SPORTS 7-30

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning struck an optimistic tone at yesterday’s Big Ten Media Day, saying the Ducks enter year three in the conference with more experience and stronger player leadership. Lanning highlighted quarterback Dante Moore’s growth on and off the field, praised tight end Jamari Johnson’s versatility, and called edge defender Teitum Tuioti one of the league’s top players. He also addressed staff changes, with Chris Hampton stepping in as defensive coordinator and Drew Mehringer taking over as offensive coordinator. Lanning says both have fit quickly into Oregon’s culture. He says expectations inside the program remain higher than anywhere else, with fall camp next up after a coaches retreat in Central Oregon.

And when coach Lanning mentioned his QB’s growth off the field that was literal.

Dante Moore was also at the media session telling reporters he put on 17 pounds and is now weighing in at 220. The Heisman Trophy candidate says he’s also improved his personal best in running times.

The Big Ten Media Days conclude today in Chicago.

NFL:

The Seahawks signed wide receiver Kyre Duplessis Wednesday. Seattle had an open roster spot after waiving running back Kenny McIntosh on Monday.

NBA:

The Portland City Council holds a work session this morning to go over the proposal for upgrades to the Moda Center. Reports say a representative from the Trail Blazers will be at today’s meeting.

WNBA:

In WNBA action tomorrow, the Fire host Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Portland is now 11-and-17 after three straight losses.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks continue their final homestand of the regular season tonight with the series finale against the Portland Pickles.

SPORTS 7-29

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

The Big Ten Media Days continue today in Chicago.

Ducks Head Coach Dan Lanning will be joined by Quarterback Dante Moore who finished 2^nd in the Big Ten's preseason Offensive Player of the Year voting, along with tight end Jamari Johnson and defensive end Teitum Tuioti.

Oregon’s session with reporters is scheduled for 10:45 PDT.

Moore will be under a lot of scrutiny today, and this season, as he’s a Heisman Trophy candidate, coming back for another year in Eugene rather than going as a top pick in last year’s NFL Draft.

Big Ten media picked Oregon to finish 2^nd in the conference

COLLEGE HOOPS:

The Oregon State men's basketball team will head to Canada for a summer preseason tour.

The Beavers will play three games in British Columbia August 18^th through 22^nd. Overall OSU will spend seven days in Canada. College basketball teams are allotted 10 official practices in advance of international trips.

The Beavs are headed into their first year under new head coach Justin Joyner.

NFL:

Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price was able to haul in a long touchdown reception in practice yesterday from 2^nd year and 3^rd string quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Head coach Mike Macdonald has emphasized getting Price active in the Seattle’s passing game.

WNBA:

In WNBA action, the Portland Fire lost to the Las Vegas Aces 83-98 last night in Nevada. The Fire are 11-and-17 on the year. Portland will host the Indiana Fever at Moda Center on Friday.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks continue their final homestand of the regular season tonight against the Portland Pickles.

SPORTS 7-28

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Oregon is picked to finish 2^nd to Ohio State to win the Big Ten championship by the conference's media.

The league's preseason poll gives the Buckeyes a narrow edge over the Ducks, who received 11 first-place votes to the OSU's 15.

Quarterback Dante Moore finished 2^nd in the Big Ten's preseason Offensive Player of the Year voting behind Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

The Big Ten Media Days start today in Chicago.

Moore and Head Coach Dan Lanning will be joined tomorrow by tight end Jamari Johnson and defensive end Teitum Tuioti to speak with reporters about the upcoming season.

NBA:

The latest on the Trail Blazers vs the City of Portland Saga:

Team officials have been invited to attend Portland City Council’s work session Thursday and it’s still unclear if they’ll take the city up on its offer to go over terms of a deal to keep the Blazers playing at the Moda Center.

Meanwhile, more NBA media members are piling on new owner Tom Dundon’s actions since he took over the team.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons said Sunday on his podcast he doesn’t think Portland should foot the bill for renovations to its aging arena alone, noting its economic problems the past decade.

