Weekly Highlights 10: Top 5 Recent Sports News

The world of sports never fails to deliver excitement, with each week offering new highlights, standout performances, and pivotal moments that capture global attention. In this edition of Weekly Highlights 10, we spotlight five major stories shaping the current sports landscape. From thrilling basketball debuts and near-flawless pitching to bold trades and major international football rivalries, these updates reflect the intensity and energy of today’s sporting scene.

Covering action from the NBA and MLB to UEFA tournaments and the NHL’s potential format shift, this week’s roundup shows how sport continues to evolve-on and off the field. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a casual follower, there’s plenty here to catch your interest. Let’s explore the five biggest sports stories making headlines right now.

Cooper Flagg Selected No. 1 Overall by Dallas Mavericks

The 2025 NBA Draft delivered one of its most talked-about moments when the Dallas Mavericks selected Duke University’s rising star Cooper Flagg as the number one overall pick. At 6’10”, Flagg is a versatile forward known for his two-way play - excelling both offensively and defensively. Scouts and analysts widely regard him as a generational talent with the ability to transform the Mavericks’ franchise fortunes.

Flagg’s combination of size, court vision, and basketball IQ makes him a rare prospect. His defensive prowess is complemented by a polished offensive skill set, including smooth shooting and an ability to create plays. This unique blend has NBA commentators projecting an immediate impact, with ESPN noting Flagg’s readiness to contribute from day one.

The Mavericks’ decision to draft Flagg marks a clear commitment to rebuilding around youthful talent. It echoes a strategic pivot towards developing a core that can mature together and contend for championships in the coming years. Sports Illustrated compared Flagg’s potential to that of past transformative number one picks, signaling high expectations for his future leadership on the court.

The excitement around Flagg extends beyond his individual skills. Fans and experts alike are optimistic that his arrival will usher in a new era of success in Dallas, helping the Mavericks navigate the highly competitive Western Conference. His selection encapsulates the hope and ambition that comes with fresh talent entering the league.

Jacob deGrom Nears No-Hitter in Dominant Rangers Performance

In Major League Baseball, veteran pitcher Jacob deGrom delivered a masterclass performance on June 25th for the Texas Rangers. DeGrom flirted with a no-hitter, keeping the Baltimore Orioles hitless through seven innings before conceding a single early in the eighth. His command on the mound was sublime, showcasing velocity and precision reminiscent of his peak form.

Completing eight shutout innings, deGrom led the Rangers to a commanding 7-0 victory, energizing the team and fans alike. His ERA has dropped below 2.00, a testament to his consistency and growing dominance this season.

DeGrom’s near no-hitter is more than a single game highlight; it symbolizes his resurgence after significant injury challenges. Once considered among the best pitchers in baseball, his ability to return to elite status has significant implications for the Rangers’ postseason aspirations.

This performance also serves as a reminder of the impact a dominant ace pitcher can have on a team’s success. With deGrom back to his best, the Rangers are considered serious contenders, boasting both pitching strength and offensive firepower as the season progresses. Jacob deGrom’s exceptional outing has reignited excitement among Rangers fans, who see him as a crucial factor in their push for a deep playoff run. As he continues to build momentum, his presence on the mound could prove decisive in tight postseason matchups.

Phoenix Suns Acquire 7-Footer Mark Williams in Major Trade

The NBA’s offseason buzz continued on June 25 with the Phoenix Suns acquiring 7-foot center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in a blockbuster trade. Phoenix sent two future first-round draft picks to Charlotte, signaling a clear intent to strengthen their frontcourt for an aggressive title push.

Williams, known for his agility and rim-protecting capabilities, complements the Suns’ existing big man, DeAndre Ayton. This twin-tower setup is expected to significantly improve Phoenix’s defensive presence in the paint and add versatility in guarding multiple positions.

Analysts have praised the Suns’ bold move, highlighting how the acquisition could address key defensive gaps and elevate the team’s overall competitiveness in the Western Conference. However, the price of two high-value draft picks underscores the Suns’ ‘win-now’ approach, prioritizing immediate success over future assets.

