Sports
Terry Francona signs 3-year deal to manage Reds
Sep 30, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona (77) walks off the field during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Two-time World Series champion skipper Terry Francona agreed Friday to a three-year deal to manage the Cincinnati Reds.
The three-time American League Manager of the Year’s contract includes a club option for the 2028 season.
Francona, 65, stepped down as manager of the Cleveland Guardians following the 2023 campaign.
Francona compiled a 1,950-1,672 (.538) record over 23 seasons as the manager for the Philadelphia Phillies (1997-2000), Boston Red Sox (2004-11) and the Indians/Guardians (2013-23).
During his 10-year playing career in the majors, Francona played in 102 games as an outfielder and first baseman for the Reds in 1987.
“I am so excited and honored to join an organization with the tradition and history of the Cincinnati Reds,” Francona said. “I only played one season for the Reds in 1987 but in that season, I learned that Cincinnati is a great baseball city. I want to thank (Reds principal owner and managing partner) Bob Castellini, (president of baseball operations) Nick Krall and (general manager) Brad Meador for giving me this opportunity to manage the Reds. I can’t wait to start meeting and interacting with these good young players of ours.”
Francona replaces David Bell, who went 409-456 (.473) in six seasons with Cincinnati. Bell’s only playoff appearance came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and ended in a 2-0 wild-card sweep by the Atlanta Braves.
In his first season with Boston in 2004, Francona guided the Red Sox to their first World Series championship since 1918. The Red Sox won a second World Series on his watch in 2007. He took Cleveland to the World Series in 2016, losing to the Chicago Cubs in seven games. His 921 wins are the most in Cleveland history.
“Terry is a future Hall of Fame manager that has experience winning with young talent,” Krall said. “I’m extremely excited that he wanted to be a Red, and he is the right person to take us towards our goal of winning a championship.”
Francona becomes the 65th manager in franchise history and the 55th since 1900. The Reds have not won the World Series since 1990.
“Terry’s proven track record speaks for itself. He is an outstanding manager who will lead our club forward,” Castellini said. “The Reds and all of Reds Country are proud to welcome Terry to Cincinnati.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
Braves activate OF Ronald Acuna Jr. from injured list
Jul 4, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) during batting practice before a game against the New York Mets at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images The Atlanta Braves reinstated star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener against the host New York Mets.
The five-time All-Star is batting .251 with seven homers, 22 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 53 games during an injury-plagued campaign.
Acuna, 28, has not played with the Braves since June 9 due to a left hamstring strain, the same injury that kept him out for more than two weeks in May.
The 2023 National League MVP, Acuna is a career .287 hitter with 193 homers, 481 RBIs and 220 steals in 870 games since making his debut with Atlanta in 2018.
The Braves optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen, 30, to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. He batted .368 (7-for-19) with four doubles and three RBIs in eight games.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Nashville SC acquire Senegalese M Famara Camara
Sep 18, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; General view of the MLS PRO logo on the side of a match ball in the match between Nashville SC and Chicago Fire at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Casey Gower-Imagn Images Nashville SC acquired midfielder Famara Camara from Norwegian side Ranheim Fotball on Monday.
The 21-year-old Senegal native is signed through June 2029 with an option through June 2030. He will occupy an international roster slot.
Camara recorded one goal and two assists in 39 appearances across all competitions with Ranheim from 2025-26.
Locking down the midfield for the long haul ?? pic.twitter.com/n1rsC6J2Ab
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) July 27, 2026
“Famara is a talented midfielder who has the ability to impact games on both sides of the ball,” Nashville president of soccer operations and general manager Mike Jacobs said. “He will join a talented midfield corps here in Nashville and complement that group really well.”
Midway through the season, Nashville (12-2-3) leads the MLS Supporters’ Shield race with 39 points.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: NBA to max out LeBron James, 76ers' national TV games
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Fans itching to watch LeBron James play in his new Philadelphia uniform should get plenty of opportunities this season as the 76ers are expected to get the NBA’s maximum of 34 national game telecasts/streams, Front Office Sports reported Monday.
That would more than double the 14 national games the Sixers were featured in last season, when the team led by Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey finished in a disappointing seventh place in the Eastern Conference at 45-37.
Now that the 41-year-old James has signed a two-year, $8 million contract to play in Philly, viewers can expect to see him featured prominently during tentpole league events like opening week and Christmas Day’s five-game slate.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on July 16 he was awaiting James’ decision before finalizing the schedule for the telecasts/streams across Disney’s ABC/ESPN, NBCUniversal’s NBC Sports/Peacock, and Amazon’s Prime Video. The league receives input from these partners before making the final schedule.
Four teams received the maximum 34 national games last season: the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks, who play in the league’s biggest market; the Los Angeles Lakers in the No. 2 market; the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder; and four-time champion Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
–Field Level Media
Braves activate OF Ronald Acuna Jr. from injured list
Nashville SC acquire Senegalese M Famara Camara
