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ASML says first silicon from its latest $400M High-NA EUV machines is just months away

21 May 2026 at 02:20

ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet recently confirmed that the first silicon products manufactured with the company's latest chipmaking machines will be delivered to customers over the next few months. Fouquet added that these massive devices are very expensive but pay off on long-term manufacturing efforts. The executive attended a conference held...

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DraftGuard AI – Scan blueprints to catch IBC, NFPA, and ADA violations fast


DraftGuard AI scans architectural blueprints to flag building code violations before construction. Upload PDF or CAD files, and it reads geometry, egress paths, clearances, and spatial data while cross-checking 500+ standards including IBC, NFPA, ADA, and ASHRAE. It pins each issue at grid-level coordinates with severity and exact code citations, then exports polished PDF reports for clients and permitting. Teams collaborate in a project dashboard, with scans completing in under 90 seconds and all data encrypted.

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GeoTagAI – Boost local rankings with AI image geotagging and EXIF injection


GeoTagAI is an AI-powered image metadata platform for local SEO, privacy, and image intelligence. It helps businesses rank higher by extracting location and context from image filenames, then automatically generating alt text, GPS coordinates using OpenStreetMap, and rich EXIF metadata inside photos.

Designed for businesses, SEO agencies, marketers, photographers, eCommerce sellers, and privacy-focused users, GeoTagAI offers bulk geotagging, EXIF viewing, EXIF stripping, manual overrides, and browser-based processing with 100% client-side privacy.

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Stream secures $5.2M seed extension led by BECO Capital

Stream, the Riyadh-born payments and billing platform, has announced a $5.2 million seed extension. This comes less than six months after closing its initial seed round; bringing total seed funding to $9.2 million. The round was led by BECO Capital, with participation from STV, Flourish Ventures, and Arab Bank, alongside existing investors Outliers and BYLD.

With this funding, Stream is doubling down on its role as a foundational layer in the region’s financial stack; enabling businesses to move faster, operate with more precision, and scale without operational bottlenecks, in a world where the way businesses get paid is changing as fast as the businesses themselves.

The pace of fundraising mirrors the demand Stream is seeing in the market, and reflects strong conviction from both new and returning investors. Across MENA, businesses are scaling faster and operating more complex revenue models, yet most billing infrastructure has not kept up. Stream consolidates billing, payments, and post-payment operations into a single system businesses can rely on and control.

Speaking on the seed extension, Ibrahim Aldlaigan, Founder and CEO of Stream said, “Billing is evolving faster than most businesses realise. As our region is realizing its potential, infrastructure needs are changing. Stream is focused on removing any friction that slows or blocks businesses from getting paid. The demand we’re seeing from customers is clear, so we extended the round to move faster, ship more, and take Stream into its next phase.”

The platform enables companies to design flexible payment models, from one-time transactions to subscriptions and installment plans, while eliminating operational drag across reconciliation, reminders, and reporting, with deep ZATCA integration ensuring local Saudi tax compliance. Building on an already robust platform, the team has continued to innovate at pace, shipping subscription management APIs that enable businesses to build and manage recurring billing models, and introducing MCP (Model Context Protocol) support as a foundational step toward AI-native payments.

Dany Farha, Founder and Managing Partner at BECO Capital, shared, “Our conviction in Stream was rooted in backing a resourceful, exceptional founder, Ibrahim, who has deep local payments expertise and sharp product vision. We are excited to support and be part of Stream’s quest to build the billing workflow layer for MENA, an entire new category between payment processing and accounting software with no direct incumbents.”

Globally, financial tooling is evolving toward programmability, automation, and deeper integration into business operations. In MENA, however, many businesses are still constrained by disconnected systems –  inefficiencies that compound as they scale. The businesses themselves are changing too: new models, new channels, and new ways of operating are demanding a different kind of payments infrastructure. Stream is built to meet that moment.

Sarah Alsaleh, General Partner at Outliers, shared, “Ibrahim and the Stream team hold our deepest conviction. They continue to capture a growing opportunity with precision of insight and relentless execution. This is exactly the kind of company that defines markets”.

Founded in 2024, Stream initially gained traction in education before expanding into SaaS and service-led businesses. Today, Stream processes millions in payments every month, serves hundreds of businesses on its platform, and powers billing for leading organizations such as Atyab and Riyadh Schools Group. The platform is also seeing strong organic adoption, with hundreds of freelancers and vibe coders signing up for a more frictionless way to get paid.

The post Stream secures $5.2M seed extension led by BECO Capital appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

eSIM by AT&T launches for World Cup visitors with unlimited data

21 May 2026 at 02:31

AT&T has just announced the launch of a new service called eSIM by AT&T. It's aimed at people visiting the US, Canada, and/or Mexico, and the choice of countries makes sense when you consider the fact that the FIFA World Cup is taking place from June 11 to July 19 in exactly those three countries. AT&T is aiming this at people who will be arriving in North America for the World Cup matches. As you can see below, eSIM by AT&T comes in four 'sizes'. A one-day pass is $3.99 and only available for the US. A seven-day pass is $15.99 for just the US, or $24.99 for all three countries. A...

Lionel Messi’s classy move with 2022 World Cup prize money revealed by former Argentina fitness coach

21 May 2026 at 02:05
After winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup title with Argentina, Lionel Messi made a remarkable gesture with the prize money.

Lionel Messi is often praised by teammates and colleagues not only for the extraordinary talent he displays on the field, but also for his personality off it. Despite being one of the biggest stars in the world, the Argentine forward has frequently shown generous behavior, as became evident after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.

During a recent interview with Radio La Red’s MP910 program in Buenos Aires, former Argentina fitness coach Gerardo Salorio revealed details about what Messi decided to do with the money FIFA awarded the national team after the title.

He split it equally among everyone working at the training facility. Exactly the same amount, for the woman who cleaned and the one who cooked,” Salorio revealed before emphasizing how meaningful the money was for those employees: “If it wasn’t enough to buy an apartment, it was almost enough to get one.”

Salorio worked with the Argentina national team for decades, focusing specifically on youth squads. He was part of Nestor Pekerman’s staff and crossed paths with Messi during the 2005 U-20 World Cup, where Argentina won the title and the forward was named the tournament’s best player.

🥹 LA HISTORIA DEL ENORME GESTO DEL CAPITÁN DE LA SCALONETA CON LOS EMPLEADOS DEL PREDIO DE AFA 🏆

En diálogo con @MarcePalaciosMP en #MP910, Gerardo Salorio, el ex PF de la Selección Argentina, contó como decidió repartir Lionel Messi el premio del Mundial de Qatar 2022. pic.twitter.com/LcDdxUaQIq

— Radio La Red – AM 910 📻 (@radiolared) May 19, 2026

Leo did other things too,” Salorio added. He then recalled the turbulent years within the Argentine Football Association between 2016 and 2017: “When the AFA was under intervention, employees told Messi they had not been paid for three months. Leo made a few calls and the money appeared within hours.

How much money did Argentina earn for winning the 2022 World Cup?

Clearly, Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup carried enormous symbolic and historical significance for the players, considering it is soccer’s biggest tournament and only the third time the country had won it in nearly a century. However, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked either.

For winning the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA awarded Argentina a $42 million prize, the largest amount ever handed out in this type of tournament. France, as runners-up, received $30 million. Third-place Croatia earned $27 million, while Morocco took home $25 million.

Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals received $17 million each, while those knocked out in the Round of 16 earned $13 million. Finally, teams that failed to advance past the group stage received $9 million apiece. In total, FIFA distributed $440 million in prize money during the 2022 World Cup.

Lionel Messi holds the World Cup trophy.

José Mourinho reportedly wants Diogo Dalot at Real Madrid as Manchester United’s Michael Carrick push to keep him

21 May 2026 at 01:53
Real Madrid have decided to make a turn in their sporting project with the possible arrival of José Mourinho. In this context, he is reportedly targeting Diogo Dalot as a marquee reinforcement. However, Michael Carrick is pushing for Manchester United to keep the Portuguese player.

José Mourinho is being pointed to as a key figure to solve the growing problems at Real Madrid CF, who are coming off two consecutive seasons without winning titles. In this context, the veteran coach is reportedly pushing to reinforce the squad with specific profiles, with Diogo Dalot being one of the chosen targets. However, Manchester United may not be willing to sell him, as Michael Carrick is pressing for his continuity.

According to Graeme Bailey via TEAMtalk, José Mourinho wants to reinforce the right-back position at Real Madrid CF, targeting Diogo Dalot as his main objective. While Trent Alexander-Arnold is a starter, his defensive gaps leave huge doubts. Nonetheless, Michael Carrick has clearly requested that Manchester United reject any offer for the Portuguese defender, as he considers him key for the future of the sporting project.

With a contract running until 2028, with an option for a further year, Dalot appears set to remain at the Red Devils. Despite the arrival of Noussair Mazraoui as an exciting signing, the Portuguese defender has managed to retain his place in the starting XI, standing out due to his consistency and strong game intelligence. In addition, he is capable of playing on both flanks, a key factor that makes him particularly valuable for Carrick.

Diogo Dalot could be close to agreeing a contract renewal with the Red Devils. With eight years at Manchester, he is one of the longest-serving players in the squad, becoming a highly respected figure within the team. In addition, his impact under Michael Carrick is expected to be rewarded with an improved contract, in an effort to prevent the 27-year-old star from being tempted to leave the club in the summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot of Manchester United

Report: Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain as starter in Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold has managed to establish as the starting right-back at Real Madrid, despite having an inconsistent start to the season. Not only has he maintained his strong attacking contribution, but he has also significantly improved his defensive output. With this in mind, the English full-back is reportedly set to remain the starter during the 2026-27 season.

According to José Félix Díaz via Diario AS, Los Blancos will once again rely on Trent Alexander-Arnold as their starting right-back at Real Madrid. However, they will look to sign a backup in the transfer market, although only in a secondary role. With this in mind, Diogo Dalot may choose not to risk leaving the Red Devils, as he would lose the strong importance he currently holds under Michael Carrick.

Diogo Dalot of Manchester United during a Premier League match.

Mikel Arteta could match Simeone as highest-paid coach at $34m with Arsenal reportedly offering new deal

21 May 2026 at 01:52
Arsenal is reportedly ready to hand Mikel Arteta a bumper contract extension worth $34m per year, positioning him alongside Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone at the top of soccer managerial salary rankings.

Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal to their fourth Premier League title, ending a painful 22-year drought in the domestic top flight. Following this historic campaign, the Gunners are reportedly planning to reward the Spanish manager with a massive contract extension, a move that would elevate him into a tie as the world’s highest-paid manager alongside Diego Simeone.

According to a report from the prestigious British outlet The Guardian, Arteta’s incoming contract is expected to closely mirror Simeone’s deal at Atletico Madrid. The Argentine tactician currently stands as the world’s highest-paid head coach, bringing in an estimated $34 million (€30 million) per year.

With the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on the horizon on Saturday, May 30, formal contract extension negotiations are scheduled to take place after the showcase event at Budapest’s Puskas Aréna, regardless of the outcome for the Gunners.

Arteta recently became the second-youngest manager in Premier League history to win the title, trailing only Jose Mourinho’s 2005 triumph with Chelsea. By tying him down to a long-term deal, Arsenal’s hierarchy hopes to replicate the stability of Arsene Wenger’s legendary 22-year tenure at the helm.

🚨 Mikel Arteta, expected to sign new deal at Arsenal this year as part of long term plan.

Decision made on club side since February, new deal offered with pay rise and Arteta happy to continue.

Talks to follow after the UCL final and in the summer, no rush but direction clear. pic.twitter.com/SFr6ljXKrn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2026

Who is the highest-paid coach in the Premier League?

Should this new contract cross the finish line, Arteta will break records by commanding the highest salary for a manager in Premier League history, simultaneously placing him among the absolute highest earners in world sports.

Currently, Pep Guardiola holds that English benchmark, with reports placing his salary at around $27m (£20m) a year with Manchester City. However, the Spanish tactician’s era with the Citizens appears to be drawing to a close after 10 illustrious seasons.

Arsenal to make some important moves for next season

With their eyes already set on next season under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal’s recruitment team is already drawing up a shortlist of new signings. One of their primary targets is Eli Junior Kroupi, the Bournemouth forward who inadvertently handed the Gunners the title by scoring in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

Other high-profile names on Arsenal’s radar include Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Meanwhile, PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains the club’s ultimate dream signing, though the Gunners’ board believes the French giants are highly unlikely to facilitate negotiations for the Georgian winger.

Mikel Arteta of Arsenal and Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid.

Lionel Messi’s possible retirement leaves Lionel Scaloni emotional ahead of 2026 World Cup as Argentina boss reflects on Diego Maradona memories

21 May 2026 at 01:51
Lionel Messi continues to dominate the conversation around Argentina as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup intensifies, with Lionel Scaloni now facing growing questions about the future of his iconic captain.

Lionel Messi continues to dominate the conversation around Argentina as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup intensifies, with Lionel Scaloni now facing growing questions about the future of his iconic captain. On the other hand, Diego Maradona’s legacy has also resurfaced in recent days as emotions around another possible farewell to a generational figure begin to build across Argentine soccer.

The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s long-term future continues to follow Argentina everywhere despite the team’s recent success. Even at 38, the Inter Miami star remains the emotional leader of the national team and the player many supporters still look toward during the biggest moments.

Scaloni now finds himself balancing preparations for another World Cup campaign while trying to avoid conversations about life after Messi. The Argentina coach has repeatedly emphasized the importance of enjoying the present rather than focusing too heavily on what may eventually happen after the tournament in North America.

That emotional atmosphere has also reopened memories of Maradona’s departure from soccer decades ago. For many inside La Albiceleste, the comparison between the two icons carries enormous emotional weight because both transformed the history of the national team forever.

Lionel Messi of Argentina during a training session.
Lionel Messi of Argentina during a training session.

Scaloni opens up on Messi fears

As Argentina continues preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding Messi’s future during an emotional conversation with CONMEBOL. The World Cup-winning manager admitted that imagining Argentina without Messi reminds him of the sadness people felt when Maradona stopped playing.

“Being able to see him play is something wonderful. Beyond whether it is his last World Cup or not. I don’t like longing or thinking about what is going to happen; I want to enjoy the moment. Everyone wants to see him play,” Scaloni explained, via Goal. The Argentina coach made it clear that he does not want to focus on retirement discussions while Messi is still competing at the highest level.

Instead, Scaloni believes the current generation should simply appreciate every remaining appearance from the captain. “I like to think that he is going to keep playing, because it makes you sad, as happened with Diego, not seeing him on the field anymore,” he added.

Diego Maradona lifting the 1986 World Cup.

The comparison with Maradona immediately resonated across Argentina. Maradona remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of the country’s soccer culture after leading the national team to World Cup glory in 1986.

Scaloni imagines Messi and Maradona together

For years, critics questioned whether Messi could replicate Maradona’s international legacy. Those debates largely disappeared after Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar, finally ending decades of frustration for the national team. Now, the focus has shifted toward whether the Inter Miami captain will continue beyond 2026 or bring his extraordinary international career to a close after the tournament.

Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi of Argentina.

Scaloni, however, seems determined to avoid setting any emotional countdown around the captain. “They are players who marked the history of soccer. Thinking that he is not going to play anymore does not leave you at peace. I prefer to think about the present,” the coach admitted.

One of the most fascinating moments from Scaloni’s interview arrived when he was asked whether Messi and Maradona could have played together in the same Argentina side. The manager responded without hesitation. “Of course they would have played together in my national team,” Scaloni said.

Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi of Argentina.

Cristiano Ronaldo finally learns Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam’s status for Al-Nassr’s key Saudi Pro League title fixture vs Damac

21 May 2026 at 01:44
With Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam dominating conversations around the squad, Jorge Jesus now faces major decisions before the decisive clash against Damac at Al-Awwal Park.

The tension surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr has reached another level ahead of the final night of the Saudi Pro League season. With Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam dominating conversations around the squad, Jorge Jesus now faces major decisions before the decisive clash against Damac at Al-Awwal Park.

Al-Nassr enters the final round knowing the title is within reach, but recent setbacks have left nerves running through the camp. The Riyadh giant remains at the top of the table with 83 points, yet the margin for error has become dangerously small after dropping points against Al-Hilal and the painful AFC Champions League Two final defeat against Gamba Osaka.

The final matchday has become a dramatic showdown for both ends of the table. Al-Nassr needs a victory against Damac to officially secure the Saudi Pro League title without relying on any other result.

The club looked ready to celebrate last week during the Riyadh derby before a heartbreaking late equalizer denied Jorge Jesus’ side all three points. That result kept Al-Hilal alive in the title race and increased the pressure heading into the final fixture of the campaign.

Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr, looks on after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka

Damac, meanwhile, arrives fighting for survival. The club sits only two points above the relegation zone, meaning even a draw could become crucial depending on other results around the league.

The major injury update finally arrives

After days of uncertainty, the long-awaited update on the squad situation has finally emerged. According to reports from Arriyadiyah, Jorge Jesus will be without Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam for the decisive encounter against Damac due to injury concerns.

The Croatian midfielder has reportedly continued to struggle with a groin and hamstring issue that already forced him to miss the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka. Despite additional treatment sessions supervised by the club’s medical staff, the Croatian midfielder has not recovered in time for the title decider.

brozovic al-nassr
Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr

The absence of the 33-year-old veteran could prove especially significant because of his influence in midfield throughout the campaign. The Croatian has been one of the side’s most experienced figures, helping control possession and dictate the rhythm in crucial matches.

Meanwhile, Al-Ghannam’s situation also became increasingly complicated after the injury he suffered during the continental final. The report suggested the Saudi international still required additional recovery time, forcing Jorge Jesus to prepare alternative tactical solutions before the biggest match of the season.

Jorge Jesus prepares final plan

Despite the setbacks, Al-Nassr still enters the contest with confidence thanks to its dominant home record. The club is unbeaten in its last nine Saudi Pro League home matches and has scored in every league fixture this season. Jesus has already called up a 21-player squad for the final pre-match camp in Riyadh.

Jorge Jesus team Manager of Al-Nassr FC and Al-Nassr FC Players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans.

Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, Angelo Gabriel, and Mohamed Simakan were all included as the coaching staff finalized preparations for the decisive night. Thus, everything now comes down to one night in Riyadh. After years of waiting, Cristiano Ronaldo stands one victory away from winning his first Saudi Pro League title since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023.

Marcelo Brozovic (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)

Ceferin’s UEFA approve competition format changes ahead of 2029 Nations League and 2030 World Cup qualifiers

21 May 2026 at 01:40
Aleksander Ceferin has taken another step in UEFA after approving new formats for the 2029 Nations League and 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

Aleksander Ceferin and the UEFA Executive Committee convened on Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey, to address proposed modifications to competition formats. Following the meeting, European soccer’s governing body announced approved changes to be implemented beginning with the 2029 Nations League and carrying through to the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

In recent years, UEFA has shown a willingness to restructure its club competitions significantly. The introduction of the Conference League brought a third tier to European club football, while the replacement of the traditional group stage with a league phase format was rolled out across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. Wednesday’s decisions bring that reform mindset to the international stage.

The changes announced apply to competitions involving European national teams, with the timeline skewed toward the medium term. With the 2027 Nations League and Euro 2028 still operating under the existing format, the first edition to reflect the new structure will be the 2029 UEFA Nations League, followed by the World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2030 edition.

Changes for the 2029 Nations League

Managing the wide range of competitive levels among European national teams has always been a challenge, and one of the Nations League’s core purposes was to bring order to that imbalance by grouping nations into tiers and divisions. That structure will now be refined under the new format.

UEFA Nations League new format.
UEFA Nations League new format.

As confirmed in a statement released by UEFA on Wednesday, the Nations League will transition from four leagues to three, namely League A, League B and League C, each consisting of 18 national teams. Those teams will be divided into groups of six, with each side playing six matches against five different opponents, facing teams from other pots either home or away and meeting their same-pot opponent in a home-and-away format.

The one exception to the group-of-six structure applies to League C, where one group will contain seven teams. All other established mechanisms, including promotion and relegation between tiers and the quarterfinals and Final Four format hosted at a single venue, will remain in place.

Changes for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers

Up through the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, European teams were organized into 12 groups of varying sizes, with some containing four and others five teams depending on the adjustments required by Nations League Final Four participants. The upcoming cycle will introduce a broader, tier-based approach that mirrors the Nations League structure.

The new qualifying format will feature two tiers, League 1 and League 2. League 1 will include 36 nations drawn from the top two tiers of the Nations League, split into three groups of 12, with each team playing six matches against six different opponents, two from each seeding pot. The top finishers in each group will earn automatic qualification, with the remaining spots decided through a playoff system.

New format for the 2030 UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
New format for the 2030 UEFA World Cup qualifiers.

League 2 will be composed of the remaining 18 to 19 nations from the Nations League, split into three groups of six, or one group of seven where necessary. UEFA president Čeferin framed the reforms as a meaningful step forward for the competition’s integrity and appeal. “The new formats will improve competitive balance, reduce the number of dead matches, offer a more appealing and dynamic competition to fans, while ensuring a fair qualification chance for all teams and without adding any additional dates in the international calendar,” he said.

These changes, alongside the broader structural concept, will be subject to further refinement in the coming months before receiving final approval at the next UEFA Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for September 15, 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece, following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Aleksander Ceferin, President of UEFA, (L) speaks with Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA (R).

Julio Cesar Chavez asked where he ranks Canelo amongst the greatest Mexican fighters of all time

21 May 2026 at 02:09

Whilst appreciated as the recent ‘face of boxing’ and global superstar, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s position amongst the Mexican greats is more up for debate. Now, national legend Julio Cesar Chavez has had his say on where Alvarez sits amongst his country’s many boxing icons. Canelo’s supporters point to his world titles across four weight classes, […]

The post Julio Cesar Chavez asked where he ranks Canelo amongst the greatest Mexican fighters of all time appeared first on Boxing News.

AllUnity stablecoin SEKAU targets June in krona push

21 May 2026 at 00:35
AllUnity stablecoin SEKAU is set to debut in June, backed 1:1 by Swedish krona reserves. AllUnity, a Frankfurt-based joint venture backed by DWS, Flow Traders and Galaxy Digital, announced the SEKAU stablecoin on Wednesday. The token will be fully reserved…

WhiteBIT enters the UK with dedicated crypto platform for local users

20 May 2026 at 23:51
WhiteBIT launches dedicated UK platform as exchange expands presence in regulated British market. WhiteBIT, the largest European cryptocurrency exchange by traffic, has announced the launch of whitebit.uk, a dedicated platform designed to serve users in the United Kingdom. The move…

Alex 2.0 için ilk teklif yapıldı! Trabzonspor'da patron çıldırdı

Grêmio'nun 2008'li süper yeteneği Gabriel Mec için Trabzonspor'da adeta patron Ertuğrul Doğan çıldırdı! PSG, Newcastle ve Lille gibi dünya devlerinin transfer listesinde yer alan, izleme komitesinden Eren Mert'in canlı gözle izleyip "Sakın kaçırmayalım" raporu verdiği "Alex 2.0" lakaplı Sambacı için bordo-mavililer tarihi bir operasyon başlattı.

Yaklaşık bir ay önce Fotospor’un "Alex'in gelişmiş yeni sürümü Trabzonspor'a" başlığıyla duyurduğu Gabriel Mec transferinde sıcak saatler yaşanıyor. Bordo-mavili yönetim, dünya devlerinin peşinde koştuğu Brezilyalı süper yetenek için adeta tarihi bir operasyon yürütüyor.

TARİH YAZABİLECEK BİR FIRSAT

Fenerbahçe efsanesi Alex de Souza’ya benzetilen ancak ondan ekstra olarak iki ayağını da mükemmel kullanabilmesiyle öne çıkan Gabriel Mec için Trabzonspor'un scout şefi Eren Mert "Sakın kaçırmayalım" raporu verdi. 2008 doğumlu 10 numara için Trabzonspor, Türk futbol tarihini yeniden yazabilecek bir fırsatı değerlendirmek için harekete geçti.

LILLE İLE TRABZONSPOR ÇOK CİDDİ

Hem forvet hem de hücum çizgisinde, 10 numara pozisyonunda görev yapabilen genç yeteneğin ismi başta PSG olmak üzere Villarreal, Sevilla ve Newcastle gibi devlerle de geçiyor. Ancak hepsi alıp B takımına göndermenin planlarını yapıypor.

Trabzonspor

Sadece Trabzonspro ve Fransa'dan Lille a takım projesi sunarak Grêmio’yla pazarlığa girişti. İki takım da 10 milyon Euro'luk bir teklif yaptı. ancak kontratı 2031’e kadar devam eden oyuncu için Brezilya ekibi 15-20 milyon Euro’nun altına inmeyerek tavizsiz bir duruş sergiledi.

35 MİLYON EURO SERBEST KALMA

Bu dev rekabette geri kalmak istemeyen Trabzonspor geçen Perşembe günü Gabriel Mec'in temsilcileriyle kritik bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi. Bordo-mavili yetkililer, Avrupa devlerinin aksine genç yıldıza direkt ilk 11 garantisi vererek ikna turlarına başladı.

Oyuncunun Türkiye’yi bir sıçrama tahtası olarak kullanabilmesi adına, sözleşmesine "5 büyük lig için 35 milyon Euro serbest kalma maddesi" eklenmesi planlanıyor.

OULAI DEVREYE SOKULDU

Transfer komitesi, Gabriel Mec’i ikna etmek için Oulai'yi de devreye soktu. Genç yetenekle görüştürülen Fildişili, Trabzonspor’un vizyonu sayesinde daha 20 yaşına gelmeden Dünya Kupasında oynayacağını anlattı. Avrupa'nın devlerinin a takımları için kendisini istediğinden bahsetti.

Trabzonspor ve Galatasaray karşı karşıya! Başkan Doğan çizgiyi net çekti

Süper Lig'de yeni sezonda uygulanacak 10+4 yabancı kuralı zirvede yeni bir krizin fitilini ateşledi. Galatasaray cephesinden yükselen peş peşe itirazlara Trabzonspor'dan rest gecikmedi! Tüm kadro mühendisliğini ve transfer bütçesini aylar öncesinden bu sisteme göre şekillendiren bordo-mavililerde Kulüpler Birliği Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, son dakika hamleleriyle kuralların değiştirilmesine kapıyı tamamen kapattı.

Süper Lig'de yeni sezonda uygulanacağı bizzat TFF Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu tarafından açıklanan 10+4 yabancı kuralı transfer piyasasını hareketlendirirken, kulislerdeki tartışmalar da alevlendi. Son dönemde Galatasaray cephesinden kurala yönelik peş peşe itirazlar yükselirken, Trabzonspor konuyla ilgili tavrını kesin ve net bir dille ortaya koydu. Bordo-mavili kulüp, kuralın değiştirilmesine kesinlikle sıcak bakmıyor.

Trabzonspor

GALATASARAY NET OLARAK KARŞI ÇIKIYOR

Trabzonspor, sezon başından bu yana tüm geleceğini ve kadro mühendisliğini bu sisteme göre kurguladı. Yeni sezon hazırlıkları, izleme (scouting) faaliyetleri ve transfer görüşmeleri tamamen açıklanan 10+4 kuralı baz alınarak şekillendirildi.

Bordo-mavili yönetime göre, zamanında tüm kulüplerin onay verdiği bu karardan bu noktadan sonra dönülmesi, sadece Trabzonspor’u değil, planlamasını mevcut kurala göre yapan diğer tüm kulüpleri de ciddi bir kaosun ve soru işaretlerinin içine itecek.

Trabzonspor

DOĞAN GETİRDİĞİ KURALIN ARKASINDA

Tartışmaların bir diğer önemli boyutu ise Trabzonspor Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan'ın konumu. Aynı zamanda Kulüpler Birliği Başkanı olan Doğan, mevcut sistemin olgunlaşmasında ve kabul edilmesinde başrol oynayan isimlerden biriydi. Dolayısıyla, bizzat mimarı olduğu bir kuralın arkasında durması Trabzonspor cephesi için son derece doğal bir refleks.

DOĞAN'LA İLGİLİ İDDİALAR ASILSIZ

Öte yandan, medyada iddia edildiğinin aksine, kural değişikliğine yönelik Trabzonspor’dan veya Ertuğrul Doğan’dan resmi bir görüş alınmadığı; şu an konuşulan senaryoların tamamen "asılsız iddialar ve dedikodudan" ibaret olduğu belirtiliyor.

Hisense launches Xplorer X1 Pro laser TVs with 120-inch foldable screen & Harman Kardon audio

20 May 2026 at 21:26
Hisense-Xplorer-X1-Pro-TVs

Hisense has launched the Xplorer X1 Pro laser TV series in China, offering 100-inch and 120-inch models designed to deliver a large-screen home theater experience without the complexity of traditional projector setups.

The lineup starts at 34,999 yuan ($5,145) for the 100-inch version, while the 120-inch model is priced at 49,999 yuan ($7,351). The launch arrives following last year’s Xplorer X1 Ultra release.

Hisense Xplorer X1 Pro TVs

Hisense Xplorer X1 Pro Specifications

The Xplorer X1 Pro relies on Hisense’s CineCore light engine, utilizing an RGB triple-color laser and a DLP digital projection architecture. According to Hisense, this setup improves light transmission efficiency by 12% compared to its previous hardware. The projector outputs a native 4K resolution and covers 110% of the BT.2020 color space, with a Delta E color accuracy rating of 0.6. It also includes support for IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode.

Hisense Xplorer X1 Pro TVs

To handle ambient room light, Hisense includes a custom nano-spectral selective screen. The screen is engineered to absorb environmental light while reflecting the specific RGB wavelengths from the projector, which helps maintain contrast during daytime viewing. The screen panel is 3cm thick and can be folded for easier transport and installation. When paired with the projector, the system reaches up to 600 nits of sustained full-screen brightness.

Hisense Xplorer X1 Pro TVs

For audio, the TV features a built-in 6.1.2-channel distributed surround sound system tuned by Harman Kardon. The setup includes nine speakers with a combined 120W of power, plus a dedicated wireless subwoofer that reaches down to 33Hz. The system also uses screen-emitting audio technology, which vibrates the display surface to produce sound, aiming to align dialogue more closely with the actors on screen. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding.

Hisense Xplorer X1 Pro TVs

Internally, the projector is powered by a MediaTek MT9649 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and three HDMI 2.1 ports. However, the video output is capped at 4K at 60Hz, meaning it will not support the 120Hz refresh rates offered by current-generation gaming consoles.

Hisense Xplorer X1 Pro TVs

The main projector unit features a brown and gold exterior and sits on a concealed gimbal, which allows users to adjust the projection angle to fit different TV cabinets.

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(Hisense)

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Xiaomi launches new Mijia water purifier with 1600G flow and 7-year RO filter

20 May 2026 at 20:03

Xiaomi has introduced a new addition to its growing Mijia smart home lineup in China, this time focusing on kitchen water filtration. The new Mijia Water Purifier 2 1600G is aimed at households looking for faster water output, lower maintenance, and cleaner drinking water without stepping too far into premium pricing territory.

One of the main highlights here is the large 1600G flow rate, which should allow noticeably faster water dispensing compared to older under-sink RO systems. Xiaomi says the purifier uses a dual-core precision filtration setup capable of filtering out up to 145 different contaminants, including heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and various organic pollutants.

The company is also emphasizing long-term ownership costs this time. The RO filter inside is rated for up to seven years of use, which is considerably longer than what many conventional home RO systems typically advertise.

Xiaomi has additionally upgraded the purifier with what it calls “Zero Stagnant Water 3.0” technology. The idea is to reduce leftover water sitting inside the system between uses, helping improve freshness and hygiene.

The purifier reportedly meets what Xiaomi describes as “mother-and-baby-grade” healthy water standards, with BPA-free water output and no added scale inhibitors. Unsurprisingly, the company is heavily positioning it toward families and health-conscious buyers.

Efficiency is another big focus. Xiaomi claims the system complies with China’s highest national water-efficiency standard while achieving a water purification rate of up to 68.1%, which should reduce wastewater compared to many traditional RO units.

Like most recent Mijia appliances, the purifier is also expected to integrate with the Mi Home ecosystem, allowing users to monitor filter life, water quality, and maintenance reminders through the app.

Pricing:

The purifier is priced at 1,999 yuan (roughly €250 at the current exchange rate), though current national subsidies bring the effective price down to around 1,799 yuan.

Xiaomi has been expanding aggressively into smart home appliances over the past few years, and products like this show how much the company is leaning into practical household hardware beyond phones and wearables. In China especially, water purifiers have become an increasingly competitive category as consumers pay more attention to water quality and long-term running costs.

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(Source: Xiaomi Youpin)

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Xiaomi’s first clip-on earphones support Apple’s ecosystem features just like AirPods

20 May 2026 at 19:07

Xiaomi is officially entering the open-ear audio category with its first clip-on wireless earphones, and one of the more unexpected details is how much attention the company is giving to Apple users this time.

According to Xiaomi’s latest teasers, the upcoming earbuds will support Apple’s Find My network, allowing users to locate the earphone case even from thousands of miles away through Apple devices much like AirPods or other certified accessories. Xiaomi also confirmed smart dual-device connectivity across both Android and iOS ecosystems.

That cross-platform compatibility could mean a lot to users who mix Android and Apple devices in daily use but are unwilling to spend extra on a pair of AirPods just for the ecosystem features.

The earphones themselves follow the increasingly popular open-ear clip-on design rather than the traditional in-ear style. Each bud weighs around 5.5 grams and uses a flexible memory titanium wire structure designed to wrap gently around the ear without creating too much pressure during long listening sessions.

Xiaomi is also putting decent hardware behind the audio side. The earbuds use an 11mm driver with a microcrystalline metal-coated diaphragm and support LHDC 5.0 alongside Hi-Res audio certification. For calls, Xiaomi says it is using a three-microphone setup combined with a VPU sensor and AI-based noise reduction.

Because open-ear earbuds naturally leak more sound than sealed in-ear designs, Xiaomi is also implementing reverse sound wave technology to reduce audio leakage, which has become a major focus in this category lately.

The company previewed the earphones during a livestream earlier this month, showing off black, white, and gold color variants, with a fourth version still being kept hidden for now.

They are scheduled to launch officially on May 21 alongside several other Xiaomi products, including the Xiaomi 17 Max and Band 10 Pro.

Open-ear earbuds have been growing quickly over the past couple of years as more users look for alternatives that feel lighter and allow better awareness of surroundings during workouts, commuting, or office use.

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(Source)

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Sony’s Biggest State of Play in Years Officially Announced – Wolverine Gameplay Finally Returns

20 May 2026 at 18:07
sony playstation fest

Sony has officially announced a brand-new PlayStation State of Play event for June 2026, and it is already shaping up to be one of the company’s biggest showcases in recent years. The presentation will take place on Tuesday, June 2, as part of this year’s Summer Game Fest celebrations. According to Sony, the livestream will run for more than one hour and will feature major PS5 game reveals, gameplay updates, and announcements from studios around the world.

The event will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch. It begins at 2:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM ET, and 11:00 PM CEST, while viewers in Japan can watch it on June 3 at 6:00 AM JST. Sony also confirmed that the main broadcast will be in English with Japanese subtitles available.

Marvel’s Wolverine Takes Center Stage

The biggest attraction of the showcase will be Marvel’s Wolverine from Insomniac Games. Sony confirmed that the event will include a deeper gameplay presentation focused on Logan’s brutal combat style and new story details. Fans are expecting extended gameplay footage and fresh updates ahead of the game’s release on September 15, 2026, exclusively for PS5.

Marvel’s Wolverine has been one of the most anticipated PlayStation exclusives since its original reveal, making this deep dive one of the most important parts of the event.

More PS5 Reveals and Rumored Announcements

Sony also teased several additional game announcements and gameplay showcases during the presentation. Rumors suggest possible appearances from titles such as God of War featuring Faye, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet from Naughty Dog, and even updates on Phantom Blade Zero.

Third-party publishers could also bring major reveals. Fans are hoping to see games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, Far Cry 7, and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. There are also rumors that GTA 6 could appear due to PlayStation’s reported marketing partnership with Take-Two.

Why This Showcase Matters

The June 2026 State of Play arrives during a challenging time for the gaming industry. Reports claim Sony is dealing with slowing PS5 sales and rising market pressure. The company has also recently increased PlayStation Plus subscription prices. Because of this, this year’s Summer Game Fest season is expected to receive huge global attention from both gamers and industry analysts.

With a long runtime, major exclusives, and possible surprise reveals, Sony’s upcoming State of Play could become one of the biggest gaming events of 2026.

Read More:

(via)

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iQOO 15T debuts with Dimensity 9500, 200MP camera & 8000mAh battery

20 May 2026 at 17:18
iQOO 15T

iQOO has launched the iQOO 15T in China as its latest performance-focused flagship smartphone. The device arrives with a premium design inspired by the iQOO 15 Ultra, featuring the brand’s Future Capsule rear camera module and a low-temperature matte-finish frame.

iQOO 15T

iQOO 15T Specifications

The iQOO 15T sports a 6.82-inch 2K AMOLED display with a 1Hz to 144Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, 3168 x 1440 resolution, and up to 4500 nits peak brightness. The BOE Q10+ panel also supports HDR, P3 wide color gamut, 2592Hz PWM dimming, and multiple eye-comfort technologies.

The device is powered by the 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Monster Edition chipset with an octa-core CPU clocked at up to 4.21GHz and an ARM G1-Ultra GPU. It also features iQOO’s self-developed Q3 gaming chip with support for real-time ray tracing, 2K super-resolution, and up to 144FPS frame interpolation in supported games. The phone comes paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.

iQOO 15T

The iQOO 15T runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. iQOO claims the phone will remain smooth for up to five years.

For cameras, the iQOO 15T features a dual rear camera setup headlined by a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.56-inch large sensor, f/1.88 aperture, OIS, and CIPA 4.5-grade stabilization. It supports 4x lossless zoom, up to 40x digital zoom, full focal-length portraits from 23mm to 100mm, Live Photos, Super Moon mode, night photography, professional video, and up to 8K video recording.

The main camera is joined by a 50MP ultra-wide camera with macro support. On the front, the phone has a 16MP selfie camera with an f/2.45 aperture and up to 1080p video recording.

The device packs an 8000mAh Blue Ocean battery with second-generation semi-solid-state battery technology. It supports 100W fast charging, OTG reverse charging, and direct power supply mode for gaming.

The iQOO 15T features up to 4000Hz touch sampling, a 400Hz gyroscope, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, dual-frequency GPS, NavIC, USB Type-C, and dual nano-SIM 5G dual-active connectivity.

It also comes with stereo speakers, an ultrasonic 3D fingerprint scanner, Face Wake support, an infrared blaster, an X-axis linear motor, and IP68/IP69-rated protection with reinforced Rock Glass durability.

iQOO 15T

Pricing & Availability

The 12GB + 256GB model is priced at 3,799 yuan ($570), while the 16GB + 256GB variant costs 4,199 yuan ($630).

The 12GB + 512GB version is priced at 4,499 yuan ($675), and the 16GB + 512GB model costs 4,899 yuan ($735). The top-end 16GB + 1TB variant is priced at 5,699 yuan ($855).

The smartphone is currently up for purchase in China in the Qingyun (colorful), Legend Edition (White), and Track Edition (Black) color options.

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(iQOO)

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iQOO Pad6 Pro debuts as a gaming-focused tablet with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

20 May 2026 at 17:09
iQOO Pad 6 Pro Launch Specs Price

Alongside the iQOO 15T, iQOO today announced the new iQOO Pad 6 Pro in China. Like its smartphone sibling, the tablet comes with flagship hardware and several gaming-focused software features.

iQOO Pad 6 Pro Specifications

The iQOO Pad 6 Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a self-developed Monster over-core engine. The tablet uses a VC three-dimensional cooling system for cooling, and backing all of this is a 13,000mAh battery. 

iQOO Pad 6 Pro Launch Specs Price

The front of the device is home to a 13.2-inch 4K resolution screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. According to iQOO, the Pad 6 Pro supports 13 native 4K games. 

The company has added gaming features such as game super-resolution, super-frame enhancement, and improved touch response for a more immersive gaming experience. The tablet also supports 4K gameplay screenshots and 4K screen recording. 

On the software side, the Pad 6 Pro runs OriginOS 6 HD. The system includes several productivity and cross-device features, including the Vivo office suite, lossless file transfer, XiaoV memory, Atomic Notes, and Atomic Workbench. iQOO says the tablet also supports PC-level application adaptation, which should improve multitasking and office use.

iQOO Pad 6 Pro color options

The iQOO Pad 6 Pro comes in three color options: Isle of Man, Silver Wing, and Gray Crystal.

Price and Availability

The iQOO Pad 6 Pro starts at 4,299 yuan for the 8GB + 256GB model during the initial sale period. The 12GB + 256GB version costs 4,499 yuan, while the 12GB + 512GB model is priced at 4,999 yuan. The top-end 16GB + 512GB variant costs 5,999 yuan.

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Motorola Edge 70 Pro vs Redmi Note 15 Pro+: Which Mid-Range Phone Is Better

20 May 2026 at 16:59
Motorola vs Redmi

Choosing between the Motorola Edge 70 Pro and Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is not as simple as picking the faster phone or the bigger battery. One focuses on flagship-style features like a periscope camera and wireless charging, while the other pushes aggressive value with a massive 200MP sensor and ultra-fast charging. This comparison breaks down which phone actually delivers the better experience for performance, cameras, battery life, and everyday usability. 

Major Features:

FeatureMotorola Edge 70 ProRedmi Note 15 Pro+Winner
Display6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, 5200 nits6.83-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 3200 nitsMotorola – Smoother refresh rate and much higher brightness
Display ProtectionGorilla Glass 7iGorilla Glass Victus 2Redmi – Stronger durability protection
ChipsetDimensity 8500 ExtremeSnapdragon 7s Gen 4Motorola – More powerful overall performance
GPUMali-G720 MC8Adreno 810Motorola – Better gaming capability
Storage TypeUFS 4.1UFS 2.2Motorola – Faster app loading and transfers
RAM & Storage OptionsUp to 12GB + 512GBUp to 12GB + 512GBTie – Similar configurations
Main Camera50MP with OIS200MP with OISRedmi – Higher detail in daylight shots
Telephoto Camera50MP periscope, 3.5x zoomNo telephoto lensMotorola – Far more versatile zoom photography
Ultrawide Camera50MP ultrawide8MP ultrawideMotorola – Sharper and more useful secondary camera
Video Recording4K up to 120fps, HDR10+4K up to 30fpsMotorola – Much stronger video features
Selfie Camera50MP AF, 4K video32MPMotorola – Better detail and autofocus support
Battery6500mAh6500mAhTie – Same battery capacity
Charging Speed90W wired, wireless charging100W wiredRedmi – Faster wired charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless + reverse wirelessNo wireless chargingMotorola – Premium convenience feature
Build QualityIP68/IP69, MIL-STD-810HIP68/IP69K, drop resistanceRedmi – More rugged overall protection
AudioStereo speakers, Dolby AtmosStereo speakers, Dolby AtmosTie – Similar audio experience
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7 supportWi-Fi 6/6e supportMotorola – Newer wireless standard
Software Updates3 Android upgrades4 Android upgradesRedmi – Longer software support
Special FeaturesWireless charging, Smart ConnectInfrared blasterMotorola – More premium extras
Approx Price$400 / ₹39,000$360 / ₹34,500Redmi – Better upfront value
Overall VerdictPremium all-round flagship-style experienceStrong value-focused packageMotorola – Better cameras, performance, and flagship features overall
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro focuses on a slimmer and more premium in-hand feel with its eco-leather finish and curved design language. The IP68/IP69 rating and MIL-STD-810H certification also add extra confidence for daily durability. Motorola’s cleaner approach gives the phone a more flagship-like personality, especially for users who prefer lightweight devices that feel refined rather than bulky.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ takes a tougher and more aggressive route. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, enhanced drop resistance, and stronger water resistance claims make it feel built for rougher usage. The design feels more solid and dense, though not as sleek as the Motorola.

Display Quality

Motorola delivers a 144Hz AMOLED panel with an incredible 5200 nits peak brightness, making animations and scrolling look exceptionally fluid. Redmi counters with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and higher PWM dimming, which may feel easier on the eyes during night use.

Verdict

The Edge 70 Pro feels more premium and modern, while the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ leans toward durability and multimedia comfort. Motorola wins slightly for display smoothness and overall elegance.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro clearly targets upper mid-range performance with the Dimensity 8500 Extreme chipset and faster UFS 4.1 storage. App loading, gaming, and multitasking should feel noticeably quicker compared to the Redmi Note 15 Pro+. The Mali-G720 GPU also gives Motorola a stronger edge in sustained gaming sessions and high-refresh gameplay.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, which is efficient and reliable for everyday usage, but the slower UFS 2.2 storage limits the overall flagship feel. It still handles casual gaming and multitasking comfortably, though heavy users may notice slower data transfers and app launches over time.

Battery and Charging

Both phones pack large 6500mAh silicon-carbon batteries, making endurance a major highlight. Redmi gains an advantage with faster 100W charging, while Motorola balances things out with wireless and reverse wireless charging support, a feature still rare in this segment.

Verdict

The Edge 70 Pro delivers stronger overall performance and better premium features, while the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ focuses more on battery convenience and fast charging value.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

Motorola takes a more balanced flagship-style camera approach with three usable 50MP sensors, including a periscope telephoto lens with optical zoom. The versatility here feels far ahead of typical mid-range phones, especially for portrait and zoom photography. Video recording is also significantly stronger with support for 4K at up to 120fps and HDR10+ recording.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ relies heavily on its massive 200MP primary sensor. Daylight shots should look highly detailed with strong dynamic range, but the secondary ultrawide camera feels comparatively weaker. The absence of a telephoto lens limits photography flexibility, especially for long-range shots.

Selfie Camera

Motorola again pulls ahead with a sharper 50MP autofocus selfie camera capable of 4K recording. Redmi’s 32MP shooter is perfectly fine for social media and video calls, but it lacks the premium polish offered by Motorola.

Verdict

The Edge 70 Pro offers a more complete camera system by a comfortable margin. Redmi focuses on main-camera detail, while Motorola feels far more versatile and creator-friendly overall.

Pricing

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro is expected to launch at around $400 or ₹39,000, while the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ sits lower at roughly $360 or ₹34,500. The difference may not appear huge initially, but it places the Redmi in a much more aggressive value-focused position.

Motorola justifies its higher pricing with flagship-style features such as a periscope zoom camera, wireless charging, faster storage, stronger display brightness, and superior video capabilities. It feels closer to a premium flagship experience than a traditional mid-range phone.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ instead prioritizes affordability without sacrificing core essentials. A 200MP camera, 100W charging, durable build quality, and a large AMOLED display still make it extremely competitive for the money. Buyers focused mainly on battery life and casual multimedia usage may find the Redmi easier to justify financially.

Verdict

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ delivers stronger pure value, but the Motorola Edge 70 Pro earns its higher price with noticeably more premium hardware and features.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

Conclusion

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro stands out with its flagship-inspired approach. Features like the 50MP periscope telephoto lens, wireless charging, 144Hz display, UFS 4.1 storage, and advanced video recording make it feel more ambitious than most devices in this segment. It suits buyers looking for a polished all-rounder with premium extras that genuinely improve daily use.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ focuses on practical value. Its huge 200MP sensor, durable construction, ultra-fast charging, and lower pricing create a package that feels dependable and highly accessible. The phone seems designed for users who want strong battery life, durability, and a large immersive display without stretching the budget too far.

Verdict

The Edge 70 Pro is the better overall smartphone thanks to its superior cameras, stronger performance, and flagship-level features. The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ remains an excellent value alternative for buyers prioritizing affordability and battery-focused practicality.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.

Read More:

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Best small speakers under $100 in 2026

20 May 2026 at 16:35
Best Small Speakers Under $100

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get great sound. In fact, some of the best small Bluetooth speakers today cost less than $100, and you still get almost everything most people actually care about in a portable speaker.

Good sound, check; durability, check; battery life, check; fast charging, check; and even looks, check. 

Many of these speakers are also water-resistant, easy to carry around, and work just as well indoors as they do outdoors. So we picked five of the best options from well-known brands that consistently make reliable audio gear. Here’s what you need to know.

JBL Go 5

JBL is one of the most trusted names in portable audio, and the Go 5 is their freshest small speaker. It’s the size of a deck of cards, weighs just 230 grams, and you can slip it into your jacket pocket like your regular smartphone. 

Inside, the Go 5 runs on a 4.8W driver tuned by the Harman Acoustics team. It can handle music, podcasts, and calls well, and you get a 7-band equalizer through the JBL Portable app to tweak the sound to your liking.

One of the best features of Go 5 is USB-C audio with a built-in DAC chip. That means if you plug it directly into a laptop or phone with a cable, you get lossless audio without any wireless compression.

For wireless listening, the Go 5 uses Bluetooth 6.0, the latest version, which gives you a more stable connection, lower battery use, and faster pairing. It also supports Auracast, meaning you can link multiple JBL speakers together for a bigger sound setup. 

The JBL Go 5 also carries an IP68 rating, and can run for up to 10 hours ( in Playtime Boost mode) in a single charge. The speaker has built-in ambient edge lighting for a fun visual touch, and you can customize the colors from the app.

Key Specs: 4.8W output | Bluetooth 6.0 | IP68 | 8–10 hours battery | 230g | USB-C audio

Tribit StormBox Micro 3

Tribit has built a strong reputation for making budget-friendly speakers that outperform their price tags, and the StormBox Micro 3 is their best small speaker yet. At $64.99, it delivers features and stamina that many $150 speakers would be proud of.

It offers 24-hour battery life and only takes about two hours to go from empty to full. There’s also reverse charging built in over USB-C. 

For audio, the Tribit Strombox Micro uses a 13W output with a 48mm NdFeB driver and dual coaxial passive radiators. It also has Tribit’s XBass mode, which boosts low frequencies for an even richer listening experience when you want more thump.

Tribit StormBox Micro 3

What really sets the StormBox Micro 3 apart is its 2-in-1 mounting system. You can strap it to a backpack or bike handlebars for active use, or use the magnetic base to snap it onto cars, tents, or lockers for hands-free listening. 

The StormBox Micro 3 is also IP68-rated for full water and dust resistance, and it’s also certified to SGS military-grade drop standards. It pairs two units via Bluetooth 6.0 for stereo sound. 

Key Specs: 13W output | Bluetooth 6.0 | IP68 | 24 hours battery | 2-hr fast charge | Magnetic + strap mount | 330g

JBL Grip

Another entry from JBL is the JBL Grip. Designed to look like a seltzer can, it fits perfectly in your hand or clips onto your bag with its built-in rope loop.

At 16W output, the Grip is noticeably louder and fuller than most speakers in this price range. It’s powered by JBL’s AI Sound Boost technology, which analyzes your music in real time and adjusts the audio output to maximize bass and reduce distortion automatically. 

The Grip also has a customizable LED lighting strip on the side that reacts to the music and adds personality to any setting. You can change the color and behavior from the JBL Portable app, which also gives you access to a 7-band EQ for tailoring the sound.

Like the JBL Go 5, the JBL Grip is IP68 rated. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.4, and it also supports Auracast and has up to 12 hours of battery life (14 hours with Playtime Boost). It’s available in six colors: black, white, blue, red, purple, and camo.

Key Specs: 16W output | Bluetooth 5.4 | IP68 | 12+2 hours battery | AI Sound Boost | Auracast | 385g

Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go

Anker’s Soundcore line has been making great budget audio gear for years, and the Select 4 Go is one of their most impressive affordable speakers. At around $35 to $40, it’s incredibly cheap but has all the features. 

The Select 4 Go is IP67-rated and offers up to 20 hours of battery life. You could easily go three to four days of casual listening on a single charge.

Anker also offers 9-band EQ adjustments in the Soundcore app. There’s also a built-in loop for attaching a carabiner, and rubber feet on the bottom for a strong grip. 

Key Specs: IP67 | 20 hours battery | 9-band EQ | Floatable | Built-in carabiner loop

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

Ultimate Ears, a brand owned by Logitech, is known for 360-degree Bluetooth speakers, and Wonderboom 4 is one of their best compact models. 

Inside its round, puck-like body are two 40mm drivers and two passive radiators, arranged so left and right channels fire in opposite directions. The result is an audio that fills a room evenly, no matter where you place the speaker. There’s also an Outdoor Boost mode for times when you’re outside. 

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

The Wonderboom 4 is IP67-rated, has 14-hour battery life, USB-C charging, and you can pair two Wonderboom 4 units together for proper stereo sound. It also has a built-in magic button that lets you jump straight into a preset playlist for easy access.

Key Specs: 10W | IP67 | Floatable | 14 hours battery | 360-degree sound | USB-C | Outdoor Boost mode

How to Choose the Right One

Here’s a quick guide to picking the best speaker for your needs:

  • Tightest budget → Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go (~$35)
  • Best tiny speaker → JBL Go 5 ($54.95)
  • Best battery life → Tribit StormBox Micro 3 ($64.99)
  • Best 360-degree sound → UE Wonderboom 4 (~$79–$99)
  • Best overall performance → JBL Grip ($99.95)

All five speakers are small, waterproof, and come from reputable brands that back their products with solid warranties and customer support. No matter which one you pick, you’re getting a genuinely impressive small speaker for a price that won’t break the bank.

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OPPO Find X9 Ultra vs Sony Xperia 1 VIII: Camera, Battery & Performance Compared

20 May 2026 at 15:56
oppo vs sony

OPPO Find X9 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VIII are two premium Android flagships built for very different users. OPPO focuses on powerful hardware, huge battery life, and advanced camera tech, while Sony delivers a cleaner experience with creator-focused features and classic Xperia practicality. This comparison breaks down which flagship actually makes more sense for everyday use and long-term value. 

Major Features:

FeatureOPPO Find X9 UltraSony Xperia 1 VIIIWinner
Display6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 2K, 3600 nits6.5-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, FHD+OPPO – Brighter, sharper, and smoother display
Build QualityIP68/IP69, eco leather optionIP65/IP68, Gorilla Glass VictusOPPO – More premium durability and finish options
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Tie – Same flagship chipset
RAM & StorageUp to 16GB RAM, 1TB, UFS 4.1Up to 16GB RAM, 1TBOPPO – Faster storage performance
Expandable StorageNomicroSD card supportSony – Dedicated expandable storage
Main Camera200MP large sensor48MP sensorOPPO – More advanced flagship camera hardware
Telephoto Camera200MP 3x + 50MP 10x periscope48MP periscope 2.9xOPPO – Stronger zoom versatility
Ultrawide Camera50MP48MPOPPO – Slightly better sensor setup
Selfie Camera50MP AF12MPOPPO – Sharper selfies and better autofocus
Video Recording8K, Dolby Vision, O-Log24K 120fps HDROPPO – More advanced video tools
Audio FeaturesStereo speakersStereo speakers + 3.5mm jackSony – Better for wired audio users
Battery7050mAh5000mAhOPPO – Much larger battery capacity
Charging100W wired, 50W wireless30W wired, 15W wirelessOPPO – Significantly faster charging
Software Support5 major Android upgrades4 major Android upgradesOPPO – Longer update promise
Special FeaturesHasselblad tuning, IR blasterAlpha camera support, headphone jackSony – More unique creator-focused features
Price₹1,10,000 / $1150₹1,40,000 / $1600OPPO – Better overall value for money
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VIII approach premium design very differently. OPPO focuses on a bold flagship identity with a curved LTPO AMOLED panel, ultra-premium finish options, and stronger durability credentials with IP68/IP69 protection. The eco-leather variant also gives the phone a more camera-centric personality that feels modern and luxurious. Sony keeps things cleaner and more functional with its signature minimalist Xperia styling, flat-sided frame, and practical additions like the dedicated microSD slot and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Sony’s design feels more professional and creator-focused, while OPPO feels more futuristic and mainstream premium. Users who enjoy immersive media and flashy flagship aesthetics may naturally lean toward OPPO, whereas Sony’s understated approach feels tailored for enthusiasts who value practicality over visual drama.

