Liberty Media, a US company invested in sports and entertainment interests, has made a $4.4 billion offer to purchase Formula One. Liberty Media is controlled by 75-year-old tycoon John Malone, owner of the Atlanta Braves, possibly ending years of uncertainty about the ownership of the sport. The transition will be overseen by F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, 85, who told the Associated Press he will retain his role as the sport enters a new era. Once the deal is complete, which is expected by March 2017, Liberty Media will be renamed Formula One Group. Chase Carey, vice-chairman of 21st Century Fox, was set to assume the role as chairman of F1. Ecclestone was optimistic Liberty had the resources, expertise and modern outlook to drive the growth of F1 — particularly in the US. ‘‘I have been trying to do things in America for years but not very successfully,’’ Ecclestone said. ‘‘We tried but maybe they are the people that can get it done.’’ Asked about challenging NASCAR’s supremacy in the US, Ecclestone said: ‘‘They are the people that should be concerned, of course.’’

NASCAR penalizes Newman 15 pointsNASCAR docked driver Ryan Newman 15 points for failing post-race inspection at Darlington Raceway Sunday night, dealing his championship hopes a huge blow. Newman, who was seven points out of the final qualifying spot for the 16-driver field for the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, is now 22 points behind Jamie McMurray for the final spot headed into Saturday night’s final qualifying race at Richmond International Raceway. Richard Childress Racing will not appeal the penalty, and blamed the failed laser inspection on the car sustaining damage during the race.

Baseball

Astros star Correa needs shoulder testsAstros manager A.J. Hinch said shortstop Carlos Correa was sent back to Houston from Cleveland to undergo additional medical tests on the inflammation in his left shoulder. Hinchwas optimistic the reigning AL Rookie of Year would be available to play against the Chicago Cubs this weekend in Houston.

NBA

The 76ers re-signed free agent forward Elton Brand, bringing back a veteran who played 17 games and averaged 4.1 points with Philadelphia last season. Brand, selected by the Chicago Bulls with the first overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, hasn’t averaged more than 20 minutes per game since 2012-13 . . . The Utah Jazz signed free agent wing Quincy Ford, a former Northeastern standout who averaged 5.1 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Jazz’ summer league entries in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

Colleges

Shirreffs, Beahn Gold Helmet winnersUConn quarterback Bryant Shirreffs and Framingham wideout Stephen Beahn were the first weekly winners of the Gold Helmet Award. Shirreffs rushed for a team-high 95 yards and threw for 162 in a 24-21 OT win over Maine. Beahn made six catches for a school-record 248 yards in a 32-21 victory over Endicott, scoring on catches of 87, 81, and 36 yards . . . The University of Minnesota fired longtime wrestling coach J Robinsonafter allegations he helped cover up his wrestlers’ sale and use of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax. Robinson has coached the Gophers for 30 years and led the team to three national championships . . . Wisconsin extended the contract of athletic director Barry Alvarez to Jan. 31, 2021. Financial terms were not immediately announced. The 69-year-old Alvarez has been Wisconsin’s AD since 2004, following 16 seasons as its head football coach, building the Badgers program into a consistent Big Ten winner.

Miscellany

Pavelski named US captain in World Cup Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks was tabbed as the US captain for the World Cup of Hockey tournament, which begins Sept. 17 in Toronto. Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks and Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild were named alternate captains . . . Megan Rapinoe, who joined San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in protest of the national anthem by kneeling before the Seattle Reign’s match Sunday in Chicago, was stymied from a second protest when the Washington Spirit moved up the playing of the anthem . . . Joao Plata had two goals, Juan Manuel Martinez scored on a deflection in the 94th minute and Real Salt Lake tied the Los Angeles Galaxy, 3-3, at Sandy, Utah to remain undefeated at home this season in Major League Soccer . . . Tyson Fury’s rescheduled heavyweight title rematch against Wladimir Klitschko has been confirmed for Oct. 29, but the British fighter must get clearance from a doping panel. Fury beat Klitschko in November to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF titles . . . Hall of Fame boxer Bobby Chacon, the WBC featherweight and super featherweight champion who went 59-7-1 with 47 KOs, died in Lake Elsinore, Calif. He was 64.