World number one Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will aim to set up a tantalising French Open semi-final encounter at Roland Garros on Tuesday.

Djokovic continues his bid for a record 23rd men's Grand Slam title against Russian 11th seed Karen Khachanov.

In the women's quarter-finals, Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka meets Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.

The winner of that match will play Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Czech opponent Karolina Muchova, who are first up on Philippe Chatrier from 10:00 BST.

Elsewhere, Britain's Neal Skupski and Dutch team-mate Wesley Koolhof - the top seeds in the men's doubles - take on Spain's Marcel Granollers and Argentine Horacio Zeballos for a place in the semi-finals.

In the opening day of the wheelchair events, three time champion Alfie Hewett begins against Tom Egberink of the Netherlands.

Doubles partner and two-time runner-up Gordon Reid plays another Dutchman, Mikael Scheffers, while fellow Briton Lucy Shuker faces Dana Mathewson in the women's competition.

Alcaraz and Djokovic on collision course

Excitement over a potential semi-final showdown between Alcaraz and Djokovic has been building with each passing round since the draw was made at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard, who won his first major at Flushing Meadows in September, arrived in Paris as men's world number one after replacing Djokovic at the top of the rankings last month.

On an 11-match winning run at Grand Slams after injury ruled him out of the Australian Open - won by Djokovic in January - Alcaraz faces his sternest test yet when he plays 2021 runner-up Tsitsipas in his quarter-final (19:15 BST)

Tsitsipas, winless in four previous meetings following his loss in April's Barcelona final, spoke highly of his opponent earlier in the tournament, describing Alcaraz as "a breath of fresh air" and praising his "positive energy".

"Right now he's one of the biggest obstacles and challenges for any player to compete against," Tsitsipas said of Alcaraz.

"It pushes us all to be better. Rivalries like this, they are the toughest thing you can get in our sport."

Walking out for Tuesday's night session on Philippe Chatrier, they will already know whether two-time champion Djokovic awaits in the last four.

The Serbian third seed has won all 12 sets he has played as he seeks to overtake the absent Rafael Nadal by winning a 23rd major this week.

In his record 17th French Open quarter-final, he will look to deny Khachanov a third successive Grand Slam semi-final appearance - and the 36-year-old insists he is not looking beyond that match.

"Khachanov in the quarter-finals. I know what my goal is here," Djokovic said. "I'm trying to stay mentally the course and not look too far [ahead]."

Ukraine's Svitolina will not shake Sabalenka's hand

A meeting with Sabalenka pits Svitolina against a third successive opponent who she will not shake hands with at Roland Garros - her first Slam since Russia invaded her country in February 2022.

In the absence of a handshake with Russian player Daria Kasatkina in the fourth round, the pair exchanged a thumbs-up at the end of the match, with Svitolina acknowledging the 26-year-old because she has been "brave" to criticise her nation's actions.

The Ukrainian said "everything will be the same" when she meets Australian Open champion Sabalenka, after that straight-set win extended her stay in her first major since becoming a mother in October.

Since returning to action in April, Svitolina has established an eight-match winning streak, claiming the Strasbourg title in May and donating her prize money from that event to Ukrainian children.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, again opted out of attending an open news conference after overcoming Sloane Stephens, having said she did not "feel safe" during her post-match duties last Wednesday.

Through to the last eight at Roland Garros for the first time as she aims for consecutive Slam successes, the Belarusian is yet to lose a set following her win in the tournament's first women's night session match on Sunday.

"Svitolina is playing really great tennis here in Paris, moving well," Sabalenka said. "Another player [that's] going to run a lot and put a lot of balls back, and I just have to be patient and wait for that perfect shot to finish the point."

Either 2021 runner-up Pavlyuchenkova or Muchova, through to her first major quarter-final, will await in the last four.

Russian Pavlyuchenkova, who lost to Barbora Krejcikova in the Roland Garros final two years ago, has dropped outside the world's top 300 after a knee injury sidelined her for five months last year.

