ESPN, CFP: $7.8 billion deal for exclusive rights through 2031

The College Football Playoff and ESPN announced a $7.8 billion deal Tuesday that will give the network exclusive rights to the expanded postseason through the 2031 season, with the national championship game moving to ABC starting in 2026. Financial terms were not announced, but as previously reported the new sixyear agreement will pay the CFP and participating conferences $1.3 billion annually. An agreement in principle between the CFP and ESPN was reached weeks ago, but first the college conferences that participate in the playoff had to sign a deal to continue their partnership for another six years.

Clemson joins suit against ACC

Clemson sued the Atlantic Coast Conference in a South Carolina court, joining Florida State in challenging the league’s right to charge schools hundreds of millions of dollars to leave. The complaint said the ACC’s “exorbitant $140 million” exit penalty and the grant of rights used to bind schools to a conference through their media rights should be struck down. Clemson said it has not given notice that it is exiting the ACC and remains a member of the conference.

Edey unanimous AP All-American

For the second straight year, Purdue’s Zach Edey is the unanimous headliner for the Associated Press men’s basketball All-America team. The 7-foot-4-inch, 300-pound senior topped all 62 ballots from AP Top 25 poll voters. The reigning AP national player of the year claimed all 58 votes last year. Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht and North Carolina’s RJ Davis joined Edey (310 points) in a clear top trio. Houston’s Jamal Shead and Tristen Newton of reigning NCAA champion Connecticut rounded out the first team.

NCAA has first NIL licensing deal

The NCAA entered into its first NIL licensing deal, allowing the use of the March Madness logo to Topps trading cards featuring basketball stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Zach Edey, and Tristen Newton. The eight-card packs that went on sale Monday have six base cards, one guaranteed autograph and one guaranteed parallel card.

NHL

Former enforcer Simon dead at 52

Chris Simon died Monday night in his hometown of Wawa, Ontario, a spokesperson for the NHL Players’ Association, who has been in touch with the late forward’s agent, said. Paul Theofanous, who represented Simon, did not respond to a message seeking further details and Ontario Provincial Police declined to answer questions about Simon’s death. A cause of death was not immediately available. Simon played 857 regular-season and playoff games over 15 NHL seasons from 1993-2008.

NBA

Cavaliers’ Mitchell out at least a week

Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell could miss at least another week after breaking his nose in Cleveland’s loss at Houston last weekend. Mitchell, who also has been dealing with a bruised left knee, got hurt in Saturday’s game against the Rockets when teammate Tristan Thompson accidentally bashed him after a loose ball.

NFL

Williams, Jets agree on one-year deal

The Jets agreed to terms with former Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams on a one-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press. Williams, 29, visited the Jets’ facility Tuesday and reportedly had meetings with other teams scheduled — but New York didn’t let him leave its building without a deal. NFL Network said the deal is worth up to $15 million.

Jeudy, Browns: 3 years, $58 million

Jerry Jeudy is already going deep for the Browns. The speedy wide receiver, acquired last week in a trade with Denver, signed a three-year contract extension. Jeudy’s new deal — he was entering his final year under contract — runs through the 2027 season. The extension is worth up to $58 million, with $41 million guaranteed.

OLYMPIC CEREMONIES Russians and Belarusians ruled out

Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to take part in the traditional parade at the Opening Ceremonies at the Paris Olympics, the IOC said. The July 26 ceremony will see thousands of athletes travel on boats down the River Seine for several miles toward the Eiffel Tower, instead of the normal parade of teams inside a stadium.