Display Quality

OPPO clearly pushes harder on display hardware. Its 144Hz LTPO AMOLED panel delivers sharper visuals, higher brightness, Dolby Vision support, and richer HDR performance. Outdoor visibility and gaming responsiveness are noticeably stronger. Sony’s OLED panel still looks excellent with natural color tuning and HDR BT.2020 support, but the lower resolution and 120Hz refresh rate feel less ambitious at this price.

Verdict

The Xperia 1 VIII offers a cleaner and more functional experience, but the Find X9 Ultra delivers the more impressive flagship display package overall.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

Both phones run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 paired with the Adreno 840 GPU, so raw performance is flagship-grade on either side. Heavy multitasking, console-level gaming, and AI-driven Android 16 features should run effortlessly. OPPO, however, feels slightly more aggressive with optimization thanks to faster UFS 4.1 storage and a smoother 144Hz interface. ColorOS 16 also appears more visually fluid during gaming and app switching.

Sony takes a more balanced approach with a cleaner interface and creator-focused enhancements like native Sony Alpha camera integration. It feels less flashy but more refined for users who prefer stability and pro-level tools over visual effects.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is where OPPO creates a huge gap. The 7050mAh silicon-carbon battery is massive for a flagship device and is paired with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. It is designed for heavy users who game, shoot video, or stream content all day. Sony’s 5000mAh battery remains respectable, but its 30W charging feels conservative in comparison. Bypass charging is useful for gamers, though it cannot fully offset the charging difference.

Verdict

Sony focuses on balance and long-term usability, but OPPO offers the more powerful performance and battery combination for demanding flagship users.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is built like a photography powerhouse. Its dual 200MP system, including a large 1-inch-class main sensor and advanced periscope zoom setup, gives it exceptional versatility. The dedicated 10x optical zoom camera adds a level of reach rarely seen in mainstream flagships. Features like Hasselblad tuning, Dolby Vision recording, O-Log2, and cinematic LUT support also push it toward professional mobile filmmaking.

Sony’s Xperia 1 VIII takes a different route with Zeiss optics, eye tracking, and Alpha-inspired controls. Its camera system focuses more on natural color science and creator precision rather than computational processing. The output may appeal more to photography enthusiasts who prefer realistic images instead of heavily processed shots.

Selfie Camera

OPPO again leads on hardware with a 50MP autofocus selfie camera capable of detailed 4K video recording. Sony’s 12MP front camera delivers natural skin tones and stable video, but it lacks the same flagship-level sharpness and flexibility.

Verdict

Sony provides a more professional and manual photography experience, but OPPO delivers the stronger all-around camera hardware and superior zoom capabilities.

Pricing

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is expected to cost around ₹1,10,000 or roughly $1,150, while the Sony Xperia 1 VIII sits significantly higher at about ₹1,40,000 or $1,600. That creates a major price gap despite both phones sharing the same flagship chipset.

OPPO offers more aggressive specifications for the money, including a brighter 144Hz display, a larger battery, faster charging, and a more advanced zoom-focused camera setup. On paper, it feels like a flagship designed to outperform competitors in almost every hardware category without crossing ultra-luxury pricing territory.

Sony’s pricing is harder to justify purely through specifications. Much of its value comes from the Xperia ecosystem philosophy, cleaner software experience, professional-grade camera controls, expandable storage, and audio-focused features like the headphone jack and Hi-Res audio support. Those additions matter deeply to enthusiasts, but mainstream buyers may find the premium difficult to overlook.

Verdict

The Find X9 Ultra delivers stronger value for money, while the Xperia 1 VIII mainly targets niche users who specifically appreciate Sony’s creator-focused ecosystem.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

Conclusion

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra feels like a true modern ultra-flagship built around excess in the best possible way. Its massive battery, ultra-bright display, extreme zoom capabilities, and very fast charging create a device that feels future-ready. It is clearly aimed at users who want the most advanced hardware package available without compromise.

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII takes a more specialized route. Features like expandable storage, a headphone jack, Alpha camera integration, and cleaner software give it a unique identity in a market where most flagships now look and behave similarly. It feels more like a professional creative tool than a mainstream luxury phone.

For most buyers, OPPO will likely feel more exciting and practical day to day because it offers stronger hardware value across nearly every category. Sony still holds a unique charm, especially for photography enthusiasts and long-time Xperia fans who prefer a more manual and authentic smartphone experience.

Verdict

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is the better overall flagship for most users, while the Sony Xperia 1 VIII remains a distinctive alternative for creators and enthusiasts who value Sony’s specialized ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.

Read More:

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Caviar launches $10,000 iPhone 18 Pro collection months before the phone exists

20 May 2026 at 15:48
Caviar Royal Colors collection

Apple isn’t expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro for another few months, but luxury customization company Caviar is already taking pre-orders for its modified versions of the unreleased device.

The brand, which is known for replacing standard smartphone glass and aluminum with materials like gold, titanium, and crocodile leather, just announced its new Royal Colors collection. It is a series of custom iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models that you can reserve starting May 20.

Caviar Royal Colors collection

Reserving one of these phones now does not mean you get to see what the iPhone 18 Pro looks like ahead of time. Instead, you are essentially paying in advance for the custom exterior. Once Apple officially releases the iPhone 18 Pro series later this year, Caviar will purchase the retail devices, remove the original casing, and install the new materials before shipping them out to buyers.

Caviar Royal Colors collection
Caviar Royal Colors collection

The Royal Colors collection is based on historical themes, with four different designs available. The Imperator model uses purple crocodile leather and 24-karat gold plating, featuring a pattern meant to look like a Roman toga. The King model takes a different approach, using white crocodile leather and a silver-toned body that incorporates a French fleur-de-lis motif.

Caviar Royal Colors collection
Caviar Royal Colors collection

For a darker aesthetic, the Black Prince model is themed around medieval armor. It uses black leather and a matte titanium upper panel with a black PVD coating. The fourth option, the Pharaoh model, uses blue crocodile leather and 24-karat gold plating with an Art Deco palm pattern inspired by ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Caviar Royal Colors collection
Caviar Royal Colors collection

Every phone in the collection ships in Caviar’s custom packaging, which includes a signature key and a gold-plated coin. The company is making exactly 18 units of each design to match the iPhone 18 name.

Pricing for the collection starts at $10,060 for both the Black Prince and Pharaoh models, while the King and Emperor versions are priced at $10,200 and $10,340, respectively.

In related news, Caviar recently unveiled a luxury pink gold and diamond iPhone 17 Pro collection, alongside a $10,000 iPhone 17 Pro featuring an original iPhone 2G motherboard inside.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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(Caviar)

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Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6: Specs, upgrades, and everything else we know so far

20 May 2026 at 15:18
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6

Qualcomm is gearing up to launch its next generation of top-tier smartphone chipsets, and for the first time in the company’s history, there will be a “Pro” model as well. The new chipsets, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, will likely be unveiled in September 2026, following previous launch patterns.

We’ve already published a detailed post about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, covering all the details from various leaks and reports. In this post, we’ll learn what the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will have to offer, based on the details we’ve gathered so far.

[Note: Qualcomm hasn’t officially revealed any details about Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, so all the details in the post are purely based on leaks and rumors.]

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6: Spec sheet

LaunchSeptember 2026
Process node2 nm (TSMC)
CPU2 x prime cores
3 x performance cores
3 x efficiency cores
Peak CPU speedup to 5.0 GHz
GPUAdreno 845
Snapdragon Elite Gaming features
ray tracing support
GPU GMEM/cache12MB GMEM
System cache (LLC)6MB LLC
MemoryLPDDR5X
StorageUFS 5.0
Model numberSM8950

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6: Everything you need to know

Process node and CPU architecture

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will be one of the first chips to use TSMC’s latest 2nm cutting-edge node. MediaTek and Apple are also expected to unveil their 2nm smartphone chips around the same time later this year.

The latest node is expected to deliver a massive leap in energy efficiency, allowing the chip to run faster while consuming significantly less battery. While efficiency is the main focus, the node may also allow Qualcomm to push raw speeds higher.

According to a reliable tipster, Digital Chat Station, the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will use a new ‘2+3+3’ CPU layout instead of a regular ‘2+6’ layout, focusing more on higher efficiency. The Oryon CPU is said to have 16MB of L2 cache, up from 12MB on the 8 Elite Gen 5. Some rumors say the chip could offer a peak speed of 5GHz, or at least close to that.

GPU and gaming capabilities

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is said to feature an upgraded Adreno 845 GPU utilizing Qualcomm’s slice-based architecture. The GPU will reportedly use 12MB of GMEM graphics cache and 6MB of system-level cache (SLC). On the software side, the GPU will leverage the full suite of Snapdragon Elite Gaming features to offer a great gaming experience.

The “Pro” model will reportedly use an Adreno 850 GPU with higher cache, but leaks also say the chip will introduce heat path block (HPB) technology for the first time on a Qualcomm chip. It’s an advanced hardware-level thermal management technology designed to handle the intense heat generated by the chip.

AI and NPU capabilities

Not much has been revealed about the AI and NPU capabilities of the upcoming Snapdragon flagship through leaks, but we’re likely looking at an upgraded Hexagon NPU with significantly better power efficiency, support for newer LLMs, and extensive generative AI capabilities. We can also expect a more powerful on-device agentic AI experience.

Connectivity, memory, and storage

The standard 8 Elite Gen 6 is expected to feature an upgraded Snapdragon X90 5G modem with advanced AI hardware directly on the baseband chip. Rumors say the peak download speed could cross 15Gbps on a 5G network.

Leaks say the 8 Elite Gen 6 will support the same LPDDR5X memory as its predecessor, but will upgrade to a faster UFS 5.0 storage. The “Pro” model, however, is expected to support LPDDR6 memory, which could be a big differentiator between the standard and Pro versions.

The fact that LPDDR6 is significantly faster than the current LPDDR5X RAM would allow the chip to run complex AI assistants and generate images faster using on-device AI. It should also improve power efficiency and enable stable, high-FPS gaming at higher resolutions.

Upcoming devices with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip

These smartphones are expected to come with the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6:

  • Samsung Galaxy S27
  • Samsung Galaxy S27+
  • OnePlus 16
  • iQOO 16
  • Xiaomi 18

We’ll keep updating you with the latest stories in our Qualcomm section. Remember to visit it regularly to stay up-to-date. Or, you can join our Telegram channel to receive instant notifications when we publish new stories.

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OPPO Find X9 Ultra vs Honor Magic8 Pro Comparison: Camera, Battery & Performance

20 May 2026 at 14:01
OPPO vs Honor

OPPO Find X9 Ultra and Honor Magic8 Pro represent two very different takes on the modern Android flagship. OPPO focuses on extreme camera hardware and a premium multimedia experience, while Honor aims for smarter long-term value with refined software, huge battery life, and competitive pricing. This comparison breaks down which flagship actually deserves the top spot in 2026. 

Major Features:

FeatureOPPO Find X9 UltraHonor Magic8 ProWinner
Design & BuildGlass/eco leather back, aluminum frame, IP68/IP69Reinforced back, aluminum frame, IP68/IP69KHonor – Cleaner and more refined daily feel
Display6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 1440p, 3600 nits6.71-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 6000 nitsOPPO – Sharper and smoother display experience
Brightness & Eye ComfortDolby Vision, HDR10+4320Hz PWM dimming, HDR VividHonor – Better for prolonged viewing comfort
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5Tie – Same flagship chipset
RAM & StorageUp to 16GB RAM, 1TB UFS 4.1Up to 16GB RAM, 1TB UFS 4.1Tie – Identical memory setup
Gaming Performance144Hz support with aggressive coolingStable flagship performanceOPPO – Better gaming-focused tuning
Software Support5 Android upgrades7 Android upgradesHonor – Longer software longevity
Battery7050mAh7100mAh (Global)Honor – Slightly larger battery
Wired Charging100W wired100W wired (Global)Tie – Similar charging speeds
Wireless Charging50W wireless80W wirelessHonor – Faster wireless charging
Main Camera200MP 1-inch class sensor50MP large sensorOPPO – More advanced flagship hardware
Telephoto Camera200MP 3x + 50MP 10x periscope200MP 3.7x periscopeOPPO – Superior zoom versatility
Ultrawide Camera50MP ultrawide50MP ultrawideOPPO – Larger sensor advantage
Video Recording8K, Dolby Vision, O-Log2, LUTs4K up to 120fpsOPPO – More professional video tools
Selfie Camera50MP with 4K50MP + TOF 3D sensorHonor – Better biometric integration
BiometricsUltrasonic fingerprintUltrasonic fingerprint + Face IDHonor – More secure unlock options
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, AuracastHonor – More feature-rich connectivity
Price₹1,10,000 / $1150₹90,000 / $900Honor – Better value for money
Overall Camera ExperienceCreator-focused flagship camerasBalanced flagship photographyOPPO – Stronger photography package
Overall ValuePremium enthusiast flagshipBalanced premium flagshipHonor – More features for lower price
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra focuses on a premium camera-first identity with its glass or eco-leather finish, strong IP68/IP69 durability, and a noticeably bold flagship feel. The curved frame and textured back option make it look more luxurious, especially for users who enjoy statement devices. Meanwhile, the Honor Magic8 Pro takes a cleaner and more refined approach with a slimmer body style, reinforced back panel, and NanoCrystal Shield protection. It feels more modern and easier to handle for daily use.

Display Quality

OPPO delivers a sharper 1440p LTPO AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and excellent HDR tuning. The screen feels more cinematic and slightly richer during gaming or streaming. Honor counters with an incredibly bright OLED display reaching 6000 nits peak brightness alongside 4320Hz PWM dimming, making it more comfortable for long nighttime usage. While the resolution is lower, the panel still looks flagship-grade in daily use.

Verdict

OPPO wins for visual richness and immersive display quality, while Honor feels more balanced and eye-friendly for everyday users. Those wanting the most premium media experience may naturally lean toward OPPO.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

Both phones use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with identical CPU and GPU configurations, paired with fast UFS 4.1 storage and up to 16GB RAM. In raw performance, the difference is extremely small. Gaming, multitasking, AI processing, and heavy editing workloads run effortlessly on both devices. However, OPPO’s aggressive cooling and 144Hz panel give gaming sessions a slightly smoother feel. Honor, on the other hand, feels more software-polished with MagicOS 10 and promises up to seven major Android upgrades, which adds serious long-term value.

Battery and Charging

The OPPO packs a huge 7050mAh silicon-carbon battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Battery endurance should comfortably last beyond a full day even with heavy camera or gaming use. Honor slightly edges ahead in capacity globally with a 7100mAh battery and faster 80W wireless charging. The charging ecosystem feels more complete, especially for wireless users. OPPO still maintains excellent charging consistency and thermal control under stress.

Verdict

Performance is nearly tied, but Honor gains an advantage through longer software support and stronger wireless charging. OPPO remains the better pick for gamers wanting a more performance-focused flagship feel.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is clearly designed around camera hardware dominance. Its massive 200MP primary sensor, dual periscope setup, Hasselblad tuning, and dedicated 10x optical zoom create one of the most versatile camera systems in the flagship segment. Long-range photography and cinematic video recording feel especially impressive here. Dolby Vision recording, O-Log2 support, and cinematic LUT options also make it more appealing for creators.

Honor takes a more balanced photography approach. The 200MP telephoto sensor performs strongly in portraits and medium-range zoom shots, while the processing delivers cleaner HDR output and natural skin tones. The ultrawide camera is less ambitious than OPPO’s setup but remains reliable for daily photography. Honor’s image tuning feels softer and more social-media-friendly overall.

Selfie Camera

Both devices use high-resolution 50MP selfie cameras with 4K recording. Honor gains an edge with its TOF 3D sensor and secure Face ID support, making facial recognition more advanced and consistent.

Verdict

OPPO is the stronger photography flagship overall, especially for zoom and professional video work. Honor feels more practical and polished for casual users who prefer simpler point-and-shoot results.

Pricing

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is priced at approximately ₹110,000 ($1150), while the Honor Magic8 Pro comes in around ₹90,000 ($900). That creates a noticeable ₹20,000 gap between the two flagship phones despite both sharing the same processor generation and premium positioning.

OPPO justifies its higher pricing through its advanced quad-camera hardware, superior zoom flexibility, sharper display resolution, and creator-focused video features. Users heavily invested in mobile photography or cinematic content creation may find the extra spending reasonable. The device feels built for enthusiasts who want flagship hardware without major compromises.

Honor delivers stronger value for mainstream premium buyers. It offers similar flagship performance, bigger global battery capacity, longer software support, advanced biometric security, and stronger wireless charging at a lower price. The balance between features and cost feels particularly competitive in the ultra-premium Android segment.

Verdict

Honor Magic8 Pro offers better overall value for money, while OPPO earns its premium mainly through camera hardware and display excellence. Buyers focused on photography may still find the higher pricing worthwhile.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

Conclusion

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra stands out with its creator-centric approach. The dual periscope setup, Hasselblad calibration, advanced video recording modes, and high-resolution 144Hz display make it feel like a true multimedia powerhouse. It targets users who want a flagship that pushes camera and display hardware to the limit.

The Honor Magic8 Pro focuses more on balance and longevity. Seven years of Android upgrades, excellent battery efficiency, brighter eye-friendly display technology, Face ID integration, and stronger wireless charging create a flagship experience that feels practical for long-term ownership. The software support alone gives it a meaningful advantage in the premium segment.

Verdict

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is the better choice for photography enthusiasts, gamers, and users wanting the most advanced hardware package possible. The Honor Magic8 Pro feels smarter for buyers prioritizing value, software longevity, and an all-around flagship experience without crossing ultra-premium pricing territory.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.

Read More:

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Huawei Mate 90 Pro Max, Mate 90 RS may feature dual periscope telephoto cameras with 10x optical zoom

20 May 2026 at 13:20
Huawei-Mate-80-Pro-color-options-globally

Huawei’s next-generation Mate series has started appearing in early leaks, hinting at major upgrades focused on zoom photography and battery capacity. Tipster Digital Chat Station reportedly shared the information before deleting the post shortly afterward, but details were later reshared by one of his followers online. While the tipster did not directly mention Huawei in the original leak, the emoji and specifications shared strongly suggest that the information could be related to the upcoming Mate 90 lineup, including the Mate 90 Pro Max and Mate 90 RS.

Huawei Mate 90 series may finally embrace dual periscope cameras

As per the leak, Huawei is reportedly testing dual periscope telephoto cameras on its upcoming flagship models. So far, this kind of camera setup has largely remained limited to Oppo’s Find X-series smartphones. The engineering prototypes are said to feature two 50-megapixel periscope sensors, while the larger “super-large” model is currently being evaluated with a 10x optical zoom periscope lens.

The leak further suggests that Huawei could significantly increase battery capacity on the Mate 90 Pro Max and Mate 90 RS Ultimate models. Both devices are expected to feature batteries ranging between 6,800mAh and 7,000mAh. In addition, the smartphones may arrive with a next-generation 6.9-inch Tandem OLED display, which could bring improvements in brightness, efficiency and overall panel durability.

The chipset powering the lineup is also tipped to receive a noticeable performance upgrade compared to the current generation. For reference, the existing Huawei Mate 80 RS uses the Kirin 9030 Pro chipset and features a 6.9-inch dual-layer OLED display with LTPO adaptive refresh rate support. The phone also includes multiple 50-megapixel cameras and Huawei’s in-house imaging technologies.

If Huawei introduces dual periscope cameras across its top-end Mate models, it could directly compete with Oppo’s flagship imaging approach, especially in long-range zoom photography. The addition of larger batteries and upgraded display technology may also help Huawei strengthen its premium flagship lineup further.

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Vivo X500 Pro Max could pack a huge 8,000mAh+ battery

20 May 2026 at 13:13
Vivo X300

Speculation is growing that Vivo may unveil the Vivo X500 series earlier than its predecessor. The lineup is expected to include three models, namely the Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. Recent reports have already revealed the display sizes of all three phones, and now a new leak has surfaced, revealing the battery capacity of the Pro Max edition.

Vivo X500 Pro Max battery size tipped

Since there was no Pro Max edition in the X300 lineup, the upcoming Vivo X500 Pro Max will be a new model expected to feature a massive 6.85-inch OLED panel with support for 2K resolution.

It is expected to be powered by a next-generation 2nm chipset, which could be the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro. The tipster added that the prototype unit is currently being tested with an 8,000mAh battery, although the final hardware design has reportedly not been completed yet. Vivo is said to still be working on the internal structure and hopes to achieve the targeted battery capacity in the final version.

The new leak aligns with a recent report claiming that the entire X500 lineup will feature high-density 7,000mAh+ batteries. This would mark a significant upgrade, considering that the Vivo X300 packs a 6,040mAh battery, while the X300 Pro houses a 6,510mAh unit. The X300s, which debuted a few weeks ago in China, features a 6.78-inch display similar to the X300 Pro but packs a larger 7,100mAh battery.

Reports further suggest that the Vivo X500vv will feature a 6.59-inch display, while the Vivo X500 Pro could arrive with a 6.37-inch panel. Both devices are also expected to feature Dimensity 9600-series chipsets.

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Xiaomi confirms T-series return to India ahead of Xiaomi 17T launch

20 May 2026 at 13:09

Xiaomi is finally bringing the T-series back to India after skipping the market for several generations. The company recently posted a short teaser on X saying, “The T is coming,” more or less confirming the return just days before the global Xiaomi 17T launch event on May 28.

This will be the first T-series launch in India since the Xiaomi 11T series back in early 2022. Since then, Xiaomi skipped India entirely with the 12T, 13T, and 14T lineups, even while the series continued doing fairly well in global markets.

The comeback is interesting because the premium mid-range segment in India has become much more aggressive over the past few years. Brands like OnePlus, iQOO, Vivo, and Realme have pushed hard into the space, while Xiaomi’s presence above the Redmi lineup has felt comparatively quieter.

Current leaks suggest India may only get the standard Xiaomi 17T and not the higher-end 17T Pro. The regular model is expected to feature a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, MediaTek’s Dimensity 8500 Ultra chip, a 6,500mAh battery, and 67W charging support.

As for the optics, Xiaomi is reportedly using a Leica-branded triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, 50MP telephoto camera offering 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. A 32MP front camera is expected on the front.

The 17T Pro, meanwhile, is rumored to come with a larger display, top-of-the-line Dimensity 9500 chipset, a bigger 7,000mAh battery, and faster charging. But its pricing could overlap too closely with proper flagship phones in India, which may explain why Xiaomi appears hesitant to launch it locally.

Early pricing leaks for the standard 17T (via Smartprix) suggest the phone could land somewhere around the ₹75,000 range depending on storage configuration.

If that happens, Xiaomi will be competing directly with performance-focused Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagships like the OnePlus 15 and iQOO 15, as well as camera-focused devices like the Vivo X300 FE, which uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.

That said, there is still some confusion around the pricing. Another recent leak hinted at a lower figure closer to ₹55,000, though that number was reportedly after launch offers and discounts. That pricing would make considerably more sense for a Dimensity 8500 Ultra-powered Xiaomi device in India. As of now, there is no reliable confirmation regarding the final Indian pricing.

There are also rumors that the Xiaomi 17 Max, the company’s upcoming battery-focused flagship, could launch in India shortly afterward.

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(Source: Xiaomi | NanoReview)

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Oppo Find X10 series to pack 8,000mAh battery

20 May 2026 at 12:46
Oppo Find X9 Ultra

When Oppo unveiled the Find X9 series, the company stated that it would not launch a flagship phone with a battery smaller than 7,000mAh. That is why even the compact Find X9s, which features a 6.32-inch display, packs a 7,025mAh battery. A new leak now suggests that Oppo could further increase the battery capacity with the upcoming Find X10 lineup.

Oppo Find X10 lineup battery size tipped

According to tipster Smart Pikachu, the Oppo Find X10 series may feature batteries in the 8,000mAh range. A recent leak also revealed that the lineup could include four models with different screen sizes, including 6.32-inch, 6.59-inch, 6.78-inch, and 6.89-inch variants.

While the exact name of the 6.32-inch variant is still unknown, the tipster claims that the 6.59-inch model will be the standard Find X10. The 6.78-inch and 6.89-inch variants are expected to arrive as the Find X10 Pro and Find X10 Pro Max, respectively.

The lineup is also said to include the Find X10 Ultra, which could feature the same display size as the Pro Max model. The Ultra variant is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset, while the remaining Find X10 models may feature MediaTek Dimensity 9-series processors. The Ultra model is expected to launch in the first half of 2027.

Coming back to the 6.32-inch variant, it could reportedly launch as the Find X10s Pro. Interestingly, the leak suggests that Oppo may have managed to fit a massive 8,000mAh battery inside the compact device. If accurate, the phone could stand out as an engineering achievement, especially since it is also expected to include premium cameras similar to other Find-series devices.

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Casio’s new earU earbuds want to make better hearing stylish

20 May 2026 at 12:13
Casio earU ER-100

Casio has introduced a new kind of wearable audio device called the earU ER-100 under its newly announced earU brand. Positioned as a hearing assist earphone rather than a traditional hearing aid, the new product combines open-ear comfort, wireless audio support, and digital sound enhancement in a more lifestyle-focused form factor.

Casio earU ER-100 specifications and features

Casio earU ER-100
Casio earU ER-100

The earU ER-100 features a cuff-style open-ear design that sits around the ear without blocking the ear canal. Casio says this approach reduces discomfort such as pressure, heat, and irritation that are commonly associated with conventional in-ear hearing devices. Each earbud weighs around 8 grams without accessories, making it suitable for longer usage sessions.

Casio has also focused heavily on natural sound reproduction. The company says the earbuds combine surrounding environmental audio with digitally corrected sound to make voices easier to hear while maintaining a better sense of direction and distance. The earbuds are also designed to reduce sound leakage and suppress unwanted resonance that can lead to feedback noise.

Users can adjust sound settings through a dedicated smartphone app. The app can automatically tune audio levels after analyzing hearing conditions and also allows switching between listening profiles designed for places such as offices, restaurants, outdoor areas, and meeting rooms.

Apart from hearing assistance, the ER-100 can also work as regular wireless earbuds for music playback and calls. The device supports Bluetooth 5.4 along with SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs. It features a 10mm dynamic driver and IPX4 splash resistance for the earbuds.

The battery is rated to deliver over 9.5 hours of continuous use in listening mode and more than 14 hours in streaming mode. Casio also says a 10-minute charge can provide around 90 minutes of listening time.

Casio earU ER-100 price and availability

Casio has confirmed that the earU ER-100 will go on sale in Japan for 49,940 JPY ($315), starting May 28 under the company’s new earU brand. The available colors include ER-100PT-NB Navy Black, ER-100PT-WY Ivory White, and ER-100SH-WY Ivory White, with different style accessories bundled depending on the variant.

At the moment, the ER-100 appears to be limited to the Japanese market. Therefore, it not clear whether it will be released in other markets.

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Xiaomi 17 Max shows up on Geekbench with 16GB RAM and high scores

20 May 2026 at 12:09
Xiaomi 17 Max

Xiaomi is set to launch the Xiaomi 17 Max on May 21, which is tomorrow. Just before the launch, the device has now made its debut on Geekbench, revealing its performance scores. 

The Xiaomi 17 Max appeared on the benchmark under the model number 2605EPN8EC. According to the listing, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and comes with 16GB of RAM. 

Xiaomi 17 Max Geekbench

The benchmark results show strong performance. In Geekbench 6.7.1, the device scored 3750 points in single-core performance and 11,674 points in multi-core performance. 

Xiaomi 17 Max Specifications (Expected)

Moving from the SoC, the Xiaomi 17 Max will feature a massive 8000mAh Xiaomi Jinshajiang battery. The company recently did a livestream showing the battery prowess of the phone, and it surprisingly outlasted two iPhone 17 Pro Max in video streaming. 

The front will be home to a 6.9-inch flat panel with very slim bezels. Xiaomi is calling this a Super Pixel display, which uses a new RGB sub-pixel layout and red luminous materials.

The company claims it can deliver near 2K clarity while consuming less power than a typical 1.5K OLED screen. It is also expected to support a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, and symmetrical stereo speakers.

Xiaomi 17 Max

For cameras, the Xiaomi 17 Max is expected to feature a Leica-backed 200-megapixel main camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, along with a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera.

Memory specs include LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. Xiaomi has also reportedly redesigned the internal layout to improve cooling, which should help during gaming and heavy multitasking sessions.

Xiaomi will launch the Xiaomi Band 10 Pro, Xiaomi YU7 GT, and other products alongside Xiaomi 17 Max.

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7 things Google’s new Gemini Spark AI agent can do for you

20 May 2026 at 12:00
Gemini Spark

Google has introduced Gemini Spark, a new AI-powered personal agent designed to handle tasks and workflows on behalf of users. Announced during Google I/O 2026, Spark represents a major shift for Gemini from being a chatbot-style assistant to becoming a more proactive digital companion.

Powered by Gemini 3.5 and Google’s Antigravity system, Spark works across Workspace apps and continues operating in the background even when users are offline. Here are seven things you can do with Gemini Spark.

Gemini Spark

Automate recurring tasks

Gemini Spark can continuously handle repetitive activities in the background. Google says users can set recurring triggers, such as scanning monthly credit card statements to identify hidden or new subscription charges.

Monitor your inbox for important updates

Users can teach Spark to track specific email categories. For example, it can monitor school-related emails, extract important deadlines, and generate a daily summary for parents.

Create complete workflows automatically

Spark can combine information from emails, chats, and meeting notes to generate polished Google Docs. It can also draft related emails and help kickstart projects with minimal manual work.

Work across Google Workspace apps

Google confirmed that Spark integrates deeply with Workspace services, including Gmail, Docs, Slides, and other Google productivity tools.

Continue working even when you are offline

Since Spark is cloud-based, it can continue processing tasks in the background even after users close their laptops or lock their phones.

Connect with third-party services

Google has announced new MCP integrations with platforms such as Canva, OpenTable, and Instacart. In the coming weeks, Spark will gain the ability to use these services to complete tasks for users.

Gain more advanced abilities over time

Google says Spark will soon support texting and emailing directly, custom sub-agents, and the ability to interact with a local web browser for more advanced actions.

Google says users remain fully in control of Spark, including which apps it can access and whether it can perform certain actions. The company also noted that Spark will ask for permission before carrying out sensitive tasks such as sending emails or spending money. Gemini Spark is rolling out to trusted testers this week and will enter beta for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US next week.

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9 things to know about Google’s massive AI Search upgrade

20 May 2026 at 11:22
Ask Google

Google has announced one of the biggest upgrades to Search in years during Google I/O 2026. The company is expanding AI-powered experiences across Search with smarter tools, deeper personalisation, AI agents, and custom interactive experiences. Here are nine important things to know about Google’s new AI Search plans.

Gemini 3.5 Flash is now part of Search

Google confirmed that Gemini 3.5 Flash is becoming the default model powering AI Mode in Search globally. The company says the model is designed to deliver faster responses and stronger performance for advanced tasks.

Search is getting a redesigned AI-powered search box

Google has introduced a completely redesigned Search box that is built around AI interactions. Users can now type longer and more natural queries while also using images, files, videos, and even Chrome tabs as inputs.

Follow-up conversations are becoming easier

Search now allows users to continue asking follow-up questions directly from AI-generated results. Google says the system keeps context between questions to deliver more relevant responses and supporting links.

AI agents are coming to Search

Google is introducing information-focused AI agents that can continuously monitor the web for updates related to user requests. These agents can track topics such as apartment listings, shopping drops, finance updates, and sports information.

Search can now help with bookings and services

The company is expanding Search’s booking capabilities for experiences and local services. Users can search for highly specific requirements, while Google gathers availability and pricing information from different providers.

Google can contact businesses for you

For selected categories such as beauty services, home repair, and pet care, Google says users will be able to ask Search to contact businesses on their behalf in the United States.

Search is becoming more interactive

Google is adding generative UI experiences powered by AI. Search will be able to create interactive visuals, simulations, tables, and graphs in real time depending on the question being asked.

Custom AI-powered mini apps are on the way

Google also revealed that Search will soon be able to generate personalised dashboards and trackers for recurring tasks such as fitness planning, moving homes, or organising events. These AI-powered mini apps will arrive first for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US.

What happens to traditional Search results?

Google’s latest AI Search upgrades also hint at a gradual shift away from the traditional “10 blue links” experience. Most of these advanced features are currently tied to AI Mode, while regular Search will continue showing standard web results. However, with AI-generated summaries, conversational responses, and agents becoming more prominent, users may rely less on manually browsing multiple websites over time.

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Honor announces Honor Win Turbo launch in late May, to feature 10,000mAh battery

20 May 2026 at 11:20
Honor Win Turbo Launch Revealed

Honor introduced its Win series late last year with two phones, the Honor Win and Honor Win RT. Both devices pack massive 10,000mAh batteries alongside flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite series processors. The company is now preparing a more affordable entry in the lineup.

Honor recently started teasing the Honor Win Turbo, and has officially confirmed today that the smartphone will launch in China on May 29.

Honor Win Turbo specifications (expected)

Meanwhile, tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo claims the phone will share several specifications with the Honor Power 2. 

As a result, unlike the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Win models, the Win Turbo is expected to run on MediaTek’s Dimensity 8500 Elite chipset. The phone could also arrive with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Honor Win Turbo Launch Revealed

On the front, the device is expected to feature a 1.5K LTPS flat display paired with a metal frame. It’s also rumored to include a 50MP primary camera with OIS (optical image stabilization), housed inside a horizontal matrix-style camera module.

However, the tipster notes that the Honor Win Turbo will not include a built-in cooling fan, unlike the original Win.

What may remain unchanged is the massive 10,000mAh battery. Honor hasn’t officially confirmed the battery capacity yet, but Win is more about big battery, so it’s safe to assume this. The device is also expected to support 80W fast charging.

For photography, the rumored setup includes a 50MP primary rear camera, a 5MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

With the official launch just days away, Honor likely won’t keep the remaining details under wraps for much longer.

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(Source)

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iQOO 15T Roundup: Here’s Everything You Need To Know Before Launch

20 May 2026 at 10:45
iQOO 15T launch date-

iQOO is preparing to launch its next performance-focused flagship, the iQOO 15T, in China. With the official launch just around the corner, the company has been slowly revealing almost everything about the phone. And from everything we know about the device so far, we can predict that the device is built for performance without compromise.

iQOO 15T launch date-
iQOO 15T

So here’s everything you need to know about the iQOO 15T before its launch. 

2K display with high refresh rate

On the front, the iQOO 15T will feature a 6.82-inch flat display with a 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The panel uses an 8T LTPO structure and BOE’s Q10+ substrate, which should help with smoother refresh rate switching and better power efficiency.

The display is also described as a high-end “Everest” flat screen with very thin bezels and a 2K resolution. 

The phone also supports advanced gaming features like 2K resolution combined with 144fps frame interpolation, depending on the title and optimisation.

Dimensity 9500 and Q3 gaming chip 

At the core of the device is the Dimensity 9500 chipset from MediaTek. This is paired with iQOO’s self-developed Q3 gaming chip, designed to handle heavy graphics workloads and gaming optimisation.

Together, the system is tuned for sustained performance rather than short bursts. iQOO claims the phone can maintain near full-frame gaming performance for long periods while keeping power consumption under control, even in demanding games like Genshin Impact.

The Q3 chip also enables features like full-scene ray tracing, super-resolution rendering, and smoother frame generation. In supported games, users may even get 2K resolution combined with 144fps output. The iQOO 15T will run OriginOS 6 based on Android 16.

As is common in flagships now, the iQOO 15T uses a silicon-carbon battery of 8000mAh. Despite the large capacity, the phone still supports 100W fast wired charging. iQOO also includes a system called Global Direct Drive Power Supply 2.0, which helps reduce heat when the phone is charging and gaming at the same time.

Cameras

For cameras, the iQOO 15T introduces a major upgrade for the brand. It will feature a 200-megapixel main rear camera, which is the first time such a high-resolution sensor is used on an iQOO flagship.

This main camera uses a large sensor and supports CIPA 4.5-level stabilisation, similar to what is found in some Vivo imaging-focused flagships. It also supports 4x lossless zoom, which should help maintain detail when cropping or zooming into images.

Along with the main sensor, the phone also includes a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera. On the front, there is a 16-megapixel selfie camera.

The camera system also supports full focal-length portrait photography and AI-based image enhancements. While iQOO is still clearly a performance-first brand, this setup shows it is also trying to improve its imaging capabilities.

Design and build

In terms of design, the iQOO 15T follows the styling of the iQOO 15 Ultra. It comes with a square camera module that has a transparent-inspired look.

The phone will be available in three colour options: Qingyun, Track Edition, and Legend Edition. It weighs around 216 grams, depending on the variant, and measures roughly 8.25mm to 8.4mm in thickness.

Despite the large battery, iQOO has managed to keep the design relatively slim for a device in this category.

The phone also includes practical hardware features like a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a metal frame, and IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance ratings.

Price

There is still no official pricing for the iQOO 15T. However, based on its specifications, it is expected to sit in the upper-premium segment in China.

Global availability is also unclear at the moment. iQOO has not confirmed whether the device will launch outside China.

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Wear OS 7 is official: 7 major features coming to smartwatches

20 May 2026 at 10:32
WearOS 7

Wear OS 7 is now official, and Google says the new update focuses on smarter AI experiences, improved battery life, and a more flexible smartwatch interface. Announced during Google I/O 2026, the platform is based on Android 17 and will power upcoming smartwatches launching later this year. Here are seven important things to know about Wear OS 7.

WearOS 7
WearOS 7

Wear OS 7 is based on Android 17

Google confirmed that Wear OS 7 is built on Android 17. The company has already released the Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator for developers ahead of the wider rollout later this year.

Battery life is getting better

According to Google, smartwatches upgrading from Wear OS 6 to Wear OS 7 could deliver up to 10 percent better battery life. This improvement comes alongside chipset-level efficiency upgrades introduced with newer wearable processors.

Gemini AI is coming to smartwatches

Select smartwatches launching later this year will support Gemini Intelligence. Google says the AI assistant will offer more proactive and personalised help directly from the wrist.

Tiles are being replaced by Wear Widgets

Wear OS 7 introduces new Wear Widgets that support 2×1 and 2×2 layouts similar to phone widgets. This change is expected to make smartwatch home screens more flexible and easier to customize.

Live Updates will show real-time information

Google is adding Live Updates support to Wear OS 7. This feature can display information such as rideshare ETAs, food delivery tracking, and sports scores directly on the watch face without requiring users to open apps.

Gemini can control apps through voice commands

Google is introducing AppFunctions support, allowing Gemini to trigger actions inside apps. For example, users can ask Gemini to start tracking a workout in Samsung Health without touching the watch.

Fitness and media controls are improving

Wear OS 7 adds a built-in Wear Workout Tracker that offers standardised fitness tracking tools for app developers. Google is also introducing smarter media controls, including per-app auto-launch options and a remote audio output switcher.

If you wish to try the Wear OS 7, Google says you can test it through the developer-focused Wear OS 7 Canary Emulator before the official rollout later this year.

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Alleged Redmi Turbo 6 Max key specs: 7-inch display, 3nm Dimensity 9-series chip, 10,000mAh+ battery

20 May 2026 at 10:20
Redmi Turbo 5 Max - Sunshine Orange-

Earlier this month, tipster Digital Chat Station revealed the existence of a new Redmi phone equipped with a huge 10,000mAh+ battery. At the time, the tipster did not mention the chipset powering the device. However, a new Weibo post now appears to reveal additional details. While the phone’s name has not been officially confirmed, it is believed that the leak could be referring to the Redmi Turbo 6 Max.

Redmi Turbo 6 Max key specs tipped

According to the leak, the Redmi Turbo 6 Max may feature a 7-inch display with support for 2K resolution. The current engineering prototype of the device is said to be equipped with a 3nm Dimensity 9-series flagship chipset.

The existing Redmi Turbo 5 Max is powered by the Dimensity 9500s. Based on this, it appears that the Turbo 6 Max could either retain the same 3nm chipset or arrive with the Dimensity 9500. The tipster also claims that the device’s battery capacity exceeds the 10,000mAh mark.

A previous leak suggested that the device may also include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, a metal middle frame, and IP68/IP69-rated dust and water resistance. As for the launch timeline, the phone is expected to debut by the end of this year.

In related news, rumors surrounding the Redmi K100 series suggest that the lineup could launch earlier than its predecessor. Expected to go official in September, the series may include the Redmi K100 and K100 Pro powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while the Redmi K100 Pro Max could feature the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset.

Redmi is also reportedly working on the Redmi Note 17 lineup, which is expected to launch in July or August this year.

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Vivo S60, S60 Vitality Edition official images, variants confirmed before launch

20 May 2026 at 10:03
Vivo S60 - Early Summer Green

On May 29, Vivo will announce two new S-series phones in China. Alongside the Vivo S60, the brand will also unveil the slightly lower-end Vivo S60 Vitality Edition. These devices are now listed on JD.com for pre-orders, revealing their official images, color options, and configurations ahead of launch.

Vivo S60 series design, variants revealed

Vivo S60 - Starry Sea
Vivo S60 – Starry Sea
Vivo S60 - Early Summer Green
Vivo S60 – Early Summer Green
Vivo S60 - Midsummer Night
Vivo S60 – Midsummer Night

The Vivo S60 and S60 Vitality Edition share the same design and will be available in the same color options, including Starry Sea, Early Summer Green, and Midsummer Night. Both phones will also be offered in 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB configurations.

While the S60 will also come in a higher-end 16GB + 512GB version, the Vitality Edition will start with an 8GB + 256GB base model, suggesting it will be the more affordable option. Vivo has gradually revealed key details about the S60 series, but it remains unclear what specifications will differ between the two smartphones.

Vivo S60 Vitality Edition - Starry Sea
Vivo S60 Vitality Edition – Starry Sea
Vivo S60 Vitality Edition - Early Summer Green
Vivo S60 Vitality Edition – Early Summer Green
Vivo S60 Vitality Edition - Midsummer Night
Vivo S60 Vitality Edition – Midsummer Night

According to reports, the Vivo S60 will feature a 6.59-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. For security, it will include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner and run Android 16 with OriginOS 6.

The S60 is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and pack a 7,200mAh battery with 90W fast charging support. It will feature a 50-megapixel triple-camera setup, which is also said to include a Sony IMX8-series periscope telephoto camera. Additional features may include stereo dual speakers, an X-axis linear motor, an IR blaster, and IP68/IP69-rated dust and water resistance.

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7 things you should know about Samsung, Google Android XR smart glasses

20 May 2026 at 09:36
Google, Samsung smart glasses

Samsung and Google have officially showcased their upcoming AI-powered smart glasses during Google I/O 2026. Developed with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, the new wearable is designed to bring Gemini AI features into a more practical everyday form factor. While complete specifications are still under wraps, the companies have already revealed several important details about the intelligent eyewear.

Google, Samsung smart glasses
Google, Samsung smart glasses

The glasses run on Android XR

Samsung and Google confirmed that the wearable runs on Google’s Android XR platform. The glasses are designed to work as a companion device connected to Android and iOS smartphones.

Gemini AI is deeply integrated

Users can interact with Gemini through voice commands for tasks such as navigation, nearby recommendations, notification summaries and calendar management. Google says the AI can also understand the user’s surroundings in real time.

Live translation is a major highlight

The glasses support real-time translation during conversations and can also translate menus, signs and other visible text directly within the user’s field of view. Samsung and Google say the translated audio can sound similar to the original speaker’s voice.

There is a built-in camera

Official images reveal a single built-in camera alongside an LED indicator light. Users will be able to capture photos and videos directly through the glasses.

Two different design styles are coming

Samsung partnered with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker for the first collection. Gentle Monster’s version has a more fashion-focused appearance, while Warby Parker’s design looks closer to traditional eyewear.

The glasses will work with Galaxy ecosystem devices

Samsung says the intelligent eyewear is designed to work seamlessly with Galaxy devices, including smartphones and wireless earbuds, for a more connected experience.

Launching later this year

Google confirmed that the first generation will mainly focus on audio-based experiences instead of built-in display features. It will launch later this fall in select markets. Pricing and full hardware specifications are expected to be announced in the coming months.

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Xiaomi announces its most premium cordless vacuum with automatic dust collection system

20 May 2026 at 07:05

It’s a new day, another new Mijia product announcement. After announcing a mini washing machine, an AC, a French-style refrigerator, and whatnot over the past few days, Xiaomi today unveiled the Mijia Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 4 Max. And as far as we know, it’s currently the most expensive cordless vacuum cleaner by Mijia. 

Xiaomi Mijia Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 4 Max Specification

The vacuum is powered by an 800W high-speed brushless motor capable of spinning at 150,000 RPM. According to the company, it can deliver up to 280AW suction power and a maximum vacuum level of 27,000Pa. That is enough for handling everything from dust and pet hair to larger debris like cat litter and dry food particles.

Xiaomi MIjia Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 4 Max Design

The machine is fitted with Xiaomi’s new dual-airflow self-collecting dust system. As a result, users do not need to manually empty the dust cup after every cleaning session. The vacuum automatically transfers debris into a 3-liter antibacterial dust bag inside the charging base instead. Xiaomi claims the system can achieve a 99% dust collection rate and can empty the dust cup in as little as 11 seconds.

The company also says the dust bag includes a silver-ion antibacterial layer with a claimed 99.99% antibacterial rate. Under typical use, you can reportedly go as long as 100 days before needing to replace the bag.

12-cone separation and 90-minute runtime

The vacuum also includes several technologies, like a 180-degree wide-angle blue light dust detection system to reveal fine dust particles that are difficult to see with the naked eye. The floor brush uses a right-edge design to improve cleaning along walls and corners, while there’s a 12-cone cyclone separation system that helps prevent clogging and maintain consistent suction over time.

The Mijia Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 4 Max runs off a built-in 4000mAh battery pack with up to 90 minutes of runtime. Good thing, the battery is removable!

Xiaomi Mijia Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 4 Max 12-cone design
Mijia Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 4 Max Battery

Like many recent Xiaomi smart home products, the vacuum also supports Xiaomi HyperOS Connectivity and works with the Mi Home app. Users can monitor battery health, adjust suction levels, receive dust bag replacement reminders, and trigger automated smart home routines. 

Xiaomi says the vacuum can even interact with other smart devices, including air purifiers and smart locks, to create automated cleaning scenarios.

Pricing and Availability

The Cordless Mijia Vacuum Cleaner 4 Max is available for CNY 1,999 (~ $295) at Xiaomi Youpin. As usual, there are slim chances of the product making its global debut.

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Lenovo announces Legion 300W GaN4.0 adapter for under $60

20 May 2026 at 06:22
Lenovo Legion 300W adpater with GaN 4.0 tech

As scheduled, Lenovo has announced a new 300W Legion GaN charger, alongside several other products, including the Lenovo Yoga Air 14 Ultra and the Lenovo Legion Y70 smartphone, yesterday.

And while laptop chargers are usually the least exciting part of a gaming setup, Lenovo seems to be betting that people are tired of carrying giant power bricks around.

Lenovo Legion 300W GaN adapter Launch Specs Price

Lenovo Legion 300W GaN Adapter Specifications

The new Legion 300W GaN adapter uses GaN4.0 technology, which allows it to deliver high power output in a smaller body compared to traditional adapters. Lenovo says the charger is compact at a body footprint of 82 x 82 x 33mm, so you don’t have to carry oversized adapters that typically ship with high-performance gaming laptops.

The charger supports Lenovo’s proprietary 20V/15A fast charging protocol and is designed for Legion gaming laptops that run in performance mode. 

Lenovo Legion 300W adpater with GaN 4.0 tech

The adapter uses a three-prong grounded plug design that the company says helps prevent static leakage. It also claims the charger can maintain a stable 300W output by operating within a “golden voltage range” between 200V and 240V.

There are also some smaller hardware touches for durability. It has a reinforced Slim square connector, soft rubber reinforcement around the cable, and a 1.5-meter charging cable in the box. An optional version with a digital display can show real-time charging power through what Lenovo calls its “AI Power” monitoring system.

Lenovo Legion 300W GaN charger design

The adapter supports a long list of Legion laptops from 2023 through 2026, including models in the Legion 7000P, 7000X, 9000P, and 9000X series. Lenovo also says that other laptops using its Slim square charging connector may technically work with the adapter, though charging performance could vary depending on the system and BIOS limitations.

The Legion 300W GaN adapter is priced at 399 yuan (~ $58) in China and will officially go on sale on May 31.

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Lenovo re-enters smartphone market with Legion Y70 gaming phone

20 May 2026 at 05:45
Lenovo Legion Y70 Launch Specs Price

After staying away from the smartphone market for several years, Lenovo has officially returned with the new Lenovo Legion Y70 in China. The company’s last branded gaming phone was the Legion Y90, which launched back in 2022.

Now, Lenovo is trying to re-enter the gaming phone segment with hardware that has flagship-grade specs. 

Lenovo Legion Y70 Launch Specs Price

Lenovo Legion Y70 Specifications 

The Legion Y70 comes with a 6.82-inch BOE Q10 OLED display featuring a 2K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates. Lenovo says the panel can reach up to 7,000 nits of peak brightness and also supports Dolby Vision. 

Powering the device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM running at up to 9,600 Mbps and UFS 4.1 storage. You can choose between 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, 12GB with 512GB, and 16GB with 512GB. There is also a higher-end variant with 1TB of storage.

Lenovo Legion Y70 Design and Display

For cooling, Lenovo uses a large 5,500 mm² vapor chamber system, which the company claims can reduce CPU temperatures by up to 7 degrees Celsius during heavy workloads like gaming.

Backing this up is a massive 8,000mAh battery. The phone supports 90W fast charging and also includes bypass charging. Lenovo claims the battery is designed to maintain long-term health for up to 1,200 charging cycles. 

On the camera side, the Legion Y70 features a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-710 main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, along with an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera capable of focusing as close as 2.5cm for macro-style shots. A 32-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls.

The phone also includes features such as IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, eSIM support, a 500Hz gyroscope, and Android 16 with Lenovo’s Tianxi AI 4.0 software features.

Price and Availability

The Legion Y70 is currently available for pre-order in China in Ice Soul White and Carbon Black color options. Pricing starts at CNY 3,099 for the 12GB + 256GB model, which roughly converts to around $450.

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OBE launches affordable 1080p projector with 570 CVIA brightness & 120° gimbal stand

20 May 2026 at 04:16
OBE C3 Pro Projector

OBE has launched a new budget-focused projector in China called the C3 Pro, following the recent debut of the Max variant. The projector carries a price tag of 1,175 yuan (around $172) and is currently available through JD.com.

OBE C3 Pro Projector

OBE C3 Pro Specifications

The C3 Pro comes with a built-in gimbal stand, which allows for up to 120 degrees of vertical tilt. This makes it possible to project images directly onto the ceiling from a bedside table without needing to prop the device up on other objects.

The base of the stand also functions as a touch-controlled ambient night light, indicating it is designed to sit on a nightstand or side table. Weighing approximately 2.04 kg (about 4.5 pounds) and measuring 150 x 135 x 263 mm, the device is compact enough to be moved between rooms if needed.

For its display capabilities, the C3 Pro outputs a native 1080p resolution with a brightness rating of 570 CVIA lumens. It uses a fully sealed optical engine called the Wukong X, paired with an LCD panel developed in collaboration with TCL CSOT. The projector provides a 2800:1 contrast ratio and supports HDR10 as well as 4K video decoding.

OBE C3 Pro Projector

To help with the initial setup, the projector includes a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor and a full-color camera. These components enable automatic focus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, and wall color adaptation.

Internally, the device is powered by an MT9-series processor, 1GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. It runs on the DaYanCheng OS, which supports local media playback from USB drives, voice commands, and standard screen mirroring protocols like AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA. For connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and includes standard HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, and 3.5mm audio ports.

The projector also features a built-in 6W speaker that can operate as a standalone Bluetooth speaker when the display is off. It includes a low-latency mode for connecting gaming consoles like a PlayStation or Nintendo Switch. According to the manufacturer, the cooling fan operates at a noise level below 26dB.

In related news, we recently rounded up the best budget projectors under $500 available in 2026.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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(JD)

The post OBE launches affordable 1080p projector with 570 CVIA brightness & 120° gimbal stand appeared first on Gizmochina.

Casio unveils CRW001JB-9 ring watch in collaboration with J Balvin

20 May 2026 at 02:52
Casio CRW001JB-9

Casio is releasing a new version of its ring watch, this time in collaboration with reggaeton artist J Balvin. The CRW001JB-9 takes the standard digital watch module Casio is known for and shrinks it down to fit on a finger. It costs $200 and will be available for pre-order starting May 28th, 2026, with a general release following on June 4th.

Casio CRW001JB-9

Design Details

To be clear, this isn’t a smart ring like the Oura or the Samsung Galaxy Ring. There are no health sensors, step trackers, Bluetooth connectivity, or companion apps. It is simply a very small, fully functional digital watch.

The design is specific to the J Balvin collaboration. The stainless steel case has a gold ion-plated finish and features a textured brick pattern around the small digital display. There are small rhinestones set into the top and bottom bezels, and the back of the case is engraved with Balvin’s signature flower logo. It also ships in custom packaging that matches the gold brick texture of the hardware.

Casio CRW001JB-9
Casio CRW001JB-9

From a technical perspective, the ring measures 25.2 by 19.5 by 6.2 millimeters and weighs 16 grams. Despite the small footprint, Casio managed to retain standard digital watch functionality. The module includes a 1/100-second stopwatch, dual time, an auto-calendar, and a white LED backlight. It runs on a standard SR621SW watch battery, which Casio estimates will last for about two years before needing a replacement.

Casio CRW001JB-9
Casio CRW001JB-9

The ring is manufactured at a single fixed size: a US 10.5 (which has an inner diameter of 20mm). To fit smaller fingers, Casio includes two physical spacers in the box that reduce the inner diameter to 19mm or 18mm. If your preferred finger doesn’t fit one of those three exact measurements, you won’t be able to wear it comfortably.

In related news, Casio has recently launched new G-Shock watches with polarized gradient glass in the US, alongside affordable retro-inspired AQ-240 models.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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(Casio)

The post Casio unveils CRW001JB-9 ring watch in collaboration with J Balvin appeared first on Gizmochina.

You don’t need to be an AI startup to raise. Lucra has $20M to prove it. 

21 May 2026 at 01:21
Slapping “AI” on your startup’s pitch deck is basically table stakes right now. When a founder raised $20 million from Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest for an eSports gamification loyalty startup without those two letters in the spotlight, it got us wondering how the conversation even started — especially when ARK had already been burned by a company operating in the same space.  On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Julie […]

Avroliqa: “Aston Villa” 3 cavabsız qolla çempion oldu!

21 May 2026 at 01:00

Bu gün futbol üzrə Avropa Liqasında (Avroliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün həlledici oyunu – final matçı keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, həlledici görüşdə Almaniyanın “Frayburq” və İngiltərənin “Aston Villa” komandaları üz-üzə gəliblər.

Qarşılaşma İstanbuldakı “Beşiktaş Park” stadionunda baş tutub. Oyunu Fransadan olan Fransua Leteksye idarə edib. Görüş “Aston Villa”nın 3:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə başa çatıb.

Nəticədə Birmingem təmsilçisi 44 ildən sonra avrokuboklarda titul əldə edib. “Aston Villa” 1981/1982-ci illər mövsümündə Avropa Kubokunu (indiki Çempionlar Liqası) və UEFA Super Kubokunu qazanmışdı.

“Aston Villa”nın baş məşqçisi Unay Emeri isə 5-ci dəfə Avropa Liqasının qalibi olub.

Xatırladaq ki, Avroliqa tarixinin ən titullu komandası “Sevilya”dır. İspaniya klubu 7 dəfə bu turnirin qalibi olub. İtaliyanın “İnter” və “Yuventus”, İngiltərənin “Tottenhem” və “Liverpul” komandaları isə hərəyə 3 dəfə Avropa Liqasında zəfər yaşayıblar.

