OFF AND RUNNING
Capitals, Wizards are staying in Washington
WASHINGTON >> When Ted Leonsis told District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser late last year that the NBA’S Washington Wizards and NHL’S Washington Capitals he owns would probably be leaving Washington for Virginia, she told him no, they would not. Ultimately, she proved to be right.
The teams are staying in the District through 2050 after Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan to lure them to Virginia imploded and the city and ownership reached an agreement on a $515 million, publicly funded arena project.
MLB
Owners approve sale of Orioles to Rubenstein
David Rubenstein’s purchase of the Baltimore Orioles was approved Wednesday by Major League Baseball owners, clearing the way for the Angelos family to finalize the sale after over three decades running the team.
Approval of 75% of all owners was required, and MLB said the vote was unanimous.
Peter Angelos’ health took a turn for the worse in recent years — he died Saturday at age 94 — and his son John has been the team’s chairman, CEO and control person since 2019.
Uecker to broadcast Brewers’ home opener, season workload uncertain
MILWAUKEE >> bob Uecker will be back behind the microphone when the Milwaukee Brewers play their home opener Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins.
How heavy a broadcasting workload the 90-year-old Uecker will have the rest of the season remains uncertain.
Uecker became the voice of the Brewers in 1971, though he has limited himself to home radio games for the last several years.
Banged-up Yankees get infielder Berti from Marlins
HOUSTON >> Jon Berti could be at third base for the banged-up Yankees in their opener against Houston on Thursday after New York acquired the infielder as part of a three-team trade with Miami and Tampa Bay.
New York sent catcher Ben Rortvedt to the Tampa Bay Rays and minor league outfielder Juan Cruz to the Marlins, while outfielder Shane Sasaki moved from the Rays to Miami.
MMA
ONE Championship returns to Colorado on Sept. 6
After making its U.S. debut in Broomfield last year, ONE Championship is returning to Colorado. The world’s largest martial arts organization will feature ONE 168: Denver on Friday, Sept. 6, at Ball Arena. Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 24 via Ticketmaster.
Two of the world championship fights have already been announced. Thailand’s Stamp Fairtex, the reigning atomweight MMA champion, is challenging China’s Xiong Jing Nan for the strawweight MMA belt.
Also on the card will be England’s Jonathan Haggerty against Thailand’s Superlek Kiatmoo9.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
FAU hires Baylor’s Jakus, gives him 5-year deal
Florida Atlantic is hiring Baylor associate head coach John Jakus as its coach, a move that comes four days after Dusty May capped his six-year run with the Owls and took over at Michigan. Jakus and the school have agreed on a five-year contract.
Louisville tabs Charleston’s Kelsey as head coach
LOUISVILLE, KY. >> Louisville has reached an agreement with College of Charleston coach Pat Kelsey to become the Cardinals’ next men’s basketball coach, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.