Former Worcester Warriors flanker Matt Kvesic says he is still "gutted" about the demise of his old club but is keen to move on to an "exciting" future with Coventry in the Championship.

The 31-year-old has signed for Coventry for at least the 2023-24 campaign.

"I'm really excited to be part of a young growing team at 'Cov'," he said.

Kvesic's return to the West Midlands comes a year after his boyhood club Worcester won the first major trophy in their history only to go bust a few months later, forcing him out of work and leaving him wondering where his future lay.

Fortunately for Kvesic, who has won four England caps, he did not have to wait long for a new club, as Zebre made an offer for him to play in the United Rugby Championship in November.

"It doesn't seem like a year ago. It's bizarre. I think rollercoaster is the best word for it," Kvesic told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"It has been a tough time with a lot of uncertainly and you had to make decisions. The Zebre offer came up - it wasn't something I was expecting but it was an opportunity to experience something different."

Kvesic sad but 'over' the troubles at Sixways

The demise of Warriors, where Kvesic came through the academy system and had two spells at Sixways in between four seasons with Gloucester and two at Exeter, proved a stressful situation for Kvesic and all the players and staff.

"It was really tough because there was always a carrot dangling that there might be this - or that might happen," he said.

"Every week it was like 'this isn't great but this could happen'. We had two or three months of that.

"We went into administration and everyone was panicking and it was 'there are these new buyers and they're going to come in and do this and this' and none of that came to fruition.

"It sounds a little bit bad but I'm kind of over it all. I need to move on and focus on other things but I'm obviously still gutted over how it all finished."

Although Warriors were eventually bought out of administration by new owners Atlas Group in February, the last three months have not brought much clarity over the former Premiership club's future.

After their application to play in the Championship next season was rejected by the Rugby Football Union, Atlas have been forced to ditch an unpopular rebranding idea and have been told by the RFU their plan to take over local club Stourbridge's first team and play in tier five is unlikely to be sanctioned..

Tenancy deals for the use of Sixways for local football side Worcester Raiders and Premier 15s side Worcester Warriors Women have been agreed.

But one with Wasps, who also went bust along with Warriors, has been thrown into doubt after the RFU revoked their place in the Championship insisting they start at "the bottom of the pyramid" in tier 10 next season.

Kvesic gets a constant reminder of the troubled times at Sixways on regular journeys to drop his young son off at school nearby.

"I drive past Sixways all the time and it still feels weird - I still get a sad feeling when I go past. It doesn't seem in a great position.

"Atlas have had a lot of plans and ideas that haven't come to fruition for whatever reason which is a shame and the sad reality is there isn't going to be a competitive men's team at Worcester Warriors and Sixways."

Stourbridge plan 'strange' but 'understandable'

Despite co-owner Jim O'Toole saying there was "no reason for a new Worcester Warriors to go to the bottom of the rugby pyramid" as it stands, there has been no official confirmation from either Stourbridge or Worcester on whether the merger is going ahead.

Kvesic, who had a short stint with 'Stour' on a dual-registration basis as a teenager, says he can see both sides of the argument over Atlas' plan.

"It's a tricky one. Personally, I find it a bit strange - taking over another team doesn't sit right with me," he said.

"Stourbridge are an old club and have history themselves. However, if there's an option to bring that team back up quickly into the Championship, then I understand the reasoning behind it. It would have been really great to have done that ourselves as Worcester Warriors.

"I understand they want to get [men's] rugby back into Sixways as quickly as possible and I presume it's either start at level 10 or start with Stourbridge.

"Do I like the idea? No, not really. Do I understand it as a business proposition? Yes I do.

"It would've been great to have Worcester Warriors back up and running in whatever format. This may be the next best thing unfortunately."

Zebre move a chance to get away from drama

Kvesic's move to Italy did offer him a way out of all the chaos at Sixways and he said a change of scenery did help him switch off from all the drama going on at his old club.

"We all have social media so you can't escape it fully but I always wanted to go and experience something different," he said.

