MLS players agree to salary cuts, possible tournament in Orlando

The Major League Soccer Players Association voted to approve economic concessions for this season, including across-the-board salary cuts, while also agreeing to play in a ...

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EA Sports postpones first look at Madden NFL 21 in response to protests

EA Sports postponed Monday's planned first look at the Madden NFL 21 video game in response to the unrest over the death of George Floyd."Tomorrow, ...

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Britain reportedly planning to grant sports an exemption from quarantine rules

British quarantine rules are set to be relaxed for elite sports, giving a boost to soccer clubs in European competition and Formula One's plans for ...

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Michael Jordan expresses thoughts on George Floyd

Michael Jordan is "deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry.”With protesters taking to the streets across the United States again Sunday, Jordan released a statement ...

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Sunwolves’ time in Super Rugby over as team’s bid to join tourney in Australia fails

Japan's Super Rugby team had been attempting to join a competition hosted by Rugby Australia.

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Real Madrid to play at training center in Spanish soccer’s return

The Spanish league is resuming in less than two weeks with Real Madrid playing its games at the club's training center.Madrid will host Eibar on ...

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MLB players propose 114-game season, no further pay cuts

Major League Baseball players proposed a 114-game regular season Sunday, an increase from the 82 in management's offer, but no additional pay cuts beyond the ...

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Four Bundesliga players call for ‘Justice for George Floyd’ in Germany

A quartet of players made statements during matches in the German league over the weekend.

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Undefeated Contrail jets to Japanese Derby victory

The colt, ridden by jockey Yuichi Fukunaga, is now one win away from the Japanese triple crown.

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Rugby league’s Australian return produces feel-good moments

The losing captain thanked the winning team’s players for their personal sacrifices leading into the match. A charter flight pilot received a big round of ...

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Gilbert Burns routs Tyron Woodley in UFC’s return to Las Vegas

Gilbert Burns dominated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley to win a unanimous decision on Saturday night in the mixed martial arts promotion's return to ...

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recognizes ‘urgent need for action’

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says "there remains an urgent need for action” following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests around the ...

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Mascots wonder why they’re banned from MLB

The furred and feathered staples of the ballpark experience could be locked out as part of the league's COVID-19 prevention measures.

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J. League sides step up preparations for July 4 kick off

J. League first-division sides stepped up their preparations on Saturday to resume the season a day after the announcement of a July 4 restart.J. League ...

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Bobby Joe Morrow, three-time winner in 1956 Olympics, dies at 84

Bobby Joe Morrow, the Texas sprinter who won three gold medals in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics while a student at Abilene Christian University, died Saturday. ...

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Max Verstappen and Lando Norris team up for virtual Le Mans

Formula One rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris will be team mates for the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13-14, according to ...

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Scotland coach Townsend backs call for fewer international windows

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has welcomed moves to reduce the number of international windows in rugby union's calendar.Europe's Six Nations traditionally takes place in February ...

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Bayern beats Fortuna to take 10-point lead in German first division

The reigning champion took another step to an eighth straight Bundesliga title with a dominant victory in Munich.

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Colts hoping win big with bet on Philip Rivers

The Colts believe the 38-year-old quarterback can make them a Super Bowl contender.

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Tennis phenom Coco Gauff joins chorus of athletes decrying death of George Floyd

Quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Joe Burrow also speak out as protests go on around U.S.

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French league faces questions about early end as European neighbors move to resume play

It is the land of the world champions, but is it really a soccer country?That is the question some in France have been asking this ...

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Spanish league considers use of virtual crowds when play resumes

Spanish soccer matches could have the look of a video game when the competition resumes next month.The league is contemplating adding virtual crowds to the ...

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NBA yet to reach consensus on how season would resume

The NBA Board of Governors met again without a consensus opinion emerging on how many teams should be back on the floor for the planned ...

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Police want Liverpool to clinch Premier League title in neutral stadium to prevent gatherings

Liverpool is unlikely to win the Premier League at Anfield after police included the leader’s key games among at least five it wants to be ...

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Roger Federer tops Forbes’ list of highest-earning athletes

Roger Federer leads the annual Forbes ranking of highest-paid athletes with what the magazine says is $106.3 million in total earnings.He is the first tennis ...

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Supercross returns to racing this weekend in Utah

Supercross followed other sports around the world in shutting down during the coronavirus pandemic.The kickstands are going back up this weekend. Following the lead of ...

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At least 16 MLB teams to continue providing stipends for minor leaguers

At least 16 major league franchises have informed minor leaguers they will continue to provide allowances after the May 31 expiration of Major League Baseball’s ...

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Former flyweight world champ Daigo Higa on new quest for title after regaining license

Daigo Higa returned to the ring for the first time in nearly two years in February.

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Show will go on at Japanese Derby despite coronavirus

The countdown is on for one of the most prestigious horse races in Japan, as the clock ticks down to 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, when ...

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Horse racing weathers storm caused by COVID-19 in Japan

While the COVID-19 pandemic has halted almost all sporting events in Japan, horse racing has been the rare exception. The races, of course, have been ...

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J. League first division to resume on July 4

The second and third division will restart on June 27, with initial game in all three flights taking place without fans.

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Shohei Ohtani quickly attracts big following on Instagram

Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani made a splash on social media Thursday with the launch of an official Instagram account, instantly gaining a large number of ...

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Top League welcomes influx of talent from northern hemisphere

Japanese rugby will be as diverse as ever following strong efforts by local clubs to sign top-tier international players.

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IOC touts record-high female representation on commissions

The International Olympic Committee says women now account for almost half of the membership of its various commissions, an all-time high in the organization's drive ...

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Basketball Hall of Fame delays Kobe Bryant’s enshrinement ceremony

The Naismith Basketball Memorial Hall of Fame said on Thursday the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2020, a group that includes the late Kobe ...

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World Rugby aims to reduce contact by cutting scrums, adding orange cards

The guidelines, intended to prevent coronavirus infections, may be implemented at the discretion of individual unions.

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Agent Scott Boras urges clients not to ‘bail out’ MLB club owners

Agent Scott Boras recommends his clients refuse Major League Baseball’s attempt to cut salaries during negotiations with the players’ association, claiming team financial issues caused ...

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Pan Pacific Swimming Championships pushed back from 2022 to 2026

The 2022 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships will be "deferred" to 2026 to accommodate changes in the international calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Canada, one of ...

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Simone Biles ‘praying for the best’ with rescheduled Olympics

Four-times Olympic champion Simone Biles said she was hopeful the rescheduled Tokyo Games will take place next year, amid concern over the global response to ...

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Premier League plans June 17 restart after 100-day shutdown

The Premier League plans to restart on June 17 after a 100-day shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with new staggered kickoff times to make ...

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Danish fans take in soccer match on giant Zoom wall

Home team AGF Arhus described the setup as the world's first "virtual grandstand."

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NHL awards regular-season trophies for shortened campaign

Since the NHL is planning to go straight to the playoffs, it's handing out a handful of trophies for the regular season cut short by ...

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Boston Marathon canceled for first time in 124-year history

Organizers canceled the Boston Marathon on Thursday for the first time in its history, bowing to the social distancing requirements of the coronavirus outbreak and ...

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Olympic chief Thomas Bach consults with IOC members over COVID-19 fallout

Olympic chief Thomas Bach held a series of talks with International Olympic Committee members on the potential consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen ...

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Nevada clears way for boxing, UFC to return to Las Vegas

Mixed martial arts and boxing are back in business in Nevada.The Nevada Athletic Commission unanimously agreed Wednesday to allow two UFC events and two Top ...

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FIA approves spending cap for Formula One teams

Formula One teams will be limited to spending $145 million next, and even less in following years, after motorsport's governing body approved a budget cap ...

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French Open organizers still trying to figure out what event may look like in September

With the new $55 million (€50 million) retractable roof shut atop a barren Court Philippe Chatrier — where the red clay has dimmed to an ...