Simmons compared the whole Dundon-buying-the-Blazers deal to the owners that bought the Supersonics, then stole the team away from Seattle to Oklahoma City.

WNBA:

In WNBA action tonight, the Portland Fire will visit the Las Vegas Aces. The Fire are 11-and-16 on the year. Meanwhile, the Storm will host the Indiana Fever. Seattle sits at 6-and-23.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks have their final homestand of the regular season starting tonight with a mid-week series against Portland.

SPORTS 7-24

NBA:

The City of Portland is set to provide their terms for renovating the Moda Center to Trail Blazers ownership by August 12^th.

City leaders are still not on the same page about how they’re going to pay for it using tax dollars from the city, county, and state.

A Saturday public townhall brought up questions on economic impact if the team leaves, along with the question of funding.

National NBA experts believe there is a real possibility Blazers’ ownership isn’t committed to staying in the Rose city.

NFL:

Seattle fans got to cheer on their champion Seahawks during the weekend’s start of training camp.

Of the players not on the field, due to injury, head coach Mike Macdonald told the media Saturday there was no ‘timetable right now’ for running back Zach Charbonnet to return from rehabbing his surgically repaired ACL but that he was doing a phenomenal job, raising fan hopes Charbonnet may be back on the field sooner than later.

It’s expected rookie running back Jadarian Price will be RB1 when Seattle’s season starts.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks have their final homestand of the regular season starting tomorrow night with a mid-week series against Portland.

SPORTS 7-24

NFL:

Seattle’s veterans report to training camp today.

The team begins practice this weekend.

Coach Mike Macdonald will have an extra challenge in keeping his Super Bowl-winnig team focused on the upcoming season, as the Hard Knocks documentary series will follow the team now all the way through the pre-season.

Hard Knocks will air its first Seahawks episode August 4^th and then weekly after that until the regular season kick-off.

NWSL:

Morgan Weaver is returning to the Portland Thorns lineup after a lengthy knee injury. The club announced Thursday the forward has been removed from the season-ending injury list. Weaver has missed nearly a year and a half after suffering a knee injury in January of 2025. She is expected to be available for today's match against Gotham FC.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks start a series in Ridgefield tonight.

The Sisters Play It Forward 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will not go forward tomorrow as the Akawa Butter fire impacts Sisters.

This weekend’s Oregon Cascades 100 has been cancelled because of the wildfire situation. It’s the second year in a row the Bend to Sisters trail race gets scuttled.

SPORTS 7-23

NBA:

More cost-cutting moves from Trail Blazers’ management: Longtime radio and tv broadcasters will not be calling games next season.

Both radio play by play announcer Travis Demers and TV play by play legend Kevin Calabro are out, according to various reporting.

Forbes says analyst Michael Holton, stat master Tom Haberstroh, former ESPN anchor and U of O grad Neil Everett, along with studio host Jamie Hudson are no longer with the organization.

A statement from the Blazers only confirmed they’re making changes to the broadcast operation.

TV’s Kevin Calabro told the Oregonian he’s walking away from the team because his new contract offer was ‘subprime’. An interesting choice of word as KGW dot com points out the Trail Blazers’ new owner Tom Dundon got rich doing subprime lending in the auto industry. In 2020, the state of Oregon sued the company Dundon founded, alleging it preyed on Oregonians through high-interest car loans that borrowers could not afford.

NFL:

The Seahawks, as expected listed Zach Charbonnet as physically unable to perform ahead of training camp.

The running back had offseason knee surgery for a torn ACL suffered in the playoff win over San Francisco.

Charbonnet’s 12 touchdowns led the team and he became the first Seahawks player to have double-digit rushing touchdowns in a season since Marshawn Lynch in 2014.

Seattle’s veterans report to camp this weekend.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks finish their series in Corvallis tonight.

SPORTS 7-22

NBA:

You can count respected NBA insider Zach Lowe among those who want an agreement worked out between the Trail Blazers and the City of Portland.

