By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – If the City of Atlanta were to erect tent poles to hold up the town for the rest of time, or to carve out a Mount Rushmore in the Blue Ridge Mountains (93 miles from Atlanta) – two of the figures that would be set in stone – are two people who passed away this week.

Ted Turner, the visionary who changed the world by founding Cable News Network (CNN), amongst thousands of other amazing feats, including the expansion of one-time “SuperStation TBS,” and numerous acts of philanthropy throughout his life, passed away Wednesday at his home near Tallahassee, Florida. He was 87 years old and the cause of death was complications because of Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder.

Turner once owned the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks in addition to the longtime NBA broadcast partners of the TBS and TNT networks before they were sold to Time Warner, along with Turner’s sports empire of the Hawks, Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball, and the now defunct Atlanta Thrashers of the NHL (Winnipeg Jets).

Bobby Cox, the beloved former manager of the Braves, and a Baseball Hall of Famer who led the Atlanta to five National League pennants and a World Series championship in the 1990s and was ranked No. 4 for career victories among major league managers, died on Saturday in Marietta, Georgia. He was 84. Cox had suffered a stroke in 2019 but a cause of death was not made public.

If you were to take it a few steps further, and add a third public figure it definitely would be the great Martin Luther King Jr. – born in Atlanta in January 1929 – who became one of the most important people in American history.

And, the final bigger-than-life icon would be Hank Aaron, unquestionably the most revered figure in Atlanta Braves franchise history and the No. 2 home run hitter in MLB history (755) with only Barry Bonds (762) ahead of “Hammering Hank.”

If there were a fifth, it would probably be Atlanta-born actress Julia Roberts. And, Dominque Wilkins would be a sixth.

Ted Turner at a Turner Classic Movies function (file photo).

Of those four incredible icons of Atlanta, the only one I had any interaction with was “Ted.”

Firstly, I know hundreds of people who were hired by or worked directly for Turner at his various networks or sports franchises. Not once did I ever hear a single bad word about him. Never.

Secondly, his employees loved the guy, and respected him beyond words of description. This week, many tried to put it into words, and one person, a good friend and colleague – Dr. Harvey Schiller – sat down for a “Talk about Ted” podcast with Columbia University professors of sports management Tom Richardson and Joe Favorito on their CUSP podcast.

To listen to the CUSP Podcast with Dr. Schiller, please click HERE.

Lastly, Turner dreamt-up a lot of incredible things and, as Dr. Schiller mentioned in his podcast, Ted always was intrigued by the International Olympic Committee and the parallel angle of utilizing sports as a way to bridge differences in the geopolitical world we live in. That interest became the Goodwill Games,

The Goodwill Games were staged in Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, and in Seattle and New York in the USA, but the Goodwill Games where I interacted with the Turner crew was held in Brisbane, Australia in 2001. It was terrific.

We (meaning the NBA) brought a talented team of first and second year pros to compete. Brisbane was showing off all of its attributes – a test run way back in 2001 that eventually resulted in the Gold Coast city being awarded the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hey, it only took 31 years!

We also had some hysterical interactions with Ted when we took his Atlanta Hawks over to the (then) Soviet Union in 1988.

One of the exchanges went like this.

Scene Setter: The Hawks team was embedded at the Olympic Training facility in Suhumi, Russia – not far from Sochi where the 2014 Winter Olympics were staged. (It’s about a 5 hour, 30 minute bus ride from Suhumi to Sochi). A day or two into our stay, a massive thunderstorm ripped through the area, knocking out all forms of power but somehow spared a phone line.

Off the grid for some 36+ hours because of the storm, Goodwill Games unit coordinator for the trip, Kim Bohuny – who eventually became an integral part of the NBA’s global basketball operations efforts – made a phone call back to her boss, David Raith, who was with Ted Turner at the time of the call.

The rather short phone call went something like this:

Raith: “What can we do to help you guys? Do you need anything?”

Bohuny: (semi screaming into the faint sounds) – “Yes, we need FOOD and some WATER!”

Heard in Background was Ted Turner: “What the hell is going on over there?”

The next thing we knew, and maybe it took 48 hours, but Hawks head coach Mike Fratello was mixing up some pasta with marinara sauce and, as Hawks radio broadcaster, Steve Holman, said, “We ate as though it was our last meal and wee were headed to the Electric Chair.”

But the real joke was that we STILL didn’t have electricity in the dorms but Coach Fratello somehow boiled water and warmed his special Italian gravy.

It was so dark at night, that we had to attach ropes down the middle of the hallways to grab a hold of to get back to the stairs and our rooms. Whoever had the flashlight had to go with each person as they retired for the evening. It was fan-tastic.

Yet, as noted, not a single solitary word was ever uttered to complain about the Hawks, Turner Sports or Ted Turner who sponsored the trip. It was all one big family.

And, the family lost its patriarch this week while the City of Atlanta lost one of its three or four most important people of all-time.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES – It’s important to start the notes section with a call-out to all the Mothers out there! A very Happy Mother’s Day to all.

I must say, it’s very strange thinking of Mother’s Day and – for the first time in my life – the day is here and my Mom is not. Genevieve Ann Lyons passed away a few weeks after Mother’s Day of 2025 when she was 100 years and 57 days of age. An amazing life, and tough at the end, but I still miss her and think of the endless pool of memories from Mother’s Days gone by – some spent with her attending the NBA Draft Lottery and partaking in a very nice brunch when we staged the Lottery at halftime of a 1:00pm EDT NBA playoff game. I can remember her sharing a table with the legendary Celtics Hall of Famer, Tom “Satch” Sanders, who was my office next door neighbor for a decade or more.

In 1988, I can remember her making the trip to Madrid, Spain to witness the Boston Celtics play in the first McDonald’s Open held in Europe. (The first event was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin). She was able to take in some sight-seeing and incredible accommodations in Madrid, although I have to admit she didn’t get to see her son, working the event, all too often.

She did get to sit with Julius “Dr. J” Erving – the two Long Islanders – chatting up Nassau County high school basketball or memories of the New York Nets.

All very fond memories.

