Climate Pledge Arena would be the site to host an expansion team in Seattle (Living Future image)
NBA Looking for Expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Las Vegas never had an NBA team. The Seattle SuperSonics played at KeyArena in Seattle from 1967 to 2008. They left Seattle because of a lease dispute with Key Arena, and since then, there has been no NBA action in the Emerald City. I traveled there with the Warriors, and I remember they had very good fans and a Hall of Fame coach, Lenny Wilkins.
Las Vegas once had the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, which relocated to San Antonio in 2008. However, they never had a permanent NBA team. The city hosts the annual NBA Summer League and is a leading contender for a future expansion team.
As of 2025-2026, the average NBA franchise is valued at over $4.6 billion, while some teams, such as the Warriors, Knicks, and Lakers, are valued between $7 billion and $11 billion. In the case of Las Vegas, if they succeed, they will now have all the top 4 professional leagues joining the MLB (A’s), NFL (Raiders), and NHL (Golden Knights), “one-stop shopping for major league sports”.
While Seattle (if they succeed) will have a return to the NBA for the first time since 2018. Attention Fans. This is not personal, it is business. “Everything in America is a business, and sports franchises fall into that category, and it seems like profit is more important than team history” (A’s are the best example).
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Utah Jazz guard Elijah Harkless (16) drives past the Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Mar 14, 2026 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria:
#1 How can the Sacramento Kings slow down the San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama in the paint and on the boards? The Spurs’ star big man has been a dominant presence this season and is a key matchup problem for Sacramento.
#2 Who will step up offensively for Sacramento with key injuries affecting the roster? Several Kings players, including Domantas Sabonis (out) and Keegan Murray (out), have been dealing with injuries, which could reshape the rotation.
#3 Can veteran guard Russell Westbrook provide leadership and scoring if he’s available? Westbrook has been listed as a game-time decision due to injury, making his availability a key storyline.
#4 Will Sacramento’s perimeter players take advantage of the Spurs’ defensive matchups? Guards like Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan could be crucial in generating offense against San Antonio’s defense.
#5 Can the Kings keep the game competitive against one of the West’s top teams? San Antonio enters the matchup with a strong 49–18 record, while Sacramento has struggled at 18–51, creating a major challenge for the Kings.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (5) dunks on the Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (10) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Mar 15, 2026 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:
1. After upsetting the Los Angeles Saturday night 118-109 the Sacramento Kings. The Kings took on the struggling Utah Jazz Sunday at Golden 1 getting the win a second game in a row 116-111.
2 After the first 12 minutes of play in a very close game the Kings amped it up in the second quarter closing out the first half on a good note.
3. After a solid first half, the Kings only had six turnovers and once again as the Kings have seen over the past two games DeMar DeRozan was leading the pack with points scored.
4.In the final minutes of this game the Kings were clinging onto a two-point lead after having led by as many as 12 points in the quarter. Who stepped up to finish off the Jazz giving the Kings their second win in a row and their fourth win in the past five games.
5.Tuesday night the Kings will take on the second place in the Western Conference San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1. They will face Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and company a huge ask. The Kings will have their hands full in this game although lately they have played very well against upper echelon teams.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
San Jose Barracuda Braden Hache defenseman (86) and the Tucson Roadrunners forward Jullan Lutz (43) facing off at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson on Sun Mar 16, 2026 (Tucson Roadrunners photo)
San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic:
#1 What was the final outcome of the game on March 15, 2026, and how did the scoring unfold across the three periods? (Tucson won 5‑4 with goals in all three periods. Stats from play breakdown show how the momentum shifted.)
#2 Which players stood out offensively in this matchup—who scored goals or had multiple-point games for each team? (For example, Tucson’s Cameron Hebig, Austin Poganski, and Andrew Agozzino factored prominently on the scoresheet.)
#3 How did special teams (power play and penalty kill) influence the result — were there key goals with the man advantage? (There were several power‑play goals by both sides that impacted momentum.)
#4 How did this game fit into recent history between the Barracuda and Roadrunners — for instance, what was the recent head‑to‑head trend between the teams this season? (Earlier matchups saw a mix of wins and comebacks between them in January–March.)
#5 Were there any officiating or disciplinary moments (penalties, misconduct) that had a notable impact on the flow of the March 15 game? (The box score shows significant penalty minutes and even a misconduct that could shift momentum.)