Muchova, an Australian Open semi-finalist in 2021 and two-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist, has progressed beyond the third round on the Paris clay for the first time.

LAS VEGAS -- Connor Bedard still isn't ready to admit what the rest of the hockey world has long assumed: that he'll be selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in this month's NHL draft.

"If they decide to take me, that would be unbelievable," the 17-year-old forward told reporters Monday ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. "But we'll see what happens."

Bedard said he will have 30 guests -- a mix of family, friends and coaches -- with him for the event in Nashville.

The NHL invited Bedard and other top prospects to Las Vegas to take in the Stanley Cup Final experience. They toured the Golden Knights' practice facility in the morning -- Bedard said he was impressed by just how many sticks players had outside the locker room.

He also met players from both the Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, and said the overwhelming piece of advice was to "enjoy the moment."

Bedard said he's learning to get used to the spotlight.

"It's definitely something you've got to get used to; I'm still obviously a kid," Bedard said. "There's a lot of outside noise surrounding myself and a lot of these guys. For me, I try to look at it as a positive. I've been very fortunate to have a lot of these experiences ... World Juniors and being here, these are things that not everybody gets to do. So I'm really grateful for that."

Bedard said it was his first time in Las Vegas, and he was soaking in the city's unique flavor.

"Getting off at the airport and seeing the slot machines, I've never really seen that before," he said.

Bedard is coming off one of the greatest junior hockey careers of all time, including scoring 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists) in 57 regular-season games this season for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. The 5-foot-10 centers swept the CHL's end-of-season awards, being named the Top Prospect, Top Sorer and David Branch Player of the Year; it's the first time a player has taken home all three in a single season.

Bedard is known for his wicked shot -- which Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon told ESPN is "already one of the best in the world."

Up next for Bedard is a trip to Buffalo for the NHL scouting combine, which begins Wednesday.

It's hard not to like Viktor Hovland, but if you're still trying to avoid the Hovi express, we've got one more reason why you should hop on board.

The 25-year-old Norwegian star is as charismatic as he is good at golf, which is very, as exhibited by his four PGA Tour wins, including Sunday's at the Memorial, but he's also humble.

In the aftermath of his playoff win against Denny McCarthy, Hovland joked with tournament host Jack Nicklaus and wife, Barbara, on numerous occasions, including calling Jack "the worst" while Barbara agreed – "Oh, he's terrible." Then, apparently Hovland had some cocktails (per his convo with Jack), went to sleep and woke up nice and early to caddie for his friend playing in the U.S. Open Final Qualifying in Columbus, Ohio.

You read that right: less than 24 hours after winning $3.6 million at Jack's Place, ascending to No. 5 in the world and, undoubtedly, celebrating at least a little, Hovland held true to his commitment and showed up to caddie for his former Oklahoma State teammate and roomie Zach Bauchou.

It's called Golf's Longest Day for a reason: it's a daunting 36-hole qualifier at Lakes Golf & Country Club and Brookside Golf & Country Club. To make it even tougher, 103 players are vying for just 11 spots.

No matter what happens, Hovland will make his fifth appearance in the U.S. Open next week. After finishing top 7 in his last three major appearances, one would think a little good karma could go a long way in helping the young star snag his first major title.

Spain's anti-violence commission on Monday proposed fines of €60,001 ($64,290) and two-year bans from stadiums for each of the four men accused of hanging an effigy of Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior by the neck off a bridge in Madrid in January.

The commission also proposed fines of €5,000 and one-year bans from stadiums for each of the three Valencia fans accused of racially insulting Vinícius during a Spanish league match on May 21.

The punishment was expected to be imposed by local authorities.

Spanish club Valencia had already banned the three fans for life from its stadium. The club was fined €27,000 and was punished with the partial closure of Mestalla Stadium for three matches.

All seven people had been arrested a couple of days after the racial abuse in Valencia prompted an outpouring of support for Vinícius and a quick response by authorities and soccer officials.