"I had the chance to go to the URC and go and experience a new country and culture and have a different perspective on how rugby's played the Italian way - which is very different.

"It was a great experience - longevity-wise, it was never going to work without the family but there was an element where I could just get stuck into something else.

"It was a way of forgetting everything. To be over there and focussing on things like trying to pick up the language and driving on the wrong side of the road - it was definitely an experience I won't forget."

Coventry should have chance to try for Premiership

Now Kvesic's sole focus is on his immediate future at the Butts Park Arena and trying to help Coventry build on their excellent 2022-23 season, in which they finished third in the Championship.

Title winners Jersey, who pipped Ealing by two points, were denied a place in the top flight because their home ground does not meet the Premiership's minimum standard capacity of 10,000 and, with no automatic promotion or relegation for 2023-24, Kvesic says sides in the second tier need more of an incentive to invest.

"I'm competitive and I'd love to play the highest level of rugby I can and would love to do that with Coventry - but I don't know what that would look like.

"Whether that will even be possible... because the RFU don't know what it's going to look like, let alone the Championship clubs.

"Relegation and promotion shouldn't be scrapped. Jersey won the league this season but you'll never see another Exeter-type situation. Who knows if Jersey could've done that? Or Ealing or Coventry next year?"

Kvesic says he thinks teams in the Championship will "drift away" if funding is reduced because of the lack of opportunity to go up, which could lead to "a weaker league".

"At the moment it's growing. The top three teams are pushing and it's a shame Jersey won't get the chance to test themselves in the top league."

We were spoiled last summer.

The 2022 unrestricted free agent class featured star players like Johnny Gaudreau, Filip Forsberg, Claude Giroux, Nazem Kadri, Darcy Kuemper and Marc-Andre Fleury -- not to mention two-thirds of the Pittsburgh Penguins' core in Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

The 2023 free agent class is ... not like that. At all. There isn't a franchise-altering player available. But that's not to say there aren't players that could be the last pieces of championship puzzles, difference-makers on burgeoning contenders and valuable additions to young teams seeking veteran help.

Here's a look at the unrestricted free agent field, organized into different tiers. We've opted not to include restricted free agents, as offer sheets remain a rarity in the NHL.

Which players are you hoping your team signs this offseason?

The expedited schedule LIV Golf attorneys sought for the antitrust case filed against the PGA Tour last year has reached an appeals roadblock.

The 9^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Tour’s motion to dismiss an appeal filed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and its governor on Friday, likely setting the stage for a lengthy process that could delay the original antitrust.

The Tour has sought discovery from the PIF and its governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, claiming the fund is more than simply an investor in LIV Golf and is involved in the day-to-day decisions of the breakaway league. A magistrate judge and U.S. District Court judge have both ruled the PIF and Al-Rumayyan must submit to discovery, but the fund has appealed that ruling to the 9^th Circuit, claiming sovereign immunity.

Friday’s ruling denied the Tour’s motion to dismiss the appeal but invites the circuit to renew its jurisdictional arguments in their answering brief.

“What that means is that there will be no quick exit from the appellate court,” said Jodi S. Balsam, a professor of clinical law at Brooklyn Law School.

Opening briefs from both sides are due July 17, and Balsam explained that an oral argument will likely take place during the court’s term that runs from September 2023 through June 2024.

“Once fully briefed and argued, it could take the 9th Circuit another three to six months to issue a decision,” Balsam said. “So at least a year until we learn whether [PIF] will have to produce discovery in this litigation.”

The antitrust and counterclaim lawsuits are currently mired in multiple discovery disputes. The current trial date is May 17, 2024, although PIF’s appeal will likely impact that schedule.

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is edging closer to a move to Liverpool after being given permission to undergo a medical, sources told ESPN.

ESPN reported Monday that Liverpool want to sign the 24-year-old before he joins up with Argentina ahead of their June 15 friendly against Australia in China

- When does the summer transfer window open and close?