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Okinawa’s first pro baseball team has inaugural season upended by COVID-19

The coronavirus has changed everything for the Ryukyu Blue Oceans, Okinawa's first-ever professional baseball team, who opened their inaugural season in January.The team in Japan's ...

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Scrums, mauls could be impacted as rugby weighs law changes

It was a major factor in South Africa winning the World Cup last year, has long been part of the rugby DNA of national teams ...

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MLB players reportedly want more games, no further salary cuts as part of proposal to start season

The union has rejected MLB's call for more salary cuts as league seeks to get back on field

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Vissel becomes first J. League club to pass ¥10 billion mark

Vissel Kobe became the first Japanese club to surpass ¥10 billion yen ($92.7 million) in annual operating revenue as the club once again topped the ...

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Some players wary as Premier League approves resumption of contact training

The Premier League is on track to resume next month after clubs approved plans on Wednesday to restart contact training even as some players are ...

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J. League ponders splitting teams into regional divisions to limit cross-country travel

League officials proposed the move at a meeting of club executives

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LeBron James among athletes speaking out about George Floyd’s death

Athletes voice their outrage over death of unarmed black man

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Shinji Shimada to replace Masaaki Okawa as B. League chief

Okawa’s term was to expire next summer, but he decided to hand the baton to the next person a year early.

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Yusei Nakanishi gets new shikona, but what’s in a ring name?

Ring name changes are not unusual, and regularly happen upon significant promotions, or as a way of changing luck after a string of bad results.

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Nagano and Ishikawa high school baseball coaches tout special anti-virus masks to get game going again

Local baseball federation to hand out masks made of washable antimicrobial fabric that are more breathable.

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New Zealand’s teams will stick to old rules for Super Rugby tournament

New Zealand’s domestic Super Rugby tournament will be played under traditional rules when it begins next month, not amended laws being considered by World Rugby ...

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Firm hopes to allow fans at home to broadcast cheers to empty stadiums when sports resume

As Japan’s sports teams prepare for a cautious return to action after hiatuses caused by COVID-19, a company has developed an app that allows fans ...

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Devils’ season comes to end as NHL approves playoff plan

The New Jersey Devils' season came to an end on Tuesday after the NHL abandoned the rest of the regular season and announced plans to ...

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Daichi Kamada’s first Bundesliga goal helps Frankfurt rally for draw

Midfielder Daichi Kamada scored his first goal in Germany's top flight on Tuesday, helping Eintracht Frankfurt snap a five-match losing run in the league with ...

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J. League targeting June 27, July 4 as potential dates to resume season

Japan's top soccer league has been on hiatus since February because of the COVID-19 pandemic

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NHL to move ahead with 24-team playoff format if play resumes

The NHL will abandon the rest of the regular season and go straight into the playoffs with 24 teams instead of 16 — if it ...

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Players call MLB’s economic proposal ‘ extremely disappointing’

The MLBPA said "the sides also remain far apart on health and safety protocols.”

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WADA looks to artificial intelligence to catch dopers

With sports around the world shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, the World Anti-Doping Agency is looking to artificial intelligence as a new way to ...

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Pro athletes with underlying conditions remain extra cautious of COVID-19 threat

Professional athletes may seem invincible, but like anyone else they can suffer from serious conditions that make them vulnerable to the coronavirus.

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Olympic approval could benefit cricket’s development in Japan

The potential inclusion of cricket's shortened T20 format in 2028 would give Japanese cricket access to funding from the Japan Olympic Committee and other organizations.

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Yudai Baba develops positive mentality, improved 3-point shooting in maiden G League season

The former Alvark Tokyo star showed considerable improvement for the Texas Hustle before the NBA's development league was canceled due to the coronavirus.

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Quarantine measures could push F1’s Silverstone races into August

Two proposed British Grands Prix could be moved into August if it means the U.K. government does not insist on a 14-day quarantine period, according ...

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EuroLeague calls off season because of virus, will not name champion

Europe’s top basketball league canceled the remainder of its season Monday because of the coronavirus pandemic, saying health concerns had to be paramount despite numerous ...

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NHL plans move to small-group training as second phase of return

The NHL hopes to have players back in team facilities soon — with plenty of precautions.The league, which paused its season on March 12 because ...

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Women’s Super League in England canceled because of virus

The Football Association chose to call off the season based on 'overwhelming feedback' from clubs.

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Patrick Ewing out of hospital after being treated for COVID-19

Georgetown basketball coach and former NBA great Patrick Ewing has been released from the hospital and is recovering from COVID-19 at home, his son said ...

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Ex-Pirates infielder Kang Jung-ho banned one year by Korean league

The Korean Baseball Organization has suspended ex-Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Kang Jung-ho for a year and ordered him to perform 300 hours of community service over ...

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Athletes hopeful play can resume after Japan’s state of emergency ends

Professional athletes in Japan voiced hopes on Monday that the sports calendar can finally resume after the state of emergency over the new coronavirus was ...

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WNBA teams set to make tough decisions on roster cuts amid pandemic

New York Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb knew he and first-year coach Walt Hopkins would have to make some tough decisions on the team's roster ...

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Thomas Mueller expects sparks to fly during Bayern-Dortmund showdown

Bayern Munich striker Thomas Mueller expects sparks to fly in Tuesday's top-of-the-table clash at Borussia Dortmund which could help settle this season's title race.Mueller scored ...

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NPB can play ball from June 19, but minus the fans

The league's opening day had been on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Isolating away from family a ‘hot topic’ as NHL plots return

Young and single, Thatcher Demko has plenty of time on his hands, with little to do. Quarantining to play hockey wouldn’t be a problem for ...

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French Open’s original start date passes by in silence

Streets normally packed with tennis fans were mostly empty on Sunday, with the tournament delayed until September

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Orix plays intrasquad game as NPB inches toward opening day

The Buffaloes ramped up their preparation for the upcoming season with a practice game on Monday.

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World ski championships to be postponed until 2022

The FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships, scheduled for February 2021 at Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy, are likely to be postponed until March 2022 as a ...

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Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning win charity match against Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady

The goal was to raise $10 million or more for COVID-19 relief, and donations are on track to nearly double the total.

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England lock George Kruis, Wales center Hadleigh Parkes sign with Panasonic

England lock George Kruis and Wales center Hadleigh Parkes have joined Panasonic Wild Knights, the Japan Rugby Top League club said Monday.The pair will replace ...

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Formula E driver disqualified for getting impostor to race for him

Audi Formula E driver Daniel Abt was disqualified and ordered to pay €10,000 ($10,900) to charity on Sunday for getting a professional gamer to compete ...

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Huddersfield owner says up to 60 clubs could go bust in next year

Up to 60 English lower-league soccer clubs could go out of business if the sport fails to plan for the impact of COVID-19 beyond the ...

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Virus restrictions leave Norwegian winner of Iditarod stranded in Alaska

Thomas Waerner won this year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in March, but he is still waiting to return to his home in Norway.Waerner and ...

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Daring Tact wins second leg of filly triple crown at Japanese Oaks

Daring Tact captured the 81st running of the Japanese Oaks on Sunday and became the second unbeaten horse and first in 63 years to win ...

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Makoto Hasebe to take on player-ambassador role for Frankfurt

The former Samurai Blue captain, who has played 13 seasons in Germany, said he is not yet ready to retire.

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Economic woes taking toll on Chinese soccer clubs

Economic woes are taking a toll on China’s professional soccer clubs, with 11 being disqualified for failing to pay wages and five closing shop on ...

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World Masters Games athletes get physical online during shutdowns

A centenarian sprinter, Olympians and some 300 other athletes have posted videos of their at-home training regimes ahead of the World Masters Games to be ...

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Coronavirus puts global spotlight on Taiwanese baseball

The Chinese Professional Baseball League has gained a large international following during the pandemic.