The seven people were released pending further investigation by authorities. They could all face criminal charges, though so far no one has ever gone to trial in Spain for racially abusing a professional soccer player.

The incident of the effigy occurred on Jan. 26 in the buildup to a derby match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

The 22-year-old Vinícius, who is Black, has been subjected to repeated racist taunts since he arrived in Spain five years ago from his native Brazil. He has criticized Spanish soccer and local authorities for their lack of action.

The Spanish federation and the Brazilian federations on Monday announced that Spain will host Brazil in a friendly to mark both nations' fight against racism. The game will be played next March in Spain.

The Brazilian federation had strongly defended Vinícius after he was insulted and criticized Spanish soccer and local authorities for their lack of action to protect the Brazilian player.

"We agreed that we had to build things together, not only lament what had happened," Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales said. "This game shows our unity and our dedication to fight together against everything that harms the values of soccer."

Liverpool will miss out on Champions League football next year. There were some really rough moments this season, they're losing sporting director Julian Ward (a disciple of Michael Edwards, who built the current squad before leaving a year ago), and there is some uncertainty with the ownership who initially put all or part of the club up for sale, only to later change their minds.

That said, we don't think they're that far away. Top to bottom, this is probably the second-best squad in the Premier League. They've been pretty forward-thinking with their signings and contract extensions (though they've had a couple of misses, too) and are not in a situation where they need major surgery this summer, provided they believe this past season was just a blip and they continue to have faith in Jurgen Klopp. (And, as we see it, they should.)

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

The issue is midfield, as evidenced by their pursuit of Jude Bellingham. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Navy Keita are all being released, which should free up some money to ideally bring in two players. Ogden is particularly bullish here, thinking that for less than what they would have spent for Bellingham, they could probably add a dynamic Ligue 11 midfielder and a proven Premier League player, like Alexis Mac Allister (who has a release clause) or Mason Mount (who is one year away from free agency).

(It seems like a move for Mac Allister is close to being announced and while that will help, they need more help in midfield.)

There's a big call to be made around Trent Alexander-Arnold, too. Do you convert him into a midfielder, which means finding a right-back who's ready for the first team? Do you work on the version of him we saw late in the season, stepping into midfield? Or are you tempted to move on if the right offer comes in?

Editor's Note: This is the third in a series of stories over the coming weeks applying the same "who to keep, who to extend and who to move on" approach to all the top clubs in the Premier League and Europe. You can find our Manchester City edition here, and our Arsenal edition here.

Goalkeepers

Alisson (30 years old, contract expires in 2027)

Verdict: Keep

Adrian (36, 2023)

MARCOTTI: He has been a good servant to the club but has slipped to No. 3 and, at his age, you imagine he wants to be at least a No. 2.

Verdict: Release

Caoimhin Kelleher (24, 2026)

OGDEN: The key question here is whether he wants to continue as Alisson's backup. He's battling Gavin Bazunu for the Ireland keeper role, and he has now been a backup for two seasons. Not playing regularly isn't going to help him. He might ask for a transfer, in which case I think Liverpool would be grown up about it and he could also fetch a good fee.

MARCOTTI: I broadly agree, though I wonder if he could be loaned to a Premier League team for a season to get playing time. It might also help if they were to move him on next summer.

You can view him as a long-term replacement for Alisson, but the reality is Alisson has plenty left in the tank. Kelleher is 24 and probably isn't going to want to wait around another five or six years. But of course, if he leaves, you either extend Adrian another season if he's happy to stay or you have to find a backup.

Verdict: Keep

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold (24 years old, contract expires in 2025)

OGDEN: It's a huge question. If you keep him, you have to extend him. If not, this is the time to unload him, though his skill set is so unique that I'm not sure how many teams would be interested in him. It's down to how Klopp sees him. I'm not sure he's dynamic enough to play in midfield on a Klopp team, so the question is to what degree you trust him at right back.

