Black Excellence | TSN

Golf

Jim Dent, pioneering Black golfer, dies at age 85

"What I learned about playing golf has probably kept me all through life," Dent told the USGA for a story in 2012. "You had to be honest. You had to work at it. You just couldn't pick up today and not come back 'til next week. And if you broke a rule, you had to turn yourself in."

Philadelphia Phillies

Former Phillies slugger Howard makes pitch for Negro Leagues Baseball Museum expansion

Ryan Howard was a rookie with the Philadelphia Phillies just putting baseball on notice with his moonshot home runs when he met Buck O’Neil, a champion of Black ballplayers during a monumental, eight-decade career on and off the field.

The Shift

Flau'Jae Johnson is business first

One thing about Flau'Jae Johnson, is that you're not going to define her for one thing. Fresh off LSU's Elite Eight exit last month, she hit the road opening for Bossman Dlow's tour and her summer is just getting started. She sat down with Kayla Grey at The Shift to talk what went into her decision to forgo the WNBA draft this year, her business mind, the things she learned from working with Lil Wayne and just how possible it is to chase many dreams at once.

16:59

Florida Panthers

Okposo joins NHL Players' Association

Kyle Okposo is joining the NHL Players’ Association as business development and player engagement adviser.

NBA

The rapid rise of identical twins Amen and Ausar Thompson

Amen and Ausar, now 22, are the first twins in league history to be drafted in the top five (Amen was drafted No. 4 by the Rockets and Ausar followed at No. 5 with the Detroit Pistons) and are making their playoff debuts in their second seasons as cornerstone pieces for a pair of franchises on the rise.

- Michael C. Wright

Soccer

Canada Soccer to honour veteran Scott at May friendly in her native Winnipeg

Canada will play a pair of women's soccer friendlies against Haiti in Winnipeg and Montreal in FIFA's May-June international window. The May 31 game at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg has been dubbed a "special celebration match honouring the extraordinary international career" of veteran midfielder Desiree Scott, a native Winnipegger who has announced her international retirement.

MLB

Baseball celebrates Robinson's legacy on 78th anniversary of breaking colour barrier

Jackie Robinson was the first to break baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers 78 years ago Tuesday. His legacy continues to inspire people inside the major leagues — and outside, too.

WNBA

Fashion, heritage and talent: Players turn WNBA draft into cultural showcase

The WNBA draft has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and self-expression.

Toronto Raptors

The Best Friends Game: Scottie Barnes & Jonathan Mogbo

Growing up playing basketball together in South Florida, Scottie Barnes and Jonathan Mogbo became best friends. Now reunited on the Toronto Raptors, they've been able to rekindle their friendship both on and off the court. TSN's Kate Beirness caught up with Barnes and Mogbo, to put their friendship to the test in The Best Friends Game.

play-btn-vid

3:36

NFL

The inside story of Sanders' unique draft process

Shedeur Sanders might not be hard to find. But the people trying to figure out who he'll become as an NFL quarterback are still searching.

- Kalyn Kahler

NCAA

Why Harvard's Harmoni Turner brings fun, flair to WNBA draft

Nobody crashed the women's basketball scene quite like Harmoni Turner did in March. She ranked among the national leaders in points per game (22.5) and steals per game (2.8) during the 2024-25 season.

- Aishwarya Kumar

Boxing

Foreman remembered for love of family, faith, cheeseburgers

George Foreman was remembered Monday in a memorial service in his hometown of Houston for his legendary boxing career as well as for his love of God, family, horses and cheeseburgers — and for his desire to help his fellow man.

Boxing

Boxing legend and former heavyweight champion Foreman dies at 76

George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second act as a 45-year-old champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night. He was 76.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates restore sign honouring legend Clemente

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reversed course after angering the family of the late Roberto Clemente by removing a sign honoring the franchise icon on the right-field wall at PNC Park.

MLB

Defense Department webpage on Robinson's military service restored

A Department of Defense webpage describing baseball and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson's military service was restored Wednesday after it was missing earlier in the day.

WNBA

Toronto Tempo announces Serena Williams as part of ownership group

The Toronto Tempo announced Monday that Serena Williams will be a new owner of the WNBA team. Williams joins the team’s ownership group alongside Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures.

CFL

The CFL is a leader in championing diversity

The CFL is making tangible commitments to prioritize a diverse league. Through intentional programming, to their Global Draft, their efforts of inclusion run deep. The Shift spoke with Redblack's head coach Bob Dyce, RB coach Nate Taylor and WR Geno Lewis as well as Ticats president of football operations Orlondo Steinauer and former player Shamawd Chambers about the ways in which the league has embraced diversity.

