ESPN is undergoing its most significant transformation ever. Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro has been asked if the world leader in sports will still be part of Disney’s future.
This latest question was asked during his first CNBC sit-down since taking over from Bob Iger, the new Los Angeles Lakers owner and longtime CEO. Disney’s ownership over ESPN is in the spotlight, as it tries to navigate an environment with rising cable fees, cord cutting, and streaming. ESPN also sold 10 percent of its stake in the NFL to an equity agreement as part of a repositioning strategy for the future.
Skeptics about ESPN’s future in the Disney fold will point out the Q3 2026 earnings of the company, where its sports division fell by an astounding 17 percent. The executives who spoke on the call highlighted ESPN’s increased ratings for the NBA Finals, and their strength in the portfolio. However, Disney has yet to determine how best to position ESPN Unlimited as part of its streaming empire including Disney+.
In an interview with CNBC D’Amaro said, in response to a question about the decline of sports, that he wanted more sports moved to Disney+ so as to reach casuals. In the interview with CNBC, D’Amaro stated that when asked about declining sports viewing, he wants more to be moved over to Disney+ in order for it reach more casuals.
It’s clear to me that I am not interested in spinning out ESPN. Anyone in the sports industry who looks at the sports rights we hold and the fans that are associated with them would be jealous. The ratings have gone through the roof. We haven’t seen anything like it before. It is my belief that it belongs in the ecosystem. As for how we’ll integrate it into the ecosystem, in our Q3 earnings report I mentioned that we would start to add more sports onto Disney+. The casual sports fan can engage in this area and create more stickyness on the Disney+ platform. In terms of rights to sports, I believe that ESPN has done a great job in securing the rights most valuable to us, which are the best sports rights. We will remain committed to this.
In recent years, corporate spinoffs are all the rage among entertainment giants. NBCUniversal split off Versant from its cable networks, resulting in the formation of USA Sports. Warner Bros. Discovery had been ready to follow suit before being swallowed by Paramount’s growing media empire.
ESPN remains the leader in the world of sports, regardless of whether the content is linear or streamed. Its rights portfolio, its brand recognition and its reach are unmatched. As we’ve seen over the past few years, media is under more and harsher pressures. No company has the luxury of choosing what they do. ESPN is facing a difficult reality: astronomically increasing rights fees, as seen in new NBA and NFL contracts. This comes at a time when cable and satellite subscribers have been declining for many years.
Even though ESPN and Disney are better placed than their competitors to face these challenges, this may not be sufficient to make a turnaround. Not yet, at least.

On Saturday, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2026 and welcomed nine new members.
Amar’e Stoudemire, the former NBA star who has been the most prominently recognized this year is Amar’e Stoudemire. Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni will also be honored for their contributions to basketball. Joey Crawford will also be inducted, as he is one of NBA’s most tenured officials. Mark Few, the Gonzaga head coach, was also recognized.
Three WNBA women legends were honored this year: Elena Della Donne (on the men’s side), Candace Parker, and Chamique Holdersclaw. Team USA, which won gold in the 1996 Olympics, will also be recognized as a group. The team, led by Hall of Famers like Lisa Leslie and Dawn Staley as well as Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, helped set the scene for the founding of the WNBA in 1996.
Stoudemire being inducted as the 2003 NBA Rookie of Year, and six-time All-Star is a great example for other players who either missed the cut or were on the cusp of becoming eligible. Stoudemire didn’t have a single title in his 14 year NBA career. This is a common factor against borderline Hall of Fame candidates. Stoudemire played his last game in the NBA during the 2015-16 NBA season. He waited 7 years since he became eligible.
Five former NBA stars could be added to the Hall of Fame in future years.
Blake Griffin
Career stats (19.0 PPG, 8. RPG, 4. APG), 49.3 Fg%, 32.8% 3P% and 69.6% FT% in 13 seasons
Accolades Six-time All-Star. Three-time All-NBA Second Team. Two-time All-NBA Third team. 2011 Rookie Of The Year. 2011 Slam Dunk Contest Champion
Hall of Fame Eligible: Now
Griffin was eligible for the Hall of Fame this year, and a finalist. However, he did not get into the class of 2026. Griffin never reached the NBA Finals, and only once did he reach the Conference Finals. This was in his last season with the Celtics.