MARCOTTI: I think what he gives you going forward is so important that I can live with his occasional defensive mishaps. Plus, he can improve. I agree: It has to be Klopp's call, and it's a big one, but I think he'll want to keep him. And that means you have to give him a long-term deal.

OGDEN: I'm not sure this is a decision you need to make straight away. He's a local lad, he's committed to the club, he's going to want to stay, I think you can wait to see how the new season unfolds with the new signings and make a decision in October or November.

Verdict: Split (keep and extend his contract/keep and wait)

Ibrahima Konate (23, 2026)

MARCOTTI: I think he has been exceptional.

Verdict: Keep

Virgil van Dijk (31, 2025)

OGDEN: He's totemic, you have to look to extend him.

MARCOTTI: I don't see any reason to extend him now. He's 32 in July, he has another two years, he's not the sort of guy who is going to grumble and try to force a move next summer when he has a year left or wind down his contract so he can leave on a free. I think you can bide your time, see where you are, see where he is and see what he wants to do.

Verdict: Split (Keep/Keep, but do not extend his contract)

Joe Gomez (25, 2027)

OGDEN: "He's versatile, I just don't think he's very good on a consistent basis. He hasn't kicked on, but he's a good squad player."

MARCOTTI: "I agree. Plus I'm not sure you'd get significant money for him."

Verdict: Keep

Joel Matip (31, 2024)

MARCOTTI: "He's 32 in the summer, he's played very little in three of the past four years, I see no need to extend his contract."

OGDEN: "I think you have to extend him, because the alternative is Nat Philips. Or, if you find a new club for him, you have to bring in another centerback."

Verdict: Split (keep/keep and extend, or find a new club)

Nat Phillips (26, 2025)

OGDEN: Klopp never plays him. He was on loan at Bournemouth last year, and this year he made two league appearances. Somebody will give them money for him; he did a job during lockdown after all. I think they can get £10m or £15m for him. Let's not forget, they got £17m for Neco Williams and £23.5m for Rhian Brewster in transfer fees, so they're really good at getting good money for their young players.

MARCOTTI: I assume he wants to play, so let him go and look to bring in a young center back whom you can develop and can then replace the depth he provides.

Verdict: Split (loan/find a new club)

Rhys Williams (22, 2026)

OGDEN: Another guy who played well during lockdown when everybody was hurt. But he has been on loan the past two years, so it's time to find him a new club if you can or at least loan him out.

Verdict: Split (loan/find a new club)

Andy Robertson (29, 2026)

Verdict: Keep

Konstantinos Tsimikas (27, 2025)

MARCOTTI: I don't see a reason to give him a new deal. He's locked up for two years. He does a decent job when he comes in, and I like the fact that he's different from Robertson.

Verdict: Keep

Calvin Ramsay (19, 2027)

OGDEN: This year was a write-off for him with injuries, but he was highly rated when he arrived. Let him get fit and see what he can offer. If it works out, he can be the alternative to Alexander-Arnold.

Verdict: Keep

Midfielders

Fabinho (29 years old, contract expires in 2026)

Verdict: Keep

Stefan Bajcetic (18, 2027)

OGDEN: He signed a new deal this year and was good when he got on the pitch, so I'd keep him.

MARCOTTI: I agree he has been good, but I think it's important that he gets minutes on the pitch. You'll have no problem finding a home for him on loan if, after assessing the incoming players, you think he's not going to get regular football.

Verdict: Split (keep ... if you can give him consistent playing time)

Thiago Alcantara (32, 2024)

OGDEN: You're stuck with him, he's never fit, nobody is going to take him with his wages. Good player when fit, but you can't rely on him being fit.

MARCOTTI: You can't count on him because of his injuries, but when he's there he can contribute. See where you are at the end of the season. He'll be 33, there's no need to rush into a deal.

Verdict: Keep

Naby Keita (28, 2023)

OGDEN: He has been a disappointment and as such, they're letting him go.