4:08

Auto Racing

Hamilton on critics: 'I've always welcomed the negativity'

As Lewis Hamilton embarks on his debut season with Ferrari, he says he's still fueled by the criticism he's received from "older white men" over his career.

- Nate Saunders

Auto Racing

Hamilton's first weeks at Ferrari: 'Where I'm supposed to be'

Since joining Ferrari in January, Hamilton has taken part in four separate on-track tests.

Laurence Edmondson

Soccer

Shaw performs Black Power salute following racist abuse

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw bowed her head and raised a gloved fist after scoring a goal on her first start for Manchester City Women since pulling out of the team because of racist abuse directed at her on social media.

Soccer

Actress Issa Rae joins San Diego FC ownership group

Actress and producer Issa Rae has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer expansion club San Diego FC.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts' rocky road leads to a Super Bowl MVP award

Jalen Hurts smiled as he held the Lombardi Trophy in his right hand and the Super Bowl MVP trophy in his left hand, reflecting on all he has gone through to reach the pinnacle of success.

Auto Racing

'Captain America' star Mackie named Daytona 500 grand marshal

Captain America is landing at The Great American Race.

Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles QB Hurts named MVP of Super Bowl LIX

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was named MVP of Super Bowl LIX after his side dismantled the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, Sunday night in New Orleans.

Philadelphia Eagles

Barkley, the Eagles and a win for NFL running backs

The excitement about the possibilities with Saquon Barkley began building in the winter of 2024 and never abated even as green confetti rained on the running back and his teammates at Caesars Superdome on Sunday night.

- Jeremy Fowler

Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers' James passes Jordan as oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points

After becoming the oldest player in NBA history to top 40 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 120-112 win over the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James stated the obvious about the achievement.

Dave McMenamin

NCAA

Sanders focused on fit, not honour of No. 1 pick

While former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to be one of the early picks in this year's NFL draft, he says he isn't worried if he isn't selected No. 1 overall.

Turron Davenport

NFL

More than a third of Black NFL players surveyed are discouraged by lack of Black coaches

Terry McLaurin, like the majority of NFL players, is Black, and, like some of his colleagues, harbors concerns about the lack of Black head coaches.

NFL

Black NFL players offer survey responses, broader thoughts on lack of Black head coaches

From organized team activities through the end of the regular season, reporters from The Associated Press who cover the NFL spoke to more than 65 Black players from 25 teams to gather their thoughts on the state of Black head coaches in the league.

NFL

Players think 1st-time NFL Black head coaches probably feel extra pressure to succeed

More than 90% of the 65-plus Black NFL players surveyed by The Associated Press over the past seven months were encouraged to have seen the number of Black head coaches in the league rise from four to seven last offseason.

The Shift

Canadian Aaliyah Edwards joins The Shift

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the NBA by storm this year and has all of Canada following the Thunder. There's another Canadian looking to do the same in the WNBA as Kingston, Ontario's Aaliyah Edwards will be entering her second season with the Mystics. She's known for her purple and gold braids which are a tribute to Kobe Bryant and her late brother Jermain. Kayla Grey recently caught up with her off the court.

play-btn-vid

3:44

Tennis

Gauff donates $100K for scholarship program at historically Black schools

Tennis star Coco Gauff donated $100,000 to UNCF to provide scholarships for students playing competitive tennis at historically Black colleges and universities.

Other Sports

The Cannons - Brothers on Ice

Following the lives of two teenagers and one legendary coach in one of America's only predominantly Black hockey clubs; the Fort Dupont Cannons of Washington D.C. must overcome the challenges of life in one of America’s most dangerous neighbourhoods.

play-btn-vid

54:21

NCAA

South Carolina retires Wilson's No. 22 jersey

Reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson stood at center court of Colonial Life Arena on Sunday, her hand on her heart and her parents' arms wrapped around her. All three of them looked up to the rafters as a lone spotlight shined on her collegiate No. 22 jersey being unveiled and officially retired by South Carolina.