Griffin was a dominant player at the beginning of his career. This is even though he did not play in his first NBA year after being selected as the number one pick by the Clippers during the 2009 NBA draft. Griffin, the rookie of the year in his debut season with the Los Angeles Clippers and an All-Star for each of his five first seasons in Los Angeles was Griffin’s first accomplishment. Griffin was the Pistons’ primary player after being traded at the trade deadline in 2018.
It’s worth noting that, while this may be insufficient for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to consider a player’s complete basketball career. As a McDonald’s All-American, he was a McDonald’s All-American and the National College Player of the Year. He’s also one of the most talented dunkers that we have ever seen. Griffin is a good candidate because the Hall of Fame does not have an exclusive membership. Griffin has a resume that is comparable to, or better than Stoudemire’s.
Andre Iguodala
Career Stats: 46.3 FG% (33.0 3P%), 70.9 FT% and 11.3 PPG (19 seasons).
The NBA has given him many accolades, including four-time NBA champ, MVP of the 2015 NBA Finals, an All-Star and one-time All-Defense First Team, as well as Olympic gold (2012). Warriors retire No. 9.
Hall of Fame Eligible: Now
Iguodala is the case that’s most intriguing because he did not have a high box score. He is, however, the only NBA champion on this list. And he has four. He was also the Finals MVP when in 2015 the Warriors took their first championship with Steph on the team and started the dynasty.
Iguodala, who retired in 2023 and is eligible to enter the Hall of Fame for this year because he meets its criteria, should qualify. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame told Sports Illustrated that players must have been out of the sport for at least two calendar years. Iguodala did not receive a nomination this year despite meeting the requirements.
In the 2015 Finals, he was the perfect example of winning role players. He helped Golden State to minimize LeBron (as best as they could) and win the series. Iguodala did not start any games that year until the finals, and he helped the Warriors win the series by being part of their infamous death lineup.
Derrick Rose
Stats for career: 17.4 PPG (per game), 5.2 APG (per game), 3.2 RPG (45.6 FG%), 31.6 3P% (83.1 FT%) (15 seasons).
Awarded: 2009 Rookie Of The Year, Three-Time All-Stars, 2011 NBA MVP Bulls retire No.
Hall of Fame eligibility: 2027
Rose’s only MVP in 2011 is the card that will be used to determine whether he makes it into Hall of Fame. In his third year, Rose was the NBA’s most prestigious player. He is still the youngest to win the award. His first four years with Chicago were electric, but an ACL tear in the first playoff game of 2012 kept him from playing the entire season the following year. This limited the explosiveness of his style for the remainder of his career.
Later in his career, he reinvented himself as an excellent bench player. No one will ever forget the emotional 50-point career high game he played as a Timberwolves member in 2018.
Three All-Stars and one All-NBA (first-teamer in his MVP year) is all he has achieved. Normal, this is not an honorable mention. If Rose were to miss the cut, he would be the first NBA MVP not inducted. Rose, given his history of injuries and how he played before the knee problems, should be contacted by Springfield even if it takes a little time.
Chris Paul
Career Stats: 46.9 Fg%, 37.0% 3P% and 87.0 FT%.
Accolades: 12 time All-Star; 2013 All-Star Game, MVP. Four-time All-NBA First Team, Seven-time All-Defense First team. 2006 Rookie Of The Year. Five-time assist leader. Six-time steal leader. Member of NBA 75th Anniversary team. Olympic Gold Medalist (2008 and ’12).
Hall of Fame eligibility: 2029
The Hall of Fame has the easiest case of all retired players. Paul was named to 12 All-Star Teams and 11 All-NBA teams. Paul was an excellent defender who led the NBA with steals for six years and began offenses like no other. CP3 has to be considered one of the best point guards in history. One thing that works against him is his lack of NBA titles, but with his brilliance and longevity he will be a Hall of Famer in no time.
Paul was still great in the later part of his career. He helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals at age 35, the only time that he won a championship. As a member of Team USA, he won gold at both the Olympics in 2008 and 2012. Paul is not without a championship, but that’s no excuse. Paul’s decade plus of being the NBA’s best point guard, and second in all-time assists and steals only behind John Stockton (in both categories), cements his status as one the greatest guards in history.
By 2029 CP3 will have his orange jacket.