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Travel lockdown forces commentator to cover German soccer from London

The resumption of the German soccer league has put players back on the field, coaches back on the sideline, and commentators back in the booth.The ...

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Cardboard fans take over German stadium as some groups protest ‘ghost games’

Thousands of Gladbach fans paid to have their photos displayed in the stands as part of a charity campaign.

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Genki Haraguchi scores fifth goal of season for Hannover

Genki Haraguchi struck his fifth goal of the season on Saturday to help Hannover to a 4-2 away win over Osnabruck in the German second ...

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Spanish soccer league given approval to resume in June

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona and the rest of the Spanish league can resume play in June after three months of waiting for the coronavirus pandemic to ...

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Nationals players shoot down virtual World Series ring ceremony

The Washington Nationals said on Saturday they have altered plans for a virtual World Series championship ring ceremony amid the COVID-19 pandemic after players expressed ...

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NBA in talks with Disney about resuming season in Florida complex

The NBA is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July, ...

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Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf arrested in California

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested in Southern California on Friday.Leaf, 44, was arrested on a domestic battery charge in Palm Desert, which is ...

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Tyson Fury hopes to ‘give fans what they want’ with Anthony Joshua showdown

Tyson Fury said he was eager to give British boxing fans what they want by fighting Anthony Joshua for the undisputed world heavyweight title but ...

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Coronavirus fallout rocks sumo world

Wrestler's death, basho cancellation having major impact on athletes and officials.

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Sunwolves still have chance to join Australian competition

The Sunwolves could still compete in an upcoming tournament in Australia with that country's Super Rugby sides, CEO Yuji Watase said in a statement released ...

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NHLPA approves going forward with 24-team playoff talks

The NHL Players’ Association's executive committee authorized moving forward in talks with the league on returning to play from the coronavirus suspension, approving 24 teams ...

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WTA players take part in mini-tournament in Florida

Americans Alison Riske and Danielle Collins and Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic were among the winners Friday on the opening day of a women's tennis mini-tournament in ...

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Former Japan captain Makoto Hasebe signs extension Frankfurt

Former Japan captain Makoto Hasebe will remain with Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2020-2021 season after agreeing to a one-year contract extension, the German first-division club ...

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NASCAR grabs much-needed momentum in return to racing

NASCAR had been planning sweeping changes for 2021 in hopes of finding new fans and adding some energy to a staid, stale schedule.The coronavirus pandemic ...

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Jazz coaching great Jerry Sloan dies at 78

Jerry Sloan led the Jazz to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 and is fourth in NBA history with 1,221 wins.

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British Grand Prix at risk without quarantine exemption

Formula One's hopes of hosting two races at Silverstone were dealt a blow on Friday as pro sports were not granted any exemptions to the ...

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Tiger Woods guarantees victory in star-studded charity match

Tiger Woods couldn’t resist a little last-minute needling before Sunday’s charity showdown with Phil Mickelson, with a deadpan prediction he and partner Peyton Manning would ...

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Georgetown coach Patrick Ewing diagnosed with COVID-19

Georgetown basketball coach Patrick Ewing tested positive for COVID-19 and is being treated at a hospital.“This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly,” ...

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Manchester United sues video game maker over use of name

Manchester United is suing the makers of the Football Manager video game series for allegedly infringing its trademark by using the club’s name.The English Premier ...

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Naomi Osaka passes Serena Williams as highest-earning female athlete

Naomi Osaka earned $37.4 million over the past year according to Forbes magazine

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IOC exec John Coates says Tokyo Games may not go ahead, even with vaccine

October will be a crucial assesment time for host Tokyo because multiple countries are still wrestling with the coronavirus pandemic.

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NPB and J. League cleared to begin planning for fan-free restart

Medical experts advising the leagues' joint task force indicated cautious optimism in Friday's meeting.

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JRFU hopes to be key to more unified rugby world

Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi hopes Japan can help steer rugby toward a global calendar and develop the sport in Asia.

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After Tokyo Games, concerns linger over mega-events in China

The country where the new coronavirus originated is set to host a number of major sporting events in 2022, including the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

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WADA finds no link between therapeutic exemptions, Olympic medals

There's no meaningful link between an athlete having a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) and winning an Olympic medal, a study unveiled Thursday by the World ...

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Players more confident in comeback for NBA this season

Something is finally clear in the uncertain NBA: Players believe they’re going to play games again this season.The obvious questions — How? Where? When? — ...

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Italy’s heritage authority approves San Siro demolition

Italy's heritage authority raised no objections to tearing down Milan's 1920s-era San Siro arena, a document seen by Reuters showed, removing a major obstacle to ...

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JFA approves 115 loans for clubs threatened by pandemic

The Japan Football Association has approved loans totaling ¥210 million ($1.9 million) to 115 financially strapped soccer clubs, it announced Thursday.Funds for the first 71 ...

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NHLPA board voting on 24-team playoff format: source

The NHL Players' Association's executive board is voting on a 24-team playoff proposal as the return to play format, according to a person with knowledge ...

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Three Reds players break ranks, terminate Rugby Australia contracts

International lock Izack Rodda and two other Queensland Reds players who were stood down for refusing to take a pay cut during the coronavirus pandemic ...

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Olympic fencer stays fit delivering food during pandemic

With the Olympics postponed due to the coronavirus, top Japanese fencer Ryo Miyake has swapped his metal mask and foil for a bike and backpack ...

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Japan Karate Federation to redo Olympic qualification in 2 classes

The Japan Karate Federation's head of development said Thursday he will instruct the governing body to "redo" Olympic qualification for two kumite weight classes following ...

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Carp let fans into practice after restrictions lifted in Hiroshima

The Hiroshima Carp opened up some parts of Mazda Stadium on Thursday, allowing some lucky fans the chance to watch the Central League club work ...

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Canceling Summer Koshien right, but tough, decision

Just because it was the right and safe decision, doesn't make it any less of a bitter pill to swallow.

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Olympic organizers praise removal of ‘offensive’ logo

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto welcomed Thursday’s decision by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan to remove a logo from its website that Olympic organizers ...

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Qatar worried global recession could hurt World Cup attendance

Qatar is promising the World Cup will be affordable for fans but the nation has been affected by economic activity shutting down in so many ...

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Tensions flare as Denny Hamlin triumphs in rain-shortened race at Darlington

Denny Hamlin won NASCAR's first Wednesday race since 1984 when rain stopped the event with 20 laps remaining at Darlington Raceway.The Daytona 500 winner was ...

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Australia’s NRL on road to resuming season

If there’s such a thing as clarity in this uncertain pandemic world, National Rugby League players and their fans in Australia received a bit more ...

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NBA players still waiting for news about fate of current season

The NBA is working through multiple return-to-play scenarios but has yet to make a final decision.

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IOC President Thomas Bach says Tokyo Games will have to be canceled if not held in 2021

IOC chief says Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear there is no 'Plan B' for 2020 Olympics.

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NFL studying helmet face guard that works like surgical mask

With an eye toward getting back on the field during a pandemic, the NFL is working on a helmet face guard that might provide the ...

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Body of WWE’s Shad Gaspard found after suspected drowning

The body of former World Wrestling Entertainment pro Shad Gaspard was found early Wednesday on Los Angeles' Venice Beach, after he was caught in a ...

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FC Seoul faces sanctions after putting sex dolls in seats

Club expresses "sincere remorse" after insisting it thought it was using regular mannequins

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Who should be engraved on sumo’s Mount Rushmore?

If Hakuho and Futabayama are locks, then who should occupy the remaining two slots is far less clear.

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Aussie cricket players consider disinfecting ball during matches

Disinfecting the ball during practice and matches is being considered as elite cricket players in Australia prepare to return to training during the coronavirus pandemic.The ...

