Reuters Sports News Summary

Game 1 between the New York Knicks and host San ‌Antonio ​Spurs is on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET. NHL-Bettman says retirement reports 'greatly exaggerated' but confirms succession plan talks Gary Bettman, the longest-serving active commissioner in professional sports, said on Tuesday that succession planning for his role as head of the National Hockey League was under way but that there were no imminent plans ‌for him to step down.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

NBA Finals officials include first-timer Curtis Blair

The league announced the 12 officials assigned to ​the 2026 NBA finals on Tuesday, with Curtis Blair making his first appearance and Scott Foster ​his 19th. Game 1 between the New York Knicks and host San ‌Antonio ​Spurs is on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.

NHL-Bettman says retirement reports 'greatly exaggerated' but confirms succession plan talks

Gary Bettman, the longest-serving active commissioner in professional sports, said on Tuesday that succession planning for his role as head of the National Hockey League was under way but that there were no imminent plans ‌for him to step down. Bettman, who turned 74 on Tuesday, has been NHL Commissioner since February 1993, helping the league expand to 32 teams from 24 and increase its global footprint.

Darling Spurs, white-hot Knicks can look to NBA Cup as Finals preview

SAN ANTONIO -- The Spurs are big favorites to win the NBA Finals, but observers thinking it will be an easy road are overlooking the fact that the New York Knicks beat San ‌Antonio in the mid-December NBA Cup championship game. The Knicks dominated the fourth quarter that night in Las Vegas and rallied for a 124-113 victory. Some Spurs have not forgotten as they enter Game 1 ‌of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night in San Antonio.

NBA Europe closes in on 2027 launch despite EuroLeague uncertainty

NBA Europe is eyeing a 16-team league that will tip off in October 2027, regardless of whether the EuroLeague is involved in the venture, NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said Tuesday. "We remain in active discussions with the EuroLeague," Tatum said. "We believe all parties must be aligned, and we are also realistic. We are ready to proceed with FIBA and our partners if needed. There will be a meeting with ⁠the EuroLeague in ​the next couple of weeks."

MLB roundup: Reds rally, earn ⁠walk-off win over Royals in 10th

Blake Dunn's RBI single in the 10th inning completed a comeback and gave the host Cincinnati Reds a 4-3 walk-off win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. Spencer Steer hit two home runs and scored the decisive ⁠run as the automatic runner for the Reds, who won for the second time in the last six games.

Jon Rahm not pitching LIV investors: 'My job is to play golf'

Jon Rahm said he is focused on posting low numbers rather than helping ​financially challenged LIV Golf raise big ones. The Spanish star was asked at a Tuesday press conference ahead of this week's tournament in Andalucia whether he will take a leading role in ⁠helping the league find new investors.

Tree and acorns: Mitch Johnson, Mike Brown draw on Gregg Popovich's lessons

SAN ANTONIO -- As the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks prepare to clash in the NBA Finals, the shadow of a league legend looms large over ⁠both ​teams' benches. Both Spurs coach Mitch Johnson and New York head man Mike Brown spent formative time learning on the staff of retired coach Gregg Popovich, the Basketball Hall of Famer who led San Antonio to five NBA titles.

Giants sign WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, cut K Jason Sanders

The New York Giants signed veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and released kicker Jason Sanders on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's signing comes one day after the ⁠team added fellow wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios.

NBA-Knicks aim to end 53-year title drought against Wembanyama's Spurs in NBA Finals

The New York Knicks will try to deliver the city its first NBA title ⁠since 1973 when they face a Spurs team ⁠looking to launch a new dynasty behind Victor Wembanyama in a highly anticipated Finals match-up beginning on Wednesday in San Antonio. Led by versatile point guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have powered their way to their first Finals appearance since 1999, winning 11 straight games and posting a record point differential of plus-271 through 14 playoff ‌contests.

Report: Derick Hall, Seahawks agree ‌to 3-year, $42M extension

Outside linebacker Derick Hall is signing a three-year, $42 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, ESPN reported Tuesday. ​The team has yet to announce the deal.