In DC, Mark Maske noted there is talk from both the NFL and NFLPA about "beginning to get serious about negotiations of an extension" of the CBA, which runs through '20. However, there is "little to suggest that those deliberations will be serious any time soon, given the lack of urgency dictated by the amount of time remaining on the current deal" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 6/26).
AROUND THE WORLD: THE MMQB's Greg Bishop wrote it will be "difficult to play an NFL regular season game" in China due to "how far it is" from the U.S. However, he predicted the league will "play a regular season game there anyway." Patriots QB Tom Brady during his visit to the country earlier this month said he would like to play there before he retires (MMQB.SI.com, 6/26).
GOING TO BE HUGE: The AP's Stephen Whyno noted moves leading up to and at last weekend's NHL Draft "set up a potentially crazy week to come going into free agency." Teams could "begin talking to pending free agents Sunday and can sign them starting Saturday afternoon, and in between there could be plenty more movement now that the Vegas expansion draft is over and the foundation has been laid for trades" (AP, 6/26).
PRIDE (IN THE NAME OF LOVE): ESPN's Sarah Spain praised NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for being part of the Pride March in N.Y. over the weekend, as it "wasn't that long ago that it was still a touchy subject to discuss.” Spain: “One of the most progressive leagues out there continues to lead the way. ... I just can't imagine how powerful it must be to have sports and big leaders like that leading the way” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 6/26).
