MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred yesterday at the "Beyond Sports United" symposium said that the league is "monitoring closely" the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Cuba. Manfred said, "We have had ongoing dialogue with the Obama administration about developments in Cuba. Obviously we're anxious to move forward on Cuba, but even more important than that, we want to move forward in a way that's consistent with the policy of the federal government." Manfred added that he still hopes to "stage exhibition games in Cuba next spring to advance the process of restoring baseball ties with the Caribbean nation" (Maria Guardado, Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/23).
IT MIGHT NOT TAKE TWO: THE MMQB's Peter King wrote when NFL owners meet to discuss L.A. on Aug. 11 in Chicago, "the weight of having to support two teams in a market that appears to be just fine with zero is going to fall on the shoulders of the owners, and they’re more likely to say, 'Let’s just put one there for now' instead of opting for two." It is the "safer move, even if it means stadium-poor San Diego and Oakland have to put up with bad venues for a year or two longer while each team considers other options." If the Rams are the "golden franchise that gets to move, then St. Louis and San Antonio step to the front of the line for one of the dissatisfied California franchises, and then it’s back to ground zero for the two losers in the L.A. derby" (MMQB.SI.com, 7/22).
SKY HIGH: USA TODAY's Maggie Hendricks notes WNBA Sky F Elena Delle Donne is "putting together a historic season," performing in ways that can elevate the league "to the same levels of fandom of its soccer and tennis counterparts." She is "hoping to ride the wave" started by U.S. women's national team MF Carli Lloyd and tennis player Serena Williams. Delle Donne said, "This is an incredible time right now for women's sports. People are finally starting to take notice" (USA TODAY, 7/23).