TIDBITS & NUGGETS – Johns Hopkins upset Cornell, 9-8 in OT, on Saturday with Hopkins coming back from a 6-3 deficit in the second half. With 1:15 left in overtime, Jimmy Ayers found the back of the net to grab the win over the defending National Champions. Johns Hopkins advanced to take on the winner of Jacksonville and 2-seed Notre Dame who play on Sunday, May 10th at Noon (ESPN2). Cornell finished with an 11-5 overall record. Hopkins’ quarterfinal will be played at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY. … Why the coverage of Johns Hopkins? Let the proud father make note that his oldest daughter, Victoria, graduated from the incredible institution in 2019.

THIS JEST IN – As long as we were on Baltimore, fans lined up well before the gates opened at Camden Yards, Maryland on Friday night in anticipation of a Tupac Shakur bobblehead giveaway at the ballpark. “I grabbed three of them,” Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said before a 4-3 loss to the Athletics. Shakur was raised in New York and Baltimore before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1980s. He lived in Oakland, California, in the early 1990s, which made Friday’s matchup between the Orioles and Athletics an appropriate time to honor the rap icon, who was murdered in a drive-by in Las Vegas in September, 1996.

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NEW YORK – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – For Soccer, a prominent soccer media and experiences company, and Gemini XIII, the premium podcast and vodcast entertainment network, today announced the launch of “Orange Slices,” a bold new soccer media vodcast and event vertical rooted in the shared story of the American game. Designed as a 360-degree content and fan engagement hub, Orange Slices will span premium long-form and short-form content, social storytelling, custom features, and a marquee fan event—all leading into and surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The twice-weekly flagship podcast will be hosted by former U.S. Men’s National Team Player, Major League Soccer All-Star and Apple TV analyst Heath Pearce, with appearances from current and former players across generations of the game, including active USMNT and Toulouse FC center back Mark McKenzie. Bridging past, present, and future voices of the sport, the show blends seasoned perspective with real-time insight from inside the game—offering fans a rare window into the evolving identity of soccer in the United States and beyond.

In the lead-up to the World Cup, Orange Slices will deliver match previews and recaps, tactical breakdowns, player profiles, and cultural storytelling from host cities across North America. At its core, the show is a cross-generational celebration of soccer—from the muddy fields across America to the global stage—featuring voices from across eras of the game. Episodes will spotlight guests spanning past, present, and emerging stars, sharing stories, insights, and perspectives that shape the broader American soccer narrative. The name “Orange Slices” nods to the universal halftime ritual of youth soccer, grounding the global spectacle of the sport in its community roots and shared joy.

“Orange Slices is about connecting generations of U.S. Soccer—from the players who built it, to the ones living it now, to those who will carry it forward,” said Heath Pearce, host of Orange Slices and President of For Soccer. “This show is a celebration of our shared soccer story, told from the inside—through the voices, experiences, and moments that have shaped the American game, from youth fields to the World Cup stage.”

The launch also marks a major branded activation within Gemini XIII’s expanding Constellation portfolio, a recently released product that brings together premium talent, IP, and brand partners to create scalable, multi-format franchises.

“With the World Cup coming to North America, there’s an unprecedented opportunity to capture the energy of the moment. This is exactly what Constellation was built to do—bring together world-class talent, cultural moments, and brand partners to create something bigger than a show,” said Charles Steinhauer, Gemini XIII Media.

Orange Slices will be available on all major podcast streaming platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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BOSTON – This week’s notebook begins with an item very close to home. For about a year-plus, your favorite columnist has been moonlighting from his main business and that is as a consultant to companies in professional (some college) and amateur sports. One of the main projects was “officially” announced this week by the NBA, although we began dabbling in the area with verbal agreements as far back as October 2025 when the NBA staged preseason games in Abu Dhabi.

In short: “It’s been great.”

Here is the official news release:

ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE, April 30, 2026 – The National Basketball Association and Globalist Sports Corporation Organisation JSC – a multi-sport organization based in Istanbul – announced a multiyear collaboration for Globalist Sports to launch and operate the NBA Basketball School in Türkiye.

The NBA Basketball School Türkiye will deliver weekly activity in Istanbul and Eskişehir and provide tuition-based basketball development programming for youth ages 6-18, including skill development, 5-on-5 scrimmages and games, and life-skills sessions. The program will tip off with a launch camp from Saturday, May 16 – Tuesday, May 19, in Mersin, followed by a series of camps across Türkiye throughout the summer, including Ankara (June 13–15 and June 26–29) and in İstanbul (July 5–9 and July 18–21). Registration is open now at www.nbabasketballschool.tr.

Former NBA Vice President of International Communications Terry Lyons and his Pivottv Media consulting company assisted Globalist in securing the rights to operate the basketball camps and will work with USA and European basketball coaches and legends to attend the camps and conduct clinics on a regular basis. Lyons worked with the NBA from 1980-2008.

“For us at Globalist Sports, working with the NBA Basketball School represents an opportunity to bring world‑class standards, structure, and ambition to youth basketball in Türkiye,” said Devrim Kıvanç Co-Founder & CEO, Globalist Sports Corporation Organisation JSC. “We are incredibly proud to support the introduction of this programme locally and excited about the long‑term pathway it creates for young players to develop their skills, confidence, and potential as part of a globally recognised environment.”

“The launch of the first NBA Basketball School in Türkiye reflects the country’s growing passion for basketball and our ongoing commitment to supporting youth development across the region,” said NBA Europe and Middle East Associate Vice President Basketball Operations, Henry Utku. “Through this collaboration with Globalist Sports, we are excited for this program to provide young players with access to world‑class coaching, resources, and a structured environment that emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and values that extend beyond the court.”

The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations with a better understanding of the process of improvement, was created by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, players and player development specialists. Since 2017, NBA Basketball Schools have been announced or launched in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary India, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE and Uruguay.

For the latest about NBA Basketball School Türkiye, follow @nbabasketballschool_tr and NBA Basketball School Türkiye. Fans in Türkiye can also follow the NBA on X, Facebook and Instagram and download the NBA App for the latest news, updates, scores, stats, schedules, videos and more. They can also purchase the latest NBA merchandise at NBAStore.eu.

