All eyes were on Europe this past week. Wimbledon Men’s and Women’s Finals and the Euro 2016 soccer Finals concluded over the weekend. But not to be out shined, the U.S. Major League Baseball All Stars came together and the league put forth a strong collection of international players.
We bring you this week’s newsletter with a touch of international flare.
Soccer
Nós somos os Campeões! or as Queen would say “We are the Champions!” After a month of high-level soccer, the Euro 2016 champion was crowned on Sunday as Portugal defeated home team and favorite France 1-0.
No panic here…25 minutes into the match a knee injury forced Portuguese star and captain Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the field. His squad carried on and scored the game’s only goal in extra time – 109th minute to be exact. This is Portugal’s first European Championship. Party in Lisbon all week!
Tennis
Sweet revenge…Serena Williams won her seventh Wimbledon title and 22nd Major (second most all-time) on Saturday, defeating German Angelique Kerber. The victory avenges a January Australian Open loss to Kerber. No rest for the weary.
A whopping three hours after winning the singles title, Serena hit the court again with sister Venus Williams, to win their 14th Grand Slam doubles title. #SisterSister
On the Men’s side, hometown hero Andy Murray won his second Wimbledon title and third Major Sunday, defeating Canadian Milos Raonic in straight sets. Some British VIPs including the Royals, Prime Minister and others went nuts on social media congratulating Murray. Whether with Lagavulin, Balvenie or Glenlivet, Scots around the globe will pull out their favorite single malt and have one for Mr. Murray.
National Basketball Association (NBA)
Mic Drop…sort of. One of the best payers in NBA history, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, announced his retirement Monday. In Duncan’s typical low-key fashion the five-time Champion and two-time MVP issued a simple press release.
NBA free agency is in full force. Mega Millions may have had one $540 million winner from Indiana over the weekend but basketball players are hitting the jackpot pretty big too. Atop the list is James Harden, an All-Star with his fabulous beard, who re-signed with the Houston Rockets for four years and a mere $118 million deal.
Miami Heat and three-time championship winner Dwayne Wade, headed back to his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. Wouldn’t you for an extra $14 million? Despite playing 13 years in South Beach, the Heat offered Wade a two-year contract for “just” $40 million while the Bulls ponied up two years and $54 million. Off to the Windy City!
Major League Baseball (MLB)
Baseball is breaking for its All Star festivities. During Monday’s kickoff competition Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton crushed it. A Home Run Derby legend is made with a record-breaking 61 home runs.
Tuesday night’s All-Star game brings many familiar faces for Boston and Chicago. If you’re a Cubs or Red Sox fan, look out for several of your favorite players. The Cubs have seven All Stars and the Red Sox six. Throwback to 1963 as the Cubs tied the St. Louis Cardinals by having their entire infield (first base, second base, third base, shortstop) start the game.
We are the World…Baseball, the great American pastime, is an international affair with 2016 All Stars from: Venezuela, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Curacao.
National Football League (NFL)
Get ready for some football!!!! Can’t wait 8 weeks? Amazon’s documentary on the Arizona Cardinals will help hold you over.
Olympics
There is less than a month to go the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio but some of the world’s best athletes won’t be carrying the flame this year. They are bowing out due to Zika. But not six-time gold medalist Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt who said that the virus isn’t fast enough to catch him. He will see you in Brazil.
UFC
Can you say “return on investment?” The mixed martial arts organization, UFC, announced Monday that it will be sold for $4 billion to a group led by WME-IMG (led by the real-life Ari from Entourage). Not bad for a property the owners bought in 2000 for $2 million.
Also Happening This Week
Tune in Wednesday night for the ESPYs, ESPN’s annual award show – think Emmy’s, Grammy’s or Tony’s for sports. John Cena, will take a break from his acting and wrestling schedule to host. Here are the nominees…
Remember at TINK Sports we watch the games so you don’t have to.
See you next time…
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