball Forecaster Week 21: Aug. 24-30Set your lineups for the weeks ahead in fantasy baseball with our preview featuring pitcher rankings, hitter ratings and schedule observations.
- NFL49ers owner Jed York arrested, pleads no contest to misdemeanor charges49ers owner Jed York pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanor charges after being arrested in Ohio on suspicion of engaging in prostitution.
- CFBCollege Football Week 0 Schedule: Top Games, TV Channels, Streaming, PreviewsCollege Football Week 0 features Memphis at UNLV on FOX, plus top games with dates, TV channels, streaming information and previews.
- CFBWhere does FSU football land in the ESPN FPI heading into Week 0Florida State enters its opener against New Mexico State ranked No. 28 nationally in ESPN’s latest FPI.
- MLBFantasy baseball free agent pickups: Time running out to pick up a potential NL award-winnerThe top players you should consider claiming off the fantasy baseball waiver wire this week.
- NFLMike McCarthy says Steelers at 'impasse' with CB Joey PorterThe Steelers are at an "impasse" with Joey Porter Jr. as the cornerback remains sidelined on the physically unable to perform list, coach Mike McCarthy says.
- NFLMatt LaFleur, Mike LaFleur ready for Packers-Cardinals workBrothers Matt LaFleur and Mike LaFleur prepare to meet as head coaches as Matt's Packers host younger brother Mike's Cardinals in a joint practice and preseason game this week.
- NFLSaints to sign two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel CarlsonThe Saints are signing free agent kicker Daniel Carlson, his agents told The NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.
- CFBESPN College Football hype video for 2026 season will get your heart racingHow can you not be pumped for the College Football season after watching this?
- CFBESPN College Football hype video for 2026 season will get your heart racingHow can you not be pumped for the College Football season after watching this?
- CFBGeorgia football earns high spot in ESPN preseason power rankingsGeorgia football lands in the top five in the latest ESPN preseason power rankings as the top SEC team.
- NFLBrowns turn to QB Watson with Sanders (and 2027 draft class) lurkingCleveland's quest to answer the franchise's quarterback quandary brings them back to a 30-year-old who faces enormous pressure to succeed.
- NFLWhy college football is NOT RECOGNIZABLE with Dae'Quan Wright going from the NFL to LSUOn First TakeDan Orlovsky, Kevin Clark and Kimberley A. Martin join Shae Cornette to share thoughts on the Cleveland Browns waiving Dae'Quan Wright, who can now return to college and play for the LSU Tigers.
- MLBKarl Ravech signs off from ESPN's MLB coverage for the final timeKarl Ravech thanked his crew as he signed off from ESPN's MLB coverage for the final time on Sunday night.
- NFLWetzel: Mad about CFB eligibility chaos? The NCAA should have seen it comingThe NCAA's well-intentioned but clumsily executed "five for five" decision made going from the NFL back to college inevitable.
- NFLNFL training camp players returning to college football? How?The new five-for-five rule has players who started college in 2022 seeking a second chance on campus.
- CFBNFL training camp players returning to college football? How?The new five-for-five rule has players who started college in 2022 seeking a second chance on campus.
- NFLNFL training camp players returning to college football? How?The new five-for-five rule has players who started college in 2022 seeking a second chance on campus.
- MLBRob Manfred, amid MLB labor talks, says 'we want to play' in '27MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, amid uncertainty about whether labor negotiations will affect the 2027 season, said "we're planning on playing baseball next year."
- CFBPatriot League Shuts Down Villanova QB, Power Moves in CFBPower Play in the Patriot League Eligibility smackdown. The Patriot League just flexed on Villanova, denying QB Pat McQuaide’s eligibility for 2026. His lawyer dropped the hammer: "If he plays, Villanova forfeits." This ain’t just about one kid—it’s the SEC’s "self-governance" model spreading. Conferences want control, and they’re not waiting for the NCAA to bless it. Watch this space: if the Patriot League gets away with it, the Power 4 will follow. QB Loyalty vs. Cash Noah Fifita’s gamble. In a league stacked with NFL-bound QBs, Arizona’s Fifita turned down millions to stay in Tucson. His reason? "I’m part of a team that can do something that’s never been done here." Translation: he’s betting on himself and a program on the rise. Last year, he outplayed guys who bolted for NIL money. If Arizona wins big, Fifita’s loyalty could redefine how QBs value legacy over paydays. ASU’s Kenny Dillingham: No Blueblood, No Problem Michigan’s loss, ASU’s gain. Eight m
- MLBMariners Roll Dice on 2025’s Top ArmKade Anderson gets the call—Seattle is promoting the 2025 draft’s third-overall pick, lefty Kade Anderson, to make his MLB debut Saturday. Numbers don’t lie: 93 1⁄3 innings, 1.06 ERA, 135 K, 13 BB, 47 hits. That’s a 14.5 K/9 and 1.3 BB/9 line in the minors. If the Mariners are desperate for a playoff push, they just got their ace-in-waiting. Sharp take: Either this kid is the real deal or Seattle’s front office just bet the farm on 93 innings of minor-league dominance. Either way, Saturday’s start is must-watch.