Here’s a little insight from the inside: The NBA Basketball Schools are amazing. They’re located all over the world (see list above) and the league supports them all with an incredible amount of foundational and institutional knowledge. Everything from software to register and keep track of the campers and coaches to placing some NBA Legends at select events. The NBA runs tournaments between the various camps (Our U-17 boys team from Türkiye won last year’s tournament in Abu Dhabi and hope to defend that title this coming Fall).

I’ve found it quite fulfilling and have been happy to give back to the game that’s given me so much since my very first day in December of 1980.

While Basketball without Borders is the top of the heap in basketball development, NBA Basketball Schools are intended to introduce and teach the game to children as young as six or eight years old and continue until age 17-18.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: Multiple media reports indicate that former Dallas Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban was trying to buy back a controlling interest in the team he loves but sold. Cuban owns 27% of the team after selling off 73% for $3.5 billion to the Adelson family in December 2023. The Adelsons have the right to buy another 20% from Cuban within four years of their deal, which would drop his stake to 7%. … In a recent podcast, Cuban said, “I don’t regret selling. I regret who I sold to,” indicating his displeasure in the direction the team took, mostly concetrating on the basketball operations side. (Initially, the deal indicated Cuban would still remain in charge of the team’s basketball operation). Of course, the Mavericks packaged franchise star Luka Dončić in a controversial trade with the LA Lakers for center Anthony Davis. The deal ultimately cost Nico Harrison, the head of basketball operations for the team, his job. Yet, Lady Luck shined on the Adelsons and Mavericks when the NBA Draft Lottery ping-pong balls gave them the rights to draft this year’s NBA Rookie of the Year in Cooper Flagg, a generational star.

While the trade certainly looked to favor the Lakers, both Dončić and Davis remain quite injury prone and the Mavericks are well on their way to a total rebuild with an extra pair of first round draft choices this June, a 2030 first rounder the Lakers obtained from Golden State and a slew of second round picks to come.

Meanwhile, Cuban dreams of what might have been as he counts a few extra billions from his Mavericks experience which came about after Cuban initially banked billions in a sale of Broadcast.com to Yahoo.

It seems that the Dončić – Davis deal mirrors the Broadcast.com – Yahoo deal. In the end, as times changed, all of them, might be worthless.

ON THE BALLERS: In 2024, when the Oakland Athletics were heading out of the Bay Area, the Oakland Ballers became the newest member of the MLB-partnered Pioneer League, a minor league with a nod of approval from Major League Baseball. In their first season, the Ballers finished with the second-best record in the Pioneer Baseball League at 58-38 and sold over $1 million in branded merchandise, a Top 10 finish amongst all minor league franchises across the USA. In their second season, the Ballers delivered Oakland’s first baseball title since 1989, going 73-23 on the way to the league championship.

With a 10-year license in place at Oakland’s historic Raimondi Park and a solid ownership group in place, the Ballers are allowing accredited investors to share in the next phase of growth. Investors willing to put down a minimum of $10,000 can purchase shares (crowd share).

Recent Funding:

• The team successfully closed a community round in late April 2025 that raised over $3.77 million from approximately 3,800 fan-investors.
• In addition to community rounds, the team has opened rounds for accredited investors (individuals with high net worth or specific income levels) which have higher minimums of the $10-grand.
• Most of the investors have voting power with the right to vote on core team decisions like potential relocation or hiring the Head of Baseball Operations.
• There’s also Board representation as investors will have the ability to be represented by an elected Fan Director on the team’s board.

WNBA TEAM VALUATIONS: Before we get into the WNBA, let’s first remind everyone that the very Dallas Mavericks franchise that Cuban and the Adelsons are tossing billions at, one way or the other was once worth $12.5 million dollars when the NBA sold an expasnion franchise to Donald Carter in 1980.

Golden State team ownership invested $50 million to obtain the WNBA Valkyries in 2023. By 2025, the club had risen in value 10-times-over and was valued at $500 million when sports business publication Sportico crunched some numbers. Now? Sportico’s 2026 WNBA team valuations have the Valkyries valued at $850 million, leading the pack of WNBA franchises which are valued at an average of $427 million, up 59% year-over-year.

The New York Liberty (playing in Brooklyn) rank a distant second at $600 million, followed by the Indiana Fever ($560M), Seattle Storm ($425M) and Phoenix Mercury ($420M). Not too shabby, we say, noting the Atlanta Dream ($280M) rank last among the 13 WNBA clubs.

That’s a far cry from the opening tip-off of the WNBA back in 1997. Just ask the defunct Houston Comets (in the midst of obtaining the Connecticut Sun for some $300 million, the ultra defunct Charlotte Sting, Cleveland Rockers, Sacramento Monarchs and Utah Starzz. They all turned in their WNBA chips to the league with no return at all.

TIDBITS & NUGGETS: The hometown Boston Red Sox have under-performed in 2026 and it cost manager Alex Cora and a slew of bench coaches their jobs. Sox head of baseball (fancy title of Chief Baseball Officer) pulled the trap-door open for Cora, along with hitting coach Peter Fatse, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, third-base coach Kyle Hudson, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and major-league hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin. Former Red Sox player and game-planning coach Jason Varitek was “reassigned” to a new (and yet to be named) role within the organization.

When the Sox were 0-0 earlier this spring, the club issued a one-pager on 25 years of stewardship of the franchise, a cozy way of noting we all have limited time on this earth and the Sox franchise owners believe this is their time in space to steer the ship for the good of Boston and New England (see NESN).

There were very proud and noteworthy accomplishments, which included:

• Ending an 86-year old “Curse of the Bambino by winning the 2004 World Series
• Since 2002, the Red Sox won an MLB-leading four World Championships (2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018) while claiming five American League East titles
• The Sox made 12 MLB postseason appearances
• Off the field, the team ownership invested $500,000 in the preservation and improvement of Fenway Park
• Major changes included money-making construction of the Green Monster seats, the 521 Overlook, the field-level Jim Beam Dugout seating and even the state-of-the-art MGMMusic Hall concert venue
• They’ve hosted NHL Winter Classics, Harvard vs Yale college football and the Fenway Bowl, countless numbers of summer concerts and a few college graduation ceremonies

That’s all very good work, to the tune of $14 billion in visitor spending while also raising some serious cash for the JIMMY Fund cancer research and other great community events.