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U.S. Open loses part of identity without qualifying

The U.S. Open lost a big part of its identity.And it has nothing to do with par. For years, the USGA has boasted — and ...

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NHL’s plan to return faces possible border restriction hurdle

The NHL is still more than a week away from determining a return-to-play format, a person familiar with discussions told AP on Tuesday.And what that ...

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John Millman says resumption of tennis season will reveal where officials’ priorities lie

The timing of professional tennis' return will reveal whether the tours and federations are more interested in making money or looking after the health of ...

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Summer Koshien baseball tournament canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

Japan's famed high school baseball tournament was called off for the first time since World War II

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No universal playbook for virus testing in pro sports

There is no universal playbook for coronavirus testing in professional sports.Protocols and procedures, guidelines and handbooks — they could be as different as rulebooks. There’s ...

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Rangers prefer to stay in Texas instead of returning to Arizona when spring training resumes

The Texas Rangers would prefer to stay home in their new ballpark instead of returning to Arizona whenever it is time to get back to ...

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Brady gathers new Bucs teammates for workout on prep field

It's not unusual for quarterbacks to organize passing drills before training camp, but the pandemic has changed normal routines.

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Former WWE pro Shad Gaspard missing after being swept out to sea

The former wrestling star was last seen 46 meters from shore

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Belmont Stakes to lead off Triple Crown chase with shorter race on June 20 without fans

The Belmont Stakes will be run June 20 in New York without fans and serve as the opening leg of horse racing's Triple Crown for ...

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An unusual ring to it: Nats opt for virtual Series ceremony

The Washington Nationals will unveil their World Series championship rings during a "virtual” ceremony shown on television and online Sunday — an unprecedented approach brought ...

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Watford player among six to test positive for COVID-19 during first round of Premier League testing

A player and two staff members from Watford were among six people who tested positive for the coronavirus in the Premier League’s first wave of ...

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Aussie Rules players seek clarity over league’s ‘bonk ban’

Australian Football League players are seeking clarity from the game's administrators about love in the time of coronavirus with biosecurity rules banning casual guests to ...

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Saliva ban could change the swing of things in cricket

A move to ban the use of saliva to shine a cricket ball because of the danger of transmitting COVID-19 may force bowlers to relearn ...

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Takehiko Orimo ready to focus on Levanga from president’s desk after calling time on professional career

The former Toyota and Hokkaido star reflected on his 27-year career in an exclusive interview with The Japan Times.

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NHL vetting neutral sites for restart: Gary Bettman

The NHL is zeroing in on a return to action with neutral-site games.Commissioner Gary Bettman said Monday that the league is eyeing "probably eight or ...

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Social distancing a challenge for para athletes

Japan's Paralympic hopefuls are struggling to train with regulations preventing them from working with partners or using facilities.

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Celtic awarded ninth straight title after Scottish league called off

Celtic won its ninth straight Scottish title on Monday after the country’s top soccer league was cut short because there was no immediate prospect of ...

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Virus has NFL prospects pondering threat of a lost season

Joe Burrow was a competent if unspectacular quarterback as a backup at Ohio State and during his first post-transfer season at LSU. In 2019, he ...

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“Iron Man” Hitoshi Ono retires with 98 caps

Lock Hitoshi Ono, the most-capped Japan international of all time with 98 caps, will retire from rugby at the age of 42, his team Toshiba ...

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Premier League could face year of coronavirus restrictions

The Premier League has been told by government experts that coronavirus restrictions could endure for at least a year across English soccer, with players allowed ...

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Werder Bremen’s Yuya Osako returns to pitch in loss on 30th birthday

Japan striker Yuya Osako was unable to make a winning return to the pitch Monday on his 30th birthday as Werder Bremen slumped to a ...

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LeBron James “Definitely not giving up on the season”

LeBron James reiterated Monday that he is hopeful the NBA season can resume, with the caveat that the health and well-being of players won’t be ...

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Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt becomes father for first time

Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt has become a father for the first time after welcoming the birth of a baby girl with partner Kasi Bennett, ...

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JSA begins coronavirus testing for wrestlers, stablemasters

Sumo's governing body will offer tests for all of its members in response to last week's death of lower-ranked wrestler Shobushi.

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Sunwolves aiming to compete in Australia in July

Japan's Sunwolves are aiming to participate in a tournament between Super Rugby teams in Australia that is scheduled to start in July.The Sunwolves' final season ...

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Takuma Sato revved up for upcoming start of IndyCar season

Takuma Sato and the rest of the IndyCar stars will begin their season on June 6 at the Genesys 300 in Texas.

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K-League club apologizes for putting sex dolls in seats

Fans lambasted FC Seoul after it was found to have rented mannequins intended to replace fans in empty stands from a sex doll manufacturer.

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Virus has NFL prospects pondering threat of lost season

Joe Burrow was a competent if unspectacular quarterback as a backup at Ohio State and during his first post-transfer season at LSU. In 2019, he ...

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B.J. Armstrong reflects on experience of playing alongside Michael Jordan

Former Bulls player B.J. Armstrong says Michael Jordan was an amazing player on and off the court.

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Two drown at home of former MLB star Carl Crawford

A 5-year-old boy and a woman drowned in the backyard pool of former Los Angeles Dodgers player Carl Crawford's Houston home, according to reports.Houston police ...

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Former MLB manager Art Howe released from hospital after being in ICU due to COVID-19

Former major league manager and infielder Art Howe was released from a Houston hospital Sunday after a stay in intensive care because of the coronavirus."Relief, ...

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Jim Kelly says 2020 is Bills’ year in AFC East

The Buffalo Bills haven't won the AFC East title since 1995, but the quarterback of that team predicts things will change in 2020.Football Hall of ...

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Sam Allardyce urges clubs to respect players’ health concerns

Premier League clubs must reassure players there will be no repercussions if they are unwilling to risk their health by returning to action during the ...

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Donald Trump says ‘normal’ for golf means big crowds, no masks

President Donald Trump’s idea of golf getting back to normal is having thousands of fans who aren’t wearing masks in attendance and "practically standing on ...

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Rory McIlroy delivers the winner in event to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

Four of golf's stars came together for a Skins game in order to raise money for coronavirus relief

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Bayern wins on Bundesliga return in silent stadium

Defending champion Bayern Munich took another step toward an eighth consecutive Bundesliga title

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Super Rugby’s Reds bench three for refusing pay cuts

Super Rugby side Queensland Reds have suspended Wallabies lock Izack Rodda and two other players for declining to accept pay cuts that were agreed to ...

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Buffalo’s Ed Oliver charged with drunken driving in Texas

Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver was arrested during a traffic stop in the Houston area and charged with drunken driving and illegally carrying a ...

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Kevin Harvick takes checkered flag as NASCAR returns to racing

NASCAR returned to racing with no fans in the grandstands and COVID-19 protocols in place at Darlington Raceway

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Park Hyun-kyung triumphs in golf’s return to action in South Korea

Park Hyun-kyung won the KLPGA Championship title on Sunday as women's golf in South Korea joined the country's professional baseball and soccer leagues to restart ...

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Almond Eye wins Victoria Mile for seventh G1 title

Heavy favorite Almond Eye won the 15th running of the Victoria Mile on Sunday to tie the all-time record for most Grade 1 victories by ...

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New Zealand players return to ‘second preseason’ on Monday

New Zealand's Super Rugby players will begin what coaches have deemed to be a "second preseason" on Monday as they return to training following a ...

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Phyllis George, female sportscasting pioneer, dies at 70

Phyllis George, the former Miss America who became a female sportscasting pioneer on CBS's "The NFL Today” and served as the first lady of Kentucky, ...

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Spanish league teams cleared to start group training

All Spanish league clubs can begin group training sessions this week despite stricter lockdown restrictions remaining in place in parts of Spain because of the ...

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New MLB rules ask players to shower at home, mascots to stay away

The league has drafted a 67-page manual to protect players, team staff and ballpark officials from being infected with COVID-19.