- MLBMLB Chaos: Rays, Mariners, and Posey's Gamble**The Rays’ Supremacy Isn’t a Fluke—But Can They Hold On? ** The Rays are rolling, but the real question is whether they’ve got the depth to outlast the Orioles and Yankees. Ken Rosenthal breaks it down: their bullpen’s elite, their rotation’s sneaky good, and their farm system’s still pumping out talent. But—if they don’t add at the deadline, this could be another case of ‘close but no cigar.’ Numbers don’t lie: their +120 run differential is tops in the AL, and their Pythagorean record (72-45) suggests they’re even better than their actual 68-49 mark. Sharp take: If they don’t win the division, it’s a failure. **Mariners’ Collapse: Raleigh’s Mea Culpa Won’t Fix the Mess ** Cal Raleigh’s hitting .189/.280/.351 since the All-Star break, and the Mariners have lost 12 of their last 15. His ‘I’m awful’ quote? Admirable honesty, terrible timing. This team’s problems run deeper than one slumping catcher. Their rotation’s ERA has ballooned to 4.89 post-break, and Julio Rodríguez’s OPS has c
- CFBLakers Sale Shakes NBA, Freaks List Drops Jaw NumbersLakers Sale: $12B Power Play The Deal: Bob Iger and Josh Kushner just dropped $12 billion-plus to buy the Lakers. That’s not just a sale—it’s a statement. The franchise’s value has tripled in eight years, and now it’s in the hands of two guys who know how to monetize a brand. The elephant in the room? Mark Walter’s exit—the man who built the modern Lakers is cashing out, and the new owners are bringing in their own baseball-heavy brain trust. If you’re a bettor, watch how this shakes up the front office. Sharp money says: Expect a more aggressive, analytics-driven approach—Iger didn’t get Disney back on top by playing it safe. College Football’s Freaks List: The Numbers Don’t Lie The Highlights: Bruce Feldman’s 2026 Freaks List is out, and the numbers are insane. LSU’s Dominick McKinley is back in the top 15—this guy’s a freak of nature at DL, and LSU’s got a science behind his offseason glow-up. Texas A&M’s Anto Saka (DE) said his weight room numbers skyrocketed this offseason.
- MLBMVP Race Heats Up as Cubs Land Holmes, Yankees StruggleMVP Showdown: PCA’s Walk-Off Drama vs. Shohei’s Power Last night’s 4-hit, 2-HR duel between PCA and Shohei Ohtani might’ve been the best MVP race moment of the year. But PCA’s leadoff bomb and walk-off shot against the White Sox—his bitter rivals—sealed the narrative edge. Stats are tight, but clutch > numbers this time. The dramatics? Unmatched. Cubs Steal Clay Holmes, Hoyer Talks Contenders Jed Hoyer didn’t just land Clay Holmes—he flexed the Cubs’ new aggressive blueprint. In a recent pod, Hoyer broke down the Holmes deal, gushed over PCA’s ceiling, and took shots at the Brewers’ window. Also on the table: Skubal rumors, Cabrera’s role, and why the Yankees’ offense is still a mess. Yankees’ Injury Crisis: Judge, Soto, Cole Timelines Emerge Boone’s “happy talk” can’t hide it: the Yankees’ lineup is historically bad without Judge (MLB-worst BA since his injury). The good news? Judge, Soto, and Cole could all return by late August—if rehab stays clean. Meanwhile, Skubal talks fi
- NFLSources: Browns tab Deshaun Watson, not Shedeur Sanders, as QB1Deshaun Watson will open the season as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
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