But, the fans of the Boston Red Sox are a demanding bunch. They expect execution, run production, flawless defense and victories. The 2026 club fell short in April and Cora and his coaches paid the price. Boston entered the month of May at (12-19) and, like the race on Patriots’ Day, the season is a Marathon, not a sprint.

Ace pitcher Garrett Crochet is now on the 15-day Injured List with left shoulder inflammation. Newly acquired starting pitcher Sonny Gray was placed on that same IL with a hamstring issue on April 21. Youngsters Connelly Early and Payton Tolle were called up to the Majors a bit early, but both have promising futures.

Interim manager Chad Tracy (up from the WooSox) is holding the reins. There’s 10-of-13 games at Fenway, started on May 1. and 32-of-the-next-56 (57%) of the next portion of the schedule at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.

One thing is for sure, Sox fans not only get “Sweet Caroline” in the 8th inning, but the one major addition this year in an effort to celebrate America’s 250th is “more Neil Diamond” with a pregame video to the tune of his hit, “America” to begin each home game.

Thank goodness he won’t be singing “Cracklin’ Rosie.” And the Sox will be in big trouble if they hear, “Song Sung Blue.” … Neil, baby, “More Cowbell.”

TIDBITS & NUGGETS II – Here’s some of the stuff I think about:

• As the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby was staged on Saturday, I couldn’t help but think about the 99th edition, in 1973, when a horse of 16 1/2 hands won the first leg of the Triple Crown. Five weeks later, Secretariat ran the perfect race at the Belmont Stakes to become the greatest thoroughbred race horse in history. That’s 53 years ago, for you mathematically challenged C+ students out there. Secretariat
• I also think of the 1971 Kentucky Derby when Cañonero II was shipped in from Venezuela with odds as long as his trip only to win the 20-horse race at Churchill. Cañonero II had a crooked foreleg and a $1,200 price tag as a yearling. He won the Derby and The Preakness at Pimlico but fell short (4th Place) at The Belmont when his foreleg acted up. In the Fall of that year, Cañonero II set the Belmont course record and defeated Riva Ridge. He was later purchased for $1,000,000 and later lived the life of a sire in Kentucky. The great, great, great grandson of the legendary Man O’War has this special memory because my father had him in blind draw of horses in a Pan American office pool. Payday.

Every single time I watch this horse race, it brings tears to my eyes:

Also ran thoughts for today:

• I’ve been getting more SPAM than Monty Python.
• Blue Horseshoe does NOT love Spirit Airlines.
• And, speaking of Sprit Air, what would 83-year old Norman Greenbaum think?
• Instead of the ultra-boring Chicago Sky, why didn’t the Ch-town faithful name their WNBA franchise “The Koalas?”
• Why didn’t Doral re-name their championship 7,739-yard, par 72 PGA Tour level course, “The Orange Monster?”

The post TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | May 3 appeared first on Digital Sports Desk.

LOUISVILLE – The post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby is one of the few times in thoroughbred racing when getting first is not something to celebrate. Last Saturday, during the draw for this Saturday’s 152nd running of the race at Churchill Downs, that distinction went to Renegade.

Despite the ominous spot for Renegade, Churchill Downs’ morning-line oddsmaker Nick Tammaro still set the 3-year-old colt as his early 4-1 favorite for the 1-1/4-mile race that serves as the start of racing’s Triple Crown.

Drawing the inside post means Renegade will be the horse closest to the rail. While he would have the shortest path to the finish line, he will also have to avoid getting pinched along the rail as up to 19 competitors try to move in at the start.

The last horse to win from the No. 1 post position was Ferdinand in 1986, the last Derby win for legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker.

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ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE, April 30, 2026 – The National Basketball Association and Globalist Sports Corporation Organisation JSC – a multisport organization based in Istanbul – announced a multiyear collaboration for Globalist Sports to launch and operate the NBA Basketball School in Türkiye.

The NBA Basketball School Türkiye will deliver weekly activity in Istanbul and Eskişehir and provide tuition-based basketball development programming for youth ages 6-18, including skill development, 5-on-5 scrimmages and games, and life-skills sessions.  The program will tip off with a launch camp from Saturday, May 16 – Tuesday, May 19, in Mersin, followed by a series of camps across Türkiye throughout the summer, including Ankara (June 13–15 and June 26–29) and in İstanbul (July 5–9 and July 18–21).  Registration is open now at www.nbabasketballschool.tr.

Former NBA Vice President of International Communications Terry Lyons and his Pivottv Media consulting company assisted Globalist in securing the rights to operate the basketball camps and will work with USA and European basketball coaches and legends to attend the camps and conduct clinics on a regular basis. Lyons worked with the NBA from 1980-2008.

“For us at Globalist Sports, working with the NBA Basketball School represents an opportunity to bring world‑class standards, structure, and ambition to youth basketball in Türkiye,” said Devrim Kıvanç Co-Founder & CEO, Globalist Sports Corporation Organisation JSC.  “We are incredibly proud to support the introduction of this programme locally and excited about the long‑term pathway it creates for young players to develop their skills, confidence, and potential as part of a globally recognised environment.”

“The launch of the first NBA Basketball School in Türkiye reflects the country’s growing passion for basketball and our ongoing commitment to supporting youth development across the region,” said NBA Europe and Middle East Associate Vice President Basketball Operations, Henry Utku.  “Through this collaboration with Globalist Sports, we are excited for this program to provide young players with access to world‑class coaching, resources, and a structured environment that emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and values that extend beyond the court.”

The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations with a better understanding of the process of improvement, was created by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, players and player development specialists.  Since 2017, NBA Basketball Schools have been announced or launched in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary India, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE and Uruguay.

For the latest about NBA Basketball School Türkiye, follow @nbabasketballschool_tr and NBA Basketball School Türkiye.  Fans in Türkiye can also follow the NBA on X, Facebook and Instagram and download the NBA App for the latest news, updates, scores, stats, schedules, videos and more.  They can also purchase the latest NBA merchandise at NBAStore.eu.