The national reporter made an impassioned, and Not Safe For Work plea on a recent podcast for the Association to step in to help get a deal done for the team to stay.

Of course there is a deeper conspiracy theory that the NBA really wants teams to be in Las Vegas and Seattle with no expansion, so the Blazers along with the Memphis Grizzlies would be relocating.

Reports have Portland City Council leaders saying Trail Blazers’ management is not negotiating in good faith over renovations for the Moda Center.

NFL:

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw out the first pitch at the Mariners game last night. Seattle’s signal caller was joined on the mound by QBs Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe, tight end AJ Barner…And head coach Mike Macdonald showed off the Super Bowl trophy to the Ms fans.

MLS Roundup:

MLS is back. The Seattle Sounders will visit Austin tonight, while the Portland Timbers host Dallas. Seattle comes out of the World Cup break sixth in the West with 24 points. Portland is 11th in the standings with 17 points.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks continues their series in Corvallis tonight.

Support youth sports at the inaugural Sisters Play It Forward 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Saturday July 25th at the Sisters Elementary School parking lot. Proceeds benefit Sisters Youth Athletics. Sign up by tomorrow at SistersPlayItForward.com.

SPORTS 7-21

NBA:

The agreement between the Trail Blazers and the City of Portland to stay in the Moda Center is no closer.

Reports say the two sides are still far apart on details about paying for renovations to the facility.

The current lease expires in 2030.

On the court, free agent Matisse Thybulle is leaving the Rose City for Los Angeles.

The veteran guard is signing with the Lakers.

That means a roster spot is open for the Blazers to sign another forward to balance out the guard heavy roster.

NFL:

Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks and players recovering from injuries reported Sunday. Three players were placed on the physically unable to perform list, safety Nick Emmanwori, running back Kenny McIntosh and cornerback Tyrone Broden.

Emmanwori played a key defensive role during the Super Bowl run.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks are on the road at Corvallis for a series starting tonight.

Support youth sports at the inaugural Sisters Play It Forward 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Saturday July 25th at the Sisters Elementary School parking lot. Proceeds benefit Sisters Youth Athletics. Sign up by tomorrow at SistersPlayItForward.com.

SPORTS 7-20

MLB:

The Mariners are back to .500 at 50-50 after taking 2 of three from the Giants.

Seattle is now a half game back of Texas for the top spot in the A-L West.

Cincinnati visits T-Mobile park for a series starting tonight.

San Francisco continues to sputter as they gave up leads in both of the weekend’s games to sink further behind the Dodgers in the NL West.

The Giants are on the road in Kansas City today.

NFL:

Seattle Seahawks rookies reported for training camp over the weekend.

First round draft pick Jadarian Price is already rumored to get a shot becoming the Seahawks starting running back.

The Notre Dame stand-out is expected to be active in Seattle’s pass game too according to head coach Mike Macdonald.

Seahawks’ veterans arrive Friday.

San Francisco rookies also reported this weekend.

The 49ers are still at odds with Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk who made more comments about the team and coaching staff over the weekend via social media.

9ers veterans are due to report Saturday.

MLS ROUNDUP:

MLS returns this week. The Seattle Sounders will visit Austin on Wednesday, while the Portland Timbers host Dallas. Seattle comes out of the World Cup break sixth in the West with 24 points. Portland is 11th in the standings with 17 points.

WNBA:

In WNBA action, the Storm host Minnesota tonight, while the Fire entertain Dallas on Wednesday. Seattle sits at 6-and-21 following four straight losses. Portland has dropped three of five to slip to 11-and-15 on the season.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks are on the road at Corvallis for a series starting tomorrow.

Support youth sports at the inaugural Sisters Play It Forward 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Saturday July 25th at the Sisters Elementary School parking lot. Enjoy hoops, prizes, food and drinks from local businesses, plus a tournament t-shirt for every player. Proceeds benefit Sisters Youth Athletics. Sign up by Wednesday. Learn more at SistersPlayItForward.com.

