A top NCAA policy-making group on Tuesday, June 24 voted to propose that the association change its rules to allow Division I athletes and athletics staff members to bet on professional sports events, the association announced.

The move by the NCAA Division I Council will not become final until the group concludes meetings on June 25 and will not take effect unless similar governance groups representing Division II and Division III approve the move later this summer. In addition, it will require formal adoption by the Council in October. This past April, the Division III Management Council “took action to support, in concept, noncontroversial legislation deregulating betting on professional sports.”

At that time, by a 21-1 vote, it directed the Council — a panel mainly comprising athletics directors — to: “adopt legislation to deregulate the prohibition on wagering on professional sports and directed the NCAA staff to develop concepts for the appropriate committees to consider regarding a safe harbor, limited immunity or reduced penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering but seek help for problem gambling.” And the Board of Directors has the authority to overrule the Council.

Current NCAA Division I rules say athletes, coaches and administrators cannot “knowingly participate in sports wagering activities or provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition.”

In 2023, 25 athletes from Iowa State and Iowa were arrested for illegal sports betting. Some of those athletes were alleged to have bet on college games. Many of the criminal charges were based on underage betting.

The NCAA’s announcement said that under the Council’s recommendation, college athletes and staff members would continue to be prohibited from betting on college sports and from sharing information with bettors about college sports events. The NCAA also said it would continue to keep NCAA championships free from ‘advertising and sponsorships associated with betting.’

Many college sports coaches’ and athletics directors’ contracts with schools expressly prohibit their involvement with sports betting of any kind. For example, Alabama’s agreement with football head coach Kalen DeBoer states that he is barred from: ‘Soliciting, placing, or accepting … a bet or wager on any intercollegiate or professional athletic contest whether through a bookmaker, a pool, online, or any other person, means, or method, or permitting, encouraging, or condoning such acts by any member of (his) coaching staff, any student-athlete, or any other person; or:

‘Furnishing … information or data relating in any manner to football or any other sport or to any student-athlete to any individual known to (him) to be or whom (he) should reasonably know to be a gambler, bettor, or bookmaker, or an agent of any such person, or the consorting or associating by (DeBoer) with such persons;…’

The Council’s move comes against the backdrop of a proliferation of legalized sports betting in the United State since the Supreme Court struck down federal limits on the activity in May 2018. It is now legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to the American Gaming Association.

‘NCAA rules prohibiting sports betting at all levels were written and adopted at a time when sports gambling was largely illegal nationwide,’ Illinois athletics director and Division I Council chair Josh Whitman said in the NCAA’s statement. ‘As betting on sports has become more widely accepted across the country, Division I members have determined that further discussion of these sports betting rules is warranted, particularly as it relates to the potential distinctions between betting on professional versus collegiate sports. Throughout our discussions, the council has remained focused on student-athlete wellness and educating student-athletes about the risks and potentially harmful impacts of betting.’

NCAA President Charlie Baker has been lobbying lawmakers across the country to ban prop bets on college sports events.

In April, the NCAA and Genius Sports announced the extension of a contract under which the firm provides data to sportsbooks. Under agreement, the firm agreed ‘to strengthen integrity protections and promote responsible betting practices, including limiting risky bet types, ensuring compliance and safeguarding student-athletes,’ according to an announcement by the firm.

This story has been updated with new information

As the NBA calendar crosses off another day and moves on from the NBA Finals – congratulations to Oklahoma City Thunder, and even though the Indiana Pacers came up short, it was enjoyable to watch their commitment – it’s time for the NBA draft.

The Dallas Mavericks, who are still trying recover from trading Luka Doncic, have the No. 1 pick in the first round Wednesday, June 25 (8 p.m., ESPN) and by all accounts, they will select Duke one-and-done forward Cooper Flagg.

Rutgers’ Dylan Harper is the projected No. 2 pick by the San Antonio Spurs, and from there, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, Texas’ Tre Johnson, Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears and Duke’s Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel are in the top-10 mix. All were freshmen last season.

