Category: NBA

Cash rules everything around the NBA when it comes to expansion.

At a time when there are concerns about tanking and league depth, the Board of Governors has green-lit “formally” exploring expansions to Las Vegas and Seattle, the NBA announced Wednesday.

Each franchise could have bidding wars in the $7 billion-$10 billion range, per ESPN, and the 2028-29 season has been floated as the potential inaugural season for the respective franchises.

“Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle — two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in the release. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”

There have long been rumors of NBA expansion over the last two-plus decades since the league last added a franchise in 2004, and it now seems there are finally some tangible legs.

The NBA last added the Charlotte Bobcats — now the Hornets — to bump from 29 teams to 30 and create six divisions of five teams, and 32 is a natural number for an increase.

Details leaked earlier this month that the Board of Governors would vote during their meetings from March 24-25, and they need 75 percent (23 votes) to move forward.

The cash boon from the moves surely factored into the decision, since the owners would directly profit from adding two more teams.

The NBA said that PJT Partners is being enlisted as a “strategic partner to evaluate prospective markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure and the broader economic implications of expansion.”

Seattle already has a long history with the NBA, with the SuperSonics franchise from 1967 to 2008, before the team relocated to Oklahoma City.

There has long been fervor from fans to return to the Emerald City, and now it seems the green and yellow could be on its way back.

Las Vegas has never had an NBA team, but Sin City plays host to the Summer League and the NBA Cup semifinals and championship game.

With MLB (A’s) and the NFL (Raiders) adding Las Vegas teams in recent years, to go along with the Golden Knights of the NHL, it seems a matter of time before the NBA is in Nevada.

The one concern with adding two teams is that it comes as tanking consumes the sport, and the NBA has yet to figure out how to prevent teams from being uncompetitive in the second half.

The league is attempting to implement anti-tanking procedures, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough of a deterrent.

The NBA is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

After plenty of foreshadowing that this would be coming, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Wednesday that the league’s owners had voted for the next step toward expansion in fielding bids and applicants.

This would add two more teams to the Western Conference, and could mean the iconic SuperSonics will be back in the NBA before this decade ends, as Charania further detailed in an article.

The NBA’s board of governors has approved a vote for the league to explore bids and applicants for expansion teams exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle.

All 30 owners voted in favor of exploring Las Vegas and Seattle expansion, sources told ESPN. A bidding process is expected to generate offers in the $7-10 billion range for each team, according to sources.

Sources told ESPN last week that the league is targeting the 2028-29 season for the two expansion franchises to start playing.

For the Lakers, this means two new teams will be joining the West, and someone will have to go East. Will it be the Wolves or the Grizzlies, or will some other team head East?

Adding two expansion teams also will likely necessitate a changing of divisions. Will the Lakers be grouped with the Las Vegas franchise? Will all the California teams remain in the same division? There is plenty of ripple effects of the league adding new franchises.

With teams like the Lakers selling for $10 billion, it’s no surprise the NBA would like to add two teams to the league and rack up record expansion fees.

Seattle has a huge fanbase and has proven there is demand for NBA action there, as evidenced by the success they had with the Sonics. The NBA already has a strong relationship with Las Vegas, hosting its Summer League games there every year since 2004.

With the NFL, MLB, and WNBA already proving that Vegas is a hotbed for professional sports, it was only a matter of time before the NBA added a team.

However, don’t expect LeBron James to be the owner of that new franchise.

James has stated before that he wanted to own a team once he retired, specifically in Las Vegas, but he has since changed his tune and now has no interest in doing so.

The path towards this conversation about adding these two, going from conceptual to reality, will take time. A bidding process still needs to take place, get approved, and then don’t forget to figure out all the details, like where the stadiums will be.

Still, it seems inevitable at this point, and unanimous approval is a clear sign that everyone is on board.

A lot still needs to be figured out, but it seems like a sure bet that Vegas and Seattle will play basketball sooner rather than later.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

The biggest opening on the men's college basketball coaching carousel thus far is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The Tar Heels announced on Tuesday, March 24, that Hubert Davis would not return to his alma mater for a sixth season after UNC was upset in the first round of the Men's NCAA Tournament by 11-seed VCU. In a statement posted on his social media, Davis said he was "let go by" North Carolina and that he wanted to "still coach" the Tar Heels.

REQUIRED READING: Why was Hubert Davis fired? North Carolina says it 'must move forward'

Davis' tenure is highlighted by leading the Tar Heels to the Final Four as a No. 8 seed in his first season. The Tar Heels went 125-54 overall in five seasons under Davis, but a near-70% winning percentage was not good enough for another year, as the program saw a second straight first-weekend exit in March Madness.