Verdict: Released

Curtis Jones (22, 2027)

OGDEN: You keep Bajcetic and let Jones go. He ended the season well and had some very good performances (Leicester comes to mind). But you can get a decent transfer fee in return -- he almost went to Villa at the start of last season.

MARCOTTI: I appreciate he'd have a market, but it totally depends on who comes in. With the three midfielders leaving on free transfers, Jordan Henderson well into his 30s and Thiago's fitness, maybe it doesn't hurt to keep another live body in the squad. And he has had his moments.

Verdict: Split (find him a new club/keep)

Arthur (26, 2023)

OGDEN: I'm pretty sure Liverpool didn't take up the option to acquire him on a permanent basis... and rightly so.

Verdict: Do not take option

Jordan Henderson (32, 2025)

OGDEN: There's a theory that maybe he can go back to Sunderland and get them back into the Premier League. That would be a romantic story. He definitely gives you something, but he's 33 in June. It's time to move on.

MARCOTTI: Unless he wants to go, I think you keep him. He's a great leader, maybe he can be a James Milner type down the road. Squad captain type of thing. I certainly wouldn't plan on him starting 30 league games -- not least because he hasn't done that since 2015 -- but he's a good guy to have around.

Verdict: Split (find him a new club/keep)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (29, 2023)

MARCOTTI: It's not hard to see why they released him. He needs a fresh start somewhere else.

Verdict: Released

James Milner (37, 2023)

MARCOTTI: He made a ton of league appearances this year, and he's a guy Klopp evidently trusts. If he wanted to stay on reduced wages and an ever-reducing role, I would have had no problem with it. But evidently he and the club decided it was time to move on.

Verdict: Released

Harvey Elliott (20, 2027)

OGDEN: No reason to extend him yet, but continue to play him. He has played well, it's important that he continues to get meaningful playing time."

Verdict: Keep

Fabio Carvalho (20, 2027)

MARCOTTI: Obviously it didn't work out for him this season, but he showed the year before at Fulham that he has real quality. However, if everybody is fit, he will be well down the pecking order this year and, at his age, you want to get him playing time.

Loan him out to somewhere he can play regularly and then see where you are in a year's time. He might be somebody who can return and be effective, or he might be somebody who is just not right for this club. But either way, with a solid season of regular football you can better assess him. And you can get a better transfer fee if he leaves.

Verdict: Loan him out

Forwards

Luis Diaz (26 years old, contract expires in 2027)

OGDEN: He's over his injuries, he's exceptional when fit, and they really missed him this year.

Verdict: Keep

Cody Gakpo (24, 2028)

Verdict: Keep

Diogo Jota (26, 2027)

Verdict: Keep

Mohamed Salah (30, 2025)

OGDEN: His goals this season showed they were right to give him a new deal last summer. There's no need to rush into another extension, however, given he's over 30.

Verdict: Keep

Darwin Nunez (23, 2028)

Verdict: Keep

Roberto Firmino (31, 2023)

MARCOTTI: I think he can contribute, but the decision to release him is the correct one both for him and for the club, I think, given the number of forwards.

Verdict: Released

United States midfielder Christian Pulisic admitted that his 2022-23 club season with Chelsea was "really tough."

Pulisic spoke with reporters on Monday from Carson, California, where the USMNT is training ahead of its June 15 CNL semifinal versus Mexico, and said he's eager to get on the field with the national team and get back to "being that confident player I know I can be."

Statistically speaking, the just concluded club season was easily the most difficult of Pulisic's tenure with the Blues. He recorded just 813 minutes in league play, his lowest mark since he broke in with Borussia Dortmund back in the 2015-16 season. Even on a per 90-minute basis, Pulisic's touches (45.98), goals (0.1), expected goals (0.14), shots (1.75) and shots on target percentage (27 percent), were all substantially lower than previous campaigns with Chelsea.

