Let the rumor mill swirl

The GIST: It was a weekend of literal highs and devastating blows in the first Euro 2024 knockout games. With half the quarter-final (QF) spots already secured and the remaining four to be awarded in the next 48 hours, the summer of soccer never stops.

No. 8 Spain and No. 16 Germany set for epic QF showdown: After taking down No. 74 Georgia 4–1 and No. 21 Denmark 2–0, respectively, the two powerhouse squads will battle it out on Friday — an early tourney clash of titans. Can’t wait.

No. 5 England’s extra-time escape: Trailing No. 45 Slovakia 1–0 with time about to expire, English midfielder Jude Bellingham scored with this incredible bicycle kick, pushing the match to extra time, where forward Harry Kane almost immediately scored the game-winner in the thrilling 2–1 dub.

• The Three Lions’ next opponent? No. 19 Switzerland, who stunned the field and knocked out defending champion No. 10 Italy 2–0 on Saturday. No biggie.

Looking ahead: The action continues today at 12 p.m ET when heavy favorite No. 2 France plays No. 3 Belgium, a highly anticipated showdown between broken-nosed Frenchman Kylian Mbappé and Belgian legend Kevin De Bruyne. Then at 3 p.m. ET, Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 6 Portugal is expected to top No. 57 Slovenia, who haven’t won a game this tourney.

• Tomorrow, No. 47 Romania faces an uphill battle against the No. 7 Netherlands at 12 p.m. ET, followed by No. 25 Austria vs. No. 40 Türkiye duking it out for the last QF berth at 3 p.m. ET.

The GIST: With both the NBA and NHL Drafts done and dusted, it’s time for the chaos of free agency to take center stage. The wildest stretch of the offseason began yesterday at 6 p.m. ET for the hoopers (and pens are already being put to paper) while the puck drops on NHL free agency today at 12 p.m. ET.

How it works: Free agency has become a crucial part of the sports calendar, empowering athletes to decide where they play. A player is referred to as a free agent when they’re either not under contract with a specific team or are allowed to solicit offers from other squads.

• There are two types of free agents: restricted (RFAs) and unrestricted (UFAs). If an RFA receives an offer, their current team has the right to match it. As the name suggests, UFAs have complete freedom and can sign with any team they want.

NBA names to know: While LeBron James opting out of his contract with the LA Lakers was expected to be the biggest news on the free agency market, the King will almost certainly re-sign in Tinseltown, giving way to other big names on the block, like Clippers star Paul George and four-time champ Klay Thompson.

• George has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers, where Sixers superstar Joel Embiid has already approved PG13’s potential arrival, while Thompson’s been connected to James’ Lakers, the Clippers, and the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks. Let the rumor mill swirl.

NHL names to know: The biggest target on the free agent ice is center Steven Stamkos, who’s played all 16 seasons of his stellar career with the Tampa Bay Lightning. After failing to reach a contract agreement with Tampa, the two-time Stanley Cup champ will be a hotter commodity this summer than your friend with a boat.

• Notably, the defending champ Florida Panthers have some serious offseason work to do: 11 players could become UFAs today, including Game 7 hero Sam Reinhart. Turn on your notifs and watch this space.

Want to join us to cheer on Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games? We hoped you’d say yes. Together with our friends at Canadian Tire, we want to bring you and your plus-one on an all-expenses-paid trip to the City of Light.

• You and a pal will receive a VIP Olympic Games experience, which includes:

• 🎟️ Tickets to the Opening Ceremony

• 🛹 A VIP hospitality experience at various sporting events

• 👋 And so much more, including being hosted by The GIST co-founder and The GIST of It podcast co-host, Ellen Hyslop!

If you’re someone who cares deeply about gender equity in sports, join us this summer by entering to win this once-in-a-lifetime “We All Play for Canada” contest. No better way to celebrate Canada Day.