Here’s a look at USA TODAY Sports’ latest NBA mock draft :

(Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine)

2025 NBA mock draft

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old
• 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

• Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper’s best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers’ lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

• Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT

Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn’t easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted.

5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas

• Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier.

6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

• Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn.

7. New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, Duke

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke

• Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT

Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds.

9. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

• Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier.

10. Houston Rockets (traded to Suns for Kevin Durant): Derik Queen, Maryland

• Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20
• 2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant, Arizona

• Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT

The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament.

12. Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

• Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT

The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.

13. Atlanta Hawks: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

• Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20
• 2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT

Although he’s a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC’s No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament.

14. San Antonio Spurs: Egor Demin, BYU

• Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Asa Newell

• Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando): Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

• Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
• 2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT

Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jase Richardson, Michigan State

• Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT

Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans’ steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn.

18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

• Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT

The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who’s just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame.

19. Brooklyn Nets: Liam McNeeley, UConn

• Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year’s Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s.

20. Miami Heat: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

• Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February.

21. Utah Jazz: Nique Clifford, Colorado State

• Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23
• 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT

Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams’ final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland.

22. Atlanta Hawks: Cedric Coward, Washington State

• Senior, guard, 6-5¼, 213, 21
• 2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 55.7% FG, 40% 3PT, 83.9% FT

Coward started his college career at Division III Willamette University, then transferred to Eastern Washington and then switched to Washington State. He played in just six games in 2024-25 with a shoulder injury ending his senior season in November. Coward has great size for a guard, is solid on catch-and-shoot 3s and has the ability to get to the rim.

23. New Orleans (from Indiana): Danny Wolf, Michigan

• Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21
• 2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT

The Yale transfer turned into a first-round selection thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Will Riley, Illinois

• Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT

Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini’s final six games.

25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s

• Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20
• 2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT

Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests.

26. Brooklyn Nets: Maxime Raynaud, Stanford

• Senior, center, 7-0¼, 237, 22
• 2024-25 stats: 20.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.4 bpg, 46.7% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 77% FT

Born in Paris, Raynaud spent four seasons at Stanford and was first-team All-ACC his senior season. He can make 3s, rebound, protect the rim – the easy comparison is Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren. Raynaud works well in the pick-and-roll, runs the floor well, sees the court and can play in the low post.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

• Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22
• 2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT

Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators’ final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender.

28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

• Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT

One of Europe’s top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He’s still raw.

29. Phoenix Suns: Drake Powell, North Carolina

• Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT

Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.

30. Los Angeles Clippers: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

• Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
• 2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT

He’s just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.

All-Star guard Kyrie Irving opted out of the final year of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2025-26 season and plans to sign a three-year, $119 million deal with the Mavs, according to ESPN.

Irving, 33, had one season and $42.9 million left on his three-year, $120 million deal but decided to seek a longer contract. He underwent surgery on March 26 for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee – an injury sustained against the Sacramento Kings – and will miss a significant portion of next season.

As the Mavericks try to maintain roster flexibility under the salary cap, they plan to sign Irving to a longer deal but at an amount closer to $40 million per season. Irving opting out and planning to sign at a lower number should give the Mavs access to a $5.7 million mid-level exception for a roster addition, according to ESPN front-office insider Bobby Marks.

Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals and shot 47.3% from the field, 40.1% on 3-pointers and 91.6% from the free throw line this season. He made the All-Star team for the ninth time in 2025.

The Mavericks are expected to take Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the draft on Wednesday, June 25, assembling a team that features Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, Max Christie, Irving and Flagg.

Dallas lost to Boston in the 2024 NBA Finals and missed the playoffs this season. The Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline, a move that didn’t sit well with Mavs fans. However, the Mavs won the draft lottery with 1.8% odds and rekindled their championship aspirations.

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Fresh off its second straight College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, Texas football enters the 2025 college football season as one of the most looked-forward-to and hyped around teams in the country.