Photo: San Francisco Giants’ Bryce Eldridge smiles as he celebrates his run scored against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning of a spring training baseball game on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
By Vince Cestone
The San Francisco Giants will head north at the end of the week, and a few roster hopefuls are still vying for a spot on the 26-man roster.
The Giants will open the season at Oracle Park against the New York Yankees on March 25. Here are a few players hoping to be on the roster when the Giants break camp:
Bryce Eldridge: Although he is hitting only .250 this spring, Eldridge has been doing damage at the plate. In 36 at-bats, he has an impressive .913 OPS and .413 on-base percentage. He has one home run, four doubles, a triple, and nine walks. But of course, the one big issue for Eldrige has always been the strikeouts.
He’s struck out 16 times in 36 plate appearances, including a disappointing ninth-inning punchout on Saturday with a runner at third and one out against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Giants were down by one run and needed just a sacrifice fly to tie the game, but Eldridge couldn’t deliver. He’ll need to cut down on the strikeouts if he wants to make the team and stay with the club.
The good news is he did walk nine times this spring. He’s also looking pretty good defensively at first base, thanks to the help of infield coach Ron Washington.
Jerar Encarnación: As of late, Encarnación is making a good case for himself to make the team. On Sunday, Encarnación hit a long home run against the Milwaukee Brewers to give the Giants a 3-0 lead, fueling a six-run, second-inning rally. The ball nearly left Scottsdale Stadium.
In 43 at-bats this spring, Encarnación is hitting .302, with two home runs and nine RBIs. He’s only struck out eight times in 43 at-bats, which is an encouraging sign. If he continues his late-spring surge, Encarnación could be a solid DH option off the bench against lefties.
Victor Bericoto: In spring training, there’s always seems to be a surprise player who you didn’t expect to make noise, and Bericoto fits exactly into that mold. Signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2018, Bericoto is hitting .441, with two home runs and 12 RBIs. He has an impressive .444 on-base percentage. His OPS for the spring is an impressive 1.120. While he’s probably destined for Triple-A Sacramento next week, he can perhaps force the issue if he continues his strong play.
Blake Tidwell: Tidwell was looking great at the start of the spring. He was blowing hitters away with his high 90s fastball and looked like he may make the team to help the Giants’ bullpen, which is one of the biggest question marks this season. But as the case with any raw, unproven pitcher, those hopes took a dash. In 5 2/3 innings this spring, he’s given up seven earned runs, eight hits, and five walks. He has struck out 12 batters. His worst outing came on March 8 against the Chicago Cubs, where he gave up four runs in 1 1/3 innings. He walked two but struck out four. He may need a bit more seasoning in Triple-A before joining the big club perhaps later this year.
Matt Gage: Originally drafted by the Giants in 2014, Gage is back this year for his second stint with San Francisco. The Giants signed Gage to minor-league contract last year. In 2025, Gage had a 3.19 ERA in 31 innings pitched for both the Detroit Tigers and Giants. But he had an unimpressive 1.52 WHIP last year.
This spring, the lefty is doing well, which gives him a great shot to make the team. In 5 1/3 innings pitched, Gage has a 3.38 ERA, seven strikeouts, and an impressive 0.56 WHIP. Opponents are only hitting .158 against him this spring. Aside from any major setbacks, there’s a strong chance that Gage is on the Opening Day roster against the Yankees next week.
DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is fouled while shooting by Elijah Harkless #16 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Golden 1 Center on March 15, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night at the Golden 1 Center to take on the Utah Jazz. The Jazz had already been fined this season by the NBA for tanking concerns. Yet, that didn’t stop them from “resting” Kyle Filipowski in the game.
The Kings came into Sunday’s matchup coming off a win against the LA Clippers in Los Angeles on the first night of a back-to-back. The Kings took down the Clippers and looked to do the same to the Jazz on Sunday night at 7 p.m. PST. The Kings defeated the Jazz 116-111 on the second night of a back-to-back.
In a game dominated by the tanking storyline, the players on the court couldn’t care less and put their best foot forward.
In the first quarter, it was a tale of two players to start the game. The Jazz and the Kings both got off to strong performances to begin the game as the Jazz outscored the Kings 28-26 to open the game. DeMar DeRozan opened the game with 10 points for the Kings, while Cody Williams added 14 of his own as they dazzled in the first.
In the second quarter, the Kings turned it up and outscored the Jazz 28-21 heading into halftime. The Kings increased their defensive intensity, and the lack of shot-making for the Jazz aided the Kings as they built their 54-49 halftime lead. DeMar DeRozan continued his hot start as he added eight points in the second quarter to bring his first-half total to 18 points. Alongside DeMar, Nique Clifford had an impressive second quarter as he scored eight points in the second quarter to propel the Kings.