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BERLIN – (Wire Service Report) – The FIBA Central Board has chosen France as the host of the 2031 FIBA Basketball World Cup, with Japan getting the Women’s World Cup in 2030. The French cities of Lille, Lyon, and Paris will co-host the event from Aug. 29 to Sept. 14, with the final taking place in Paris.

The women’s tournament will be held in Tokyo from Nov. 26 to Dec.8, 2031.

Japan and France achieved success in the sport as Japan’s women and France’s men both won silver medals in basketball in their recent home Olympics. Japan hosted the 2020 Summer Games and Paris held the 2024 Summer Games.

The two locations were chosen in part because of their history of hosting major sporting events. FIBA made the decisions after the draw for the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.

“Japan and France are two basketball-loving nations, two destinations extremely popular with our fans, players and partners,” FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said. “The FIBA World Cups have become synonymous with success in large part because selecting the appropriate host each time is the cornerstone of our mission to make basketball the most popular sports community.”WNCAAB scores

French star and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama is likely to headline the 2031 World Cup after the young superstar led the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal game in scoring with 26 points in a losing effort to the United States.

–Field Level Media

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NEW YORK – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – FANZO, the tech platform that links brands, rights holders and broadcasters with fans who aren’t watching games in arenas or stadiums, announced that it will begin partnerships in North America after test-runs and scaling in Europe and the Pacific Rim. The new tech effort will support the millions of fans following the FIFA World Cup, being staged in North America this summer.

The successful proof of concept came after multiple executions in the United Kingdom, continental Europe and Australasia and is backed by a $30 million investment in their product which attempts to solve the age-old issue of sports rights fragmentation and audience measurement in out-of-home premises. The FANZO platform enables digital activation with fans at a national scale, wherever they are watching sports in or out of home.

Trusted by 47,000 partner venues worldwide, and used by six million sports fans last year outside North America, FANZO counts properties ranging from TNT Sports to World Rugby as partners.

“Until now, reliably engaging the massive out-of-home audience has been impossible and has proved a hindrance to the commercial growth of sports as rights continue to fragment across different channels and platforms. FANZO has worked with global partners to solve this critical issue – simplifying broadcast for venues and helping fans watch games socially – opening up new possibilities for commercial growth in North America”, said FANZO co-founder Leo MacLehose.

“Our mission is simple. We believe that sports experienced alone is meaningless. So we’ve built a digital platform that brings fans together to create unforgettable sporting memories in the world’s best physical locations. Once there, our tech enables brands, rights holders and broadcasters to elevate the experience of watching sports in the most authentic local community spaces – restaurants and bars,” he said.

“Maximising the profitability our commercial subscribers see from sport is central to what we do. But we recognise the challenges that operators face when managing every aspect of their venues – not least pouring pints and delivering great hospitality experiences to guests”, said Alasdair Collis, Vice President, TNT Sports Business. “Since partnering with FANZO to create a new suite of automated digital marketing tools, we’re proud to offer TNT Sports Social venues compelling ways to grow their visibility online, drive loyalty and incremental footfall for live sports without adding to their daily to-do list.”

How FANZO Problem Solves For Every Side Of The Sports Market

Fans use FANZO to find great out-of-home venues nearby that are definitely showing their game on TV. In a sports market so convoluted that senators are calling in antitrust reviews, FANZO’s market-leading tech solves a major pain point for fans who just want to watch their team.

Commercial venues use FANZO’s B2B SaaS toolkit to market live sports online, generate new business from fans looking to watch sports socially nearby, whilst saving hours per week on digital promotion.

From quickly reviewing and updating schedules across multiple broadcasters to automating promotion with bespoke sports assets across social media.

Broadcasters include FANZO as part of their commercial package to venues to win new business, promising increased footfall and best-in-class marketing automation.

These tools reduce subscription churn by ensuring venues make the most of their sports content, increasing revenue per customer by upselling additional features and premium listings, whilst leveraging unique fixture data and insights to ensure long-term success over local rivals.

Brands use FANZO to impact behaviour throughout the out-of-home sports fan journey. Multiple digital touchpoints build awareness and consideration by ensuring fans choose to watch games in venues where certain products are sold.

From there, digital gamification rewards fans with real-world offers and prizes they can claim in-venue via FANZO’s mobile vouchering, helping brands sample new products, understand rate of sale and measure the impact of longer-term community-building efforts.

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WORCESTER – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – For decades, former Red Sox front office veep Dr. Charles Steinberg has helped shape the soundtrack of baseball – from iconic ballpark traditions to original songs that celebrate the spirit of the game. On Friday, May 8, he’ll bring that blend of music and baseball history to Worcester as the inaugural musical feature of the National Baseball Poetry Festival.

Steinberg’s session, scheduled from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Polar Park, will feature live performances of baseball songs, WooSox favorites, and mascot-themed music, along with behind-the-scenes stories drawn from his career in professional baseball. The program will conclude with an open Q&A, giving fans and families the chance to hear firsthand about the traditions, personalities, and moments that have defined the game’s cultural legacy. Participation in the session is free and open to the public.

A longtime baseball executive, educator, and musician, Steinberg has held leadership roles with the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Commissioner of Baseball’s office, and the Pawtucket and later Worcester Red Sox, where he has been widely recognized for blending sports, entertainment, and community engagement. He is also known for his contributions to some of baseball’s most beloved traditions, including helping bring music and storytelling into the ballpark experience in ways that connect generations of fans.

“Ever since childhood, I have enjoyed baseball’s soundtrack,” said Steinberg. “Music can connect families, friends, and crowds in an endearing and enduring way. Many have recognized for decades that baseball is a game for poets; the opportunity to celebrate those words, to write those lyrics, and to add the music has been among the greatest privileges of my career. You can feel its impact.”

Among his many memorable moments in the game, Steinberg has shared stories about the origins and popularity of fan-favorite songs at ballparks – illustrating how music can transform a game into a shared cultural experience. His upcoming appearance at the Festival will offer an opportunity to hear those stories directly from the source, while also enjoying the music that has become part of baseball’s fabric.