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Katerina Stefanidi overcomes heat to win pole vault Garden Clash

The strategy of reigning Olympic champion Katerina Stefanidi throughout a fast-paced, race-against-the-clock pole vault competition: keep cool.Not exactly easy on a sweltering day or with ...

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NHL players organize charity Fortnite tournament

The National Hockey League Players' Association is hosting a Fortnite tournament for charity.More than 60 players are set to compete in the tournament, called the ...

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Jurgen Klopp confident Liverpool can win title without best form

Jurgen Klopp has insisted Liverpool has no need to be at its "all-time best" in order to clinch a first English league title in 30 ...

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Bears’ quarterback competition on hold during virtual era

One thing Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy is certain of is that a quarterback competition can't be staged until both players are on the practice ...

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WHO head urges global unity to help make Tokyo Olympics safe

The head of the World Health Organization said Saturday it will not be easy to make next year's Tokyo Olympics a safe global gathering after ...

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Michael Jordan memorabilia soars in value amid ‘Last Dance’ nostalgia

Prices for the retired NBA legend's trademark line of sneakers, for years a hot commodity among collectors, have skyrocketed in recent weeks.

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Some players will come out of lockdown in ‘terrible’ condition: Eddie Jones

Players not committed to maintaining their fitness and improving their skills during the COVID-19 lockdown will return in “terrible” condition when the sport is set ...

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No fans, lonely celebrations as soccer resumes in Germany

The country's first-division Bundesliga returned on Saturday with empty stands and a number of countermeasures in place against the new coronavirus.

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Attorney claims to have affidavits clearing Seahawks’ Quinton Dunbar in armed robbery case

The attorney for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar says he has five signed affidavits from witnesses that exonerate his client in an armed robbery.Attorney Michael ...

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Dallas defender Ryan Hollingshead fosters baby amid pandemic

With two children of their own, FC Dallas defender Ryan Hollingshead and his wife, Taylor, wanted to add to their young family in a way ...

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T. League aims to start third season in November

The opening day for professional table tennis has been pushed back due to coronavirus situation.

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Sports world looks to Bundesliga restart with trepidation, hope

Other leagues will watching to see how the Budesliga handles its return to action during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Pilot in Kobe Bryant crash had no alcohol, drugs according to autopsy

The pilot flying Kobe Bryant and seven others to a youth basketball tournament did not have alcohol or drugs in his system, and all nine ...

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Japan to learn fate of bid to host 2023 Women’s World Cup on June 25

Japan and three other candidates will learn the fate of their bids to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup on June 25, FIFA said Friday.The ...

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IOC President Thomas Bach sends words of encouragement to swimmer Rikako Ikee

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach sent a message of encouragement via Twitter to swimmer Rikako Ikee, who is now rehabbing following treatment for leukemia.Ikee, ...

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Tennis tours extend coronavirus hiatus until end of July

The professional tennis tours extended their suspensions, caused by the coronavirus pandemic, through at least the end of July on Friday, bringing the total number ...

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Aaron Rodgers says Packers drafting quarterback complicates chances of ending career in Green Bay

Packers star Aaron Rodgers acknowledges Green Bay drafting a quarterback in the first round surprised him and complicated his hopes of playing his entire career ...

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Rory McIlroy takes aim at Donald Trump over COVID-19

Rory McIlroy says he wouldn’t play golf with U.S. President Donald Trump again and doubts he would even be invited after questioning Trump’s leadership during ...

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Craig Ehlo, Byron Russell play unwanted roles in Michael Jordan’s legacy

Craig Ehlo and Byron Russell each shared an ultimate moment with Michael Jordan, and Jordan came out on top each time.

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Japan to keep qualified judo team in place for 2021

Judoka already named to Japan's 2020 Olympic team will not have to qualify again for the games that have been postponed until 2021, the All ...

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Playing now akin to treating players like dogs: Yu Darvish

Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish on Friday joined a growing chorus of Major League Baseball stars expressing resentment about possibly being asked to work in ...

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Organizers unsure if IOC’s $650 million pledge will cover cost of rescheduled Olympics

While the International Olympic Committee said on Thursday it was committing $650 million toward expenditures for the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, organizers are not ready ...

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Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann to take over Red Hurricanes

Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann is leaving the English Premiership club to join Japan Top League side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, it was announced on Friday.The ...

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World Rugby announces postponement of July tests

World Rugby has postponed July test matches involving southern and northern hemisphere nations because of ongoing restrictions on international travel during the coronavirus pandemic.The sport’s ...

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Esports proving a viable option for competition-starved fans

With the global sports calendar largely on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, professional athletes are showing fans that their skills are — to some extent ...

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Coronavirus blow to Japanese sports industry may hit ¥274.7 billion

Renowned economist Katsuhiro Miyamoto predicts that Japan's professional sports leagues could see over $1 billion in losses.

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High-tech devices help NFL teams keep players safe, in shape

Darius Leonard works relentlessly at his rural South Carolina home to prepare for another football season. He's also wary of pushing too hard, knowing a ...

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Anthony Joshua will have only one fight this year, says promoter

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will have only one fight this year but he could take on British compatriot Tyson Fury twice in 2021, his ...

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Summer Koshien organizers mulling cancellation due to virus concerns

Despite the state of emergency being lifted in most prefectures, teams in many areas are uncertain of when they will be able to resume training.

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Disgraced former French skating chief refuses to quit Olympic post

Didier Gailhaguet, forced to resign from the French Ice Sports Federation (FFSG) in February because of a sexual assault scandal, is refusing to leave the ...

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Olympic basketball qualifying for Tokyo Games rescheduled

The final four men’s basketball spots in the 12-nation field for the Tokyo Olympics will be decided next summer, the sport’s global organizing body said ...

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Augsburg coach to miss game after shopping during quarantine

Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich will miss his team’s first game when the German first division resumes Saturday because he broke quarantine rules to buy toiletries.Herrlich ...

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IOC sets aside $800 million to cover postponed Tokyo Olympics

IOC President Thomas Bach said that his organization would be open to cost-cutting measures, especially in the realm of hospitality.

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Baseball chief gets another chance at pitching Olympics to MLB

Baseball. In Japan. At the Olympics.For World Baseball Softball Confederation president Riccardo Fraccari, it seems like such a sure home run that he can’t even ...

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Chinese Super League reportedly set to kick off in late June

The Chinese Super League is reportedly set to kick off in the last week of June, two weeks after lower-tier leagues are scheduled to begin ...

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J. League’s birthday celebrations muted by coronavirus

"J. League Day" comes with current campaign stuck in limbo due to coronavirus pandemic

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Shutdown of pro sports will cost economy ¥275 billion through June

The economic cost of shutting down professional sports in Japan because of the coronavirus outbreak will amount to roughly ¥274.7 billion ($2.6 billion) by the ...

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Glover Teixeira stops Anthony Smith to highlight UFC’s second Jacksonville show

Glover Teixeira dominated Anthony Smith and finally stopped him with punches early in the fifth round Wednesday night, earning an upset victory to cap the ...

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Broncos’ Von Miller admits death crossed mind during fight against COVID-19

NFL star said he was nervous for the first four or five days after contracting the coronavirus

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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confident season will resume

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman doesn't know how, and he doesn't know when, but he remains confident this season, which has been, halted by the COVID-19 ...

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West Indies cricket players won’t be ‘coerced’ into touring England according to executive

Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Johnny Grave has said players will not be "coerced" into going to England for a three-test series as the United ...

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PGA Tour reveals plans to minimize risks ahead of June restart

Players, caddies and the key staff around them will be tested once a week for the new coronavirus, and everyone at the golf course will ...

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French tennis players taking things slow in return to court as lockdown ends in France

The lockdown that started on March 17 in France ended Monday, allowing the professionals to get back on the court.

