Flagg's On the Play

Yahoo Sports writes: “Instead of joining a bottom-tier franchise that can afford to develop young players slowly, Flagg goes to a veteran team built to win right away, one that’s counting on him as a savior after trading away Luka Dončić last February in a stunning blockbuster.”

June 26, 2025

NBA Draft: Why 18-Year-Old Cooper Flagg is Ready to Lead the Dallas Mavericks
Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Eisenberg writes, “Three summers ago, Cooper Flagg took on his biggest challenge yet. The 15-year-old from small-town Maine traveled to USA Basketball headquarters in Colorado Springs to compete against older, more heralded prospects for a spot on the U17 national team.

“‘It was incredible to be there firsthand and see him win over NBA scouts and USA Basketball people session by session,’ Andy Bedard, Flagg’s AAU coach since he was 10 years old, told Yahoo Sports.

“Stories like that exemplify why those in Flagg’s circle are convinced he’s ready for the unusual burden that comes with the Dallas Mavericks selecting him No. 1 overall in Wednesday’s NBA Draft. Instead of joining a bottom-tier franchise that can afford to develop young players slowly, Flagg goes to a veteran team built to win right away, one that’s counting on him as a savior after trading away Luka Dončić last February in a stunning blockbuster.”
^{Yahoo! Sports}

California State Budget Deal Includes $10M in 2026 World Cup Support
A budget deal reached Tuesday between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders “includes $10 million in direct financial support for 2026 FIFA World Cup operations,” according to Williams & Kroichick of the S.F. CHRONICLE via SBJ. World Cup hosts also would have access to $7M in “state funds allocated three years ago for security planning for the events.” Last month, seeking to close a $12B deficit, Newsom did “not include any funding for the World Cup in his revised state budget.”
^{S.F. Chronicle via Sports Business Journal}

Mark Walter and Lakers Say Sale of the Team is Expected to Close Later This Year
AP News’ Tim Reynolds reports: “Businessman Mark Walter’s acquisition of the majority ownership stake of the Los Angeles Lakers, in a deal that puts the franchise valuation at $10 billion, is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter of this year. In a statement Wednesday, the sides confirmed that Jeanie Buss — whose family has had control of the Lakers for 46 years — will remain governor of the team and “continue to oversee all team operations on a day-to-day basis for the foreseeable future.”
^{AP News}

Manfred Expresses Optimism for MLB’s Arrival in Las Vegas With A’s
MLB is “bullish on the A’s move to Las Vegas,” as Commissioner Rob Manfred is “pleased with how the Las Vegas process has played out the past four years,” according to Mick Akers of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Manfred said that the league was “eyeing Las Vegas for some time in relation to adding a team in the blossoming professional sports market.” Akers notes the “support the area has shown its pro sports teams and the demographics of the area, including the robust tourism the city is known for, piqued the league’s interest.”
^{Las Vegas Review-Journal via Sports Business Journal}

Rays and MLB Have Held Preliminary Talks About Possible Home Playoff Locations: Sources
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal writes, “As the regular season nears the halfway point, the question of whether the Tampa Bay Rays could host postseason games at cozy Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., no longer can be ignored. Steinbrenner Field, with its 10,046-seat capacity, could be viable for the wild-card round and Division Series. But logistical concerns might force a move to a larger stadium if the Rays advanced to the American League Championship Series and World Series.”
^{The Athletic}

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2025 NBA Draft Shaped by Lure of College NIL: ‘It’s a Risk Assessment’
Sportico’s Eric Jackson writes, “Soon after projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the rest of the 2025 NBA Draft’s lottery picks fly off the board Wednesday, NBA general managers will find an absence of prospect depth. Many draft-eligible players not projected for the lottery were advised by agents to prioritize college basketball’s commercial opportunities and clear development pathways over the lack of certainty and cash guarantees of being a late NBA selection.

“The NBA announced last month that 50 non-international early-entry players had withdrawn their names from the draft—a sign of aspiring next-level pros taking caution when they have the option to return to school.

“It’s a risk assessment,” Life Sports Agency founder and NBA agent Todd Ramasar said in a phone interview. “Should I take $2.5-$4 million from this school that’s fully guaranteed?”
^Sportico

Sacramento State ‘Full Steam Ahead’ for FBS Despite Not Receiving NCAA Waiver
FOS’ Amanda Christovich writes, “In the fall of 2024, Sacramento State launched a highly public campaign to jump from the FCS level to the FBS. The Hornets’ efforts, however, were not enough for the members of the NCAA Division I council, who on Tuesday voted not to offer the football team a waiver to compete at the FBS level as independents.”

“Sacramento State has met every meaningful benchmark for FBS membership, and we believe our university, our students, and the entire Sacramento region deserve major college football,” Sacramento State University president, Dr. Luke Wood, wrote in response.
^{Front Office Sports}

Trump Administration Says California Must Bar Trans Girls from Girls Sports
AP News’ Sophie Austin reports: “The U.S. Department of Education said it determined California’s education department and governing body for high school sports are violating Title IX, a federal law banning sex discrimination in education. The federal government said California must agree to change its policies in 10 days or ‘risk imminent enforcement action.’ The administration could otherwise refer the state to the U.S. Justice Department, the Education Department said. California, though, said it has no plans to change its policies.”
^{AP News}

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