The stakes for all these U.S. skiers, skaters, snowboarders and sliders over the next 100 days could not be more clear.

A chance for Olympic glory. A chance to compete for a gold medal.

And this year, for the first time, a chance to make $100,000.

Thanks to a recent record $100 million donation to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, athletes who make the U.S. Olympic or Paralympic teams starting next year in Milan-Cortina will be eligible to receive a $100,000 award when they retire.

It’s a game-changing piece of news for Olympic athletes, most of whom toil in obscurity outside of the two weeks the lights go on at the Games, and many of whom live in or near poverty: According to the foundation, some 57% of U.S. athletes earn $50,000 or less a year.

The majority of those Olympic spots will be earned over the next few months.

NFL

Lions sign star edge rusher Hutchinson to contract extension: The Detroit Lions signed star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a contract extension through the 2030 season.

The No. 2 overall pick out of Michigan in 2022, Hutchinson has 34 1/2 sacks in 46 career games. He also has 78 quarterback hits, 36 tackles for loss, 11 pass defenses, eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and four interceptions.

Hutchinson made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and had 7 1/2 sacks in five games last year before he broke his leg. He has six sacks in seven games this season for the Lions (5-2).

Chiefs’ Pacheco expected to miss game against Bills: The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be without running back Isiah Pacheco for their high-profile showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday after their leading rusher sprained a knee ligament in last week’s win over the Washington Commanders.

Pacheco did not practice Wednesday as the Chiefs turned their attention to the rematch of last year’s AFC championship game, which means Kareem Hunt is in line for more carries with Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell backing him up.

Motor sports

Marco Andretti retires from racing: Marco Andretti said he is retiring from racing, a decision that likely means the “Andretti Curse” at the Indianapolis 500 will never end.

The 38-year-old grandson of Mario Andretti announced on social media he will not attempt to enter the Indianapolis 500 next season and will instead turn his attention to his daughter, business ventures outside of racing, and a memoir in process called “Defending the Dynasty.”

Next year’s Indianapolis 500 will not have an Andretti in the field for the first time since 2005.

NHL

Mammoth sign Cooley to an 8-year, $80M extension: The Utah Mammoth signed Logan Cooley to an eight-year, $80 million extension, a deal that keeps the budding star center under contract through 2033-34.

Cooley will count $10 million against the salary cap beginning when the contract that was announced Wednesday kicks in next season.

The 21-year-old Cooley has eight goals and four assists in 11 games, helping Utah get off to a strong start in the club’s first season known as the Mammoth, leading the Western Conference with a record of 8-3-1.

Horse racing

Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty scratched from the Breeders’ Cup: Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty has been scratched and will not run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday after catching a fever this week, taking the favorite out of the $7 million world championship race.

The Breeders’ Cup announced the scratch of the country’s top 3-year-old horse on Wednesday after trainer Bill Mott told the Daily Racing Form about the decision he and his camp made. Mott had previously said Sovereignty not racing was a possibility.

Sovereignty opened as a heavy 6-5 morning line favorite in the field of 10, which also includes Derby and Belmont runner-up and Preakness winner Journalism. The Breeders’ Cup Classic was expected to determine the horse of the year.

Women’s sports

ESPN secures 3-year deal to broadcast Athletes Unlimited: ESPN and Athletes Unlimited announced a three-year rights extension that makes ESPN the official broadcast partner for the women’s professional sports company’s softball, basketball and volleyball leagues.

ESPN platforms will broadcast more than 50 exclusive Athletes Unlimited Softball League games each year during the deal. ABC will broadcast at least one AUSL championship series game in 2026.