Good morning! It's Friday, May 24th, and we're rolling into Memorial Day weekend. Whether lounging by the pool, on a road trip or hanging out at a barbecue, we have the best sports banter to keep you in the know. Let's dive right in because a lot is happening this weekend.
Groundbreaking Ruling in College Sports
Last night, the NCAA Board of Governors and every Power Five Conference agreed to dismantle the amateurism model and allow players to share revenue. This transformative legal settlement includes a $2.8B compensation for past athletes and sets the stage for future revenue-sharing models starting as soon as fall 2025. Stay tuned for more details as the NCAA and its conferences hammer out the specifics.
TNT Loses NBA Broadcasting Rights
In a surprising move, TNT lost the rights to air NBA (National Basketball Association) games for the first time since 1989. Long-time TNT commentator Charles Barkley expressed his disappointment, citing poor management decisions. "Morale sucks, plain and simple," Barkley said, referencing the uncertainty of the future of the basketball arm of the network.
FA Cup Final
Saturday starts with the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United. This marks the first time since 1885 that the same two clubs will contest the final in consecutive years. If Manchester City wins, they will secure a domestic double after being crowned Premier League champions earlier this year.
Sunday: A Sporty Spectacle
Monaco Grand Prix
Sunday starts with the picturesque Monaco Grand Prix, an F1 (Formula One) race that winds through the narrow streets of Monaco. Qualifying positions are crucial due to the difficulty of overtaking. Last year saw only 22 overtakes, highlighting the challenge posed by the circuit’s tight turns and narrow lanes.
Indy 500
Next up on Sunday is the 108th running of the Indy 500. Rain is in the forecast, and we’ll know more about how that’ll impact the race as the start time approaches. Local fans in central Indiana will continue to experience a media blackout to encourage attendance, but you can still catch the live broadcast on the radio. For more on the Indy 500, including traditions like milk chugging and BYOB, check out our Wednesday Wisdom Podcast “BYOB and Burning Rubber: Memorial Day Weekend Sports.”
The Coca-Cola 600
The NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) follows the Indy 500. Kyle Larson and Jimmie Johnson will compete in this grueling race after rushing from the Indy 500, where Larson is racing and Johnson is commentating. Expect some drama as Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch’s recent feud could flare up again. (Does Stenhouse’s name sound familiar? He dated Danica Patrick for five years).
French Open
Rounding out the day, the first round of the French Open begins on Sunday morning. Keep an eye on top-ranked players Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek. Djokovic must reach the finals to maintain his world No. 1 ranking, which he has held for 425 weeks. If he loses before the finals, Yannick Sinner will take the top spot, even if he doesn’t play.
Stay Connected
That's your rundown for the Memorial Day weekend! For more details and updates, stick with us here at lastnightsgame.com and follow us on social media. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and stay in the loop with all the exciting sports action.
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