Avropa Liqası
Final
20 may

Frayburq (Almaniya) – Aston Villa (İngiltərə) 0:3
Qollar: Tilemans, 41. Buendiya, 45+3. Rocers, 53.
Baş hakim: Fransua Leteksye (Fransa).
İstanbul. “Beşiktaş Park” stadionu.

After Mohamed Salah, another Liverpool star reportedly falls out with Arne Slot and wants to leave – report

21 May 2026 at 01:44

Curtis Jones has reportedly fallen out with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and is actively pushing for an exit from Anfield, according to a bombshell report from Italian outlet TuttoSport.

The Liverpool academy graduate, who appears to have found himself at a career crossroads under the Dutch manager, has reportedly decided against signing a contract extension beyond his current deal.

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With tensions rising behind the scenes on Merseyside, the versatile midfielder is heavily angling for a fresh start away from the Premier League.

Inter eyeing Curtis Jones who has fallen out with Arne Slot

The reported ongoing friction between Jones and Slot has put several European heavyweights on high alert, most notably Inter Milan.

According to TuttoSport, the Italian giants are closely monitoring the midfielder’s situation as they look to reshape their squad ahead of next season.

Inter Milan are reportedly planning a tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation, and Jones is viewed as a primary target due to his exceptional versatility.

The Nerazzurri believe the 25-year-old’s ability to comfortably operate in multiple midfield roles, including playing as a dynamic midfielder behind a lone striker, makes him the ideal signing.

Jones has allegedly already communicated his desire to join Inter, sending “yes” signals to the club as early as January.

He has continued to hint at a move via his social media accounts. While Liverpool have yet to slap an official price tag on the Scouse midfielder, Inter are poised to strike the moment the Reds value the player’s card.

Jones under fire from Carragher for commenting on Salah’s social media post

The internal drama at Anfield has spilled over into the public eye, with Jones recently coming under heavy scrutiny from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

The controversy ignited after Mohamed Salah posted an explosive social media statement criticising the team’s “crumbling” identity under Slot following a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa.

Jones was among a number of Liverpool players who liked the post. Jones went one step further and even commented with a clapping emoji, which many interpreted as an endorsement of the Egyptian’s public swipe at the manager.

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Carragher did not hold back when analysing the midfielder’s social media activity on The Overlap.

“I thought that was a bit strange,” Carragher blasted.

“I thought, ‘Jesus, this is why we don’t play heavy metal football, because of some players a little bit like Curtis Jones in the squad.’ He takes six touches on the ball before he passes it. I thought, ‘Steady on son, stay out of that one.'”

Slot is very quickly losing the support from within the dressing room as well as from the fans.

It remains to be seen whether the Liverpool hierarchy changes their stance on Slot and sack him at the end of the season.

The post After Mohamed Salah, another Liverpool star reportedly falls out with Arne Slot and wants to leave – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United considering move for €40m Brazilian wonderkid after making contact

21 May 2026 at 00:30

Manchester United are interested in signing the Botafogo midfielder Danilo during the summer transfer window.

According to a report from ESPN Brasil, Manchester United are monitoring the 17-year-old midfielder closely and they are looking to bring him in as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.

The Brazilian International has decided to leave the club in the summer, and they need to replace him properly. The 17-year-old is highly rated across South America, and he has a bright future. He could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for Manchester United.

The player is now hoping to sort out his future before returning to play. He was recently dropped in the game against Corinthians, and the report claims that the player wants to join a European club, especially in England, where he can fight for major trophies.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to submit an offer for him in the coming weeks. He would be a long-term investment for them, and they could help him develop further.

Regular football in England could bring out the best in the player and help him fulfil his potential. Manchester United has a rich history of grooming young players. They could also help fulfil his potential. Meanwhile, clubs in Brazil are monitoring his situation. Manchester United might need to act quickly in order to win the race for his signature.

Back in April, reports emerged that Manchester United had already made contact to sign the player. He could cost around €40 million in the summer. Even though the asking price is quite high, the 17-year-old might be able to justify the investment in future. He is a promising young talent with a bright future ahead of himself.

The post Man United considering move for €40m Brazilian wonderkid after making contact appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea looking to land serial winner from Man City with 77 goals & 76 assists

21 May 2026 at 00:00

Bernardo Silva has decided to leave Manchester City in the summer, and Chelsea is interested in signing him.

According to a report from Marca, Chelsea will compete with Barcelona for his signature. The 31-year-old has won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for Chelsea.

They need more creativity and technical ability in the midfield, and the Portuguese International would be ideal. He knows the league well, and he will be able to make an immediate impact. He has 77 goals and 76 assists for Manchester City during his time at the club. It remains to be seen whether he is prepared to continue in the Premier League with another English club.

The 31-year-old is versatile enough to operate in central midfield, in the attacking midfield, and in the wide areas. He versatility, he would be a huge bonus for Chelsea if they can get the deal done. They need leaders like him in the dressing room if they want to build a team capable of winning major trophies. They could use his quality and experience.

The player has consistently shown his quality in England, and he could be open to a new challenge. The opportunity to move to Spain could be exciting. Along with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid is keeping tabs on his situation as well.

The player is represented by Jorge Mendes, and he has strong connections at Atletico Madrid. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can convince the player and his agent. Signing someone like him on a free transfer could prove to be a masterstroke.

The post Chelsea looking to land serial winner from Man City with 77 goals & 76 assists appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ranking the Chargers' 2026 opponents, from toughest to easiest

The Chargers' full schedule was released last week and there's much excitement surrounding the team's 2026 slate of games.

The Bolts will have three prime-time games this season, but fans will have to wait until the second half of the season to witness those matchups.

The Chargers are looking to earn their first playoff win in the Jim Harbaugh era after finishing the 2025 campaign with 11 wins and reaching the AFC Wild Card round. They fell short to the Patriots, the eventual AFC representative in the Super Bowl.

The pressure is on for the Chargers in 2026, and their strength of schedule is doing them no favors, as the team has the ninth-toughest schedule in the league.

  1. Denver Broncos
    • The Broncos enter the 2026 season as arguably the best team in the NFL with quarterback Bo Nix, head coach Sean Payton and their elite defense. Moreover, the Chargers will face their division rival twice throughout 2026.
  2. Seattle Seahawks
    • The Super Bowl champions should also be one of the Bolts' toughest matchups in 2026. Their roster is one of the most complete in the league and Seattle has very few weaknesses across the board. The Chargers will also take on the Seahawks at Lumen Field.
  3. Los Angeles Rams
    • The NFC West is no joke and the Rams will present quite the challenge for the Chargers. Matthew Stafford is coming off an MVP season with head coach Sean McVay at the helm. The Rams also retooled its secondary, which should make things more difficult for Justin Herbert.
  4. Buffalo Bills
    • The Bills will always be a strong opponent with Josh Allen at the helm and its deep roster.
  5. Baltimore Ravens
    • The Chargers will face old friend Jesse Minter in his first year as a head coach of the Ravens. He inherits a two-time MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson and an elite pass rush. It should be exciting to see how Minter stacks up against Mike McDaniel.
  6. Kansas City Chiefs
    • Patrick Mahomes is expected to be healthy in 2026 and the Chargers have notoriously struggled against the division rival for much of the last decade. This season will be a true litmus test of the Chargers' intentions to contend.
  7. San Francisco 49ers
    • Harbaugh and McDaniel will face their former team, the 49ers. If San Francisco is healthy, the squad should be lethal with its key pieces like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
  8. Houston Texans
    • The Texans have established themselves as having one of the best defenses in the league. Houston proved just that down the stretch last season.
  9. New England Patriots
    • The defending AFC champions should be a challenge for the Chargers as they're still projected to be a top team in the league. The Bolts can find redemption with a win over the Patriots.
  10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • The Buccaneers still have a pretty high-level offense, but the Chargers should win this matchup.
  11. Las Vegas Raiders
    • The Raiders are a division opponent, which is always tough, but still have some major question marks surrounding the team, even with the addition of franchise quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
  12. New York Jets
    • The Chargers should win this game with no problem, as LA's roster is stronger by leaps and bounds talent-wise. However, the Jets had a strong draft and are young.
  13. Arizona Cardinals
    • There are too many questions on both sides of the ball for Arizona. The Chargers should take advantage of facing a weak quarterback in Jacoby Brissett. The Cardinals are in full rebuild mode, so the Bolts must capitalize on that.
  14. Miami Dolphins
    • Simply put, the Dolphins are also in rebuild mode with their new regime. McDaniel should easily get the win against his former team.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Ranking the Chargers' 2026 opponents, from toughest to easiest

Class 5A, Region 5 football team kicked out of 2026 AHSAA playoffs

One of Southside football's region opponents was knocked out of the playoffs on Wednesday.

Three months before the season, Pell City was hit with recruiting violations and placed on restrictive probation. That will keep them out of the 2026 playoffs and region games against Pell City will not count in the standings.

The punishments stem from an AHSAA recruiting rule violation. Other punishments included a season-long suspension for coach Jake Ganus.

Any student-athlete who moved to Pell City can still be eligible at the school where they reside. Pell City can still play its 10-game regular season schedule.

In the release, AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon said Pell City is "required to appear" at the Central Board Meeting this summer to "present a comprehensive administrative action plan and the internal controls that have been implemented." It is unclear if there is a path for Pell City to become eligible for the playoffs again.

Ganus came to Pell City this offseason after leading Moody to the Class 5A state title. He was suspended for the first game of the season already after Moody was hit with a punishment for "flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct" after winning the state title.

The rest of Region 6 includes Clay Chalkville, Oxford, Pinson Valley, Springville and St. Clair County.

Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports, Jax State athletics, the outdoors in Alabama and more for the Gadsden Times and USA TODAY Network. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Pell City football kicked out of 2026 AHSAA playoffs

Chess, lectures & ignoring noise: Emery masters Europe again

Picture Unai Emery loading up a chess app on his phone to play against strangers - under his own name.

That is just one of the methods the meticulous Aston Villa boss uses to hone the mental discipline required at football's highest level.

And Emery is certainly the Europa League's grand master, having clinched the trophy yet again with Villa's 3-0 win over Freiburg on Wednesday - for the club's first piece of silverware in 30 years, and his fifth triumph in the competition.

Emery, 54, previously guided Sevilla to Europa League glory three years in a row - in 2014, 2015 and 2016 - before sealing his fourth success with Villarreal in 2021.

After five years, the Spaniard has been reunited with the trophy - and moved level with Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Giovanni Trapattoni on the list of managers with most major European prizes (five).

Here, BBC Sport takes a closer look at the man at who has guided Villa to their first European trophy since 1982.

2am lectures and Racing Santander matches

Emery manages to find time during his days to open his chess app and play three-minute online games against all-comers.

The idea of a Premier League manager doing so under his own name might sound strange, but it is true. He believes you have to be ready for anything - and cannot afford to switch off.

But it's not just chess that catches Emery's attention. He's also partial to watching a lecture. Even at 2am.

His particular interests are people who explain the world in new ways. Scientists, thinkers, whoever can expand his frame of reference.

Another 2am activity is watching any level of football on his iPad.

As one example, take Racing Santander - who have just been promoted to Spain's top flight. Not a Champions League giant or a rival, but that doesn't stop Emery from studying them.

It's his way of relaxing.

Champions League football escaped Villa on the final day of last season, but Emery's first act of this campaign was to tell his players they could get there this term - even if other teams had bigger budgets.

His target was a long run in the Europa League and to secure a Champions league place. Job done on both counts.

A five-match winless run at the start of the season wasn't in the script, but Emery managed to convince Villa the season was going to be good.

'Nobody works harder than Emery'

Emery says nobody works harder than him. He isn't boasting, he is just explaining his methodology.

He focuses on body shape in training, tactics, physical details, forcing players to dedicate 70% of their time to football.

He has spoken about his parents - his father and mother - and the sense of responsibility they embedded in him.

Whatever he does, he does completely. Meeting a target is, of course, a professional outcome - but also the conclusion of a responsibility he takes personally.

To sustain that, he has learned to protect his concentration fiercely. He is able to ignore any external noise.

When Villa were criticised for resting key players in their home defeat by Tottenham before the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest, Emery did not blink.

He had calculated that the points they needed in the league to secure Champions League qualification would come from somewhere else if they were needed. And he was right.

Villa Park helped. Emery has always drawn energy from stands that believe.

What next? He'll go to his home town of Hondarribia or favourite vacation destination Mallorca to walk by the sea and meet friends that have nothing to do with football.

He will spend time with his mum. He might even join her when she does her daily swim in the Basque coast - and he'll allow himself to sleep a little more than usual.

Then the preparation for next season will begin.

From 16th to European winners - Emery's Villa revolution

The extent of Emery's Aston Villa revolution cannot be underestimated.

When the Spaniard took charge on 1 November 2022, Villa were 16th in the Premier League - two places and one point above the relegation zone.

They went on to win 15 of their 25 league games to finish seventh and earn a spot in European competition for the first time since 2010-11.

In his first full season, Emery secured Champions League football for Villa for the first time since 1982–83. His side also won 15 consecutive home league games - the most in their 151-year history.

And now, with Champions League football secured once again, Villa are champions on the continent for the first time in a generation.

Former Villa midfielder Mark Albrighton told BBC Radio 5 Live that Emery has "taken Villa to the next level".

He said: "There are going to be times when you have highs and lows, that is the nature of football.

"Villa have experienced some of those lows but now they are on a massive high. Unai Emery was a step up in terms of what they had before."

Ashley Young, another ex-Villa player, also told Radio 5 Live: "As soon as Unai Emery came in to Aston Villa, the players saw what he had done in his career, saw the Europa Leagues he had won and the clubs he had managed.

"Emery is a born winner, especially in this competition when he has shown it time and time and time again. Put his name up there alongside Ancelotti and Mourinho.

"He's put this club back into Europe, back into the Champions League. If you had said when we were in 16th position in the Premier League that he would come in and win the Europa League, not one player would think that would be true. He's just got a way."

There are more teams now who work the way Emery works, who study what he studies and have managers who stay up late watching football they don't really have to watch.

But Emery will continue to go one step further - as he always does.

Tommy Edman Given Clearer Timeline Amid Lack of Progress

Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers Tommy Edman (25) takes live batting practice prior to the game Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman has spent the whole season so far on the sidelines as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, but Katie Woo of the Athletic reported he could make a return sometime soon.

Edman struggled with his right ankle throughout the 2025 campaign, landing on the injured list twice due to the issue and moving strictly to second base due to the fragility of his ankle. With several months of recovery under his belt, though, Woo says he could begin taking some major steps towards returning.

“Tommy Edman was with the team in San Diego and is trending toward a rehab assignment, though he still has a few more boxes to check with his running progression,” Woo wrote. “It’s been a lengthy recovery process for Edman, who isn’t expected back with the Dodgers until June at the earliest. There is a growing sense he could start playing in rehab games in a few weeks.”

The Dodgers themselves seem confident in Edman’s recovery as well, and surely won’t be in a rush to bring him back given how the team has fared while he’s been out. While Edman would be a definite upgrade to the team, they’ve still managed to sit in first in the NL West for a majority of the season, and currently hold a 0.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres.

“Each week we’re trending up and able to do more and get closer to his game speeds to take on more volume,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. “Knock on wood, we’re in a good place right now.”

Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA;  Los Angeles Dodgers Tommy Edman (25) takes live batting practice prior to the game Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers Tommy Edman (25) takes live batting practice prior to the game Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Who Has Played in Tommy Edman’s Spot so Far?

The Dodgers began the season with Miguel Rojas and Alex Freeland platooning second base, though their plans changed quickly.

Shortstop Mookie Betts went down with an oblique injury early in April, causing Rojas to shift over to shortstop. The Dodgers brought up Hyeseong Kim to supplement their infield, and Kim split most of his time at short with Rojas.

Upon Betts’ return, the Dodgers optioned Freeland to Triple-A, and now have Kim and Rojas splitting time on the right side of the infield.

The Dodgers have struggled in producing offensively at second base, as they’re generating just a 90 wRC+ from the position this year. On the other side of the ball, though, the Dodgers have one of the best defensive records in MLB from the position, posting six outs above average and a plus-five fielding run value. Both of those marks rank in the top 6 spots in MLB.

Despite Edman’s long-term injury, the Dodgers are holding their own at second base, and will hope he can return at full strength to make the first-place squad even better than they are now.

Whose spot will Tommy Edman take when he makes his return?

Blue Jays lose two-time All-Star to Tommy John surgery

Blue Jays lose two-time All-Star to Tommy John surgery originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

One of the hallmarks of the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation over the last few seasons has been the inclusion of Jose Berrios, who has started 138 games in his five-season stint in the Rogers Centre.

His 2025 season was no different, starting in 30 games for the Blue Jays, posting a record of 9-5, with an ERA of 4.17 and 138 strikeouts to his name. The Puerto Rican ace could’ve made more starting appearances given Toronto’s playoff run to the World Series, but wouldn’t get the chance as he missed the last chunk of the season due to inflammation in his right elbow.

The start of the season was all about getting back to the Major Leagues for Berrios, as he was down in the minor leagues of Toronto’s organization, spending time with both the Double-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

However, the two-time All-Star would struggle in the lower levels, posting a 14.09 ERA in his two games of Triple-A action, while also allowing six walks.

Berrios undergoes Tommy John surgery

Jose Berrios underwent full Tommy John Surgery per John Schneider.

— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) May 20, 2026

But it appears that these four appearances will be the only action that Berrios will see this season, as he underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by Hazel Mae.

Blue Jays head coach John Schneider spoke with Mae about Berrios' procedure, explaining that it’s not the best outcome for the team or the 31-year-old starter.

“Berrios had surgery today to repair the stress fracture part of his elbow, and TJ ligament - the bone sitting on the ligament, causing some damage to it.. we knew that was a possibility when they went in.. not ideal for him, not ideal for us,” Schneider explained to Mae.

More MLB news:

Aston Villa 3-0 Freiburg: What Rogers, Tielemans and Konsa said

Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa gestures to the crowd
[Getty Images]

Aston Villa goalscorer Morgan Rogers, speaking to TNT Sport: "It's hard to put into words, we've worked so hard for this. We've delivered and come through. It's a great moment for the fans, great for the club. We'll go down in history.

"There was so much excitement. We're all really excited.

"The manager has been banging on at me to get easier goals and get into the box. I'm happy I could get a toe onto it and score.

"I'm tired but not that tired. It's all worth it in the end."

Fellow goalscorer Youri Tielemans, also speaking to TNT Sports: "I feel amazing. My voice is a bit gone, but it's all good. We put in a shift, top performance, we had a great season. To top it off with this, it's amazing."

On the routine by which he scored his goals: "We only had one day to practice we did it on Monday and it went brilliantly tonight. So happy.

"It's amazing. It's been a season with a lot of ups and downs. We started so, so bad. Our standards were very poor. The way we turned things around was a credit to the players and staff.

"We kept working, believing. We got the win in the end, Champions League next season and a trophy."

On the travelling fans' support: "The fans have been amazing. All game long we could only hear them. Credit to them. Up the Villa!"

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, speaking to TNT Sports: "I don't know [how I feel]. I don't think it's sunk in yet. I was saying not long ago how much of a journey it's been.

"Seven years at this club, lots of ups and downs. To finally bring back some silverware for the club and fans, it's amazing. It's something I can't really describe.

"Look what it means to the fans, the players, some of us who've been here for so long.

"Fans have been with us through thick and thin for us, travelled everywhere. This is for them!"

On his message to the fans back home in Birmingham: "If you saw my letter, I said 'believe'. If you did - thank you. This is for you."

Did you know?

  • Morgan Rogers is the youngest Englishman (23y 298d) to score in a major European final since Steven Gerrard for Liverpool vs Alaves in the 2001 Uefa Cup final (20y 351d).
  • Youri Tielemans' opener was Aston Villa's seventh goal from a corner in the Europa League this season, more than any other side - only FC Porto in 2010-11 (eight) have netted from more in a single campaign.
  • he average age of Aston Villa's starting XI was 29 years and 342 days, the third-oldest for a Europa League final after Fulham against Atlético de Madrid in 2010 (30y 245d) and Sevilla against Roma in 2023 (30y 53d).

Blue Jays get the worst possible Jose Berrios news amid Yankees series

Blue Jays get the worst possible Jose Berrios news amid Yankees series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Right-hander Jose Berrios will not be pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays at all this season. 

Sportsnet's Hazel Mae reports that the veteran starter underwent a full Tommy John Surgery, per manager John Schneider. 

It can be assumed that Berrios will miss the rest of the 2026 season and most of next year.

Imaging revealed a stress fracture in Berrios' elbow during spring training. It prevented him from pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. 

"Despite the ominous diagnosis, Berríos began throwing again not long after and started a rehab assignment in mid-April. However, his results during those rehab starts were not good, and his velocity started dropping," Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Wednesday. "It was reported a few days ago that Berríos would undergo some kind of surgery here on Wednesday, but the details wouldn’t be known until it took place." 

MOREChase Burns becomes first Reds pitcher with elite stat line since 1922

Staying healthy has always been a non-issue for the 31-year-old until this point. He made 32 starts every year from 2018-24, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season. He earned All-Star selections with the Minnesota Twins in 2018 and '19. 

It will be a long road back to the mound, but Berrios is young enough that this injury will not send him into early retirement. 

More MLB news:

Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers preview, Wednesday 5/20, 6:40 CT

Wednesday notes…

  • THAT THIRD GAME: The Cubs are 32-33 in third games of series at home vs. the Brewers. They are 14-20 after losing second games, including 6-7 after losing the first two. The Cubs last were swept by the Brewers at Wrigley Field on Aug. 10-12, 2021, in a four-game series that began with a doubleheader. This is their 10th series on the North Side since then. It is the second in which the Cubs lost the first two. They lost both games of a doubleheader May 30, 2022, then won the next two days. The Cubs last were swept in three games at home by the Brewers on Sept. 8-10, 2017, which was 20 series ago. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • RUNS ARE HARD TO COME BY: In their 2-8 funk, the Cubs have scored more than three runs only twice — and they lost one of those games, 9-8, on the South Side on Saturday. In their first 10-game winning streak, the Cubs scored at least four runs in nine games. In their second streak, they did it in eight of 10. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • AT LEAST ONE RELIEVER IS SOLID: Jacob Webb, last 12 games since April 19: 1.38 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 15 strikeouts and only three walks in 13 innings.
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Frank Castillo and three relievers allow four home runs to the Braves in an 18-1 loss in Atlanta. The team has given up that many runs or more only nine times since that game, which happened 30 years ago today, Monday, May 20, 1996.

Cubs lineup:

Your Wednesday night starters.

Tune in live on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/jJyrNaxLni

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 20, 2026

Brewers lineup:

In the mood to sweep

📺: https://t.co/eycfmE2vgm
📻: WTMJ#ThisIsMyCrew x @NicoletLawpic.twitter.com/UiRGYuv8TI

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 20, 2026

Edward Cabrera, RHP vs. Kyle Harrison, LHP

Edward Cabrera was going along pretty well this year but his last two starts have been rough. His last start, in particular, was wrecked largely due to walks, which had been a concern in his time in Miami. Hopefully that won’t get worse as the season goes on.

His last start against the Brewers was July 6, 2025 in Miami. He allowed two runs in seven innings and struck out five. We’d take that tonight.

Kyle Harrison, originally a member of the Giants, went to the Red Sox in the Rafael Devers deal and then came to Milwaukee as part of a six-player trade in February.

He’s been very good for the Brewers, allowing no more than two runs in any of his eight starts. He has a good walk rate (just 8.1 percent) and he doesn’t allow the long ball (just three in 38.2 innings).

He has one career relief appearance against the Cubs — he was the guy who pitched the 11th inning May 6, 2025 after Ryan Pressly had that monstrously bad top of the 11th.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Brewers site Brew Crew Ball. If you do go there to interact with Brewers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Where to watch Fever vs. Fire today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for Caitlin Clark WNBA game

Indiana Fever 090925

Where to watch Fever vs. Fire today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for Caitlin Clark WNBA game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Two WNBA franchises will meet for the very first time Wednesday as the expansion Portland Fire travel to take on the Fever.

Indiana is coming off of a much-needed win against the Storm on Sunday, 89-78. Caitlin Clark had yet another standout performance with 21 points and 10 assists, marking her 12th game with at least 20 points and 10 assists — the most in WNBA history. Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham also helped out, contributing 17 points apiece. 

The Fire had a five-game stretch at home, in which they were able to defeat a powerhouse New York squad 98-96 for their first win in the league. They'll now hit the road for three matchups, starting in Indianapolis. Will Portland be able to hit its stride?

Be sure to tune in for this highly anticipated matchup.

Here's everything you need to know about Fever vs. Fire, including TV channel and streaming options for the WNBA game.

Where to watch Fever vs. Fire today: TV channel, live stream

  • TV channel: USA Network
  • Live stream:DIRECTV

Fever vs. Fire will be broadcast nationally on USA Network. Fans and cord-cutters can also stream the action live on DIRECTV.

Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

What time is Fever vs. Fire today?

  • Date: Wednesday, May 20
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT

The Fever and Fire will go head-to-head on Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. ET. The matchup will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indiana Fever schedule 2026

Here's a look at the Fever's next five matchups.

DateMatchupTime (ET)
May 20vs. Fire7 p.m.
May 22vs. Valkyries7:30 p.m.
May 28at Valkyries10 p.m.
May 30at Fire8 p.m.
June 4vs. Dream7 p.m.

Portland Fire schedule 2026

Here's a look at Portland's next five matchups.

DateMatchupTime (ET)
May 20at Fever7 p.m.
May 23at Tempo6 p.m.
May 25at Liberty8 p.m.
May 27vs. Sun10 p.m.
May 29vs. Dream10 p.m.

Related Links

Real Madrid legend to join Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami ‘soon’

Real Madrid legend to join Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami ‘soon’
Real Madrid legend to join Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami ‘soon’

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi is set to be joined at Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami by an iconic figure from none other than Real Madrid over the weeks ahead.

This comes as Casemiro prepares to put pen to paper on a deal at the Nu Stadium.

Midfielder Casemiro is all set to bid farewell to current employers Manchester United this summer.

Despite enjoying what has been an impressive campaign to date, the Brazil international has made the call not to put pen to paper on a new contract at Old Trafford.

And it would appear that this stance comes with Casemiro’s next landing spot already lined up.

As per a report from transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano:

‘Inter Miami have been at final stages of deal to sign Casemiro for months, as reported since March. Casemiro wants Miami as next destination, with clear expectation to sign soon. The Brazilian wanted to finish season at Man United, then sign with Inter Miami.’

Casemiro is primed to join forces with a number of former rivals in the United States, from the aforementioned Leo Messi to Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Conor Laird – GSFN

Sal Stewart smashes Reds past Phillies in 9-4 victory

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 20: Sal Stewart #27 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Watching Sal Stewart struggle for the first time as a big leaguer was rough. After ripping through the month of April and taking home National League Rookie of the Month honors, May greeted him with a dose of what happens when big league pitchers and coaches finally get to scout you in detail via big league video evidence.

Across 17 games from April 29th through May 16th, Sal collected just 10 hits in 67 AB, smashing nary a homer and striking out twice as often (16 times) as he walked. He hit just .149/.240/.224 in that span, and there’s no coincidence that the Cincinnati Reds hitting a skid coincided with that.

The last week, though, has seen a much needed resurgence. He entered play on Wednesday in Philadelphia having been on-base multiple times in four straight games, and then erupted for a 4 for 5 day that saw him double, swat a late 2-run homer to put the game on ice, and score 3 times in the Reds 9-4 win over the Phillies. That earns him today’s Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game award, and deservedly so.

Sal even turned in a good defensive performance at the hot corner, making an acrobatic catch over the rail along the Reds dugout on a pop fly. It’s as if the Reds had no need to go acquire a different 3B last July after all!

The win secured a series victory for the Reds and pushed them back to a pair of games over the .500 mark at 26-24, and the club wrapped their two-city road trip with a .500 record after dropping the first series to the Guardians in Cleveland.

Sal backed Andrew Abbott, who turned in another solid performance in a string that’s been much, much more akin to what we’d come to know about him prior to his own April slump. Abbott fired 5.1 IP and allowed just 3 hits and 2 runs (one earned), dodging some early control problems – he walked the first two batters he faced in the game and the first one scored – to pour in a 96 pitch outing the Reds sorely needed. Brock Burke ran into some trouble when he took over, yielding a 2-run dinger to Edmundo Sosa, but the rest of the bullpen effort was nails in the form of scoreless frames by Connor Phillips, Graham Ashcraft, and Sam Moll.

Nathaniel Lowe helped Sal carry the offensive load on the day, swatting a pair of doubles and driving in a trio. Blake Dunn, who started against a RHP in the outfield as TJ Friedl continues to sit, doubled and tripled and scored twice. Even PJ Higgins chipped in with a pair of RBI singles as the Reds breezed on a rare day where Elly De La Cruz (0 for 5, 3 K) was off his best.

The Reds have the day off on Thursday, and on Friday they’ll begin a home series against their NL Central rivals from St. Louis. Chris Paddack is scheduled to get his second start since joining the Reds in the series opener in Great American Ball Park Thursday evening, with first pitch slated for 6:40 PM ET.

Why Caitlin Clark isn't playing for Fever against Fire in sudden move

The Indiana Fever ruled superstar guard Caitlin Clark out for Wednesday night's home game against the Portland Fire at the last minute with a back injury.

It's a huge surprise, as Clark has seemingly been healthy so far in the 2026 season and hasn't needed to miss any time so far. Why is Clark not playing?

Well, according to Fieldhouse Files reporter Scott Agness, Clark missing Wednesday night's game is "part of a strategic management plan for the season."

Clark left the team's season opener earlier in the month a few times to get back adjustments, but she was never considered hurt before Wednesday's injury report. However, Agness reports that it's all part of the team's plan to manage Clark's minutes as she gets back into playing shape after missing most of the 2025 season.

Status Update: Caitlin Clark (back) is out today. https://t.co/f8tR4ld5D7

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 20, 2026

Fever guard Caitlin Clark will NOT play tonight vs Portland Fire. I’m told it’s part of a strategic management plan for the season.

Tonight is the Fever’s fourth game in eight days.

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 20, 2026

The Fever play again on Friday night at home against the Golden State Valkyries, so perhaps the team is just saving Clark for that contest. Even then, it's a huge bummer for those expecting to see Clark on Wednesday night.

How many games did Clark play in 2025?

She only played in 13 games for the Fever last season. She's played in all four of the team's 2026 games.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why isn't Caitlin Clark playing? Fever star suddenly out vs. Fire

🔝 Emiliano Dibu Martínez: the goalkeeper of perfect finals

🔝 Emiliano Dibu Martínez: the goalkeeper of perfect finals

Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez’s career has once again reached the summit of European football, cementing a statistic that places him among the Olympus of the great myths of world football. After being crowned 2026 Europa League champion with Aston Villa against Freiburg, the Argentine goalkeeper extended an astonishing record: he has won absolutely every final he has played in throughout his professional career.


The start of the streak in England

The Mar del Plata native’s love affair with decisive matches began in 2020 while wearing the Arsenal shirt. That year, the goalkeeper was instrumental in lifting the FA Cup against Chelsea and, shortly afterward, the Community Shield after beating Liverpool in a penalty shootout. These performances marked the rise of an unbreakable competitive mentality.

Everlasting glory with the Albiceleste and in Europe

His mystique carried over to the Argentina national team, where he became the cornerstone of the country’s most glorious era, winning the 2021 Copa América at the Maracanã, the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley, and the historic 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With the 2024 Copa América triumph over Colombia and his recent continental success in 2026, Martínez now boasts a perfect 7 out of 7 record. Dibu was definitely born to win.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Caitlin Clark ruled out vs. Fire due to a back injury

The Indiana Fever announced that star guard Caitlin Clark would not play in Wednesday’s game against the Fire.

Status Update: Caitlin Clark (back) is out today. https://t.co/f8tR4ld5D7

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 20, 2026

While on the injury report Clark is listed as dealing with a back injury, beat reporter Scott Agness reported that this was a planned absence that is part of “a strategic management plan for the season.”

Wednesday’s game against Portland is Indiana’s fourth game in the last eight days.

Clark’s WNBA career has been overshadowed by injuries, so any time that she is added to the injury report, Fever fans likely get worried. After playing 40 games her rookie season, the star guard could only suit up for 13 games last year, dealing with a groin injury.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

With the fact that she was a late scratch for the game, and that Agness reported it was a planned absence for Clark, she should be able to suit up for the team’s next game on Friday against the Golden State Valkyries.

Through the first four games of the season, Clark is averaging 24.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 30.8 minutes per game.

Indiana was expected to get a reinforcement for Wednesday’s game off the injury report. Center Aliyah Boston missed her first career game on Sunday due to a lower leg injury, but was off the injury report for the game against Portland.

Now, the Fever will be down Clark as they take on the 2-2 Fire on Wednesday night. Head coach Stephanie White will have her pre-game press conference shortly after 6 p.m. ET, and she may shed more light on Clark’s absence then.

This story will be updated.

Padres’ ninth-inning mishap gifts Dodgers 5-4 victory

San Diego Padres Closer Mason Miller (Photo by Ryan Levy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

An errant pickoff throw by San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller allowed Los Angeles Dodgers pinch-runner Alex Call to move all the way to third base. He later scored on a sacrifice fly by Andy Pages, securing the Dodgers a hard-fought 5-4 victory over the Padres.

After watching the replay, you sense Miller threw the ball wide of Friars’ first baseman Ty France’s reach. What is more frustrating is that the righthander had Call dead to rights. The runner was two to three steps heading toward second base. Call froze on the base path before noticing the ball ricochet off France’s glove and roll down the right-field line.

Offensively, the Padres runs came on two two-run home runs by Manny Machado and Miguel Andujar. Machado’s blast came with two outs in the first inning. It was his seventh home run of the season. 

Andujar homered after Fernando Tatis Jr. walked in the third inning. It gave the Friars a 4-2 lead in the contest. 

Taking the mound

Shohei Ohtani (LAD) v. Randy Vasquez (SD)

Arguably, today’s late afternoon matchup could be a classic pitching duel. Dodgers Shohei Ohtani has been the best starting pitcher in the National League over the first quarter of the 2026 season. 

In seven starts, Ohtani posted a 3-2 record with a 0.82 ERA. His dominance has been a life source for a starting rotation in shambles. Injuries to Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have placed them on the injured list, and their return dates are unknown at this time.

Randy Vasquez has settled into the No.2 spot in the Padres’ starting rotation. He has a 5-1 record with a 2.68 ERA in nine starts this season. Vasquez has offered the Friars an opportunity to win each night he is on the mound. There are significant questions surrounding the state of the team’s rotation. Another quality start from Vasquez proves he is a reliable option moving forward.

Batter up!

  1. 2B Fernando Tatis Jr.
  2. DH Miguel Andujar
  3. 1B Gavin Sheets
  4. 3B Manny Machado
  5. SS Xavier Bogaerts
  6. CF Jackson Merrill
  7. RF Nick Castellanos 
  8. LF Ramon Laureano
  9. C Freddy Fermin

Relief corps

Do not expect to see Miller tonight unless he must preserve another one-run lead. Bradgley Rodriquez and Jeremiah Estrada should not be available, as both have appeared in the first two games of the series. 

It leaves Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, and Wandy Peralta ready to pitch in high-leverage situations in the rubber game. 

Villa turn on the style to beat Freiburg in Europa League final

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (R) celebrates scoring their side's third goal with teammate Ollie Watkins during the UEFA Europa League final soccer match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa at Besiktas Stadium. Mustafa Alkac/dpa
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (R) celebrates scoring their side's third goal with teammate Ollie Watkins during the UEFA Europa League final soccer match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa at Besiktas Stadium. Mustafa Alkac/dpa

Classy Aston Villa lifted their first major European trophy since 1982 by beating Germany's Freiburg 3-0 on Wednesday to win the Europa League.

Villa, European champions 44 years ago, had not won any major competition since the English League Cup in 1996. Their coach Unai Emery, in contrast, has now racked up five Europa League titles after winning three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal.

A superb volley by midfielder Youri Tielemans on 41 minutes following a clever corner and an equally special curler from Emiliano Buendía soon afterwards had the Premier League side 2-0 up at the break.

Buendía's cross was then prodded in by Morgan Rogers just before the hour mark at a rocking Beşiktaş stadium, where Villa fan Prince William enjoyed himself.

Rogers told TNT Sports: "It's hard to put into words, we've worked so hard for this. We knew we had one more game to give our all in and we all delivered. It's a great moment for the fans and the club and we'll go down in history."

Freiburg had never clinched a major honour and fell short in their first European final.

The Black Forest side's defeat means they miss out on a first Champions League qualification and will go into the Conference League having finished seventh in a strong Bundesliga season.

"At the moment there can be no happiness, we have lost a final. It hurts," coach Julian Schuster told RTL.

"I think the first half, the first 40 minutes, we looked OK. But then set pieces made a difference."

Villa had already guaranteed a Champions League place via the Premier League given the English top flight has five berths for Europe's top club competition next term because of UEFA co-efficients.

If Birmingham-based Villa drop from fourth to fifth on the Premier League final day on Sunday, sixth place in the Premier League - currently Bournemouth - will also go into the Champions League.

Six of Villa's starting XI also began in Emery's Villa debut three-and-a-half-years ago, including Argentina World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who shrugged off a finger injury to play. Centre back Victor Lindelöf started in midfield.

Höfler retires on a downer

Freiburg boss Schuster picked the same team that eliminated Braga in the semi-final second leg, with 36-year-old Nicolas Höfler starting in midfield in his final game before retirement.

Early on, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu leapt like the cat that had been prowling around the stadium to push away Roger's effort.

Höfler then fired just wide amid a feverish atmosphere and Villa's Matty Cash was booked for a risky challenge on Vincenzo Grifo.

A frantic start eventually calmed down although Freiburg's Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, tipped for a big move away, was always trying to create a bit of magic.

But instead it was conjured by Belgium's Tielemans, who expertly volleyed in Rogers' cross from just inside the box. It was his first goal of 2026.

Tielemans said: "I feel amazing. My voice is a bit gone but it's all good. We put in a shift, a top performance. We had a great season, to top it off with this - it's amazing."

Spanish midfielder Buendía, also crucial in the semi-final win over Nottingham Forest, matched his team-mate in first-half injury-time with an unstoppable curling shot.

The winger later popped up with the perfect assist for Rogers, who is expected to be in England's World Cup squad on Friday.

Freiburg supporters in Istanbul were upset before kick-off that their planned choreo had to be changed because UEFA ruled it might obstruct the view of VIP seats.

Around 15,000 fans also watched at a public viewing in the German city, but it was not to be as Premier League quality showed.

English clubs have now won the last seven major UEFA men's club finals played against German opposition.

Villa follow Tottenham Hotspur as Europa League winners and England could win all three European trophies in the next 10 days. Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in next Wednesday's Conference League final before Arsenal take on holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League showpiece on May 30.

Aston Villa's Emi Buendia celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Europa League final soccer match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa at Besiktas Stadium. Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
Aston Villa's Emi Buendia celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Europa League final soccer match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa at Besiktas Stadium. Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans (L) celebrates scoring his side's first goal with teammate Ezri Konsa during the UEFA Europa League final soccer match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa at Besiktas Stadium. Robert Michael/dpa
Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans (L) celebrates scoring his side's first goal with teammate Ezri Konsa during the UEFA Europa League final soccer match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa at Besiktas Stadium. Robert Michael/dpa

Dabo Swinney heating up Clemson’s 2027 recruiting class

Dabo Swinney heating up Clemson’s 2027 recruiting class originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Dabo Swinney quietly has Clemson’s 2027 recruiting class ranked inside the top-20 in the country (14) with the addition of two 4-Star commits on Wednesday. 4-Star wide receiver Jamarin Simmons and running back Gary Walker both chose the Tigers over teams like Florida, Florida State, Auburn, and Penn State.

With Simmons' commitment, he becomes the highest rated recruit in the class as the 101st ranked player nationally. He went for 900+ yards in each is sophomore and junior seasons while recording 8 and 14 touchdowns in those respective seasons.

BREAKING: Four-Star WR Jamarin Simmons has Committed to Clemson, he tells me for @Rivals

The 5’11 170 WR chose the Tigers over Florida, Florida State, Auburn, and Tennessee

“All In 🐅”https://t.co/uClubea7gfpic.twitter.com/ebVVZH4XUN

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 20, 2026

As for Walker, he is the no. 8 running back in the 2027 cycle and the third-highest rated recruit in Clemson’s class to this point. He’s coming off a junior season where he exploded for 1,669 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. Analysts on 247 are comparing him to Karlos Williams and viewing him as an RB1 with NFL upside.

BREAKING: Four-Star RB Gary Walker has Committed to Clemson, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’0 205 RB from Atlanta, GA chose the Tigers over Penn State, Florida and Florida State

He’s ranked as the No. 8 RB in the 2027 Rivals300

"Stay Down!"https://t.co/DTA1zWWlgUpic.twitter.com/H1Egg106NL

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 20, 2026

More: Texas Tech could still cut ties with Brendan Sorsby amid legal battle

The rest of Clemson’s 2027 recruiting class is made up of six 4-Star recruits and four 3-Star recruits. These are the prospects currently committed to Clemson:

  • 4-Star WR, Jamarin Simmons
  • 4-Star LB, Bryce Kish
  • 4-Star RB, Gary Walker
  • 4-Star QB, Kharim Hughley
  • 4-Star WR, Trey Wimbley
  • 4-Star S, Jarrell Chandler
  • 3-Star DL, Jaden Wuerth
  • 3-Star LB, Max Brown
  • 3-Star S, Harrison Luke
  • 3-Star CB, Christian Chancellor Jr.

Clemson is set to open up their 2026 season against LSU in Baton Rouge at 7:30 p.m. on ABC with College Gameday in attendance.

More college football news: 

Detroit Lions add veteran wide receiver

Oct 26, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (19) runs after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions continue to add to their roster ahead of Organized Team Activities. On Wednesday, they announced they’ve signed veteran receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr.

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound receiver has been in the NFL for eight seasons. He began his professional football journey as a sixth-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. There, he lasted four years as a reserve receiver, topping his production in his final year in Arlington—catching 45 passes for 602 yards and six touchdowns in a single season.

He parlayed that successful season into a three-year, $22.8 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, but never saw that level of success again in his career. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle already on the Dolphins offense, Wilson fell down the depth chart and was even surpassed by Trent Sherfield in 2022. He would only last two seasons with Miami, tallying 34 catches for 342 yards and three touchdowns over 30 game appearances.

In 2024, Wilson signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints and had a minimal role (15 games, four starts—20 catches, 211 yards) before failing to make the cut in 2025. He eventually rejoined the Dolphins (they poached him off the Saints practice squad) last year, but caught just five passes in 10 game appearances and five starts.

Stylistically, Wilson is tall, long, and has the ability to play both outside and in the slot. He also adds some experience to a very young receiver room. Outside of Tom Kennedy, Wilson is now the only other receiver who is older than 27.

Wilson will have a tough, but not impossible, route to the 53-man roster. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa are locks. Greg Dortch feels relatively safe with most of his $1.2 million base salary guaranteed. Meanwhile, the Lions drafted Kendrick Law in the fifth round this year and Dominic Lovett in the seventh round last year.

Wilson will likely have to prove his worth on offense, as he has relatively little special teams experience. Since 2022, he has just 210 special teams snaps—the majority of which came in 2024 (138). Though he does have 36 career punt returns.

ACC baseball tournament 2026 bracket, schedule, scores, TV channel, live streams to watch

ACC baseball tournament

ACC baseball tournament 2026 bracket, schedule, scores, TV channel, live streams to watch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's tournament time for ACC baseball, with all 16 teams gathered in Charlotte to play for a trophy ahead of NCAA tournament selection next week. 

The conference has been top-heavy this year, with Georgia Tech the clear class of the field and North Carolina a notch below, then a large group of teams in the middle behind them. 

The Tar Heels enter the tournament ranked No. 2 nationally by D1Baseball and the Yellow Jackets are No. 3 in the country, making them clear favorites to meet in the final. UNC won it last year, while Tech will be looking for its first conference tournament win since 2014. 

The next tier of contenders includes Florida State and Boston College, who round out the top four seeds and also have byes to the quarterfinals. But strange things have been known to happen in conference tournaments, and the ACC is no different. 

Here's everything you need to know to tune in to every game this week. 

ACC baseball tournament schedule 2026

The ACC tournament is in its second season of a straight single-elimination bracket after dropping the previous pool-play format. All games will be played at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Tuesday, May 19 - First Round

GameTime (ET)Watch
Game 1: No. 16 Duke 21, No. 9 NC State 12
Game 2: No. 12 Stanford 11, No. 13 Cal 4
Game 3: No. 10 Notre Dame 5, No. 15 Clemson 4
Game 4: No. 14 Pitt 16, No. 11 Louisville 8

Wednesday, May 20 - Second Round

GameTime (ET)Watch
Game 5: No. 8 Virginia 6, No. 16 Duke 4
Game 6: No. 5 Miami 11, No. 12 Stanford 2
Game 7: No. 7 Virginia Tech vs. No. 10 Notre Dame5 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app
Game 8: No. 6 Wake Forest vs. No. 14 Pitt9 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app

Thursday, May 21 - Quarterfinals

GameTime (ET)Watch
Game 9: No. 1 Georgia Tech vs. No. 8 Virginia3 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app
Game 10: No. 4 Boston College vs. No. 5 Miami7 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app

Friday, May 22 - Quarterfinals

GameTime (ET)Watch
Game 11: No. 2 North Carolina vs. Game 7 winner3 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app
Game 12: No. 3 Florida State vs. Game 8 winner7 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app

Saturday, May 23 - Semifinals

GameTime (ET)Watch
Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner1 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app
Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner5 p.m.ACCN, fubo, ESPN app

Sunday, May 24 - Championship

GameTime (ET)Watch
Semifinal winners12 p.m.ESPN2, fubo, ESPN app

Where to watch the ACC baseball tournament

The opening round through the semifinals of the ACC tournament will be broadcast on the ACC Network, with the championship game set to air on ESPN2. Fans can stream every game on the ESPN app or fubo

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

ACC baseball tournament bracket 2026

The full seeding, bracket and team records for the 2026 ACC baseball tournament are below. 

SeedTeamRecord (ACC)
1Georgia Tech45-9 (25-5)
2North Carolina43-10-1 (22-8)
3Florida State38-16 (19-11)
4Boston College39-22 (18-14)
5Miami36-17 (16-14)
6Wake Forest38-18 (16-14)
7Virginia Tech29-23 (15-15)
8Virginia35-20 (14-16)
9NC State32-21 (14-16)
10Notre Dame30-21 (13-17)
11Louisville30-26 (13-17)
12Stanford27-25 (13-17)
13Cal29-25 (12-18)
14Pitt30-23 (11-19)
15Clemson31-25 (10-20)
16Duke25-30 (10-20)

ACC baseball tournament champions list

Here are the last 10 ACC tournament champions and runners-up. There was no tournament in 2020 due to COVID-19.

YearChampionRunner-up
2025North CarolinaClemson
2024DukeFlorida State
2023ClemsonMiami
2022North CarolinaNC State
2021DukeNC State
2019North CarolinaGeorgia Tech
2018Florida StateLouisville
2017Florida StateNorth Carolina
2016ClemsonFlorida State
2015Florida StateNC State

Related Links

Cavs' Atkinson defends Harden, rues 'collective' defensive woes

Clevealnd coach Kenny Atkinson of gestures in front of James Harden in the Cavaliers' loss to the New York Knicks in game one of the NBA Eastern Conference finals (Gregory Shamus)

Defiant Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson insisted the Cavaliers can bounce back after an epic fourth-quarter collapse against the New York Knicks in game one of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

"We've been through it in the playoffs," Atkinson told reporters at the Cavaliers' Wednesday morning training session in New York.

Atkinson's Cavs came through two gut-wrenching seven-game series to book a showdown with the Knicks for a place in the NBA Finals.

The coach said "devastating" moments like the Cavs' failure to close out the Detroit Pistons in game six of the second round were part and parcel of post-season basketball.

"Four or five miserable games we've had in the playoffs," he said. "So it's like, OK, come on, get back on the horse."

The Cavaliers led the Knicks by 22 points with less than eight minutes left in regulation on Tuesday, only for New York to roar back and win in overtime in the second-biggest fourth-quarter comeback in NBA playoff history.

The Knicks exploited the suspect defense of veteran James Harden, a three-time scoring champion and the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player.

But Atkinson said it was a collective defensive failure down the stretch.

"On thing about James, I'll just defend him, he's a good isolation defender," Atkinson said of the 36-year-old. "He always has been. He's super smart. He's got great hands. I was kind of a little more upset with our backline defense.

"OK, he had two or three really tough shots on him (but) this is team defense. At this level, it's team defense.

"I know everybody's putting it on James, but I'd say a lot of it's on the team, our team defense."

Atkinson himself came in for plenty of criticism -- for failing to use his last two timeouts of regulation in a bid to break up the Knicks' rhythm and for failing to find the right defensive adjustments.

Atkinson said the adjustments Cleveland tried just didn't work.

"You know the coach, especially when you lose, you're wrong," he said.

bb/amz

Buendia Gets 9, Rogers With 8 | Aston Villa Players Rated In Impressive Win Vs Freiburg

Buendia Gets 9, Rogers With 8 | Aston Villa Players Rated In Impressive Win Vs Freiburg
Buendia Gets 9, Rogers With 8 | Aston Villa Players Rated In Impressive Win Vs Freiburg

Aston Villa faced off against Freiburg at Besiktas Park earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a good result in the UEFA Europa League final. The Villans made a decent start to the game and scored the opening goal in the 40th minute when Youri Tielemans got his name on the scoresheet. Emiliano Buendia doubled his team’s lead with a great strike in the first half injury-time as Unai Emery’s men went into the half-time break 2-0 up on the scoreline.

Morgan Rogers scored Aston Villa’s third goal in the 57th minute as the West Midlands club secured an impressive 3-0 win in the final.

Let’s take a look at how each Aston Villa player fared during the clash against Freiburg.

GK: Emiliano Martinez – 7/10

He made a few solid saves at the back and did well to secure the clean sheet tonight.

RB: Matty Cash – 7/10

Cash was a positive influence at both ends of the field.

CB: Ezri Konsa – 7/10

He was a rock at the back for his team and deserves credit for restricting the opposition from scoring tonight.

CB: Pau Torres – 6.5/10

The Spaniard cleared the danger when he could and did enough to earn the shutout.

Aston Villa

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

LB: Lucas Digne – 6.5/10

He hardly put a foot wrong defensively but offered very little going forward.

CM: Victor Lindelof – 7/10

Lindelof anchored the midfield well and was good on the ball.

CM: Youri Tielemans – 8/10

He managed to shine at times on both halves and did well to score the opener in the 40th minute.

RW: John McGinn – 7.5/10

McGinn caused a lot of headaches for his marker and managed to secure an assist.

CAM: Morgan Rogers – 8/10

He was a constant menace in the final third and has got a goal and an assist to show for his efforts.

LW: Emiliano Buendia – 9/10

Buendia was the best player on the field tonight. He was unstoppable at times and scored a memorable goal to double his team’s advantage in the dying embers of the first half.

ST: Ollie Watkins – 7/10

He put in a tireless shift in the final third but failed to register a goal.

CM: Amadou Onana – 6.5/10

He added some energy to Emery’s midfield.

South Carolina women's basketball star headlines FIBA 3x3 World Cup roster

Former South Carolina teammates MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards will reunite this summer and take the court together on an international stage.

Fulwiley and Edwards were named on Wednesday to Team USA’s squad for the FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Cup, which will take place next month, June 1-7, in Poland. Joining Fulwiley and Edwards on the team are LSU’s Mikaylah Williams and Oklahoma’s Sahara Williams.

The squad, made up of stars from the SEC, was chosen by Elena Delle Donne, who serves as Team USA’s managing director for 3x3 women’s basketball. The team will be coached by Christina Batastini, who played at Stanford and has been working with Team USA for several years. Wisconsin’s Julia Ford will assist her.

Fulwiley and Edwards played together at South Carolina during the 2024-25 season before Fulwiley transferred to LSU, where she starred alongside Mikaylah Williams this past season. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Fulwiley has twice been named the SEC’s Sixth Player of the Year and has twice been named to an All-Region team in the NCAA Tournament. Playing for Kim Mulkey last season, Fulwiley averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per game — all of which were career-highs for the junior.

Mikaylah Williams has started in 105 of the 106 games she’s played in at LSU and was named to the All-SEC First Team for a second time this past season. Williams averages 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for her career while shooting 39.3% from 3-point land. In 2022, she was the USA Basketball 3x3 Athlete of the Year. Williams also has three FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup gold medals, helping Team USA win three consecutive titles in that competition.

Edwards has quickly blossomed into a star in two seasons at South Carolina, twice helping the Gamecocks appear in the national title game. The 6-foot-3 forward from Camden, South Carolina, was a consensus All-American as a sophomore this past season after averaging 19.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 57.1% from the floor.

Sahara Williams, a versatile forward for the Oklahoma Sooners, averaged 12.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the floor this past season as a junior. She helped Oklahoma make the Sweet 16, where the Sooners fell to Edwards and South Carolina.

All four players have extensive experience in the 3x3 game. Edwards and Fulwiley were members of the 2025 3x3 Nations League Team that went 14-2 en route to winning the Americas Conference title. Sahara Williams played alongside Mikaylah Williams on two of the U18 World Cup teams that won gold.

In Warsaw, Poland, 20 nations will compete in the World Cup. Team USA will tip off on June 2 against Hungary and then play Australia later in the day. All games will be streamed on YouTube.

Out of the previous nine 3x3 World Cups, Team USA has captured three gold medals and one bronze.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards on Team USA roster for FIBA 3x3 World Cup

What happens if Aston Villa win Europa League? Scenarios for Champions League qualification in Premier League

Ollie Watkins Aston Villa

What happens if Aston Villa win Europa League? Scenarios for Champions League qualification in Premier League originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Aston Villa were hoping to earn their first major European trophy since 1982 when they toppled Bayern Munich in the European Cup final in Rotterdam.

Villa defeated fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the semifinals of the 2025/26 Europa League to secure a showdown with Freiburg in Istanbul.

In the new format of the competition, a Europa League title guarantees the victor a spot in next year's Champions League competition, a valuable and lucrative reward for a continental championship.

However, Aston Villa have also been in the running for Champions League qualification through Premier League finish, as they fight for a top-five place in the English domestic league.

As the club cannot claim two places in the Champions League next season, The Sporting News explains what would happen if Aston Villa were to gain a place in the UCL league phase through two different avenues, and who would benefit from such an outcome.

MORE:Tracking European qualification for Premier League teams including all scenarios

What happens if Aston Villa win the Europa League?

First things first, now that Aston Villa have won the Europa League, it guaranteed them qualification them to the Champions League no matter where they finish in the Premier League table.

However, because Villa had confirmed a top-five finish in the English top flight before the final, they had already secured a Champions League spot, especially since league table supersedes qualification via a European title.

However, the trickle-down effect through the rest of the English top flight is vastly different if they also finish top five in the league table versus if they do not.

Here is a run-through of what happens in each scenario.

MORE:Tracking all teams qualified to the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League tournament

If Aston Villa finish fifth in the Premier League

There is one particular scenario which would see sixth place in the Premier League table awarded a Champions League qualifying spot.

In this scenario, the fifth Champions League place awarded to England by UEFA for European performance is not locked into the fifth-place finisher. Instead, it is awarded to the "highest-placed team not already qualified for the competition," it would fall to sixth place in the standings. This is almost always given to the fifth-place qualifier, but if Aston Villa secure a Champions League place by other means, the fifth performance-based Champions League place would fall to the sixth-place finisher.

In this scenario the Premier League will have six participants in next year's Champions League tournament, all qualifying for the league phase directly. The top four qualify directly every year, plus the fifth qualifier given out for performance across the UEFA competitions, .

Additionally, Aston Villa would earn a sixth UCL place, having won the Europa League but failing to qualify directly through league finish.

If Aston Villa finish fourth in the Premier League

The Premier League ramifications for Aston Villa winning the Europa League but also qualifying through a top-four league finish are quite simple.