SPORTS 7-17

MLB:

The Mariners open the second half at 48-and-49, just one-and-a-half games back in the A-L West.

Seattle’s looks to be active at the trade deadline to make a playoff push.

The club is looking for a right-handed bat and bullpen help.

The M’s have the Giants in town for a series starting tonight.

San Francisco could be unloading a few players at the deadline, as the team will look to reload for next season.

NFL:

Seattle Seahawks analysts are pointing to wide receiver and return

specialist Rashid Shaheed, fresh off signing a three-year, 51-million dollar extension, as the prime candidate for a massive breakout under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who is looking to improve on Seattle’s run game this season, also.

Third-year tight end AJ Barner, who scored the Seahawks' lone offensive touchdown in their Super Bowl victory, is saying ahead of training camp he is looking to be a premier tight end in the league in a second year playing with QB Sam Darnold.

San Francisco will host 11 open practices starting Sunday, July 26th, which includes a highly anticipated joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on August 11th.

The 49ers are still at odds with Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Many insiders are reporting no other teams want to deal for the talented but apparently troubled star. Aiyuk is currently on the Left Squad list and still has to apply to be reinstated with the 9ers before other teams can talk to him.

WNBA:

In WNBA action, the Fire cruised past the Mystics 75-56 in Washington. Portland is now 11-and-14 on the season and will visit Minnesota tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Storm visit Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever today. Seattle sits at 6-and-20 following three straight losses.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks start the second half of their season hosting Ridgefield at Vince Genna stadium this weekend starting tonight.

The first of six unsanctioned downhill mountain bike races, each featuring a different trail at Mt. Bachelor’s Bike Park starts tonight. This year riders will use chip timing to ensure accurate results.

Support youth sports at the inaugural Sisters Play It Forward 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Saturday July 25th at the Sisters Elementary School parking lot. Enjoy hoops, prizes, food and drinks from local businesses, plus a tournament t-shirt for every player. Proceeds benefit Sisters Youth Athletics. Sign up by Wednesday the 22nd. Learn more at SistersPlayItForward.com.

SPORTS 7-16

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Oregon Ducks Head Football coach Dan Lanning’s 2027 recruiting class received a massive boost in the latest Rivals rankings update.

Two highly touted five-star Ducks commits, quarterback Will Mencl and wide receiver Dakota Guerrant.

Mencl is now ranked as the nation's No. 1 quarterback prospect for his

class.

Off the field, Oregon State announced that 81-percent of its student-athletes earned a term GPA of 3.0 or better for the spring term, maintaining an impressive overall athletic department cumulative GPA of 3.42.

NBA:

Commissioner Adam Silver made headlines at a press conference in

Las Vegas, expressing disappointment over the slow progress of negotiations to renovate the Moda Center.

Silver stated that a potential deal to keep the Trail Blazers long-term in

Portland "seems to have gone off track" amid friction between city officials and new team owner Tom Dundon.

On the court, Summer League finishes tonight in Las Vegas with the Blazers squad taking on Denver starting at 7.

WNBA:

The Storm fell to the Sky 95-90 in WNBA action from Chicago. Seattle is now 6-and-20 and will visit Indiana tomorrow afternoon. Portland is 10-and-14 and is also on the road playing Washington this afternoon.

MLB:

As the August trade deadline approaches, the Seattle Mariners front office is reportedly searching for a right-handed bat to spark the offense. Meanwhile, top hitting prospects Lazaro Montes and Michael Arroyo were officially promoted to Triple-A Tacoma.

In San Francisco, MLB insiders report that newly acquired infielder Luis Arráez is a major name drawing trade interest from teams like the Boston Red Sox.

Team executive Buster Posey is actively navigating which young core

players are "off-limits" as the Giants look to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term assets.

LOCAL:

This is the first of six unsanctioned downhill mountain bike races, each featuring a different trail at Mt. Bachelor’s Bike Park starts tomorrow.

