NEWS » d return to Oklahoma

UEFA is in talks with clubs to change the format of the Champions League from 2018.One of the proposals under discussion is an expanded knockout round followed by a group stage made up of eight teams in two groups.If the proposal were to be adopted there would be more games between the so-called big clubs. Each team in the group stage would be guaranteed a total of 14 matches home and away. CL changes Q&A SSNHQs Anton Toloui explains the proposed changes The format would also allow more clubs from Europes biggest leagues to qualify for the competition. AC Milan, who have won the European Cup seven times, have not played in the Champions League since 2014 and current Premier League champions Chelsea are likely to miss out next season.A new format is being discussed to head off the threat of a breakaway Super League. Some of Europes leading clubs, represented by the European Clubs Association, want a new format to increase revenues and make the competition more exciting. Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012 but are unlikely to qualify this year No changes can be made until the 2018-19 season due to TV and marketing rights to the competition, which are sold in three-year cycles. The 2015-16 season is the first year of a three-year period.The process for selling the next set of rights will start at the end of this year and any new format would need to be agreed by then.A UEFA spokesman said: UEFA is in constant contact with all stakeholders, including the clubs, on all football matters.Therefore, any plans to evolve the format of our club competitions would be coordinated and negotiated together with them.There are currently no concrete proposals on the table since we are at the beginning of a new cycle of our club competitions.Also See:Leicester to be top seed in CL?Rooney v IbrahimovicFourth may not secure CL spotHenry on Champions League drawBasketball Shoes Sale . 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From Pierre LeBrun While Anaheim GM Bob Murray said earlier this season he was not going to trade Jonas Hiller despite the fact hes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, some sources have told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun that Murray might be willing to move another goalie.OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook is no longer sharing the NBA marquee in Oklahoma City after the Thunder lost much of their identity when free agent Kevin Durant chose to join the Golden State Warriors on Monday.The Thunders focus now has to be primarily on one of the most electrifying players in the NBA who they still have on the roster -- at least for now. Westbrooks future is unclear. He is heading into the final year of his deal, and he could be traded before that.Anything like that with Russell is hypothetical, Thunder general manager Sam Presti said Monday. Everybody knows how we feel about Russell.Westbrook won the 2015 scoring title and finished fourth in the MVP balloting last season, ahead of Durant, who finished fifth. Westbrook, the two-time reigning All-Star MVP, has consistently improved throughout his career, and he could take his game to another level without sharing the load with Durant, a four-time scoring champion and former league MVP.Russell Westbrook is a force of nature, Presti said. He is a true leader in the sense that he takes it on. He takes it on, and I think hell take this on, as well. This is a different situation, and I know that Russell will adjust and adapt to that.Durant answered the biggest question of this offseason when he announced Monday on the Players Tribune that he is heading to the Warriors. Durant agreed to a two-year, $54 million contract with a player option the second year, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because details werent made public. He can sign with Golden State on Thursday, when free agents can finalize deals.His departure is huge for OKC, though the Thunder still have a talented roster featuring Westbrook.Young stars Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are rapidly improving. Adams, a bruising 7-foot center, emerged as consistent double-double threat during the playoffs. Kanter, a crafty 6-foot-11 forward, was third in the race for sixth man of the year.The Thunder have been making changes to their roster, and now more will undoubtedly come.Oklahoma City dealt Serge Ibaka to Orlando on draft night in exchange for shooting guard Victor Oladipo, forward Ersan Ilyasova and draft pick Domantas Sabonis, a move that improved their depth and shored up their inconsistent shooting guard position.The Thunder tried to lure Al Horford, who ended up going to the Boston Celtics.I think Al was really, really interested, but obviously the timing of Kevins situation and his just didnt link up, and thats part of free agency, Presti said.dddddddddddd Thats how it goes.But the focus of the team right now is Westbrook and his future.Even with Westbrooks presence and the young talent around him, it doesnt ease the sting of losing Durant for the franchise and the city after his nine-year run in Oklahoma City.Durant has elevated Oklahomas profile so much that he was inducted into the states Hall of Fame late last year. And Durant has made a point to have a local presence. He donated $1 million in disaster relief to the Red Cross in 2013 after a tornado ravaged south Oklahoma City and Moore. He also owns a popular restaurant in downtown Oklahoma City.Presti said the fans should appreciate what Durant accomplished, and the part they played in it.They should feel thankful, grateful, he said. They should not -- I cant tell them not to be disappointed, but the one thing I would also say is the city should be incredibly proud of what theyve helped create for the Thunder. Its not possible without that. They need to carry that on.The NBA had been anticipating Durants free agency decision for more than a year. The 2014 MVP led the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012, and to the Western Conference Finals in four of the past six years -- and hes only 27. He recovered from a broken bone in his right foot that cost him much of last season to post one of the best years of his career.Not long ago, the Thunder were up 3-1 on the Warriors in the Western Conference finals, easing Thunder fans minds about the possibility that Durant might seek greener pastures. Even after the Warriors rallied to win the series 4-3, Durant headed into free agency talking as though he would return to Oklahoma City.Are we going to work on our game and come back even better, or are we going to be excited about what we did? Durant said last month. Be complacent, or are we going to want more? I think thats the next step for us all -- thinking of how we can all be better.A month later, Durant is headed to the Bay Area.In his article, Durant said, It really pains me to know that I will disappoint so many people with this choice, but I believe I am doing what I feel is the right thing at this point in my life and my playing career.---AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in Oakland, California contributed to this report.---Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: (at)CliffBruntAP . ' ' '