In this outcome, the Premier League would only have five Champions League participants. If one of these two European winners (Champions League or Europa League) have already qualified via table position in their respective domestic league, the extra slot does not fall to another team in their association. Thus, the Premier League would NOT earn a sixth qualifier for Aston Villa winning a European trophy and also qualifying via table position.

The ramifications throughout the rest of the Champions League are where things get complicated.

Instead of a sixth English qualifier, Aston Villa's place in the league phase falls to the reigning European club with the highest individual club coefficient that has not already qualified directly to the league phase.

Because each of the domestic champions of the top 10 highest-ranked European leagues all qualify directly for the league phase, it means the highest-ranked club qualified via league championship from outside the top 10 European leagues (currently Sporting CP from Portugal) would be upgraded to guaranteed league phase qualification. From there, the upgrades trickle all the way down qualifying until an extra team is added to the early stages of qualification that would otherwise not have been included.

The initial team is selected from outside the top 10 European leagues because all league champions from the top 10-ranked leagues already earn a spot in the league phase directly, while those below are slotted into the earlier qualifying rounds.

A just or harsh punishment? Reaction to Southampton expulsion

A man in a dark jacket and blue jeans stands partially concealed by a tree trunk and holds a phone up in two hands as if filming and has a white earphone in his right ear
The spying incident is alleged to have taken place two days before Middlesbrough's play-off semi-final first leg against Southampton [Other]

Southampton will be playing in the Championship next season after they were expelled from the play-offs following their admission that they spied on three league rivals this season.

They will also start next season on minus four points after the English Football League (EFL) charged them with watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on 7 May.

Southampton beat Middlesbrough over two legs but the latter have been reinstated and will play Hull City for a place in the Premier League at Wembley on Saturday.

The Saints appealed, but it was rejected on Wednesday by an EFL arbitration panel. So does the punishment fit the crime, or have they been harshly done by?

'They've paid the ultimate price'

Southampton's expulsion from the play-off final means they will miss out on a game dubbed the richest in world football, with the winners guaranteed a minimum £110m in Premier League broadcast revenue.

The whole saga came under the spotlight after Middlesbrough reported Southampton for spying on a training session on Thursday, 7 May as they prepared to meet each other in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals two days later.

Saints were then charged by the EFL on 8 May with breaking two regulations.

EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and

EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson praised the EFL for applying a punishment that he feels protects the integrity of the game.

"I kind of quite like it," he said on BBC Radio 5 live.

"It is like when you're a naughty kid. If you admit three or four things, you have clearly done seven or eight, and you have been caught for them all. The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance.

"It is not the first time they have done it. They have offered their hand, and they have paid the ultimate price for it. It is a strong punishment."

Ex-Arsenal defender Matt Upson felt the EFL had to send a strong message with the punishment.

He said: "If you're going to set the standard for behaviour, if it is there and they have got legislation, and they want to apply it, that is what it's there for.

"It just reads that they are bang to rights with this."

Ex-Southampton midfielder Jo Tessem said his former club "did not have a leg to stand on".

"I am speechless," he told BBC Radio Solent. "I am disappointed that the club had to go to these lengths to get the information they did.

"For Southampton Football Club this is a really sad day."

He added: "We have rules and we need to follow them. We have been punished hard for not following very simple rules and maybe football needs to set these rules and punish hard to get people to follow them.

"Clearly when you admit to doing this three times it feels like you don't have much of a leg to stand on."

What do Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull fans think?

Some Southampton fans hoped the actual details of the spying incident involving Middlesbrough might help ensure there was some leniency in their punishment.

The spy, Southampton analyst intern William Salt, is said to have parked at the golf club, then walked a couple of hundred yards down a road which leads to a raised area of ground.

Sources told the BBC that the accused simply stood pointing his mobile at the training session, while wearing in-ear headphones.

Middlesbrough staff believe he may have been live-streaming the session via a video call.

Southampton fan Cameron said he expected expulsion from the play-offs was a strong possibility, but felt the four point deduction for next season in addition was too much.

"I am shocked, to be honest," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"I mean, from everything that was going on, we knew the punishment was going to be harsh.

"After seeing the picture come out of what it was actually like with just an iPhone AirPods, we thought, okay, might not be that bad, but to be expelled from the play-offs and a four-point deduction seems way too harsh."

Fellow Saints fans Chris Jewell added: "I think it's a bit unfair.

"I know we have done wrong but how they can stop it when they have sold all these tickets, people have booked coaches. I am absolutely gutted about this."

Middlesbrough supporters speaking to the BBC outside the club's Riverside Stadium on Tuesday were understandably delighted.

Supporter and podcaster Jimmy Lees said: "It would have been massively unfair to the ethics of game of football.

"If Southampton were able to play in the final on Saturday, what example would that set for everyone else in football? Is it worth cheating to try and get that unfair advantage?

"Thankfully the EFL stood firm, gave their punishment and kicked Southampton out of the final. Now it is Middlesbrough's opportunity to play Hull and hopefully get Premier League promotion."

Fellow fan Chris Saunders added: "I am stunned. Stuff like this doesn't happen to Boro - we are used to our hopes being dashed and bitter disappointment. I was expecting them to get away with it and a big fine."

For Hull there will be some frustration that the team has been preparing to face one opponent but will now be taking on a different one with just three more days to train.

Prior to the decision being announced, Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden said on the Monday Night Club that the club would be prepared for whatever eventuality.

"If anything changes in the next few days then we'll have to adapt to that," he said.

"There's obviously going to be a lot of emotion, a lot of nervous energy, going into such a big occasion and for us it's about the players going out there and not overthinking.

"We've adapted well to teams we're playing against, to injuries and we've found ways to win."

For BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White, there still remains too much uncertainty given Southampton's appeal.

"There will be questions about whether Hull City consider their legal position in all of it, because they have been put in a position where they have had a couple of days notice to prepare for Middlebsrough," he said.

"But I think there's too many good professionals at Hull City. I would be amazed if they hadn't done some sort of work, prep or plan for Middlesbrough being the opponent. Ultimately, in the public eye they have been given three days notice to prepare for Middlesbrough. So would they consider their legal standing?

"The hope is they go into the final, win the final, and justice has been done in that sense. It's mucky, it's horrible and not a nice position for anyone to be in. Southampton made their bed and have to lie in it."

How could it impact Southampton?

As a neutral observer who has grown to love dealing with the club over many years, and loved getting to know the people who work at the club and support it, the stain goes beyond the people who were responsible.

It will sit with the club for many years, and that is something they did not consider when they made their appalling decisions to put the club's reputation at risk.

You also have an owner who has put in £100m this year to support the club with the hope he may get something back at the end of it and now that has been taken away as well, so what will it do for the financial future of Southampton?

What they put at risk was never worth doing it for.

An unprecedented situation - what happens next?

When we first heard that Middlesbrough had lodged a spying complaint against Southampton, few expected the south coast club could be thrown out of the play-offs.

After all, the only time any club had been accused of spying before resulted in a £200,000 fine.

That was when Leeds watched Derby training seven years ago, but at that time there was no specific rule against spying on an opponent before a game.

That led the EFL to introduce regulation 127, which outlawed any attempt to observe an opponent in the 72 hours before they played each other.

It meant that going into this case there was no precedent, no hint at what a potential punishment could really be.

We already knew it was possible that Southampton could be thrown out of the play-offs, but the news that Saints had admitted to three separate charges probably left the disciplinary panel with no other option.

That Southampton failed to win any of the three games – they lost to Oxford and drew with Ipswich and Boro – is largely irrelevant.

It indicates a systemic culture of what many will consider to be cheating.

Who knew what, and when, is now going to be crucial.

The EFL can only take disciplinary action against clubs, it is up the Football Association to punish individuals.

The FA had been waiting for the EFL's process to complete. Once the appeal is heard on Wednesday, we can expect the governing body to move and ask questions of those in control at Southampton, from the hierarchy to the coaching staff.

When Canada were caught spying on New Zealand before a game at the 2024 Olympics women's tournament, three members of staff – including head coach Bev Priestman – were banned from all football for a year by Fifa.

This story is not over.

Floyd Mayweather-Mike Tyson exhibition bout postponed until fall 2026


Floyd Mayweather has a couple of pending fall dates. | Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions


Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson are still expected to square off this year, but the exhibition boxing match will take place later than anticipated.

That’s according to a press release from CSI Sport/Fight Sports, which claims to have secured agreements from both boxers. While lost its venue at the Sphere due to The Eagles taking up residency there on the bout’s original Sept. 19 date. There have also been disputes over the terms of the bout: Mayweather reportedly wants it to be billed as an exhibition, while Pacquiao would prefer that it proceed as a professional fight.

Mayweather, 49, hasn’t fought professionally since defeating former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor via 10th-round TKO in August 2017. However, the former champion has competed in a number of exhibitions, facing the likes of Tenshin Nasukawa, Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura and John Gotti III, to name a few.

The 59-year-old Tyson hasn’t fought professionally since 2005. However, the legendary former world champion returned to battled Roy Jones to a draw in 2020 before falling to Jake Paul via unanimous decision in 2024. Both of those bouts were classified as exhibitions, and the clash with Paul drew massive ratings on Netflix.

NFL Owners Meeting: Netflix Games, 18-Game Season, Nashville Super Bowl, and Bears Stadium Crisis

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is defending the league’s streaming strategy against congressional criticism, and Netflix has quietly gone from a one-day NFL partner to a presence that now spans five months of the season.

International games are increasing, Patriots owner Robert Kraft let slip that he and other owners want an 18th regular-season game, and the 2030 Super Bowl was just awarded to Nashville with $1.26 billion in taxpayer money attached.

The Bears stadium situation in Illinois has reached a breaking point. Front Office Sports reporter Eric Fisher was in Orlando at the owners meetings and has everything you need to know.



The post NFL Owners Meeting: Netflix Games, 18-Game Season, Nashville Super Bowl, and Bears Stadium Crisis appeared first on Front Office Sports.

NFL Insider: Chiefs Could Trade for All-Pro WR Amid Rashee Rice Drama

For whatever reason, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice hasn’t been able to stay out of trouble since joining the NFL.

And the 26-year-old wideout find himself in hot water yet again this offseason, and Rice’s off-the-field issues just may force the Chiefs to explore finding his replacement, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer.

“The NFL no longer suspends players for failing marijuana tests, however, this is a separate issue because it does relate to his probation,” Breer stated. “He obviously has a track record [for violating] the personal conduct policy. This is something that the Chiefs are going to have to deal with.

Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice
Rashee Rice #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball during the first quarter in the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

“… What [do] the Chiefs do at receiver now? Do they go back and maybe look at the idea of trading for A.J. Brown? … They had that opportunity, they were on A.J. Brown’s list. They said no to the Eagles in the first place, but I think if you’re the Chiefs you have to look at all these things going forward because Rashee Rice clearly looks like somebody that you have not been able to rely on.”

Revisiting a trade for Brown may be Kansas City’s best option.

Aside from Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton, the Chiefs don’t have very many reliable pass-catching options on their roster.

Philadelphia Eagles WR AJ Brown
A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on September 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The only WR they drafted was Cincinnati’s Cyrus Allen, and while undrafted free agent Jeff Caldwell has received rave reviews, the team needs some sort of safety net in case Rice’s personal matter implode next season.

Acquiring Brown, a three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler who’s totaled six 1,000-yard seasons in his seven-year NFL career, would legitimize KC’s passing offense and take the pressure off Worthy to account for WR1 production.

Southampton’s EFL appeal rejected with play-off ban for spying scandal upheld

Southampton have failed in their appeal to get their expulsion from the Championship play-offs overturned.

Saints were thrown out of the play-off final by an independent disciplinary commission after they admitted multiple breaches of spying on other teams – including on play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough before the first leg.

They immediately appealed the decision but a league arbitration panel upheld the punishment, which also includes a four-point deduction for next season’s Championship campaign.

Middlesbrough, who were beaten 2-1 by Southampton in the semi-final, were readmitted to the play-offs on Tuesday and will face Hull in Saturday’s final at Wembley.

Southampton have no option to appeal for a second time with the EFL saying: “The decision is final and cannot be appealed”.

Southampton responded to what they called “an extremely disappointing outcome” with a club statement, which called the verdict “disproportionate”.

However, they also said they would react with “humility” and set about trying to regain the trust of their supporters.

They said: “This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this.

Southampton were expelled from the play-offs for spying on their opponents (PA)
Southampton were expelled from the play-offs for spying on their opponents (PA)

“While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. We will share information as soon as possible in relation to ticket refunds for those who bought tickets to Wembley.

“Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.

“While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”

Southampton, who had finished fourth in the regular season, were reported to the EFL by Middlesbrough after an intern, William Salt, was spotted and pictured recording a training session at Boro’s Rockliffe Park complex.

Southampton intern William Salt was spotted and pictured recording a Boro training session (Social media)
Southampton intern William Salt was spotted and pictured recording a Boro training session (Social media)

They were charged by the EFL and subsequently admitted spying on Oxford, before a 2-1 defeat in December, and Ipswich, before a 2-2 draw in April.

In Southampton’s first club statement of Wednesday, chief executive Phil Parsons called it the biggest punishment ever given to an English club and suggested it could cost Southampton in excess of £200m – the value of promotion to the Premier League.

He wrote: "What happened was wrong. We accept that there should be a sanction. What we cannot accept is a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence. Whereas Leeds United was fined £200,000 for a similar offence, Southampton has been denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200m and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters.

Southampton admitted watching a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the play-offs (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)
Southampton admitted watching a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the play-offs (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)

"We believe the financial consequence of yesterday's ruling makes it, by a very considerable distance, the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club. Luton Town's 30-point deduction in 2008/09 - to date the most severe sporting sanction in the English game - was levied against a club already in League Two, with no comparable revenue at stake. Derby County's 21-point deduction in 2021 cost them their Championship status. Everton's eventual six-point deduction in 2023/24 followed losses of £124.5m, a figure dwarfed by what has been taken from Southampton in a single afternoon.”

Middlesbrough, whose manager Kim Hellberg had accused Southampton of cheating, had called for Saints to be kicked out of the play-offs and got their wish on Tuesday, with the decision then upheld a day later.

The EFL will publish the full written reasons for the decision in due course while Southampton wait to see if individuals, including manager Tonda Eckert, will face misconduct charges from the FA.

Analysis - Watershed moment for Aston Villa

John McGinn about to lift Europa League trophy with squad
[Getty Images]

Where now for Aston Villa?

It is a watershed moment for the club after ending a three-decade long wait for a trophy.

Unai Emery has overseen a momentous change for the club who, 10 years ago, were relegated from the Premier League for the first time.

But, with a European title and a second Champions League qualification in three seasons, this is a different club.

Villa will now be able to show signings the evidence that, if they join, they can win trophies. They are a regular top-five challenger and have now got over the line with silverware.

That is something Emery promised he was at Villa to do, and the challenge the former Arsenal and Paris St Germain boss has is to maintain it.

Emery will not just want to do that, though, he will look to improve on it, and Villa must match his ambitions as well.

The 54-year-old has such control at the club, something which he will not get elsewhere, and that approach has proven perfect for Villa and Emery.

They can still achieve success together and it could be just the start.

Read more about Villa's first European trophy in 44 years here

Three farewells before final match of season

Three farewells before final match of season
Three farewells before final match of season

Alajbegovic, Gadou and Schuster depart

Before last Sunday's final home game of the season at the Red Bull Arena, it was time for three farewells: Kerim Alajbegovic, Joane Gadou and Jannik Schuster were given a send-off by our fans. Time to take a look back at our time together!

Kerim Alajbegovic

It was a finale in typical style: a dribble into the centre, a long-range shot and a goal. One last time our Red Bulls got to enjoy Kerim Alajbegovic – and as a parting gift, he scored one of his signature goals.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen had already exercised their buy-back option for the 18-year-old back in March. No wonder, after a season that the Bosnian international capped off with 13 goals and four assists. The Austrian Bundesliga named Kerim as Newcomer of the Season, an accolade he more than deserved.

In his farewell interview, Kerim speaks openly about what his time in Salzburg meant to him. He looks back on his best moments in red and white, talks about what particularly impressed him about our club and the environment here, and makes no secret of the fact that saying goodbye is anything but easy for him:

We wish you all the best for the future, Kerim, and of course for the upcoming World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina!

Joane Gadou

He joined us from Paris Saint-Germain's U19 team in the summer of 2024 and quickly settled in. During his time with us, Joane Gadou impressively demonstrated his potential. He made five appearances in the UEFA Youth League, one match for our partner club FC Liefering, and a total of 58 competitive appearances for our Red Bulls. The 19-year-old centre-back will leave us at the end of the season and take the next step in his career with Borussia Dortmund.

The 1.95 m tall defender was unable to play for us on the final matchday due to a minor foot injury. You can relive his best moments in red and white here:

We wish you all the best in Dortmund, Joane!

Jannik Schuster

Six years in Salzburg, most recently 29 competitive appearances for our Red Bulls, and now the next big step: Jannik Schuster is moving to the Premier League to join Brentford.

Unfortunately, a hip injury prevented him from making his final appearance on the pitch, but we gave our Austrian youth international a proper send-off.

In his farewell interview, Jannik explains, among other things, why the Premier League has long been his dream:

We wish you all the best in England, Jannik!

Karim Onisiwo also leaving

As announced at the weekend, Karim Onisiwo is also leaving FC Red Bull Salzburg. The 34-year-old's contract, which expires this summer, will not be renewed.

In 43 competitive matches, Karim scored four goals, including the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Pachuca CF in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup. He also contributed four assists.

We thank Karim for his commitment and wish him all the best for the future!

Latest PFL Brussels fight card, start time and details

Event: PFL Brussels: “Habirora vs. Henderson”
Date: Sat., May 23, 2026
Location: ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium
Start times: Prelims: 12 p.m. EST | Main card: 3 p.m. EST
How To Watch: ESPN App

PFL Brussels Main Event on ESPN App

170 lbs.: Patrick Habirora vs. Benson Henderson

PFL Brussels Main Card on ESPN App: 3 p.m. EST

135 lbs.: Taylor Lapilus vs Jake Hadley
185 lbs.: Boris Mbarga Atangana vs Jared Gooden
135 lbs.: Marcirley Alves vs Naoki Inoue
145 lbs.: Asael Adjoudj vs Keisuke Sasu

PFL Brussels ‘Prelims’ on ESPN App: 12 p.m. EST

135 lbs.: Baris Adiguzel vs Gustavo Oliveira
205 lbs.: Joe Schilling vs. Donegi Abena
135 lbs.: Movsar Ibragimov vs Youssouf Binate
170 lbs.: Khamzat Abaev vs Luca Poclit
145 lbs.: Adam Meskini vs Keweny Lopes 
170 lbs.: Rustam Serbiev vs Ashley Reece


For all the latest PFL news and notes click here.

Brentford Player of the Year awards: Thiago and Jensen recognised

Brentford Player of the Year awards: Thiago and Jensen recognised
Brentford Player of the Year awards: Thiago and Jensen recognised

Igor Thiago was named both the Supporters' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year at Brentford's 2025/26 end-of-season awards.

The Bees' Goal of the Season award went to Mathias Jensen for his memorable strike against Manchester United at Gtech Community Stadium.

While a number of players could have been recognised for their contributions during the season, the winners of the first team, B team and women's prizes have been revealed.


Supporters' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year

Igor Thiago

Igor Thiago picked up the Supporters' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards.

Ahead of the final game of the season, the striker has bagged 25 goals across all competitions, becoming the club's highest-ever scorer, as well as the highest-scoring Brazilian, in a single Premier League campaign.

In November, he became the first Brentford player to win the Premier League Player of the Month award, before repeating the feat in January.

Only Manchester City forward Erling Haaland is ahead of Thiago, who is also nominated for the EA Sports Player of the Season in the Premier League's end-of-season awards, in the race for the Golden Boot.

The 24-year-old's impressive campaign saw him earn a first cap for Brazil in March in an international friendly against France, and the Bees' no.9 followed that up by netting his first goal for his country against Croatia six days later.

Earlier this week, Thiago was named in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for this summer's World Cup in North America.

On his 2025/26 campaign and winning two awards, he said: "I feel really happy and proud of the season I’m having with my team-mates.

"All of the achievements I’ve had this season are because of the trust and belief the fans and the club give to me.

"My team-mates mean so much to me. Since I joined Brentford, they supported and trusted me, and it’s something I’ve never had before in my life."

Goal of the Season

Mathias Jensen

Mathias Jensen's long-range strike in Brentford's 3-1 victory against Manchester United was named the Goal of the Season.

With the Bees leading 2-1, the Danish midfielder fired a fine swerving strike past Altay Bayındır in the fifth minute of stoppage-time at the end of an electric counter attack, which started with Yehor Yarmoliuk on the edge of his own box.

An early Igor Thiago brace had put the west Londoners in the ascendancy before Benjamin Šeško pulled one back inside an entertaining first half.

Keith Andrews' side then had Caoimhín Kelleher to thank for maintaining the lead as the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper saved a Bruno Fernandes penalty before Jensen's late goal made sure of the three points.

Jensen, whose goal against United at Old Trafford was also on the shortlist said: "To be fair, I didn’t know I was nominated!

"I felt like I just came on very late in the game, so it was a very natural transition of them chasing and not really having any defenders left. It was just trying to get something out of that transition and, luckily, that went well.

"I mainly score against United, not too much against other clubs! It’s unfortunate that the second goal didn’t get us any points.

"It’s not the main focus for me to score goals, but it’s still always nice to score."

Under-21s Player of the Year

Josh Stephenson

Brentford Under-21s captain Josh Stephenson was rewarded for his strong form this season with the U21s Player of the Year award.

The athletic centre-back was a rock at the back for Sam Saunders' side, who won the Professional Development League title for a second consecutive season.

While leading the defence, Stephenson also bagged six goals and five assists across the campaign. His effort to equalise against an AS Monaco side featuring Paul Pogba and Eric Dier was a standout, the Bees going on to win that game 2-1.

Stephenson featured prominently on the training pitch for Keith Andrews' side and was included in numerous matchday squads with the first team across the season.

"I feel a lot of pride and am very grateful for the award. It's been a very good season as a collective and individually as well," said Stephenson.

"Hopefully, I can break into the first team next year and hopefully get some appearances. If that comes with a loan as well, whatever the club think is best for me, I'm happy to do."

Under-21s Players' Player of the Year

Ethan Laidlaw

Ethan Laidlaw put together his best season in Brentford colours across the 2025/26 campaign and was rewarded with the Under-21s Players' Player of the Year.

The Scottish forward started the season well with two goals in the first two games. Despite a small injury setback, he returned to finish the season with 15 goals and 10 assists, including a timely goal in the PDL title-clinching win over Swansea City at the Gtech.

Laidlaw's finest performance came late in the season as he fired home a hat-trick in a 6-1 drubbing of Fleetwood Town.

That performance came during a scintillating end to the season, where the forward contributed 13 goals and four assists in 14 games.

"This award shows that, throughout the season, what I've done has been seen by my team-mates. To get voted by your mates is a nice personal touch," said Laidlaw.

"In my position, [scoring goals] is what I'm here to do... but all of the lads have been fantastic."

Under-18s Player of the Year

Beau Redknapp

First-year scholar Beau Redknapp went from strength to strength this season en route to the Under-18s Player of the Year award.

The attacking midfielder joined Gary McDermott's side alongside 11 other first-year scholars in pre-season and had an immediate impact.

Redknapp finished the campaign with 13 goals and six assists, including an FA Youth Cup stunner in the Bees' tight loss to Chelsea at Wheatsheaf Park.

The midfielder also featured prominently for Saunders' U21s across the second half of the season, scoring a last-minute winner away to Bournemouth and a vital goal against Peterborough United, both strikes helping the west Londoners on their way to the PDL title.

"I feel honoured, it's a great achievement. It's something that I was looking at at the start of the season that I wanted," said Redknapp.

"Playing for the Under-21s is another big achievement and it's something that's really helped me, working with Saunds, Burkey [Chris Burke], it's been really helpful and brought me on not only as a player, but as a person as well."

Brentford Women Player of the Year

Asees Sangha

Asees Sangha won the Brentford Women's Player of the Year in her first season of women's football.

A homegrown talent having come through Brentford’s Emerging Talent Centre, Sangha balanced this season with her GCSE’s, where she achieved an astounding 10 grade nines (A* equivalent).

On the pitch, the midfielder scored 11 goals and added five assists across her 29 appearances, with 25 of those being starts.

Sangha started her season with a bang, scoring in her debut 1-0 win over Aylesford away from home and ended the campaign with a brace in a 3-1 win over Millwall on the final day of the season.

Her best effort came against Barking, however, as her powerful left-footed strike from outside the box won her the London and South East Premier Goal of the Month for January.

"I can't describe it. I saw Kristoffer Ajer sitting next to me and, just to put that into context is crazy; it's crazy to be around that calibre of people," said Sangha.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone who's been around me, my parents, the coaching staff at Brentford and my team-mates - what an incredible season.

"One word I would use to describe the season is togetherness. We've been saying it from day one, Carly's kind of instilled it into us."

Brentford Women Supporters' Player of the Year

Ashley Cheatley

Brentford Women striker Ashley Cheatley was awarded the Supporters' Player of the Year.

Despite changing to no.16 in the off-season, it was the same Cheatley on the pitch, the dynamic striker scoring a team-best 17 goals and picking up an equal team-high seven assists.

Cheatley joined the Bees last season from Ashford Town (Middlesex) and helped steer the side to Tier 5. She also played a pivotal role for Carly Williams' side this campaign, featuring 23 times.

She scored three hat-tricks across the season, her 18-minute hat-trick off the bench in a 10-0 win over Sport London E Benfica last month seeing her be named the LSE Premier Player of the Month.

Cheatley was also nominated for the FIFA Marta Award last November for her bicycle kick in last season's FA Cup. Cheatley joined nominees such as Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Australia), Kishi Nunez (Argentina), Khadija Shaw (Manchester City) and Marta (Orlando Pride), who the award is named after.

"I'm buzzing, I did not expect that at all. To be Supporters' Player of the Year, I'm buzzing with that," said Cheatley.

"I love Brentford. Seeing the fans at Bedfont every game, it's been magic and the support that they give to us, it's unreal, I couldn't be happier with it."

Brentford Women B Player of the Year

Justine Buckmire-Monro

Justine Buckmire-Monro was named Brentford Women B Player of the Year.

Buckmire-Monro played a pivotal role for Tommy Ryan-Maynard's side as they finished eight points clear of Hammersmith Reserves to win the Greater London Division One South title.

The defender was ever-present for the Bees, featuring in 18 games, playing 1,479 minutes, scoring three goals and keeping 10 clean sheets across the campaign.

Tielemans reveals secret behind goal that inspired Villa's Europa glory

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans scored in the Europa League final (Stefano RELLANDINI)

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans revealed his superb opener in the 3-0 Europa League final victory over Freiburg was the result of just one day's practice.

Tielemans blasted Villa into the lead late in the first half at the Besiktas Stadium on Wednesday with a fine finish straight off the training ground.

The Belgian midfielder made a perfectly-timed run to meet Morgan Rogers' cross from a short corner and finished the move with a blistering volley from just inside the Freiburg area.

Unai Emery's side struck again through another eye-catching goal on the stroke of half-time as Emiliano Buendia curled into the far corner from 18 yards.

Rogers' second-half goal wrapped up Villa's first trophy for 30 years and their first in Europe since 1982.

"I feel amazing. My voice is a bit gone but it's all good. We put in a shift, top performance, we had a great season. To top it off with this, it's amazing," Tielemans said.

"We only had one day to practise, we did it on Monday and it went brilliantly tonight. So happy."

Villa's memorable finish to the season also included qualifying for the Champions League last week.

Tielemans admitted their success was a far cry from the dismal start to the campaign, which featured six winless games and only two goals scored.

"It's amazing. It's been a season with a lot of ups and downs. We started so so bad. Our standards were very poor," he said. 

"The way we turned things around was a credit to the players and staff. 

"We kept working, believing. We got the win in the end, Champions League next season and a trophy."

England midfielder Rogers added: "It's hard to put into words, we've worked so hard for this. We've delivered and come through. 

"It's a great moment for the fans, great for the club. We'll go down in history.

"The manager has been banging on at me to get easier goals and get into the box. I'm happy I could get a toe onto it and score."

smg/mw

Pirates' first-round draft pick could come down to these two players

Pirates' first-round draft pick could come down to these two players originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Over the last three years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have found themselves drafting within the top 10 in the first round of the draft, and that won't change this year. They were awarded the fifth overall pick later this summer. 

Last year, they had the sixth overall pick and went with prep arm Seth Hernandez, while they went with Konnor Griffin, another prep player in 2024, and of course, LSU's Paul Skenes in 2023. 

So, it's safe to say that they have had a good track record of picking early in the first round and will look to be doing the same thing when July comes along. 

MORE: Pirates' two glaring MLB trade deadline needs brought to light by ex-GM

Pirates' first-round draft pick could come down to these two players

There will be plenty of talent for the Pirates to choose from when their name is on the clock. It's just about finding someone who can fit into the system and someone whom the organization believes in. 

This is where it gets tricky. There are a few names that have been linked to Pittsburgh throughout the mocks, and it will be on the front office to decide which is the best option. 

According to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, he believes the decision will come down to either prep bat Eric Booth Jr. or UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jacklson Flora, with a strong lean to drafting the latter. 

"Outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is a popular name here and could be the pick if the Pirates decide to swing for the fences on upside, but with their window of contention potentially opening up, they might prefer a safer selection here before rolling the dice at No. 34 overall. Flora is 10-0 with a 1.03 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 115 strikeouts in 87.1 innings this spring."

Flora represents a much safer pick, especially with what he has done this spring. However, that does not mean the team could pivot to selecting Booth Jr., who would give the team an excellent power/speed option in the outfield. 

More MLB news:

Frondell Finally Dresses For Sweden, Makes Most of Limited Role

Frondell Finally Dresses For Sweden, Makes Most of Limited Role

After a long and grueling post-draft year for Anton Frondell, which included playing a full pro season in the Swedish Hockey League with Djurgarden, winning a Gold Medal with Sweden at the U20 World Junior Championship, and making his first 12 NHL appearances with the Chicago Blackhawks, he courageously decided there was still more hockey to be played.

Frondell was announced as part of Sweden’s roster for the Fortuna Hockey Games, held from Apr. 30 to May 3 as part of the 2025-26 Euro Hockey Tour, which served almost like a warm-up tournament for the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Among the 25 players named to the Swede’s World Championship squad on May 11, Frondell was one of 13 who also participated in the Fortuna Hockey Games.

Här är VM-truppen 2026!
Förbundskapten Sam Hallam har presenterat 25 namn i en preliminär trupp.
Läs mer på https://t.co/06h9hJNVZjpic.twitter.com/4Ir83uanEG

— Tre Kronor (@Trekronorse) May 11, 2026

While Sweden claimed the Championship at the Fortuna Hockey Games with a 3-0 record, defeating Switzerland 8-1, the Czech Republic 4-2, and Finland 3-2, Frondell had an underwhelming showing individually. After tallying a goal in the opener against the Swiss, the 2025 No. 3 overall pick failed to find the stat sheet in the final two games. It’s worth mentioning that Frondell’s teammate and 2026 top draft prospect, Ivar Stenberg, was the tournament’s leading scorer, recording five points (2G, 3A) in three appearances.

Even though it occurred in a small sample size, Frondell’s disappointing three-game stretch seemingly impacted his usage early on at the World Championship in Switzerland. When Sweden’s opening-game lineup against Canada was announced last Friday, Frondell was curiously one of two forwards who did not dress.

Without much explanation, the newly-turned 19-year-old also didn’t suit up for either of Sweden’s next two contests against Denmark (5/17) and Czechia (5/18), while forwards like Jacob de La Rose and Rasmus Asplund remained in the lineup. The decision to continue scratching Frondell left everyone perplexed, especially when considering the country’s disappointing 1-2 start to the tournament.

Finally, ahead of Sweden’s fourth game at the World Championship against Slovenia on Friday, Frondell was registered by head coach Sam Hallam to make his debut. However, the excitement from Blackhawks and Swedish fans alike didn’t last very long, as Frondell was later listed in the lineup as the team’s 13th forward.

Lines for Sweden vs. Slovenia. #MensWorldspic.twitter.com/ey3NqakwOq

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 20, 2026

For whatever reason, Hallam has elected to give younger players like Stenberg and Viggo Bjork, another projected first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, tremendous opportunities on the top line, but refuses to do anything close to the same for Frondell. The situation has to be remarkably frustrating for him, given that he chose to extend his already hectic post-draft season for this opportunity.

No matter, Frondell valiantly pounced on his first chance to draw into the lineup versus Slovenia and maximized his 8:53 of ice time, the third-lowest among all Swedish forwards in the game. He recorded two assists, with one being a primary helper, and added three shots with a plus-two rating in only 12 shifts.

With Sweden already ahead 3-0 in the second period, Frondell shielded off a defender while carrying the puck behind Slovenia’s net. Not only did he maintain possession while drawing a penalty, but he also picked up a secondary assist by working the puck back to the blue line.

Anton Frondell records the secondary assist to help Sweden grab a 4-0 lead! #Blackhawks#PlayTheBoypic.twitter.com/4NQTXD6vlJ

— Talkin’ Hawkey (@TalkinHawkey) May 20, 2026

Frondell’s second assist occurred on Sweden’s final goal of the game, as he swiftly moved the puck from the goal line to defenseman Mattias Ekholm at the right circle late in the second period. Nothing too fancy, but he properly recognized his teammate was wide open in a dangerous area of the ice.

#Blackhawks forward Anton Frondell with his 2nd assist of the game, this one being a primary helper.

It wasn’t a tough decision, Sam Hallam. pic.twitter.com/vQROnh984f

— Talkin’ Hawkey (@TalkinHawkey) May 20, 2026

Following their 6-0 victory against Slovenia, the Swedes have three games remaining in the preliminary round, with matchups against Italy (5/22), Norway (5/23), and Slovakia (5/26) left on the schedule. By making the most of his limited ice time, Frondell certainly proved why he should have been in the lineup in the first place — not to mention that he’s worthy of a larger role moving forward in the tournament.

Whether Hallam sees it the same way is an entirely separate discussion, but Frondell’s performance on Friday will hopefully help get him more opportunities over the final three preliminary games.

For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now and like our Facebook Page.

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@chihockeynow, @JackBushman2

The post Frondell Finally Dresses For Sweden, Makes Most of Limited Role appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now.

Why the judge over Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby lawsuit recused himself

Why the judge over Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby lawsuit recused himself originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The judge presiding over Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby vs. the NCAA recused himself Wednesday, according to On3.

Judge Phillip Hays was initially assigned to the case, but has since backed out. A social media post showed Hayes from a Texas Tech booster event posing with the Red Raiders mascot.

Sorsby has filed suit against the NCAA for an expedited decision on admitted gambling activities. He has been placed on indefinite leave from Texas Tech while the NCAA sorts out his punishment. "Texas Tech is expected to rule Sorsby ineligible and file for reinstatement with the NCAA for the 2026 season," according to On3.

Here’s Judge Phillip Hays. He will decide if Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby gets to play this fall. pic.twitter.com/qtZqkvURc5

— Ryan Autullo (@RyanAutullo) May 18, 2026

Sorsby wants an injunction by the court to allow him to play the 2026 season. The NCAA opened an investigation into Sorsby’s gambling addiction. From 2022 until this year, Sorsby reportedly placed thousands of bets on several sports and events, including bets on Indiana football games while on the roster.

NCAA guidelines are clear on gambling and haven't changed since 2023.  

“Student-athletes who engage in activities to influence the outcomes of their own games or knowingly provide information to individuals involved in sports betting activities will potentially face permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports. This would also apply to student-athletes who wager on their own games or on other sports at their own schools.”

More College Football news:

Mariners reinstate key bullpen arm from 15-day injured list

Mariners reinstate key bullpen arm from 15-day injured list originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners have been struggling as of late, posting a 4-6 record through their last ten games heading into Wednesday afternoon’s match against the Chicago White Sox. There are a few reasons for their struggles, with a heavy injury list being one of them, as the likes of Cal Raleigh, Brendan Donovan, and Victor Robles, among others, are all out for various reasons.

Mariners welcome back Matt Brash

Roster Moves:

🔹 Matt Brash, RHP, reinstated from 15-day Injured List (right lat inflammation).
🔹 Robinson Ortiz, LHP, optioned to Triple-A Tacoma (post-game May 19).

🔗 https://t.co/N8s8d3gZzqpic.twitter.com/1ZXgNqEuz5

— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) May 20, 2026

However, it appears that the Mariners are set to regain a key piece of their bullpen back, as the team announced that they had reinstated reliever Matt Brash into the roster, after he had spent some time out due to right lat inflammation.

Brash had been on Seattle’s injury report since early May due to the inflammation and would later be sent down to spend time with the organization’s Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers, to get some rehab reps in before any further decision was made.

During two games with Tacoma this season, Brash would strike out four batters in 1.2 innings of work.

These numbers are consistent with what the 28-year-old was doing with Seattle prior to his injury, not allowing a single run across 11.1 innings of work in 14 games, striking out eight batters, and allowing two walks. It’s safe to say that Brash has been a key part of the Mariners’ bullpen this season.

In the same breath as their announcement on Brash’s reinstatement, the Mariners stated that they were optioning Robinson Ortiz back to the Rainiers, after he was brought up earlier in the week.

More MLB news:

AJ Hinch debunks media report on Tarik Skubal's timeline: 'Ridiculous'

Detroit — Tigers manager AJ Hinch on Wednesday bluntly debunked a media report that suggested lefty Tarik Skubal could be pitching in competition in two weeks without the need of a minor-league rehab assignment.

Will Carroll, who covered sports injuries for Baseball Prospectus for eight years, wrote in his Substack column, that there are people in Skubal’s camp who believe, based on how well his two off-the-mound throwing sessions have gone, that he could return to competition without a prolonged arm build-up process.

More: Tigers' Justin Verlander hits 96 mph in 4-inning sim game

“That’s untrue,” Hinch said, curtly.

Then, for emphasis, he added, “That’s ridiculous.”

Hinch reiterated what he’s said all along, that Skubal certainly will need to do a minor-league rehab assignment.

Skubal on Sunday threw a full bullpen for the first time since having a NanoScope arthroscopic procedure on his left elbow May 3. That started his normal, five-day throwing routine.

Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Tigers' AJ Hinch debunks media report on Tarik Skubal timeline

Professional Soccer Player Goes Viral for On-Field Wardrobe Malfunction That Leaves His Butt Cheeks Exposed

Arsenal's Piero Hincapié suffers from major wardrobe malfunction at Emirates StadiumCredit: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty; Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty
Arsenal's Piero Hincapié suffers from major wardrobe malfunction at Emirates Stadium
Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty; Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Soccer player Piero Hincapié is going viral for a recent wardrobe malfunction on the field
  • As he and Arsenal played against Burnley in London on May 18, he suffered an NSFW mishap
  • Hincapié's accident was also joked about by his teammate Declan Rice

You can say this soccer player was stuck in a cheeky situation.

Ecuadorian professional athlete Piero Hincapié, who plays for the U.K.'s Arsenal F.C. and is 24 years old, encountered an NSFW wardrobe malfunction during the team's match against Burnley at London's Emirates Stadium on May 18.

During the game, Hincapié clashed with competing player Axel Tuanzebe. The blunder ended with Hincapié falling to the ground with Tuanzebe following suit, which is how the former's shorts ended up getting pulled nearly all the way down and exposing his bare butt cheeks.

Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe tumbles over Arsenal's Piero Hincapié, resulting in NSFW fashion mishapCredit: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty
Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe tumbles over Arsenal's Piero Hincapié, resulting in NSFW fashion mishap
Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty

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Hincapié has gone viral for putting the "arse" in the league's name, but he has not mentioned the blunder. In fact, one day ago, he posted on Instagram with shots from the game but failed to mention the mishap — so much so that his teammate Declan Rice commented, "Where is the other pic….. 👀🤣."

Soccer isn't the only sport in the playing field when it comes to internet-worthy fashion gaffes.

In April, pro wrestler Jacy Jayne suffered an accident during a triple-threat match between Kendal Grey and Lola Vice. While the video broadcast glitched every few seconds before cutting back to a blank screen, fans at home got a glimpse of Jayne's top as it appeared to slide down, exposing her chest mid-ankle lock.

It's not just athletes who are finding themselves in sticky situations, either.

That same month, an MLB fan accidentally gave viewers a show during an attempt to catch a foul ball at the Tampa Bay Rays game against the Chicago Cubs at Tropicana Field on April 7.

In addition to being shown on the broadcast, the moment, which saw the fan's pants completely fall down and bare their bum, was seemingly blasted on the JumboTron inside the stadium based on the crowd's unanimous gasp in reaction to the full moon display from the fan.

Read the original article on People

Aaron Rodgers Announces He Plans to Retire From the NFL After 2026 Season

ARCHIE CARPENTER/UPI/Newscom/The Mega Agency

Aaron Rodgers is preparing to walk away from professional football for good.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, 42, announced on Wednesday, May 20, that the upcoming NFL season will officially be his last after more than two decades in the league.

“Yes, this is it,” Rodgers said, per People, during a press conference at the Steelers’ practice facility when asked whether the 2026 season would be his final one.

The four-time NFL MVP recently signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh reportedly worth up to $25 million, according to ESPN.

Rodgers revealed that he nearly decided against returning to the NFL before having a few key conversations with Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, general manager Omar Khanand his wife — whose identity has not been shared publicly — ultimately changed his mind.

ARCHIE CARPENTER/UPI/Newscom/The Mega Agency

“After the draft [I] came to the conclusion that I wanted to play,” he explained.

The veteran quarterback previously spent 17 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before a rocky stint with the New York Jets.

Rodgers also admitted reuniting with McCarthy — who coached him for more than a decade in Green Bay — helped convince him to come back for one final run.

Forebodingly, the football star has hinted for months that retirement was near, telling Pat McAfee during a June 2025 chat on his podcast, per ESPN, that he wanted to finish his career with “love and fun and peace.”

Read More From Star

This story Aaron Rodgers Announces He Plans to Retire From the NFL After 2026 Season first appeared on Star. Add Star as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Joe Burrow says this is most talented Bengals roster he’s ever had and they’ll “win the Super Bowl”

Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals front office has officially gone ‘all in’ this offseason as the team is now in a win-now mode entering the 2026 season.

The Bengals signed multiple top free agents like Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, and Kyle Dugger, to name a few, but they also traded for superstar Dexter Lawrence.

These were all efforts to turn the ship around as quickly as possible after the team missed the postseason for the third straight season.

An unhappy Joe Burrow making concerning comments to close the regular season seemed to be enough to help push the front office to get a better roster built… ASAP.

Burrow was in front of the media on Wednesday for the first time since the season ended, and he shared his thoughts on the offseason with everyone.

“We’ve got everything we need in that locker room. We just have to go make it happen. We’re gonna win a lot of games this year and play great and win the Super Bowl,” Burrow stated.

Burrow was asked about his thoughts on the offseason as a whole, and he made it clear the front office has done its job.

“The front office has taken a lot of heat from the fans, the public, and the media. We can put all of that behind us,” Burrow said. “They went and made it happen with free agency. And then obviously with Dexter (Lawrence, making a trade like that, that doesn’t happen a ton in the NFL, so it’s exciting to see.”

It is no secret that the Bengals have to get back to the postseason in 2026, and Burrow made it clear that the energy is ready to roll in the building.

“We’ve got guys that work really hard to put themselves in position to perform well, perform to our standard,” Burrow said. “We haven’t necessarily done that for a couple of years, so we brought some guys in who have been there and done that and have their own standard of play and are going to live up to that. Now we just have to come together as a unit and do it as a collective.”

After this offseason, it is hard not to be incredibly excited for the season, and hearing Burrow’s thoughts is the cherry on top.

Capsey and Bell impress as England win T20 opener

First T20, Derby

New Zealand 136-7 (20 overs): Devine 45 (22); Bell 2-23

England 140-3 (17.2 overs): Capsey 74* (51); Illing 2-19

England won by seven wickets

Scorecard

Alice Capsey's unbeaten 74 from 51 balls led England to a comfortable seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20 at Derby.

Promoted to open in the absence of Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Capsey struck three sixes in her brilliant knock as the hosts reached their target of 137 with 16 balls to spare.

Capsey added 64 from 35 balls for the third wicket with all-rounder Freya Kemp, who finished unbeaten on 31, to complete a comfortable chase which kicks off their T20 World Cup preparations.

Earlier, New Zealand - who will be defending their T20 title when the tournament begins in June - trudged to 136-7 after losing Georgia Plimmer to the first ball of the game, bowled by Lauren Bell.

Sophie Devine bludgeoned 45 from 22 balls including three sixes from Sophie Ecclestone's opening over, but had little support from the rest of the White Ferns' line-up.

New Zealand only managed six boundaries after Devine was bowled by Dani Gibson at the end of the ninth over, though they curiously left veteran Suzie Bates unused at number nine.

Bell finished with an impressive 2-23 while Linsey Smith bowled a remarkable spell of 1-10, but her fellow left-arm spinner Ecclestone was targeted as she conceded 34 from three wicketless overs.

The preceding one-day international series was drawn 1-1, and three-match T20 series continues on Saturday at Canterbury.

England make early World Cup statement

Earlier this week, England's World Cup preparations were dealt a blow with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's calf injury ruling her out of this series and the following three matches against India.

They have been guilty of relying too much on Sciver-Brunt's batting brilliance in recent years, which will add an element of added pleasure for Charlotte Edwards as she watched two 21-year-olds put together a mature, match-winning stand.

Capsey, who usually bats at number three, was opening for the first time for England in this format but stepped up seamlessly as Wyatt-Hodge awaits the birth of her child.

She played to her strengths by dismantling New Zealand's pace attack flawlessly, including back-to-back sixes off Jess Kerr in the 15th over, while calmly negotiating the spinners with singles.

Though it remains unclear who will make way in the side when Sciver-Brunt and Wyatt-Hodge return, World Cup winner Alex Hartley says England must find a way to keep Capsey in.

"I think she is in England's best XI, the way she's adapted her game," Hartley said on BBC Test Match Special.

"When she came onto the scene as a 16-year-old she set the world alight, we all knew the talent that she had then. She had a little bit of a dip in form, she was on TV more and players started to to work her out.

"But she's adapted her game, she was brilliant in the 50-over World Cup and she got England out of a lot of trouble a number of times."

Capsey believes her game has improved since she had the opportunity to spend time working on her skills, away from the pressures of playing.

"That three-month block at the beginning of the year was amazing, just to get some proper skills development, which I've probably not had for the last couple of years," said Capsey.

"I've worked on quite a few different areas of my game, I feel really comfortable at the crease, really calm - I think it showed today, I think I was two off eight, and just that composure to know I can catch up and really believe that as well."

After fellow opener Sophia Dunkley skied a catch for eight and Maia Bouchier was cleaned up by Bree Illing, Capsey added 43 with former captain Knight before Kemp injected some late energy into the chase with her 20-ball knock as the threat of rain loomed.

With the ball, the roles of England's attack is clear. Bell continues to shine in her leadership role while Smith dominated the powerplay, claiming the key scalp of skipper Melie Kerr, who was caught at mid-off which may have contributed to the rest of the batters' timid approach to the spinner.

However, Ecclestone was also targeted by New Zealand in the third ODI at Cardiff which could be a trend used by opposition sides at the World Cup.

Devine was immediately on the attack with those three massive leg-side blows, but the return of Gibson and Kemp to bowling after their respective back injuries ticks off another key part of Edwards' puzzle.

Wednesday Bantering: Berrios Had Tommy John Surgery

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 24: Toronto Blue Jays Starting Pitcher José Berríos (17) throws a pitch during the MLB regular season game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays on September 24, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The big news, this afternoon, is that Jose Berrios had full Tommy John surgery, so he’ll be out for a year at very least. The good news keeps coming. The told us yesterday that they were going to ‘remove loose bodies’ in his elbow and see what else needs fixing. I’m sure when Berrios woke up and was told they decided to do Tommy John surgery, since he was already on the operating table, it was a bit of a shock (I’m joking, I’m sure they wouldn’t do that without discussing it with him).

I don’t know why the team has been gaslighting us. They must have known he was getting TJ, so why not say it. Why pretend it was something minor when it wasn’t. Would telling us yesterday have been worse than telling us today. Are we going with ‘It’s not a lie if we know the truth’, as Donald Rumsfeld would have told us. Or something like that. Ask Matt.

This has been such a fun season.


I missed something yesterday. It happened in the hour and a half that I spent in a Rogers shop, trying to get a new phone. Something that you would think would take 10 minutes. Maybe 15? It wasn’t that I didn’t know what I wanted. I said “that one” within minutes of entering the store. An hour and a half later, and roughly 100 of my signatures, I walked out with ‘that one’.

I don’t know why it has to be so complicated.

Anyway, Joe Mantiply was put on the IL with left knee inflammation. He’s been excellent this seasons, with a 2.04 ERA in 17 appearances.

Chase Lee, who pitched yesterday, came up from Buffalo. He had a 1.83 ERA there. The AI summery of the deal, on Twitter, tells me that Lee’s fastball ‘touches 100 mph’. It doesn’t. It touches 90, maybe 91. He also has a sweeper and a changeup. He is a side arm pitcher


There maybe be other stuff going on, Rafael Lantigua, a right-handed hitting infielder, is in New York. Officially on the taxi squad but I can’t see any reason he would be there if he wasn’t going to be on the roster soon. He’s not hitting much in Buffalo, just .211/.312/.349 with 3 home runs, 16 walks and 30 strikeout in 35 games. He’s never played in the majors before.

Davis Schneider (53 OPS+) and Lenyn Sosa (40 OPS+) are hitting roughly what you or I would hit, but maybe the team has tired of one or the other.


Today’s lineup. I’m kind of grumpy about Springer at the top of the order, but then I don’t know who I’d put there. I guess Lips.

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSYANKEES
George Springer – DHBen Rice – DH
Vladimir Guerrero – 1BAaron Judge – RF
Daulton Varsho – CFCody Bellinger – LF
Kazuma Okamoto – 3BJazz Chisholm – 2B
Yohendrick Pinango – LFPaul Goldschmidt – 1B
Ernie Clement – 2BTrent Grisham – CF
Jesus Sanchez – RFRyan McMahon – 3B
Brandon Valenzuela – CAnthony Volpe – SS
Andres Gimenez – SSAustin Wells – C
Trey Yesavage – RHPCam Schlittler – RHP

Purdue Football: Full 2026 Roster

Oct 18, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Barry Odom takes the field with his team in a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Someone requested this a little while ago, and I thought it was a good idea.

At the end of May, we’ll start our player countdown to kickoff. It’ll be more in-depth this year to help everyone get a better grasp on the roster heading into the fall. As we work our way from 99 to 0, the countdown articles will be linked to the players’ names in this roster. In theory, by the time the season kicks off, you won’t have to yell “get him on the ground #18” and instead will be able to scream “get him on the ground, Elo!” right before Georgia transfer (by way of Army) defensive end Elo Modozie plants the Indiana State quarterback and gets people talking about the “den of defensive ends” again.

Ok, I might be coming on a little strong; my afternoon coffee is starting to kick in. I’m going to go ahead and post the roster before I say something that will be held against me at a later date, like, “6 win Purdue!?!” or other such foolishness (or is it?).

*Note: All rankings from the On3 Sports Industry Average. The “NN” players at the end of the list are arriving this summer and haven’t been assigned a number yet. I’ll update the roster once they update the numbers.