"It's been a really tough season for me personally and for our team of course at a club level," Pulisic said during media availability with the USMNT. "So for me it's just about coming in here and having a fresh start and being able to be a part of a team that hopefully can come out and win some games. So I'm really excited to be here and just to get some minutes on the field and just get back to being that confident player that I know I can be in and just find my footing again and just enjoying the game because it feels like it's been tough to do that lately."

Pulisic's diminishing role with Chelsea, plus the glut of players on the Blues' roster brought in since new owner Todd Boehly arrived, has given the impression that he'll be switching clubs during the summer. Sources have told ESPN that Juventus is one likely destination for the 24-year-old, but he insisted that the national team will be his sole focus over the next few weeks.

"Obviously, it's been an interesting journey at club level for me. I thought it was a great couple years and the last couple years just haven't gone at all how I've planned them to be," Pulisic said. "And right now my focus is obviously here with the national team. I'm just excited to get back playing and just enjoy myself and do what I love to do out on the field. And from there, this summer, we're obviously going to have to see what happens.

"It's obviously very early. As of right now I'm a Chelsea player and I plan to go back. But a lot of things can happen. A lot of things can change."

The U.S. will enter the CNL semifinal against Mexico with its second interim manager of the year in B.J. Callaghan. The U.S. men have been without a manager since Gregg Berhalter's contract was allowed to expire at the end of 2022 in the midst of an investigation into a domestic violence incident from 1992 that involved him and his wife Rosalind. The U.S. Soccer investigation ultimately concluded that Berhalter and his wife accurately portrayed the nature of the 1992 incident and that he was free to be hired for a coaching role in the future.

After Berhalter's contract wasn't renewed, Anthony Hudson managed the team for five games. But he resigned late last month to take an unnamed managerial post in the Middle East, leaving Callaghan to take over.

Pulisic said dealing with change -- both at club and international level -- is something he's used to, but his familiarity with Callaghan will ease the transition.

"I've had quite a few managers in my time, so I've dealt with change," Pulisic said. "I mean [Callaghan] especially he, he's been a part of Gregg's staff. We know him well. We know what he is all about. He's not going to come in and try to change everything. He's going to come in, give some new ideas, give input, and obviously make sure [to] run by everything with the team, with some of the leadership guys.

"We're going to have to be well prepared once the game comes around. It's not something that any of us have never seen before, so we're just going to give our best and help him along the way as he helps us and try to win some games."

On the possibility of Berhalter returning as U.S. coach, Pulisic said he supports the idea.

"I think [Berhalter] should be considered," Pulisic said. "I think he did a great job with the team. He brought us a long way. I think a lot of people and a lot of guys in the team especially would agree with that."

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The signs that something big is coming have been there. Across Abbott Road from the Buffalo Bills' facility and Highmark Stadium, dirt is being moved and construction vehicles are in full work mode.

With years put into coming to an agreement with New York state and Erie County on a deal, there was no time to waste on beginning construction on the new stadium grounds in time for the 2026 season.

On Monday morning, however, those came to a pause with gold shovels, a stage and all the proper tools for a celebration to hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bills stadium. The agreements include a 30-year lease and a non-relocation agreement that makes it difficult for the team to leave Buffalo, the second-smallest NFL market (larger than only Green Bay).

"While Buffalo isn't one of the larger NFL markets, the days of us operating as a small-market team are in the past," EVP/chief operating officer Ron Raccuia said. "On the field, we've become a national brand, gaining national attention and attracting national opportunities. Our fans stretch across the country and the world, and as an organization, we carry this banner with commitment and pride."

The ceremony included speeches from Raccuia, who has led the stadium project for the Bills, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Bills owner/CEO Terry Pegula, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane were also in attendance. Bills owner/president Kim Pegula, who played a significant role in the stadium process, was not able to be present as she continues to recover from a cardiac arrest last June.