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Promoter Eddie Hearn conflicted about possibility of Mike Tyson returning to ring

British promoter Eddie Hearn says he would probably like to see former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson fight again but has questioned whether boxing should be ...

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Women’s golf set to resume in South Korea without fans

The South Korean women’s golf tour is starting up again on Thursday with opening of the KLPGA Championship, an event that will be played without ...

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Fans have to turn to other options for their sumo fix during virus-related down period

Books, movies and the internet are among things sumo fans can use to pass time until the action in the ring resumes

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NBA players want to play if situation deemed safe

A person familiar with the results of a poll of NBA players taken by their union says there would be "overwhelming” support for any plan ...

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BayStars owner says NPB facing unprecedented situation with pandemic

The owners of the 12 NPB clubs recognize the league could face a “critical situation” due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, Yokohama DeNA ...

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World Rugby outlaws tries against post protector

Tries in rugby union can no longer be scored by grounding the ball against the post protector, World Rugby announced on Tuesday.The law change, which ...

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Premier League braced for TV losses as player protests mount

Premier League struggling with financial issues, player safety on path to restart

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Ready or not, NL may have to adjust to designated hitter this year

To many NL fans, the simple scribble of "DH” on the lineup card sullies the whole stadium. To lots of AL fans, the mere sight ...

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Sumo wrestler Shobushi sport’s first to die of COVID-19 complications

The lower-ranked rikishi, who spent over three weeks in intensive care, is one of several positive cases from Takadagawa stable.

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Arizona governor opens door for pro sports to return to state

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has opened the door for professional sports to return to the state.Ducey said on Tuesday that professional sports, including MLB, NBA, ...

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Serena, Venus Williams offer fans yoga tips during online session

Serena Williams is looking forward to getting back to competing when the coronavirus pandemic permits it, in part because she’s "feeling better than ever.”Her older ...

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Kobe Bryant’s sports academy retires ‘Mamba’ nickname

The Southern California sports academy previously co-owned by Kobe Bryant has retired his "Mamba” nickname and rebranded itself nearly four months after the basketball icon's ...

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Several Tokyo 2020 merchandise shops to close across country

Despite the closings, organizers have vowed to keep their target of ¥14 billion in merchandise revenue in place.

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Researchers look to curling as next sporting frontier for artificial intelligence

A group at Hokkaido University has created an AI capable of analyzing shot options from over 10,000 possibilities.

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X League pushes back start of season, shortens schedule

League officials have framed the decision as a way to give clubs more time to build their squads after the coronavirus disrupted spring competitions.

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In some Olympic sports, training from home is almost routine

Less than a month after Nikhil Kumar qualified for the Olympics in table tennis, the Tokyo Games were postponed until 2021. Like so many other ...

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Athletes may struggle to find physical peak once play reopens

As more teams look to resume training, U.S. athletes are wary of the risks an abrupt return to competitive play could create.

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IPL cancellation could cost Indian cricket half a billion dollars

Indian cricket officials are hoping to avoid cutting player salaries but may not be able to save this year's edition of the world's richest Twenty20 ...

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Next year’s World Baseball Classic to be postponed till 2023: source

The World Baseball Classic will be postponed from 2021 to 2023 because of the new coronavirus, a person familiar with the planning tells The Associated ...

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Anthony Fauci says hopes for NFL season rest on coronavirus testing

The NFL's chances of playing out its planned 256-game schedule will depend upon containing the conronavirus outbreak and testing results, according to COVID-19 pandemic expert ...

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Lyon women to be awarded 14th straight French title

French women's soccer giant Lyon will be declared league champion for the 2019-20 campaign, collecting the title for the 14th consecutive year after the season ...

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American Hockey League cancels rest of season, playoffs

The American Hockey League canceled the rest of its season Monday because of the coronavirus pandemic and shifted its focus toward returning next season.President and ...

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EPL mulls early end even as government clears path to resuming

The league's 20 clubs have been unable to reach an agreement over where games should be played.

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MLB owners OK plan that could lead to July start: source

The plan will require the approval of the players' association, which may reject any attempt to implement a salary cap.

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Daiki Tanaka named B. League MVP

Daiki Tanaka was honored as the top player of the B. League season, which ended early due to the coronavirus.

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Launch of Japan’s new rugby league may be delayed

The launch of a new domestic rugby competition in Japan, originally scheduled for the fall of next year, may be delayed due to the one-year ...

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New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams to resume play without fans on June 13

A domestic tournament involving New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams will begin on June 13 after the New Zealand government on Monday loosened restrictions on ...

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NPB, J. League remain in holding pattern after latest task force meeting

A medical panel advised the two circuits to continue to wait before setting firm dates to resume play.

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Strong faith keeps Carson Wentz focused on something bigger

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz cites his faith as a guiding principle in his life

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Tokyo 2020 organizers waiting for Olympic souvenir market to pick up

Olympic merchandise has been sitting on shelves in official stores around Japan.

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UFC’s return could provide blueprint for other pro leagues

The closed-door event in Jacksonville was a victory for UFC President Dana White, who lobbied aggressively to be the first professional circuit to return to ...

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Mario Andretti would welcome Ferrari into IndyCar

Motor racing great Mario Andretti would love to see Italian carmaker Ferrari join the North American IndyCar series as a chassis and engine supplier.Andretti, one ...

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Lewis Hamilton racing himself online to keep busy

While Formula One stars compete in virtual events and various esports series during the COVID-19 lockdown, six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been busy racing ...

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Gerard Pique ‘pessimistic’ over Davis Cup finals as coronavirus-struck Spain restricts crowds

Barcelona star Gerard Pique said Sunday he was "pessimistic" that the Davis Cup Finals, which his company finances, would be held in Madrid this year.Pique's ...

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British Grand Prix could go ahead despite quarantine restrictions

Formula One is working to put on a British Grand Prix in July even if the country imposes quarantine measures on visitors during the COVID-19 ...

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Brighton player contracts virus, highlights Premier League restart risk

The risks involved in resuming the English Premier League were underscored Sunday after a Brighton player contracted the coronavirus as clubs prepare for fresh talks ...

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Paralympic canoeist Monika Seryu looks to balance training, studies

Like other athletes and students around the world, the coronavirus pandemic has forced Paralympian Monika Seryu to review her priorities and make changes.The 22-year-old, who ...

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Falcons’ Ricardo Allen says idea of practice is ‘nerve-racking’

Ricardo Allen didn’t budge when Georgia was one of the first states to open businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.The Atlanta Falcons safety believes it is ...

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Yao Ming offers options for restart of Chinese basketball

Yao Ming, the former Houston Rockets star and now president of the Chinese Basketball Association, says the league has three options for resuming the season ...

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Former Alvark guard Yudai Baba given special B. League award; Satoru Maeta named top rookie

The Texas Legends player was recognized for his efforts toward becoming the first B. League player to reach the NBA.

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UFC 249 ushers in fan-free, mask-filled era of sports

Justin Gaethje stunned favorite Tony Ferguson in the interim lightweight title bout, which headlined the first major sports event held in the United States since ...

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‘No Plan B’ if Tokyo Games can’t start in 2021: John Coates

Despite concerns over the potential lack of a coronavirus vaccine, the IOC official insisted that the postponed Olympics will take place without further delays.

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Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell suggests contraction could be way forward for Super Rugby after coronavirus

Former New Zealand head coach and current England defense chief John Mitchell believes some good may come for rugby union from the coronavirus if it ...

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Denny Hamlin closes NASCAR’s iRacing Series with another victory

Denny Hamlin closed NASCAR’s iRacing Series with a victory at a simulation of throwback North Wilkesboro Speedway.The Daytona 500 winner was instrumental in organizing his ...

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Memorial Tournament plans use of high-tech badges to track fans

The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, will use high-tech radio frequency identification (RFID) chips in tournament badges to ensure social distancing is maintained at the ...

