Amazon has had "early talks" with Disney about "working on the streaming version of ESPN it is developing," according to sources. Amazon could "offer the service through one of its streaming offerings, helping to expand its distribution, while possibly also taking a minority stake in ESPN." Such an arrangement could "shore up ESPN’s status as the biggest force in sports media." It could also "reposition" Amazon, which has been "trying to make a dent in sports streaming, as more friend than foe to ESPN." Additionally, it could "weaken the sports leagues' bargaining power." ESPN is considering charging "between $20 and $35 a month" for the new streaming service, sources said, a potential price range that "could make it the most expensive streaming service in the U.S. and add pressure on already-stagnant growth in the streaming sector" (THE INFORMATION, 8/24).

The Mountain West and AAC are planning to make a push at expansion, as commissioners of those leagues -- Gloria Nevarez (MWC) and Mike Aresco (AAC) -- will "deliver expansion presentations in the coming days" to officials from Washington State and Oregon State, according to sources. It is "the first serious step in the two conferences' courtship of the Pac-12’s remnants." Both conferences' pursuit of Oregon State and Washington State "is accelerating as ACC discussions with Stanford and Cal intensify." Nevarez made her first presentation yesterday, "appearing in person before a Washington State expansion advisory committee" led by WSU President Kirk Schulz. No decisions or commitments from the schools are expected, as both "continue to wait for a final resolution to the situations with Stanford and Cal" (YAHOO SPORTS, 8/24).

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales "has refused to resign from his position" following a week of fierce criticism after video showed him placing an unwanted kiss on star player Jenni Hermoso of Spain’s winning Women’s World Cup team. Rubiales spoke at an RFEF Extraordinary General Assembly today and said he will "fight to the end." In a defiant speech, he described the kiss as "mutual" and spoke of "unjust campaigns and fake feminism." While "acknowledging he needed to apologize for his actions," Rubiales described calls for his resignation as a "witch hunt" (CNN.com, 8/25).

Rubiales' position had grown "increasingly untenable" this week. The kiss forced on the lips of Hermoso "has garnered most of the headlines, but he was also seen effusively hugging other Spain players and kissing them on the cheek." Before that, "immediately after Spain's victory, he had also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture with 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain standing nearby." Rubiales' immediate response was to label those criticizing his behavior as "idiots," although "as the backlash grew, he later published an apology." Lower-league side Sant Andreu was "the first to demand Rubiales' resignation via a statement," while LaLiga side Getafe President Ángel Torres condemned his "deplorable" behavior (ESPN.com, 8/24).

Mavericks G Luka Dončić has "signed a contract extension with Jordan Brand" through 2029, according to sources. Dončić became Jordan Brand's first European born-and-raised signature athlete in 2019. The extended deal with Jordan Brand, negotiated by Dončić’s agent Bill Duffy and business manager Lara Beth Seager, "calls for Dončić to maintain strong input on how his signature product is designed and marketed" and, at Dončić’s insistence, "now includes a direct link to the player’s Luka Dončić Foundation that assures further distribution of Jordan Brand gear to children in need." The shoes are "popular with various college teams," as nine D-I schools "wore their own customized Luka 1s last season" (THE STEIN LINE, 8/24).

World No. 1 men's tennis player Carlos Alcaraz and Babolat have agreed to a partnership extension for seven years until 2030. Alcaraz, who uses Babolat's 2020 Pure Aero VS for his racquet, signed his first contract with Babolat in Spain at the age of 10. At 13, he joined the company's international team (Babolat). Having a young face able to help lead the Pure Aero line "has already been a boost for the brand." Retail shops are telling Babolat CEO Eric Babolat that "players come in asking for the Alcaraz frame, as they do with Rafael Nadal." Babolat: "When Nadal arrived, it changed the game. I think Carlos is doing the same now" (FORBES, 8/24). Alcaraz's extension with Babolat comes as the U.S. Open, which Alcaraz won last year at the age of 19, is set to begin on Monday (SBJ).

The Congressional Historic Stadium Caucus launches today with the "intent of preserving and modernizing historic college football stadiums across the country." U.S. Reps. Garret Graves (R-La.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) made the announcement as co-chairs, stating that they "wish to protect the integrity of these treasured venues … while enhancing their capabilities." The 18 stadiums targeted for preservation and upgrades "include some of the oldest and most famous college football venues in the nation," including the Rose Bowl, the Cotton Bowl, the L.A. Coliseum and more. Specifically, the caucus wants to "target security enhancements, technological upgrades and create infrastructure upgrades" for the stadiums (CBSSPORTS.com, 8/25).

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is "expressing new optimism" about keeping the Bears in the city, characterizing his conversations with the team as "productive" during an interview on his first 100 days in office. Johnson: "In fact, they've been quite productive, and the leadership of (Bears President and CEO) Kevin Warren is a strong indication of that." The mayor "did not elaborate on a specific plan or possible sites" for a new stadium, but described current talks as "a listening phase that has established the rapport needed for progress." Though light on specifics, Warren echoed in a statement that the team has "built a positive relationship with the mayor, something the organization did not enjoy with former Mayor Lori Lightfoot" (CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS, 8/24).

