9:30 AM ET It’s finally here! ESPN’s Battle of the Leagues, presented by EA Sports FIFA 22, began with eight teams, all-star selections representing some of the best leagues in the world, and we’re down to the final two. The French Ligue 1, defending champions from 2020 and wonderfully coached by Julien Laurens, take on
9:00 AM ET When the Buffalo Sabres finally traded Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights last week, it didn’t just mark the end of the NHL’s most contentious standoff — it marked the end of an era. The Sabres literally ruined themselves for the chance to draft Jack Eichel in 2015. (Or Connor McDavid
News Former club captain had previous stint on coaching staff between 2017 and 2019 Michael Yardy, the former Sussex and England allrounder, has returned to Hove as academy director after two seasons as batting coach with Kent. Yardy replaces Richard Halsall, who has left Sussex to pursue new opportunities. Yardy spent the entirety of his
6:08 AM ET Adriana Garcia Erik Lira’s actions were caught on camera and went viral on social media, causing a backlash from supporters. Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images Pumas UNAM midfielder Erik Lira has apologised for slapping a police officer on the helmet as he walked off the pitch while celebrating his team’s 4-3 win over Cruz
6:58 AM ET Sam Marsden Moises Llorens Xavi Hernandez will have less than €10 million to spend on strengthening Barcelona‘s squad in January after replacing Ronald Koeman as coach at Camp Nou, sources have told ESPN. Barca CEO Ferran Reverter said earlier this year the club would have €20m available for transfers in the winter
5:08 AM ET Steven Gerrard will become a Premier League manager. Getty Images Aston Villa have appointed Steven Gerrard as the club’s new manager, the Premier League side have confirmed. The former Liverpool and England midfielder takes over from Dean Smith, who was sacked on Nov. 7 following a run of five consecutive defeats in the
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders The NBA season is — almost — a month old. What standouts are here to stay? The Eastern Conference standings is full of early-season surprises, including impressive starts from the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks are dealing with injuries as they work
6:00 AM ET ESPN staff Dave Aranda’s second season at Baylor has been one of turnarounds. The Bears improved from 2-7 last year to 7-2 this year, but they suffered a setback last week in a 30-28 loss to an emotional TCU team following Gary Patterson’s departure. This week provides the best measuring stick yet
6:00 AM ET Going back to their Mighty Mite football days as kids, Anthony Tedesco knew there was something different about his pal Kenny Pickett. They grew up about five minutes from the New Jersey shore, and if they weren’t splashing around in the surf during the summers at Loch Arbour or Allenhurst beaches, they
5:38 AM ET Former world No. 1 Andy Murray has said he is convinced that he can once again compete at the top level after beating young star Jannik Sinner at the Stockholm Open on Wednesday for only his second win over a top 10 player in 2021. Murray broke the 20-year-old Italian, who is