What happened: Ted Turner, the former owner of the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, has died at the age of 87, according to ESPN. Turner built a media empire that included the founding of CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network, and used his platforms to elevate the Braves into a national brand through TBS. He was also widely known as a philanthropist.

Why it matters: Turner's ownership era reshaped how Major League Baseball and the NBA reached national audiences, with the Braves becoming 'America's Team' on TBS and the Hawks gaining nightly cable exposure. His passing closes a chapter on one of the most influential owner-operators in modern American sports media. The reaction across sports and journalism, including a tribute from MMA reporter Ariel Helwani saluting Turner's WCW patronage, underscores his cross-industry footprint.

What to watch: Watch for tributes from the Braves, Hawks, and MLB/NBA leadership, along with potential commemorations during upcoming Atlanta home games. Memorial details and reflections from former players and broadcasters are likely to follow in the coming days.