Kendra Andrews

Hockey Canada

In her prime, Angela James was on a different level than the rest

Angela James is known as the Wayne Gretzky of women's hockey. But not only was she a tremendous talent on the ice, she is also a pioneer in many different ways. Jermain Franklin has more as TSN celebrates Black History Month.

play-btn-vid

1:30

Carnegie robbed of NHL dream by racism

Herb Carnegie is known as one of the greatest hockey players never to play in the NHL. It was widely alleged the Conn Smythe, owner of the Maple Leafs, said he would take Carnegie tomorrow if someone could turn him white. He was just 18 at the time. Jermain Franklin has more as TSN celebrates Black History Month.

play-btn-vid

1:35

Golf

The Black Masters: New documentary explores golf and race in Nova Scotia

The evolving relationship between residents of "The Island" and the golf course is the subject of a new documentary by Halifax-based filmmakers Brittney Gavin and Amy Mielke.

WNBA

Report: Wright Rogers hired as Tempo's first GM

Monica Wright Rogers has been hired as the first general manager of the Toronto Tempo WNBA expansion team, Klutch Sports' Andy Miller told ESPN on Wednesday. Wright Rogers joins the franchise after serving as assistant general manager for the Phoenix Mercury since January 2023.

- Alexa Philippou and Shams Charania

Tennis

Be brave. That's what Madison Keys kept telling herself on the way to winning the Australian Open

Those were the mantras Madison Keys turned to as she confronted the most significant points of her tennis career, trapped in the cauldron of a third set that was tied at 5-all, 30-all in the Australian Open final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday.

Tennis

Keys credits therapy with helping her off a tennis court and on

Madison Keys she and her therapist “talked a lot” during this trip overseas, including after a narrow victory over qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the second round last week.

WTA

Keys upsets two-time defending champ Sabalenka to capture first Australian Open title

When Madison Keys stepped into Rod Laver Arena at 7:37 p.m. on Saturday night ahead of the Australian Open final, she strode right past the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, the trophy that goes to the women's champion and was placed on a pedestal near the entrance to the court.

The Shift

Aaliyah Edwards plays with no limits

The Washington Mystic's Aaliyah Edwards joins The Shift to discuss her involvement in PlayStation Canada's new campaign "Play Has No Limits", why she's always proud to rep Kingston ON, her excitement for the inaugural Unrivaled Basketball Tournament and more.

play-btn-vid

9:45

New York Jets

Glenn hired as New York Jets coach: His influences, path

New Jets coach Aaron Glenn needs no introduction -- not to Jets fans, at least.

Ben Solak

Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs QB Mahomes has grown and matured over the years, both on and off the field

The Chiefs are headed back to the conference title game, this time facing the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. Mahomes is a two-time NFL MVP now, with three Super Bowl rings and the same number of kids, and the way he goes about the game — and life in general — is a whole lot different from how it was at the start of this run.

Athletics

A's hire former World Series MVP Dave Stewart for a front office role

The A's announced Wednesday that Stewart will be a special assistant to player development this season. Stewart will assist director of player development Ed Sprague in his new role.

NCAA

Why everyone at Notre Dame bought into Freeman

In the three years since that moment, Marcus Freeman has built on that foundation, showing himself not only to be the right person for the job, but also being able to channel his approach into leading Notre Dame here, one game away from its first national championship since 1988.

- Paolo Uggetti

Oklahoma City Thunder

By The Numbers: SGA emerging as frontrunner for NBA MVP

Following back-to-back seasons of top-five finishes for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played his way into pole position for the honour at the half-way point of the regular season.

Soccer

Four-time Olympian Scott signs with Ottawa Rapid FC

Desiree Scott thought retirement from professional soccer sounded good, but her passion for the game and her desire to contribute to its growth in Canada put an end to those plans. Ottawa Rapid FC announced Tuesday they have signed Scott for the inaugural season of the Northern Super League, a new Canadian women's professional soccer league set to kick off this spring.

Auto Racing

Hamilton vows to embrace Ferrari change in new job post

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton said he was excited for 2025 and ready to embrace change at Ferrari as he updated his LinkedIn profile with the hashtag "newjob." Hamilton became a Ferrari driver on Jan. 1, joining the sport's oldest and most successful team after 12 years at Mercedes.

- Reuters

Golden State Warriors

How an indefinite suspension revitalized Green's career

Draymond Green crossed that line too many times last season, leading to a five-game suspension for his chokehold on Rudy Gobert and then, perhaps the low point of his career, an indefinite suspension that ended up costing him 12 games for striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face.

Ohm Youngmisuk

Tennis

Gauff has worked on her serve and her forehand heading into the 2025 Australian Open

It was a meaningless hit-and-giggle session, a mixed doubles exhibition at Rod Laver Arena just for fun and charity in front of fans a few days ahead of the Australian Open, so Coco Gauff was calling out how fast she would try to hit some serves.

