Honestly, if youre looking to nail fast action like soccer or basketball, you really want to look for a stacked sensor. Within that $2500 budget, you should definitely check out the Sony Alpha 9 II. Even though its a few years old, the stacked sensor technology is a total game changer for sports because it gives you a blackout-free viewfinder and basically eliminates rolling shutter distortion. The Sony Alpha 7 IV is a solid camera but its limited to 10fps and the sensor readout is way slower, so you might see some warping on fast-moving limbs or the ball during a shot. The A9 II hits 20fps and the autofocus tracking is still top-tier today. It sticks to subjects like glue even in messy indoor lighting like a gym. If you can find a used one in good condition, it beats the standard A7 line for pure sports any day. Having that dedicated dial for focus modes and burst speed on the top left of the body is also super handy when things are moving fast on the field... just my two cents anyway!

bump

^ This. Also, summarizing what people have mentioned so far:

• Stacked sensors are basically the gold standard for soccer and basketball.
• The speed on the a7 series might feel a bit sluggish for fast action. I have been so satisfied with the reliability of the pro bodies lately. No complaints about them holding up in messy weather or taking a few bumps. It actually reminds me of this road trip I took through the desert last summer. I was so worried about dust getting into my gear but then I got totally distracted by this tiny roadside cafe. They had the absolute best peach cobbler I have ever tasted in my life. I ended up staying there for three hours just talking to the owner about his vintage motorcycle collection. He had this old Indian bike from the 1940s that was still in perfect running condition. It was way more interesting than the landscapes I was supposed to be shooting tbh... anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there.

Facts.

Sony a7 IV or waiting for a7V.

^ This. Also, you might want to consider being a bit careful before you dive head-first into Sony just because of the specs. I saw this thread earlier and felt like I should mention the ergonomics side of things. Honestly, I would suggest looking at what Nikon or Canon have in their refurbished sections for $2500. I've always felt like those bodies are built a bit more like tanks, which is what you need if you're getting bumped on a basketball court. Sony's tech is amazing but the menus can be a total nightmare when you're in a rush. Make sure to think about the lens costs too. It's easy to blow the budget and realize you can't afford the fast glass needed for indoor sports. Just a warning so you dont end up with a body you cant afford to feed... it happens more than you'd think.