“Dr. Charles Steinberg represents the very best of what makes baseball special – its traditions, its stories, and the way it brings people together,” said Steven Biondolillo, founder of the National Baseball Poetry Festival. “Having him join us as our inaugural musical feature adds a whole new dimension to the Festival experience. It gives attendees the chance to hear the music of the game directly from someone who has helped shape its sound and spirit for generations, and it’s another example of how we continue to grow the event in creative and meaningful ways.”

Steinberg has been instrumental in the establishment of such Fenway Park anthems as “Sweet Caroline,” “Tessie,” and “I’m Shippin’ Up to Boston,” as well as “Hells Bells” in San Diego, “Don’t Stop Believin’” in Los Angeles, plus his own compositions. His appearance is part of the fourth annual National Baseball Poetry Festival, which will take place May 7-10, 2026, primarily at Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox. Founded in 2022, the Festival celebrates the intersection of baseball and the fine arts, bringing together poets, educators, students, and fans for a weekend of readings, workshops, performances, and ball games.

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor in Chief of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – There’s a four horse race looming for the Most Valuable Player in the National Basketball Association with a fifth horse ruled ineligible for lack of playing time/games. Here are the contenders, listed in alphabetical order:

• Jalen Brown, Boston Celtics
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder
• Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

The following NBA players are ineligible for postseason awards because of the fact they did not play the minimum number of games to qualify. That number of games, 65, was increased as a deterrent for teams resting the top players too often, a growing trend known as load management.

• *Luka Dončić, LA Lakers
• Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
• *Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
• Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
• Jimmy Butler, GS Warriors
• Stephen Curry, GS Warriors
• Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks / Wash (DC) Wizards
• Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
• Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers
• Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
• LeBron James, LA Lakers
• Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
• Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
• Austin Reaves, LA Lakers
• Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
• Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
• Jalen Williams, OKC Thunder
• Trae Young, Hawks / Wizards

Note: The NBA delayed its post season award voting and later ruled that Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham were now eligible for awards.*

Put simply, team/front office analysts and player agents believe that the fewer games (and minutes) a basketball star plays over an 82 games regular season will translate to extended careers, thus more years on their contract extentions, thus, more money to be earned. Most likely, there’s a significantly better chance for such a player to earn “Super Max” money in a fair number of contracts, starting with the player’s second or third deal and continuing until the player decides to retire or is injured and forced to retire.

Now, for the award in unintended consequences: In negotiations for the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, labor and management decided to tie together the concept of that “Super Max” to the annual postseason awards, thus putting the ability for players to qualify for the big bucks in the hands of the 100+ voters, all media members who cover the league on an 82-games a year basis. The panel is also bolstered by votes from select members of the league’s national broadcast teams, and an international media member or three are tossed in for good reason.

Big mistake.

Paraphrasing from the CBA with the help of the Villanova Law Review: “An NBA player qualifies for a Super Max contract (Designated Veteran Player Extension) by meeting specific performance criteria, primarily being named to an All-NBA team, winning MVP, or earning Defensive Player of the Year. The player must have 7-9 years of experience, be with their original team (or acquired via rookie deal), and have 1-2 years left on their contract.

Performance Criteria (Must meet one):

• Named to an All-NBA Team (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) in the most recent season or in two of the previous three seasons.
• Named Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in the most recent season or in two of the previous three seasons.
• Named NBA MVP in any of the three previous seasons.

Eligibility & Service Requirements:

• Experience: Player must have completed seven or eight years of service (YOS).
• Team Requirement: The player must be on their original team or have been traded before their fifth season.
• Contract Timing: Eligible with one or two years remaining on their current contract.

Key Rules & Limitations

• Games Played Threshold: Under the latest NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players must appear in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for the postseason awards (All-NBA, DPOY, MVP) that trigger Super Max eligibility.
• Roster Limits: Recent CBA changes removed the limit on how many “Designated Veteran” players a team can have on its roster at once.
• Negotiation: Qualifying only makes a player eligible for the 35% max; the team is not required to offer the full amount and the terms of the deal must be negotiated.
• Trade Restrictions: A player cannot be traded for one year after signing a Super Max deal.

“Super Max’ Benefits:

• Allows a team to offer up to 35% of the total salary cap (vs. 30% for standard max).
• The contract length is for five years.

As sure as actor George Clooney portraying Frank William “Billy” Tyne Jr., captain of doomed Andrea Gail, would attest, this season is The Perfect Storm where all the rules of the CBA, the post season awards and the anti-load management have come home to roost.

What are the biggest problems the system has put forth? Let us count just a few ways.

• This season, players like Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham deserve consideration for All-NBA, at the least, and MVP at the best.
• The NBA Players Association (NBPA) is calling for the 65-game rule to be abolished or reformed, arguing that it unfairly disqualifies deserving players from end-of-season honors due to injuries. That comes long after they ratified the deal.
• Tying the ability for a player to “Max” out to the whims of the media voting can (and will) place unjust pressure on the voters (media). The post season honors were intended to be a publicity/ attention grabber and cause for debate and an eventual photo op – not determine whether a player merits “Super Max” levels of salary.

By 2029 and 2030, the NBA maximum team salary figures will likely reach $200m and $220m, thus projecting the Super Max deals to come in at $80m per season and $400m per player over the life of a five-year deal – all potentially dependent on a vote or two on MVP or All-Defensive team honors.

All this said, the NBA is actively attempting to solve an obvious “Tanking” issue.

On Friday, April 10, the Associated Press reported that 168 NBA players did not play because of injury or illness.

One team, the OKC Thunder, might’ve had good reason, as they clinched the best record in the league and home court advantage for the duration of the playoffs.

“If we didn’t clinch [the No. 1 overall seed] coming into tonight, everybody would be playing,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said to reporters before the game. “We’ve earned the right through 80 games to manage their bodies and stuff like that.”

San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, needing to play 20 minutes to reach the 65-game standard and be eligible for postseason awards, was taken out after hitting exactly that number of minutes. That accomplished, he reported back into the game, evidently having convinced the Spurs’ hierarchy that he needed a bit more work. He finished the Friday night game with 40 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes during a 139-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

“If I had 65 [games] before, I, for sure, wouldn’t have played,” Wembanyama said.

