WJPA Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers. James made the announcement on social media, saying it will be his “last decision” and that it comes after he strongly considered retirement. James says “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired reliever Ron Marinaccio from San Diego on in exchange for signing bonus pool considerations. Pittsburgh made the move in the hopes of bolstering a bullpen that has faltered in key moments this season. The 31-year-old Marinaccio went 1-0 with a 4.79 ERA in 33 games this season for the Padres. Pittsburgh will be the right-hander’s third MLB stop. Marinaccio pitched for the New York Yankees from 2022-24. To make room for Marinaccio on the roster, Pittsburgh designated reliever Dennis Santana for assignment. Santana had 16 saves in 2025 but has struggled this year.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An investment group that includes ex-Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has bought a minority stake in the Athletics in anticipation of their move to Las Vegas in 2028. Thursday’s announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. John Fisher is the majority owner of the A’s and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip. The Athletics are currently playing in West Sacramento, California.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, signed a four-year, $57.27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. The Raiders hold a fifth-year option. Mendoza was the last of the Raiders’ 10 draft picks to sign. He ran the third-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to take on a larger role in training camp, which begins Wednesday. Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract worth $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the No. 1 quarterback.

BLAINE, Minn. (AP) — Ben Kohles eagled the final hole for a 9-under 62 and a two-shot lead Thursday after the first round of the 3M Open, leaving top-ranked Scottie Scheffler three shots back. Emiliano Grillo, Jackson Koivun and Gary Woodland opened with 64s, and Scheffler topped the group at 65 in his first appearance in the event. Scheffler, coming off a fourth-place finish Sunday in the British Open, was 1 under through eight holes, then birdied five of the next eight. Kohles’ second shot from 241 yards out on the par-5 finishing hole settled 4 feet from the cup. The short putt capped a career-best round for the 36-year-old who has split the season between the PGA and Korn Ferry tours.