NumberNamePositionHome StateHS/TransferHS / Previous SchoolEligibility RemaingSeasons at PurdueHS RatingTransfer Rating
99Josiah HopeDLKYHSNorth Hardin HSFreshman – 503*(89)
98Drake CarlsonDLTNHSFather Ryan HSRS Junior – 233*(87.5)
97Wisdom SimmsDLNCTransferWestern Carolina/NC CenteralRS Senior – 10NR3*(85.5)
96Jordan CreeDLINTransferWabashSenior – 11NRNR
95Sam DubwigPARTransferArkansasRS Sophomore – 31NR3*(80)
94Luke ShorterTEILHSYork HSRS Freshman – 41NR
94Rodney LoraDLNJTransferUCFRS Junior – 203*(86.9)3*(86.5)
93Sam GoellnerDEMo.HSLaude Horton Watkins HSRS Freshman – 41NR
92Curt NealDLNCTransferIllinois / WisconsinRS Senior – 103*(88.5)3*(87.9)
91Aiden SoleckiDEILHSDowners Grove North HSFreshman – 503*(85.2)
90Elijah St. JohnDLOntario (Ca)TransferLIURS Junior – 20NR3*(85)
89Luke KlareST/LSINHSSt. Xavier HS (OH)RS Sophomore – 32NR
85Luca PuccinelliTEVATransferWake ForestRS Sophomore – 313*(85)3*(84.2)
84Nolan BuckmanWRINHSBrebeuf Jesuit HSRS Junior – 23NR
83Andrew AdkisonWRCAHSSt. Francis HSRS Junior – 23NR
82Roman MercadoWRCAHSLas Lomas HSRS Freshman – 41NR
81George BurhennTEINHSMt. Vernon HSRS Junior – 233*(86.2)
80Brandon KinseyWRFLHSMiami Central HSFreshman – 503*(84.1)
79Joey TanonaOLINTransferNotre DameRS Senior – 124*(93.4)3*(88.9)
78Sankeerth VeluriOLINHSCarmel HSRS Freshman – 413*(79.7)
77Jatavious ShiversOLGATransferSouth CarolinaRS Junior – 203*(86.4)3*(86)
76Ethan TrentOLINHSCarmel HSRS Junior – 23NR
75Rico SchriberOLILHSMarist HSFreshman – 503*(84.7)
73Makai SainaOLTXTransferUSCRS Sophomore – 304*(89.5)3*(86.5)
72Jude McCoskeyOLINTransferIndiana StateSenior – 11NRNR
71Terrell Berryhill Jr.OLMOHSEast St. Louis HSFreshman – 503*(85.8)
70Max ParrottOLCOHSCherry Creek HSRS Sophomore – 323*(84.3)
68Nuku MafiOLUTTransferOklahoma StateRS Sophomore – 303*(85.7)3*(86)
65Bock BrownfieldOLINHSNew Palestine HSFreshman – 503*(86.8)
59Micah BanuelosOLWATransferUSCRS Junior – 203*(89.1)3*(85)
58Breeon IshmailDEOHTransferMichiganRS Junior – 213*(84.7)3*(83.8)
58James Williams Jr.OLINHSLawrence Central HSFreshman – 503*(86.4)
57Tom EwingOLINHSWestfield HSRS Junior – 23NR
56Marques EasleyOLILTransferGeorgiaRS Sophomore – 314*(91)3*(87.4)
55Marc Nave Jr.OLOHTransferKentuckyRS Sophomore – 313*(87.7)3*(86)
54Hayden TimosciekOLILTransferBowling GreenRS Junior – 21NRNR
52Rocco DalyOLUTHSPark City HSRS Freshman – 41NR
51Mason VicariOLCATransferUNLVRS Junior – 213*(80.6)3*(82.7)
51Jaxon OttLBINHSMississinewa HSRS Freshman – 41NR
50Boaz StanleyOLGATransferTroy/South CarolinaRS Senior – 10NR3*(88.3)
48Donivan TaylorDBMOHSRock Bridge HSRS Freshman – 41NR
47Tre MooreLBAZTransferNorthern Arizona / San DiegoRS Senior – 10NRNR
46Luke RaabLS/STTNTransferGeorgiaRS Sophomore – 31NRNR
46Seth TurnerK/STPATransferUConnRS Junior – 21NRNR
45Katrell WebbDEGAHSCollins Hill HSFreshman – 503*(87.3)
44Kobe CherryDLINHSCenter GroveFreshman – 503*(85.2)
43Jackson BerrymanTETXHSSouthlake CarrollRS Freshman – 41NR
42Brayden SweeneyLBMIHSCatholic CentralFreshman – 503*(83.9)
42Dylan DrennanPTXTransferBuffaloRS Sophomore – 30NRNR
41Jon GrimmettTEOKHSPauls Valley HSRS Freshman – 413*(84.2)
40Ian JeffriesDLMSTransferArkansas St.RS Junior – 213*(82.5)3*(86)
39Isaiah NeedamDBINHSPerry Meridian HSRS Sophomore – 32NR
38Zyntreacs OteyDBTNHSBattle Ground HSRS Freshman – 413*(87.1)
36Kaleb RichmondDBMIHSCass Tech HSRS Sophomore – 31NR
35DJ GreeneDBINHSHeritage Christian HSRS Freshman – 41NR
33Quinn RosenkranzWRCAHSServite HSRS Freshman – 41NR
33Jeremy LewisDEMOTransferIowa Western (JuCo)Junior – 20NR3*(88.8)
32D’Mon MarableDBTNHSClinton HSJunior – 223*(87.4)
31Finn GoodmanDEILHSLake Forest HSRS Freshman – 41NR
31Carter HolsworthRBINTransferMarshallRS Sophomore – 31NRNR
30Parker MeeseLBTXHSFayetteville HS (AR)RS Freshman – 413*(80.7)NR
29Dee NewsomeDBALTransferJacksonville St. / SamfordRS Junior – 20NRNR
28Dana GreenhowDBGAHSSandy Creek HSFreshman – 503*(85.4)
27Owen DavisLBOHHSNorth Union HSRS Junior – 233*(83.3)
26Jack WeeterK/STINHSBrebeuf Jesuit HSRS Sophomore – 31NR
26Dax NolesDBOKTransferOklahoma / Iowa Western (JuCo)RS Sophomore – 303*(87.3)3*(81)
25Hudson MillerLBINHS/TransferPurdue / ToledoRS Senior – 13NR3*(85)
24Izaiah WrightRBMIHSOscar Carlson HSFreshman – 503*(87.4)
23Trey SmithDEFLTransferIllinoisRS Junior – 223*(85.3)NR
22Antonio HarrisRBINHSCastle HSJunior – 22NR
22Maxwell BarbeeDBCAHSWilson HSRS Freshman – 413*(85.2)
21Justin Denson Jr.DBRITransferMichigan StateRS Sophomore – 303*(86.9)3*(85.5)
20Winston BerglundLBINHSCarmel HSRS Junior – 233*(85)
20Travis Terrell Jr.RBGATransferJackson StateJunior – 20NR3*(86)
19Landon BrooksDEINHSDelta HSRS Freshman – 413*(85.1)
19Asaad WaseemWRFLTransferColorado / FAURS Junior – 203*(84.3)3*(86.5)
18Bennett MeredithQBALTransferArizona St.RS Senior – 133*(83.3)NR
18Elo ModozieDEFLTransferArmy / UGARS Senior – 10NR3*(90.5)
17Traveon WrightDBGATransferMemphis / Mississippi St.RS Junior – 213*(83.1)3*(83)
16Kylan FoxTEGATransferUCFJunior – 204*(89.8)3*(86)
16Anthony SpecaLBPATransferPenn StateJunior – 203*(88.7)3*(85.5)
15Vi’Naz CobbDBMOHSCardinal Ritter HSSophomore – 213*(81.9)
14Corin BerryQBCAHSCharter Oak HSFreshman – 503*(86.4)
14Emoni SmithDBOHHSWestland HSFreshman – 503*(85.8)
13John SlaughterDBMSTransferTennessee / ColoradoSenior – 103*(87.8)3*(85.5)
12Ryan TurnerDBFLTransferOhio St. / Boston RS Senior – 113*(88.5)3*(86.9)
12Corey SmtihWRINTransferTulsaJunior – 223*(86.6)3*(86)
11Tra’Mar HarrisWROHHSWinton Woods HSRS Sophomore – 323*(87.7)
11Keyshawn BurgosDEVATransferVirginia TechRS Senior – 103*(86.6)3*(85.5)
10Jesse WatsonWRMOHSEast St. Louis HSRS Sophomore – 323*(85.2)
10Ta’Vari HamptonDBFLTransferNE Oklahoma A&M JuCoSophomore – 303*(86.4)
9TJ LindseyDLARTransferAuburnRS Sophomore – 314*(89.5)3*(86)
9Jalil HallWRPAHSMonsignor Bonner HSRS Freshman – 414*(89.9)
8De’Nylon MorrissetteWRGATransferGeorgiaRS Senior – 134*(91.7)3*(87.1)
7Garyt OdomQBARHSFayetteville HS RS Freshman – 413*(82.1)
7Don SaundersDBCATransferCal Poly / Texas A&M / UtahRS Senior – 10NR3*(86)
6Mister ClarkDBFLTransferFIURS Junior – 223*(82.8)3*(86)
5Chauncey MagwoodWRGATransferKentucky / UCFRS Senior – 113*(85.8)3*(83.8)
5Charles CorreaLBHITransferUNLVJunior – 213*(83.1)NR
4Hudauri HinesDBINHSFranklin Central HSJunior – 223*(86.7)
4Jerrick GibsonRBFLTransferTexasRS Sophomore – 304*(93.8)3*(88.6)
3Jett GoldsberryDBINHSHeritage Hills HSFreshman – 503*(87.7)
3Xavier TownsendWRFLTransferUCF / Iowa StateRS Senior – 103*(87.5)3*(86.5)
2Fame IjeboiRBPATransferMinnesotaSophomore – 303*(86.8)3*(87.5)
1Evans ChubaQBQuebec (CA)TransferWashington St.RS Sophomore – 313*(85.3)3*(84.8)
1Leontre “Smiley” BradfordDBMOHSEast St. Louis HSJunior – 223*(87.3)
0Jojo HaydenLBILTransferIllinoisRS Junior – 203*(85.6)3*(87)
0Jaylan HornsbyWRNJTransferSyracuseRS Sophomore – 303*(88.4)3*(85.5)
Bisi OwensWRMDTransferPennRS Senior – 10NR3*(86.5)
Ricky SampsonWRNVTransferVictor Valley College (JuCo)Junior – 203*(85.3)
Maximillian CarmicleDEILHS Hillcrest HSFreshman – 503*(86.8)
Jojo JohnsonWRVAHSBenedictine College Prep HSFreshman – 503*(84.8)
Cooper McCutchanTEOHHSArchbiship Moeller HSFreshman – 503*(86.1)
Ar’Mari TownsTEALHSSouthside HSFreshman – 503*(87.1)
Jacobo LozanaKPAHSUpper Saint Clair HSFreshman – 503*(81.2)

São Paulo are first into the Brasileirão Feminino U20 final

São Paulo are first into the Brasileirão Feminino U20 final
São Paulo are first into the Brasileirão Feminino U20 final

On the afternoon of this Wednesday (20), São Paulo defeated Ferroviária 4-2 and became the first finalist of the Brazilian Women’s Under-20 Championship. In the match played at Arena Fonte Luminosa, in Araraquara, São Paulo state, J. Vaini (2), Tays, and Vi Barretto scored for Tricolor, while Nogueira and Gabi Pusch pulled two back for Ferrinha.

In the first leg, Ferroviária had secured a 2-1 win at Gabriel Marques Silva, in Santana de Parnaíba, São Paulo state, but the result was not enough to take the tie to penalties, as the aggregate score confirmed São Paulo’s 5-4 victory.

The second finalist will also be decided this Wednesday (20). At 6 p.m., at Francisco Novelletto, in Porto Alegre, Internacional and Flamengo will determine which team will be the other side still in the hunt for the title.

In the first leg, two weeks ago, Rubro-Negro earned a commanding result in the match played in Rio: a 4-1 win that gives the team a good advantage heading into the second match.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Why a Knicks legend issued an apology to Jalen Brunson and every New York fan after Game 1

Jalen Brunson IMAGN 05202026

Why a Knicks legend issued an apology to Jalen Brunson and every New York fan after Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks' historic rally against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night put Madison Square Garden in a frenzy.

More than 19,000 fans were stunned as the Knicks -- down 22 points with under eight minutes remaining -- forced overtime and went on to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals by a 115-104 score.

Among those reacting to the frenzy in front of them as the Knicks launched their comeback was a franchise icon -- who unintentionally found himself in hot water come Wednesday morning.

MOREDid Danhausen jinx Cleveland? Knicks just proved his bizarre 'curse' worked

Stephon Marbury took to X to issue a formal apology to Jalen Brunson, Knicks fans and MSG security for getting "swept up in the current like a plastic bag."

Marbury was seen stepping onto the court from his seat behind the Cavaliers basket as Brunson sank a floater early in overtime to extend the Knicks' lead to 105-101. He said his feet "carried (him) somewhere they didn't belong," and he thanked the fans for being cool about it.

I would like to issue a formal apology to every Knicks fan, every security guard, and especially Jalen Brunson 🙏🏾 not because I stole his shine, because I could never. That man owned the Garden. I just got swept up in the current like a plastic bag. My energy flew out of the… https://t.co/ysJf5X0L0b

— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) May 20, 2026

"(Brunson) owned the Garden. I just got swept up in the current like a plastic bag," Marbury wrote. "My energy flew out of the roof, I lost my mind, and my feet carried me somewhere they didn't belong. Thank you to the fans for the positive reaction."

Marbury, who played parts of five seasons for the Knicks between 2003 and 2008, signed off by asking the Knicks to do it again. New York can go up 2-0 in the conference finals on Thursday as they near a first NBA Finals berth in 27 years.

More NBA news:

Kenny Atkinson defends James Harden and fourth-quarter defense during Cavs Game 1 collapse to Knicks

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during overtime against the New York Knicks in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavalierssquandered a 22-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.

Numerous things have to go wrong to give up an advantage that large. The defensive end was no exception. Jalen Brunson led the way with 15 points in the fourth quarter to help claw his team to victory.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson could’ve handled the fourth quarter better. He held onto timeouts and allowed the Knicks to pick on James Harden repeatedly down the stretch. Both are inexcusable.

Still, the comeback was also because the Knicks hit some incredibly tough shots. That’s something that Atkinson wanted to acknowledge when he talked to media members after practice on Wednesday afternoon.

“[In the] fourth quarter, they were in the first percentile of shot quality,” Atkinson said after practice. “We have data that you guys don’t have. First percentile. So, our process was right, they made some tough, tough shots.”

We don’t have access to the data, but you can sort of see what is leading to Cleveland’s internal numbers pointing to this.

Of the 22 shots that New York took in the fourth, nine came at the rim, six came in the midrange, and seven came from beyond the arc. Of those three zones, the shots at the rim are the ones the Knicks converted the least, which is the most efficient place to score from.

A lot of the looks in the midrange were contested pretty well, particularly on Brunson. However, good offense beats good defense, as it did here.

Jalen Brunson Hunting James Harden pic.twitter.com/rlyEGCbdlf

— Coach Gibson Pyper (@HalfCourtHoops) May 20, 2026

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Atkinson also wasn’t willing to put this loss on Harden. He said on Wednesday that the Cavs wouldn’t have gotten out of the first round if it wasn’t for him, and that his defense down the stretch wasn’t the main issue.

“[Harden] is a good isolation defender,” Atkinson said. “Everybody’s putting it on James. Sure, some of it was him. … Sometimes micro experiences get exaggerated.”

I wouldn’t go as far as saying the eye test backs up that the Knicks were in the first percentile for shot quality. They hit some tough shots, but they also got some clean outside looks, especially when the Cavs tried and failed to double-team Brunson. That said, that wasn’t where the Cavs lost this game.

“Looking back on it, we’re more dissapointed by the offense,” Atkinson said. “The shot quality wasn’t great. We weren’t getting to the rim. We took nine threes. I thought we could’ve gotten to the rim more and put more pressure on them.”

The offense was horrid down the stretch. All of the things that were working throughout the game just disappeared. This is where Donovan Mitchell deserves a lot of blame.

Mitchell was occupying possessions, but not generating good looks. He took the air out of the ball by slowing down the pace. This came at the expense of the rhythm they built in the previous two quarters, leading to disastrous results as seen in the possession breakdown in the final eight minutes of the fourth.

Cavs are up 93-71 with 7:50 left
This was an offensive loss. I’ll let you be the judge of who that falls on

Offensive possessions:
1. Mitchell 0 pass grenade to Mobley – offensive foul
2. Mitchell turnover on drive
3. Mitchell grenade to Harden – miss stepback over Bridges
4.…

— Mike Zavagno (@MZavagno11) May 20, 2026

The Cavs wouldn’t have been in the position that they were in if it weren’t for Mitchell’s incredible shotmaking and the force he was playing with on both ends in the first three quarters. He deserves credit for that. But he also bears the blame for that going away.

It’s also fair to point out that this is where fatigue likely set in the most. That’s why holding onto timeouts is indefensible for Atkinson.

Despite how poorly things ended, the Cavs showed that they can play up to their talent level against the Knicks. If they can figure out how to do so for 48 minutes, instead of just 40, they’ll turn the series around.

“I just want to lean on the positives,” Atkinson said. “We had three quarters of really good basketball. Some of the best basketball we’ve honestly played in the playoffs… offensively and defensively.”

Returnal Director Founds "Cosmic Division" Game Studio To Make New Single-Player IP

21 May 2026 at 00:43
Returnal, the predecessor to the recently released Saros, was a standout success when it launched in 2021, with players praising its intense gameplay, unique visual style, and satisfying gameplay loop. Now, Harry Krueger, the director of Returnal, has announced his departure from Housemarque along with the founding of a new game studio, Cosmic Division. The announcement on the new Finland-based studio's page says that it "embraces a focused and responsibly ambitious approach to development," and that "operating with a "lean-and-mean" philosophy, the studio prioritizes craftsmanship, fast iteration, and sustainable growth over scale."

The announcement doesn't go into too much detail about the studio's future projects, but it does reveal that work has already begun on a new IP "designed as a single-player PC and console title." The game will be "unapologetically gameplay-first," and feature an emotionally resonant story, suggesting that it will be something like a linear narrative rather than something like a roguelike, like Returnal. Seed funding has already been secured, and Cosmic Division says that is looking for collaborators, investors, and talent as the game goes through pre-production.

VoooAI – Create end-to-end media workflows from a single sentence


VoooAI is a multimodal creation platform that lets you design and run end-to-end workflows for images, video, and audio. Use an intuitive drag-and-drop node editor on an infinite canvas, or start from a single prompt while the engine builds and optimizes the pipeline. It fuses leading models, understands complex briefs, recommends task sequences, and executes fast with concurrency. Ready-to-use templates and OpenClaw integration remove API setup and cut token costs, so you can go from script to final output across 20+ verticals.

View startup

Infloxy – Influencer CRM for agencies managing creator campaigns


Infloxy is an influencer CRM for agencies and growing marketing teams. It helps teams manage creator discovery, outreach, conversations, approvals, contracts, and campaign tracking in one workflow. You can search 340M+ creators with AI-powered filters, verify creator details, manage replies across Instagram, WhatsApp, and email, track every creator in a shared pipeline, generate contracts from templates, and collect client approvals through a shareable portal. Infloxy is built for teams that have outgrown spreadsheets but do not want expensive enterprise influencer platforms.

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IPV delivers 16 exits in FY2026, achieves 41% blended IRR

Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), one of India’s most active angel investment platforms, delivered 16 exits in FY2026, achieving a blended IRR of 41% and a MoM multiple of 2.86x. In a market where liquidity remains scarce for early‑stage investors, IPV has built one of the few structured exit engines in India, enabling outcomes through strategic acquisitions and engineered secondary transactions.

India’s angel ecosystem has long struggled with predictable liquidity, but IPV’s model is shifting that narrative. Over 50% of IPV‑backed startups with at least a two‑year vintage have delivered either an exit or a follow‑on round—driven by active portfolio support, strong acquirer relationships, and co‑investor confidence from funds such as Blume Ventures, Unicorn India Ventures, and Avishkaar Fund VI.

“Our focus has always been on identifying and supporting businesses with the potential to scale and deliver strong returns,” said Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO of IPV. “Exits are not one‑off events for us—they are the result of disciplined investing, portfolio stewardship, and long‑term networks. The 16 exits this year reflect years of consistent effort.”

FY2026 saw strong returns across the portfolio. Aerem delivered 60% IRR and 3.92x MoM, validating IPV’s early bet on clean energy. Qubehealth generated two exit tranches at 49% IRR, while Oorjaa (53% IRR, 3.9x MoM), Indic Wisdom (44% IRR), SnapeCabs (42% IRR), and Kazam (34% IRR, 4.21x MoM) added depth to the year’s performance. Exits spanned partial and full structures, including acquisitions by Amazon, Lenskart, Nodwin Gaming, and institutional secondary buyers—clear validation of portfolio quality.

IPV’s pre‑emptive rights programme emerged as a standout differentiator. Across 26 structured secondary transactions, investors achieved a blended IRR of 84.22% and 3.33x MoM—without requiring a single full exit. Top performers included Stylework (53% IRR, 7.62x MoM), Kazam (51% IRR), and Conscious Chemist (86% IRR).

“In India, exits don’t happen by chance; they are engineered. That’s the muscle IPV has built,” said Ankur Mittal, Co‑founder, IPV. “These outcomes reflect the strength of our founders and our ability to connect them with the right partners at the right time.”

Co‑founder Mitesh Shah added, “Our role doesn’t end at writing the cheque. We work alongside founders through every stage—structuring partnerships, navigating secondaries, and enabling strategic outcomes.”

With a maturing exit engine and a strong pipeline of scaling companies, FY2026 reinforces that early‑stage investing in India can deliver real, repeatable liquidity when supported by the right processes, networks, and discipline.

 

The post IPV delivers 16 exits in FY2026, achieves 41% blended IRR appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

Check Out the New Look Coming To (Almost) Every Carnival Cruise Ship!

21 May 2026 at 01:14

When Carnival Legend emerged from dry dock on Wednesday, May 20, there was something different about her. While Legend is currently the only ship in the fleet to sport the new look, it will slowly be introduced to the entire fleet… minus two ships.

‘From Sea to Shining Sea’

Close-up view of the bow of the blue Carnival Legend cruise ship, featuring the line's logo and slogan "From Sea to Shining Sea," set against a partly cloudy sky.

For years, Carnival has proudly promoted the fact that it is the No. 1 cruise line in the country. Now, just in time for Memorial Weekend and as America gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Carnival is rolling out a new bow crest which features the iconic whale tail surrounded by the words “From Sea to Shining Sea.”

In the coming months and years, ships will receive the new look when they are sent into dry dock, with the Carnival Magic next in line for the miniature makeover. “With the debut of this new crest,” explained Christine Duffy, the line’s president, “we’re reinforcing what guests have long known: Carnival is proud to be America’s cruise line.”

She added that the new crest represents the line’s reach, “from the communities we visit to the memories we help create at sea.” 

Which Two Ships Won’t Get the New Crest

While Carnival is clearly proud of and excited about the new crest, two of the fleet’s ships will not be included in the rollout: Carnival Jubilee and the upcoming Carnival Tropicale — the latter of which will be introduced in 2028 — each will continue to display the Texas star on their bows, representing their ongoing homeporting in Galveston.

As part of the rollout, Carnival also unveiled a promo reel — which you can view above — focusing in part on the fact that they “welcome more active and retired military members for well-deserved [rest and recreation]”, adding that “no other cruise line sails more Americans.” 

Carnival Adds Patriotic Bow Crests Across U.S. Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line said in a press release that it is reinforcing its position as America’s Cruise Line with a new look across its fleet. The Carnival Legend became the first ship to get the new feature, which consists of a bow crest celebrating the company’s relationship with the United States. Debuting the “From Sea to...

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gets massive $350 discount on Amazon

21 May 2026 at 00:43

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available at a lower price on Amazon. The latest Galaxy foldable smartphone has received a big discount, which makes it a good deal for people planning to buy a premium phone.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 256GB model originally priced at $1,999.99. Amazon is now selling it for $1,649.99. This means buyers can save $350 on the phone. The offer is available on all color options, so customers can choose any color they like at the same discounted price.

The deal is available for the 256GB storage model. This Amazon deal is more attractive for buyers planning to upgrade, as it is the latest Galaxy foldable phone.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s latest foldable smartphone. It can be used like a normal phone when folded and turns into a bigger screen when opened. The large display is useful for watching videos, gaming, reading, and using multiple apps at the same time. It comes with a powerful processor, an amazing camera, and a slim design.

People who want to switch to a foldable device may find this offer worth checking out. Since all colors are available with the discount, buyers have more choices while still getting the lower price. Click here to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on Amazon.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gets massive $350 discount on Amazon appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Gmail AI Inbox makes email tasks easier with one-click actions

21 May 2026 at 00:11

Gmail is getting a big upgrade with new AI features that will make emails easier to manage. Google is expanding its new system, “AI Inbox” which helps users handle their emails in a smarter and faster way.

Earlier, this feature was only available to a small group of users who paid for the highest plan. Now, Google is making it available to more people, including users on AI Pro and AI Plus plans in the US.

The main idea of AI Inbox is simple – instead of forcing you to read every email one by one, it shows a short summary of important messages at the top of your inbox. It also shows to-do tasks, like replying to an email, checking a file, or updating your calendar.

Gmail AI Inbox

With the new update, users will be able to take action directly from these to-do items. This saves time and reduces the need to open many emails. Also, AI Inbox can now write reply suggestions using information from multiple emails in the same conversation. This makes replies more complete and useful.

Users can also mark full email conversations as read or remove suggestions they don’t want to see. Google says the AI only uses information from Gmail and connected apps that work with email. It does not directly read other tools like Google Docs or Calendar unless shared through email.

Google is also working on a new feature – Gmail Live. This will let users talk to their inbox using AI, like a chat assistant. It can summarize emails and help write replies without typing. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Gmail AI Inbox makes email tasks easier with one-click actions appeared first on Sammy Fans.

WhatsApp beta hints at game-changing sticker reaction feature

20 May 2026 at 23:29

WhatsApp has pushed a new beta update for Android users with version 2.26.20.5. This update reveals that WhatsApp is working on a new feature to make chatting more expressive and fun by improving how users respond to messages.

Right now, WhatsApp lets users react to messages by long-pressing a message and choosing an emoji. Users can pick from commonly used emojis or open the full emoji keyboard to find more options. 

In the new update, WhatsApp is planning something more advanced. It is working on a feature that will let users react to messages using both emojis and stickers. This means users will not be limited only to emojis. They will also be able to use stickers as reactions.

WhatsApp Message Reaction feature

Image via WABetaInfo

Stickers are already used in WhatsApp chats, but now users will be able to use them directly as reactions on messages. They can choose stickers from their existing sticker collection. These stickers can be static or animated, so they can show emotions in a more detailed way than emojis. 

The feature will work simply. Users will still long-press a message to react, just like before. But now they may see both emojis and stickers as options. WhatsApp is also testing whether both emoji and sticker reactions can appear together on the same message.

At the moment, this feature is under development and is not available for all users. After testing is complete, WhatsApp will release it in a future update for everyone. Stay tuned.

The post WhatsApp beta hints at game-changing sticker reaction feature appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Verizon upgrades the 5G network for the Indy 500, promises speeds over 1.0Gbps at the track

21 May 2026 at 01:03

The annual Indy 500 race is coming up – it’s happening this Sunday (May 24) and the legendary track expects massive crowds to gather to watch the racing live. Last year, around 350,000 people showed up at the track and shared a whopping 61TB of data over their mobile connections. This year, Verizon has spent months preparing the 5G infrastructure at the track and it has upgraded the radio hardware to deliver a 400% increase in bandwidth. The carrier thought things through to ensure a good experience from the start – since paper tickets are mostly a thing of the past, you need to load a...

Apple's new hardware chief orders another reshuffle to speed up product development

20 May 2026 at 23:31

Apple is getting a new CEO later this year as Tim Cook will be succeeded by the Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus. But in addition to the news of a new CEO, the company also announced a significant restructuring. Johny Srouji becomes the new Chief Hardware Officer and merges the hardware engineering and hardware technologies teams. Almost immediately after taking his new role, Johny Srouji commenced a big reshuffle. Kate Bergeron, for example, will pass on the main product design management to two of her deputies, while she will oversee product reliability. She's taking on...

How to watch River Plate vs RB Bragantino in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 Copa Sudamericana

21 May 2026 at 00:30
River Plate receive RB Bragantino on Matchday 5 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. Viewers in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the essential information on kickoff time and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch River Plate vs RB Bragantino on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO River Plate vs RB Bragantino
WHAT Copa Sudamericana
WHEN 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Wednesday, May 20, 2026
WHERE Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Connect
FREE TRIAL WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Everything is on the line in Group H as River Plate shift their full attention to the Copa Sudamericana following their run to the domestic league final. River sit in prime position to lock up the top spot in the group, and a victory here would officially secure first place and a direct path to the knockout stage.

Standing in their way, however, are RB Bragantino, a team fully aware of the stakes heading into this pivotal clash. Bragantino can close the gap to just one point with a win, setting up a dramatic final matchday battle for first place and keeping the pressure squarely on River.

More details on how to watch

With Fubo, you can watch River Plate vs RB Bragantino and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

Free resources available to you

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Facundo Colidio of River Plate

How to watch Flamengo vs Estudiantes in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 Copa Libertadores

21 May 2026 at 00:30
Flamengo will face Estudiantes on Matchday 5 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Fans in the United States can catch the action live—here’s everything you need to know about kickoff time plus TV and streaming coverage.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Flamengo vs Estudiantes on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO Flamengo vs Estudiantes
WHAT Copa Libertadores
WHEN 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Wednesday, May 20, 2026
WHERE Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
FREE TRIAL WATCH NOW

Match Overview

The battle for a spot in the Round of 16 could be decided in this crucial Group A showdown between Flamengo and Estudiantes. Flamengo lead the group with seven points and can officially lock in qualification with a victory, despite still awaiting a ruling related to the incidents from the Independiente Medellin match.

Meanwhile, Estudiantes enter with no margin for error, needing all three points to keep their hopes alive heading into the final Matchday. With major stakes on the line between two tournament favorites, this is a game fans will not want to miss.

More details on how to watch

With Fubo, you can watch Flamengo vs Estudiantes and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

Free resources available to you

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Leo Ortiz of Flamengo

Kylian Mbappé’s inner circle reportedly believes Vinicius Jr. wants to make him the ‘bad guy’ at Real Madrid

21 May 2026 at 00:28
In the middle of an inconsistent season at Real Madrid CF, the problems between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. do not seem to end. The Frenchman’s entourage reportedly considers that the Brazilian star leaks information in order to make him look like the “bad guy” or not committed to the team.

Real Madrid come from a disappointing season, going through a second consecutive campaign without winning titles. Alongside this, the problems between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. do not seem to end, generating doubts for next season. Not only have they failed to fully fit into the same system, but the Frenchman’s entourage also supposedly blames the Brazilian for wanting to make the 27-year-old star look like the “bad guy.”

According to Josep Pedrerol, via El Chiringuito, Kylian Mbappé and his inner circle believe that certain members of the locker room are leaking information about whether he goes out for dinner or for a drink, in an attempt to portray him as someone who isn’t fully committed. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star’s inner circle believes that it is Vinicius Jr. who wants to undermine his standing with the fans, causing tension between the two.

After the numerous criticisms over his trip to Italy in the middle of the season, Kylian Mbappé decided to explode in the mixed zone, sending a message to his teammates: “I had authorization from the club to not be in Madrid, and I was not the only one in the squad who was not there,” he said, as per Diario AS. With tensions continuing to grow, the relationship between the French star and Vinícius no longer appears entirely stable, but increasingly complicated.

Despite the multiple difficulties between Vinícius and Mbappé, Real Madrid supposedly maintain the continuity of both stars as a condition for their next head coach. With this in mind, both stars may need changes in their role on the field, seeking to maximize their performances. Meanwhile, José Mourinho’s potential arrival could also help ease tensions inside the dressing room, something he has already managed to do in previous eras.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates a goal with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

Kylian Mbappé may be struggling to share spotlight at Real Madrid

Throughout his sporting career, Kylian Mbappé has always been the cornerstone of his teams, something that was clear at AS Monaco FC and PSG, ahead of Neymar and Lionel Messi. Therefore, the Frenchman expected that upon his arrival at Real Madrid it would be the same, removed from defensive responsibilities and being completely protected. However, the 27-year-old striker could be suffering the consequences of sharing the spotlight.

Unlike his previous clubs, Real Madrid do not have a single differential star, as Vinícius and Jude Bellingham are also central pieces of the team. Therefore, Mbappé does not have a team that plays around him, but rather he has to play in order to enhance the team. With this in mind, Mourinho’s potential arrival will be differential in adjusting the Frenchman’s mentality, while also calming the tension surrounding Vinícius Jr., as he must also share the spotlight.

Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.

Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric learn Milan’s true contract intentions after crucial UEFA Champions League qualification revival

21 May 2026 at 00:02
Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric are both facing uncertain moments in their Milan careers as the Serie A giant prepares for what could become another dramatic summer at San Siro.

Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric are both facing uncertain moments in their Milan careers as the Serie A giant prepares for what could become another dramatic summer at San Siro. After a difficult stretch threatened to derail the campaign, Milan suddenly finds itself back in a strong position in the race for Champions League qualification, and it’s a development that could reshape several major decisions inside the club.

The Rossoneri entered the final weeks of the season under enormous pressure following a worrying collapse in form during April. However, a crucial 2-1 victory away against Genoa, combined with Juventus losing 2-0 to Fiorentina, completely changed the atmosphere surrounding the club. Milan now sits third in the Serie A table with a two-point advantage over fifth-placed Como heading into the final weekend of the season. 

That turnaround has given the club renewed hope of securing a place in next season’s Champions League, something that may directly influence the futures of several important players. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan is preparing to make key decisions regarding multiple first-team stars once the season officially concludes.

The situation involves players across every department of the squad, including Luka Modric, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Fikayo Tomori. The uncertainty reflects how turbulent the season has been for the Red and Blacks. For long stretches of the campaign, the club looked secure inside the top four, yet a sharp decline in performances almost pushed the side completely out of Champions League contention.

Now, with qualification suddenly back within reach, Milan’s internal strategy may change significantly. The Serie A giant reportedly views Champions League soccer as a crucial factor in determining which players stay and which players leave.

What is Milan’s reported stance on Luka Modric?

One of the most fascinating situations surrounds Luka Modric. The Croatian veteran moved to San Siro after leaving Real Madrid last summer and signed a one-year contract that included an option for an additional season.

According to the report, qualifying for the Champions League is considered essential if Milan hopes to convince Modric to remain for another year. Without Europe’s biggest competition, the chances of the 40-year-old staying at San Siro appear far lower.

AC Milan's Luka Modric looks on
Luka Modric of AC Milan.

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Italy carrying enormous experience and leadership after one of the greatest midfield careers in modern soccer history. Even at this stage of his career, his presence inside the dressing room remains highly valued by the club.

In recent months, it has become harder to forecast Modric’s future due to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s season. Now, though, the recent improvement in results may give the Rossoneri one final opportunity to extend his stay.

What is Milan’s reported stance on Christian Pulisic?

Eventually, there is Christian Pulisic, facing a very different kind of uncertainty. The United States international remains one of Milan’s biggest attacking stars, but discussions over a new contract have reportedly slowed considerably.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Milan had been working toward an extension for several months before negotiations stalled earlier this year. Pulisic is reportedly seeking a salary closer to Rafael Leao’s, while doubts also remain about the direction of the project at San Siro. His current contract expires in the summer of 2027, meaning the Italian side still has time to negotiate.

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match.

However, the report makes it clear that some kind of decision will likely arrive this summer. “Something will have to happen,” La Gazzetta dello Sport states regarding the 27-year-old forward’s situation. That could mean either a contract renewal or a possible transfer if an agreement cannot be reached.

The timing is particularly important because Pulisic will spend much of the summer focused on the World Cup in the United States. Milan, meanwhile, wants clarity before entering another demanding season.

Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory after during the Serie A match.

Casemiro close to teaming up with Messi as Inter Miami advance in talks despite LA Galaxy interest

20 May 2026 at 23:55
Lionel Messi appears increasingly close to having Casemiro as a teammate, as negotiations with Inter Miami are reportedly advancing despite interest from LA Galaxy.

For months, it has been widely understood that Casemiro would not remain at Manchester United beyond the end of the current season. That has opened the door to several possible destinations for the Brazilian midfielder, with Inter Miami and LA Galaxy emerging as the leading contenders. The club led by Lionel Messi now appears to be in pole position to land the 34-year-old star.

Inter Miami and LA Galaxy been chasing Casemiro since March,” The Athletic and CBS Sports reporter Tom Bogert said Wednesday through his official X account. “Miami close to landing the Brazil int’t, who is out of contract this summer. Would join after World Cup.”

Among the Brazilian midfielder’s options in recent months have also been clubs from the Saudi Pro League, especially Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, as well as European giants such as AS Roma. However, his future now appears likely to be in MLS, more specifically alongside Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami is preferred destination for Brazil int’l Casemiro & Miami is closing in on a deal,” Bogert added. Another report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano supported that information, as he posted on X: “Casemiro wants Miami as next destination, with clear expectation to sign soon. The Brazilian wanted to finish season at Man Utd then sign with Inter Miami.”

🚨 BREAKING: Inter Miami is preferred destination for Brazil int'l Casemiro & Miami is closing in on a deal, sources tell @PaulTenorio & I.

➕ The LA Galaxy have priority rights & made offers to Casemiro too. That situation needs to be resolved. https://t.co/gYrk82ghJp

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) May 20, 2026

Considering that, a final decision could arrive soon since Manchester United’s 2025-26 campaign will conclude this Sunday when they visit Brighton & Hove Albion on Premier League Matchday 38. Another reason Casemiro is expected to avoid delays regarding his future is the proximity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Brazil’s training camp set to begin on May 27.

LA Galaxy still in the race

Inter Miami may be Casemiro’s preferred destination, but that does not mean the path is completely clear. “The LA Galaxy have priority rights & made offers to Casemiro too. That situation needs to be resolved,” Tom Bogert reported.

That situation is tied to MLS rules, which in some aspects differ significantly from those in other leagues around the world. In the United States, each club can place players who are not currently in MLS on their “Discovery List,” giving them priority over other MLS teams in negotiations for that player.

Messi needs elite-level teammates

While Inter Miami’s performance this season has been reasonably strong — they currently sit second in the Eastern Conference — the team’s overall level has raised concerns at different moments throughout the campaign. In that regard, the midfield has been a particular issue.

The Herons have yet to truly replace Sergio Busquets, who retired in December 2025. David Ayala arrived as a reinforcement for that role but has struggled to establish himself so far, leaving Yannick Bright as the team’s usual defensive midfielder.

The absence of an elite-level player in such a crucial area of the field has been noticeable, increasing the burden on Lionel Messi and the rest of the attacking players. Inter Miami are the highest-scoring team in MLS this season with 33 goals, but they have not always translated that into positive results because of their defensive fragility, to the point of also ranking among the 10 teams with the most goals conceded (24). Casemiro could help solve many of those issues and provide much-needed balance to the team.

Lionel Messi could be joined by Casemiro at Inter Miami.

France legend Thierry Henry praises former boss Pep Guardiola: ‘This guy reopened my eyes on the way I see the game’

20 May 2026 at 23:39
France legend Thierry Henry praised his former FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, claiming that he "reopened my eyes on the way I see the game."

Thierry Henry is one of the many legends who had the privilege of being coached by Pep Guardiola, a manager who has left an indelible mark on the modern game. With Guardiola widely expected to leave Manchester City, Henry paid tribute to his former boss, admitting that the Spaniard “reopened my eyes on the way I see the game.”

Recent reports have confirmed that Guardiola has decided to leave Manchester City after a decade at the club. Although the Spanish coach has publicly stopped short of confirming the decision, with just one year remaining on his contract a departure appears all but inevitable, and the conversation around his legacy in English football is already well underway.

During a CBS Sports UEFA Champions League Final preview call attended by World Soccer Talk, Henry was asked about the man who once coached him at FC Barcelona and about Guardiola’s lasting influence on the competition. “Pep has been able succeed wherever he went, and obviously that involves the Champions League, because in any team that he coached he was in the Champions League. It’s the way he goes about the game, the intensity that he puts in his team,” Henry said.

Placing Guardiola within a lineage of legendary coaches that includes Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal, Henry spoke about how Guardiola caught the game off guard by consistently losing great players and rebuilding as if they “were never there.” Beyond reviving the false nine position, the French legend also highlighted Guardiola’s more recent tactical innovation at City, turning fullbacks into players capable of occupying the interior pockets of the pitch and functioning as holding midfielders.

Josep Guardiola coach of Barcelona talks to Thierry Henry.
Josep Guardiola coach of Barcelona talks to Thierry Henry.

Henry, who worked under Guardiola at Barcelona between 2008 and 2010, recognized his former manager’s philosophy as something that will leave a lasting imprint on the sport for years to come. “I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m just saying he invented something that wasn’t there. And just for that, and with what he has also won, and how he transmitted and how he transcended and inspired people,” he said.

The France legend saved his most personal tribute for last, describing Guardiola’s influence as a genuine revelation. “I thought for a very long time that I was okay understanding the game. But this guy opened my eyes on how I see the game now. So I think for me, it’s like I said, just outstanding,” he concluded.

Where to watch: PSG vs. Arsenal Champions League Final

Fans in the United States can catch the UEFA Champions League final live on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+. PSG advanced past Bayern Munich in a thrilling semifinal that ended 6-5 on aggregate, while Arsenal, now Premier League champions, came through after a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.

The final is set for the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, with American rock band The Killers headlining the Kickoff Show. Scheduled for Saturday, May 31, the showdown could see Arsenal lift their first ever Champions League trophy, or PSG become the first club to win the competition in back-to-back seasons since Real Madrid claimed three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018.

Thierry Henry (L) and Pep Guardiola (R), head coach of Manchester City.

How to watch Columbus Crew vs New York City FC in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 US Open Cup

20 May 2026 at 23:30
Columbus Crew will face off against New York City FC in the 2026 US Open knockout quarterfinal. Here is how you can watch the match live in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Columbus Crew vs New York City FC on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO Columbus Crew vs New York City FC
WHAT CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers
WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Wednesday, May 20, 2025
WHERE Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network and Amazon Prime Video
STREAM WATCH NOW

Match Overview

New York City FC and Columbus Crew are set for an important Eastern Conference showdown with both clubs chasing very different goals. NYCFC enter the match with 19 points and remain in the playoff hunt despite trailing conference leaders Nashville SC.

On the other hand, Columbus sit on just 13 points and are desperate for a turnaround after slipping outside the play-in spots. With momentum and a potential US Open Cup run on the line, this is a matchup fans will not want to miss.

Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; English Football League; Carabao Cup; NWSL; Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol, and more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
1. After clicking the ‘Try It Free’ button, you’ll see the following page that explains the two choices you’ll find. Click ‘Continue’ to be presented with the options:
2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on.
3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account:
4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.
5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial:
6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Malachi Jones of New York City FC

Why $60K Is the Ultimate Bitcoin Floor: K33 Research

20 May 2026 at 23:09
A prominent 3D golden Bitcoin logo on a black medallion, centered over a green digital network grid with connected nodes and orange coin accents.

The post Why $60K Is the Ultimate Bitcoin Floor: K33 Research appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The ultimate price floor for Bitcoin (BTC) in the current market cycle is $60,000, according to K33 Research, the research arm of K33 digital asset brokerage company.

In a May 19th publication, the crypto market intelligence firm supported its argument by citing crypto market support from heightened institutional adoption.

Bitcoin will not drop below $60K, cushioned by institutional investment

Notably, Bitcoin institutional investors comprise public and private corporations, spot ETF issuers, and fund managers. It also includes systematic hedge funds and trading firms, as well as pension funds and endowments.

According to CryptoQuant’s Bitcoin Fund Holdings Chart, the cryptocurrency’s holdings have grown steadily among institutions. The period post-2024 is seeing the most considerable growth. 

Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is overwhelmingly the most popular cryptocurrency product offered by institutions, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust holding 817,138.2 BTC. Interestingly, BlackRock itself held no BTC until January 2024.

Bitcoin ETF net flow chart

Source: CoinMarketCap

As for publicly listed corporate holders, Strategy leads the race, with 843,739 BTC following a period of continuous accumulation starting in August 2020.

That said, recent geopolitical unrest has caused Bitcoin ETF issuers to scale back. Bitcoin itself saw $982 million in outflows in the week ending on May 15. Still, their positions remain considerable as compared to previous cycles.

According to Ventle Lunde, head of research at K33 Research, these conditions make a 80% price drop like the one witnessed in 2018 and 2022 highly unlikely. Instead, BTC is likely to consolidate between $60,000 – $75,000 without capitulation beyond that.

Liquidity is king

Arthur Hayes supports Bitcoin’s bullish theory this year, saying $125,000 is a “foregone conclusion.” In a post stating “liquidity is king,” he argues that printing money to fund wars, service debt, and fight AI-driven inflation will eventually fuel the coin’s rally to new highs.

With BTC trading at $77,442 at the time of writing, and having dropped to $59,600 this year, it remains to be seen how geopolitical and economic factors will impact its future movements.

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 may be back in jeopardy as Mayweather books another fight

21 May 2026 at 00:21

A new development could once again put the vs rematch in doubt. It was revealed back in February that Mayweather and Pacquiao were set to meet for the second time, over 10 years on from their initial fight and eight years from when Mayweather last competed professionally. Several problems then emerged that raised concerns that […]

The post Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 may be back in jeopardy as Mayweather books another fight appeared first on Boxing News.

Bitfinex Bitcoin longs peak at 80,636 BTC as price slides

20 May 2026 at 23:30
Bitcoin longs on Bitfinex surged to 80,636 BTC on May 20, the highest level since December 2023. Leveraged traders on Bitfinex continued buying into Bitcoin’s sell-off, with margin long positions rising to 80,636 BTC on May 20 according to TradingView…

Avrupa'nın en büyüğü: Aston Villa

Aston Villa, UEFA Avrupa Ligi finalinde Freiburg'u 3-0 yenerek şampiyon oldu.

UEFA Avrupa Ligi finalinde İngiliz ekibi Aston Villa, Almanya temsilcisi Freiburg'u 3-0 yenerek şampiyon oldu.

58. dakikada Aston Villa skoru 3-0 yaptı. Soldan gelişen atakta Buendia'nın içeri çevirdiği topa altıpas içinde dokunan Rogers topu ağlara gönderdi.

70. dakikada sağ taraftan kullanılan köşe vuruşunda arka direkte topa yükselen Onana'nın kafa vuruşunda meşin yuvarlak direkten oyun alanına döndü.

75. dakikada Aston Villa bir kez daha gole yaklaştı. Ceza sahası sol çaprazında topla buluşan Buendia müsait pozisyonda meşin yuvarlağı kalecinin yanında auta attı.

Müsabakayı 3-0 kazanan Aston Villa, kupanın sahibi oldu.

Aston Vılla

Stat: Tüpraş

Hakemler: François Letexier, Cyril Mugnier, Mehdi Rahmouni (Fransa)

Freiburg: Atubolu, Kübler (Dk. 73 Makengo), Ginter, Lienhart (Dk. 61 Rosenfelder), Treu, Eggestein, Höfler (Dk. 61 Höler), Beste (Dk. 86 Günter), Manzambi, Grifo (Dk. 73 Scherhant), Matanovic

Aston Villa: Emiliano Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres (Dk. 88 Mings), Digne (Dk. 81 Maatsen), Lindelöf (Dk. 66 Onana), Tielemans (Dk. 88 Luiz), McGinn, Rogers, Buendia (Dk. 81 Jadon Sancho), Watkins

Goller: Dk. 41 Tielemans, Dk. 45+3 Buendia, Dk. 58 Rogers (Aston Villa)

Sarı kartlar: Dk. 5 Treu (Freiburg), Dk. 16 Buendia, Dk. 21 Cash, Dk. 86 McGinn (Aston Villa)

Montella'nın Dünya Kupası hedefi

A Milli Takım Teknik Direktörü Vincenzo Montella, İstanbul'da düzenlenen Avrupa finali öncesinde açıklamalarda bulundu.

A Milli Takım Teknik Direktörü Vincenzo Montella, İstanbul’da düzenlenen Avrupa finali öncesinde Dünya Kupası'na dair açıklamalarda bulundu.

Montella'nın açıklamaları şöyle:

-Dünya Kupası kısa bir turnuva ve nasıl geldiğinize çok bağlı. Hedefimiz grup aşamasını geçmek ama tek maçta her şeyin olabileceğini biliyoruz. Adım adım ilerliyoruz. Her ne kadar büyük bir güven ve coşkuya sahip olsak da bu coşku çılgınlığa dönüşmemeli.

-Kenan Yıldız 21 yaşında bir genç. Umarım bu, katıldığı pek çok Dünya Kupası'nın ilki olur. Son dönemde dizinde bazı sorunlar yaşadı ve bu yüzden antrenmanlarda yüzde 100'ünü veremedi. Umarım tamamen iyileşir.

-Hakan İstanbul'a geldi. Cuma gününden itibaren onu değerlendirmemize izin veren Inter'e teşekkür ederim. Umarım Dünya Kupası'nda oynayabilecek duruma gelir. O bizim için çok önemli bir oyuncu.

Kim var kim yok kapış kapış! Beşiktaş'a hoca kalmadı

Beşiktaş'ta Sergen Yalçın sonrası teknik direktör koltuğu için düşünülen elit isimler dünya devleri tarafından adeta kapışılıyor! Şenol Güneş defterinin bizzat Serdal Adalı tarafından kapatılması ve Dino Toppmöller transferinin çıkmaza girmesinin ardından futbol direktörlüğüne getirilen Önder Özen'le kartlar yeniden karıldı. Ancak Kartal'ın işi hiç kolay değil! Valverde dinlenmeye çekildi. Postecoglou Solskjaer ile mesaiye başladı. Glasner Leverkusen'e, Amorim Benfica'ya, Felipe Luis de Strasbourg'a yakın.

Beşiktaş’ta Sergen Yalçın sonrası koltuk bilmecesi çıkmaza girerken, Avrupa’nın devleri ve Süper Lig’in yeni ekibi Amedspor'un hamlelerini siyah-beyazlıların yolunu kapatacak cinsten.

Şenol Güneş defteri açılmadan kapandı... açıklama bizzat Serdal Adalı’dan geldi. Eduard Graf’ın prensip anlaşmasına vardığı Dino Toppmöller işi de çıkmaza girdi. Önder Özen’in takımın başına getirilmesiyle birlikte kartlar yeniden karıldı. Siyah-beyazlıların yeni hocanın kim olacağı tam bir muammaya dönüştü.

Besıktas

AJAX'A HAYIR DEDİ BEŞİKTAŞ'A NE DER?

Adı geçen Valverde için Ajax futbol direktörü Jordi Cruyff hamle yaptı. İspanyol teknik adamı takımın başına getirmek için bizzat devreye girdi. Ancak Valverde, yeni sezonda dinlenmeyi tercih ettiğini belirterek Amsterdam ekibinin bu teklifini geri çevirdi. Beşiktaş'a da aynı cevabı verebilir.

SOLSKJAER'LE MESAİ ARKADAŞI

Postecoglou, radikal bir kariyer hamlesiyle saha kenarından uzaklaştı. Nisan 2026 itibarıyla UEFA Teknik Gözlemciler ekibine katıldı. Gareth Southgate ve Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gibi elit isimlerle beraber Şampiyonlar Ligi'nin taktiksel eğilimlerini raporlamakla meşgul.

GLASSNER, LEVERKUSEN YOLCUSU

Leverkusen’de teknik direktör değişiminde rotayı Glassner'le netleştirdi. Werner Wenning ve sportif direktör Simon Rolfes, ortak karar olarak Oliver Glasner ismi üzerinde birleşti. Glasner, Crystal Palace’ın finalleri nedeniyle henüz resmi bir yanıt vermedi. Ancak sonrasında iş bitecek gibi.

MOURINHO'NUN YERİNE AMORIM

Mourinho’nun Benfica’dan ayrılarak Real Madrid’in başına geçmeye hazırlanması Başkan Rui Costa'yı harekete geçirdi. Portekiz ekibi futbolculuk döneminde uzun süre Benfica'da oynayan Ruben Amorim ile prensip olarak anlaşmaya vardı.

Bılıc

BILIC VE FELIPE LUIS'IN DURUMLARI

Strasbourg da gözünü Flamengo’dan ayrılan Felipe Luis için BlueCo grubunun gücünü arkasına alarak teklifini yaptı. Resmi açıklama bekleniyor.

Bu arada Amedspor Başkan Nahit Eren, Slaven Bilic ve Gennaro Gattuso'nun menajerler aracılığıyla kulübe önerildiğini doğruladı. Özen'in daha önce (2013-14 sezonunda) çalıştığı Bilic'in "son durumu ortada" denilecek bir açıklama oldu.

Aziz Yıldırım'dan şaşırtan transfer açıklaması

Yaklaşan kongre öncesi başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım, yaptığı transfer açıklamasıyla adeta kendi ayağına sıktı. Dünyaca ünlü süperstarlar ve dünya çapında ses getirecek vizyon transferleri bekleyen sarı-lacivertli camia, "Alacağımız oyuncuların hepsinin değeri Appiah, Nobre ve Deivid..." şeklindeki sözleriyle büyük hayal kırıklığı yarattı. İsimleri geçen oyunculardan Nobre ve Deivid'in Brezilya Milli Takımı'na hiç çağrılmamış, Avrupa'da büyük piyasası olmayan "yardımcı görev adamları" olması... Appiah'ın da Juventus'taki kriz ortamından faydalanılarak ancak alınabilmesi akıllarda büyük soru işaretleri bıraktı.

Fenerbahçe’de yaklaşan seçim öncesi başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım adeta kendisine oy kaybettirecek bir açıklama yaptı... transfer politikasına dair yaptığı son açıklama taraftarlar arasında negatif anlamda geniş yankı uyandırdı.

Dünyaca ünlü süperstarların transfer edilmesini bekleyen Fenerbahçe taraftarı, Yıldırım’ın "Alacağımız oyuncuların hepsinin değeri Appiah, Nobre ve Deivid..." sözleriyle şaşkınlık ve endişe yaşadı.

Fenerbahce

BREZİLYA MİLLİ TAKIMINA GÖZ BİLE KIRPMADILAR

Aziz Yıldırım’ın telaffuz ettiği Marcio Nobre ve Deivid de Souza, Fenerbahçe tarihinde önemli izler bıraksa da kulübe geldiklerinde dünya çapında birer "süperstar" değillerdi. Hatta her iki oyuncu da kariyerleri boyunca Brezilya Milli Takımı’na bir kez bile çağrılmadı.

AVRUPA'DA SADECE TÜRKİYE VE İSVİÇRE

Nobre, Fenerbahçe’ye transfer olduğu dönemde Brezilya’da bir milli takım adayı olmaktan çok uzaktı. Cruzeiro, o sezon onu Japonya’nın Kashiwa Reysol takımına kiralamıştı.

Sarı-lacivertlilere yarım sezonluk kiralık olarak katıldığında, aslında Alex de Souza’nın dilinden anlayacak, önde pres yaparak Alex’e konfor alanı yaratacak bir "yardımcı oyuncu" rolüyle seçilmişti. Avrupa kariyeri ise sadece Türkiye ve İsviçre’nin FC Wil takımıyla sınırlı kaldı.

BORDEAUX'DA TUTUNAMADI SANTOS'A DÖNDÜ

Deivid de Souza: Brezilya piyasasında her an tabela değiştirebilecek, tekniği yüksek ve elit bir golcü olarak görülse de Avrupa’da beklenen piyasayı bir türlü yakalayamadı. Fransa’da Bordeaux formasıyla tutunamayıp Santos’a dönmüş, ardından Sporting Lizbon ile yeniden Avrupa şansını aramıştı. Fenerbahçe’nin 100. yıl kadrosuna 4.5 milyon Euro bedelle transfer edilmişti. İlk sezonundaki bocalama döneminin ardından, Zico yönetiminde evrildiği rol ve Şampiyonlar Ligi sahnesindeki performansı onun kalitesini kanıtladı.

Fenerbahce

TEK ELİT İSİM APPIAH! O DA SORUNLU

Aziz Yıldırım’ın listesindeki en elit ve gerçek anlamda üst düzey profil ise Stephen Appiah’tı. Ancak Ganalı yıldızın Juventus’tan Fenerbahçe’ye uzanan yolu, tamamen bir kulüp içi krizin eseriydi.

Appiah’ın Juventus kariyerini bitiren ve ayrılık sürecini başlatan olay 2004 Atina Olimpiyat Oyunları oldu. İtalyan devinin yönetimi, Appiah’ın Gana Milli Takımı ile olimpiyatlara gitmesine karşı çıktı. Ancak ülkesine olan bağlılığı nedeniyle her türlü riski göze alan Appiah, kulübünü karşısına alarak turnuvaya katıldı. İtalya’ya döndüğünde formasını kaybetti. Fenerbahçe'nin yolunu tuttu.

TARAFTAR BİR ANDA ŞOK YAŞADI

Aziz Yıldırım’ın taraftara "büyük isimler" vaat ettikten sonra, geçmiş dönemdeki bu tip "fırsat", "görev adamı" ya da "sorunlu elit profil" transferlerini referans göstermesi camiada soğuk duş etkisi yarattı. Sarı-lacivertli taraftarlar Yıldırım'ın bu açıklamasının ardından transferde küçülmeye gidilebileceği endişesini yaşamaya başladı bile.

'X'te yazdığını Ümraniye'ye getirecek! İşte Önder Özen'in Beşiktaş'taki hocası

Beşiktaş'ta futbol direktörlüğüne son 10 yılını yorumcu olarak geçiren Önder Özen'in getirilmesi taraftarı yeni sistemin şifrelerini sosyal medyada aramaya yöneltti. Sosyal medyada geleneksel futbol anlayışına savaş açan Özen, Ümraniye'de kuracağı yeni düzende de bu ilkelerinden taviz vermeyeceğinin şifrelerini vermişti. Sosyal medyadaki konuşmalarına bakarak Özen'in Beşiktaş'a önereceği/getireceği teknik direktör profili bir şekilde netleşti.

Beşiktaş yönetimi futbol direktörlüğü koltuğuna en son 2016'da sadece 1 aylığına Göztepe'de teknik direktörlük deneyimi olan Önder Özen'i getirdi. Açıklama da çok dikkat çekici:

- Futbol A Takımımızda yürütülmekte olan yeniden yapılanma çalışmaları doğrultusunda Önder Özen, Futbol Direktörlüğü görevine getirilmiştir.

YORUMCULUK YAPTI

Futbol yorumculuğu göz önüne alındığında Önder Özen'in Beşiktaş’ta kurmayı hedeflediği yeni sistem ve çalışmak isteyeceği teknik direktör profilinin detayları da kafalarda biraz biraz netleşti.

Besıktas

İSTEDİĞİ HOCALARI ŞÖYLE ANLATMIŞTI

Sosyal medua reyting almak için yaptığı analizlerde "tam puan" vereceği bir teknik adamda aradığı temel özellikler ve kırmızı çizgiler şu şekilde sıralamıştı:

- Talimat Veren Değil, Taktik Veren

Özen, kulübe gelip sadece transfer listesi dikte eden ya da sadece motivasyon konuşmalarıyla gemi yürütmeye çalışan "geleneksel" teknik adam modeline tamamen karşı. Tercihi; stratejiyi tahtada kuran ve oyuncuya sahada neyi, neden yapacağını ezberleten modern hocalar.

- Taktiksel Esneklik ve Plan Sadakati

"Benim tek bir oyunum var, her yerde bunu oynarım" inadı yerine; maçın gidişatına göre formasyon değiştirebilen, rakip analizi güçlü ve esnek akılları destekliyor.

- Demokratik Ama Mutlak Otorite

Soyunma odasında asık suratlı bir diktatör yerine; babacan, demokratik ve dinlemeye açık ancak sahada disiplinden asla taviz vermeyen mutlak lider figürlerini arıyor.

