Budweiser becomes sponsor of NWSL

Budweiser has signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with the National Women’s Soccer League.

The partnership was announced Sunday, the day of the Women’s World Cup final in France. Terms were not released.

The NWSL is in its seventh year and has already lasted longer than any other professional women’s league in the United States. Players from the U.S. women’s national team are allocated across the league’s nine teams.

Earlier in the week, the league announced that it had reached an agreement to air 14 games on ESPNews and ESPN2, including the playoff semifinals and the final.

Budweiser will have naming rights to the playoffs, the championship and the MVP trophy as part of the deal. Additionally, the company’s executives will work with the league’s players in the offseason in a sports business training program. WORCESTER, MASS. >> The city of Worcester says it’s breaking ground on a new ballpark for the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for Polar Park is planned for July 11.

The club announced last year that it’s moving from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Worcester, Massachusetts.

Politicians, team executives and community leaders plan to attend the ceremony.

The team’s ownership decided to relocate after failing to reach a deal for a new stadium with Rhode Island officials. The team plans to play its first season in Worcester in 2021.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corp. is looking for individuals and organizations who want to use McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket and potentially secure a professional sports team for the 77-yearold ballpark. WASHINGTON >> Max Scherzer won’t pitch in the All-Star Game because of a back injury, although the ace right-hander intends to represent the Washington Nationals on the sideline Monday and Tuesday in Cleveland.

A three-time Cy Young Award winner and seven-time AllStar, Scherzer struck out 11 over seven shutout innings on Saturday against Kansas City. Hours later, Major League Baseball announced he would be replaced on the National League roster by Sonny Gray.

Scherzer said Sunday he first began experiencing back tightness after beating Detroit on June 30. He worked through it against the Royals, but his back stiffened after his appearance.

That’s when it became apparent Scherzer would be better off by not pitching Tuesday night.