SPORTS 7-15

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

A new report from ON3 ran down a top 10 of Name Image Likeness valuations. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is number 4 on the list of all athletes in college sports.

The Heisman Trophy candidate is raking in 5-million dollars from NIL this season.

You’ll probably see him a lot on various sponsor ads during this upcoming season. You can see Moore now on the cover of EA Sports College Football 27 video game.

NBA:

Yang Hansen earned some social media hype from his performance Monday night finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in Portland’s Summer League win over Minnesota.

The second-year center leads the Blazers into their final game tomorrow night.

LOCAL:

Support youth sports at the inaugural Sisters Play It Forward 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Saturday July 25th at the Sisters Elementary School parking lot. Enjoy hoops, prizes, food and drinks from local businesses, plus a tournament t-shirt for every player. Proceeds benefit Sisters Youth Athletics. Sign up by Wednesday the 22nd. Learn more at SistersPlayItForward.com.

SPORTS 7-14

MLB:

The MLB Draft wrapped up this past weekend, with the Giants using the fourth overall pick on Bay Area native Jackson Flora, a right-hander from UC Santa Barbara who grew up a Giants fan. San Francisco also added pitchers Carson Bolemon, Kaden Waechter and Carlos Martinez, plus Rutgers outfielder Peyton Bonds.

The Mariners took Mississippi State power bat Ace Reese at number 24, then added OF Jake Brown, RHP Nathan Taylor and 3B Trevor Lucas.

NFL:

The Seattle Seahawks are set for new ownership.

The estate of Paul Allen has reached a formal agreement to sell the franchise to an ownership group led by the Khosla family, including tech investor Vinod Khosla.

The reported price is about nine point six billion dollars, which would be an NFL record.

The Khosla family says it wants to build on the winning legacy Allen created.

The sale still needs approval from NFL owners in the months ahead.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks have an exhibition game tonight against the Wild Wild West league, a developmental squad from Portland.

SPORTS 7-13

MLB:

Draft weekend - Oregon infielder Ryan Cooney is headed to the Toronto Blue Jays, selected in the third round of the MLB Draft with the 103rd overall pick.

Cooney becomes the fifth Duck taken in the third round and the second Oregon player ever drafted by Toronto, ranking among the program’s highest modern-era selections

Day two yesterday, six more Ducks were picked to set a school record with seven total picks in the first 20 rounds.

Three Ducks' pitchers – Cal Scolari, Miles Gosztola and Devin Bell – were joined by shortstop Maddox Molony, third baseman Drew Smith and outfielder Jack Brooks in getting their names called on Sunday.

Oregon State left-hander Ethan Kleinschmit is headed to the Miami Marlins, selected 52nd overall in the second round.

OSU right-hander Eric Segura was selected Saturday in the fourth round.

Yesterday right-handed pitcher Wyatt Queen went in the 11^th to the Seattle Mariners. Righty pitcher Isaac Yeager and reliever Albert Roblez also got their names called in the late rounds of the Draft.

NBA:

The Trail Blazers Ja Morant talked with reporters over the weekend during the Summer League session in Las Vegas.

It was the first time he spoke publicly about his trade.

The two-time All Star says he’s looking forward to start fresh in a new city after off the court troubles during his stint with Memphis.

In NBA Summer League action, the Trail Blazers lost to the Magic in overtime 112-105.  Portland faces the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  Meanwhile, the Lakers take on the Clippers tomorrow.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks have reached the West Coast League’s All-Star break. The team has an exhibition game tomorrow with the All-Star Game on Wednesday.

SPORTS 7-10

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks continue their Canadian road trip by starting a three-game series tonight with the Nanaimo (nuh-ny-moh) Night Owls.

The Bend Dirt Fest is tomorrow. The half-marathon Trail Run, 49 or 39-mile Gravel Cycling, and 39-mile Mountain Biking races start and finish at the Athletic Club of Bend.

The event is also Oregon XC (cross-country) Series Finals for select mountain bike categories and the Oregon Triple Crown Series Finals for gravel.