- Veri ve Analize İnanç

Kulübün scout departmanıyla ve veri analiz ekipleriyle (xG oranları, koşu mesafeleri, ısı haritaları) entegre çalışmayı reddetmeyen modern isimleri tercih ediyor.

YERLİ Mİ YABANCI MI?

Özen'e gör yabancı hocada kulübün sabrı hayati önemde... bütçesi ve uzun vadeli bir "proje yapısı" varsa; modern antrenman bilimiyle yetişmiş, taktik disiplini yüksek isimleri önerecektir. Ancak Türkiye'ye sadece "özgeçmişiyle" para kazanmaya gelen ve buraları küçümseyen yabancı modeline tamamen karşı.

Yerli hocada ise Türk oyuncunun psikolojisini yönetebilen, ligi tanıyan ama en önemlisi "kendini güncellemiş" yerli hocaları istiyor. Yeni nesil taktik üreten isimlere kredi tanırken; eski usul, sadece coşku ve motivasyon odaklı ekollere mesafelidir.

Dorgeles Nene tarihe geçecek! Ozan Kabak ve Sehrou Guirassy'i geçecek

Fenerbahçe formasıyla soru işaretleri yaratan Dorgeles Nene için Stuttgart, kulüp tarihini kökten değiştirecek 22 milyon Euro'luk çılgın bir teklifle kapıya geldi. Eğer bu tarihi transfer iddia edilen dev rakamla gerçekleşirse, Malili kanat oyuncusu Stuttgart'ın kulüp tarihine geçmekle kalmayacak. Alman ekibinin geçmiş dönemde büyük umutlarla renklerine bağladığı Ozan Kabak ve Sehrou Guirassy gibi isimlerin bonservis bedellerini de katlayacak.

Fenerbahçe'nin sergilediği performansla kafa karıştıran oyuncusu Dorgeles Nene için Stuttgart'ın dev bir teklifi olduğu iddiası dolanıyor. Alman ekibinin 24 yaşındaki Malili kanat oyuncusunu kadrosuna katmak için sarı-lacivertli kulübe 22 milyon Euro'luk bir teklif sunduğu iddia edildi.

Eğer bu transfer iddia edilen rakamla gerçekleşirse Stuttgart'ın kulüp tarihinde büyük bir dönüm noktası olacak. Bu transfer, Stuttgart'ın kulüp tarihinde bir oyuncuya ödediği en yüksek ikinci bonservis bedeli olarak kayıtlara geçecek.

Nene

STUTTGART İÇİN BİR REKOR OLACAK

Alman ekibinin daha önce en yüksek bonservis bedelli satın alma opsiyonu kullandığı Deniz Undav için 26 milyon Euro ödeyerek kırmıştı. Stuttgart'ın geçmiş dönemdeki dikkat çeken diğer transfer harcamaları ise Ozan Kabak (18 yaşında) 11 milyon Euro, Guirassy'ye (22 yaşında) 9 milyon Euro.

HASAN ÇETİNKAYA'NIN KEŞFİYDİ

Türk yatırımcılara ait Westerlo, Nene'nin kariyerindeki en büyük sıçrama tahtalarından biri. Belçika ekibinin futbol aklını yöneten ve Aziz Yıldırım seçilirse döneceği konuşulan Hasan Çetinkaya, o dönemde Nene'nin Salzburg'tan kiralanmasında başrolü oynadı.

Nene

WESTERLO 8 MİLYON EURO'YA ALMADI

2022-2023 sezonunda Westerlo’ya kiralanan Malili, Çetinkaya’nın bizzat yürüttüğü idari operasyonla alındı. Belçika liginde fırtına gibi esen Nene için Westerlo, 8 milyon Euro verseydi bonservisini alabilecekti. Ancak Westerlo yönetimi bu riske girmeyerek opsiyonu kullanmadı.

Hatta iddialara göre sezon başında Nene için 18 milyon euro gibi bir rakam konuşulduğunda Hasan Çetinkaya devreye girdi. Salzburg'un 6 milyon euro'ya başka bir takımla transfer görüşmeleri yaptığını Fenerbahçe'deki yakınlarına iletti.

Konyaspor kalplerine indirecek! Avrupa yoluna taş döşeyecek

Türkiye Kupası finalinde Trabzonspor ile karşılaşacak Konyaspor, Aykut Kocaman'lı 2016-17 sezonunun ardından tarihinin ikinci kupa zaferine kilitlendi. Yeşil-beyazlıların olası şampiyonluğu Süper Lig devlerinin Avrupa planlarında deprem etkisi yaratacak. Konyaspor'un kupayı müzesine götürmesi durumunda, lig üçüncüsü Trabzonspor Avrupa Ligi'ne play-off yerine 2. ön elemeden başlamak zorunda kalırken, lig dördüncüsü Beşiktaş Avrupa Ligi şansını tamamen kaybedip sezonu temmuz ayında Konferans Ligi ön elemesiyle açacak.

Türkiye Kupası finalinde heyecan dorukta... tamamen kupaya odaklanan Konyaspor, Trabzonspor’u devirerek tarihi bir başarıya daha imza atmak istiyor.

En son 2016-17 sezonunda Aykut Kocaman yönetiminde bu mutluluğu tadan yeşil-beyazlılar, kulüp tarihindeki ikinci Türkiye Kupası'nı müzesine götürmeyi amaçlıyor.

Konyaspor

TEK EKSİK BAZOER

Dev final öncesinde Konyaspor'da hazırlıklar son aşamaya geldi. Teknik direktör İlhan Palut'un elindeki en büyük koz, takımın form grafiği ve eksik oyuncuların azlığı.

Kritik mücadele öncesinde Riechedly Bazoer dışında takımda eksik oyuncu bulunmuyor. Palut, sahaya süreceği ideal kadrosuyla kupaya uzanmanın hesaplarını yapıyor.

FİNALE KADAR GÜMBÜR GÜMBÜR GELDİLER

Konyaspor’un finale kadar uzanan Türkiye Kupası performansı adeta göz doldurdu. Muazzam bir istatistik yakalayan yeşil-beyazlılar, hem savunmada hem de hücumda tam bir denge takımı görüntüsü çizdi.

Maç Sayısı  8

Atılan Gol  19 (Maç başına 2.4 gol)

Yenilen Gol 4 (Maç başına 0.5 gol)

Gol Yemediği Maç Sayısı 5

Penaltı Golü      2

KONYASPOR EN KÖTÜ KONFERANS LİGİNE

Bu final sadece kupanın sahibini belirlemeyecek; Süper Lig'deki diğer takımların Avrupa kaderini de doğrudan çizecek. Konyaspor'un kupayı kazanması kartların yeniden dağıtılmasına neden olacak.

Konyaspor kupayı müzesine götürdüğü takdirde, doğrudan Avrupa Ligi Play-Off turuna gidecek. Gruplara kalmak için sadece tek bir eleme turu oynayacak olan yeşil-beyazlılar, bu turda elense bile Konferans Ligi gruplarına kalmayı garantileyecek.

Konyaspor

BEŞİKTAŞ'A TEMMUZ KALACAK

Konyaspor'un kupayı almasından en ağır darbeyi lig 4.'sü Beşiktaş yiyecek. Eğer kupayı lig 3.'sü Trabzonspor kazanırsa, UEFA Avrupa Ligi hakkı Beşiktaş’a geçecekti. Ancak Konyaspor kazanırsa, Beşiktaş Avrupa Ligi şansını tamamen kaybederek. Konferans Ligi 2. Ön Eleme Turu'na gerileyecek ve sezonu çok erken (temmuz ayında) açmak zorunda kalacak.

BAŞAKŞEHİR'İN YOLU KAPANACAK

Ligi 3. sırada bitirmeyi garantileyen Trabzonspor, kupayı kaybetse bile Avrupa Ligi'ne gidecek. Ancak Konyaspor şampiyon olursa, bordo-mavililer Play-Off yerine Avrupa Ligi'ne 2. Ön Eleme Turu'ndan başlamak zorunda kalacak.

Konyaspor'un kupayı kazanmasıyla birlikte ligi 5. sırada bitiren Başakşehir için Avrupa kapıları tamamen kapanacak ve bu sezon hiçbir Avrupa kupasına katılamayacaklar.

Fatih'in torunları Atina'yı işgale hazır! 568 yıl sonra yeniden

1458'de Fatih Sultan Mehmet'in işgal ettiği Atina'yı şimdi de Fenerbahçe Beko bir kez daha işgal etmeye hazırlanıyor. Sarı-lacivertlilerin hedefi önce Olympiakos'u evinde bozguna uğratmak. Pazar günkü finale kalmak. Orada da muhtemelen gelecek Real Madrid'i (Valencia'yı yenerse...) devirerek duble yaparak Atina'nın 2. fethini duble EuroLeague kupasıyla taçlandırmak.

EuroLeague’de son şampiyon Fenerbahçe Beko, unvanını korumak ve üst üste ikinci kez Avrupa’nın en büyüğü olmak için Atina’ya çıkarma yaptı.

Kağıt üzerinde ev sahibi Olympiacos turnuvanın favorisi... Real Madrid ise devasa bütçesiyle korkutucu görünüyor. Ancak parkenin gerçeklerine bakınca sarı-lacivertlilerin "duble" yapması işten bile değil.

Fenerbahce

PSİKOLOJİK BASKIYA DÖNÜŞECEK ORTAM

Turnuvanın yarı finalinde Fenerbahçe Beko yarın akşan 18:00'de normal sezonun lideri ve ev sahibi Olympiacos ile karşılaşacak. Yunan ekibi kendi seyircisi önünde favori. Ancak tek maçlık Final-Four atmosferi Yunan ekibi için dev bir psikolojik baskıya dönüşme potansiyeline de sahip.

ATİNA'DA YOKLARDI ŞİMDİ SAHADALAR

Fenerbahçe EuroLeague’in en iyi savunma (pozisyon başına 0.97 sayı) takımı. Normal sezonda Atina’da oynanan ve kaybedilen maçta sakatlıkları nedeniyle forma giyemeyen Devon Hall, Nicolo Melli ve Mikael Jantunen bu kez sahada olacak.

Fenerbahçe, Tarık Biberovic’in play-off'taki alev alan şut formu ve pota altı sertliğiyle Olympiacos’un hücum ritmini ilk çeyrekte bozduğu an, Yunan ekibi bir anda havlu atabilir.

FİNALDE REAL MADRİD OLABİLİR

Olympiacos duvarı aşıldıktan sonra, pazar günündeki büyük finalde rakip muhtemelen Real Madrid olacak (Valencia karşısında sürpriz yaşamazlarsa). Ancak bu kez karşıda o eski yenilmez Madrid yok.

Real Madrid’in tüm oyun planının merkezinde yer alan, pota altının geçilmez kulesi Edy Tavares sakatlığı nedeniyle Final Four’da oynamayacak.

Fenerbahce

TAVARES'İN YOKLUĞU AVANTAJ

3 kez EuroLeague'in en iyi savunmacısı seçilen Tavares’in yokluğu, Madrid’in boyalı alanını tamamen savunmasız bırakacaktır. Nicolo Melli, Sertaç Şanlı ve Motley gibi isimlerle pota altını domine edecek olan Fenerbahçe Beko, Campazzo ve Hezonja üzerindeki dış alan baskısını artırarak İspanyol devini daha maça çıkmadan mental olarak çözebilir.

Çeyrek final yetmez! Türkiye'yi yarı final anca keser

Arda Güler ve Kenan Yıldız'ın üstün yetenekleri, Hakan Çalhanoğlu'nun elit pas menzili ve Barış Alper ile Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nun rakipleri çizgiyi önde kurmaktan korkutan muazzam geçiş hızı Türkiye'yi, Dünya Kupası'nın en korkutan takımları arasına sokuyor. "Saf 9 numara" eksikliği ve stoper hattının savunma arkasındaki hız dezavantajı gibi yumuşak karınlarına Türkiye'nin Dünya Kupası'ndaki hedefinde sıkıntıya sebep olabilir.

Türk Takımı’nın 2026 Dünya Kupası'na gidecek kadrosu futbol tarihinin en yüksek pazar değerine ve taktiksel çeşitliliğine sahip turnuva takımlarından biri konumunda.

Avrupa’nın elit liglerinde istikrarlı performans gösteren liderler ile "altın jenerasyon" genç yıldızların harmanlandığı kadro hem elit bir oyunu vadediyor. Hem de riskleri barındırıyor.

Montella

3 BÜYÜK YILDIZIMIZ VAR

Real Madrid formasıyla LaLiga'da 2,010 dakika süre alan Arda, sezonu 4 gol ve 9 asist ile tamamladı. Maç başına şans yaratma parametresinde %97’lik dilime giren 21 yaşındaki dahi, milli takımın hücum aklı olacak.

Inter ile Serie A'da harika bir sezonu geride bırakan kaptan Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 9 gol ve 4 asistlik performansının yanında %90.7’lik pas isabet oranı yakaladı. Hakan’ın derinden oyun kurma becerisi, rakip pres hatlarını kıracak en büyük silah.

Juventus'ta bu sezon tüm kulvarlarda 47 maça çıkan Kenan Yıldız'ın Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde kaydettiği 31.59 km/s'lik top sürme hızı, Barış Alper'in Süper Lig'de maç başına 2.14 şut ve yüksek dripling başarısıyla birleştiğinde, rakiplerin savunma çizgisini önde kurmasını imkansız hale getiriyor.

Mıllı Takım

TEK SIKINTI YAVAŞ STOPERLER

Kadroda Deniz Gül ve Can Uzun gibi elit potansiyeller yer alsa da, doğrudan bir "gol makinesi" yok. Bu durum, katı set savunması yapan takımlara karşı ceza sahası içi etkinliğini düşürebilir. Skor yükü zorunlu olarak kanat oyuncularına ve merkez orta sahaların uzaktan şutlarına kalacak.

Merih Demiral ve Abdülkerim Bardakçı ikilisi için temaslı oyunda ne kadar elitse, arkaya atılan dikey toplarda da o kadar ağır. Turnuvadaki atletik takımlar (Fransa, İngiltere veya geçişi iyi oynayan diğer takımlar), arkada kalacak boşlukları ve stoperlerin ağır dönüşlerini hedef olarak belirleyecektir.

YARI FİNAL SÜRPRİZ DEĞİL

Bu kadronun kalitesi, oyuncuların oynadığı kulüpler ve taktik olgunluğu düşünüldüğünde gruptan çıkamamak kabul edilemez. Takımın en kötü senaryoda eleneceği yer, Son 16 turunda oyunu tamamen boğan ve geçiş şansı tanımayan katı bir turnuva takımına karşı yaşanacak skor kısırlığı olacaktır. Uzmanlara göre çeyrek Final ve ötesi (Yarı Final sürprizi) bu jenerasyon için hayal değil.

Galatasaray TFF'yi ters köşe yapacak! Bernardo Silva'yı unutturacak

TFF'nin 10+4 kuralındaki tutumu Galatasaray'ın Bernardo Silva için hazırladığı 30 milyon Euro'luk bütçeyi PSG ve Barcelona'nın da peşinde olduğu Aleksey Batrakov için kullanmasına neden oldu. Rus kulübünün 40 milyon Euro değer biçtiği ancak sözleşmesindeki 20 milyon Euro'luk serbest kalma maddesi yüzünden kriz yaşadığı genç yıldız adayını Avrupa devlerine kaptırmak istemeyen sarı-kırmızılı yönetim devasa bir plan yapmış durumda.

TFF'nin yeni sezonda 10+4 yabancı kuralında ısrar etmesi durumunda, Galatasaray transfer stratejisinde eksen kayması yaşayacak.

Sarı-kırmızılı yönetim, kontenjan sınırı nedeniyle dünyaca ünlü bir süper yıldız Bernardo Silva'ya bağlayacağı bütçeyi gelecek vadeden Alexei Batrakov'a gömme kararı aldı.

Galatasaray

TFF GERİ ADIM ATMAZSA

Sarı-kırmızılılar Portekizli yıldız için 3 yıllık toplam 30 milyon Euro garanti paradan oluşan devasa bir teklif sundu. Ancak TFF'nin yabancı kuralındaki katı tutumu, yönetimi daha uzun vadeli ve yatırım odaklı bir hamleye zorladı.

Eğer TFF geri adım atmazsa, sarı-kırmızılılar Bernardo Silva transferini askıya alarak devasa bütçeyi Lokomotiv Moskova'nın genç dehası Aleksey Batrakov için kullanacak.

20 MİLYON EURO AVANTAJI

21 yaşındaki Rus orta sahanın Lokomotiv ile 2029 yılına kadar sözleşmesi var. Kontratında 2026 yazından itibaren geçerli olacak 20 milyon Euro'luk bir serbest kalma maddesi bulunuyor. Bu yüzden PSG ve Barcelona gibi devler pusuda.

Galatasaray, Avrupa devlerini alt etmek için oyuncunun ailesi ile görüşüp damardan girme kararı aldı. İlk etapta genç yıldızın babasını ikna etmek amacıyla 4-5 milyon Euro seviyesinde bir imza/ikna parası gözden çıkarıldı.

Aile cephesinden onay alındıktan sonra, Bernardo Silva için hazırlanan bütçe kullanılarak 20 milyon Euro'luk serbest kalma maddesi ödenecek ve transfer noktalanacak.

Galatasaray

PSG VE BARCELONA DA PEŞİNDE

Rus basını, Lokomotiv altyapısından yetişen Batrakov'u bu sezon ligin en net "yıldız adayı" ve "sezonun oyuncusu" olarak gösteriyor. Genç yaşına rağmen bu sezon çıktığı 35 resmi maçta 17 gol ve 12 asistlik inanılmaz bir skor katkısına ulaşan Batrakov, adeta Rusya'yı salladı.

Lokomotiv Moskova yönetimi ise sözleşmedeki 20 milyon Euro'luk serbest kalma maddesi yüzünden büyük bir kriz yaşıyor. Rus kulübünün, oyuncunun değerini aslında 35-40 milyon Euro olarak belirlediği ve kapıyı bu rakamdan açmak istediği belirtiliyor.

Dursun Özbek tok satıcı: 40 milyon euro'nuz yoksa gelmeyin

Brezilya Milli Takımı'na kadar yükselen Gabriel Sara, Aston Villa'nın radarında... Unai Emery'nin taktiksel sistemine kusursuz uyum sağlayan ve Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki istatistikleriyle elit seviyede olduğunu kanıtlayan sambacı için Dursun Özbek "tok satıcı" rolünde. Sözleşmesi 2029 yılına kadar devam eden yıldız orta saha için Galatasaray yönetiminin tavrı net: 40 milyon Euro'yu getirmeyen kapıyı çalmasın!

Galatasaray’da şampiyonlukla tamamlanan sezona damga vuran ve Brezilya Milli Takımı’na kadar yükselen Gabriel Sara, Premier Lig'in gözdesi. Oyuncu için en ciddi girişimleri yapan Aston Villa’da teknik direktör Unai Emery’nin bu ısrarının arkasında tamamen veriler ve taktiksel bir deha yatıyor.

Galatasaray

JUVENTUS VE LIVERPOOL KIRILMA MAÇLARI

Şampiyonlar Ligi sahnesinde Juventus ve Liverpool'a karşı oynadığı soğukkanlı futbolla dikkat çeken 26 yaşındaki sambacı, Emery’nin Aston Villa’da kurduğu sisteme aradığı "eksik" parça.

Emery’nin taktik felsefesi, geriden kısa pasla oyun kurarak rakip baskıyı merkeze çekmek ve ardından dikine paslarla hat kırmak. Sara’nın Şampiyonlar Ligi’ndeki pas istatistikleri (İsabetli Pas 24.3-85%) bu sistem için biçilmiş kaftan gibi duruyor.

DAHA ÖNCE 10 NUMARA GİBİYDİ

Sara, İngiltere geçmişinde (Norich formasıyla) daha çok 10 numara gibiydi. Okan Buruk'la kusursuz bir 8 numara profiline evrildi. Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki kritik maçlarda verdiği skor katkısının (1 gol 1 aisst) yanı sıra; maç başına yakaladığı yüksek top kazanma (2.4), pas arası (0.7) ve ikili mücadele başarı (3.3-45%) oranları, Premier Lig'in sert orta saha çarpışmalarına hazır olduğunu kanıtladı.

Galatasaray

DURAN TOPLARIN HAKİMİ

Aston Villa, Premier Lig'de duran top organizasyonlarına en çok önem veren takım. Gabriel Sara ise bu sezon Galatasaray’ın duran top organizasyonlarının mutlak lideri.

Sol ayağıyla kestiği adrese teslim ortalar (1.7-38%) ve yarattığı gol beklentisi (0.90)ac , Emery’nin hücum çeşitliliği arayışına doğrudan "elit seviyede" bir çözüm sunuyor.

Aston Villa'nın bu ısrarlı takibi karşısında Galatasaray'ın tavrı net. 2029 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunan ve Brezilya Milli Takımı'na kadar yükselen sambacı için alt limit 40 milyon Euro.

Icardi'yi Fenerbahçe'yle görüştüren dava

Mauro Icardi, Wanda Nara ile yaşadığı olaylı boşanma sürecinde kariyerini ve özel hayatını kökten sarsacak devasa bir krizle karşı karşıya... "Uluslararası Çocuk Kaçırma" davası ve velayet savaşları yıldız golcünün Fenerbahçe'yle bile görüşmesine neden oldu. Ayrıca Arjantinli 1 yıl daha kalıp Türk vatandaşlığına geçip davada avantajlı duruma geçmek istiyor.

Galatasaray’daki geleceği belirsizliğini koruyan Mauro Icardi ile ilgili yeni hukuki ve ilginç lojistik iddialar ortaya atıldı.

Arjantinli yıldızın sarı-kırmızılı takımda kalmak için maaşında %50’den fazla indirime gitmeye razı olmasının ve menajeri Elio Pino'nun Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi ile temas kurmasının arkasında kızlarının velayeti ve Türk vatandaşlığı yattığı iddia edildi.

Galatasaray

TÜRKİYE'DE YAŞAMAYA DEVAM ETMEK ZORUNDA

İddialara göre Icardi, Türkiye’de ikamet etme hakları devam eden kızları Francesca ve Isabella için Türk mahkemelerine başvurarak Wanda Nara’dan davacı olmaya hazırlanıyor.

Arjantinli oyuncu Wanda Nara kıskacından tamamen kurtulabilmesi ve çocuklarının velayetini sağlama alabilmesi için mutlaka Türkiye’de yaşamaya devam etmesi gerekiyor.

Galatasaray

WANDA'YA KARŞI DEVASA BİR DAVA BAŞLATTI

Icardi’nin Türkiye planındaki en stratejik hamle ise vatandaşlık hakkı... Türkiye’de kesintisiz olarak 1 yıl daha kalması halinde Icardi, Türk vatandaşlığına başvurmaya hak kazanacak.

Arjantinli yıldız, Türk vatandaşlığını cebine koyduğu an Wanda Nara’ya karşı elini inanılmaz olarak güçlendirecek. Türk mahkemeleri karşısında Wanda Nara’ya karşı "Uluslararası Çocuk Kaçırma Davası" açabilecek. Böylece çocuklarının Arjantin’de tutulmasını hukuki olarak engelleyebilecek.

WANDA'YA KARŞI TÜRKİYE'DE DAVA

Icardi'nin avukatları Elba Marcovecchio ve Lara Piro, "Uluslararası Çocuk Kaçırma" davası umut besliyordu. Ancak Arjantin yerel mahkemeleri konuyu geciktirdi. Mauro de davayı resmen Türkiye'de açarak çatışmayı yeniden alevlendirmeyi planlıyor.

Torreira bu kez gidiyor! Hayali sarılacivertli forma

Lucas Torreira çocukluk aşkı Boca Juniors'un sarı-lacivertli formasını giymeye hiç olmadığı kadar yakın! 30 yaşındaki Uruguaylı için Başkan Riquelme, Galatasaray'ın kapısını çalmaya hazırlanırken; sarı-kırmızılı yönetimin en az 15 milyon euro'luk inadını kırmaya çalışacak. Torrera'nın "gideceğim" ısrarı bu kez ayrılığın her an resmiyete dökülebileceğine işaret ediyor.

Galatasaray’da uzun süredir konuşulan Lucas Torreira'nın ayrılığı bu yaz gerçekleşebilir. Uzun süredir Arjantin devi Boca Juniors'ın radarında olan Uruguaylı son olarak Libertadores Kupası'ndaki Boca Juniors-Cruzeiro maçını Boca'nın efsane La Bombonera stadı tribünlerinde izledi.

Vatandaşı Edinson Cavani ile birlikte locada görüntülenen Torreira, maçın ardından yaptığı açıklamalarla ayrılığın her an gerçekleşebileceğinin sinyalini verdi.

Torreıra

15 MİLYON EURO ALT LİMİT AMA

Boca Juniors Başkanı efsane isim Riquelme, Kulüpler Dünya Kupası öncesi Torreira'yı kadroya katmak istediği ve bu transfer için tüm şartları zorladığı bir sır değil.

Galatasaray ile 2028 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunan ve takımın omurgası konumunda yer alan Torreira için sarı-kırmızılı yönetimin beklentisi en az 15 milyon Euro. Ancak Arjantin kulübünün bu rakamı tek seferde ödemesi mümkün görünmüyor.

Torreıra

HER ŞEY TORREIRA'NIN ELİNDE

Boca kulübü Başkan Riquelme'nin Galatasaray'ın kapısını farklı bir formül ila çalacağı iddiaları da yükselmeye başladı. 10-12 milyon dolar bandında bir rakamı "garanti" ücret olarak koyup başarı bonusları ile Galatasaray'ı ikna etmeye çalışacaklar.

Galatasaray'ın sıkıntısı Torreira'nın ayrılık arzusu, Boca taraftarıyla arasındaki bağ ve Başkan Riquelme ile kurduğu doğrudan temas... bu sarı-kırmızılıları pazarlığı istediği seviyeye getirmesine net şekilde engel olacak gibi duruyor.

Montella'dan Fenerbahçe kıyımı! Trabzonsporlular da çıldıracak

Montella, FIFA'ya sunulacak 26 kişilik nihai Dünya Kupası kadrosunu netleştirmek için düğmeye bastı. 35 kişilik geniş listeden elenecek 9 isim büyük oranda belirlenirken, İtalyan teknik adamın planlarında adeta bir Fenerbahçe temizliği yaşanacak. Kadrodaki 6 sarı-lacivertli oyuncudan 3'ünün üstünü çizen, Beşiktaş'tan sadece Orkun Kökçü'ye şans tanıyıp Trabzonspor'dan hiçbir ismi listeye dahil etmeyen tecrübeli hocanın, 30 Mayıs'taki resmi bildirim öncesi gerçekleştireceği bu büyük operasyon çok tartışılacak.

Türk Milli Takım Teknik Direktörü Vincenzo Montella, FIFA’ya sunulacak 26 kişilik nihai Dünya Kupası kadrosu için bazılarını çok kızdıracak. 35 kişilik geniş kadrodan elenecek 9 isim hemen hemen netleşirken, İtalyan teknik adamın özellikle Fenerbahçeli oyuncular üzerindeki kararı çok su kaldıracak.

Montella

TRABZONSPOR'DAN OYUNCU OLMAYACAK

Montella’nın operasyonundan en çok etkilenen kulüp Fenerbahçe olacak. Geniş kadroya davet edilen 6 Fenerbahçeli oyuncudan 3’ü elenecek. Montella'nın Beşiktaş’tan sadece Orkun Kökçü’yü kadroya dahil etmesi beklenirken, Trabzonspor’dan ise hiçbir oyuncuyu Dünya Kupası’na götürmeme kararı almaya yakın.

GALATASARAY'DAN KAAN ELENECEK

Montella’nın 26 kişilik nihai kadroda düşünmediği ve 30 Mayıs öncesi elenmesi beklenen 9 oyuncu:

Ersin Destanoğlu (Beşiktaş)

Mert Günok (Fenerbahçe)

Çağlar Söyüncü (Fenerbahçe)

Oğuz Aydın (Fenerbahçe)

Ahmetcan Kaplan (NEC Nijmegen)

Mustafa Eskihellaç (Trabzonspor)

Kaan Ayhan (Galatasaray)

Yusuf Sarı (RAMS Başakşehir)

İrfan Can Kahveci (Kasımpaşa)

Montella

Montella'nın kafasındaki 26 kişilik Dünya Kupası kesin kadro taslağı ise şu isimlerden oluşuyor:

KALECİLER

Uğurcan Çakır (Galatasaray)

Altay Bayındır (Manchester United)

Muhammed Şengezer (RAMS Başakşehir)

BEKLER

Eren Elmalı (Galatasaray)

Ferdi Kadıoğlu (Brighton)

Mert Müldür (Fenerbahçe)

Zeki Çelik (Roma)

STOPERLER

Abdülkerim Bardakcı (Galatasaray)

Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli)

Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim)

Samet Akaydin (Rizespor)

Yusuf Akçiçek (Al-Hilal)

ORTA SAHALAR

Atakan Karazor (Stuttgart)

Demir Ege Tıknaz (Braga)

Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter)

İsmail Yüksek (Fenerbahçe)

Orkun Kökçü (Beşiktaş)

Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund)

KANAT VE HÜCUM OYUNCULARI

Aral Şimşir (Midtjylland)

Arda Güler (Real Madrid)

Barış Alper Yılmaz (Galatasaray)

Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Kenan Yıldız (Juventus)

Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Fenerbahçe)

Yunus Akgün (Galatasaray)

Deniz Gül (Porto)

AÇ: Hüseyn və Paşa finalda

20 May 2026 at 22:37

Bu gün Bolqarıstanın Samokov şəhərində güləş üzrə U15 Avropa çempionatı start götürüb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, ilk yarış günündə yunan-Roma güləşi üzrə 7 çəkidə finalçılar müəyyənləşib.

Hüseyn Əmrahlı (38 kq) ermənistanlı Qor Karapetyan (9:0) və bolqarıstanlı İvan Aleksandrova (8:0) tam üstünlüklə qalib gəldikdən sonra yarımfinalda rusiyalı Ervin Sufiyanovdan güclü olub – 3:1. Hüseyn finalda estoniyalı Daniel Samuellə güləşəcək.

Xudayar Kərimov (41 kq) finlandiyalı Vilyami Kotilayneni (5:3) yarışdan kənarlaşdırsa da, 1/4 finalda bolqarıstanlı Oqnyan Burqazovla mübarizədə qolundan zədələndiyi üçün görüşü davam etdirə bilməyib.

Paşa Aslan (44 kq) belaruslu Matvey Utliklə (9:0) serbiyalı Adam Horvatı (9:1) vaxtından əvvəl xalçadan məyus yola salıb. Yarımfinalda isə gürcüstanlı Luka Saqinadzeni 5:3 hesabıyla üstələyib. Paşa finalda ermənistanlı adaşı Paşa Xudoyanla güləşəcək.

Pünhan Şahmarov (48 kq) macarıstanlı Vensel Olas (11:3), belaruslu Nazar Krişnyov (5:3) və türkiyəli Mehmet Dedeoğluna (6:0) qalib gəlib. Yarımfinalda rusiyalı Feliks Tuayevə uduzan (1:10) həmyerlimiz sabah bürünc medal görüşünə çıxacaq.

Rəsul Əhmədli (52 kq) 1/8 finalda türkiyəli Muhammed Ozenə minimal fərqlə məğlub olub – 1:2.

Sadiq Vəlizadə (57 kq) böyük britaniyalı Pol Hanlonla (8:0) türkiyəli Yusuf Sariyara (9:5) qalib gələrək adını yarımfinala yazdırıb. Sadiq finalın bir addımlığında rusiyalı Raybek Muçurayevlə bacarmayıb – 2:13.

Raul Məmmədzadə (62 kq) bolqarıstanlı Qriqor Simyonova (9:1) qalib gəlsə də, 1/4 finalda gürcüstanlı Qabriyel Tavberidzeyə (1:5) məğlub olub. Rəqib finala yüksəldiyi üçün Raul sabah təsəlliverici görüşə çıxacaq.

Roma interested in Nusa, Summerville and Greenwood

21 May 2026 at 00:00

Roma have reportedly identified Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig, West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Mason Greenwood of Olympique Marseille as potential reinforcements.

The Giallorossi decided to push advisor Claudio Ranieri and director of sport Frederic Massara aside this summer to follow the vision of coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

That means the new signings will be players specifically requested by him, with players more suited to his style of football already seen with Atalanta.

Roma looking for reinforcements

PARMA, ITALY - MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the primary target is Nusa, who had already been approached last summer and in January only to be put off by the €60m asking price.

It is claimed that the cost has since dropped by around €10m, so the 21-year-old would be within reach, especially if Matias Soulé was sold first.

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 16: Antonio Nusa of Norway celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Antonio Nusa of Norway celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Liverpool and Milan have also been linked with the Norway international, who scored five goals with four assists in 35 competitive games this season.

There are other wide men required too by Roma, and they are looking around for bargains.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Crysencio Summerville of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Leeds United at Vicarage Road on March 29, 2024 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Crysencio Summerville of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Leeds United at Vicarage Road on March 29, 2024 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Summerville could be available for cheap if West Ham United are relegated from the Premier League.

The 24-year-old can play on the left or right, contributing seven goals and four assists in 33 games for the Hammers this season.

Roma hope that the fact he shares an agency with January signing Donyell Malen can give them a leg up in the negotiations for Summerville.

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

A more expensive option is Greenwood, who had been linked with Serie A before coming to Olympique Marseille.

Due to his history off the field, a return to the Premier League is unlikely, but the 24-year-old’s form on the pitch is impressive with 26 goals and 11 assists in 45 games this term.

He is in a tense situation with Marseille and has long been admired for his playing style by Roma coach Gasperini.

Montella: ‘Calhanoglu most important, but worried about Kenan Yildiz’

20 May 2026 at 23:38

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella thanks Inter for letting ‘most important’ Hakan Calhanoglu leave early ahead of the World Cup, but admits they are ‘worried’ about Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz.

Italian tactician Montella was in attendance this evening at the Europa League Final between Freiburg and Aston Villa, which is being hosted in Istanbul.

He spoke to Sky Sport Italia and commented on preparations for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada this summer.

Montella preparing Turkiye for World Cup

DORTMUND, GERMANY - JUNE 18: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, from Italy, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Turkiye and Georgia at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 18, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JUNE 18: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Turkiye and Georgia at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 18, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“The World Cup is a brief tournament, so it’s all about your form when you get there,” said Montella.

“Incidents can be decisive, but that is true both for the underdogs and the favourites for the trophy. Our objective is to get through the group stage, but we know that anything can happen in a one-off match.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm and confidence, but we mustn’t let it slip over into euphoria.”

The most talented young player in the squad is Kenan Yildiz, who has performed well at Juventus overall since taking the iconic Number 10 jersey, but has been struggling with fitness issues.

He has had a recurring inflammation that made it difficult for him to train regularly.

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella is seen prior to the friendly football match between Hungary and Turkey in Budapest, Hungary, on March 22, 2024. (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images)
Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella is seen prior to the friendly football match between Hungary and Turkey in Budapest, Hungary, on March 22, 2024. (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images)

“Yildiz is 21 years old and I hope for his sake it will be the first of many World Cup adventures,” said Montella.

“He had a few problems in his knee over the last couple of months that do not allow him to train at 100 per cent. I hope he can make a full recovery, we are a little bit worried about him, but he’s certainly not short on enthusiasm.”

Inter midfielder Calhanoglu also had recent injury concerns, so with the Scudetto and Coppa Italia already won, his club decided to let him leave a week early for international duty.

“I found out that he arrived in Istanbul today, so I thank Inter and the player, who will allow us to work with him from Friday. I hope he can rediscover the ideal form to play in the World Cup.

“Calhanoglu is one of our most important players, probably the most important.”

Inter have decided to let all the players going to the World Cup have an extra week off, so they won’t be involved in the final game of the season.

Lotito rages at Lazio fans, players and coach Sarri: ‘They soil their shorts’

20 May 2026 at 23:24

Lazio President Claudio Lotito lashed out at everyone from coach Maurizio Sarri to his players and the fans boycotting the games. ‘They soil their shorts.’

The tension within the Aquile camp is sky high after even the last opportunity to salvage their season went begging, losing the Coppa Italia Final 2-0 to Inter.

They have failed to qualify for European football for the second year in a row, and coach Sarri is not shy about his frustration with the club strategy.

Lotito fury at everyone around Lazio

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08: SS Lazio President Claudio Lotito prior the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at the Juventus stadium on February 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: SS Lazio President Claudio Lotito prior the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at the Juventus stadium on February 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“Sarri has a contract with Lazio, I am the President of the club, so what do you want from me? Ask him. The coach has a contract with us, end of story,” Lotito told reporters this evening at an event.

Following the defeat to Roma in the Derby della Capitale, the President also did not hold back in his criticism of the players.

“Inter didn’t do anything to win the Coppa Italia, we did it all for them with an own goal and a gift of a pass, then we missed three sitters. Against Roma we concede two identical goals from corners, do we want to put someone on the field who can mark? I’m not the one on the pitch…

“If the players had my guts, the game would be over, we’d dominate matches. The problem is that when they get on the pitch, they soil their shorts.”

ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 09: Nicolò Rovella, Mario Gila and Claudio Lotito attend the the SS Lazio new store unveiling on October 09, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 09: Nicolò Rovella, Mario Gila and Claudio Lotito attend the the SS Lazio new store unveiling on October 09, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The fans were in attendance for the Coppa Italia, but continued their boycott of the home games for the derby with rivals Roma, preferring to gather outside the Stadio Olimpico.

When asked if he will try to find common ground and resolve the strike, Lotito again lashed out.

“I have been the President for 22 years, I’ve won six trophies, taken Lazio back into Europe, we can have a season where things don’t go as well.

“I am working for Lazio, I presented the plan for the new Stadio Flaminio, I am finishing the Academy, what more do they want from me? I’m floating the club shares on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York, with a new stadium we’d reach €3m in revenue, so the rest is just idle chatter.

“I am working to make this club autonomous, immortal and independent. So don’t ask me why the fans don’t come to the stadium, ask them. They don’t want to come? Then they can stay away.

“Perhaps there aren’t enough Lazio fans in Rome, but there are many all over the world, even in China.”

epa11068012 Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito celebrates after winning the Coppa Italia quarter final soccer match between SS Lazio and AS Roma, in Rome, Italy, 10 January 2024. EPA-EFE/FABIO FRUSTACI
epa11068012 Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito celebrates after winning the Coppa Italia quarter final soccer match between SS Lazio and AS Roma, in Rome, Italy, 10 January 2024. EPA-EFE/FABIO FRUSTACI

Lotito had the same attitude as in recent months when told Sarri disagreed with the transfer strategy.

“The fan has to cheer on his team, the coach needs to coach his players, I am the President and I do my job. I have to protect the history of Lazio, I cannot let it go bankrupt.”

Tonali visits childhood club Brescia during Newcastle United day off

20 May 2026 at 23:03

Italy international Sandro Tonali took a few days off from Newcastle United and used it to cheer on his childhood club Brescia in the Serie C play-offs.

The midfielder celebrated his 26th birthday earlier this month and was given some time to relax ahead of the final round of the Premier League season.

He took the opportunity to return home, but couldn’t keep away from football for long.

Brescia welcome Tonali back home

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park on January 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James’ Park on January 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Tonali was a special guest of Union Brescia and was in the stands cheering them on in the Serie C play-off against Casarano at the Stadio Rigamonti.

He joined the Brescia youth academy at the age of 12 and moved his way up the ranks, becoming a regular in the senior squad.

It allowed him to get a move to his dream club Milan in 2020, the side he had always supported, and then on to Newcastle United in the summer of 2023.

Brescia have changed a lot in that time too, as the club went bankrupt in June 2025 and were excluded from the Serie C tournament.

They were reborn as Union Brescia last summer and are now battling for promotion with a special fan in the stands.

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‘We’ll do beautiful things with Maldini’ says Fenerbahce prospective chief

20 May 2026 at 22:49

Prospective Fenerbahce President Hakan Safi has confirmed reports he met with Paolo Maldini to discuss a new role. ‘We will do beautiful things together.’

With the election for the President of the Turkish club coming up, candidates are trying to give fans reasons to back them as the new leader after missing out on the title to rivals Galatasaray.

LECCE, ITALY - JUNE 22: Paolo Maldini of Milan during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Milan at Stadio Via del Mare on June 22, 2020 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
LECCE, ITALY – JUNE 22: Paolo Maldini of Milan during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Milan at Stadio Via del Mare on June 22, 2020 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Hakan Safi was spotted on Italian soil over the last few weeks, where he had a meeting at Casa Milan with Rossoneri directors.

It was also reported that he had dinner with former Milan director Maldini, and it is something that he finally confirmed in a podcast interview on his private jet.

Fenerbahce candidate had Maldini talks

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 03: Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara of AC Milan look on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara of AC Milan look on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We sat down with Maldini and talked,” confirmed Safi.

“He will be our football brain in the world, our football ambassador. We will do beautiful things together. In the transfers I will make in future, we will benefit from the presence of Maldini.”

The former Milan and Italy player has always said he does not see himself working with any club other than the Diavolo, where he spent his entire career.

However, if it was a side outside of Serie A, then he might be more amenable.

After all, he has been a part owner of Miami FC since 2015, before he became technical director with the Rossoneri from 2019 to 2023.

Watch: Absolute screamer! Tielemans scores goal of the season contender to give Aston Villa the lead in Europa League final

20 May 2026 at 23:59

Youri Tielemans has just scored an absolute screamer to give Aston Villa the lead against German side Freiburg in the Europa League final.

Tielemans has often stepped up on the big occasions and he has certainly done so tonight with a stunning volley.

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It’s a goal straight from the training ground as a well rehearsed corner is executed perfectly.

The corner is taken short to Morgan Rogers who puts in a flighted ball in towards the emptty space inside the penalty area where the former Leicester star made the run in to score a magnificent first time volley past the goalkeeper.

It’s a goal worth winning any cup final!

Watch below:

Sensational from Youri Tielemans ?

An absolute rocket to give Aston Villa the lead in the Europa League final ?

? TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/zOZAIDXLKg

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 20, 2026

Tielemans continues reputation for incredible Cup final goals

This spectacular strike only cements Tielemans’ reputation as a man for the grandest stages.

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Football fans will instantly remember his knack for the spectacular from his time at Leicester City, where he netted one of the most iconic goals in recent FA Cup history.

In the 2021 FA Cup Final against Chelsea, the Belgian midfielder unleashed a ferocious, 30-yard thunderbolt into the top corner to secure a historic 1-0 victory and the trophy for the Foxes.

Tonight’s technical brilliance on the volley against Freiburg proves once again that when the pressure is highest and the lights are brightest, Tielemans has the unique ability to produce moments of pure magic.

The post Watch: Absolute screamer! Tielemans scores goal of the season contender to give Aston Villa the lead in Europa League final appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United looking to make statement signing with €70m Barcelona transfer hijack

20 May 2026 at 23:30

Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with a move away from Inter Milan at the end of the season, and Manchester United are now interested in signing him.

Barcelona were hoping to secure his signature, but they have not been able to get the deal done yet. Manchester United have now entered the race, and they are prepared to outmuscle Barcelona in the race for the Italian International.

Manchester United are looking to improve the defence, and the 27-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. According to reports from Spain, he could cost around €70 million, and Barcelona might struggle to afford him. They are going through financial difficulties, and they will not be able to compete with Manchester United financially.

The Red Devils have secured Champions League qualification, and they will look to plug the gaps in their team this summer. They will look to compete with top clubs next year, and they need elite players. Bastoni is one of the best defenders in Europe, and he could help Manchester United improve immensely.

At 27, he’s at the peak of his powers, and the €70 million asking price seems reasonable for a player of his quality and experience in today’s market. He should be able to justify the investment.

Meanwhile, he helped Inter Milan secure the league title this season, and he is a key player for them. They will not want to lose someone like him easily. It remains to be seen how they react if Manchester United come forward with a €70 million offer for him.

The opportunity to play in the Premier League could be exciting for the Italian international defender. Barcelona will be an attractive destination as well, but the deal looks unlikely for them due to financial constraints.

The post Man United looking to make statement signing with €70m Barcelona transfer hijack appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mohamed Salah’s comments on Arsenal from August now look incredibly prophetic

20 May 2026 at 23:18

When Mohamed Salah backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title back in August, while his own Liverpool side were splashing a record-breaking sum on new signings, most Arsenal fans slandered him for playing mind games.

Nine months later, the Egyptian King looks like an absolute genius.

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Mohamed Salah predicted Arsenal Premier League title win in August

Speaking to Sky Sports at the start of the 25/26 season, Salah made a bold and eyebrow-raising prediction.

Rather than backing the defending champions Liverpool, who had just spent an eye-watering £446 million on a glittering array of new signings including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, Salah pointed the finger firmly at Arsenal.

“I said it a few times, today and a the PFA awards as well that Arsenal are the favourites because they have team that have been together for five years.

“They understand each other’s game, and they have a manager also in the team for five, six years.

“When the team is stuck together for that long, they know each other’s game — so it becomes easier for them.”

“Other teams like us and Man City changing a lot of players which is sometimes tricky but again with Pep Guardiola, they are always the favourites.

“But, of course my opinion is that this year Arsenal number one”

"My opinion this year is Arsenal number one"

Mo Salah tells us why he believes Arsenal are favourites for the title this season ? pic.twitter.com/nSijYUQtGc

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 29, 2025

Salah prediction shows elite football knowledge

At the time, the comments seemed almost generous. Liverpool were the champions. They had just shattered their transfer record.

The expectation across the football world was that Arne Slot’s side, now armed with world-class reinforcements, would be near-impossible to dethrone.

But Salah saw something others didn’t. He identified the one thing money cannot buy overnight: cohesion.

Not only this, he even rather boldly claimed at the PFA awards that Liverpool are not as strong as they were last season despite the reinforcements.

Arsenal’s core had been built patiently under Mikel Arteta over half a decade, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Gabriel forming the spine of one of the most well-drilled units in European football.

His reasoning was not luck, it was pure, elite-level football IQ. The kind of analytical clarity that made Salah one of the greatest players of his generation is evidently not limited to what he produces on the pitch.

Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions on Tuesday night after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, leaving the Gunners with a four-point lead with one game to play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfUbG4QkJXQ

It ends a 22-year wait for the title and three consecutive second-place finishes.

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As for Liverpool? Despite their £446 million summer outlay, the Reds endured a campaign to forget, with Salah himself calling for the side to return to being the “heavy metal” attacking team that opponents fear.

Salah backed Arsenal when almost nobody else did. He was right. He is always right.

 

The post Mohamed Salah’s comments on Arsenal from August now look incredibly prophetic appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United accelerate move to sign 21-year-old rising Premier League star

20 May 2026 at 23:00

Manchester United are now stepping up their efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Manchester United have intensified their interest in the 21-year-old central midfielder.

He could be on the move this summer, especially if West Ham United go down at the end of the season. They are 18th in the league table, and they will need Tottenham to lose the final game of the season and for them to win their match in hand to survive.

It is now a distinct possibility that they could be playing in the next season, and top players will want to leave the club. Fernandes has been outstanding in the Premier League, and he will not want to compete in the second division of English football. The opportunity to play for Manchester United will be exciting for him.

He would experience Champions League football with them and play alongside his compatriot, Bruno Fernandes, at Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old is a phenomenal talent with a bright future, and he has already shown his quality in the Premier League. He will only improve with coaching and experience. He has all the tools to develop into a star for Manchester United.

They need more control and defensive cover in the middle of the park. The 21-year-old will help them control the game’s tempo. He is a hard-working player who will help out defensively as well.

It remains to be seen whether West Ham United can secure Premier League safety and hold onto their best players.

Manchester United have done well this season, and they need to plug the weaknesses in their team to close the gap with Arsenal and Manchester City. Signing a quality central trailer like Fernandes should be a priority for them.

The post Man United accelerate move to sign 21-year-old rising Premier League star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool could “accelerate their interest” in £40m ball-winner this summer

20 May 2026 at 22:40

Liverpool are interested in signing Lamine Camara from AS Monaco at the end of the season.

According to Football Insider, the player will cost £40 million this summer. Liverpool needs more physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park, and the 22-year-old Senegal International could be the ideal acquisition.

Pete O’Rourke claims: “I don’t think he will cost a huge fee. You’re probably looking at around £40million-plus for someone like Camara, who is under contract until 2029.

“Let’s see what happens with any potential exits at Anfield, and then maybe then they might accelerate their interest in somebody like Camara.”

He has been excellent in Ligue 1, and he has the quality to thrive in the Premier League as well.

Liverpool have been using Ryan Gravenberch as a defensive midfielder, but the Netherlands International is better suited to central midfield. Signing Camara will allow Gravenberch to operate in his natural role. It would also help Liverpool tighten defensively.

The 22-year-old is excellent at winning the ball back for his team, and he will protect the backline as well.

The opportunity to play for Liverpool will be exciting for the youngster. The Senegal International will look to test himself at the highest level, and moving to the Premier League would be ideal for him at this stage of his career. Liverpool has the financial muscle to pay £40 million for him, and the player might be able to justify the investment in the long term.

Meanwhile, he is not the only Monaco player Liverpool are looking to sign this summer. They are also interested in signing the French International attacker, Magnes Akliouche.

It remains to be seen whether the French outfit is willing to sanction the departure of two players in one window.

The post Liverpool could “accelerate their interest” in £40m ball-winner this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Lakers named best fit for $101 million four-time MVP forward

Luka Doncic Austin Reaves IMAGN 03172026

Lakers named best fit for $101 million four-time MVP forward originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In addition to going outside the organization to acquire franchise-altering assets this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers will likely attempt to retain valuable contributors from their 2025-26 squad.

It won’t be a simple task, given that several of the Lakers’ free agents are expected to garner significant interest on the offseason market. Still, Los Angeles should identify their top priorities and submit offers that will entice them to remain with the 17-time NBA champions.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix believes that re-signing their four-time MVP forward should be a no-brainer move for Los Angeles.

“For (LeBron) James, a return to the Lakers just makes sense,’ Mannix wrote last Thursday. “His family is in Los Angeles—his son Bronny is on the freaking roster—and where James has built an off-the-court business empire.”

“He’s not beloved by Lakers fans—the Kobe Bryant comparisons will never stop—but he has plenty of supporters. He wasn’t enthusiastic about the third-fiddle role, but by the end of the season, he was thriving in it.” 

“For James, negotiations with the Lakers could be humbling. He’s not L.A.’s only priority. The Lakers have to re-sign Reaves and continue the process of building out a (Luka) Doncic-friendly team.”

As Mannix noted, catering to Doncic’s primary needs is the Lakers’ ultimate goal, but bringing James back to the fold isn’t too far behind. The 22-time All-Star was effective in a tertiary playmaking role with the Lakers this year, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game in 60 outings. 

It appears Mannix has echoed the same sentiment as FS1’s Nick Wright, as he’s also a firm believer that the Bronny factor could ultimately motivate James to spend his 24th season alongside his son in Los Angeles.

With Pelinka and JJ Redick stating they would love to have James back in the fold after their Western Conference Finals-less 2025-26 campaign, it’s likely the future Hall of Famer could value familiarity/family over a fresh start with an alternative contender.

More NBA news:

Xavier baseball's Big East Tournament opener postponed

The Xavier University Musketeers' first-round Big East Tournament baseball game has been postponed a day due to inclement weather, the league announced on Wednesday, May 20.

Xavier was originally scheduled to face UConn in the first round of the Big East Tournament at Prasco Park on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.

More: Xavier baseball aims for NCAA automatic bid at Big East Tournament

More: Former Xavier golf teammates reunite at LPGA Queen City Championship

Now, Xavier and UConn will meet Thursday, May 21, with a targeted time of 11 a.m., depending on if the first game of the tournament between top-seeded St. John's and No. 4 Creighton can be completed Wednesday night.

That matchup is slated to start no earlier than 7:32 p.m. on Wednesday, the conference announced.

Xavier is the No. 3 seed in the Big East Tournament after splitting a share of the league's regular-season championship with St. John's and UConn.

The Big East's outright bid to the NCAA Tournament is up for grabs this week. Xavier is searching for its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2023.

Cincinnati.com will update this story.

Xavier baseball is the No. 3 seed in the Big East Tournament, which is being hosted May 20-23 at Prasco Park in Mason.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier baseball's Big East Tournament opener postponed

NHL Playoff Predictions 2026: Will the Avalanche or Golden Knights represent the West?

Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights IMAGN 052026

NHL Playoff Predictions 2026: Will the Avalanche or Golden Knights represent the West? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The conference final stage has officially arrived in these Stanley Cup playoffs, with the final four teams remaining as the Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas Golden Knights.

The Avalanche and Golden Knights kick things off on Wednesday with Game 1 at Ball Arena in Denver.

The Central and Pacific division winners will battle for a spot in the Cup final, which should be an entertaining, likely long series. Nonetheless, here is our prediction for the Western Conference final.

Colorado Avalanche (C1) Vs. Vegas Golden Knights (P1)

Season series: Avalanche 2-1

Why Colorado Will Win: The Avalanche made a statement to the rest of the NHL when they slayed the Minnesota Wild in just five games. That series was expected to be longer, reaching the six or seven-game mark, but Colorado was able to wrap it up quickly, despite Minnesota finishing seventh in the NHL regular-season standings.

Let alone the fact that the Avalanche dominated in the regular season, winning the Presidents’ Trophy with an eight-point lead over the Hurricanes. Their performance against the Wild makes them the clear favorite against the Golden Knights in this Western Conference final.

They haven’t outscored their opponents by a large margin by any means, but the Avs have proven that they can beat their opponents in any style of game.

MORECale Makar OUT For Game 1 Against Golden Knights In Western Conference Finals

They handled the defensive Los Angeles Kings in a four-game sweep. Colorado was held back offensively to some degree, but still bested Los Angeles. And with the Wild, the Avalanche still came out on top in an offensive explosion of a series.

The Golden Knights will be somewhere in the middle, but it’s not anything the Avalanche won’t be able to handle. Also, Colorado is one of the best teams in the NHL in terms of depth, as they basically own a star-studded lineup.

Jack Eichel, Nathan MacKinnon IMAGN 052026

Imagn Images

Why Vegas Will Win: Colorado won’t be like Vegas’ two previous opponents, the Utah Mammoth and Anaheim Ducks. However, that doesn’t mean the Golden Knights don’t have a chance against the Avalanche.

They, too, have stars sprinkled throughout their lineup, including right winger Mitch Marner, who leads the playoffs in scoring with seven goals and 18 points in 12 appearances. 

Don’t forget about his connection with Brett Howden in this campaign, as well as the production they’ve been getting out of Pavel Dorofeyev. And of course, Jack Eichel has been consistent for Vegas all post-season long.

MOREJack Eichel, Chris Chelios are wrong about the history of Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs

Add those weapons up front with the goaltending they’ve been getting with Carter Hart, posting a 2.27 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in these playoffs.

Not to mention, Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella certainly knows how to motivate an underdog team, and he’s been able to bring the best out of Vegas since joining late in the regular season.

The Verdict: 

It’ll certainly be a battle as the Central and Pacific division winners fight for a spot in the final, especially considering both franchises have won a Stanley Cup in the past five years.

However, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche are far from fraudulent, and we think they get the edge in this series.

Prediction: Avalanche win in six games

More NHL News

At least John Tavares' contract is good news for the Maple Leafs

At least John Tavares' contract is good news for the Maple Leafs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Maple Leafs still have so much to figure out this offseason.

They need a head coach. They need an Auston Matthews plan. They need to get the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft right. 

But there's at least one bit of good news when you start digging into the numbers: John Tavares actually has quite the friendly contract.

Tavares is 35 years old, sure, but he's only making $4,389,280 per season. He's got three years left on his current deal at that cost.

It's not nothing, but it's also a bargain price for a center who still notches nearly a point per game.

The Maple Leafs have Matthews, presumably, to continue centering the top line. If Tavares is remaining their second center and it's just at that cost, that's a good deal for Toronto.

