National Sports

In a surprising and seismic shift in college athletics, the Big Ten voted Thursday to add Southern California and UCLA as conference members beginning in 2024.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have locked up their top free agent, Canadian Chris Boucher. The Raptors have agreed with the six-foot-nine Montreal centre on a three-year deal worth US$35.25 million, which was first reported by ESPN.

SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — J.T. Poston shot a 9-under 62 on Thursday to take a two-stroke lead in the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California agency on Thursday cleared the way for the Oakland Athletics to continue planning a $12 billion waterfront ballpark project.

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic has gone from draft pick No. 41, to two-time MVP, and now the holder of the largest contract in NBA history.

SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford had his suspension stemming from last weekend's brawl with the Los Angeles Angels reduced from five to four games, and he was set to serve the ban Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. were elected Thursday to start in the July 20 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Andrés Giménez watched his home run clear the center-field fence, kissed his bat and then flipped it while turning toward Minnesota’s stunned dugout.

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Red Wings have hired Derek Lalonde to coach their rebuilding team, hoping the two-time Stanley Cup-winning assistant can make all the right moves to make the franchise relevant again.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets acquired forward Royce O’Neale from the Utah Jazz on Thursday for a conditional 2023 first-round draft pick.