While we examine the upper echelon of NBA teams (As of Saturday, OKC is 64-17, and playing .790 ball with an (8-2) record over their prior 10 games and San Antonio is 62-19, and playing at a .765 clip with a (9-1) mark over their prior outings, the opposite side of the playoff qualifying ledger gets pretty ugly.

Before today’s season finale at Toronto, the Brooklyn Nets lost consecutive games by scores of (123-94) and (125-108). Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have won a grand total of one game since February 22. That’s (1-and-25) for those of you scoring at home.

Five teams sit between the 17-win and 22-win threshold, all battling it out for the slight advantages of the NBA Draft Lottery system which was addressed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver quite definitively at the recent NBA Board of Governors meeting. A vote of the three proposals Silver presented to his Board will come in May. (See proposals HERE).

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: I preface this section by stating it is written in bipartisan fashion, and – in fact – I’ll be ripping some of the “good guys” in U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) along with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) as the aforementioned group of four have introduced the Home Team Act, and it’s a doozie.

The lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill that “could counter” professional sports franchises’ plans for relocating. The Home Team Act, if passed, would “require team ownership to provide one year of notice before moving a team to a new location if the team would move across state lines or to a new metropolitan area.” During that year prior to the proposed relocation, the franchise in question would be “available for other (presumably local) prospective owners to purchase ‘at a fair and reasonable price.’” A team of appraisers would determine “what constitutes as ‘fair and reasonable.’”

While it all sounds nice and an effort by local politicians to support their local sports team, while currying favor (a.k.a. ‘sucking up) to the local constituents with hopes of some votes down the road, it is quite a strike against a business owners’ rights to do what he thinks is best for his business and, very possibly, the future health of the franchise.

The case in point is the decision by the Mohegan Tribe to sell the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun to the Tellman Fertitta family who plan to move the Sun to Houston to become the second coming of the Houston Comets – the once mighty dynasty of WNBA years gone by.

Last summer, there was quite a kerfuffle when the Mohegan Tribe had a handshake with former Celtics team owner Stephen Pagliuca to sell the team and slide it up I-95 to play in the Boston Garden. The WNBA put the brakes on that cozy agreement and noted that the relocation of franchises was subject to the bylaws of the WNBA’s Constitution and By Laws. quite simply, the league had canvassed various potential cities for expansion and/or re-location and not a peep was heard from Boston.

The WNBA also noted that Houston was in line for a franchise and locating a team in the Southwest USA might be best. Meanwhile, another bid to move the Sun to Hartford from lovely Uncasville, Connecticut did not gain traction. The WNBA also noted that current NBA Boston Celtics’ team owner Bill Chisholm might have a say in the matter.

The other major factor was the relocation to either Hartford or Boston would place the Sun/Comets in a building they did not own nor operate, thus severely limiting the potential earnings of the franchise. And, keep in mind, the margins for a WNBA franchise to operate and turn a profit are slim and require revenue sources from every possible source (concessions, parking, etc.).

The politicians and the Home Team Act don’t seem to do (nor care about) the calculations to make the team successful. and face, it, the franchise is up for sale and potential relocation for a reason. If it were drowning in revenue, chances are the club would not be up for sale.

EXCUSE ME SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER: On April 3, the day before the NCAA Final Four tipped-off in Indianapolis, the office of the White House dropped an Executive Order on the world of collegiate sports that – quite frankly – seemed quite illegal right from the moment it became public.

“The Urgent National Action to Save College Sports” made quite a splash with the “we want college sports to be the way it used to be” crowd. Of course, that group of American society – the people who ignored the 2015 “O’Bannon vs NCAA” case or the June 6, 2025 settlement between the NCAA and NIL claims.

Those two cases, handed down by the NCAA and the courts, significantly changed the landscape of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights and college athletics overall. The settlement called for backpay and the ability for athletes to be paid directly by their schools. There was no longer a limit on scholarships per sport/team.

The “Settlement” introduced significant changes to college athletics and NIL, but it did not settle all outstanding issues, such as whether student athletes should be considered employees by their schools and whether student athletes have the right to collectively bargain.

Those issues still needs to be decided, but, of course, a Collective Bargaining Agreement would need to have two definitive sides representing labor and management to begin negotiations. As of now, the NCAA does not represent all of the management team (see College Football Playoff group, Power Four Conferences, basketball conferences, such as the BIG EAST, Olympic sports – both men and women, along with Division II or III athletes, their schools and conferences.

And, the athletes as a group would need to unionize to make it work.

Thus, the Executive Order put forth is like throwing a book of matches on top of a blazing fire of legal uncertainty in collegiate sports. and, clearly, what works for big-time college football doesn’t work for tennis or track and field. What works for the BIG EAST for men’s basketball, might not even work for the BIG EAST in women’s basketball.

While not a fan of piling “What About” on top of problems, how about a giant “What About” if applying all of the proposed laws and provisions of the EO on top of the IVY League schools?

The bottom line, the EO is a complete waste of time and money, as it will quickly be challenged in court and the findings will further divide the parties in an effort to find a legitimate working system for college sports.

What can be agreed upon:

• The current (lack of) system for collegiate football and basketball is not sustainable.
• The proposed limits to collegiate athletes is un-Constitutional. Why should they be singled out and limited?
• There doesn’t;t seem to be an equal restriction plan for college coaches, Athletic Directors and school Presidents. They seem to be able to move around as they please, with no limitations of years served, not the number of times they change jobs.
• Holding Federal Funding over the heads of the colleges is surely illegal.

One other point to be made, and it’s quite simple: Let’s reverse the Executive Order from collegiate athletes and apply it to elected officials:

We’ll call it, “Urgent National Action to Save Democracy,” and here are a few bullet-points for the EO.

• Elected officials are limited to a five year period to serve
• Elected officials may change jobs only once, this if a Congressman wishes to run for Senate after a five-year period of serving as an elected Representative in the House, “go get ‘em.” But that’s it. Only one job change.
• Same goes for Senators who might want to run for President. And, you get one crack at it, one election – win or go home. NO changes to City council or Mayor or any other elected office. “You’re done.”
• Presidents? One five-year term. Good-bye or go run for Dog Catcher back home.

We Have Spoken.