It's an important hiring cycle for the Tar Heels, who have athletic director Bubba Cummingham retiring and Steve Newmark soon taking over. It could also be a historic one, as UNC said it is looking to hire someone with no ties to the Tar Heels — something that hasn't happened in 74 seasons.

If North Carolina wants to hire its replacement for Davis from among the top coaches and rising stars in the sport, it will need to be ready to make a significant financial investment simply to lure them away from their current programs.

Here's a look at the buyouts for some of the Tar Heels' top potential candidates:

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With just three weeks remaining, every win carries weight in a crowded and fiercely competitive Western Conference race.

The Minnesota Timberwolves — still without Anthony Edwards — welcome Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets, and this matchup sets up for KD to stay scorching after his 40-point explosion against the Chicago Bulls.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this heavyweight tilt on Wednesday, March 25.

Rockets vs Timberwolves prediction

Rockets vs Timberwolves best bet: Kevin Durant Over 26.5 points (-110)

Kevin Durant is averaging 24.2 points per game at home, but he’s scoring 27.7 on the road this season. The Slim Reaper has scored 27+ in 31 of 68 games, reaching that mark in 18 of 33 road contests.

Durant went through a dip in scoring, averaging just 20.3 points in a three-game span while facing the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. Over his last two games, Durantula is back on track offensively with scoring totals of 27 and 40.

Houston’s superstar forward recently passed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list. Remarkably, Durant ranks fifth in scoring but just 13th in field goal attempts, highlighting his elite efficiency.

Over his last 10 games, Durant has shot 58.1% from the floor and 46% from beyond the arc. He can be effective against a formidable Minnesota defense even if the team limits his shot attempts.

Durant has found success against the Minnesota Timberwolves in recent matchups. Across his last five regular-season tilts with the Wolves, he’s averaged 30.4 points and scored 27+ three times, including a 39-point performance in his first meeting of 2025-26.

I expect Durant to stay hot on the road in a primetime matchup with major playoff implications.

Rockets vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

Houston is just 1-6 ATS across its last seven games, while Minnesota has covered in three of four without Anthony Edwards. Edwards is out again, and Ayo Dosunmu is banged up with a calf injury.

The Houston Rockets should be desperate for a win after an embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bulls, and I’ll take them to win by at least a bucket on the road against a banged-up Wolves team.

Both teams have struggled offensively across their last 10 games. In that span, the Wolves rank 22nd in scoring (114 PPG), and the Rockets rank 26th at 111.1 PPG.

Both defenses are above average and play a physical brand of basketball, and buckets may come at a premium in this dogfight.

Rockets vs Timberwolves SGP

• Kevin Durant Over 26.5 points
• Rockets -1.5
• Under 224

Our "from downtown" SGP: No Bones About It

Bones Hyland has scored 15+ points in four straight games without Anthony Edwards while averaging 20 in that span. He's only averaged 2.4 assists for his career, but he's averaged four helpers in three starts and 3.8 dimes in nine games with 25+ minutes.

With Ayo Dosunmu banged up, Bones could have the ball in his hands a lot tonight.

Durant will understandably see plenty of defensive attention from Minnesota, and he'll need to find his teammates for open looks when the double-team comes.

He's recorded 5+ assists in four of his last seven games, and he dished seven dimes against the Wolves in his first meeting.

Rockets vs Timberwolves SGP

• Kevin Durant Over 26.5 points
• Bones Hyland Over 14.5 points
• Kevin Durant Over 4.5 assists
• Bones Hyland Over 3.5 assists

Rockets vs Timberwolves odds

• Spread: Houston -1.5 (-110) | Minnesota +1.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Houston -125 | Minnesota +105
• Over/Under: Over 224 (-110) | Under 224 (-110)

Rockets vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit the Team Total Under in 25 of their last 35 games at home (+13.75 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Rockets vs Timberwolves

Rockets vs Timberwolves latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

BENGALURU, India (AP) — American investors are making a big move into Indian cricket, with two separate billion-dollar deals made on the same day for teams in the country's most popular sports league.

No team in the Indian Premier League — one of Asia's most-watched sports events — had ever sold for more than $1 billion until a consortium backed by U.S. businessmen Kal Somani and Rob Walton — the former Walmart chairman — agreed Tuesday to buy the Rajasthan Royals in a deal that Indian media valued at $1.63 billion.