This trade reflects the shifting dynamics of NBA roster building, where teams increasingly take calculated risks on proven talent to enhance their championship chances. The Suns are betting that Williams’ arrival will be a catalyst for deeper playoff runs in a league filled with strong contenders.

England and Spain Ready for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Showdown

As UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 approaches, excitement builds around one of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups: England vs. Spain. Scheduled to begin in Switzerland on July 2, both teams enter with strong credentials and a growing rivalry.

England come in as the defending champions, having secured the title in 2022 with a disciplined and tactical style of play. The Lionesses, led by coach Sarina Wiegman, rely on a solid defense and collective team effort to succeed. Key players like Lauren James and Keira Walsh are expected to shine.

Spain, on the other hand, arrives fresh off their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory over England. Renowned for their fluid, attacking football, Spain boasts a squad featuring Barcelona Femeni stars such as Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo. Bookmakers have named Spain as favorites, highlighting their formidable form and skillful approach.

The rivalry between these teams is intense, with Spain aiming to continue their ascendancy and England seeking revenge on home turf. Their clash is widely expected to set the tone for the tournament and could be pivotal in deciding which side advances.

This showdown symbolizes the rise of women’s football globally, reflecting growing investment, visibility, and competitive depth. Fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s finest teams.

NHL Considers Expanding Regular Season to 84 Games

As the NHL looks toward the 2025–26 season, league officials are exploring a possible expansion of the regular season from 82 to 84 games. The proposal has sparked debate, balancing financial opportunity with concerns over player health and competitive integrity.

Proposed Schedule Expansion

The National Hockey League (NHL) is currently in discussions to expand its regular season from 82 to 84 games, potentially starting in the 2025–26 season. This proposal is being explored as part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between league officials and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA). It would mark the first change to the season structure in over a decade, signaling a significant shift in how the league manages competition and revenue generation.

Financial and Competitive Incentives

Supporters of the expansion believe that two additional games could deliver meaningful financial benefits.

Increased ticket revenue from home games would directly benefit teams.
More content for broadcasters and sponsors means additional income through media rights.
From a sporting perspective, an 84-game schedule might allow for fairer inter-division play, reducing scheduling imbalances and enhancing competitive equity across the league.

Concerns Around Player Health

Despite the financial appeal, there are strong concerns from players and health experts regarding the physical toll of a longer season.

Increased risk of injuries due to a higher game load.
Reduced recovery time, especially for older or frequently-traveled teams.
Potential long-term consequences on player longevity and performance consistency.
These concerns highlight the ongoing tension between growing the business of sport and preserving athlete well-being.

Mixed Fan Reactions

Reactions from the NHL fan base have been divided.

Some fans welcome the idea of more games and more opportunities to watch their teams in action.
Others feel that adding games could dilute the quality of competition, leading to viewer fatigue and potential disinterest late in the season.
The response reflects a broader discussion in sports about the balance between content quantity and quality.

The Bigger Picture

This proposed schedule expansion reflects broader trends in professional sports. Leagues are continuously adapting to changing business models, global market pressures, and shifting audience expectations. The NHL’s willingness to revisit its long-standing format shows how even traditional institutions must evolve in the face of new economic realities.

Ultimately, the final decision will need to strike a balance between financial growth, fan engagement, and player welfare. As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on how the league manages this critical crossroads in shaping its future.

Conclusion

This week’s Weekly Highlights 10 reflects the ever-shifting landscape of the sports world. From Cooper Flagg stepping into the NBA spotlight and Jacob deGrom returning to dominant form, to the Phoenix Suns making bold roster decisions, each story shows how teams and athletes are shaping their futures through ambition and talent. On the international front, the growing rivalry between England and Spain at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 adds intensity to the tournament build-up, while the NHL’s potential move to an 84-game season illustrates how leagues are balancing growth with sustainability.

Together, these moments remind us that sport is about more than just results-it's about evolution, strategy, and vision. Be sure to check back for Weekly Highlights 11, where we’ll continue following the biggest developments in the world of sports.