Reuters Sports News Summary

The IOC had recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials be banned from events since 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The IOC had recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes ⁠and officials be banned from events since 2022 following ⁠Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Olympics-No summer sports at the 2030 Winter Olympics, says IOC

There will be ​no summer sports at the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, the International ​Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Thursday, with any potential crossover to come ‌after that ​date. The IOC has been reviewing all aspects of the Games in the past year, including potentially introducing traditional summer sports in the winter edition, to boost popularity and participation in the Winter Olympics.

Johnny Manziel to fight influencer Bob Menery in Vegas

Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny ‌Manziel will face social media influencer Bob Menery in a boxing match later this month in Las Vegas. The fight is scheduled to take place on May 23 at the UFC Apex, promoter Brand Risk Promotions confirmed on social media.

Norris Trophy finalists: Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin, Zach Werenski

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was named a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth consecutive season on Thursday. A two-time ‌winner of the award (2021-22, 2024-25), Makar is joined by Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and Columbus Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski as finalists.

Olympics-International Olympic Committee lifts restrictions on Belarusian athletes

The International ‌Olympic Committee on Thursday lifted all restrictions on Belarusian athletes, clearing the way for their return to international competitions, including qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, it said in a statement. The IOC had recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials be banned from events since 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus was used as a staging ground for the invasion.

Motorcycling-Superbike rider dies in North West 200 qualifying

A Superbike rider died after a crash in Thursday's qualifying at the ⁠North West ​200 event in Northern Ireland, organisers said. The competitor was ⁠not named at the request of the family, who gave their approval for the event to continue, they said in a statement.

LIV on? Cam Smith given 'every assurance' league will survive

Former World No. 2 Cameron Smith said he has ⁠been given "every assurance" that LIV Golf will continue beyond 2026 as the league works to secure new funding sources. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced last month that it will not continue its financial support of ​the league beyond this season. Smith signed with the breakaway league in 2022, receiving a contract reportedly worth $140 million.

Basketball-Five storylines to follow for the 2026 WNBA season

Five storylines to ⁠follow during the 2026 WNBA season, which begins on Friday: CLARK AND FEVER ENTER NEW PHASE

Basketball-WNBA contenders take centre stage as expanding league enters new era

The WNBA's 30th season tips off on Friday with expansion teams in Toronto and Portland, ⁠a ​new collective bargaining agreement in place and a title race led by the New York Liberty, defending champion Las Vegas Aces and Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever. The Liberty are favourites for the title after adding forward Satou Sabally to a core of leading players including Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.

Factbox-Olympics-Timeline of sports bans for Russian and Belarusian athletes after invasion of Ukraine

The ⁠International Olympic Committee recommended on Thursday that all restrictions be lifted on Belarusian athletes competing in international events, it said in a statement. The IOC had recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes ⁠and officials be banned from events since 2022 following ⁠Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus was used as a staging ground for the Russian invasion.

Report: Celtics investors preparing bid to buy Seahawks

Boston Celtics investor Aditya Mittal and former Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck are preparing a bid to purchase the Seattle Seahawks, Sportico reported on Thursday. The ‌report said that Mittal and Grousbeck ‌have submitted a letter of interest to Allen & Company, the investment banking team handling the sale for ​the estate of late owner Paul Allen.