That record only lasted hours, though, as an even bigger deal was announced the same day for reigning champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru. That team was bought for $1.78 billion by another consortium that includes U.S. billionaire David Blitzer's Bolt Ventures and American asset manager Blackstone.

The two deals highlight the increasing allure of India's national pastime among international investors looking to be part of the most popular sport in the world's populous country.

“It’s mind-boggling numbers," Indian cricketing great Sourav Ganguly told local reporters. “But great news for Indian cricket and the way forward. I think it’s already as big as the NBA.”

The valuations for the two teams mark a huge jump from their original 2008 sales, when liquor baron Vijay Mallya purchased RCB for $111.6 million and Rajasthan sold for $67 million.

Cricket's hottest property

The IPL, which only runs three months a year, features the sport's shortest format — called Twenty20 — and has developed into cricket's hottest property. In 2022, the broadcast rights for the 2023-27 cycle were bought for $6.4 billion by Disney Star and Reliance Viacom18. Disney has since exited its India business and the two entities together formed JioStar in 2025.

In a statement, Blitzer described the IPL as “one of the great growth stories in global sport.”

In 2021, the league was expanded from eight to 10 teams and the two new franchises, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, sold for $670 million and $940 million, respectively.

In comparison, the London Spirit team of the British cricket league The Hundred was valued in 2025 at $370 million — the highest for any team in that tournament — when its partial stake was up for sale last year.

“Over the past two decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket, creating enormous value for India,” said Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman Aditya Birla Group, which is part of the consortium that includes Blitzer. “RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers us a distinctive platform to extend our legacy into the arena of global sport.”

The 2025 title was RCB's first, but the celebrations turned tragic when at least 11 people died in a deadly crowd crush at the team’s stadium.

The new ownership consortium will bring in a reformed management team for RCB. Aditya Birla director Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as chairman, while Satyan Gajwani of the Times of India Group will take on the role of vice chairman.

Blitzer already has ownerships stakes in the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, the NHL's New Jersey Devils and the Premier League's Crystal Palace, among a slew of other teams.

For Rajasthan, Somani was an existing shareholder and moved to take full control of the franchise in a deal that still needs approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Indian media reported. The Arizona-based tech entrepreneur is also one of the founders of Motor City Golf Club in the TGL league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

The 81-year-old Walton is the eldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, and is an owner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos.

Room for growth

While the IPL’s current valuations still fall well shy of the top global sports franchises in other sports, like the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys or soccer's Real Madrid, there is still room to grow.

Cricket made a foray into the U.S. market with the 2024 T20 World Cup — won by India — and the sport will return to American shores at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Times Group, another of RCB’s new co-owners, is already heavily invested in the American cricket market. It owns Willow, which primarily broadcasts all major cricket matches — including the IPL — in the U.S.

Walmart, meanwhile, has key interests in India. It acquired a majority stake in e-commerce giant Flipkart in 2018, and also controls PhonePe, the leading digital payments platform among other business interests.

There is also a connection between the IPL and Major League Cricket — a T20 competition that began in 2023 and has six teams: in Los Angeles, New York, San Fransisco, Seattle, Dallas and Washington, D.C.

The MLC is run with the blessings of IPL’s franchises – Chennai Super Kings owns the Texas franchise, while Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians own the Los Angeles and New York teams, respectively. The league is expected to grow to eight teams in 2027, with Arizona being a prime contender for one of the new franchises.

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

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It’s a jam-packed night of NBA action with a whopping 12 games on the schedule to wager on. That means a virtually unlimited number of options in the player prop markets.

That said, my best bets go back to a couple of old favorites, including fading the Heat on the glass and Victor Wembanyama continuing his personal block party.

Those and more NBA picks for Wednesday, March 25 below.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
Evan Mobley	Over 9.5 rebounds	+100
Victor Wembanyama	Over 3.5 blocks	+100
Kawhi Leonard	Over 2.5 threes	+100

Prop #1: Evan Mobley Over 9.5 rebounds

+100 at bet365

Fading the Miami Heat with opposing player rebounds is one of my favorite things going in NBA betting these days.

The Heat aren’t a terrible rebounding team, but their high tempo makes them ripe to pick on. Miami leads the NBA in pace and field goal attempts per game. That inherently means a lot of rebounds, and in fact, they allow the second-most opponent rebounds per game.

So, let’s keep things simple for tonight’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With Jarrett Allen banged up, Evan Mobley is Cleveland’s best rebounder. He is averaging 8.9 rebounds per game this season, and that is up to 11.0 over his last seven games, and he has hauled down 11 or more four times over that stretch.