Raccuia later described Goodell as being on the "Mount Rushmore of people who made" the stadium deal happen with the league office supporting getting a deal done. The commissioner is a native of Jamestown, New York, located about an hour and a half from the stadium, and while he said he's not sure how many groundbreakings he has been to in his tenure, saying just that it's over 20, "none of them are more meaningful than being here today."

"This is an extraordinary community. They deserve an extraordinary stadium, and you're going to get it and I think, as western New Yorkers, we'll all be proud," Goodell said. "It'll be not only a great stadium but filled with incredible fans. Western New York has always shown that passion for football, for the Bills. It's just for us, I don't think of it as 30 years, I think it as a lifetime. I think of it as the future. The Bills are now secured in western New York, and that's something that we should all take great pride in."

The new stadium will officially also be called Highmark Stadium, as announced by Terry Pegula, thanks to a new naming rights agreement with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York to extend the partnership with the Bills.

When the deal was initially reached in March 2022, the combined $850 million in public funding for the initially $1.4 billion outdoor stadium ($600 million from New York state and $250 million from Erie County) was the largest public commitment for an NFL stadium. That has since been surpassed with the Tennessee Titans receiving more than $1.2 billion in public funding for their future enclosed stadium.

The cost for the new Bills stadium, which is expected to seat about 63,000, is now $1.54 billion, with the Pegulas responsible for any additional costs. The stadium will not have a dome, but it will include stacked seating and a canopy overhang to protect fans from the elements. It will also feature a natural grass field, a change from the turf field at the current stadium.

Since 1973, the Bills have played in the Erie County-owned Highmark Stadium, the fourth-oldest stadium in the NFL. The lease for the stadium has been extended to 2028 to allow for any potential construction issues or delays. The construction of the current stadium was originally 100% publicly financed. New York state will own the new stadium. Final agreement on the 30-year lease came in a unanimous vote from the Erie County Legislature on May 4.

The deadline for the final negotiations was pushed back multiple times amid unforeseen events this past year, including Kim Pegula's cardiac arrest and multiple historic blizzards in Buffalo. The COVID-19 pandemic also hampered discussions.

Included in the documentation for the new deal is a community benefits agreement that includes the team investing at least $3 million a year in the community, with that amount adjusted every year by the price index (subject to a maximum increase of 2.2% a year). That would generate over $100 million over the terms of the lease.

When founder and former team owner Ralph Wilson died in 2014, there was concern about the team potentially being moved out of Buffalo. While Poloncarz said that when the Pegulas bought the team, they felt "relieved," actually coming to an agreement on the team's long-term future in Buffalo settles any conversations.

"Ralph would be looking down and admire the fact that he got it done, because Ralph was in many negotiations [at the old stadium], and getting that stadium built, a lot of negotiations," Mary Wilson, Ralph Wilson's widow, told ESPN. "And also getting improvements to that stadium, a lot of negotiations. So, Ralph would be proud of what they accomplished. ... The Bills are never leaving here. The Bills are never leaving western New York."

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It wasn't pretty, but Oklahoma kept its historic win streak alive.

Tiare Jennings doubled in the ninth inning to score two runs, leading the top-seeded Sooners past No. 9 Stanford 4-2 on Monday for a shot at their third straight Women's College World Series title.

Oklahoma increased its Division I record to 51 consecutive victories. The Sooners advanced to play No. 3 Florida State or No. 4 Tennessee for the national championship. Oklahoma (59-1) looks to become the first program since UCLA in 1988-90 to win three consecutive titles. The best-of-three championship series starts Wednesday.

"We win a lot, and that's fabulous," Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso said. "But sometimes I think we're so used to taking it for granted, and this means a lot. This means a lot. To get to the championship game means a lot."

Stanford (47-15) reached the World Series for the third time, and the first time since 2004.

Because Oklahoma was unbeaten in the double-elimination bracket, the Sooners needed just one win on Monday, while Stanford would have needed two to advance. Oklahoma handed Stanford both of its World Series losses.

