Reuters Sports News Summary

News of the postponement comes ​less than two weeks after LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil said the ‌breakaway ​circuit's 2026 season would proceed as planned amid reports that the series was at risk of losing its funding. Several marquee names skipping PGA's return to Trump National Doral The PGA Tour is making its return to Trump National Doral following a 10-year hiatus this week, but even a signature event's $20 million purse at the famous "Blue Monster" ‌wasn't enough to prevent several marquee names from opting out.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Golf-LIV Golf's Louisiana event postponed, state seeks $1.2 million payback

The LIV Golf event scheduled to be played ​in Louisiana in June has been postponed, state officials said on Tuesday. News of the postponement comes ​less than two weeks after LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil said the ‌breakaway ​circuit's 2026 season would proceed as planned amid reports that the series was at risk of losing its funding.

Several marquee names skipping PGA's return to Trump National Doral

The PGA Tour is making its return to Trump National Doral following a 10-year hiatus this week, but even a signature event's $20 million purse at the famous "Blue Monster" ‌wasn't enough to prevent several marquee names from opting out. The Cadillac Championship is the fifth of eight signature events this season, featuring a $3.6 million winner's check. The field is limited to only 72 players and without a cut, meaning every competitor is guaranteed at least $36,000.

Soccer-FIFA increases financial distribution to World Cup participants by 15%

FIFA will increase payments to teams taking part in the 2026 World Cup to almost $900 million, world soccer's governing body said on Tuesday, citing the commercial ‌success of its expanded flagship men's tournament. The FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress, approved a 15% increase in the resources to be distributed to all 48 participating member associations at next ‌year's tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Report: Broncos' Bo Nix underwent ankle cleanup procedure

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix recently underwent a successful pre-planned cleanup procedure on his injured right ankle, NFL Network reported on Tuesday. The 26-year-old sustained a season-ending fractured right ankle moments while leading Denver to a win over the Buffalo Bills in an AFC divisional playoff game. Nix underwent surgery two days later in Alabama.

Damon Jones agrees to plea deal in federal gambling case

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones accepted a plea agreement, becoming the first ⁠to take a ​deal in the federal gambling investigation that led to more ⁠than two dozen arrests. Jones, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Tuesday, one day after former Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier learned prosecutors were adding charges against him.

Reports: NCAA finalizing plan ⁠to expand March Madness to 76 teams

The men's and women's NCAA Tournament fields reportedly will expand from 68 to 76 teams in 2027, though the NCAA denied any final decision has been made. Following multiple outlets reporting that plans for expansion are expected ​to be approved by NCAA committees and formalized as soon as May, the NCAA issued a statement later Tuesday to deny any firm plans.

Tennis-Sabalenka stunned by Baptiste in Madrid Open quarter-finals

World number one Aryna ⁠Sabalenka suffered a shock 2-6 6-2 7-6(6) defeat by Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open on Tuesday as the American produced the biggest win of her career after saving six match points to reach the semi-finals for the first time. The 24-year-old Baptiste, seeded 30, claimed her first victory ⁠over ​a top-five player, handing defending champion Sabalenka only her second defeat of the season.

Soccer-None more deserving of FIFA Peace Prize than Trump, says White House

The White House has hit back at critics of Donald Trump being awarded the FIFA Peace Prize, saying there is none more deserving than the U.S. president. Global soccer governing body FIFA gave Trump the inaugural award at the World Cup draw in December for "promoting peace and unity around the world", triggering ⁠condemnation from human rights groups and activists in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Cubs' Justin Steele (elbow) sidelined late in Tommy John recovery

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele has been shut down in his recovery from Tommy John ⁠surgery, manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday. Steele, who last pitched ⁠for Chicago on April 7, 2025, was trending towards a return in late May or early June, but has now stopped throwing as he deals with a left elbow flexor strain.

Rockets superstar Kevin Durant ruled out for Game 5 against Lakers

Houston will once again have to try to postpone elimination without its biggest star, as the ‌Rockets announced late Tuesday that Kevin Durant ‌would be out for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers. It will be the fourth game out of ​five missed by Durant in the first-round playoff series.