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Watford chief opposed to Premier League’s plan to use neutral grounds

The chief executive of Premier League club Watford has said that plans to resume the season at neutral venues are unfair and that there could ...

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Dynamo Dresden squad put in quarantine after pair of positive tests

Two players at German second-division side Dynamo Dresden tested positive for the new coronavirus on Saturday, putting on hold the club’s planned return to soccer ...

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Takehiko Orimo honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Japanese basketball legend Takehiko Orimo of the Levanga Hokkaido was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday, headlining the first day of the 2019-20 ...

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Katsuhiro Matsumoto forced to hit reset button after Olympic postponement

Swimmer Katsuhiro Matsumoto is headed back to the drawing board

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All eyes on K-League as soccer season begins in South Korea

Soccer is back in South Korea for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic shut down sports around the world, and its success or failure ...

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Australian Olympic chief says Tokyo Games could be greatest ever

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates has predicted next year’s coronavirus-delayed Tokyo Games "may ultimately be amongst the great games ever, if not the greatest.”The ...

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Tyson Fury’s coach says his fighter would stop Anthony Joshua in eighth round

Tyson Fury is mentally stronger than Anthony Joshua and would beat his British rival in a fashion similar to his commanding win over Deontay Wilder, ...

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Baseball fans in Taiwan allowed to attend CPBL contests

Up to 1,000 fans are allowed inside each stadium in Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League

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British and Irish Lions still hoping to face Japan at home in 2021

The British and Irish Lions are still planning on playing a rare home test next year against Japan, The Times reported Friday.The Lions are already ...

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Bryce Harper calls on MLB to reverse ‘dumb’ stance on Olympics so stars can play

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper believes Major League Baseball should relax its “dumb” rule preventing top players from competing in the Olympics.The 27-year-old former National ...

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Rafael Nadal says Novak Djokovic will have to take vaccine if required by tour

Rafael Nadal says Novak Djokovic will need to be vaccinated to keep playing if the governing bodies of tennis make coronavirus shots obligatory once they ...

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NBA teams starting to reopen practice facilities with restrictions

The NBA is taking small steps toward a return to normalcy

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Players Coalition seeks federal investigation into shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery

Sports stars sign letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray

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Table tennis star Mima Ito taking Tokyo 2020 delay in stride

Table tennis star Mima Ito was disappointed by the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, because it took away the chance ...

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W Series launches all-female esports racing league

The all-female W Series is launching an esports league for female drivers, with actual racing still suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.With its second season ...

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NFL unveils 2020 schedule

The Kansas City Chiefs will open the defense of their Super Bowl championship by hosting Houston on Sept. 10 in the NFL's annual kickoff game ...

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UFC taking measures to keep everyone safe as show goes on during pandemic

The UFC is taking various precautions ahead of its first show in over eight weeks.

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German league officially sets date for return to action

The Bundesliga season will resume on May 16 in empty stadiums

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Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, QBs to donate $10 million to virus relief

The next match involving Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson involves a $10 million donation for COVID-19 relief efforts, along with plenty of bragging rights in ...

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Italian soccer season in limbo after more players test positive for coronavirus

The fate of the Serie A campaign remained in limbo on Thursday after state scientists met with soccer officials in a desperate attempt to save ...

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Taiwanese teams given OK to allow fans into baseball games

As coronavirus cases dwindle in Taiwan, baseball fans will be allowed back into stadiums on Friday evening, though with a cap on numbers.Taiwan's Central Epidemic ...

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IndyCar to open its delayed season at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6

IndyCar has gotten the green flag to finally start its season in Texas next month with a nighttime race June 6 without spectators.The race at ...

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Ravens’ Earl Thomas threatened at gunpoint by wife

Nina Thomas allegedly pointed a loaded gun at her husband's head upon finding him in bed with another woman last month, according to police in ...

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Olympic speed skating champion guilty of sexual harassment

South Korean Olympic short-track speedskating gold medallist Lim Hyo-jun was convicted Thursday of sexually harassing a fellow male athlete by pulling down his trousers, a ...

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K-League set to kick off as soccer resumes in South Korea

South Korea’s soccer league will kick off the season Friday, three days after the first pitch was thrown in baseball, in yet another sign that ...

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Veteran journalists praise Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura

The Athletic's David Aldridge told The Japan Times that Hachimura is "a very diligent, hard worker" who should "play for many years on good teams."

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U.S. Open winner Bianca Andreescu remains focused on becoming world No. 1

U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu has discovered a powerful tool to compensate for limited training opportunities amid the COVID-19 lockdown as the Canadian teenager remains ...

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Former Whales slugger Carlos Ponce hits jackpot coaching in Taiwan

The 61-year-old, who led NPB in home runs in 1988, is enjoying his new role in charge of the Wei Chuan Dragons, who will join ...

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Andres Iniesta calls children born because of legendary 2009 goal

Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta celebrated the 11th anniversary of his famous Champions League semifinal strike against Chelsea by calling two children conceived after his ...

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NBA proceeding with extreme caution toward potential restart

The NBA says some players can voluntarily return to their team practice facilities starting Friday, with some very specific conditions and only in places where ...

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Ski jumper Noriaki Kasai recognized by Guinness for most World Cup starts

Japanese ski jumper Noriaki Kasai has received a Guinness World Records certificate for extending the record for the most individual starts in FIS Ski Jumping ...

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German soccer’s clearance to restart offers hope for rest of Europe

The country's top two leagues could resume play later this month after Chancellor Angela Merkel approved their inclusion in the loosening of lockdown measures.

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Former Springboks scrum coach Matt Proudfoot growing under England’s Eddie Jones

After watching the South Africa pack demolish England in last year's Rugby World Cup final, coach Eddie Jones' next step was obvious — get the ...

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British boxing board considers ‘safe spitting’ device, other countermeasures

The organization has drawn out a detailed plan for how boxing could safely resume in the U.K. once coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted.

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone ‘encouraged’ by Aaron Judge’s recovery

New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone said he is "encouraged" by slugger Aaron Judge's recovery from a broken rib.During an interview Tuesday with MLB Network ...

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NFL sets protocols for reopening of team facilities

The NFL has set protocols for reopening team facilities and has told the 32 teams to have them in place by May 15.In a memo ...

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World Anti-Doping Agency seeks more funding in pandemic

Even with sports shut down and little testing going on, World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka is trying to convince governments to stump up extra ...

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Yuzuru Hanyu performs bits of past programs in online videos

The Japan Skating Federation tweeted videos of the two-time Olympic champion as part of its campaign to encourage skating fans during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Joseph Schooling seeks national service delay after Olympics moved

Olympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling is seeking to further delay his national service in Singapore so he can compete in the postponed Tokyo Games, officials ...

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UFC fighters see upcoming event as chance to inspire during pandemic

The event in Jacksonville, Florida, will be the first major sports event held in North America since coronavirus countermeasures shut down large venues across the ...

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Canceled Summer Basho’s rankings will likely carry over to July

This month's tournament may have been called off, but the Japan Sumo Association will likely keep its banzuke sheet untouched for the next meet.

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Rugby Australia director resigns after six weeks in role

Rugby Australia director Peter Wiggs has resigned after less than six weeks in the role amid reports of disharmony on the board as the embattled ...

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Taiwan to allow baseball fans back into stands this week

The island's low rate of infection has allowed its professional baseball league to reopen stadiums to the public.

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Trainer to top Japanese players feels impact of pandemic

With the coronavirus pandemic bringing sports leagues around the world to a standstill, workers who make their living assisting athletes are being hit particularly hard.Physical ...

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Mike Tyson back in shape, considering charity exhibitions

Mike Tyson's decision to return to training has been met with enthusiasm from fans and some fellow fighters after the release of a short video ...

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NFL forms ticket refund policy while planning for normal season

While planning to play a full regular-season schedule, the NFL has formulated a ticket refund plan for canceled games or those held without fans.In a ...