Stanford's Kylie Chung hit a 2-run homer in the first, the only runs the Sooners have allowed at the World Series. Jayda Coleman's solo homer tied the score at 2 in the third.

Grace Lyons doubled to start off Oklahoma's ninth. Coleman came up with Lyons on third base and with two outs and was intentionally walked. With two strikes, Jennings -- celebrating her 21st birthday -- sent NiJaree Canady's pitch into the gap in right center to bring Lyons and Coleman home.

Coleman and Jennings are both first-team National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Americans. Gasso said Jennings took advantage of an ideal situation, despite being 0-for-4 before her final at-bat.

"She's one of the best hitters I've ever seen," Gasso said. "So coaches -- all coaches pick their poison. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Tiare has this ability to get locked in like nobody I've ever seen as well. Her swing just looked kind of easy. It looked pretty free and easy and ran right into it at the right time."

Stanford coach Jessica Allister believes walking Coleman to face Jennings was the right move.

"I think we'd make the same decision again," she said. "Obviously hindsight is 20/20 and it didn't end up the way that we wanted it to, but we liked the matchup. At this point, you can't be careful. You've got to trust your gut and go with the best decision."

Oklahoma's Jordy Bahl put the Cardinal down in order in the ninth.

Bahl, who got the win, gave up four hits in four innings in relief of starter Nicole May and did not allow a run. Bahl is 3-0 at the World Series and has not allowed a run in 14 2/3 innings.

Canady entered the day with the most innings pitched of any player at the World Series. She threw a one-hitter against Washington on Sunday to lift the Cardinal into the semifinals, then threw 85 pitches against Oklahoma. The NFCA Freshman of the Year had a 1.12 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings at the World Series.

"I think that I can play at this level," she said. "Coming in [to the World Series], like I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know -- we get Oklahoma right off the bat. And now I know like I can, for the most part, I can pitch to any team in the nation."

Canady and the Cardinal want more next year.

"We got here," she said. "That was a taste, and now we're going to come back hungry."

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NFL is investigating an Indianapolis Colts player for possible violations of the league's gambling policy.

The team acknowledged the inquiry Monday, saying in a statement, "We are aware of the NFL's investigation and will have no further comment at this time."

Multiple sources familiar with the investigation confirmed to ESPN that the player in question is Colts cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers. Rodgers, a sixth-round pick, is entering the final year of a four-year, $3.4 million contract.

The sportsbook account was opened under the name of an associate of Rodgers, the sources said. Approximately 100 bets were placed on the account over an undisclosed amount of time, including on Colts games, the sources said. Most of the bets were in the $25-$50 range, although there was at least one low four-figure bet.

Calls from ESPN to Rodgers and his agent were not immediately returned, and the Colts declined to expand on the team's original statement.

The news comes after a report by SportsHandle.com, which cited an investigation into a Colts player's "pervasive" betting, including wagers placed on his own team. The player was not named in the report, nor did team officials reveal his identity.

An NFL spokesperson, when asked by ESPN for comment on the report, said in a text message that they had "nothing to add."

The Indiana Gaming Commission confirmed to ESPN that it had received "information pertaining to this matter" and was following developments.

"The IGC is not the lead agency on this matter, as it involves alleged violations of a league policy at this point," Jenny Reske, deputy director at the Indiana Gaming Commission, wrote in an emailed statement to ESPN. "We will, however, continue to review information as it emerges to determine what, if any, regulatory actions are necessary."

In April, the NFL suspended five players -- including four from the Detroit Lions -- for gambling policy violations. Lions receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, as well as Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games. Lions receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill received six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL games from an NFL facility. Cephus, Moore and Berryhill were later released by Detroit.

Last year, then-Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for betting on NFL games over a five-game stretch when he was away from the team. He was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trading deadline last November and reinstated in March.

Although the NFL has widely embraced sports betting and has sponsorship deals with sportsbooks, the league explicitly prohibits players from betting on NFL games. Players are also prohibited from placing bets while at NFL facilities.