The leading contributing factor to that is Arch Manning, the presumed favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and a preseason frontrunner for No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, officially running the Longhorns offense.

But as the hype surrounding Manning and Texas continues to build up, former Florida and South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier isn’t so sure about those expectations. He appeared to have said that much during a recent appearance on the ‘Another Dooley Noted Podcast.’

‘You only have to ask Coach Sark how come you played that one instead of this one. Hopefully, he will say, because he was better than that one.’

Arch, a New Orleans native, is currently listed as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy according to oddsmakers on BetMGM at +600 odds. Texas has not had a Heisman Trophy winner since Ricky Williams won it in 1998.

The 6-foot-4 quarterback, however, hasn’t had to sit in the passenger seat that whole time, especially this past season. Manning showed flashes of his dual-threat skill set and passing acumen in 2024 for the Longhorns, as he started two games for Texas when Ewers was out with an injury and came on in short-yardage situations late in the season.

In 10 games this past season for Texas, Manning completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 108 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries — an unusual sight for a member of the Manning family. In his first career start vs. UTSA on Sept. 14, Manning became the only FBS or NFL quarterback in the last 25 years to record a 75+ yard touchdown pass, a 65-yard rushing touchdown and another 50+ yard touchdown pass in the same game according to OptaStats.

Manning is set to start his first game as Texas’ full-time quarterback on the road at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio against defending national champion Ohio State, on Aug. 30 at noon ET.

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The arbitrator, Christopher Droney, dismissed the arbitration of the NFL Players’ Association “in its entirety” earlier this year. But Droney noted that the NFL Management Council – which negotiates with the players’ union and other entities on behalf of the 32 owners – “encouraged 32 member Clubs of the NFL to reduce guarantees in future contracts with players at the March 2022 annual meeting.” The clubs, however, did not engage in collusive conduct, the report found.

Both the NFL and NFLPA declined to comment when reached Tuesday by USA TODAY Sports. The ruling had been kept a secret until Torre published his findings on June 24.

The March 2022 meeting at the center of the arbitration claim took place not long after the Cleveland Browns traded for and signed quarterback Deshaun Watson to a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million over five years.

According to the report, eight owners, Goodell, high-profile player agents, Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson testified at a hearing held by Droney over 10 days in New York last summer.

The NFLPA initially brought the case under former executive director DeMaurice Smith, who was replaced by Lloyd Howell in 2023. The union alleged a high-ranking league executive asked New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to tell fellow owners to not negotiate with large, fully guaranteed contracts. Both Goodell and Kraft denied this at the hearings, and Droney agreed Goodell did not make the request.

In March 2022, per the ruling, the management council presented to the league about the salary cap and a 42% increase in salary guarantees.

Kyler Murray (five years, $230.5 million with $160 million guaranteed), Wilson (five years, $245 million with $165 million guaranteed) and Jackson (five years, $260 million with $185 million guaranteed) all signed extensions within the next calendar year.  

Jackson, who does not have an agent and represents himself, had a contentious negotiation with the Ravens and general manager Eric DeCosta. No team reached out directly to Jackson after the team placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. Jackson apparently did not supply a list of teams he’d be interested in playing for because of phone issues.

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“Only a couple of teams expressed interest to DeCosta in signing him prior to the Ravens’ decision to franchise him,” the report said.

The document also unveiled text communication between two owners, the Cardinals’ Michael Bidwill and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Dean Spanos.

“Your deal helps us for our QB next year,” Spanos wrote.

“I think many teams will be happy with it once they have a chance to review,” Bidwill wrote back. “Cleveland really screwed things up, but I was resolved to keep the guaranteed relatively ‘low.’”

Droney’s role in the arbitration is set by the collective bargaining agreement between the league and union. The same CBA lays out severe penalties for collusion between teams, including the union’s right to terminate the CBA in the event of widespread collusion. Proving collusion also requires more than a preponderance of evidence.