MORE: Sabres' story of this season is about all the chapters along the way

Tavares is coming off a season in which he had 31 goals and 40 assists while playing in all 82 games for the Maple Leafs. While things were mostly crumbling around him, he was performing pretty close to his usual standard -- and it'd be fair to imagine he would've put up even better numbers if he had a better team around him.

The Maple Leafs got Tavares to sign that deal before this season in what felt like a big win for a team hoping to maintain its contention status in the Eastern Conference. Instead, almost everything fell apart, but Tavares remained sturdy.

That's as good a sign as anything as the Leafs try to turn things around. They know they can still count on Tavares, and not at a bad cost, either.

More NHL news:

Insider Doesn't See This AFC Team Competing With Patriots For A.J. Brown Trade

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown

Insider Doesn't See This AFC Team Competing With Patriots For A.J. Brown Trade originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Recent news may not create another suitor in the A.J. Brown sweepstakes.

Rashee Rice will serve a 30-day jail sentence for violating his probation stemming from a 2024 car crash. He also had cleanup surgery on his knee that is expected to sideline him for two months, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Those developments could put the Kansas City Chiefs on the market for another receiver before the 2026 season. However, Albert Breer doesn't anticipate them pursuing Brown.

The Sports Illustrated insider downplayed the possibility of Kansas City calling the Philadelphia Eagles about the three-time Pro Bowler during Wednesday's "The Breer Report."

"Do they circle back and maybe look at the idea of trading for A.J. Brown? I don't think that happens," Breer said. "They had that opportunity. They were on A.J. Brown's list, and they said no to the Eagles in the first place."

The New England Patriots have remained heavily linked to Brown all offseason. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said on Tuesday that the AFC champions remain "likely" to acquire Brown, but there's no done deal in place to finalize after June 1.

Even if Kansas City isn't more motivated to land Brown, the Patriots can't assume there's no competition for his services. Garafolo added that he "wouldn't be surprised" if the Los Angeles Rams re-upped conversations with the Eagles about Brown.

Meanwhile, Kansas City could potentially pivot to a former New England wide receiver. James Palmer called Stefon Diggs a strong fit for the Chiefs, who are looking to erase the stench of a disappointing six-win season. 

More Football: NFL Insider Reveals There Is No Deal In Place For A.J. Brown To Join Patriots Yet

Adam Schefter may have revealed why Tyreek Hill remains unsigned in NFL free agency

Tyreek Hill

Adam Schefter may have revealed why Tyreek Hill remains unsigned in NFL free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 NFL free agency pool is still filled with a bunch of proven players with immense talent, especially wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

After being cut by the Miami Dolphins in February, Hill has yet to find a home. During his four-year stint in Miami, the eight-time Pro Bowler tallied two seasons with over 110 catches and 1,700 receiving yards, and even led the league in receiving touchdowns with 13 in 2023.

However, 2025 was a rough year for Hill, as a dislocated knee caused him to miss most of the year, and it could be the reason why he remains unsigned in the final weeks of May.

Adam Schefter may have revealed why Tyreek Hill is still in free agency

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter discussed the state of the free-agent wide receiver market and added a nugget on Hill that could explain why the former All-Pro hasn't signed with a team yet.

"I think some of these free agent wide receivers will be able to hand-pick their opportunities right before training camp," Schefter said. "Maybe a week or two into camp."

"Tyreek Hill is in an injury situation where he may not be ready till midway through the season."

It looks like Hill's health is still a major question mark, and Schefter stating that the veteran may not be ready to return to game action until the halfway point of the season is a shocking development.

There's no reason for a team to sign Hill and waste a roster spot on a player who won't be able to suit up until potentially late October or even November. That could explain why the 32-year-old is having a lengthy stay on the free agency market.

We'll see when Hill gets picked up, but based on what Schefter said, there's a high chance the dynamic receiver doesn't sign with a franchise until the season actually starts in September or later.

Dolphins' Quinn Ewers gets bittersweet projection for 2026 season

Dolphins' Quinn Ewers gets bittersweet projection for 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Dolphins are heading into the 2026 NFL season as a clear rebuilding team. But, for such a rebuilding team, the starting quarterback is still of note.

Malik Willis is almost guaranteed to be the starter, barring an injury or some other circumstance impacting the QB competition.

But what about Quinn Ewers, who did show a little bit of intrigue to close out the 2025 season for Miami? Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed what's likely to become of Ewers on the Dolphins this year, and it's a bittersweet projection for the former Texas QB.

Quinn Ewers gets bittersweet projection for Dolphins in 2026

"Quinn Ewers has made a nice impression over the past year with his teammates, and I believe enters OTAs as the favorite to be the backup," Breer writes. "As such, I'd bet he'll get a lot of run in the preseason games, and maybe toward the end of the season, too, if the Malik Willis-led Dolphins fall out of the race."

This projection for the Dolphins quarterback position is one that's bringing both good and bad news for the former Texas Longhorns QB taken in the seventh round in 2025 NFL Draft.

MOREESPN analyst says if Cade Klubnik gets on the field for Jets it would mean something went wrong

Ewers is firmly behind Willis in the pecking order and might not see any action all season until the last few weeks if things go very south. 

But Breer is also suggesting that the Dolphins won't go out and acquire a backup quarterback to potentially put over Ewers in 2026.

It's likely to be Willis as the QB1, and then Ewers as the QB2, barring an injury or some other unexpected change. Ewers is likely to be the backup again for the Dolphins, except this time he's backing up Willis and not Tua Tagovailoa.

More NFL news:

UWCL: OL Lyonnes boss Jonatan Giráldez previews blockbuster final against former side FC Barcelona

UWCL: OL Lyonnes boss Jonatan Giráldez previews blockbuster final against former side FC Barcelona
UWCL: OL Lyonnes boss Jonatan Giráldez previews blockbuster final against former side FC Barcelona

Jonatan Giráldez is ready for OL Lyonnes’ blockbuster clash against his former side FC Barcelona in the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Saturday.

The final — which will take place at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo — will be the first contested between the two sides since the 2023/24 final.

In Bilbao, Barcelona stunned the tournament’s record-holders with a 2-0 victory. Goals from Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí ensured the Spanish side took home their third UWCL title.

The sides haven’t met one since then but they are both heading into Saturday’s final high on confidence. Last time out, Barca beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 to take home another Copa de la Reina title. Meanwhile, OL Lyonnes dismantled Nantes 8-0, which saw Ada Hegerberg net a hat-trick.

“Now, it’s time for preparation,” Lyon head coach Giráldez told the media. “Try to have a good iteration, preparation, activation, and what we have to do before the game and what we can control.

“Right now, we can’t play this evening. We have to prepare for the game and that’s the priority to understand it.”

Why did Jonatan Giráldez return to Europe?

In 2019, the 34-year-old joined the coaching ranks at Barcelona under Lluís Cortés’ leadership. He spent three years as a technical assistant and with a keen tactical eye, he was heavily involved with game strategy.

During this period, the Spaniard helped the side win their first Champions League title in 2021 against Chelsea. Cortés then departed the club and Giráldez was promoted to head coach.

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After three successful years at the helm, which included winning 10 titles, he left European football. Moving across the pond, Giráldez went on to manage Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League. However, the allure of the Champions League meant a return to Europe was always on the cards.

“For us, it’s [the final] the most important game in the season that we have played. We are very happy, very proud to have to opportunity to play this game,” he said.

Despite the blockbuster final, Giráldez insists he doesn’t like ‘to change’ his preparation for these high-pressure matchups.

“What we have to do, is do the same thing that we were doing in the past. We don’t have to change the environment around players, we just need to understand what we have to do as a team.”

How many UWCL titles do OL Lyonnes have?

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OL Lyonnes have long been hailed the ‘Queens of Europe’ due to their record eight European titles. Captain Wendie Renard has been present for all of these victories and it’s experience like this which could help drive a new-look Lyon side to their ninth title.

Giráldez said: “Based on my experience, I have played this type of games many times. So, I guess I can give some advice, but also we have several players, who have very good voice displays and experience to explain to the players how we have to face these types of weeks.”

Some of the younger players, who could be key for OL Lyonnes this weekend include Melchie Dumornay, who joined the club in 2023.

Dumornay is just 22 years old and has quickly cemented herself as one of the most prolific attackers in world football. Her late assist in the semi-final proved decisive for beating reigning champions Arsenal, who struggled to replicate their first leg performance.

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In the 2024 final, the Haitian started as a striker for the French club, but has been utilised deeper under Giráldez’s reign.

“I think she has a good understanding of the game, receiving between the lines, but is also a player who likes to go to the side,” the manager said. “She’s a player who likes to be a second striker and who likes to drop when the team needs more support from the build-up situations. And defensively she’s a top player, so, for me, she’s a key player because she’s capable to do different things.”

Facing his former side

From his time in Spain, Giráldez is familiar with the Barcelona set-up and also their new head coach, Pere Romeu. However, despite his historic ties with the club, Giráldez confirms that preparing to beat them has not been ‘strange’.

Despite preparation following his usual routine, the manager admits Barcelona are a very different side to when he was in charge.

“Tactically speaking, they have very different players for example Ewa Pajor,” he said. “When I was there, we didn’t have a number nine like Ewa Pajor, we had a different profile of players. I remember my last final, I played with Mariona Caldentey as a number nine.”

However, in terms of identity the side is much the ‘same’.

He said: “They try to dominate all the game and try to create as many chances as possible. Forget the result, they always try to give good entertainment to the supporters, and then they’re very aggressive out of possession.

“Honestly, I don’t think that they have changed a lot, just the profile of the players is a little bit different, so that means that they play a little different.”

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What will be key for OL Lyonnes against Barcelona?

Set pieces have been vital for OL Lyonnes on their journey to the final. We have seen a variety of deliveries and routines which is something the side have been working on.

“I think it 30 or 40 percent of our goals that are coming from set pieces, so they are key,” Giráldez said. “This week there is a special mention to this type of work in free kicks, lateral free kicks, and corners.”

Alongside set pieces, playing for the full 90 minutes is also crucial. After their first leg semi-final defeat against Arsenal, Giráldez admitted his side didn’t play for the full duration, but rather performed in patches.

“In the first leg against Arsenal, we didn’t deserve to win that game. We were winning the game in the first half but we didn’t deserve it because we didn’t play in the second 45 minutes,” he said.

“To win these sort of games, we compete the 90 minutes. To play finals, to win titles, you need to be perfect or be close to the perfection to have more chances to win the game.”

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Lily Yohannes could also be the key to OL Lyonnes winning their ninth title. The 18-year-old American joined the club from Ajax ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Since her arrival, the versatile midfielder has impressed hugely and showed her value in the semi-final against Arsenal.

“She’s an amazing player and she’s a talent,” said Giráldez. “She struggled a little bit in the beginning, because it’s normal. She came from other different contexts and environment, but I am very happy with how she has performed. She’s very humble and always tries to improve.

“She doesn’t put excuses, I love this type of personality to play. She’s very young and she’s a top player in and out of possession who’s helping us to play good.”

How to watch the UWCL Final?

For viewers at home, you can watch every match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, live on Disney+ as part of existing customer subscriptions.

The final will kick-off 5pm (BST) with the match also available on BBC Two and iPlayer for customers without access to Disney+.

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Melbourne City secure double glory with A-League Women’s Grand Final triumph

Melbourne City secure double glory with A-League Women’s Grand Final triumph
Melbourne City secure double glory with A-League Women’s Grand Final triumph

Melbourne City are crowned champions of Australia once again after overcoming Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women’s Grand Final.

City, who also secured a third straight Premiers Plate this season, were powered to a first Championship since 2020 by Holly McNamara’s first half brace. 

The Premiers saw huge appeals for a fourth minute penalty waved away by the referee. Bryleeh Henry looked to have rounded Nix goalkeeper Victoria Esson on the edge of the box. The Football Ferns shot-stopper reached back to try and tip the ball away. As the two players tangled, the City contingent’s calls for a spot-kick fell on deaf ears.

Wellington’s first look on goal came through Lucía León. Brooke Nunn intercepted the ball in midfield and drove forward. León was there in support, but her shot from a narrow angle flew high over the bar.

Leticia McKenna’s free-kick hit the bar on the half hour as City continued to ramp up the pressure on the Wellington goal. They thought they’d broken the deadlock with ten minutes of the first half left, but McNamara’s glancing header was ruled out for offside.

However, the Matildas’ striker wouldn’t have to wait long for her goal. Her shot from the corner of the box looped in over Esson. Remarkably, it was her first goal since February. And she wouldn’t have to wait long for a second either. About two minutes, in fact.

Shelby McMahon’s through ball was inch perfect and McNamara tore through the Wellington offside trap to slam home past Esson.

Melbourne City win A-League Women’s Grand Final

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Five minutes into the second half, City all but put the game to bed when they added a third.

Wellington couldn’t clear their lines and when Leah Davidson won the ball back inside the Nix half, she combined with Karly Roestbakken who played Leticia McKenna. She took aim from 20 yards and unleashed a pile driver that left Esson clutching at thin air.

Bev Preistman’s side had been blown away. They found a way onto the scoreboard three minutes later through Makala Woods. The American was on hand to tap home when Mieres could only parry Mackenzie Anthony’s header back into play.

All of a sudden, Wellington had momentum. Woods was denied a second just three minutes later as her header was beaten away by Mieres. It was unconventional from the Spaniard, but effective.

With Wellington desperately searching for another goal to set up a grandstand finish, Macey Fraser clipped the top of the bar with a free-kick.

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Mackenzie Anthony headed over in added time as City held firm to repel a Nix side who fell at the final hurdle in a historic season that saw them make the Finals for the first time.

The final whistle confirmed City’s first Championship in six years as they wrapped up the domestic double.

Michael Matricciani’s side will be looking to add the AFC Champions League to that. They take on Tokyo Verdy Beleza in Wednesday’s semi-final for a place in Saturday’s final.

Related articles from Her Football Hub:

  • Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea after trophy-laden tenure with WSL powerhouses
  • Cherry Bombs FC: How Portland’s USL W Club embodies community, identity, and intentional football branding
  • A-League: Wellington Phoenix reach first ever Grand Final to face four-time winners Melbourne City

Why Juventus will listen to summer offers for Bremer

Why Juventus will listen to summer offers for Bremer
Why Juventus will listen to summer offers for Bremer

Serie A side Juventus are facing the possibility of losing Bremer in the summer and they are now ready to listen to offers for the Brazilian.

Get Italian Football News have looked at why the centre-back could seek an exit. He has made his ambitions clear and he is keen on challenging for silverware.

Alfredo Pedullagoes into detail about the Brazil international’s future, making ti clear that he is no longer unsellable at the Bianconeri. He has a release clause worth €58 million and this needs to be exercised by the 10th of August.

Even if no clubs do that, a deal could still be done with Juve. This would stand true especially if Juve fail to qualify for the Champions League and they could need sales to earn money for possible incomings. Bremer can leave, even if no formal offers have arrived yet.

If offers do arrive, Juve will not stand in the 29-year-old’s way.

Juve should consider Bremer’s sale

Keeping Bremer in Turin has been a dilemma for Juve. While he does have serious injury problems, he always stands out defensively whenever he is fit and firing. The Old Lady always benefit from his skillset, making a departure feel very difficult.

Having said that, Bremer is 29 and those injuries can creep up. Juve earning something like €50 million from his exit will hand them enough to sign a possible replacement. That player could be younger, much fitter and possibly even better on the ball.

That is why this summer could be the right time to sell Bremer.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

Aaron Rodgers provides retirement update as he prepares to play 2026 NFL season with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers provides retirement update as he prepares to play 2026 NFL season with Steelers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While LeBron James just concluded his record 23rd season in the NBA, Aaron Rodgers just confirmed he will be playing in his 22nd and final season in the NFL.

During his peak, Rodgers was one of the league's biggest names despite playing in the same era as Tom Brady and even Patrick Mahomes. A lot of faces have come and gone in the span Rodgers played at a top level, and now the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback will have one last ride with his former Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, in The Steel City.

Rodgers will play against some of his former teams during this calendar year, albeit in the preseason, and he will have a chance to move up in some of the quarterback statistical rankings this season if he plays at a high enough level.

While he may be controversial, the NFL will lose one of its key figures who played a large role in the league's personalities during the 2010s. Even in the current decade, Rodgers has stayed in the news for various reasons, and it is still a big name to be without when he retires after 2026.

Here's the latest on Pittsburgh's quarterback deeming the 2026 season as his last.

MORE: How does Aaron Rodgers' return affect Pittsburgh's QB depth chart?

When is Aaron Rodgers retiring

On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor reported that Rodgers definitively stated that the 2026 campaign with former Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy would be his last NFL season. Here is Rodgers' exact wording, according to Pryor. 

Aaron Rodgers asked if this is last year: "Yes. This is it." https://t.co/VeIC3W3TUw

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 20, 2026

The four-time MVP and Super Bowl 45 winner will officially hang it up after his 22nd campaign in the NFL. This season, Rodgers is the oldest player in the NFL and will command the Steelers' offense during his 17 final games as long as his health holds strong.

MORE: Who were the oldest players during the 2025 NFL season?

Aaron Rodgers retirement tour

While the Steelers won't play against any of Rodgers' former teams during the 2026 regular season, his team will stand across the field from the Packers and New York Jets during the team's preseason bouts. Along with his former teams, Pittsburgh will not play any of the NFC North teams that Rodgers found great success against in his prime (61-26-1 record against the NFC North, according to Statmuse).

Here is the full list of familiar foes Rodgers may have circled on his calendar for his final season.

FormatDateTime (ET)TeamRecord with/against
PreseasonThurs., August 137 p.m.Green Bay Packers150-79-1 (with)
PreseasonFri., August 217 p.m.New York Jets6-12 (with)
Regular seasonSun., September 201 p.m.New England Patriots4-3 (against)

MORE: What is Pittsburgh's complete schedule for the upcoming NFL season?

Aaron Rodgers milestones

Ahead of the 2026 season, Rodgers sits with the second-most MVP awards in NFL history with four. While it is unlikely that Pittsburgh's field general will tie Peyton Manning's record with five after this season, there are some records Rodgers may come close to or move up in the rankings.

Here are Rodgers' best marks, and where he stands in the NFL history books heading into Year 22, according to Pro Football Reference.

StatAmountRankWho's ahead?
Passing yards66,274No. 5Brett Favre (71,838)
Passing TDs527No. 4Peyton Manning (539)
Passes completed5,696No. 5Peyton Manning (6,125)
Passes attempted8,743No. 6Matthew Stafford (8,763)
QB rating102.2T-No. 1Lamar Jackson (102.2)
MVPs4No. 2Peyton Manning (5)

MORERanking the greatest Steelers of all time

Veteran Rodgers says he will retire after 2026 season

Aaron Rodgers looks on during the national anthem before his Pittsburgh Steelers team loses to the Houston Texans in the NFL play-offs in 2026
Aaron Rodgers is fourth on the all-time list for touchdown passes and fifth for passing yards [Getty Images]

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he will retire at the end of the 2026 NFL season after signing a new one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 42-year-old finalised a new deal this week which will take him into a 22nd season in the NFL.

When asked in a news conference if the campaign, which begins in September, will be his last, Rodgers replied: "Yes, this is it."

Rodgers won the 2011 Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers and has been named the league's Most Valuable Player four times.

Last summer, he accepted a one-year deal with Pittsburgh worth $13.65m (£10.2m) - one of the NFL's lowest annual salaries among starting quarterbacks.

But Rodgers' new contract is reported to be worth a guaranteed $22m (£16.5m), and up to $25m (£18.8m) in incentives.

Pittsburgh quarterbacks coach Tom Arth said Rodgers has a "ferocious competitive spirit" but still has "so much fun" playing the game.

"He plays the game like he's still 10 years old running around in the backyard," added Arth.

Rodgers began his NFL career in 2005 when he was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the draft.

He helped the Steelers reach last season's play-offs, before coach Mike Tomlin chose to bring his 19-year tenure to an end.

Tomlin was replaced by Mike McCarthy, who was head coach for most of Rodgers' 18-year stint with the Green Bay Packers, and they won a Super Bowl together.

After leaving the Packers for the New York Jets in 2023, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles on his debut - ruling him out for the rest of the season. He was then released after a disappointing second season in New York.

Rodgers is not as mobile as he used to be and missed one game for Pittsburgh in 2025 because of a broken wrist.

But even in an inconsistent season by the Steelers, he managed to steer them to a 10-7 record and their first AFC North title since 2020, before being outclassed by the Houston Texans in the post-season.

With Rodgers' future still uncertain in April, Pittsburgh added a quarterback in the NFL Draft, selecting Drew Allar in the third round.

Collectors' guide to the NBA Conference Finals: Top players who aren't Victor Wembanyama or SGA

Many of the names in the Conference Finals are familiar to NBA fans and collectors alike.

Some of the biggest and best from the last four teams, like Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are already popular with collectors and sellers scooping up their cards.

Although they’re the clear-cut chases in the world of collecting, Wembanyama and SGA are not the only hardcourt stars who have potential to break out this postseason when it comes to the value of their cards. 

Here are five other players who deserve a look and maybe a spot in your collection. 

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Honestly, it’s a bit late to get on the Brunson train. The climb of his card values is staggering over the last few years. 

Take his 2018 Panini Prizm Silver as an example. When it first came out, Brunson was with the Dallas Mavericks and the card could be had for under $50. The card has surged in value with his success with the Knicks

Now, the card in a high grade is worth hundreds. 

Brunson’s low-numbered and signed cards have had a similar trajectory. But if the Knicks can break through for their first Finals appearance since 1999 or first championship since 1973, those cards will rise higher still in price.

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs guard hasn’t gotten enough cardboard love throughout this career. His card values spiked in 2021, according to Card Ladder, but have declined since. 

The seven-time All-Star consistently puts up big numbers and just had one of the top regular seasons of his career. 

Mitchell’s cards have shown a recent bump and his rookie cards from 2017-18 can be had for a good value. This may be one of the sleeper players in the playoffs, especially if the Cavs can overcome their Game 1 collapse and get past the Knicks. 

Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs

Harper has been one of the more popular players on cards this year because of his rookie status. It’s the first time in years that Topps has created NBA cards and Harper is one of the beneficiaries of that.

Even still, his cards are easier to obtain as many are chasing Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, the top two rookies in the 2025-26 class.

Harper is the type of player who has the potential to break out in the coming years, especially playing on a team with superstar talent like Wembanyama. 

Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Castle was the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year. He gets to play alongside Wembanyama and continues to grow as a player on a team that looks to be a dominant force in the Western Conference for years to come. It’s a great situation for Castle collectors. 

There’s a lot to like with Castle – and card collectors are taking notice. In December, a 2024-25 Panini Prizm Silver sold for $355, but has been consistently selling for more than $700 since April. 

Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

The playoffs have a way of putting the spotlight on players who don’t get enough attention. 

That’s happening to Williams now. After finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2022-23, Williams has been a consistent force for the Thunder. 

And his postseason numbers are better.

Williams averaged 23.6 points a game in the NBA Finals last year, which saw OKC take home the title. 

This year, he is putting up similar numbers. Williams seems to shine brightest on the biggest stage, which has made collectors take notice. In January, a 2022-23 Panini Prizm Gold /10 PSA 10 sold for $32,878, making it one of his most expensive cards to date.

Browns DT Mason Graham discloses unreported struggle from rookie year

The Cleveland Browns drafted defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick a year ago, and their immediate returns were promising.

Even if the returns were not outrageously productive for Graham, he started every game for the Browns and was not a liability when on the field. However, during the first day of OTAs today in Berea, Graham spoke to the media and disclosed one of the biggest hinderances to his rookie season.

Graham revealed that he played through a broken rib at the end of the season. Again, Graham played every single game for the Browns, meaning he chose to suit up and play through it even though the Browns were not in contention to play for a division title or a playoff spot. This is admirable from the now second-year defensive tackle

Browns need a leap from Graham in 2026

Starting right away for the Browns as a rookie, Graham racked up .5 sacks and seven tackle for loss. He started alongside Maliek Collins, who was having a stellar season before suffering an injury that cut it short. Both players are back this year, as the Browns have continuity in their defensive tackle room in 2026.

While Graham put together a promising season as a rookie, the expectations are going to be higher for him this season. The Browns need more than just a single sack from their former top-five pick under new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. The defensive side of the ball is a strong point of the Browns' roster, and Graham has the potential to make it stronger.

Not playing through a broken rib should help.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns DT Mason Graham discloses unreported struggle from rookie year

IPL 2026 | 'Playing for pride?' Hardik Pandya's response to Ravi Shastri during toss goes viral

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl first against Mumbai Indians in their crucial IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

KKR went unchanged from their previous game, while Mumbai received a major boost with skipper Hardik Pandya returning to the playing XI after missing matches due to injury. Suryakumar Yadav also returned to the side.


With 11 points from 12 matches, KKR need a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, are already out of contention for a place in the final four.

“We are looking to bowl first. (They need two wins out of two) Yes, absolutely. It's as simple as that. We just want to focus on this game. We played really good cricket overall last game against GT. As you've mentioned, we need to win two out of two, but staying in the moment, playing good cricket over the course of 40 overs, it's really important,” Rahane said at the toss.

Reflecting on KKR’s up-and-down campaign, Rahane added: “(See-saw season) Yeah, I think the first half of the tournament, there were moments that we could have capitalized and the things could have been different, but again, no complaints, no regrets. The way we came back, the way we pulled off things, and the confidence amongst the group was amazing. The atmosphere in the dressing room was really good. It's always about the comeback. It's always about being in the moment and how can you come back, how can you do well for the team. And guys have been fantastic. (About the pitch) It's frankly tough to read the wicket, but as I said, we need to play good cricket throughout 40 overs, and then see what happens. We are going with the same team.”

— IPL (@IPL)

During the toss presentation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri asked Pandya whether Mumbai Indians were now playing only for pride after being knocked out of the tournament.

Responding to that, Pandya said: “We would have bowled first as well. Looks like a track which has been under the covers. Just wanted to see how exactly it plays out.”

On MI’s approach for the remaining games, Pandya said: “(Playing for pride) Absolutely. Every game you play, you want to win. You want to play your best cricket, put the best foot forward. At the same point of time, Mumbai Indians have a long history of winning titles. So just want to make sure that we keep the head high and make sure that we represent Mumbai Indians in the best capacity. (Good record here) Yes, but that's in the past. We still need to turn up, play some good cricket and enjoy. (Changes?) I'm back. Gaza is back and I think, yeah, just two changes.”

Playing XIs:

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Raghu Sharma

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey

Here are the Impact substitutes for both the teams:

Mumbai Indians Impact Subs: Shardul Thakur, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat, AM Ghazanfar

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact subs: Finn Allen, Vaibhav Arora, Ramandeep Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Rahul Tripathi

📸 Big row in Europa League final, this moment sends internet wild

📸 Big row in Europa League final, this moment sends internet wild

The Europa League final between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa is swinging back and forth at a lively pace. Both Freiburg and the English side have already had their moments to make a statement. 


But the biggest talking point so far has come from an incident far away from either goal. In a challenge, Aston Villa’s Cash caught Vincenzo Grifo with a straight leg well above the ankle. The referee responded by showing a yellow card.

That in particular caused considerable disbelief online among some viewers. 

Whether the yellow card was the right call, or Aston Villa were very fortunate here, will certainly be a topic of discussion afterward. 

Now it’s your turn: Should the ref have shown red, or was the yellow card the right decision? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Wild need help. Was some of it already here?

Bill Guerin has built a team that proved to be one of the NHL’s best this season, finishing third in the stacked Western Conference Central and among the last eight teams standing in the playoffs.

But the Wild had designs on competing for a Stanley Cup, and with the exception of one game were outclassed by a Colorado Avalanche team that looked like the real deal in a 4-1, second-round series victory.

So, how do the Wild become the real deal?

That’s what Guerin is trying to figure out. With the NHL salary cap raised to $104 million for 2026-27, and with a cap hit of $90.5 million — still including $1.6 million for Zach Parise and Ryan Suter — he has about $13.5 million to play with when free agency begins July 1.

That’s a decent war chest for a team with a lot of talent under contract for next season, including top forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, and defensemen Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber. But with a cap up, and projected at around $113 million for 2027-28, the top free agents will be looking for substantial multiyear deals.

Guerin’s first order of business — more than likely already taken care of — is deciding whether the free agents currently on the roster, unrestricted and otherwise, are part of the plan moving forward. That’s a long list that includes mainstays such as Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson and Zach Bogosian, and some of the players he added as rentals before and during the season, such as Vladimir Tarasenko, Nick Foligno and Bobby Brink.

With that in mind, here is a look at the Wild players — by position and last year’s salary — who will become free agents on July 1 and who we think would help the team get past the second round in 2026-27.

Guerin gave John Hynes his full confidence during a news conference on Monday, so it’s safe to assume the Wild will remain a forechecking team that fortifies its top-end talent with tenacity on the boards and that Guerin will be looking for guys that take losing individual battles personally.

Mats Zuccarello, RW, $4.125 million

Let’s start with the no-brainer. Zuccarello, 38, is a skilled skater with great hands and peerless vision. He also is the Kaprizov whisperer, the mentor who makes the team’s top forward comfortable on and off the ice. Limited by a freak injury that limited him to 59 regular-season games, he finished with 15 goals and 39 assists, then put up nine points in eight playoff games. Guerin knows Zuccarello will give him all he has, and that can’t be underestimated. Zuccarello was worth his salary this season; Guerin might try to pay him a little less for another two-year deal.

Zach Bogosian, D, $1.25 million

Bogosian will turn 36 in July, and he missed 41 games because of nagging injuries this season, but he is a smart, responsible defenseman with a Stanley Cup under his belt for a reason. He’s particularly good at knowing how to pinch to keep a forecheck alive and then back to the blue line — a combined plus-12 in three seasons with Minnesota. Do the injuries make him consider calling it an already good career, or can be lured back for another chance at a Cup? Would make a good partner/mentor for young, speed defenseman Daemon Hunt.

Michael McCarron, C, $900,000

The 6-foot-6, 223 pound veteran played a big role for the Wild after being acquired at the deadline, playing 20 regular-season games, and shone in the playoffs — two goals and four points in 11 games as a bottom six center. McCarron has won a combined 53.7 percent of his faceoffs since 2021-22 and fits into Hynes’ template. He didn’t look out of place alongside Boldy after Eriksson Ek was injured, either. But he will be back, and the issue here is whether there is room for McCarron and Nico Sturm on a team that needs to power-up offensively somewhere. They’re both big centers who win faceoffs and play a hard game — and Sturm is under contact for next season. Plus, McCarron made it clear last year that he’s looking for a raise.

Marcus Johansson, LW, $800,000

With his best regular season since he played alongside Alex Ovechkin 2016-17, Johansson was, dollar for dollar, Bill Guerin’s best free agent deal this season. He had 15 goals, 49 points and was a plus-18 on the second line with right wing Matt Boldy and center Joel Eriksson Ek on the second line, then added four postseason goals. The price is right, too. But Johansson, who turns 36 in October, doesn’t win a ton of board battles, and 15 goals probably isn’t enough for a second-line left wing if the Wild are going to be better next season. His 2025-26 season was so much better than his previous two in Minnesota that one has to wonder if Guerin hit a jackpot last season that won’t hit again.

Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, $4.75 million

The former superstar had a pretty good season as a third-line winger with center Danila Yurov and Yakov Trenin, 23 goals and 46 points in 75 games, but his salary is an issue. He’s a smart veteran who can still score, but can Tarasenko, 34, be happy for less money and bottom six minutes? Acquired in a salary dump trade from Detroit, he overproduced as a pure flier, but the Wild need more bang for the buck. And, again, they want to be better than they were this year.

Bobby Brink, RW, $1.5 million

Brink was maybe the biggest name that Guerin brought in at the deadline. A skilled forward who won an NCAA championship at Denver, he was an early second-round pick in 2019 and is well known in Minnesota after playing at Minnetonka. Brink, 24 and a restricted free agent, might still have an upside and can be retained as depth for relatively cheap. He also doesn’t look like an upgrade anywhere, a career-minus player who looked lost trying to fill in for Zuccarello against Dallas in the playoffs. That might be unfair considering he was new to the system, but he didn’t help keep many forechecks alive. In 68 games between Philadelphia and Minnesota he had 15 goals and 30 points; the question will be whether Riley Heidt or Hunter Haight could add similar depth on two-way deals.

Nick Foligno, LW, $4.5 million

Foligno was a good deadline acquisition, bringing veteran smarts, leadership and the requisite tenacity to a team that needed it for a playoff run. As a muscle line wing, he was ideal opposite his brother, Marcus, and either McCarron or Sturm. But Foligno will turn 39 in October was candid last week about contemplating retirement after fulfilling a “dream” to play with his brother. Any team would be glad to have Foligno in the fold, but it appears circumstances might scotch that here.

Robby Fabbri, C, $700,000 and Jeff Petry, D, $775,000

Fabbri, 30, was claimed off waivers from St. Louis and Petry, 38, was acquired from Florida for a seventh-round pick. Both were postseason depth additions, and Petry played three games filling in for Bogosian.

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Mohammed Shami cleared in Rs 1 lakh cheque bounce case filed by estranged wife Hasin Jahan

NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has been cleared by the Alipore Court in a cheque bounce case filed by his estranged wife Hasin Jahan. The case was related to a Rs 1 lakh cheque that Jahan claimed had bounced after being deposited in a bank.

The matter had been ongoing for nearly four years. On Wednesday, the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Alipore acquitted Shami of all charges.



Confirming the verdict during an interaction with news agency IANS, Shami’s lawyer Salim Rahman said, “Cricketer Mohammed Shami has been acquitted in the four-year-old case which was filed by his wife.”

After the court ruling, Shami said he always believed the judgment would go in his favour. “I have paid every rupee that I was required to pay. Whether on or off the field, I always strive to handle every situation to the best of my ability,” he told reporters.

The cheque bounce case is only one part of the long-running legal battle between Shami and Hasin Jahan. Back in 2018, Jahan had filed several complaints against Shami and his family members, including allegations related to financial support and maintenance.

At present, under orders from the Calcutta High Court, Shami pays Rs 1.5 lakh per month to Hasin Jahan and Rs 2.5 lakh monthly for the upbringing of their daughter.

However, Hasin Jahan later approached the Supreme Court of India, arguing that the amount was not enough to manage household expenses. During the hearing, the apex court questioned whether Rs 4 lakh per month was insufficient for the care of a mother and daughter.

Shami, meanwhile, continues to play for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL while also dealing with the ongoing legal matters.

The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful: Not quite terminally ill, a false sense of security and many full hearts

The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful: Not quite terminally ill, a false sense of security and many full hearts
The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful: Not quite terminally ill, a false sense of security and many full hearts

A round-up of some of La Liga’s most intriguing storylines across the week, traversing through the good, the bad and something beautiful.

The Good: At least the suffering was worth it – maybe

“These have been the six most intense weeks of my life, with a tremendous responsibility on my shoulders to prevent this great club from being relegated,” said Luis Garcia Plaza after Sevilla mathematically confirmed their spot in La Liga. And the truth is, those shoulders have been sagging under that weight. Two weeks ago, a heartbreaking late loss to Osasuna literally brought the players to their knees, and Garcia Plaza marched onto the pitch, stopping, staring, not quite sure what it was that he wanted to shout.

“The team put in a great effort, but we’re empty, empty again,” Garcia commented afterwards, later, describing his players as ‘destroyed’. Did any of you really doubt that he would save Sevilla? Six jobs Garcia Plaza has had in La Liga over the last 18 years, and while he has been sacked on occasion, he’s never taken a team down. “I’m very happy and very relieved. The patient was very ill” – he didn’t seem especially well himself. None of those previous clubs have taken quite as much out of him as what he called the ‘greatest challenge of his career.’

Garcia Plaza is also the fourth emergency appointment Sevilla have made in the last four years. Jose Luis Mendilibar, Quique Sanchez Flores and Joaquin Caparros have all come in midseason to drag Sevilla, kicking and screaming, back from the brink of the disaster.

“The goal will be to avoid suffering, because suffering is exhausting, it generates despondency, it distances you from the profession, and what I want is to have fun,” pleaded Sanchez Flores when he was asked about next season. At the other end of the country, 783km to the North, sat an equally relieved manager, after Alaves beat Real Oviedo. Having conceded an incredible 27 goals in nine games after Sanchez Flores took charge, they didn’t concede a shot on target in wins over Oviedo and Barcelona.

Both sides took 12 points from their final eight games to get them over the line. The suffering, and there is no shortage of it, turned out to be worth it. Just. Would someone please give these two managers something a little less grueling – they’ve earned it.

The Bad: A false sense of security induced by Real Madrid?

What do RCD Mallorca and Osasuna both have in common, beyond the fact they could both get relegated on the final day of the season? Both sides have beaten Real Madrid in the last few months. Since then, Mallorca have won just two of their seven games, despite Villarreal being their only opponent in the top six. Osasuna’s relaxation is far more egregious: Los Rojillo have just two wins in their last 12 games after stunning Los Blancos.

“It’s caught us all off guard. Nobody could have imagined that with 42 points we could get to this point,” commented Alessio Lisci after Osasuna became just the second team to be beaten by Espanyol this year, the other an Athletic Club side in and out of slumber. Just as it is inexplicable that Mallorca will likely go down with Vedat Muriqi, second in the Pichichi race with 22 goals, it is similarly concerning for Los Rojillo that Ante Budimir’s 17 goals have not seen them safe before the guillotine slams on the final two teams out the door.

In previous years, Budimir’s goals alone have been enough to sustain Osasuna, but this year they have also had Liga revelation and potential Spain World Cup threat Victor Munoz to support him. If there was an away trip that Lisci might have wanted to avoid this weekend, a Getafe side chasing European football may well have been the one. For while Getafe have scored 13 less goals than Osasuna, they are experts at extracting the maximum number of points from their football. Of the teams in the bottom half, Osasuna have the best goal difference, the joint-fourth best attack, and the best defence of any team outside of the top eight.

Mallorca find themselves on the brink after losses to Getafe and Levante, largely due to errors that put any fan’s head at risk of spontaneous combustion. Osasuna lack killer instinct. In two of their last four games, all defeats, Los Rojillo have been in a position to take points in the second half. It would still take a dramatic turn for Osasuna to go down, but on a weekend where it will be do or die, Lisci’s side are all too forgiving. At any rate, they can’t be caught off guard this time.

The Beautiful: It fills your heart

Spare a thought for Sergio Ramos, who finished his Real Madrid career desperate, unable to stop his side drifting out of the Champions League at Stamford Bridge, unable to savour his final minutes. Or perhaps Lionel Messi, who never knew that a soulless 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo in an empty Camp Nou would be his final game for Barcelona. His nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, ran off with a Champions League medal around his neck, but never got to experience how Real Madrid fans really felt about him. Perhaps even Dani Carvajal, who will see a homage this weekend, but may find it embittered after being told to walk the plank in a mutinous season.

A proper farewell in football feels harder to find than it should be. Yet La Liga was blessed with a number of them this weekend. Athletic Club paid tribute to Ernesto Valverde, and Inigo Lekue, a stadium understanding that whatever might have gone wrong this year, is but a footnote in a phenomenal story. Robert Lewandowski declared himself a fan for life of Barcelona as he cried Adeu to Camp Nou. So often during his career, Lewandowski has been described as cold, cool, steely, perhaps the image of the 21st century a terminator-style goal assassin. Yet here he was all emotional, a 37-year-old talking about love, his heart – he didn’t mention the 119 goals or the three La Liga titles.

In Vallecas, the best Rayo Vallecano side in history beat Villarreal, taking them a game away from European football for a third time ever. It was an afterthought. All anyone really cared about was Oscar Trejo, and making sure he felt what they felt for him. In his decade at the club, Trejo has helped Rayo to new heights, a second European qualification, two promotions and a first ever European final, but “here I learned that clubs don’t live solely on results, titles, or statistics. They live thanks to the people who, every day, often silently, sustain everything,” he wrote after. Everybody stayed at home to watch him struggle to hold back the tears too – more precisely, his home. “How to explain a place that has been much more than a job, much more than a badge or some walls? This club has been home.”

“People have been sitting here for half an hour and they’re not moving, and they’re not moving because you deserve it,” yelled Diego Simeone, amazed at the 70,000 people barely making a sound as they watched Antoine Griezmann depart Atletico Madrid again – the second time impossibly romantic in comparison. “I have a headache from crying so much and it’s been amazing,” Griezmann said weekly after his swan song, first sad, teary, then happy, fulfilled.

“It’s great to win trophies, both individual and collective, but that doesn’t fill your heart. It does in the moment, but it fades. I take with me the love from tonight, the love I receive every day from the people who work closely with the club, from my teammates… It’s been incredible. That’s why I’ve been so happy in my career.” He should know – he left to win big trophies, and came back for love. This time, he leaves with a full heart.

👀 The former U de Chile player who regrets leaving

👀 The former U de Chile player who regrets leaving

Former Argentine footballer Gastón Fernández looked back on his time in Chilean football and analyzed the drastic decision he made in 2017. “La Gata,” who was successfully wearing the Universidad de Chile shirt, revisited the reasons that led him to leave Santiago and sign for Grêmio of Porto Alegre, a move he now regrets from a sporting standpoint.


Blue comfort versus the Brazilian challenge

Speaking with La Fábrica del Podcast, the former striker admitted that his spell with the university side was ideal. “I was at U. de Chile in a very comfortable situation, with the city, with the club, playing every match,” he admitted. However, at 34, he chose a radical change driven by the ambition of a new professional challenge in the demanding world of Brazilian football.

Limited playing time at champion Grêmio

Although he was part of the prestigious Grêmio squad that won the Copa Libertadores, Fernández failed to establish himself due to a lack of minutes. “There was no place for me. After a few months I told the coach: ‘I’m leaving, I’m 34 years old, I can’t be playing one match every 20 days,’” he concluded, regretting having interrupted his great spell in Chile.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For This West Ham United Winger: Is He Worth The Fight?

Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For This West Ham United Winger: Is He Worth The Fight?
Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For This West Ham United Winger: Is He Worth The Fight?

In a recent report, The Guardian stated that Manchester United are facing stiff competition for West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen. It is believed that the Red Devils would have to rival Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign the English speedster this summer.

Bowen’s Tough Season In English Football

Bowen has endured a difficult campaign at West Ham as he has struggled to help them find consistency in the Premier League. Still, the 29-year-old deserves a lot of credit for scoring ten goals and grabbing 11 assists in 41 matches for the Hammers this season across all competitions.

The English talent is still one of the most productive wingers in English football. Thus, it is no surprise that the Red Devils are eager to get a deal done for him this off-season.

His current contract at the London Stadium will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for Man United to sign him on a cut-price deal in the upcoming transfer period.

Manchester United

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Brentford and West Ham United at Gtech Community Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For Bowen: Is He Worth The Fight?

Bowen has got the pace to cause a lot of headaches for his marker out in the wide areas. He has got the eye to set up a few inviting chances for others around him on the offensive end of the field and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.

The English wing wizard can even strike the ball with power from long range and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from the flanks. Bowen is primarily a right-winger but can also serve as a striker down the middle if needed. He has got a wealth of experience in the Premier League and won’t take much time to settle into life at Man United.

We can expect Bowen to bring more firepower to Michael Carrick’s frontline. He is good enough to compete with Bryan Mbeumo for a regular first-team spot at Old Trafford next season.

At 29, Bowen is still playing in his prime and could be a real asset for the Red Devils in the short term. He would be well worth the fight, so the Red Devils should step up their efforts to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams this summer.

Official | Augsburg extend Manuel Baum’s stay

Official | Augsburg extend Manuel Baum’s stay
Official | Augsburg extend Manuel Baum’s stay

Manuel Baum guided Augsburg to ninth place in the Bundesliga as interim head coach in 2025/26, and now the Bavarian club have rewarded the German with a permanent contract until 2028.

“Manuel and the coaching staff turned things around during a difficult period in autumn 2025,” explained sporting director Benni Weber. “A strong second half of the season also saw us achieve the third-best Bundesliga finish in Augsburg history. We’re convinced that this arrangement gives us a very good foundation for a successful future together.”

Baum, who replaced Sandro Wagner in December 2025, added: Even though the plans surrounding my role as Head of Development & Football Innovation were different, working with the team, staff and coaches every day over the past few months has been so hugely enjoyable that I’m very keen to continue on the path we’ve started together.

“I’m looking forward to the tasks ahead after the summer break,” said head coach Manuel Baum.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s “circus act” accusation vs. Forest

Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s “circus act” accusation vs. Forest
Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s “circus act” accusation vs. Forest

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to Roy Keane’s scathing accusation that he was far more concerned with the assist record than winning Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest.

Furious tirade

Fernandes’ assist for Bryan Mbeumo during the 3-2 victory over Forest saw him reach 20 assists for the season.

In doing so, he equalled Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s all-time Premier League assist record. With one game left to play, there is every chance that Fernandes could surpass the duo and stand on his own as the top flight’s undisputed assist king.

Had it not been for the profligacy of certain teammates in front of goal, however, Fernandes might have already broken the record. The Portugal international fashioned clear-cut opportunities for the likes of Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee, most of which went begging.

But his efforts were not appreciated by everyone, most notably Keane. The Irishman launched an angry rant, accusing Fernandes of thinking more about the assist record than winning the game. The ex-United branded the whole thing a “circus act.”

Keane said that he was “raging” at what he was watching, while also questioning Fernandes’ commitment to the team in comparison to his desire for personal accolades. Fernandes has now rubbished such suggestions in a clear response to the bitter 54-year-old.

Fernandes’ response

Speaking to Sky Sports after collecting his Footballer of the Year prize at the Football Writers’ Awards ceremony, Fernandes remarked, “It is not something that I will ever chase.”

“I know people can have different opinions about me, but they cannot say that I am not someone that looks to [help] the team and tries to make the team the most successful one.”

“I will always try to win trophies and not individual accolades.”

Fernandes also opened up on Michael Carrick’s impact since his arrival at the start of the year. According to Fernandes, a change was needed, although he refused to clearly explain why.

“When the change was made we were not far from what we wanted [to achieve] this season. That was the top four. At the same time, it was in need of change by the club for different reasons – I won’t be naming them now.”

He continued, “Michael came in with a big personality but also with a lot of calmness about what he needed to do to bring the best out of the team and he did it in the best way.”

“For myself it was a great end of the season. I got to really enjoy the football I was playing and most importantly, the team was getting results.”

“Me and the boss spoke before, and we said we can play better, we want to play better. We didn’t achieve the level we want to have but since he came the results show we were one of the best teams in the Premier League.”

13 of Fernandes’ 20 assists have come under Carrick.

Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

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Aaron Rodgers’ retirement decision adds urgency to Steelers’ final NFL season

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers has put the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-season clock after his 2026 campaign was publicly framed as his final NFL season.

The quarterback is back in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal for 2026, with the contract reportedly worth up to $25 million and including $22 million guaranteed.

That matters because this is no longer just another veteran quarterback move. It is now a last dance season for a franchise that has no reason to treat the year as a bridge.

Why Aaron Rodgers’ timeline changes everything for the Steelers

Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

The Steelers were already operating on a short clock when they brought Rodgers back. A one-year contract creates pressure by itself.

The final-season framing only sharpens that reality. Pittsburgh cannot talk about patience when its starting quarterback situation is built around a player approaching the end of his career.

“Yes. This is it,” Rodgers said when asked at a press conference in Pittsburgh whether this would be his final NFL season.

That does not make the move wrong. It makes it clear.

The Steelers have chosen the present over comfort. That means every offensive decision, every roster move and every game plan now has to be judged by one standard: whether it helps them win immediately.

The Steelers need more than nostalgia from Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is not returning as a ceremonial figure. His 2025 production still gives Pittsburgh a credible football argument.

He threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while completing 65.7% of his passes with a 94.8 passer rating.

Those numbers do not scream decline beyond repair. They show a quarterback who can still protect the ball and run an offence at a competent level.

But that is also where the pressure comes from. Competent will not be enough if this really is the final run.

The Steelers do not need a farewell tour. They need Rodgers to be good enough to make the whole project matter.

Pittsburgh has built a season that has to matter now

The Steelers have confirmed Rodgers’ place on the roster, and the team announcement turns speculation into structure.

There is now a clear quarterback plan for 2026. There is also a clear deadline attached to it.

That deadline is uncomfortable because Pittsburgh’s recent playoff history has not matched the standard of the franchise.

Rodgers changes the attention around the Steelers. He does not automatically change their ceiling.

That part has to be earned on the field, and that is why the retirement timeline matters. Pittsburgh cannot hide behind process when the quarterback decision is designed for now.

Can the Steelers turn Rodgers’ last dance into something real?

This is the only question that matters now. Pittsburgh has created a season that will be judged quickly and harshly.

If Rodgers plays well and the Steelers win, the decision will look bold. If the season stalls, it will look like a short-term swing that delayed the next quarterback answer.

That is the risk Pittsburgh accepted by choosing this path. It is also what makes the season compelling.

Rodgers’ retirement timeline does not guarantee anything for the Steelers. It simply removes the illusion that this is anything other than a win-now year.

The Steelers are not just running it back with a famous quarterback. They are entering a last dance season, and there is no softer way to frame it.

Read more:

Where did MSU football land in CBS Sports' updated Big Ten power rankings?

One national college football writer has low expectations for the Spartans coming out of spring practice.

Cody Nagel of CBS Sports released his post spring Big Ten power rankings on Wednesday and let's just say he isn't expecting a ton of on-field success for Michigan State in 2026. Nagel has the Spartans near the bottom of the Big Ten, coming in at No. 17 out of 18 teams in the league. The lone team Michigan State is ahead of in Nagel's power rankings? Purdue -- who the Spartans don't happen to play this upcoming season.

Here's the write up Nagel had on the Spartans:

"Yes, Pat Fitzgerald is back in the Big Ten after three years away, but the longtime Northwestern coach still faces a major rebuild in East Lansing. Michigan State hasn't returned to a bowl game since the 2021 season and remains far removed from the league's playoff conversation. A significant roster overhaul was necessary this offseason, though that also means expectations for an immediate turnaround should be tempered."

It's interesting to see Nagel (and so many other national writers for that matter) down on the Spartans heading into this season. It's not surprising if you look at recent struggles, but it does feel like many aren't putting much equity into the Spartans having an improved coaching staff this fall. Additionally, we should keep in mind that Michigan State was two fourth quarter collapses at Minnesota and Iowa away from reaching a bowl game last fall. Would the Spartans still be this low if they hadn't lost in overtime at Minnesota and also held on late against Iowa? The roster itself is another factor but that's an unknown since there was so much turnover between players leaving and going.

I'm personally higher on this Michigan State team heading into the fall but won't push back on the national writers until actual results are seen on the field. I will be surprised if Michigan State is sitting at No. 17 in the Big Ten in the postseason power rankings.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Spartans near bottom of updated post-spring Big Ten power rankings from CBS Sports

NFL Insider on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk: ‘Does he want to play NFL football?’

Today is May 20th, 2026, and the San Francisco 49ers and star receiver Brandon Aiyuk are no closer to a resolution. The bizarre timeline from holdout to a lucrative extension to where we are now is truly something. Speculation has run rampant about which side is to blame, what the circumstances are surrounding the 49ers’ decision to take back their money, and where Aiyuk is in general.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo joined the Rich Eisen Show with Tom Pelissero filling in for Eisen and had interesting things to say about the situation between the 49ers, Aiyuk, and even Aiyuk’s agent.

Garafolo believes the 49ers are giving Aiyuk a taste of his own medicine and said: “ And it’s almost out of, I don’t wanna say spite, but it’s almost like, ‘You know what? You sort of held us hostage last year. Now it’s our turn right now.”

The insider shared some advice for Aiyuk also. “ If I could advise Brandon Aiyuk, I would tell him to show up for work. I would’ve told him to show up for work a couple of weeks ago. Go ahead. See if they’re willing to let you work out and run routes and do things at their facility that if you’re injured, all of a sudden, those guarantees are back, and your money is on their books once again.”

Pelissero asked Garafolo if Aiyuk could pass a physical, to which Garafolo replied, “ Washington (Commanders) may know better than San Francisco, right?”

Ryan Williams represented Aiyuk as his agent, and Garafolo says that hasn’t changed despite the receiver ignoring advice from Williams after his disappearance.

The biggest question Garafolo had was about Aiyuk’s desire to continue playing NFL football.

“ There’s an extremely small circle, uh, that he has been willing to communicate with thus far. I don’t know that he wants to play. Like, I can’t answer that question. Does he want to play NFL football? Does he want to play in Washington? I have no idea. That’s all part of it, too.”

The insider said he believes it would be silly for Washington to send draft capital to San Francisco for Aiyuk, but Aiyuk’s disappearance is only making things more complicated as it continues.

Check out this video for Garafolo’s full comments.

Steelers’ Broderick Jones: No timeline on return from injury

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 02: Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) looks on during the NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers on November 02, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones spoke to the media during OTAs Wednesday, providing some clarity — but not much — regarding a neck injury that’s made him limited to start the 2026 offseason.

“I really don’t have a timeline, they never gave me a timeline,” Jones said via the Pat McAfee show’s Mark Kaboly when asked about how he is progressing, “Just monitoring it day by day, and we go from there.”

Broderick Jones pic.twitter.com/0qmdDpgsqJ

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 20, 2026

Still, day by day sounds encouraging given Jones’ situation: He suffered a neck injury in Week 12 of 2025 that led to offseason spinal fusion surgery and reported setback in April.

Jones said he has been participating in some individual activities but has been held out of team drills. The Steelers’ starting tackles to open OTAs have been Troy Fautanu at left tackle and Dylan Cook on the right.

Pittsburgh also selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 draft, something Jones said he didn’t take personally, per Steelers Now’s Brendan Howe.

“Recovery is good. I feel fine, just getting back to it,” he said, via Howe.

#Steelers OT Broderick Jones (neck) is here for OTAs with a helmet on, but did not participate in the team drills that were open to the media. pic.twitter.com/xrGkd1BDCU

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) May 18, 2026

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Christopher Carter posted that Jones said that he’s preparing to play both left and right tackle once he returns. Jones switched from right to left tackle — his college position — for the Steelers in 2025.

Dodgers vs Padres prediction markets for Wednesday night matchup: Kalshi MLB markets

Dodgers vs Padres prediction markets for Wednesday night matchup: Kalshi MLB markets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Get ready for a heavyweight National League West showdown as the Los Angeles Dodgers travel south to take on the San Diego Padres. Both clubs enter tonight sporting nearly identical, elite records. The Dodgers come into the game sitting at 30-19 with a stellar .612 win percentage, while the hometown Padres are right on their heels at 29-19 and a .604 mark. Follow along with an expert breakdown of Dodgers vs Padres prediction markets for trading on this Wednesday night showdown.

New users who activate the Kalshi promo code TSNEWS will get a $10 sign-up bonus, which unlocks immediately after $10 in trades are made. 

First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 PM ET under the lights at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Fans and prediction market traders will not want to miss this matchup, as the star power taking the field is off the charts.

The premier storyline heading into this contest is undeniably the pitching duel. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is the probable starting pitcher for Los Angeles, taking the mound against San Diego probable starter Randy Vásquez. The heavy hitting extends well into both lineups, with the Dodgers fielding stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman to counter a dynamic San Diego core featuring Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts.

Dodgers vs Padres prediction markets

Traders evaluating this National League West clash will notice the prediction markets heavily favor the visiting Dodgers, assigning them a 63% probability of leaving Petco Park with a victory. The Padres, despite keeping pace in the division standings, are priced as definitive home underdogs at 37%.

The market confidence in Los Angeles aligns seamlessly with their elite statistical profile. The Dodgers boast a dominant pitching staff carrying a 3.188 overall ERA, a 1.097 WHIP and holding opponents to a meager .211 batting average. This unit will face a San Diego lineup that averages approximately 4.16 runs per game with a .222 team batting average and a .664 OPS. On the other side of the diamond, the Padres pitching staff holds a 3.932 ERA and a 1.236 WHIP. They face a tall order against a formidable Los Angeles lineup producing 5.16 runs per game on a .261 batting average and a .771 OPS.