According to sources, Liverpool have held constructive talks with Brighton, and Mac Allister is expected to become Liverpool's first major signing of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have made the recruitment of at least two midfielders their priority this summer following the departures of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of their Anfield contracts.

Sources added that Liverpool also retain an interest in Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes, Nice's Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone.

Manchester United are prepared to let Dean Henderson move to Nottingham Forest once David De Gea has signed a new contract, sources have told ESPN.

De Gea's deal at Old Trafford is set to expire on June 30 but talks over a new contract are at an advanced stage.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

United expect the Spaniard to extend his stay and once it's confirmed, they are prepared to let Henderson negotiate a move to Forest.

Henderson spent last season on loan at the City Ground and Forest made enquiries throughout the campaign about making the move permanent.

United's agreement with Forest last summer was a straight loan and a full transfer will require further talks between the two clubs.

Henderson has a contract until 2025 with the option of another year and United will ask for a sizable fee before letting the 26-year-old England international leave.

Forest boss Steve Cooper wants Henderson to be his No. 1 next season after Keylor Navas, who joined on loan in January, left the club at the end of the season.

Henderson missed the last four months of the season because of a thigh injury but is hopeful of being fit for the start of preseason.

United, according to sources, may look to sign another goalkeeper this summer.

Manager Erik ten Hag wants De Gea to stay but the 32-year-old's status as the club's first-choice goalkeeper is not guaranteed.

There is interest in Brentford's David Raya and Porto's Diogo Costa, but it is not clear how far the summer budget will stretch after signing a midfielder and a striker.

Christophe Galtier has been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain after winning the Ligue 1 title, sources have told ESPN.

Galtier led PSG to the 2022-23 league title but failed to deliver success in the Champions League with the French club knocked out by Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

According to ESPN sources, PSG sporting director Luis Campos informed Galtier on Tuesday that he was sacked by the club with former Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann set to continue talks with the club.

Sources added that the club also held talks with former Spain and Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique but have now made Nagelsmann their top target, with the German coach keen for Thierry Henry to join him as his assistant.

There is growing confidence that an agreement can be made for Nagelsmann and Henry to join the French champions.

Galtier joined PSG last summer after leading Nice to a ninth-placed finish in 2021-22 and he also had stints in charge of Lille and Saint-Etienne.

Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos will also leave the club this summer following the expiry of their contracts. Sources told ESPN in May that Neymar is also ready to leave PSG in the summer with the club willing to let him go if they receive a suitable offer.

The Women's World Cup is now a little more than a month away, and the roster for the U.S. women's national team should be announced within the next three weeks.

Those of us trying to forecast the roster know this is the most unpredictable roster for the USWNT ahead of a major tournament in some time. As head coach Vlatko Andonovski said in April after the USWNT's final international friendlies before the World Cup: "We have maybe 10 to 12 players that are fighting for six to seven spots." That's a lot, and it's also a departure from previous tournaments, for which the squad was pretty much set months in advance.

Why so many question marks? One big reason is the number of injuries that have plagued the USWNT over the past year.

Some players couldn't make it back -- Catarina Macario would've made this roster if she got fit in time from an ACL tear, but she recently announced she won't be ready. Samantha Mewis and Mallory Swanson -- two roster locks when healthy -- are injured, freeing up spots for players who have never competed in a World Cup.

There are a number of players, such as Kelley O'Hara, Julie Ertz, Tierna Davidson and Casey Krueger, who are only just returning to the fold after long absences. Will Andonovski give spots to these players and bump the players who took their places over the past year or so? Rose Lavelle has been out since April -- will she make it even if she's not 100%?

This is also a roster that turns the page from the 2019 World Cup in a big way, which Andonovski always promised he'd do. Coaching decisions mean the USWNT has long been without Tobin Heath, Christen Press, Morgan Brian and several others from the 2019 tournament-winning squad, on top of the retirement of Carli Lloyd and injuries to others.

