Sports Express | August 13, 2026 Russell Westbrook Announces Retirement

1. Russell Westbrook Announces Retirement After 18 Legendary Seasons

Russell Westbrook, the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles and the 2017 Kia MVP, announced his retirement on Wednesday after 18 seasons. The nine-time All-Star played for seven teams — including the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards and Lakers — and was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

Known for his explosive athleticism and relentless motor, Westbrook piled up more than 200 career triple-doubles, a record that still stands untouched. His retirement closes one of the most electrifying chapters in modern basketball.

2. Lakers Sold for Record $12.5 Billion in North American Sports Landmark

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record-breaking $12.5 billion to a group led by Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, multiple sources confirmed. The price shatters previous franchise valuations and ranks as the largest team sale in North American pro sports history.

Current owner Mark Walter, who bought his controlling stake from the Buss family just last year at a $10 billion valuation, now stands to pocket billions. Kushner, a venture capitalist and younger brother of Jared Kushner, joins forces with Iger, Disney's longtime chairman — a pairing that has already fueled speculation about the Lakers' next chapter.

3. Messi Mourns Late Father, Admits Doubts About Continuing to Play

Lionel Messi shared a tribute to his late father, Jorge, on social media, confessing that after his loss he is unsure whether he can keep playing "much longer." He revealed how difficult it was to lead Argentina to the World Cup final.

The statement has left fans worldwide anxious about the future of one of football's all-time greats. His father passed away last week, and the loss has clearly taken a deep toll on Messi's state of mind and form.

4. Canada Opens Pan Pacs With McIntosh Silver and Tierney Gold

On the opening night of the Pan Pacific swimming championships in Irvine, California, Toronto's Summer McIntosh claimed silver in the women's 200m freestyle in 1:53.86, finishing just 0.19 seconds behind Australia's Lani Pallister, who set a championship record. New Zealand's Erika Fairweather took bronze.

Saskatoon's Blake Tierney won gold in the men's 100m backstroke. Canada also added a bronze in the women's 4x100m medley relay, collecting five medals on a strong opening day.

5. Blue Jays Erupt in Eighth, Beat Red Sox for Third Straight Win

The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox 6-4 at Rogers Centre on Wednesday for their third straight victory in the series. Newly acquired starter José Soriano impressed in his home debut, allowing one run over six innings with four strikeouts.

The Blue Jays blew the game open with a five-run eighth inning. Soriano, acquired from the Angels before the trade deadline, didn't factor in the decision but gave the club renewed hope in its playoff push as it eyes a series sweep.

6. Hockey Canada Extends Bans in 2018 Sexual Assault Case

Hockey Canada announced Wednesday that it has extended the international bans of three of the five players acquitted of sexual assault in the 2018 world junior case, sidelining them for at least another year, with only one player set for immediate reinstatement.

The 2018 case rocked Canadian hockey. An independent report held the players responsible, involving Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé and Michael McLeod. Hockey Canada said it will continue to follow the board's recommended suspensions and reinstatement dates.

7. Rybakina Rallies Past Osaka, Reaches Canadian Open Semifinal

In the Canadian Open quarterfinals, second seed Elena Rybakina stormed back from a set and a break down to beat Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 and reach the semifinals.

The 2022 Wimbledon and 2026 Australian Open champion will now face fourth seed Coco Gauff for a place in the final, after Gauff's opponent Belinda Bencic withdrew with a hip injury.

8. Vancouver's Little Mountain Defends Canadian Little League Title

Vancouver's Little Mountain defeated Ottawa West 4-0 in the Canadian final to defend its national title, capturing the championship for a second straight year and the third time in five years.

The victory in Glace Bay, N.S., books Little Mountain's return to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Representing Canada for a second consecutive year, the club has become a steady force in Canadian Little League.

9. CEBL Finals Game 1 Cancelled Due to Unsafe Playing Surface

Game 1 of the Canadian Elite Basketball League finals was halted shortly after tipoff Wednesday at Brampton's CAA Centre when condensation formed on the court, creating unsafe conditions. The matchup between the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Brampton Honey Badgers was cancelled as a result.

The league subsequently announced it would shift the finals from a three-game series to a single-game championship. In a statement, the CEBL said it consulted both teams, officials and venue staff before making the decision.

10. Vikings Name Kyler Murray Starting Quarterback

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday that veteran Kyler Murray will be the team's starting quarterback for the 2026 season, winning the job over former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.

Murray earned the coaching staff's trust with steady play after joining the Vikings in the offseason. The decision now puts McCarthy's future in the spotlight, after he previously expressed a desire to remain with the club and keep competing.