The revolving door is spinning again with a few new minor-league sports franchises coming to the Mid-South in 2026, and The Daily Memphian sports staff wrote about a couple of them in the past week.

John Varlas was at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex for Memphis FC’s United Soccer League 2 home opener last Thursday, while Tim Buckley took a look Saturday at hopes that The Arena League’s new Memphis Hound Dogs indoor team can survive and thrive in a city that tends to chew up and spit out football franchises.

The Hound Dogs’ home opener is Saturday night at the Memphis Sports & Event Center.

Speaking of new, Drew Hill and Chris Herrington both wrote about how the NBA’s new draft lottery system isn’t exactly Memphis Grizzlies-friendly. Hill and Herrington also continue to report on the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, which, for the Grizzlies, will include a free and open-to-the-public June 23 draft party at FedExForum.

Sticking with the new theme, Varlas also recently profiled new Germantown High football coach Duron Sutton. And as the Memphis Tigers basketball team prepares for a new season with summer workouts beginning earlier today, Varlas caught up with Penny Hardaway on Monday morning before he teed off in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl golf tournament at TPC Southwind. Varlas wrote about what the Tigers coach learned when he recently took a personality test — and the result was interesting stuff.

Lastly, on a sad note, Buckley wrote about the death of former Tiger Billy Buford, remembered as a “friendly” member of then-Memphis State’s 1972-73 Final Four team.

Here’s a look at some of the staff’s top work from the week: — Deputy sports editor Tim Buckley

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In a Memphis market that spits out football franchises, Hound Dogs think they have a product that will work By Tim Buckley

NBA Lottery reform passes despite Grizzlies objection By Chris Herrington

Hill: It may be 'zero-sum' for the league, but it's bad for the Grizzlies By Drew Hill

Herrington: My Memphis Grizzlies draft board for all three picks By Chris Herrington

Grizzlies will host a 2026 NBA Draft party at FedExForum By The Daily Memphian Staff

Fred Smith Jr. to participate in Memphis basketball workouts, his father says By John Martin

Projecting the Tigers' starting five as they enter summer workouts By Frank Bonner II

Tigers coach Penny Hardaway took a personality test, and learned something about himself By John Varlas

After highs and lows, Duron Sutton finds renewed purpose at Germantown By John Varlas

Former Tiger Billy Buford remembered as 'friendly guy' on 1972-73 Final Four team By Tim Buckley

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