Russell Westbrook
Career stats: 19.9 PPG (per game), 8.0 APG (6.9 per season), 43.8 FG% (30.8 3P%), 77.1 FTP% (18 seasons).
Accolades: NBA MVP 2017, nine-time All-Star; two-time All-Star Game MVP; two-time All-NBA First Team selections, scoring champion twice, assists leader three times, NBA 75th Anniversary team member, Olympic gold (2012)
Hall of Fame eligibility: 2029
Westbrook has just retired so he still has time. He should, though, be in the Hall of Fame by 2029. Westbrook may be another NBA player who is a victim of the “no-ring” argument but it can’t be denied that he is one the greatest guards ever. He’s also one of the unique players that we will ever see.
He was good at almost everything, and played at a fierce tenacity. Westbrook is the NBA’s triple-double leader, but not for much longer. Nikola Jokic only has 11 more than him. Although the current record-holder makes it look simple, a triple-double is certainly not easy. In four seasons, he averaged a Triple-Double and during his MVP year he was the leading scorer in the league with 31.6 per game. It is amazing to average a triple-double of 30 points while missing only one game.
Westbrook had a career full of ups and downsides. However, in his last two years he was a reliable NBA player for both the Nuggets (his first team) and Kings. He made his only trip to the NBA Finals early in the career with the Thunder, in 2012 alongside Kevin Durant. Westbrook is not eligible for the Hall of Fame because he has never won a championship. However, as a top player in the NBA over the past decade, his Hall of Fame nomination should be assured as soon as Westbrook becomes eligible.

Rob Gronkowski gave Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce what they asked for on their wedding day.
In an interview with NBC Sports, the 37-year-old four time Super Bowl champion revealed that he had followed his couple’s directions to “T”, but still got nothing in return for the nuptials on July 3, at Madison Square Garden.
“Didn’t get him any.” It’s good that I didn’t, because you weren’t allowed to give them gifts. Gronkowski said to the outlet. He was referring to the rule they implemented about not giving wedding guests any presents. I don’t like to go against the rules.
Gronkowski, his girlfriend Camille Kostek and Julian Edelman (his former teammate) attended what Swifties called the “wedding the century”. Gronkowski tried “to play matchmaker” for Edelman. Gronkowski said the event, despite no gifts, was a memorable one.
They didn’t have to send anything. Gronkowski replied, “I should send them a card to thank them for having me.”
Gronkowski joined dozens of A listers, from musicians to sports stars. They all celebrated with the couple in a luxurious but intimate event. The “The Other Football’ talk show host revealed some of the details about attending this New York City event.
Gronkowski told his “Other Football’ co-host Jameis Winston, that there were five block of black vehicles in the queue.
I ain’t gonna sit here and do nothing. We’ll put the Argentina-Cape Verde World Cup game on screen. “That game got me ready for my wedding, because it was one of the most exciting games you could have possibly seen.”
The man added: “It made you jump out of the seat and excited. And this wedding is no different.”
Gronkowski added, “It was excellent.” Hats off to Taylor & Trav. The dance floor is the most important thing. “It was popping.
KiMi Robinson is a contributor to USA TODAY

Jason Arday died on Friday in London, just a week after quitting the University of Cambridge amid allegations of plagiarism, according to his family. His age was 41.
In a press release, his family stated that “Jason has been subjected for more than three year to an abuse campaign by people who will leave no stone unturned to try and undermine him.”
The campaign of misinformation proved too overwhelming for Jason. He was an honest man who wanted the best for everyone. “We are shocked to lose this incredible father, son, partner, and brother.”
London Metropolitan Police has not identified Arday but stated in a press release that they responded to the report at 3:12 p.m. Friday local time of an unresponsive 41-year old man inside a house. The man’s death was confirmed by police at the scene. His next-of-kin were notified.
Police said that his death was “unexpected” but not suspicious. This case is being investigated.
Lucy Powell, the U.K. education secretary said that in a post on social media she was “deeply saddened & shocked” by Arday’s passing.
Powell wrote in his post: “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this man at this sad moment.” I urge everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time and to keep in mind that there are people involved with real loved ones.
Arday, who resigned as a professor at Cambridge University on August 5, following accusations of plagiarism in his bio, said in a written statement that “the relentless allegations, speculation, and public commentary has taken a toll on myself and those I love.”
