Israel's Olympic status not changing
Israel faces no threat to its Olympic status ahead of the Paris Games despite the conflict in Gaza, IOC president Thomas Bach confirmed Wednesday.
Some of the scattered calls Israel has faced for sporting sanction since October have come from Russia, which is isolated in world sports because of its invasion of Ukraine.
Bach's frustration with Russian government and sports officials was clear in a one-hour online call with invited international media ahead of the Paris Olympics that open July 26.
Asked Wednesday about Israel teams and athletes not taking part in Paris, the International Olympic Committee president said: “No, there is no question about this.”
Women's basketball
NO. 18 COLORADO STEAMROLLS OREGON IN PAC-12 OPENER >> Frida Formann scored 17 points and 18th-ranked Colorado handed Oregon its worst loss of the season, 79-30 in the opening game of the Pac-12 Tournament.
Quay Miller scored the first four points of the game and the Buffaloes had the last 13 points of the first quarter for a 26-7 lead.
Colorado (22-8), the fifth seed, plays fourth-seeded and 13thranked Oregon State in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
NBA
CELTICS AND NUGGETS TO PLAY IN ABU DHABI IN OCTOBER >> The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will play in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Oct. 4 and 6 in preseason games ahead of next season, the NBA announced.
The NBA said the two games will reach people in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media. They are part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.
NHL
RANGERS, PANTHERS, AVALANCHE AND OILERS MAKE PRE-DEADLINE DAY TRADES >> Stanley Cup contenders aren't waiting until the NHL trade deadline day to shore up depth for what they hope is a long playoff run.
The league-leading Florida Panthers got deeper on the wing
by acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko from Ottawa, Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers added a pair of centers in Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from Anaheim, the New York Rangers traded with Seattle for a player they coveted in Alexander Wennberg and the Colorado Avalanche loaded up by getting defenseman Sean Walker from Philadelphia and center Casey Mittelstadt from Buffalo in separate deals.
Colorado traded a top10 protected 2025 firstround pick and center Ryan Johansen to Philadelphia for Walker and a fifth-rounder in 2026 and got Mittelstadt in a onefor-one trade that sent defenseman Bowen Byram to the Sabres.
NFL COMMANDERS ARE SIGNING VETERAN TIGHT END ERTZ >>
The Washington Commanders are signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz, two people with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press.
One person familiar with the signing said the contract for next season is worth up to $5 million.
Ertz, 33, played parts of three seasons with the Cardinals before being released in late November.
Soccer
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE >> Manchester City continued its pursuit of back-toback Champions League titles by advancing to the quarterfinals of European club soccer's elite competition with a 3-1 win over Copenhagen. Goals from Manuel Akanji, Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland at Etihad Stadium saw City complete a 6-2 aggregate win . ... Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Leipzig to advance to the quarterfinals for the fourth straight season, winning 2-1 on aggregate.