There might be some surprises when Andonovski announces his roster later this month, but here is our roster prediction for who will represent the USWNT when the Women's World Cup starts in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.

Goalkeepers (3)

Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars):

She is the starter, and nothing will change that unless she's physically unable to play. Despite there being goalkeepers who have arguably performed better in the NWSL over recent years, Naeher's combination of experience and her recent reps with the USWNT make it clear she is the No. 1. Remember her clutch penalty kick save in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against England? Naeher has proved she can deliver in big moments.

Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage):

Last year it seemed like she got a passing look as someone who could push for the starting spot, but she never could quite state her case and is now solidified as the No. 2 behind Naeher.

Adrianna Franch (Kansas City Current):

Her consistency and reliability in the NWSL never translated to the USWNT, but her familiarity and experience with the USWNT keeps her in the mix. As the No. 2 in 2021, she was called upon during the Olympics after an injury to Naeher, a tournament that only seemed to push her further down the depth chart.

Center backs (4)

Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns):

She's the captain and a confidante of Andonovski's. Her veteran leadership, experience and temperament mean she will be at this World Cup playing an important role on and off the field. This will be the 37-year-old's fourth World Cup, and she has hinted it might be her last.

Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC):

In a position that tends to value experience and maturity, 22-year-old Girma has established herself as a player who should figure prominently in the USWNT's future. She's in the top 10 in the NWSL in duels won, recoveries and all defensive interventions on a per-90-minute basis over the past two years.

Alana Cook (OL Reign):

Cook has also been solid in the NWSL, albeit not at the level of Girma, but the 26-year-old seems like a lock anyway. In the USWNT's past 25 games over 2022 and 2023, Cook has started 20 of them -- given the investment Andonovski has made in Cook, it feels like his mind has been made up for a while.

Emily Sonnett (OL Reign):

Although Tierna Davidson seems to be a consensus pick among pundits and fans, we think this will actually be one of the tougher choices for Andonovski, and we see Sonnett making the roster.

After tearing her ACL last year, Davidson has been working her way back to full sharpness since her return in April, but she and her Chicago Red Stars have struggled this season, conceding the most goals in the league by a good margin. Davidson's current form just doesn't make her an obvious choice. Andonovski insists club form matters, and we have to take him at his word. To be fair, Sonnett's ceiling isn't as high as Davidson's, but she has been in better form lately.

Sonnett can also play as a full-back, a center back or even a defensive midfielder, which is where she has been playing this season for her club, OL Reign. Sonnett's ability to add depth at multiple positions makes her even more of a "utility player" than Davidson, who has played as both a center back and left back for the USWNT. (We're listing Sonnett here instead of with the full-backs because we think she will take Davidson's center back spot.)

Davidson's experience as a starter in the 2021 Olympic bronze medal-winning squad or as a backup at the 2019 World Cup could be compelling, but Sonnett was in the squads for both of those tournaments too. Sonnett didn't play big roles in either tournament, but this is a backup position that shouldn't be expected to play a big role. That's where Andonovski has given Sonnett reps, having her come on as a second-half substitute in five of the USWNT's past six games.

Full-backs (3)

Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage):

In the absence of Crystal Dunn, who spent much of 2022 away for the birth of her first child, Fox has emerged as the USWNT's starting left back. She could also play on the right, and indeed Andonovski has started her there, even if she stays on the left for her club.

Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns):

While Fox fully took advantage of Dunn's absence and grabbed a spot, Dunn's versatility remains far too valuable to keep her off this roster. Dunn can play either full-back position, and she can play pretty much any position other than goalkeeper at this point. Dunn was the USWNT's left back at the 2019 World Cup, and it might make the most sense to keep her there in this go-round, but she can start on the right if needed.

Kelley O'Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC):

With Dunn and Fox -- two players who normally play left back -- ensuring the left is well covered, now the USWNT needs some coverage with a natural right back, and this is where picking the roster gets difficult.