It’s going to be busy around some parks this weekend.

The Bend Premier Cup today through Sunday, brings hundreds of youth soccer teams playing at fields in Bend and Redmond.

Hosted by Bend FC, the tournament features boys and girls divisions from U8 through U19, with teams from Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, and other western states.

Organizers estimate the event will bring about three million dollars in local economic impact.

NBA:

Summer League play starts for the Trail Blazers.

2^nd year center Yang Hansen will lead the squad in Las Vegas during the four-game stretch.

Tip-off against Phoenix is tonight at 8.

WNBA:

In WNBA action, the Storm lost to the Dream 89-78 in Atlanta, while the Fire fell to the Las Vegas Aces 88-80. Seattle will visit Washington on Sunday. Portland begins a four-game road trip tomorrow in Atlanta.

SPORTS 7-8

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Recruiting news out of Eugene, the Ducks have 8 high school recruits in the 247 Sports Top 100 committed for 2027.

That puts Oregon as the number 3 ranked class, just behind Notre Dame and Texas A&M.

The 2026 season starts September 5^th against Boise State.

WNBA:

In WNBA action tomorrow, the Storm will visit the Atlanta Dream, while the Fire host the Las Vegas Aces. Seattle is 6-and-17 following its win in LA on Monday. Portland sits at 9-and-12 after beating the Storm on Saturday.

NBA:

Portland continues to round out its staff around new head coach Micah Nori.

Reports have former coach Jay Triano rejoining the team and reuniting with Damian Lillard.

Triano is known as one of the top NBA Offensive coaches.

He was with the Blazers from 2012 to 2016, and has also had stints as head coach.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks continue their Canadian road trip playing the Victoria HarbourCats in game 2 of their three-game series tonight.
 

And another reminder the Bend Premier Cup is Friday through Sunday, bringing hundreds of youth soccer teams playing at soccer fields in Bend and Redmond.

It’s going to be busy around some parks!

Hosted by Bend FC, the tournament features boys and girls divisions from U8 through U19, with teams from Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, and other western states.

SPORTS 7-7

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

13 Beavers have been selected to Athlon Sports' preseason All-Pac-12 Team with linebacker Aiden Sullivan getting a first-team Defense nod.
Oregon State gets the 2026 season underway September 5^th  visiting Houston.

COLLEGE BASEBALL:

Oregon pitchers Tanner Bradley and Will Sanford have made the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team’s 28-man roster.

They’ll represent Team USA at the first World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taiwan, July 11th through 15th.

Oregon State continues to fill out its 2027 schedule with the third week of the season taking them to Las Vegas for the Live Like Lou Classic in March at a 4-team round robin.

Also, three former Beavers made the MLB All Star team with Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman making his 3^rd appearance, Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen earning back-to-back appearances at the Mid-summer classic, and, in absolutely no surprise to Beaver Nation, Cleveland rookie Travis Bazanna will also be representing the American League in Philadelphia next Tuesday.

WNBA:

The Portland Fire is gearing up for a midweek game. The Fire will host the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday. Portland is 9-and-12 after its win in Seattle on Saturday. Meanwhile, Seattle Storm knocked off the Sparks 82-64 in LA to end their two-game skid yesterday. The Storm improved to 6-and-17 on the season and will visit Atlanta in their next game on Thursday.

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks at 12-16 are 6th place in the West Coast League south division.

The Elks start a weeklong road trip in Canada playing the Victoria HarbourCats tonight.
 

Four Veterans from Oregon and Washington are headed to Detroit this week for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

The event running this Thursday through next Tuesday, includes 48-year-old Jerry Schwarz of La Pine.

About 500 Veterans are expected to compete in adaptive sports including basketball, softball, and wheelchair rugby.

SPORTS 7-6

NBA:

One of the Trail Blazers most popular young players is leaving for Philadelphia.

2^nd year guard Caleb Love will sign with the 76ers, according to several reports.