His resignation “should not be mistaken as an acceptance of narratives surrounding me,” he said.
We are deeply saddened by this news. In a recent statement, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice expressed her deepest sympathies to Jason Arday’s family and close friends.
Arday, who is 37 years old and joined Cambridge University in 2023 after sharing a remarkable account of his own life, became one of Britain’s most prominent academics. He claimed to be autistic, dyslexic and unable read and write before the age of 18.
He was born and raised in South London. After college, he earned a degree and two masters before becoming a qualified teacher. Then he earned his PhD from Liverpool John Moores University.
He told CBS News that in 2023, “Not many of my teachers believed in me.” Educational psychologists and behavior therapists gave a very strong assessment of my future struggles and that I’d need assistance in the later years.
Nathan Cofnas is a former Cambridge researcher and philosopher who has criticized policies on diversity, inclusion, and equity. He made accusations of plagiarism last month. Cofnas wrote in an earlier article that a meritocracy would result in “Blacks disappearing from nearly all high-profile jobs outside of sport and entertainment.”
Arday had previously denied that he was guilty of any wrongdoing. He said the errors in his work were unintentional and claimed most criticisms against him stemmed from an ideology and race-motivated campaign.
Arday’s supporters also said that the criticism went beyond academic critique and that he was the victim of an ideology campaign due to his research on racism, inequity and diversity.
The Times of London reported that Liverpool John Moores University had previously conducted an investigation into allegations regarding his doctoral dissertation and found no evidence of misconduct.
The Times of London, and The Telegraph published articles last month about possible embellishments to Arday’s biography, such as claims that he had raised millions of dollars for charity by completing endurance challenges. He later changed his story. The Telegraph challenged his claim that he had published “Being Young Black and Male: Challenge the Dominant discourse” saying they could find no evidence of its publication.
Arday’s “Great and Unfortunate Things” memoir was released this week. It chronicles Arday’s life, from his childhood to his appointment as a Cambridge professor.
Arday’s resignation letter did not mention the allegations made against him. However, he said that his resignation “should not be mistaken as an approval of the stories surrounding me.”
He said, “It’s just the decision of a person who is at the limit of what anyone should be expected to tolerate.”

Islam Makhachev & Ian Machado Garry reignite rivalry between Dagestan & Ireland. UFC 330 may not be as tense as Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor but it still features the best welterweights in the world.
Makhachev has been on an historic streak. Every new match is an opportunity for Makhachev, who’s already the top fighter in a sport based on pound-for -pound ranking, to further his legacy. In 2025, he broke the record for the most successful lightweight title defences and finished it as a champion in two divisions. He can increase his unbeaten streak in the UFC to 17 on Saturday. This would break a record set 14 years ago by Anderson Silva.
Garry is not interested in being a tool. Garry, who is adamantly confident about his title claim, already sees himself as a living legend. Garry is a BJJ champion with almost unbeatable skills. He has been trained by BJJ Legends Demian Maia & Charles Oliveira.
Subscribe to Paramount+ today and you can watch UFC 330 at no extra cost! Plan prices start at $8.99/month, or $89.99/year.
There’s one more title match in Philly before the main event. Mackenzie Dern, who is now the UFC strawweight women’s champion in Zhang Weili’s absence due to an extended illness, can create her own legacy. This journey starts against Gillian Robertson who is looking to win Canada’s first UFC championship in over a decade.
UFC returns to Philadelphia, featuring Mansur Abdul Malik’s incredible knockout powers, a chance for Jalin’s MMA Career, as well as more.
Ian Garry is bursting with confidence about his upcoming welterweight championship at UFC 330. “I’ve already seen it in my dream”
Brian Campbell
Choose your UFC 330 fights! Join our UFC Pick’em Game in the CBS Sports App. Take the challenge to compete for $5,000! The picks will close on Saturday, at 7 pm ET. ET.
We’ll look at all the action on Saturday and the odds for each match before providing our predictions.