O'Hara, a veteran who has won two World Cups with the USWNT, seems like the preferred choice, but her recent bout of injuries is a concern. Sofia Huerta, 30, has a similar profile to 35-year-old O'Hara -- better at attacking than defending -- but less experience, including never featuring in a major tournament. Huerta featured in 20 of the USWNT's 25 games in the past two years, while O'Hara has featured in only nine, but that's because O'Hara spent months sidelined with on-and-off injuries, making room for Huerta to play so much.

Assuming that O'Hara has missed recent Gotham games as a precaution and her ankle injury isn't serious, look for Andonovski to lean toward her experience. If not, Huerta is the next best option and should go ahead of 32-year-old Casey Krueger, who can play on the right or left but hasn't had enough time with the USWNT recently after her own absence. Krueger hasn't been having the best season with the Chicago Red Stars either.

How Andonovski structures his roster is also a question that could dictate some of these toss-up positions, but it doesn't make sense for him to bring both O'Hara and Huerta (or Krueger) to occupy the second-choice spot for right back. Relying on depth from Sonnett, who can play anywhere on the back line or in the midfield in a pinch, makes some sense.

Midfielders (6)

Rose Lavelle (OL Reign):

If Lavelle is healthy, she's not only on this roster but is a starter. Worryingly, Lavelle hasn't played for club or country since April 8, when she suffered what Andonovski called "a little knock" at the time. In the USWNT's final match before Andonovski names his roster, she didn't play out of what Andonovski hinted was an abundance of caution, saying, "this is not a game for us to take any chances."

Yet, two months later, she still hasn't returned. Reign coach Laura Harvey had indicated Lavelle was nearly recovered from the unspecified knee injury, but then she suffered a setback. Harvey's last update in late May was less optimistic: "I hope that we get to see her before the World Cup, but honestly right now I don't know."

Lavelle is no stranger to injuries, and with the World Cup not beginning until July 20, and the USWNT's opener on July 22, she'd have another month of recovery time once the roster is named. We have to assume that even if Lavelle isn't 100% she will be on that roster given her quality, and for all we know the Reign might be exercising extra caution ahead of the World Cup.

Julie Ertz (Angel City):

For about two years, it seemed like Ertz would not be on this roster as she focused on her life outside of soccer, opting not to sign for any club teams. But 611 days since her last appearance for the USWNT, she made a surprise return in April and catapulted to the top of ESPN's USWNT Big Board. It's unclear if Ertz can possibly match her stellar form at the 2019 World Cup, but to make this squad she doesn't need to. Her ball-winning, crunch-tackling, attack-stopping ability as a defensive midfielder has been irreplaceable.

Lindsey Horan (Lyon):

She can do a bit of everything in the midfield, on and off the ball, and she can impact the game in a variety of ways. With Ertz likely the defensive midfielder and Lavelle the playmaker, Horan will play a more all-around box-to-box role.

Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit):

If Ertz didn't make the roster, Sullivan would've been the USWNT's starting No. 6, or defensive midfielder. But with Ertz returning, it seems Sullivan will instead be relegated to a backup role.

Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit):

Given the question marks around Lavelle, having a viable backup in that role becomes all the more important for the USWNT, and luckily Sanchez has long looked ready for the job. She can play that creative No. 10 attacking midfield role with perhaps not the finesse of Lavelle, but she can certainly be aggressive and dangerous, which is what the USWNT will want.

Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC):

Now this exercise is getting difficult. Does Andonovski even bring six midfielders? He might not, in which case Mewis won't make it. But with the USWNT playing a system that requires three central midfielders and Lavelle's lingering injury to account for, it wouldn't hurt to bring one extra player as an insurance policy.

This battle for an extra spot seems like it's between Taylor Kornieck and Kristie Mewis (her sister, Samantha Mewis, who was so excellent at the 2019 World Cup, is injured). Mewis gains the edge because of her versatility -- she has played throughout the midfield and as a full-back, making her a coveted utility player. Such players who can offer depth at multiple positions can be vital for a tournament like the World Cup, where sometimes it seems to be less about which team has the best starting 11 and more about which team has the best depth. Mewis also was part of Andonovski's 2021 Olympics squad.

