Minnesota Teams

Here is your local sports update for the week:

• Minnesota Twins: Baseball is back from the All-Star break! The Twins are gearing up for the second half of the season as they push for a spot in the October playoffs.
• Minnesota Lynx: The WNBA season is in full swing right now as the Lynx battle through the summer schedule.
• Minnesota United: The Loons are navigating the middle of their MLS season.
• Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild, and Gophers: We are in the quiet summer lull for these squads. NFL training camps open soon, so keep an eye out for Vikings news next week!
• Local Weather/Health Note: If you're planning any outdoor workouts or attending local games, be careful! Minneapolis currently has the 3rd worst air pollution in the world due to wildfire smoke.

NFL

Training camps are officially opening across the league, which means we're finally getting real football news again. Everyone is keeping a close eye on minor injuries to big stars like Patrick Mahomes and George Kittle to make sure they're ready for the start of the season in September. In the meantime, football analysts are passing the time by ranking the top players at every position—right now, everyone is debating who the best wide receivers and safeties in the game are.

NBA

The big story in the basketball world is the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game. The teams were officially drafted this week, setting up an incredibly fun matchup: rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and MVP A'ja Wilson will team up to face off against Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart. In NBA news, free agency is still producing some head-scratching signings, and the league is currently investigating the LA Clippers over some sketchy contract details. On a slightly nerdy note, league executives and players are arguing over the NBA's strict new salary rules, with some pushing to change the rules to make it easier for teams to sign big-name free agents.

MLB

The American League (AL) won the annual All-Star Game yesterday in Philadelphia, thanks to a pitching staff that totally shut down the National League's hitters. New York Yankees slugger Cody Bellinger was named the game's MVP after driving in two runs early on. Now that the fun exhibition is over, teams are preparing for the July 31 trade deadline, where contenders will trade prospects to get established veterans for the playoff push. In draft news, the Chicago White Sox signed the number one overall pick, Roch Cholowsky, to a record-breaking $10.35 million contract.

NHL

The Winnipeg Jets made a smart move this week by signing their talented young center, Cole Perfetti, to a five-year, $30 million contract. They managed to lock him down just before the two sides had to go through "arbitration" (a tense legal process where an outside judge decides a player's salary). In fun video game news, 20-year-old San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini was officially named the cover athlete for the EA Sports NHL 27 video game.

College Sports

We are inching closer to the start of the college football season, which means it's "Hot Seat" season. Various sports outlets are publishing their lists of which college football coaches are on the verge of being fired if they don't win enough games this upcoming fall. Also, in a weird twist, NCAA college basketball coaches are worried about a potential legal loophole that might allow players to leave college, play in the NBA's minor league (Summer League), and then return to college if things don't work out.

Other Sports

• Soccer: The 2026 World Cup is reaching its climax! There is a massive semifinal match today between Lionel Messi's Argentina squad and a very talented England team featuring Jude Bellingham.
• Golf: The Open Championship (golf's final major tournament of the year) kicked off today at Royal Birkdale. Bryson DeChambeau is desperately trying to salvage his poor season, while Rory McIlroy is looking to win his second Claret Jug (the tournament's trophy).
• Boxing/MMA: Welterweight boxers Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn have officially scheduled a massive, highly-anticipated fight for September. Over in the UFC, lightweight champion Justin Gaethje made it clear he has zero interest in giving Paddy Pimblett a rematch for the title.