As an undrafted rookie, Love played a key role when the team was struggling through injuries last season.

However as we’ve mentioned the Blazers have a lot of guards thanks to the addition of Ja Morant through last month’s trade. Morant announced he will be changing jersey numbers wearing number 1 instead of the 12 he has worn since high school.

LaMarcus Aldridge was the last Blazer to wear that number.

Damian Lillard, Portland’s current star, has requested the franchise retire number 12 for Aldridge.

And now we know why the Trail Blazers summer league roster did not have Love on it.

The four-game developmental run in Las Vegas starts July 10th

LOCAL:

The Bend Premier Cup returns to Central Oregon Friday through Sunday, bringing hundreds of youth soccer teams to the region.

Hosted by Bend FC, the tournament features boys and girls divisions from U8 through U19, with teams from Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, and other western states.

Matches will be played at premier soccer facilities throughout Bend and South Redmond, with games spread across multiple venues to accommodate the large field of teams. Free parking is available at every tournament location.

Organizers estimate the event will bring about three million dollars in local economic impact.

The Bend Elks head out on the road this week traveling North to play Victoria tomorrow.

WNBA:

In WNBA action, the Fire are off until Thursday when they host the Las Vegas Aces. Portland snapped its three-game skid with a win in Seattle on Saturday. The Fire are now 9-and-12 on the year.

WORLD CUP:

The United States continues its World Cup run tonight. The team battles Belgium in the Round of 16 from Seattle. The Stars and Stripes got great news from FIFA as Folarin Balogun had his suspension overturned and is now eligible to play in the pivotal match. The star forward received a red card in last week's game against Bosnia, which usually carries an automatic suspension for the following game. The U.S. is trying to make its first quarterfinals appearance at the World Cup since 2002.

SPORTS 7-2

NBA:

The Trail Blazers did not get the services of forward Jaylen Brown who was traded to Philadelphia yesterday.

That makes the trade for guard Ja Morant stand-alone as the big-name free agents are mostly off the board; and no Lebron James will not be going to the Blazers.

Portland is getting credit for not giving up any future considerations in the swap for Morant sending Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis but fans and media are wondering about how the former number one draft pick fits in the line-up.

The Trail Blazers summer league roster features 2^nd year player Yang Hansen.

The four-game developmental run in Las Vegas starts July 10th

WNBA:

The Portland Fire are gearing up for a weekend game.  The eight and 12 Portland Fire will visit Seattle on Saturday to close out their four-game road trip.  Seattle sits at five and 15 on the season.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Oregon received commitments from two high-profile high school players during a blue-chip recruitment event yesterday.

The Ducks begin fall camp in early August before opening the 2026 season against Boise State on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Autzen Stadium

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks finish their midweek series against the Walla Walla Sweets tonight. The homestand continues against Yakima Valley through the weekend.

Independence Day fun runs include the Red, White and Blue 3-miler in Sisters. La Pine Frontier Days has a 5K run/walk.

The Todd Beamer Memorial 10K, 5K, and 2-miler is in Madras.

SPORTS 7-1

NBA:

The Trail Blazers have been active at the start of free agency. Forward Robert Williams III has re-signed for a contract reported at $44-million over three years.

Portland has also signed Center Branden Carlson to a one-year deal. The 7-footer has been developing with Oklahoma City’s G-league system the past two years. Reporting per ESPN.

There is also speculation Carlon’s signing could be to replace center Donovan Clingan who may be offered up as part of a trade for Boston forward Jaylen Brown.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:

Oregon had four players land on the 2026 preseason all-America teams released by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

Defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. and outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti were both named to the first team, while tight end Jamari Johnson and defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington were selected to the second team.

Oregon's four Walter Camp preseason all-Americans are tied with Indiana for second-most in the country, trailing only Texas (5).

The Ducks begin fall camp in early August before opening the 2026 season against Boise State on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Autzen Stadium

LOCAL:

The Bend Elks have a midweek series against the Walla Walla Sweets continuing tonight.