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Injured Sixers guard Ben Simmons getting close NBA return

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons is closer to getting cleared to play, should the NBA season resume.Simmons, the league leader in steals, was sidelined ...

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FIFA expects to get evidence of Russian doping cases in May

FIFA expects to get evidence from Moscow laboratory data this month that could expose doping by soccer players in Russia.FIFA said on Tuesday it was ...

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Sam Cane succeeds Kieran Read as All Blacks captain

Sam Cane has been selected as the New Zealand All Blacks captain, succeeding Kieran Read, who retired from test rugby after last year’s World Cup.New ...

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Vissel star Andres Iniesta holds court with young fans online

Vissel Kobe superstar Andres Iniesta shared some of his wisdom with young fans Tuesday during an online question-and-answer session.The Barcelona great and 2010 World Cup ...

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MLB stars still had chance to shine during shortened 1981 campaign

The season began with Fernandomania and ended with a classic World Series matchup between the Dodgers and Yankees. Mike Schmidt slugged his way to a ...

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Spanish league looking to resume season in June

The Spanish league said Monday it is confident it can restart in June and finish its season by the end of the European summer, with ...

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Ronaldo’s return awaited as Serie A resumes training despite virus doubts

Cristiano Ronaldo has been recalled from Portugal as Serie A clubs get back to individual training on Monday after a two-month coronavirus lockdown, but doubts ...

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Korea Baseball Organization opens season as virus cases in South Korea continue to decline

The KBO became one of the first major sports leagues in the world to return to action on Tuesday

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Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson to headline charity match for COVID-19 relief

Four of the worlds top golfers will play in an event to help raise money for charity.

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Fencing sisters keeping skills sharp amid pandemic, Olympic delay

Sera and Rio Azuma returned to their parents' home in Wakayama Prefecture in late March as infections spiked across Japan.

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ESPN to broadcast Korea Baseball Organization games in U.S.

ESPN will begin airing six regular-season games per week from South Korea's Korea Baseball Organization.The agreement with Eclat Media Group was announced Monday, the day ...

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Michael Jordan’s teammates learned about price of fame up close

There were obvious perks to being teammates with Michael Jordan. Plenty of his Chicago teammates own multiple championship rings, they appear in some of the ...

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Don Shula, winningest coach in pro football history, dies at 90

Don Shula is the only coach in NFL history to guide a team through a perfect season.

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Okinawan golfers chip in with ¥2.5 million toward Shuri Castle restoration

Ayako Uehara, Mamiko Higa, Hina Arakaki and 11 other female golfers from Okinawa have raised nearly ¥2.5 million yen ($23,500) in charitable contributions that will ...

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Takehiko Orimo hangs up sneakers after 27 years on court

Levanga Hokkaido star announces retirement during online news conference

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Itsuki Hirata not rushing on road to ONE Championship gold

The Tokyo native has found early success in the cage after converting from judo to mixed martial arts.

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Coronavirus forces cancellation of Summer Grand Sumo Tournament

The Summer Grand Sumo Tournament will not take place this year.

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Ringside doctors back off call for combat sports ban

After calling for an indefinite ban on combat sports events in April, the Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) wants coronavirus precautions to be developed with ...

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New Zealand’s ‘Nomads’ in Australia for rugby league season

They're being dubbed the New Zealand "Nomads," and with good reason.The New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League were scheduled to arrive at a ...

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Olympians look to help young athletes during shutdown

When Jesse Smith looks out at his Zoom audience, he knows exactly what the crowd is going through.The captain of the U.S. men’s water polo ...

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Japanese federations hoping to retain help of foreign coaches

The one-year delay to the Olympics has forced feverish negotiations by Japan's sporting bodies.

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Kei Nishikori, Naomi Osaka face off in Nintendo game tournament for charity

Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka took part in a charity tennis tournament on Sunday

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Divisions appear over Premier League’s neutral venues plan, legal action fears

English Premier League clubs opposed to resuming the season in empty, neutral stadiums were urged by the Crystal Palace chairman on Sunday to accept the ...

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Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman undergoes heart procedure

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman underwent a heart procedure Sunday at a hospital in Amsterdam after feeling pain in his chest, his management company said in ...

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Japan Sumo Association preparing to cancel Summer Basho

This year's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament will likely be canceled because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Japan.

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Former Hanshin pitcher Matt Keough dies at 64

Matt Keough, who won 45 games for the Central League's Hanshin Tigers from 1987-89 and whose father also played professionally in Japan, has died at ...

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Tanaka brothers find motivation together in ring amid uncertain times

Olympic-bound Ryomei Tanaka and his younger brother, three-weight world champion Kosei, have been training together since the postponement of the Tokyo Games was announced.

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Japan’s table tennis clubs hit hard by coronavirus epidemic

Businesses that support the game of table tennis by providing people a place to play have been struggling due to the new coronavirus epidemic in ...

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England’s Jason Roy would accept cricket’s return without fans

England opener Jason Roy is desperate to get back to playing cricket, even if matches have to take place behind closed doors due to the ...

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U.S. sports face major hurdles in quest to resume play

Even as leagues look for ways to resume during the pandemic, officials are cautious about how the use of thousands of testing kits would be ...

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Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel makes esports debut in Legends Trophy

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel made his esports debut on Saturday in Legends Trophy races that also featured retired Formula One world champions Emerson Fittipaldi and Jenson ...

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MGM pitches plan for NBA to finish season in Las Vegas: report

MGM Resorts International has pitched a proposal to the NBA to complete the coronavirus-halted 2019-20 season on courts in Las Vegas convention centers, the New ...

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Bill Beaumont reelected as World Rugby chairman in close vote

The former England lock withstood a late challenge from vice chairman Agustin Pichot, who gained the backing of many smaller rugby nations.

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Brighton objects to use of neutral venues to resume Premier League

Brighton has become the first English Premier League club to publicly oppose plans to try to restart the season in neutral stadiums during the coronavirus ...

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Japan’s MLB stars in limbo with everyone else as pandemic plays out

Japan's major leaguers are playing the waiting game while MLB looks for a way to start its season

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Thierry Henry sees positive changes in return to MLS

There’s been a shift in Major League Soccer in the relatively short time since Thierry Henry was a player.The former Arsenal star, now the new ...

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Left in limbo

Tokyo's Olympic dream is still alive — for now — but many athletes have been left wondering if their hard work will all be for ...

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Judge tosses U.S. women’s soccer team’s claim of unequal pay

Part of the U.S. women's national team's claims against the U.S. soccer federation were thrown out by a federal judge.

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NRL’s New Zealand Warriors cleared for travel to Australia

Australia’s National Rugby League cleared another key step in its plan to resume the 2020 season before the end of the month when the New ...

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American sprinter Deajah Stevens suspended in doping case

American sprinter Deajah Stevens was provisionally suspended Friday for repeatedly being unavailable for doping tests.The Athletics Integrity Unit said Stevens amassed three whereabouts violations in ...

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Japanese fencers use video workouts to stay connected with fans

In order to connect with fans at home during the coronavirus pandemic, the Japan Fencing Federation has begun live streaming training sessions on its YouTube ...

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Current Triple Crown season certain to be unlike any other

The Triple Crown of horse racing has been thrown into uncertainty by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Mongolian athletes stranded in Japan remain hopeful for Olympics

Mongolian athletes and para athletes have continued to train in their Japanese host cities in preparation for the delayed Tokyo Games.

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History repeats as Tosu struggles to find financial footing during COVID-19 crisis

The Kyushu club finds itself in serious financial distress after the departure of yet another major sponsor and the J. League's ongoing hiatus.

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Rule change leaves trio of naturalized Top League players in limbo

The group, which includes two players who have represented Japan in sevens, is petitioning the Japan Rugby Football Union to recognize their status as local ...

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