by Jordan Black | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
July kicked off with plenty of action across Ohio’s sports scene — both on and off the field. From Cleveland’s push for a billion-dollar stadium to the Guardians snapping one of their worst losing streaks in a decade, here’s everything you need to know from the past week in Buckeye sports.
Browns Make Big Stadium Move, But Not Everyone’s Cheering
The Cleveland Browns are one step closer to their dream of a shiny new domed stadium — but it comes with a catch. The state of Ohio just approved $600 million toward the project, drawn from a controversial pot of unclaimed funds now being redirected under a law change. Critics argue it’s a sneaky way to dip into citizens’ pockets without asking, while supporters say it’s a smart play to revamp an aging stadium and spur economic growth in Brook Park.
The proposed stadium — part of a $2.4 billion vision for a massive sports and entertainment district — would seat around 67,000 and finally give Cleveland a weatherproof venue. Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam are reportedly pitching a 50/50 public-private split. If they pull it off, fans could be watching games indoors within a few years. Until then, the politics — and lawsuits — are likely to keep flying.
Guardians Snap Skid, Send Two to the All-Star Game
Cleveland baseball fans finally exhaled this week after the Guardians snapped a brutal 10-game losing streak, their worst since 2012. The team had been shut out five times in that stretch and was one strike away from victory on Sunday before collapsing in extra innings. It was a rough run that had fans questioning everything from the bullpen to the lineup card.
But just when the sky looked darkest, the Guardians showed life. A go-ahead grand slam in the 10th inning against the Astros turned a tied game into a 10–6 win and shifted the energy fast. Now riding a two-game win streak, the team hopes to turn a corner heading into the All-Star break.
Speaking of which — José Ramírez will once again represent Cleveland as the AL’s starting third baseman. It’s his seventh All-Star selection, a reminder that even in a slump, he’s one of the league’s best. Outfielder Steven Kwan joins him as a reserve, fresh off another strong first half. The team may be shaky, but those two are keeping Cleveland competitive.
One rough patch remains: pitcher Luis Ortiz was placed on paid leave as the league looks into an off-field matter. Details remain limited, but it leaves a hole in the rotation that Cleveland will need to fill fast.
Columbus Crew Hold the Line, Even With a Thin Roster
In Major League Soccer, the Columbus Crew are proving that depth matters. Despite a flurry of injuries and call-ups for international play, the Crew managed to grind out a draw against New York City FC last week — a respectable result under the circumstances.
Columbus remains in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race thanks to smart coaching, solid chemistry, and an offense that stays aggressive even when the big names are sidelined. With players like Diego Rossi leading the charge and several others expected to return soon, the Crew are poised to stay dangerous down the stretch.
Fans hoping for a rematch of the May draw against rival FC Cincinnati — dubbed the “Hell Is Real” derby — may get their wish in the postseason. That 1–1 battle showcased just how far the Crew have come, and they’ll need every ounce of that grit in the weeks ahead.
Cavs Prospects Show Out in Summer League
Basketball might be in its offseason, but that doesn’t mean Cleveland Cavaliers fans don’t have something to watch. The NBA Summer League tipped off this week in Las Vegas, giving a stage to the Cavs’ young talent — including Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr., and Emoni Bates — all of whom are vying for rotation spots this fall.
Tyson, a first-round pick, has been showing off a well-rounded game, while Porter and Bates — both returning from strong G-League stints — are reminding everyone why they’re worth watching. The Cavs' front office is getting a long look at the future, and so far, there’s plenty to be excited about.
Ohioans may also recognize familiar faces on other rosters. Former Buckeye Malaki Branham is looking sharp with San Antonio’s summer team and continuing to grow into a solid NBA contributor.
Buckeyes' QB Battle Still Wide Open
It’s not football season yet, but in Columbus, all eyes are already on the quarterback battle. With last year’s title-winning starter Will Howard off to the NFL, Ohio State suddenly has a four-way race with zero game experience among them.
The contenders: highly-touted freshman Julian Sayin (an Alabama transfer), redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz, rising senior Mason Maggs, and dark horse Tavien St. Clair. Sayin and Kienholz are believed to be the frontrunners after spring practice — with Sayin standing out during the spring game for his poise and accuracy — but no final decision is expected until late in camp.
With so much talent elsewhere on the roster, the Buckeyes are still considered heavy favorites to repeat as national champs — if they can solve the quarterback question. Fall camp will be crucial, and fans should expect plenty of drama as the battle plays out.
Quick Hits
- Reds update: Cincinnati’s still clawing to stay in the Wild Card hunt. Mixed results this week, but some sparks on offense offer hope.
- Ohio high school football: Official summer practices open this month. First Friday night lights are just weeks away.
- MAC football watch: Toledo and Ohio University are getting early buzz as title favorites heading into the 2025 season.
That’s the latest from the Buckeye State. Whether it’s All-Star sluggers, quarterback questions, or stadium politics, Ohio continues to deliver big headlines. Check back next week for more.