In the third quarter, the game exploded in what can best be described as an offensive frenzy for both teams. The Jazz came out ahead in third-quarter scoring as they managed to outscore the Kings 39-35 in a defenseless third quarter coming out of halftime. Isaiah Collier led the onslaught for the Jazz as he scored 11 points for them in the third quarter. DeMar DeRozan, Killian Hayes, and Precious Achiuwa each scored eight points to drive the Kings’ offensive efforts. DeMar’s eight-point third quarter increased his game total to 26 points heading into the fourth quarter. The Kings led 89-88 heading to the final frame as they attempted to close out the Jazz.
In the fourth quarter, the Kings held on and defeated the Jazz thanks to a continued scoring outburst from DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan added another 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Kings outscored the Jazz 27-23, and DeMar finished the game with 41 points. The Kings defeated the Jazz by a final of 116-111, and it marked the Kings’ fourth win in their last five attempts. Precious Achiuwa was second in scoring for the Kings with 20 points, and Killian Hayes trailed right behind him, scoring 16 in the game.
After the game, Kings head coach Doug Christie praised the performance of DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan had made a habit of impressive performances this past week, and Sunday was no different.
“He’s like a comfy blanket, man. It doesn’t surprise me… if you ever get a chance to watch him work and then you go watch him play, it’s the same thing. And that’s a credit to him.”
The Utah Jazz, having been one of the teams that has been fined this year for tanking, was in town. Naturally, the topic was top of mind. I asked Doug Christie his thoughts on it as an issue for the league.
“…It’s not for me to judge somebody else’s house. I just know what we do here, and it ain’t that [tanking], and it ain’t never going to be that while I’m sitting here. When we go out there to play, we go out there to win.”
The Kings will take on the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PST at the Golden 1 Center.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Duke Blue Devils Cameron Boozer (12) handles the ball against the Syracuse Orange William Kyle III (42) in the second half in Durham NC on Mon Feb 16, 2026 (AP News file)
NCAA Sunday Selections podcast Daniel Dullum:
#1 Which teams received the most surprising seedings in this year’s NCAA tournament Sunday selection?
#2 How did the selection committee handle teams from mid-major conferences versus power conferences?
#3 Were there any notable bubble teams that were left out, and what were the main reasons?
#4 How do the matchups in the first round set up potential Cinderella stories this year?
#5 Are there any geographic or regional trends in team placements that could impact travel and fan attendance?
The World Baseball Classic run through March 17, 2026 (World Baseball Classic image)
Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:
#1 How did Team USA respond after its earlier loss to Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and which pitcher helped lead the team to a win over Canada to reach the semifinals?
#2 Which two powerhouse teams are set to face each other in a highly anticipated World Baseball Classic semifinal following the Dominican Republic’s dominant win over South Korea?
#3 What roster change did Team USA make when reliever Jeff Hoffman replaced a recently retired star pitcher for the World Baseball Classic semifinals?
#4 What injury concern emerged for the Los Angeles Angels’ bullpen when reliever Robert Stephenson experienced another elbow issue requiring medical evaluation?
#5 How has the use of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system in games and spring training highlights sparked conversation about technology’s role in officiating baseball?
San Jose Sharks goaltender Laurent Brossoit (93) makes a save against the Ottawa Senators Warren Foegele (37) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Sun Mar 15, 2026 (Canadian Press via AP)
By Mary Walsh
The San Jose Sharks lost 7-4 to the Ottawa Senators Sunday. Drake Batherson, Warren Foegele, Fabian Zetterlund, Tyler Kleven, Dylan Cozens and Brady Tkachuk scored for Ottawa. Linus Ullmark made 19 saves for the win. Mario Ferraro, Tyler Toffoli, Collin Graf and Michael Misa scored for San Jose. Laurent Brossoit made 18 saves in the loss.
Laurent Brossoit made his debut in net for the Sharks after losing a full season to injury. His debut was made possible by an injury to Yaroslav Askarov, sustained on March 12. After the game, Brossoit said: “It was pretty surreal, it’s been a long time coming. I’m more grateful and appreciate being out there [more] than I ever have. Yeah, not the result that I wanted but you know, it’s not all bad. We’ll look at the game tape and be ready for the next one.”
