Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday that the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season will be his final campaign, signaling the end of a prolific career with the Washington Capitals. The 41-year-old captain, who recently celebrated his birthday on September 17, shared the news with his teammates before the team confirmed the announcement on social media. This decision marks the beginning of Ovechkin’s farewell tour after 21 seasons exclusively with the Capitals, dating back to his NHL debut on the same day in 2004.
Ovechkin currently holds the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record, having surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s mark in April 2025. Entering the season with 929 career goals, he committed to a one-year contract this past summer. The timing of the announcement, two days before Washington’s home opener, reflects Ovechkin’s view that this is the appropriate moment to declare his impending retirement.
In other NHL developments, San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini was sidelined for a game against the Dallas Stars due to a lower-body injury. The Stars secured a 5-0 victory behind goals and assists from Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn, with Jake Oettinger earning a shutout on 13 saves. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1, highlighted by goals and assists from Pontus Holmberg and Ilya Mikheyev, and two assists from Nikita Kucherov. Cole Perfetti’s late goal helped the Winnipeg Jets edge the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2.
In the NBA, Jaylen Brown made his Philadelphia 76ers debut with a strong performance, scoring 22 points in 17 minutes off the bench to lead the team to a 120-97 preseason win over the New York Knicks. Notably absent were LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, who were healthy scratches. The Knicks were led by OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson, each contributing 12 points. Meanwhile, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns expressed skepticism about securing a contract extension before the regular season begins October 20. Towns, eligible for a four-year deal worth $276 million, averaged nearly 16 points and over 10 rebounds per game last season.
Charlotte Hornets point guard Coby White suffered a left calf strain during training camp and is expected to miss the entire preseason. It remains uncertain if he will be ready for the regular season opener on October 21 against Brooklyn. White averaged 15.6 points, three rebounds, and three assists over 21 games for Charlotte last season.
The NBA also introduced new technology during select preseason games, including smart basketballs equipped with Bluetooth sensors to collect data potentially useful for real-time officiating. Officials will also wear wrist devices to communicate directly with the replay center in certain situations.
In tennis, Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open semifinal after accidentally striking a spectator with a ball. The incident occurred in Beijing during a match against Novak Djokovic, who was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3. Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur in the final after de Minaur advanced following opponent Hubert Hurkacz's retirement due to injury. On the women's side, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek both advanced to later rounds of the tournament.
At the Japan Open, Carlos Alcaraz rallied past qualifier Jaume Munar to reach the final, where he will compete against Jiri Lehecka.
In European football, France secured a 4-1 victory over Belgium in the Nations League at the Stade de France, with coach Zinedine Zidane earning his first home win. Italy also recorded a home win under Roberto Mancini, propelled by goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, and Pio Esposito.
In NCAA basketball news, Kansas State University reached a $12 million settlement with former men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang, resolving a dispute following his firing earlier this year. Tang finished his tenure with a 71-57 overall record.
Additionally, NBA legend Michael Jordan pledged $10 million to the University of North Carolina’s School of Social Work in honor of his late mother, Deloris.