Today, July 23, the Las Vegas Raiders announced the signing of their top overall draft selection, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, to a rookie contract.

Mendoza has inked a four-year contract valued at $57.27 million, entirely guaranteed, with an option for a fifth year. Rookies reported to training camp today, while veterans are set to join on July 28 (Tuesday).
This marks Mendoza as the first player drafted first overall by the Raiders since quarterback JaMarcus Russell in 2007.
Cousins Set to Start in Week 1
To guide Mendoza, the Raiders acquired four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins, signing him to a one-year deal worth $20 million with guaranteed funds for the current season and future team-controlled options.
Provided he maintains his health, Cousins is expected to lead the team as the starting quarterback in their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. During the offseason training, Cousins has been receiving first-team snaps under new head coach Klint Kubiak, while Mendoza has primarily been taking third-team snaps with some second-team opportunities, as reported by ESPN.
Playoff Prospects for the Raiders
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Mendoza played his final collegiate season at Indiana in 2025 after spending three years at California (2022-2024). Throughout his college career, he participated in 36 games, securing 35 starts and completing 691 of 1,008 throws for 8,247 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions.
In his senior year, Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship, concluding the season with a flawless 16-0 record.
Aidan O’Connell serves as the Raiders' third quarterback.
There's growing interest in the Raiders from sports betting enthusiasts. BetMGM reports that the Raiders' playoff odds opened at +1000 and have improved to +550. They are currently the most popular team among bettors for postseason aspirations.
Mark Cuban's Firm Invests in the Athletics
A private equity firm focused on sports, led by Mark Cuban, the former owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, has acquired a minority stake in the Athletics as the MLB team prepares to relocate from Oakland to Las Vegas for the 2028 season.
This venture marks the inaugural deal for Harbinger Sports Partners, which was established in May. The specifics regarding the size of the stake and the investment amount remain undisclosed. Forbes estimates the A's value at $2 billion, ranking them 18th among 30 MLB teams.
Expected Rise in Franchise Valuations
The Athletics will soon call a new $2 billion stadium, currently being constructed on the Las Vegas Strip, home.
Harbinger announced its plans to explore further minority ownership opportunities within Las Vegas sports franchises as suitable prospects arise, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Harbinger's General Manager and former MLB CFO Jonathan Mariner believes that MLB franchises are undervalued and positioned for growth, citing forthcoming labor negotiations and a new media rights deal as potential drivers for increased valuations, as reported by Sports Business Journal.
Currently, the Athletics sport a record of 43-59, placing them eight games behind the leaders in the American League West and 9.5 games away from the last Wild Card spot in the American League.
WNBA Upset: Mystics Defeat Aces
In recent WNBA action, Shakira Austin scored 25 points, including a crucial three-point play with 12.8 seconds remaining, leading the Washington Mystics to a surprising 100-99 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on July 22.
The Aces entered the game as 6.5-point favorites, with a moneyline ranging from -250 to -260, making this loss a significant upset. A’ja Wilson was the leading scorer for the Aces with 38 points.
As the WNBA All-Star break approaches, the Aces find themselves two games behind the league-leading Minnesota team.