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FDSN-South, FDSN-Ohio

Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks

+100 at bet365

My other favorite bet going these days is Victor Wembanyama blocks. The Alien has been on a mission since coming out of the All-Star break, protecting the rim as we’ve rarely seen. 

The San Antonio Spurs’ star is averaging 3.9 blocks over the 17 games he’s played since the break, rejecting four or more shots 13 times during that period, and I’m expecting the block party to continue when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies.

The banged-up Grizz will be clearly overmatched in this game as 16.5-point home dogs, and this inexperienced group already ranks 19th in opponent blocks per game.

So, as long as sportsbooks keep giving me even money or better on Over Wemby blocks, I’m going to keep betting it.

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FDSN-Southwest, FDSN-Memphis

Prop #3: Kawhi Leonard Over 2.5 threes

+100 at bet365

Kawhi Leonard has been spending the month of March reminding us that when he’s healthy, he’s one of the best basketball players in the world.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ star is averaging 30.0 points over his last 11 games, and he’s been on fire from beyond the arc. Kawhi is shooting a very good 42.5% on 6.6 3-point attempts per game over that 11-game stretch.

I’m betting he stays hot against his former team, the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors are wrapping up a West Coast road trip, and you can tell the season has been wearing on them.

Their perimeter defense has taken a step back recently, ranking 27th in opponent 3-point percentage since the All-Star break.

Kawhi has hit three or more threes in three straight games. He does it again tonight.

• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: TSN, FDSN-SoCal

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The Golden State Warriors may have lost Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler, but Big Yurt isn’t going anywhere.

27-year-old Ömer Yurtseven is signing a second 10-day contract with the Warriors, who are without centers Al Horford (calf) and Quinten Post (foot) at present. Yurtseven has appeared in five games for the Warriors, averaging 3.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. He’s made five baskets, dunked once, and gone 6-for-10 from the foul line.

The Warriors do need the front court depth and Yurtseven is extremely 6-foot-11, perhaps his most valuable NBA skill. He’s a solid rebounder but a limited defender in the post and doesn’t have an outside shot. Still, he has three games of 20+ points, which is three more than a lot of players.

Yurtseven played two seasons with the Miami Heat and one for the Utah Jazz before spending most of the last two seasons with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, before injuries and a roster crunch led to his release. He ended up on the Rio Grande Vipers, the Houston Rockets’ G League team, where he averaged 23 points and 13.3 rebounds in three dominant games.

Incidentally, Panathinaikos has a roster perfect for Remembering Some Guys. Yurtseven shared the frontcourt with Morehead State/Denver Nuggets legend Kenneth Faried, “Hustle” star and Adam Sandler bestie Juancho “Bo Cruz”Hernangomez, along with longtime Cleveland Cavalier Cedi Osman. The Greek team also employs Jerian Grant, son of Harvey Grant and brother of the Portland Trail Blazers forward and legendary bag-getter Jerami Grant, as well as Kendrick Nunn, an alumnus of the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Santa Cruz Warriors.

Yurtseven is clearly an NBA player, albeit probably a third center on most teams. But because of his Turkish citizenship, he’s probably more valuable to a European team, considering most leagues have caps on how many non-European players they can roster. That’s a big reason Warriors legend Anthony Randolph became a citizen of Slovenia, where he achieved his championship destiny as part of the 2017 EuroCup gold medalists.

How did the Warriors ever let this incredible player, champion, and Summer League legend go?

Will Yurtseven get a real NBA deal when this 10-day is up? Considering that the Warriors are slumping but still locked into the last play-in spot, the team may choose to save money by keeping the roster as lean as possible. Still, they may need Yurtseven if the centers remain banged up, and it may be a choice between the Turkish center or promoting two-way guard LJ Cryer at the end of the season.

Welcome back, Ömer! Please help Golden State beat the Brooklyn Nets. They’re not even trying to win!

North Carolina on Tuesday, March 24 fired fifth-year head coach Hubert Davis after back-to-back exits in the first round of the Men's NCAA Tournament.

Could another North Carolina program from the ACC have an opening soon?

REQUIRED READING: At Sweet 16, the coaches supply the star power. We rank them 1-16

According to multiplereports, LSU is working on hiring McNeese athletic director Heath Schroyer for a senior administrator position in Baton Rouge that would oversee the Tigers' men's basketball program. The reported attempt to hire Schroyer is an important one for LSU's rumored plans of bringing back North Carolina State's Will Wade to lead the program.