Wingers (5)

Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns):

With Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario both injured and missing out on this World Cup, Smith is going to have to carry a big load as a goal scorer. Fortunately, she took a big step forward in the NWSL last season, is in good form now and looks poised to have a breakout tournament.

Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham):

She wouldn't have been a starter for the USWNT if Swanson was still in this squad, but now there's a spot on the wing for her to grab. She's a solid goal scorer and an excellent presser, and her experience with the USWNT at the 2021 Olympics makes her a choice that Andonovski might feel more confident in. Her good form in the NWSL right now also bolsters her case.

Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit):

She's not going to offer the goal scoring that the other wingers on this roster will -- at least not at the international level, where she hasn't had as much success compared to her NWSL exploits. But her passing and ability to set up her teammates offers something different. Andonovski played her in the USWNT's past seven matches throughout 2023, and it feels like he was making sure she's ready.

Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign):

She took the 2019 World Cup by storm, but that's probably not going to be how the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand will play out. Rapinoe will be 38 years old and she has become more injury prone, meaning she'll likely come off the bench to impact games. Even if she's not a 90-minute player anymore, she has come through in the clutch and delivered in enough big moments for the USWNT that there's no question she's the substitute you want if you're trying to close out games.

Alyssa Thompson (Angel City):

Here's where Andonovski could zag a little bit and surprise some people. At 18 years old, Thompson would be the youngest player on the USWNT roster after earning her first cap only eight months ago.

Thompson has only three caps with the USWNT, but her form in the NWSL is hard to ignore. Her ability to slice through defenses with her dribbling and her speed makes her an appealing substitute option. Andonovski could view this as an investment in Thompson's future with the USWNT while still reasonably expecting that she could step up if needed. It would mean Margaret "Midge" Purce would just miss out.

Strikers (2)

Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC):

For a while last year, Andonovski seemed intent on finding a replacement for Morgan, and then he came around to the realization that there isn't one.

If Catarina Macario hadn't been injured, there's no question Morgan would be battling with her for the starting spot, but now Morgan is the clear No. 9. Driving at defenders face-up to goal, holding up the ball back to goal, attacking centrally or from wide areas -- Morgan is a handful for defenses. And while that means she is sometimes tightly marked out of getting on the scoresheet, her off-the-ball work opens up scoring opportunities for her teammates.

Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit):

What do you do with a player who has been excellent for her club but comparatively unremarkable for her national team? That's the dilemma Andonovski finds himself in with Hatch.

Andonovski could decide not to bring a dedicated backup for Morgan at all -- players like Smith and Williams are experienced strikers in their own rights. But with Hatch coming off the bench or starting in 15 of the USWNT's past 25 games, including five of seven games in 2023, it seems like Andonovski would've moved on already if he wasn't convinced.

Hatch could be for the 2023 roster what Jessica McDonald was for the 2019 one: some extra peace of mind but little more. McDonald was a backup at striker that the USWNT didn't really need or use (she played 45 minutes the whole tournament), but in a nightmare scenario where anyone on the front line gets injured, having her available would allow for some continuity and minimal disruption.

The roster construction

As pundits and fans argue over starting spots, coaches are the first to say a World Cup roster isn't about a starting 11 but a full roster. Playing potentially seven games in a four-week period means rotation is necessary, and teams need depth in case of injuries or suspensions. For Andonovski, he needs to squeeze the maximum amount of depth from 23 spots on the roster for his preferred 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations.

In 2019 under then-coach Jill Ellis, the USWNT had three goalkeepers (as required), seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards for a 4-3-3, which is the same roster construction we've predicted here. Drilling deeper, we've got the same number of full-backs, center backs and midfielders, but in 2019 the USWNT had four wingers and three dedicated strikers.