NFL

Sports broadcaster Gumbel, 78, dies of cancer

Greg Gumbel, a veteran of CBS Sports who spent more than 50 years in sports broadcasting, has died of cancer at the age of 78, his family said Friday.

Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley and the making of '2K Sa'

He took a big swing by putting together one of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history in 2024, now just the ninth player to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a season.

- Tim McManus

NCAA

DeSean Jackson gets first head-coaching job at Delaware State

Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been hired as the new football coach at Delaware State, the school announced Friday.

NCAA

UConn's Sarah Strong is women's hoops' top freshman -- and a soon-to-be-star

Over the first six weeks of the season, Strong has lived up to the hype. She hasn't merely emerged as the comfortable front-runner in the freshman-of-the-year conversation, she's quickly establishing herself as one of the best players in the country.

- Alexa Philippou

Breaking Down Barriers

Breaking Down Barriers: The Herb Carnegie Story

Breaking Down Barriers is a television series showcases the individuals and organizations who are committed to changing hockey culture. Each episode spotlights and celebrates those who are committed to fostering positive social change within the sport-from professional to minor hockey levels.

play-btn-vid

23:58

Breaking Down Barriers: The Legacy of Willie O'Ree

play-btn-vid

23:46

Breaking Down Barriers: Black Girl Hockey Club

Black Girl Hockey Club Canada, founded in 2023, is a not for profit organization that focuses on making hockey more inclusive to black women by providing financial-aid and scholarship opportunities, as well as mentorship.

play-btn-vid

23:24

Breaking Down Barriers: Culture Shift

play-btn-vid

23:31

SCOREBOARD

Black Excellence | TSN

Golf

Jim Dent, pioneering Black golfer, dies at age 85

Philadelphia Phillies

Former Phillies slugger Howard makes pitch for Negro Leagues Baseball Museum expansion

The Shift

Flau'Jae Johnson is business first

Florida Panthers

Okposo joins NHL Players' Association

NBA

The rapid rise of identical twins Amen and Ausar Thompson

Soccer

Canada Soccer to honour veteran Scott at May friendly in her native Winnipeg

MLB

Baseball celebrates Robinson's legacy on 78th anniversary of breaking colour barrier

WNBA

Fashion, heritage and talent: Players turn WNBA draft into cultural showcase

Toronto Raptors

The Best Friends Game: Scottie Barnes & Jonathan Mogbo

NFL

The inside story of Sanders' unique draft process

NCAA

Why Harvard's Harmoni Turner brings fun, flair to WNBA draft

Boxing

Foreman remembered for love of family, faith, cheeseburgers

Boxing

Boxing legend and former heavyweight champion Foreman dies at 76

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates restore sign honouring legend Clemente

MLB

Defense Department webpage on Robinson's military service restored

WNBA

Toronto Tempo announces Serena Williams as part of ownership group

CFL

The CFL is a leader in championing diversity

Auto Racing

Hamilton on critics: 'I've always welcomed the negativity'

Auto Racing

Hamilton's first weeks at Ferrari: 'Where I'm supposed to be'

Soccer

Shaw performs Black Power salute following racist abuse

Soccer

Actress Issa Rae joins San Diego FC ownership group

Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts' rocky road leads to a Super Bowl MVP award

Auto Racing

'Captain America' star Mackie named Daytona 500 grand marshal

Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles QB Hurts named MVP of Super Bowl LIX

Philadelphia Eagles

Barkley, the Eagles and a win for NFL running backs

Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers' James passes Jordan as oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points

NCAA

Sanders focused on fit, not honour of No. 1 pick

NFL

More than a third of Black NFL players surveyed are discouraged by lack of Black coaches

NFL

Black NFL players offer survey responses, broader thoughts on lack of Black head coaches

NFL

Players think 1st-time NFL Black head coaches probably feel extra pressure to succeed

The Shift

Canadian Aaliyah Edwards joins The Shift

Tennis

Gauff donates $100K for scholarship program at historically Black schools

Other Sports

The Cannons - Brothers on Ice

NCAA

South Carolina retires Wilson's No. 22 jersey

Hockey Canada

In her prime, Angela James was on a different level than the rest

Carnegie robbed of NHL dream by racism

Golf

The Black Masters: New documentary explores golf and race in Nova Scotia

WNBA

Report: Wright Rogers hired as Tempo's first GM

Tennis

Be brave. That's what Madison Keys kept telling herself on the way to winning the Australian Open

Tennis