This comes at a time that fourth-year coach Matt McMahon is still employed by LSU following his third losing record in his last four seasons at LSU. Since his hiring, LSU has never won more than 17 games in a season, never finished better than .500 in SEC play and has never made the Men's NCAA Tournament, advancing only as far as the first round of the 2024 Men's NIT.

Conversely, Wade just wrapped his first season at NC State, which saw the Wolfpack go 20-14 to finish tied for seventh in the ACC. Their season ended with a First Four loss to 11-seed Texas, which is still dancing in March Madness.

Wade, of course, formerly coached LSU from 2017-22, where despite on-court success he was fired for cause after the NCAA accused him of committing multiple Level I and Level II violations, including "lack of institutional control." Following a season in which he didn't coach, Wade took over at McNeese in 2023-24, going 50-9 and appearing in the NCAA Tournament twice in two seasons, helping him land the Wolfpack head coaching position.

Should Wade leave NC State to return to LSU, here is what he would owe the Wolfpack:

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The Detroit Pistons are sending a clear message to anyone who thought they’d fall apart without Cade Cunningham, and they’ve got the Atlanta Hawks in their sights tonight at Little Caesars Arena.

While Atlanta is 9-1 in its last 10 games, the schedule has been favorable. My Hawks vs. Pistons predictions side with a Detroit team that’s won three in a row since Cade was ruled out.

Check out my NBA picks for a March 25 matchup that could yet be a first-round playoff preview.

Hawks vs Pistons prediction

Hawks vs Pistons best bet: Pistons -2.5 (-115)

The Detroit Pistons doubters have been loud at times this season, even before Cade Cunningham’s injury, but the Pistons just keep on winning.

After Monday’s impressive victory over the red-hot Lakers, they’re now 27-8 SU at home, and I’m picking Jalen Duren & Co. to cover this small spread tonight.

Detroit has won six of the past seven meetings with the Atlanta Hawks, including a 142-115 beatdown in December, and the hosts can match the Hawks’ recent surge.

Like Atlanta, the Pistons have made hay against weaker opposition, winning seven of their last eight games — six by a double-digit margin.

Of course, Cade’s absence hurts, but Daniss Jenkins continues to show he can handle big minutes, and his 30-point, eight-assist explosion was the catalyst for stunning the Lakers.

The Hawks’ loss in Houston last week may be an indicator of what happens when they face a physical defense, and the Pistons have held opponents to 110 points or fewer in seven of their last 10 contests. The visitors lean heavily on three guards in their starting five, and that could be a recipe for Duren feasting on the glass.

Sure, Atlanta is scrapping to stay above the play-in line in an increasingly tight race, but no one loves a bruising battle more than Detroit. Plus, Jalen Johnson is listed as questionable with a shoulder issue, and the Pistons can turn to Ausar Thompson for any perimeter assignment.

It may not be pretty, but this one feels like a home win.

Hawks vs Pistons same-game parlay

I like the Pistons to grab a fifth straight win tonight, and the script has to start with a monster Duren outing.

He’s finished with 11 rebounds in four of his last five games, and he hauled in four offensive boards on Monday against L.A.

Duncan Robinson’s production — even without Cade to set him up — is an important ingredient, too. He’s made 10 3-pointers across his last three contests.

Hawks vs Pistons SGP

• Pistons moneyline
• Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
• Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 3-pointers

Our "from downtown" SGP: Mr. MIP

Duren is the front-runner for the Most Improved Player award, and he’s embracing the chance to be Detroit’s lead dog. This SGP taps into his all-around production, and he’s shooting 67% from the field in March.

I'm also adding in the Over, which is 8-2 in the past 10 matchups between these teams.

Hawks vs Pistons SGP

• Jalen Duren Over 22.5 points
• Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
• Over 228.5
• Pistons moneyline

Hawks vs Pistons odds

• Spread: Hawks +2.5 | Pistons -2.5
• Moneyline: Hawks +130 | Pistons -154
• Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5

Hawks vs Pistons betting trend to know

The Pistons are 34-11 SU against Eastern Conference opponents this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Pistons.

How to watch Hawks vs Pistons

Hawks vs Pistons latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Trump administration gave San Jose State University 10 days to resolve what the U.S. Education Department has deemed are Title IX violations involving transgender athletes, saying the school will face legal action and the possible loss of federal funding if it fails to comply.

The department in January found that the university had discriminated against women by letting a transgender athlete play on the women’s volleyball team. The department issued its ultimatum in a Tuesday letter.

Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights, said the administration had provided the university with multiple ways to resolve the violations, including separating “male” and “female” athletes based on the administration's definitions of those terms.

"Yet, SJSU remains obstinate, choosing a radical ideology over safety, dignity, and fairness for its own students,” she said. “With today’s action, the Department is putting the university on notice: comply with the law or risk losing its federal funding.”

Title IX is a 1972 gender equity law.

A spokesperson for the California State University system directed The Associated Press to a web page in which the system and university say they disagree with the department's legal position and findings.

In a letter to the department, the university said Title IX prohibits discriminating against transgender individuals.

The Education Department has taken action against a series of states, schools and colleges that allow transgender athletes to participate on sports teams, something President Donald Trump has promised to end.

The investigation into San Jose State was opened in February 2025 alongside a similar one at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn later agreed to a deal similar to the one being offered to San Jose State, modifying school records set by a transgender swimmer and apologizing to other athletes on the swim team.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Golden State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

De’Anthony Melton’s first season with the Golden State Warriors didn’t go very well. He fit in with the team exceptionally well during the 2024-26 campaign, but in early November suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The Warriors later traded the veteran as they sought reinforcements and were able to use his salary to get something done.

His second pass through the Bay Area has gone much better. Melton re-joined the Warriors as a free agent this year and, after finishing up his rehab, hit the ground running. In 41 games with the Dubs, he’s averaged a career-high 13.0 points per game, along with 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals. He’s slid into a starting role with Steph Curry injured, and has played admirably.

He’ll be a free agent again this summer. The Warriors will certainly want to bring him back, but will he be a priority for them? And will he be in their price range?

Let us know what you think.

‘Make him say no,’ is always popular this time of year when discussing Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and every single major college coaching job that opens up.

Gotta make Brad Stevens say no, which he will, but have to make him say no https://t.co/NEf4RODJBL

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) March 25, 2026

This year was no different when North Carolina moved on from Hubert Davis after five seasons. UNC made the call and Stevens, as expected, said no.

NEWS: Brad Stevens—who was atop the list of targets—has already removed himself from consideration for the UNC job, sources told @CBSSports. No surprise of course, but notable all the same as Carolina starts its search to replace Hubert Davis.

Story: https://t.co/CJy6517vfF

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 25, 2026

“As for Stevens, the news is anything but surprising yet still an important public update that allows North Carolina to sharpen its focus on realistic candidates,” wrote CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. “An Indiana native, Stevens has turned down the Hoosiers job the past three times it opened since he left Butler for the Celtics. The 49-year-old hasn’t strutted the sidelines as a coach since 2021, when he pivoted to the organization’s front office as its chief decision-maker.”

There are rumors that Bill Self might retire from the Kansas job so if that happens, I’m sure another call will be lobbed into the Auerbach Center and greeted with a similar response.

The Boston Celtics will be signing Charles Bassey to a second 10-day contract according to a report by Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. Bassey signed his first 10-day contract with the Celtics on March 14^th, making today, March 25^th, its expiration date. As such, Boston opted to bring him back to stay in compliance with league minimum roster rules as they try to duck the luxury tax.

Charles is just 25 years old, and a five-year vet of the NBA. The 6’10 center has had stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Memphis Grizzlies before his time with Boston. In his five years, he’s played a combined 118 games, most of those coming from his three-year run with the Spurs from the 22-23 season through the 24-25 season. He averages 4.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.8 blocks across his career, with a field-goal percentage of 62.7%.

This signing brings Boston’s roster back up to 14 players on standard contracts, at least for the next 10 days. At the end of that timeline, it is widely expected that the Celtics will convert Ron Harper Jr.’s two-way contract to a standard deal to ensure he is playoff eligible, while also keeping the team in roster compliance, and giving them just enough room to stay under the Luxury Tax for the season.

At this point, Bassey has only played in two games for the Celtics this season, a combined four minutes across those two games, all in garbage time. Given the limited on-court opportunity, Bassey didn’t have much room to prove himself, but he did score 4 points on 2-3 shooting while picking up 2 rebounds and 1 steal.

Charles was with Boston before the season as well, playing three games as part of the Celtics Summer League roster. He managed to impress fans who tapped in during that time, averaging 15.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 21.3 minutes per game, shooting 70.4% from the floor. His Summer League performance likely influenced the Celtics decision to bring Bassey in for the two recent 10-day contracts. While it’s unlikely that he will be retained for the season after this most recent contract expires, it’s clear he made an impression on the team.