A top PGA Tour official this week confirmed recent reports that Netflix will air a golf tournament later this year, its first entry into the live sports space. The Wall Street Journal reported in June that a tournament would take place in the fall in Las Vegas featuring personalities from "Full Swing" and "Drive to Survive." Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos later said it would air in November. This week at East Lake ahead of the Tour Championship, PGA Tour SVP/Media & Gaming Norb Gambuzza confirmed the plans as well. Without revealing details, Gambuzza would only say the event will include "golfers and drivers." 

• Bundesliga execs say rights sale could be revisited
• Everton troubles continue as MSP talks collapse
• Nike agrees to sell women's goalkeeper kits

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The bleachers at the Guardians' Progressive Field starting next Opening Day "will be named" after late Cleveland superfan John Adams, who died this past winter at the age of 71. Adams' "drum beat became a staple at Cleveland baseball games for nearly five decades" (FOX8NEWS.com, 8/24).

Visit Tampa Bay has "strengthened its marketing presence" in the U.K. through a partnership with Brentford FC that will "lead to a matchday takeover in 2024, VIP upgrades for fans and opportunities for Brentford supporters to win a trip to Tampa Bay" (TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL, 8/25).

“He was the most coveted pitching prospect we’ve ever seen. His entire 13-year career with the Washington Nationals coming to an end … and this is just, to me, sad because what a special talent” -- MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger, on Nationals P Stephen Strasburg announcing he is retiring from the game after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft (“MLB Tonight,” MLB network, 8/24).

“They could. I don’t think they will. First of all, how many people out there are going to be better or as anywhere near as good as Brian Cashman?” -- ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, on the possibility the Yankees fire GM Brian Cashman at the end of the season (“PTI,” ESPN, 8/24).

The BOSTON GLOBE writes, "A treasure from the past, Sport magazine, may yet have another life." Founded in 1946, "when a war-weary America was eager to delve into sports as a pleasant escape," Sport Magazine "was an immediate success." In the '50s and '60s, it had become an "absolute must-read in a world that did not include sports talk radio, sports talking heads on TV, and, most importantly, a steady diet of televised sports events on a daily basis." Sport’s time "had expired by 2000," and the assets were picked up by a Canadian entity known as Sport Media Collection in 2001. Now honchos Wayne Parrish and Marc Appleman are "willing to divest themselves of Sport’s vast, incomparable assets," which number 150,000 physical images. Sport has "an important legacy," and it is "imperative that a buyer with the right intentions be found."

Also:

• The inside story of the Nashville Stars, the next MLB team you don’t know about.
• Wear all you want, they’ll make more.
• Can Simone Biles bring U.S. gymnastics back to a better place than she left it in Tokyo?
• Knicks-Raptors lawsuit: Answering 6 lingering questions

On the tennis courts:

• In tennis, it’s the haves and the have-nots.
• Billie Jean King’s push for equal prize money in 1973 is being celebrated at this U.S. Open.
• Not all tennis balls are equal.

We are proud to announce that the Progressive Field bleachers will be named after Johns Adams starting Opening Day 2024.

John's drum will also be sent to Cooperstown where it will be displayed for the foreseeable future.

We miss you, John! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ddJS68WVdK

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 24, 2023

WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.

WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pabVuaKlnP

— WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2023

The man at the center of the game. KELCE streams September 12. pic.twitter.com/WQu4RBKTWq

— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) August 24, 2023

LEGENDARY! 😱

For the sixth time in the #USSeniorWomensOpen, 84-year-old JoAnne Carner shoots her age or better. pic.twitter.com/VP63BnJbN9

— USGA (@USGA) August 24, 2023

👮‍♂️🇦🇷 During Inter Miami matches, Leo Messi is followed by an ex-US Navy Seal for maximum security.

The bodyguard is a martial arts, boxer and taekwondo expert. He can be seen even following him during matches. pic.twitter.com/Gl8n1UzHXV

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 24, 2023

So excited to join a team of lovely, talented people over at @FPC_AHL and of course cover the @AHLBruins this upcoming season!!! 🤠 https://t.co/7nDDxFwcGg

— Sarah Griffin (@skg_18) August 24, 2023

ꜱᴍᴏʟᴛᴢ ᴠꜱ. ʜɪᴛ ʙʏ ᴘɪᴛᴄʜ: ᴅɪʀᴇᴄᴛᴏʀ'ꜱ ᴄᴜᴛ 🎬 pic.twitter.com/fT2TeMONCU

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) August 25, 2023

"By ferry, the distance between these two paired Mediterranean islands is about 40 miles from Alcudia to Ciutadella."

“What are Majorca and Menorca (Minorca)?”