UFC 330 fight card, odds
Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 14, 2018
Islam Makhachev (c), -360, vs. Ian Machado Garry (+285), welterweight championship
Mackenzie Dern (c) -218 vs. Gillian Robertson +180, women’s strawweight title
Jalin Turner -148 vs. Kaue Fernandes +124, lightweights
Mansur Abdul-Malik -675 vs. Dustin Stoltzfus +470, middleweights
Esteban Ribovics -675 vs. Edson Barboza +470, lightweights
Joel Alvarez -305 vs. Chidi Njokuani +245, welterweights
Charles Johnson -125 vs. Eduardo Henrique +105, flyweights
Donte Johnson -298 vs. Eric McConico +240, middleweights
Tresean Gore -118 vs. Vicente Luque -102, middleweights
Lucas Fernando -298 vs. Rafael Tobias +240, light heavyweights
Ramiz Brahimaj -142 vs. Neil Magny +120, welterweights
Myktybek Orolbai -1050 vs. Jeremiah Wells +675, welterweights
UFC 330 Expert Picks
CBS Sports’ crew made predictions for this massive event, including Brian Campbell, Brent Brookhouse and Shakiel Mahajouri. Michael Mormile, Brandon Wise and Michael Mormile also picked their picks.
CampbellBrookhouseMahjouriMormileWiseMakhachev (c) vs. GarryMakhachev UDMakhachev UDMakhachev SUB4Makhachev SUB4Garry UDDern (c) vs. RobertsonDern TKO4Dern UDRobertson UDRobertson UDRobertson UDTurner vs. FernandesTurner SUB2Fernandes TKO3Fernandes KO1Fernandes UDTurner KO2Abdul-Malik vs. StoltzfusAbdul-Malik TKO2Stoltzfus TKO2Abdul-Malik KO1Abdul-Malik KO1Abdul-Malik KO2Ribovics vs. BarbozaRibovics TKO3Ribovics UDRibovics KO1Ribovics KO2Ribovics UDRecords to date20-1721-1624-1322-1516-21
Predictions for the match between Ian Garry and Islam Makhachev
Campbell: Garry’s advantage of 5 inches of height and 4 inches of reach, combined with his defensive and cage-IQ skills should make this an extremely difficult test for Makhachev’s overall game. The two-division champ is pound for pound the best in the world, and he has a good reason. Garry will be left with few options if he can’t hurt or finish his opponents, even though his takedown defence is good. Makhachev will likely break Anderson Silva’s record of consecutive victories and establish himself as one of the greatest fighters of all time in his most difficult challenge to date.
Brookhouse: Garry is a live dog. Makhachev, who is still a newcomer to the weight class, has a long and legitimate welterweight. Garry is going to have a few good moments in the fight, while Makhachev has to learn how to consistently close distance. Makhachev is likely to be able score enough takedowns, and perform well enough on the floor, to win a decision. But the victory won’t be easy. Garry will have to prove himself as a serious contender for 170 pounds.
Mahjouri: Makhachev is the right choice. In his debut at welterweight, he cruised through the first five rounds. He now faces a patient, unfinished opponent. Javier Mendez – Makhachev’s trainer – convinced me, however, that we will see an aggressive side to the champ. When changing divisions, you have to consider a new risk assessment. Makhachev answered these questions the last time, and now enters UFC 330 a legitimate welterweight. Garry may be well-rounded, responsible and a good fighter but lacks conviction or the strength to stop Makhachev. Although I don’t think he is afraid of him, the champion does respect his opponent. Makhachev should feel confident to fight Makhachev in his own realm, and finish the match. It seems he is motivated.
Wise: Despite all of the arguments my co-workers have given, I find it hard to believe that Makhachev could hold up against a real welterweight. Garry has a lot of defensive skills to stop the grappling of Makhachev. Jack Della Maddalena was unable to do so. If the fight turns into a stand-and trade battle, Garry’s awkwardness and style will cause Makhachev a great deal of difficulty, as his striking is not very good. Garry is able to impress enough judges and provide a good value for the underdog price.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson predictions
Campbell: In this matchup, the ground game of both submission specialists should be able to cancel out each other. Like Dern’s win over Virna Jaddiroba in October last year, this bout should be decided by the strike. Dern compensates, even though she is a champion, for any technical or strategic deficiencies that may still exist as a striking specialist with her strength, ability to swap and overhand right. According to an old saying, a fighter becomes 30% more effective after becoming champion. Dern will rely heavily on her newfound confidence to overcome Robertson’s defence and score an impressive stoppage during her first title fight.