The game started less than 24 hours after the Sharks victory in Montreal. After the game, Sharks forward Collin Graf said: “I don’t know if it was our legs, definitely a little bit impact. But I think we didn’t match their physicality well enough. I think they really took it to us in the corners and in battles and stuff like that and I think that that’s sort of what led to our loss.”
The first period was a busy one for Sharks defensemen. Mario Ferraro scored the first goal of the game with a slap shot at 4:05. Shakir Mukhamadullin got the assist.
Drake Batherson got credit for the second goal of the game. It came on the power play but really, Ferraro redirected it in while trying to intercept a pass.
Tyler Toffoli scored the second Sharks goal at 14:43, tipping a shot from Mario Ferraro. An assist also went to Mukhamadullin.
The Sharks outshot the Senators 13-5 in the first period. Three penalties were called, two against the Sharks. One of those calls came with less than a minute left in the period, putting the Sens on a power play to start the second.
The next goal did not come until that power play had expired. Ottawa’s Warren Foegele tied the game at 4:31 of the second period. His wrist shot came from the inside edge of the faceoff circle, off a drop pass from M Amadio.
Collin Graf made it 3-2 with a wrist shot at 10:46. Assists went to Macklin Celebrini and Sam Dickinson.
Senator Fabian Zetterlund tied it up again at 13:30 with a power play goal. His slap shot was set up by J Spence.
Tyler Kleven gave Ottawa their first lead of the game with a wrist shot at 14:45. Zetterlund and Foegele got the assists.
In the second period, the Senators outshot the Sharks 12-6. Each team had one penalty to kill. The Senators killed theirs.
Michael Misa tied the game 4-4 with a snap shot at 3:28 of the third period. Assists went to Toffoli and Vincent Desharnais.
Drake Batherson scored his second of the night, deflecting a shot from A Zub at 13:08. Claude Giroux also got an assist.
Dylan Cozens made it 6-4 with a wrist shot at 14:50. An assist went to Brady Tkachuk.
Tkachuk scored an empty net goal at 17:43 with assists went to Amadio and Zub.
The Sharks next play on Tuesday in Edmonton against the Oilers at 6:00 PM PT.
Seattle Sounders midfielder Paul Rothrock (#14) celebrates his first half goal against the San Jose Earthquakes with his teammate Nouhou (#5) at PayPal Park on Sunday MAR 15, 2026. (Seattle Sounders)
By Marko Ukalovic
SAN JOSE — All good things must come to an end.
The Seattle Sounders were dominated on the stat sheet by the San Jose Earthquakes but won on the stat that matter the most, the goal stat, in a 1-0 victory on Sunday afternoon at PayPal Park.
San Jose had its three-game winning streak snapped. Seattle has won three out of its first four matches.
Seattle (3-1) finally ended Quakes goalkeeper Daniel’s shutout streak to start the season when they drew first blood in the 20th minute. Jesús Ferreira sent a long ball down the right wing from midfield. Paul Rothrock stayed onside as he raced down the pitch and dribbled into the box before beating Daniel with a right footed shot for his team leading second goal of the season.
San Jose (3-1) had chances early on and towards the end of the opening 45 minutes. Niko Tsakiris had back-to-back chances inside the Seattle box, but the Sounders defenders collapsed down low and blocked both attempts. Beau Leroux also had a shot attempt that was also blocked and away from the net.
The Quakes best scoring chance in the first half came at the 44th minute when Preston Judd was fouled just outside the D by Antonio Lopez. Tsakiris’ free kick just missed the far corner of the net as Sounder goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made a diving attempt at it.
San Jose controlled the pace of play and possession in the second half as they created quality scoring chances only to have Thomas and his backline thwart off any balls crossed into the middle of the box.
The Earthquakes came within inches of scoring the equalizer in the 74th minute. Judd chased down a long ball and was able to chip the ball over Thomas as the ball was heading for the far corner of the net. However, Lopez chased it down before it could cross the goal line and kicked it out of danger for Seattle.
The Sounders thought they iced the game in the 86th minute when Cody Baker scored his first goal of the season. Osaze De Rosario centered the ball to Baker who beat Daniel with a low right footed shot to the far corner. However, after a VAR review it was determined the play was ruled offsides.
Thomas made seven saves to earn his third victory of the year. Daniel made three saves on four shots to suffer his first loss of the year.
GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with 17 corner kicks. Seattle had zero.
UP NEXT: San Jose travels north of the border to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday March 21 at 7:30pm at BC Place.
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