Andonovski's only other major tournament roster, the 2021 Olympics, was a 22-player roster after four alternates were added to the full roster due to the pandemic, and he went with the same configuration as the 2019 roster but with one winger removed.

If our predicted roster is the one that Andonovski goes with, it will offer plenty of depth, with at least three players as viable options per field position. But in the positions where he has similar options -- Kelley O'Hara vs. Sofia Huerta vs. Casey Krueger is the tightest race of this roster -- he has difficult decisions to make.

We'll find out what Andonovski has decided before the USWNT players start departing for their pre-World Cup camp on June 26.

The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the LIV Golf League, which have been embroiled in a bitter legal battle for more than a year, have agreed to merge and move forward in a larger commercial business, the circuits announced Tuesday.

The tours called the stunning development "a landmark agreement to unify the game of golf, on a global basis."

The landmark deal was reached without the knowledge of many PGA Tour members and LIV Golf players and agents.

Said one PGA Tour player reached by ESPN on Tuesday, "No f---ing way."

In a statement, the circuits said the parties have signed an agreement that "combines PIF's golf-related commercial businesses and rights (including LIV Golf) with the commercial businesses and rights of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a model that delivers maximum excitement and competition among the game's best players."

"After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. "This transformational partnership recognizes the immeasurable strength of the PGA Tour's history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV -- including the team golf concept -- to create an organization that will benefit golf's players, commercial and charitable partners and fans."

As part of the deal, the sides are dropping all lawsuits involving LIV Golf against each other effective immediately.

The LIV Golf League, which was being financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and fronted by two-time Open Championship winner Greg Norman, and 11 of its players, including Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau, had sued the PGA Tour in federal court last year, alleging that the PGA Tour had used its monopoly power to squash competition and influence vendors, media companies and others from working with LIV Golf.

The PGA Tour filed a countersuit, alleging that LIV Golf had interfered with its contracts with players.

Still to be determined is how players like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, who defected to Saudi-funded LIV Golf for nine-figure bonuses, can rejoin the PGA Tour after this year.

Also unclear was what form the LIV Golf League would take in 2024.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a memo to players that a thorough evaluation would determine how to integrate team golf into the game.

"They were going down their path, we were going down ours, and after a lot of introspection you realize all this tension in the game is not a good thing," Monahan said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, will join the board of the PGA Tour, which continues to operates its tournaments. Al-Rumayyan will be chairman of the new commercial group, with Monahan as the CEO and the PGA Tour having a majority stake in the new venture. The PIF will invest in the commercial venture.

The PIF had dumped more than $2 billion into the golf enterprise, which critics have claimed is a form of sportswashing to repair the Saudi Arabian monarchy's history of human rights violations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list this week and could return to the starting lineup as early as Tuesday's series opener against the Chicago Cubs.

Rendon participated in a full baseball workout during the Angels' off-day Monday, but manager Phil Nevin told reporters that the team likely would wait until Wednesday to activate the 11-year veteran.

Rendon hasn't played since May 13 because of a strained groin -- the latest injury-related absence that has become the norm in his Angels' tenure, which began in 2020 after he signed a seven-year, $245 million contract.

In four years with the Angels, Rendon has not played in more than 58 games in any season. His return will create an interesting dilemma for Nevin. Gio Urshela, who has filled in for Rendon at third base, is playing good defense and ranks fourth in the American League with a .310 batting average.

Even when healthy, Rendon has not been nearly the player he was with the Washington Nationals, for whom he played his first seven major league seasons.

While in Washington, he was an All-Star, ranked in the top six in National League MVP voting three times, led the league in doubles twice and led the majors in RBIs in 2019.

Rendon likely will take the roster spot of reserve infielder Livan Soto, but the Angels also could look to promote infielder David Fletcher soon. Fletcher was sent to Triple-A Salt Lake in mid-April when the club promoted shortstop Zach Neto from Double-A Rocket City.

Fletcher has played well for Salt Lake, hitting .347 with 21 RBIs in 35 games.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.