Newsmakers

Extended U.S. women’s soccer coach Jill Ellis was rewarded for leading the Americans to the World Cup title with a contract extension. The U.S. Soccer Federation said Wednesday that Ellis agreed to a multiyear extension. That leaves Ellis in charge as the Americans prepare for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The 48-year-old Ellis guided the United States to its third World Cup crown last month with a 5-2 victory over defending champion Japan. The Americans have won the last three Olympic gold medals.

Signed The Cleveland Cavaliers made their signing of free-agent forward Richard Jefferson official. Jefferson’s deal was agreed upon last month. The 14-year veteran will give the Cavs another experi- enced wing player. Jefferson spent last season with Dallas.

• The New York Red Bulls acquired winger Gonzalo Veron from Club Atletico San Lorenzo in the Argentine Primera Division as a designated player. The Major League Soccer team didn’t disclose terms of the deal.

• Werder Bremen says it has signed United States striker Aron Johannsson from the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. The Bundesliga club says Johannsson signed a four-year contract.

Penalized Rookie driver Rodolfo Gonzalez was fined $500 for raising his visor during a refueling pit stop at Sunday’s IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio. Series officials said that violated the rule on personal safety equipment. Tristan Vautier’s team also was docked $500 because of a loose wheel nut – a violation of the rule on unattended equipment.

Changed The WNBA draft lottery will be changed to consider records over two years and the team with the worst record will be guaranteed at least the third pick. The drawing will still be held among the four teams that didn’t make the playoffs.

Sidelined Atlanta Dream forward Cierra Burdick is expected to miss the rest of the regular season following surgery to repair a stress fracture in her left foot. The usual recovery time is four to six weeks.