TIDBITS & NUGGETS: Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard was named as the recipient of the 2026 Red Auerbach Award. The annual award, which was presented to Pritchard at mid-court by Celtics Team President Rich Gotham and Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, prior to Boston’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, is traditionally given to the Celtics player or coach who best exemplifies the spirit of what it means to be a Celtic through exceptional performance on and off the court.

“Payton’s growth and consistency speak to everything the Red Auerbach Award stands for – toughness, selflessness, and a commitment to the greater good of the team,” said Gotham. “He approaches his role with professionalism, purpose, and an amazing work ethic, earning the admiration and trust of his teammates and coaches alike.”

In 78 games (50 starts) this season, Pritchard is averaging career highs of 17.0 points (46.3 FG%, 37.4 3FG%, 88.8 FT%), 4.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 32.4 minutes per game. The 2024 NBA champion and 2025 Sixth Man of the Year is one of only two Celtics players in history with multiple career 35-point games off the bench (Larry Bird).

Created in 2006, the award is named in honor of legendary Celtics coach, general manager and president, Arnold “Red” Auerbach.

SOX STRUGGLING, ALL BUT ABREU: The Boston Red Sox are struggling coming out of the gate this spring. They opened up on the road and won their season opener at Cincinnati. From there, they went (0-5) before they won another game when they returned to Fenway Park to face the san Diego Padres. After that win, it was three more losses before they put two wins together against the Milwaukee Brew Crew. With everyone on the club struggling, there’s been only one consistent source of production and that is from right fielder Wilyer Abreu who started in right in each of the Red Sox’ 13 games through Saturday, and is batting .392 (20-for-51) with a 1.101 OPS, eight runs, four doubles, one triple, three home runs and nine RBI. Going into the weekend, Abreu led the American League in total bases (35), hits (20) and batting aveerage (.392), while ranking third n SLG (.686), OPS (1.101), and extra base hits (eight, tied), 8th in OBP (.415) and doubles (four, tied), and T-11th in HR (3) and RBI (9).

MARATHON MAN: The Fenway Park Marathon will return to America’s Most Beloved Ballpark on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The race will offer runners a rare opportunity to complete a marathon distance entirely on the warning track inside Fenway Park while raising funds for two impactful nonprofits. Runners interested in securing one of the limited spots can register HERE

Originally run back in 2017, the Fenway Park Marathon is one of the most unique endurance events in the country, allowing participants to circle the historic ballpark’s warning track for 26.2 miles while surrounded by the sights and sounds of Fenway. The money raised via the race benefits the Red Sox Foundation and the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. Registration is now open for the 2026 race, with participation limited to only 100 individuals. Due to strong interest in the event’s return, organizers have also added two new participation options for 2026: a half marathon distance and a relay team division of two, three, four or five runners on a team. All individual participants and teams are required to raise a minimum of $5,000 in support of the Red Sox Foundation and the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation. “Running a marathon inside Fenway Park is an experience unlike anything else in the sport,” said McGillivray. “Participants will spend the entire race on the warning track of one of the most beloved ballparks in the world, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow runners. It’s a celebration of endurance, community, and the power of giving back.” For Dave McGillivray,the Boston Marathon’s Senior Race Advisor, the event offers runners a chance to experience Fenway Park in an unforgettable way while supporting important community causes. … McGillivray will be a very busy man come April 20th when the 130th running of the Boston Marathon dissects the streets of Boston and the MetroWest ‘burbs.

ONE OF THE COOLEST EVENTS: The National Baseball Poetry Festival will return to Polar Park in nearby Worcester, on May 7-10. The event continues a growing New England tradition, celebrating the home plate that is baseball and storytelling. Ready to enjoy its fourth year, the festival continues to grow. In 2026 alone, adult poetry submissions have come from 42 states and 12 different countries and territories, reflecting the growing interest in baseball themed writing from students, poetry lovers, and baseball fans. Event organizers describe it as the first festival designed specifically to unite sports and the fine arts. Note that the festival’s youth poetry contest remains open for submissions through April 17, coinciding with National Poetry Month. The festival weekend itself brings together baseball fans, writers, educators, and community members for readings, workshops, pick-up and organized ballgames, and other events at beautiful Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox.

Baseball Poetry in Motion

After earning his way to first base, a runner can make a mark,

He can take a lead-off the base, draw a pick-off attempt or two,

Maybe, he can distract the pitcher and extend his teammate’s at bat,

But careful he must be, as the catcher has a glove and a rocket,

He’ll fake to the mound, but throw a bullet right into your back pocket.”

PARTING WORDS & MUSIC: How about some music for the final round of The Masters Tournament?

While We’re Young (Ideas) is a weekly (every weekend) collection of Sports Notes and News written by Terry Lyons. The posting of each notebook harkens back to the days when you’d walk over to the city news stand on Saturday night around 10:00pm to pick-up a copy of the Sunday papers. Inside, just waiting, was a compilation of interesting sports notes, quotes and quips in a column that always sold a few newspapers. Wire Service reports are utilized within the column.

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes – Brought to you by Digital Sports Desk.

The post TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | On MVPs, Tanking & The Home Team Act appeared first on Digital Sports Desk.

INDIANAPOLIS – (Wire Service Report) – NCAA’s leadership and basketball committees are expected to finalize expansion of the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments to 76 teams shortly after the conclusion of this year’s tournament, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.

Per the report, the new format would see 52 teams earn berths directly into what is currently the first round of the NCAA Tournament, while the remaining 24 — 12 lower-seeded automatic qualifiers and the final 12 at-large teams — would play 12 opening-round games Tuesday and Wednesday. They would be held in the longtime First Four home of Dayton, Ohio, and at an additional site to determine which teams would advance to Thursday and Friday’s first round.

However, these details could also reportedly change as the NCAA continues to talk with its men’s tournament TV partners in Warner Bros. Discovery and CBS, which have broadcasting rights through the 2031 tournament.

The report didn’t indicate how quickly expansion could be added, but it could theoretically come as soon as the 2027 NCAA Tournaments. But expansion “will happen” barring something unforeseen in the next few days.

It would mark the first expansion of the tournament since the field moved from 65 to 68 teams with the addition of the First Four games in 2011. The field had been 64 or 65 teams since 1985.

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