Recent form also informs the market pricing. In their last outing, these two clubs faced off with the Dodgers securing a narrow 5-4 victory. Both teams tallied six hits and two home runs in that contest. Freddie Freeman supplied the power for Los Angeles, while Manny Machado and Miguel Andujar went deep for San Diego. The difference came down to execution. The Dodgers played clean, error-free defense, whereas the Padres committed one costly error. On a broader scale, both squads are usually defensively sound, each fielding at a .991 percentage for the season.

Injury reports remain a critical component for market participants to monitor before taking a position. Los Angeles currently has 14 players on the injured list, including key starting rotation pieces Tyler Glasnow dealing with a back issue, Blake Snell nursing an elbow injury and Bobby Miller out with a shoulder problem. San Diego is managing eight active injuries of their own, missing pivotal names like starting pitcher Joe Musgrove to an elbow issue along with everyday position players Jake Cronenworth and Luis Campusano.

For traders analyzing this matchup, the core narrative hinges on whether the San Diego offense can capitalize on a Los Angeles rotation navigating significant injuries. However, with the Dodgers consistently pairing offensive power with run prevention, they remain the favored side in the prediction markets.

Dodgers vs Padres prediction for Wednesday night

When evaluating the prediction markets for this National League West clash, traders should look toward the road favorite. While a 63% implied win probability is a substantial figure for an away team facing a 29-19 divisional rival, taking a position on the Dodgers is the most logical play.

The primary catalyst for this prediction is the staggering dominance of the probable starter for Los Angeles, Shohei Ohtani. Through 44.0 innings pitched this season, Ohtani has been virtually untouchable. He carries a microscopic 0.818 ERA and a matching 0.818 WHIP. He is overpowering opposing hitters to the tune of 10.23 strikeouts per nine innings while limiting them to a paltry .161 opponent batting average. Fading a starting pitcher with this level of elite run prevention is simply an unnecessary risk for market participants.

Beyond the starting mound, overall pitching metrics for Los Angeles reinforce their status as the rightful favorites. The Dodgers boast a phenomenal 1.10 team WHIP and a 3.19 staff ERA, indicating high-level execution from both the rotation and the bullpen. In contrast, the San Diego pitching staff lags slightly behind with a 1.24 team WHIP and a 3.93 ERA. Over the course of nine innings, the superior ability of Los Angeles to consistently keep runners off the basepaths provides a distinct mathematical edge.

Traders must still account for potential risks. San Diego probable starter Randy Vásquez has put together an excellent campaign of his own. Across 50.1 innings, Vásquez holds a 2.682 ERA and a strong 1.113 WHIP. If he can match Ohtani zero for zero in the early frames, a single swing of the bat from a slugger like Fernando Tatis Jr. or Manny Machado could tilt the outcome in favor of the home underdogs. Additionally, the inherent variance in baseball means even the most dominant pitchers can occasionally suffer an uncharacteristic outing.

Despite these factors, the baseline data heavily supports Los Angeles. The combination of Ohtani's tremendous start to the 2026 season and the broader superiority of the Dodgers in limiting opposing offenses justifies their premium market price. Backing the team with the definitive mound advantage is the sharpest approach for this matchup.

Pick/Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

Fran Brown adds another St. Frances star as Michael Nnabuife picks Syracuse

Michael Nnabuife (@mikennabuife / X)

Syracuse has landed another talented prospect out of powerhouse Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances as tight end Michael Nnabuife announced his plans to play for the Orange on the Rivals YouTube Channel.

The 6-foot-5, 242-pound Nnabuife chose to play for head coach Fran Brown and the ACC program over his other finalists in Alabama, Kentucky and Maryland. He joins his teammate in running back Sa’Nir Brooks as part of this Syracuse 2027 class.

“Their coaching staff and offensive scheme is what really sealed the deal for me,” Nnabuife said. “I know through Coach (Jeff) Nixon and (Michael) Johnson they can showcase my talents and versatility on the field.

“The history of Coach Johnson and what he’s done with the tight ends, having two back-to-back All-Americans in OG (Oronde Gadsden) and Dan Villari and just wanted to continue on that legacy.”

Nnabuife is still blossoming as a football player.

“His measureables are ridiculous,” St. Frances head coach Messay Hailemariam said. His presence is legit. He can flex out and look like a wide receiver and that’s what’s exciting about him. And he can get in the box and play H, fullback, tight end, he has all the measureables and features that make him a guy that can play on Sundays.”

Nnabuife found the end zone in St. Frances’s national title game victory and will have an expanded role as a senior.

“Just his resiliency, his commitment to getting better at his craft,” Hailemariam said. “Since he walked in our building you could see his potential. He gained a good amount of weight, worked really hard and trained his butt off.

“Last year having to share time with two others, he showed up every day putting the team first outside of himself and his desires to be great. It’s hard to fight at the next level every day. You have to truly sacrifice opportunities and maximize the opportunities you do receive. He did everything you need to become a guy by the end of the season.”

Nnabuife becomes commit No. 13 for Brown and the Orange in the 2027 recruiting class.

Alfredo Morelos’ surprise message to Wilmar Barrios

Alfredo Morelos’ surprise message to Wilmar Barrios
Alfredo Morelos’ surprise message to Wilmar Barrios

An unexpected exchange on social media has sparked the hopes of Atlético Nacional fans. Forward Alfredo Morelos caused a stir by leaving a subtle yet direct message for his compatriot Wilmar Barrios on Instagram, inviting him to join the Antioquia-based club after being crowned champion in Russian football.


The invitation that set social media ablaze

After Barrios celebrated another title with Zenit Saint Petersburg, Morelos was quick to congratulate him, adding a phrase that quickly went viral: "It’s time to come to Nacional and make it happen for real, you know how it is, congratulations my bro." The comment immediately triggered thousands of interactions from Atlético Nacional fans, who dream of seeing the experienced Colombia national team midfielder wearing the green jersey.

No official negotiations

Despite the online buzz, the reality is that there have been no talks or formal approaches between the parties. Barrios is coming off a strong season in Europe, making 30 appearances for Zenit, while Morelos’ message remains, for now, simply a sign of the great friendship they built while sharing call-ups with the national team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

One Gunner’s Tale

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: A general view as fans of Arsenal celebrate as Arsenal are confirmed as Premier League champions following Manchester City's 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth, as they gather outside the Emirates Stadium, on May 19, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Twelve years. Twenty-two for some but all twelve years I’ve supported this football club. Arsenal. My club, your club, our club.

How does one choose a team to support in any sport? Is it a player, a coach, a brand or identity? Are you perennial winners, a serial underdog? A team with a rich history who lost its way in recent years? Is it where you’re born, who your parents or friends like?

Editor’s Note: What a way to welcome Max Mallow, SBN’s new soccer editorand fellow Gooner to the mothership and TSF. Enjoy his Arsenal story!

For baseball and football, it was easy. Born in New York, the Mets and Jets were for me. My mother was a season ticket holder, but as she and my stepfather aged, their love for their teams dissipated as the fleeting successes of 1969 and 1986 faded into memory. It helped that I grew up with kids who also liked the same teams.

I was late to soccer in my life, 2014 to be exact. The World Cup was on, I had a sudden intention to care about my familial ties as Germany denied Lionel Messi and Argentina glory. He didn’t play the biggest role, but I was enamored with Mesut Ozil. The flair, the creativity. To this day the No. 10 remains my favorite position on the pitch. 

“Who does he play for? Oh, Arsenal. Hm, maybe that should be my club team.” 

A year later, Alexis Sanchez guided Chile to another international victory over Messi in the Copa America final. Another Arsenal player.

Some reading—Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, the Invincibles, Arsene Wenger—and I was sold. One of my best friends wanted me to support Manchester United because we both liked direct rivals in the two aforementioned sports, but why change that? I chose their historic rival and tried to quickly engage myself with everything about Arsenal. 

A crash course history in a summer. “Finishing fourth is your trophy, the FA Cup is all you really can win.” It seemed like I was hopping on to what has been consistently described by more loyal content creators as a sleeping giant. Given the nature of my other two teams, at least the club had a rich history. 

What a time to pick Arsenal football club, eh? Little did I know I’d joined up on the downslope, with the nadir of modern Arsenal around the corner. The slow march towards Wenger’s exit and the Unai Emery era. As fan channels entered the forefront, it was hard to avoid being swept into the turmoil Londoners and lifelong Gooners have dealt with since 2004. Yet, it was my team. I chose them, I wasn’t going to change. Henry and Bergkamp were my legends, I hated Tottenham despite having never been there and the rest from here would be history.

When Unai Emery came in, it felt like a new time to really engage with following the club. Even as modern fans go, playing FIFA with names like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and others in the past helped me become more adept with other leagues, players, the sport as a whole. I was truly falling in love with everything footy.

That first year is when I really bought in to following them each game, no matter the kick-off time. I met some great people who became good friends despite supporting other clubs, and my love for the sport was cemented.

Emery’s unbeaten run and transfer windows got me sort of excited, but the sting of Baku and missing out on Champions League qualification was the first real heartbreak I felt as a supporter. Then the real first hate watch was making sure Tottenham didn’t win the Champions League. How things change but stay the same. 

My now wife surprised me with a trip to Washington D.C. a couple months later to watch Arsenal play a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid. I finally got to see my team play in person and as far as she knew I was this big Arsenal fan. I had a duty to uphold from there and my love for the club grew and grew. 

Bukayo Saka came along. This young, exciting player from the academy and I started to try and learn about Hale End. More history to immerse myself in, almost to try and validate my fandom. I was still new to the team all things considered. Saka was going to be my guy.

Emery’s tenure rather toxically came to an end a couple months later and in comes Mikel Arteta. A former Arsenal player taking his first managerial job. Either this guy would restore Arsenal to where it belongs and I’d reap the benefits, or I’d get sucked into the neverending disappointment of what my Mets and Jets fandom had become.

Some attractive play and an FA Cup at the end of a Covid season when we as a world were isolated from each other meant the world to me. I was going to follow this club forever. Arsenal is now my family’s club and it will be from here on out. With that, I was the modern football fan for better or worse.

2020-21 was one of the worst seasons in the club’s history. Way to go, Max. Great pick.

Eighth again, early cup exits, a Europa League semifinal exit, to Unai Emery’s Villareal, no less. I truly felt what it was like to support a banter club. If you’ve never seen them, go look at some of the memes from that season. Kieran Tierney tripping over his legs, David Luiz’s defending and the Wolves penalty, Rob Holding somehow fouling Adama Traore and calling him a “Brick s***house” while asking how he’s gone down like that. 

A big summer from a financial standpoint unfolded with justifiable doubt regarding Arteta’s future looming.

The season began with Gary Neville’s oft-replayed post-game comments about how soft we were at Brentford away. As that game unfolded, I was sitting at a supporters bar with my wife, agreeing with Gary. I was screaming “GET OUT OF MY CLUB ARTETA.”

Results somewhat turned, we clawed our way up the table. Looking back, that season was the Arteta project in miniature for me as a supporter. Every win, Arteta In. Every loss, Arteta Out. We nearly returned to what I was introduced to Arsenal as: a fourth place celebrating club. Horrible losses to Newcastle and Spurs derailed it and we were back in the Europa League.

Then, All or Nothing came along. An inside, in-depth look at the season. Some of the most infamous memes came from it, but what I took away was how matchgoing fans had started to believe again. And at Aston Villa, how Arteta’s song became so prominent. 

“We’ve got Super Mik’ Arteta. He knows exactly what we need…” From my keyboard, cell phone or screen watching games all the way over here, signs started to emerge that we could play some of the great football that Wenger instilled. Maybe we could also be defensively resilient like George Graham. But 2022-23 was going to be the season to see if he was the real deal.

Another summer with big expenditures added some proven Premier League winners and… wait was this the same Arsenal I was screaming about at a bar a year ago? We were flying. We were eight points clear, oh my god could we win the Premier League? I thought Martin Odegaard was the second coming of Ozil, Real Madrid parallels and all, Granit Xhaka was reborn and got fans back on side, Gabriel Jesus was the perfect center forward to link with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. We had Gabriel and William Saliba forming the next great partnership at the back. We were a competent team who looked like we were going to challenge. 

I was at a thrift festival in Rhode Island with my wife and her group of friends trying to contain my excitement when Reiss Nelson scored that game winner. The joy of winning the league was coming. I knew it would hit so much harder than winning the FA Cup. And then we bottled it. From burgeoning excitement to devastating pain. How did this happen? Stateside during that season, I had to watch my favorite pitcher in baseball history leave the Mets. Both teams. Right back in the mud. Why do we do this to ourselves?

I’m not going to recap in detail the other two second place finishes. We all lived them. We signed Declan Rice. That was going to do it. It was the big money move that would get us over the hump. It didn’t. We had our moments but the ephemeral joy of historic wins in the Champions League was cold comfort when another season ended trophy-less. It really is the hope that kills you as an Arsenal fan.

But it also keeps you coming back. After two years of taking Manchester City to the brink, we fell to Liverpool out of nowhere. Far off the pace we established, too. It felt like a step backwards. The trophy cabinet continued to pick up dust. “He has to win something this year,” many proclaimed, myself among them. Some might have felt a Carabao Cup was enough, but for me it had to be a big one: the Premier League or the Champions League.

Easy, right? Just win either a competition they haven’t won since 2004 or do what the club has never done and win the biggest club trophy in the world. Was Mikel Arteta to become Arsenal’s Brendan Rodgers? The guy who sets the club up for success, never to realize it on his own.

Hope brought us back. And that’s how you get to live days like Tuesday, May 19, 2026. They did it. We did it.

Arsenal are the 2025-26 Premier League champions.

I’m still processing it. At least I think I am. Honestly, I can’t know what it feels like to not be processing it because I’ve never experienced it. Not just with Arsenal, with any of my sports teams. This is a first for me. My team finally won their league. 

Jumping around in my apartment, I watched on the internet as reportedly more than 100,000 people flocked to Emirates Stadium after Bournemouth drew with Manchester City. The beast was finally conquered in more ways than one. A team I loved finally won a major honor. The pride, the joy I felt for those players, the manager, the staff, and supporters. It all doesn’t feel real still. It’ll feel real once they lift the trophy in person, but how does one process seeing their team realize glory? 

This is my first league title as an Arsenal supporter, and it might be the second, third, whatever for others. I’ve only been here for 12 years, but I’ll be here for the next 12 and the 12 after that. Because now I know what it means to see this wonderful club back where it belongs, long before I came along. Hopefully, we continue to know what this feels like moving forward for the generations to come and we get to experience it with them! 

Whether it’s your first league win like me or 22 years of heartbreak coming to an end for you, we can all bask in the fact that we are Arsenal and we’re Premier League champions. It’s important to remember everything we’ve gone through no matter your entry point. I flip-flopped like I’m sure a lot of you have. That’s what it means to be a football fan, almost like a badge of honor in this modern landscape. 

Those of you who backed Mikel Arteta the whole time, enjoy your vindication. For those of us that doubted at times, it is all part of the journey, isn’t it? Heck, if you want to backpedal a bit go right ahead. Who cares? We won. The rest? Minor details.

Your journey to this point is your journey. Take no shame on the road that got you here with us because we’ve finally made it! Champions of England. 

I’m grateful if you read this supporter’s journey, and I encourage you to share yours. I’m going to end with this: No matter what we’ve gone through or how long we’ve supported this team up until this point, we’re here savoring it together. And it still might get even sweeter. Onward to Budapest.

Come on you Gunners. Forever.

Browns quarterback competition may come down to one shocking factor

Browns quarterback competition may come down to one shocking factor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns quarterback situation remains a big question mark as the summer months approach. 

The quarterback situation will remain a focal point as the Browns have some reasonable options. NFL insider Albert Breer provided his take on the ongoing topic. 

In his recent mailbag, Breer said that it would be worth the Browns giving Deshaun Watson another chance this season; at the same time, they should also evaluate the other options like Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sander and Taylen Green. 

"That said, what would make that swing and a miss worse? Giving Watson no chance under the new coaching staff, only to see him revive his career with a new team in 2027. At this point, the investment they have in the other quarterbacks on the roster is third-, fifth- and sixth-round picks (Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sander and Taylen Green, respectively) and those guys cost the team relative pennies on rookie deals.

"It’s not like they have to give any of those guys the season to see what they have. If Sanders beats out Watson and is the best quarterback for the Browns in 2026, then you go with him. But if Watson is the best guy in the spring and summer, and shows even a sliver of the high-end quarterback play he put on display in Houston on the practice field, then I think the Browns owe it to themselves to give him some run in the fall and see where it goes."

Head coach Todd Monken recently revealed that "nothing has changed" in the quarterback competition, and they are still dividing the reps. 

Browns balancing Deshaun Watson investment and future QB options

The quarterback situation for Cleveland is one of the most fascinating and complicated. The Browns are trying to balance a ton, including a sunk cost, future development and immediate competitiveness all at once. 

While the Watson situation has been a disaster from the jump, Cleveland cannot afford to give up on him yet due to the investment in him being massive. 

The Browns have to see it through, and if it doesn't work out, they have other options they can go to. 

The ideal situation for the Browns is that Watson shows signs of life before the injury, while one of the young quarterbacks develops into a long-term option. 

If nothing pans out for the Browns, they could find themselves right back in the quarterback market — something the franchise has seemingly cycled through for much of this century. 

More NFL news:

‘It Makes Us All Look Bad’ — Nick Wright Calls Out Stephen A. Smith’s ’Mob Boss’ Act Amid Jaylen Brown Beef

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The feud between Jaylen Brown and Stephen A. Smith has been dominating headlines in the NBA world over the last few weeks.

FS1’s Nick Wright has now weighed in on the situation and called for the ESPN commentator to stop getting into quarrels with athletes.

Nick Wright Feels Stephen A. Smith’s Feud With Athletes Is Hurting Sports Media

Smith responded to Brown’s latest retort on Monday by threatening to do a report on how Jayson Tatum and the rest of the Boston Celtics organization feel about the guard. Brown had previously called Smith out for spreading “clickbait” stories and false narratives.

On his show, “What’s Wright? with Nick Wright,” the sportscaster praised Smith for being one of the hardest workers in the industry. But he also called out the ESPN analyst for acting as a moral arbiter and injecting himself into stories by making veiled threats to athletes.

“These last few years, where he has convinced himself, it appears, that we the people who give opinions on the actual games, are equal stars and equal of important to the people who are playing the actual games, is delusional,” he said.

Wright further said that Smith’s comments and feuds with big-name athletes hurt the entire sports media industry. He also claimed that Smith was the only journalist who adopted this style of reporting.

“Talking to these guys like you’re a mob boss and they better watch what they say, there’s harm in it… If you have real information about the Celtics organization, how they feel about Brown that you’re just sitting on, you should report it. The answer is not go to the mattresses and escalate. And it makes all of us look bad. And here’s the other thing. You’re the only guy who does it,” he added.

Smith is widely known for his unabashed style of reporting, which involves him sharing controversial opinions and hot takes in dramatic fashion. He has certainly ruffled a few feathers with his reporting style and remains one of the most decisive figures in sports media.

This is not the first time Smith has been involved in a high-profile feud with a prominent NBA player. He has also been involved in a long-running feud with Kevin Durant that began more than a decade ago. Smith also had notable feuds with Kyrie Irving and LeBron James over the years.

Former McNicholas boys basketball head coach takes over at Turpin

Turpin High School has named Tim Monahan as its new head boys basketball coach, pending school board approval.

He replaces Connor Roberts, who stepped aside after leading the Spartans for the past three seasons, including a run to the district finals in 2025.

This past season, Monahan was a varsity assistant coach for the OHSAA Division I state champion Princeton Vikings.

Monahan and his family have called Anderson Township home for many years. He was the head boys basketball coach at McNicholas from 2009 to 2025. He had 216 wins, second in school history, where he was a three-time Greater Catholic League coach of the year, three-time District 16 coach of the year, two-time GCL champ, eight-time sectional champ, and a district championship in 2021.

Monahan also runs the Xcel Youth Basketball program, known for player development, summer camps and AAU teams at various levels.

Tim Monahan was named Turpin head boys basketball coach May 20, 2026.

“I’ve always admired his coaching and his teams. They were well prepared and tough as nails; they backed down from no one. The kids in his programs always play hard for each other and play hard for him. I am sure our guys will step up to the challenge and I can't wait to see the Spartans compete in the future,” Turpin athletic director Tony Hemmelgarn said in a press release.

In the same release, Monahan said: “I am looking forward to getting into the gym, building relationships with players and creating a culture of toughness, teamwork, discipline and player development. We’ll work every day to represent Turpin in a way our school and community can be proud of.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former McNicholas basketball coach Tim Monahan takes over at Turpin

Former McNicholas boys basketball head coach takes over at Turpin

Turpin High School has named Tim Monahan as its new head boys basketball coach, pending school board approval.

He replaces Connor Roberts, who stepped aside after leading the Spartans for the past three seasons, including a run to the district finals in 2025.

This past season, Monahan was a varsity assistant coach for the OHSAA Division I state champion Princeton Vikings.

Monahan and his family have called Anderson Township home for many years. He was the head boys basketball coach at McNicholas from 2009 to 2025. He had 216 wins, second in school history, where he was a three-time Greater Catholic League coach of the year, three-time District 16 coach of the year, two-time GCL champ, eight-time sectional champ, and a district championship in 2021.

Monahan also runs the Xcel Youth Basketball program, known for player development, summer camps and AAU teams at various levels.

Tim Monahan was named Turpin head boys basketball coach May 20, 2026.

“I’ve always admired his coaching and his teams. They were well prepared and tough as nails; they backed down from no one. The kids in his programs always play hard for each other and play hard for him. I am sure our guys will step up to the challenge and I can't wait to see the Spartans compete in the future,” Turpin athletic director Tony Hemmelgarn said in a press release.

In the same release, Monahan said: “I am looking forward to getting into the gym, building relationships with players and creating a culture of toughness, teamwork, discipline and player development. We’ll work every day to represent Turpin in a way our school and community can be proud of.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former McNicholas basketball coach Tim Monahan takes over at Turpin

Jerry Jones on international travel: Wear and tear is a lot less than a night out

The Cowboys have not played an international game since 2014 when they traveled to London to play the Jaguars. That is the only international game they have ever played.

For the first time, the Cowboys will give up a home game to play internationally in 2026, traveling to Rio de Janeiro to take on the Ravens.

The game in Brazil will take place Week 3 in a demanding start to the season for the Cowboys.

They play Washington at home in Week 2 before a 10-hour flight to Rio and an 11-hour flight home. The NFL then is sending the Cowboys to Houston for a noon CT game the following Sunday, which is followed by a Thursday night game at home four days later.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dismissed the idea that travel is a concern.

“The wear and tear is a lot less than a night out on the town,” Jones told Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports on Tuesday from the league’s May meeting. “Everybody ought to think about that. Stop, stop. It isn’t like they [would be] home in bed resting up.”

The Cowboys also have a stretch where they play three games in 15 days — the Titans at home on Nov. 22 followed by a Thanksgiving Day game against the Eagles and then a Monday Night Football game at Seattle on Dec. 7. The Monday night game on the West Coast will shorten the Cowboys' off week in Week 14.

“Part of being a player, part of being that-age person, part of being all of that shape they’re in and what have you, is they're able to have a little extracurricular in many ways,” Jones told Epstein. “It can be a lot more damaging just walking down the block.”

Trenton softball vs Liberty County FHSAA Rural State Championship live updates

Trenton softball can reach rarified air on Wednesday.

The Tigers are seeking their fifth state championship in seven years today as they face Liberty County in the Rural Class title game. The Bulldogs are the most recent team to win a state championship besides Trenton – in 2023.

Last season, in the FHSAA Final Four, the Tigers beat up Liberty County to the tune of a 9-2 victory. This season, Liberty County enters the title bout with a 21-5 record and coming off a 10-8 win over defending state runner up Northview.

The Bulldogs have one of the best offenses in the Rural Class. Cha’miya Williams, Lauren Davis and Taylor Kincaid all rank in the top 10 in Florida in home runs and RBIs.

However, the ‘Dogs haven’t seen a pitcher like Trenton's Addison Allaire. The Florida softball commit fired a complete game, one-hit shutout with 16 strikeouts to defeat Madison County in the state semifinals Tuesday.

The Tigers, though, only registered one run.

A win Wednesday would give Trenton five state titles – moving it into a tie for fifth all-time.

First pitch is set for 4 p.m. Follow here for live updates:

Trenton softball vs Liberty County FHSAA Rural State Championship live updates

This section will be updated.

Trenton softball vs Liberty County FHSAA Rural State Championship starting lineups

This section will be updated.

Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: FHSAA Florida High School softball Rural Championship live updates

‘Road Trippin’ launches WNBA spinoff ‘Girls Tripp’ with Allie Clifton

Credit: Road Trippin'

Road Trippin’ is launching a WNBA spinoff.

The podcast announced Tuesday the debut of Girls Tripp, a new show hosted by Allie Clifton and Jordan Robinson. The first episode drops Thursday at 11 a.m. ET and features four-time WNBA champion Cynthia Cooper, as well as ESPN’s lead WNBA announcer, Ryan Ruocco, it would appear.

Buckle up for a Girls Tripp!

We are officially hitting the road with our brand new show Girls Tripp, hosted by Allie Clifton and Jordan Robinson. To kick things off, we’re joined by none other than the 4x WNBA Champ & W LEGEND, Cynthia Cooper! ✨

Don’t miss the premiere this… pic.twitter.com/eDl5fmvj6u

— Road Trippin’ Show (@RoadTrippinShow) May 19, 2026

Clifton joined Prime Video’s NBA broadcast team last summer as a sideline reporter after six years hosting Lakers coverage on Spectrum SportsNet, where she became the first woman to call a Lakers game in February 2024. This season, Prime Video named her the studio host for its WNBA coverage, where she anchors a team that includes Hall of Famers Cooper, Swin Cash, Candace Parker, and Teresa Weatherspoon. Prime Video is in the first year of an 11-year WNBA deal covering 31 regular-season games annually, one first-round playoff series, seven conference finals series, and three WNBA Finals.

Robinson, Clifton’s co-host on Girls Tripp, serves as an analyst on NBC Sports’ WNBA coverage this season alongside a broadcast team that includes Lisa Byington, Mike Watts, Kara Lawson, and LaChina Robinson. Cooper, the show’s first guest, won four consecutive WNBA championships with the Houston Comets from 1997-2000 and rotates as an analyst for both games and studio coverage on Prime Video this season.

Road Trippin‘ launched in 2017 with Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye recording episodes on Cavaliers road trips, with Clifton as co-host, and joined JJ Redick’s ThreeFourTwo Productions network in 2024 after years under the Blue Wire umbrella.

Girls Tripp is its first standalone spinoff.

The post ‘Road Trippin’ launches WNBA spinoff ‘Girls Tripp’ with Allie Clifton appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Elite safety puts Georgia football in top three

The Georgia Bulldogs are in a three-team race to land an elite recruit. Three-star athlete/safety Tumarian Moreland narrowed his list down to three schools and set his commitment date, according to Riley Alberts of 247Sports. He will choose among Georgia, Auburn, and Virginia Tech on July 4.

Moreland is a three-star prospect from the class of 2025. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound athlete plays high school football for Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is currently the No. 43 prospect from Florida and the No. 32 athlete in the nation.

He is set to visit all three of the schools on his list. He'll go to Virginia Tech on May 29, Auburn on June 5, and Georgia on June 12.

None of the recruiting websites have predicted where he's going to go yet. There isn't a Crystal Ball prediction for where Moreland will commit, and Rivals' prediction model has him going to Auburn by a slight margin, but Georgia and Virginia Tech are close.

Regardless, Georgia's in need of some volume in their recruiting class. They have just seven commits, and 247Sports ranks their class at No. 31 in the nation, far from the top-10 or top-5 classes Georgia is used to.

Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Elite Florida safety includes Georgia Bulldogs in top three

Where to watch Florida high school baseball playoffs: Schedule, channel, live stream for FHSAA semis and finals

NFHS Network logo

Where to watch Florida high school baseball playoffs: Schedule, channel, live stream for FHSAA semis and finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After a brief break, the Florida high school baseball state championships resume early this week with the semifinals and finals in three more classifications. 

Five of the eight state champions already have been crowned, led by a sixth consecutive title for Stoneman Douglas in 7A and a repeat by St. Thomas Aquinas in 6A. But the winners in 5A, 4A and 2A are still to be determined. 

In 5A, Mater Academy also is looking to go back-to-back, while American Heritage is eyeing the same feat in 4A. The latter division also features Jesuit, which won state in 5A in 2022 and 2024 before dropping down a classification but is always a threat. The 2A bracket will see Trinity Christian try to pick up one additional win after falling in the 2025 title game. 

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Florida high school baseball playoffs, including TV channel and streaming options for the semifinals and finals.

Where to watch Florida high school baseball playoffs

The Florida high school baseball playoffs will not be available to watch on a national TV channel, but fans can stream the games on the NFHS Network.

The NFHS Network offers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($13.99 per month). These plans give subscribers the ability to watch live sporting events and create clips of their favorite moments from games. 

Florida high school baseball playoffs schedule 2026

Champions have already been crowned in five of the eight classifications. See those scores and the schedule for the remaining three below. All games are being played at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.

Stream all semifinal and championship games live on the NFHS Network.

Class 5A

DateTime (ET)Game
May 184 p.m.Semifinal: Winter Springs 5, Charlotte 4
May 187 p.m.Semifinal: Lincoln 7, Mater Academy 4
May 2011 a.m.Final: Lincoln 5, Winter Springs 4

Class 4A

DateTime (ET)Game
May 1910 a.m.Semifinal: Jesuit 5, Clay 2
May 191 p.m.Semifinal: Bishop Moore 1, American Heritage 0 (11 inn.)
May 202 p.m.Final: Jesuit vs. Bishop Moore

Class 2A

DateTime (ET)Game
May 1810 a.m.Semifinal: Trinity Christian 7, Lakeland Christian 2
May 181 p.m.Semifinal: True North 9, Berkeley Prep 4
May 194 p.m.Final: Trinity Christian 8, True North 4

Class 7A

DateTime (ET)Game
May 154 p.m.Semifinal: Stoneman Douglas 9, Hagerty 8
May 157 p.m.Semifinal: Venice 4, Vero Beach 2
May 165 p.m.Final: Stoneman Douglas 2, Venice 1

Class 6A

DateTime (ET)Game
May 1510 a.m.Semifinal: Buchholz 3, Martin County 2 (9 inn.)
May 151 p.m.Semifinal: St. Thomas Aquinas 3, Land O'Lakes 2
May 162 p.m.Final: St. Thomas Aquinas 5, Buchholz 1

Class 3A

DateTime (ET)Game
May 134 p.m.Semifinal: South Walton 6, Miami Springs 2
May 137 p.m.Semifinal: North Broward Prep 4, South Sumter 0
May 147 p.m.Final: South Walton 6, North Broward Prep 5

Class 1A

DateTime (ET)Game
May 1410 a.m.Semifinal: St. Johns Country Day 5, Schoolhouse Prep 0
May 141 p.m.Semifinal: Orangewood Christian 6, St. John Neumann 4
May 1611 a.m.Final: St. Johns Country Day 6, Orangewood Christian 2

Class Rural

DateTime (ET)Game
May 1310 a.m.Semifinal: Union County 2, Cottondale 0
May 131 p.m.Semifinal: Trenton 8, Holmes County 0
May 144 p.m.Final: Union County 10, Trenton 9 (8 inn.)

How a penalty by the US in the World Cup could score you free pizza

A penalty for Team USA at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will come with an unexpected consolation prize: free pizza for tens of thousands of people.

Domino’s is gearing up for soccer’s biggest event, announcing on Monday that it will give away $1 million worth of pizzas if any player from the U.S. soccer team receives a red card.

The serious penalty will trigger more than 60,000 winners to be selected at random to receive a free medium two-topping pizza.

Soccer gurus know the worst thing to happen in a game is for a player on the team you’re rooting for to receive a red card,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s executive vice president.

“If that happens to the American squad, Domino’s is here to ease the pain by giving away Emergency Pizzas. It may not change the outcome of the match, but it can provide a delicious pick-me-up when it’s needed most.”

Domino’s Pizza will randomly select tens of thousands of customers to receive a free pie — but only if Team USA receives a red card during the World Cup this summer (Domino's Pizza)
Domino’s Pizza will randomly select tens of thousands of customers to receive a free pie — but only if Team USA receives a red card during the World Cup this summer (Domino's Pizza)

Red cards are issued to players for more serious offenses during matches, which can be anything from misconduct to unsportsmanlike behavior to violent actions.

The penalty can be quite detrimental to a team. Players who receive a red card are immediately removed from the game and are unable to participate in the rest of the match. The consequences go even further for red cards issued during the FIFA World Cup, as players who are dismissed are also barred from starting in the next match.

Those looking for a chance to profit from any potential U.S. red cards must register on Domino’s website before June 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET for a chance to win. They must also be enrolled in Domino’s Rewards program to qualify.

Referees issue a red card to players for more serious offenses (Reuters)
Referees issue a red card to players for more serious offenses (Reuters)

Fans selected for a free Emergency Pizza have until August 2, 2026, to redeem their free pie.

In the case of no red cards, Domino’s will also surprise players of the video game EA Sports FC 26 with 75,000 free Emergency Pizzas.

Every Friday until June 5, Domino’s will give out a unique promo code in the game to randomly selected players that will allow them to get a free medium two-topping pie.

“Maybe players loaded into EA SPORTS FC 26 on an empty stomach or perhaps their fridge is bare — whatever the reason, Domino’s is here to provide the emergency assist,” the company said.

Domino’s also announced a limited-time line of co-branded merchandise with Saturdays Football, that includes jerseys, a cap and slides.

The World Cup will take place across the U.S., Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

BSD YouTube Show: Penn State Football Trivia

The Penn State Nittany Lion mascot joins the students in the stands during the season opener against West Virginia Beaver Stadium September 2, 2023, in State College.

We are in the doldrums of the college football offseason so we’re going to pass the time with some Penn State football trivia. 10 rounds, 10 topics, only one of Tim or Jared will leave victorious.

We’ll be live on YouTube tonight at 7 p.m. EST. Come join!

The audio will be on Spotify and Apple after the live show.

What went wrong for New Mexico State baseball in 2026?

It was another difficult baseball season for New Mexico State.

The Aggies finished with a losing record for the sixth consecutive season, going 20-34 and 9-21 in Conference USA play in 2026. They lost 10 of their final 11 games and finished 11th in CUSA, failing to qualify for the conference tournament.

There were some positives. NM State earned two ranked wins against UTSA and Arizona State, both ranked No. 25 at the time the Aggies played them, and went 3-1 against rival New Mexico. NM State also had one of CUSA's best offenses and finished second in its conference with a .295 team batting average.

But overall, it was yet another underwhelming season on the diamond for the Aggies.

MORE AGGIES SPORTS: From Las Cruces High to New Mexico State, Steve Solorzano's dream is now a reality

MORE AGGIES SPORTS: New Mexico State baseball ends 2026 season against FIU in 51-run bonanza

Pitching

Once again, the Aggies struggled to pitch well.

NM State's team ERA was a CUSA-worst 8.43. The Aggies also allowed the most runs (488) and the highest opposing batting average (.305) among CUSA teams, and ranked second-to-last in home runs allowed (77) and hits allowed (559).

Their 30 runs allowed in their season finale against FIU on May 16 summed up their season in a nutshell.

"It's a tough place to pitch, but it doesn't mean that you can't pitch well here," said NM State coach Jake Angier, who just finished his third season at the helm. "It's something that we need to really address in the offseason, and I think that we're in a position now, with some stuff resource-wise, that we can have a chance to address it."

Angier believes strike-throwing was a particular struggle point. The Aggies walked a CUSA-high 321 batters in 2026.

"I think the game here is going to be offensive just by nature of where you're at, so what you can't do is compound that by hit batters and walks," Angier said. "You've got to be able to really attack the zone on the mound and do a good job of that, so that you're not giving up a bunch of hits, as well as walking and hitting guys. It's too much to overcome offensively... We just need to get more experienced in here, and just some guys that have a track record of throwing strikes."

MORE: WWE to host a live event at the Pan American Center in July

Defense

NM State also couldn't field well.

The Aggies had CUSA's worst fielding percentage at .962 and committed a CUSA second-worst 71 errors. Boston Vest and Chris Daniels each committed 10 errors.

Angier thinks NM State's defense was as much of a problem as the pitching was.

"It was a rough year defensively, just as rough defensively as it was on the mound, to be honest, just from a ranking standpoint in conference," Angier said. "We need to get more athletic. We need to get better defensively in general, especially on the infield moving forward."

Tough conference

The gap between NM State and most of its CUSA peers was wide this season.

The Aggies lost their last six conference series and won only two, against Louisiana Tech and Delaware. NM State failed to win a CUSA series on the road and was just one of two teams in the conference that didn't win at least 10 games in CUSA play.

The Aggies are in a tough baseball league. One of the best mid-major conferences in 2026, CUSA has three teams (Missouri State, Jacksonville State, and Liberty) ranked in the top 35 of the RPI. Five teams in the conference have won at least 30 games.

"I think that we've made strides in the last few years. The problem is that the conference that we're in has made exponential strides," Angier said. "We're a better team than we were when I first got here... The problem is that this conference is a legit conference.

"There are some teams in our league that are Power Four teams, and they're spending money at a Power Four level. We've got to keep chipping away at it and get better at the things that I talked about, and I think that we're doing that. We're in the process of doing that right now."

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: What went wrong for NMSU baseball in 2026?

‘Spoiled Child’: Caitlin Clark ‘heated exchange’ with coach caught on camera

Caitlin Clark
May 9, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates in the second half against the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark is a true competitor, and she’s not afraid to let her emotions show, especially in the heat of a game. That was true during a recent Fever game, when she appeared to get in a heated exchange with a coach while on the bench.

During Sunday’s game between the Fever and the Washington Mystics, cameras caught Clark in what appeared to be a “heated exchange” with an Indiana coach while she was seated on the bench.

In the video, Clark can be seen apparently raising her voice at a Fever assistant as the two appeared to argue on the bench. After the heated interaction, Clark could be seen wiping her face with a towel before walking away and sitting somewhere else on the bench.

Caitlin Clark with heated exchange with defensive coach and then gets up and goes to sit somewhere else. Mind you, defense has been putrid. pic.twitter.com/e0rMQXTyjy

— CCFC-New season (@sohali2012) May 18, 2026

“Caitlin Clark with a heated exchange with a defensive coach and then gets up and goes to sit somewhere else. Mind you, defense has been putrid,” a Caitlin Clark fan account wrote while sharing the video on social media.

While it’s not clear what the argument was about, it’s worth noting that while Clark has been dominant on the offensive side of the ball, she has struggled on defense, leading to some criticism. The Fever has also been one of the worst defensive teams in the league this season, allowing 91.8, ranking 12th in the league out of the 15 teams.

Regardless of what was said and who was at fault, it elicited a strong reaction from fans.

‘Spoiled Child’

As video of the exchange made its way around social media, fans offered some strong reactions, with some criticizing Clark for her role in the argument and some defending her.

“I’m 100% sure the coach is right and the spoiled child was absolutely wrong! All the coach said was move your feet on defense and put up a hand every now & then!” one fan wrote in a post on X.

“First the refs now her coaches. She isn’t that good to be showing a coach up like that,” another fan added.

“She is such a clown. ….. mentality on full display,” someone else added.

“She is spoiled and didn’t improve from last year. Still can’t go left more than 2-3 dribbles, no dribble combo to get open consistently uses her off arm to push off. Defense is sub-par, so if she is off offensively she is a liability!” another fan wrote.

“Yo Angel Reese wouldve been suspended on the spot for these out of control enraged outburst Caitlin Clark does publicly with her coaching circle. & its ridiculous of how the media wont point this out. Imagined the reaction Aja Wilson would get from the media for this behavior?” someone else wrote.

Others, however, came to Clark’s defense, arguing that this was a non-issue and was simply a normal interaction during a game between a player and a coach. Some even placed more blame on the coach in that situation.

“It’s actually nothing. It’s completely normal to disagree on some things and show it. We know everything is good. Remember when haters said how disrespectful Sophie is for talking to coach like this w coach Bri? Yeah. We’re having fun here, but they’re all good imo,” one fan wrote.

“As a Coach- you done start a confrontation in the middle of game on the bench. This direction occurs in locker room, during half time or at practice. D coach seems insecure and immature,” someone else said.

“This is honestly nothing. This is normal,” another fan wrote.

The good news is that the Fever were able to win the game comfortably, with Clark making history and silencing some critics in the process.

The post ‘Spoiled Child’: Caitlin Clark ‘heated exchange’ with coach caught on camera appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

UCLA Men’s Basketball Announces 4 New Transfers

The UCLA men’s basketball team announced four transfer students, who will join the Bruins for the 2026-27 season.

Filip Jovic, Sergej Macura, Jaylen Petty and Azavier Robinson will all don a new jersey come the beginning of next season. Macura will enter the season with two years of eligibility remaining, while Jovic, Petty and Robinson will join the team as sophomores.

UCLA will hope their new additions can help them improve on a third place conference finish and a second-round exit in the NCAA tournament last season.

Read UCLA’s full press release

LOS ANGELES – The UCLA men’s basketball program has received signed grant-in-aid agreements from transfer students Filip Jović, Sergej Macura, Jaylen Petty and Azavier “Stink” Robinson, as announced on Wednesday by Mick Cronin, The Michael Price Family UCLA Men’s Head Basketball Coach.

All four student-athletes will join the Bruins’ program for the 2026-27 season. Macura, who will be a junior in 2026-27, has two remaining seasons of eligibility. Jović, Petty and Robinson will enter UCLA as sophomores and have three remaining seasons of eligibility.

Macura, a 6-foot-9 forward from Ljubljana, Slovenia, spent his sophomore season at Mississippi State. Jovic, a 6-foot-8 forward from Biejeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, excelled as a freshman last year at Auburn. Both Macura and Jovic were teammates in Belgrade, Serbia, for KK Mega Basket in the Adriatic Basketball Association. Petty, a 6-foot-1 guard from Seattle, spent his freshman year at Texas Tech. Robinson, a 6-foot-2 guard from Indianapolis, played as a freshman last season at Butler.

“All four of our current additions from the portal played at the highest levels of college basketball last season, with three being freshmen and one as a sophomore, so their best basketball is still ahead of them,” Cronin said. “We believe each of these young men can impact our program. Filip and Sergej will help us in the frontcourt, as we are looking for guys who will rebound the ball. They are familiar with each other from their time playing on the same European team, Mega Superbet in Serbia. Both players had their introduction to the college game in the SEC last season, and I’m very confident they can continue to improve with us. Jaylen Petty had a strong freshman season at Texas Tech and has some big-game experience under his belt. He is a talented shooter who provides a bigtime addition to our backcourt, both as a playmaker and scorer. Azavier Robinson has excelled as a tenacious, high-energy defender and was one of the best players in the state of Indiana in his high school class. We look forward to having them join us in the summer as we work toward next season.”

Jović averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in all 37 games for Auburn in 2025-26, helping the Tigers win the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in early April. He shot 64.0 percent from the field and recorded 23 steals. He moved into the Tigers’ starting lineup for the NIT, averaging 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in five NIT contests. Jović totaled a season-high 23 points and had six rebounds in Auburn’s win over South Carolina on Jan. 17, 2026. He scored in double figures in eight contests and logged a season-best 10 rebounds in two games.

Macura registered 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in 28 games for Mississippi State last season. He shot 55.7 percent from the field, totaling at least 10 points in three games. Macura scored a season-high 12 points in a win over Long Island on Dec. 16, 2025. He had a double-double in a win at LSU (10 points, 10 rebounds) and grabbed a season-high 12 rebounds in the team’s season-opening win over North Alabama on Nov. 5, 2025. Macura had 10 or more rebounds in three contests.

Petty averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 33 games as a freshman at Texas Tech. He shot 40.6 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. Petty concluded his freshman campaign with 74 assists and 30 turnovers, compiling a nearly 2.5-to-1 assist-turnover ratio as the Red Raiders posted a 23-11 overall record. Petty scored in double figures in 17 games, totaling at least 20 points in three contests. He scored a season-best 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting in Texas Tech’s NCAA Tournament first round win over Akron on March 20, 2026. Petty made at least three 3-pointers in 13 games, sinking a career-best five 3-pointers in three games, including the NCAA Tournament victory over Akron. As a high school senior in 2024-25, Petty was honored as the Washington Gatorade Player of the Year after a strong season at Rainier Beach High School.

Robinson averaged 6.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 22 contests as a freshman at Butler last season. His season ended in early February after he sustained a left wrist injury. Robinson shot 47.0 percent from the field and was 13-for-30 from 3-point range (43.3 percent). A former standout at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, Robinson scored 10 or more points in seven of 22 games played, logging a season-best 14 points in a 77-66 win at Seton Hall in Big East play on Jan. 17, 2026. He finished with a season-high eight assists in a Big East contest at Creighton on Dec. 30, 2025.

These four transfer student-athletes will join incoming freshmen Javonte Floyd and Joe “Jojo” Philon as the most recent additions to the UCLA men’s basketball program in 2026-27. UCLA announced the signings of incoming freshmen Floyd and Philon in April (news release here).

The Bruins lost four players following the end of the 2025-26 season, and head coach Mick Cronin is enthusiastic about his program’s new additions.

“All four of our current additions from the portal played at the highest levels of college basketball last season, with three being freshmen and one as a sophomore, so their best basketball is still ahead of them,” Cronin said.

Mar 19, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin speaks with the media before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin speaks with the media before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Filip Jovic

Hailing from Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jovic had a successful season as a freshman with Auburn before transferring to the Bruins. He played all 37 games of their season, averaging 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds over the course of the season.

The 6-foot-8 foward shot 64% from the field during the season and became a starter for the NIT, where he averaged 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds. He played with Macura for KK Mega Basket in Belgrade, Serbia before coming stateside.

Sergej Macura

Macura saw a much smaller share of games than Jovic last season, during which he played for Mississippi State. He played in 28 games last season, averaging 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds throughout the season. The 6-foot-9 forward from Ljubljana, Slovenia will look to help Cronin and the Bruins on the boards following the loss of Donovan Dent.

Jaylen Petty

Petty spent last season with Texas Tech, and is the most productive of UCLA’s four transfers on offense. The guard averaged nearly 10 points per game with the Red Raiders last season, also managing 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game through 33 contests.

The 2024-25 Washington Gatorade Player of the Year exceeded double-digits in more than half of the games he played last season.

Azavier Robinson

Of all of UCLA’s transfers, Robinson played the fewest games last season, appearing just 22 times due to a wrist injury in February. He shot over 40% from long range, and averaged 6.1 points along with 1.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

How do you feel about UCLA men’s basketball’s new additions?

The post UCLA Men’s Basketball Announces 4 New Transfers appeared first on LA Sports Report.

NFL insider believes two Bears rookies could unexpectedly win starting jobs in 2026

Tyrique Stevenson

NFL insider believes two Bears rookies could unexpectedly win starting jobs in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After winning the NFC North and making it to the NFC Divisional Round, the Chicago Bears have a ton of positive momentum heading into the offseason.

While they didn't spend like some of their top contenders, they did go out and sign Coby Bryant and Devin Bush to strengthen their defense, and then used the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their roster even further with some fun rookies.

However, other than Dillon Thieneman, none of the Bears' rookies looks to have clear shots at starting jobs. And yet, NFL insider for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer, believes that two rookies could be unexpected winners for starting jobs for 2026.

Two rookies could be unexpected position battle winners

"And I do think Stevenson starts opening day, but could have a hard time holding off Malik Muhammad," Breer writes. "As for the center spot, it wouldn't stun me in the least if Logan Jones finds a way to beat out Garrett Bradbury, who's a good stopgap, but not a long-term fix."

The Bears traded for Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots after the surprise retirement of Drew Dalman this offseason.

He's projected to be the starting center, but second-round pick Logan Jones will compete for a starting job this year. And Breer wouldn't be stunned if Jones won the center job by Week 1.

MOREBears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to provide a lot with DJ Moore onetraded

Malik Muhammad, the 21-year-old rookie cornerback taken in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, is a bit of a tougher sell to earn the starting job right away.

But Breer wouldn't be surprised if Muhammad did take over for Tyrique Stevenson at some point this season. It might be as early as Week 1, depending on how they both look in camp.

With this commentary from Breer, it seems as if Bears fans should be prepared for the possibility that two rookies come out of camp as unexpected winners for the starting cornerback and center jobs over two veterans who seem like locks at the moment.

More NFL news:

Klint Kubiak talks Fernando Mendoza, has all-time quote about Brock Bowers

Fernando Mendoza
HENDERSON, NEVADA - MAY 02: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up during the team's rookie minicamp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 02, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders began their OTA sessions this week and new head coach Klint Kubiak spoke to the media on Wednesday.

As expected, veteran addition Kirk Cousins was working with the first-team offense Wednesday. Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall draft pick, was working mostly with rookies, which is expected.

Expect Mendoza’s time with the veterans to increase, perhaps in the June mandatory minicamp and certainly in training camp. Kubiak said he has no timeline set for naming a starting quarterback, but he noted training camp will be vital.

As he always has been, Kubiak was complimentary of Mendoza and his work ethic. He said the Heisman Trophy winner “is as advertised.”

Meanwhile, Kubiak delivered a doozy of a quote on super start tight end Brock Bowers, calling him a “football robot from heaven.” I’ve been around coaches talking about players for many year and that is one hell of a quote.

It’s going to be so fun watching Kubiak designed plays for Bowers.

In other Raiders’ OTA news based on reports from the session:

  • Rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy was participating in more drills than he was doing at the rookie minicamp two weeks ago. Kubiak said McCoy “is progressing nicely” and the team has a plan to get him prepared for training camp. So, at the moment, things look good for him trying to play this season.
  • The Raiders’ offensive line Wednesday was Kolton Miller (left tackle), Spencer Burford (left guard), Tyler Linderbaum (center), Jackson Powers-Johnson (right guard) and DJ Glaze (right tackle). This makes sense in May, but there will be competitions everywhere but left tackle and center with young players Trey Zuhn, Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant all in the mix as well. Zuhn, who is expected to compete at guard, was at right tackle Wednesday. Kubiak said Zuhn was drafted to play multiple positions.
  • Taron Johnson was not present. He reportedly is sitting out the voluntary sessions because he wants a contract adjustment.
  • The Raiders have not been practicing with their helmet shield. Kubiak said the team will earn the shield as a whole when its ready.
  • As expected, star defensive end Maxx Crosby will present but not participating. He is expected to be ready to practice during training camp and Kubiak said he wouldn’t be surprised if Crosby was ahead of schedule.
  • Free-agent addition Nakobe Dean wasn’t seen by reporters Wednesday. The reason was unknown. According to reports, in addition to Johnson and Dean, the other players who were not seen Wednesday were kicker Matt Gay defensive tackle Benito Jones and wide receiver Jalen Nailor. The Athletic reported that Dean and Nailor’s absence were family related.
  • Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg was working on the side Wednesday.
  • Kubiak said the team is not coaching accountability or effort with the rookies because general manager John Spytek and his staff did an excellent job of getting good people.

Snedeker names Jim Furyk, Keegan Bradley as Presidents Cup assistants

U.S. Presidents Cup Captain Brandt Snedeker announced Wednesday that Jim Furyk and Keegan Bradley have been tapped as captain’s assistants for the 2026 Presidents Cup, which will be played at Medinah Country Club’s Course No. 3, in Chicago, Sept. 22-27.

“I’m thrilled to have Jim and Keegan join me as captain’s assistants for the 2026 Presidents Cup,” Snedeker said. “Both guys have incredible experience as leaders representing the United States and they’ve each earned the respect of players across generations. Jim knows exactly what it takes to lead a team to victory and Keegan’s competitive spirit and energy will be an undeniable asset for the team. I look forward to leaning on their experience and using them as a sounding board as look toward Medinah in September.”

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team USA captain Keegan Bradley and vice captain Jim Furyk during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Mandatory Credit: Paul Childs-Reuters via Imagn Images

Furyk, a 17-time Tour winner, was recently selected as U.S. Ryder Cup captain and Snedeker previously told Golfweek that he would choose the person selected for that role to build team continuity. Furyk also served as the winning captain of the 2024 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club. This marks his third appearance as a captain’s assistant, having previously served in that role to Jay Haas in 2015 and Steve Stricker in 2017. In addition to his leadership roles, Furyk brings a wealth of experience inside the ropes, having competed in seven Presidents Cups (1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011), compiling a 20-10-3 career record.

“It was a privilege to captain our team to victory at Royal Montreal two years ago and I can’t wait to be back with the team and support Brandt in his role as captain,” Furyk said in a press release. “I know firsthand the pride, passion and commitment it takes to represent the United States in this setting. Brandt is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about the players and the team culture, and I’m excited to join him and our players as we prepare for what will be an unforgettable week in Chicago.”

More: Q&A with Brandt Snedeker, captain of the U.S. team at 2026 Presidents Cup

Bradley returns to the Presidents Cup in a leadership role after serving as captain of the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Bradley was a captain’s pick for Furyk’s U.S. Team at Royal Montreal. Bradley has played in two Presidents Cups with a 3-3-1 record, highlighted by his Cup-clinching point in 2024 against Si Woo Kim. 

“Representing the United States has always meant a great deal to me throughout my career, and the opportunity to be part of the team in this role is truly special,” Bradley said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Brandt and what he brings as a leader. I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to support him and our players as we work to bring home another Presidents Cup victory on U.S. soil.” 

Snedeker’s first two selections to his captain’s assistant committee come on the heels of returning to the winner’s circle for his 10th Tour title and first in eight years at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. Snedeker has two remaining spots available to round out the slate of captain’s assistants.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Presidents Cup 2026: U.S. Captain Brandt Snedeker names Furyk & Bradley

Kolkata stays in playoff contention with 4-wicket win over Mumbai in Indian Premier League

KOLKATA, India (AP) — Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoffs hopes alive with a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday.

Manish Pandey (45) and Rovman Powell (40) did bulk of the scoring as Kolkata reached 148-6 for their sixth win in the last seven games to move to sixth place.

Mumbai's disappointing season continued when it slumped to 41-4 inside the power play before Corbin Bosch’s quickfire 32 not out off 18 balls lifted them to 147-8.

Kolkata’s million-dollar signing Cameron Green (2-23) and Saurabh Dubey (2-34) had Mumbai reeling within the first six overs, and the innings couldn’t gain momentum even after rain interrupted the play for almost an hour.

Captain Hardik Pandya made 26 in his return game from injury before he was clean bowled by Sunil Narine, who returned with impressive figures of 1-13 off his four overs.

Kolkata also lost two early wickets of captain Ajinkya Rahane (21) and Finn Allen (8) while Green holed out at deep fine leg after scoring only 4 off 8 balls before Pandey and Powell put the chase back on track with a 64-run stand.

Jasprit Bumrah, who had a lean season with the ball, clean bowled Pandey with a perfect off-cutter and Powell was smartly snapped by Bosch at backward point before Kolkata reached the target with seven balls to spare when Rinku Singh smashed Will Jacks over his head for a winning boundary.

Mumbai remained ninth and will round off their season with the last league game against Rajasthan Royals.

Rajasthan could seal the final playoff spot if they beat Mumbai. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified for the playoffs.

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

AT&T Representatives Can Lure Customers With The Promise Of ‘Free’ Phones, But The Grim Reality Shows A Customer Drowning In Debt

20 May 2026 at 23:54

AT&T customer representative offered a freebie deal to a customer but it ended up being a nightmare

The salivating offer of free phones will always disarm customers into thinking that they’ve obtained a solid deal, but what happens when a representative from AT&T gives out false information to reel in a subscriber, only to have them suffer financially through an endless barrage of monthly payments? That’s what happened with one unlucky soul, and it’s a painful reminder of how customers intending to switch over to a different line must always read the fine print before diving in. A new customer was promised a free iPhone 17 Pro after a trade-in, free home Wi-Fi, and more, but the truth was far from […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/att-promises-free-phones-but-offer-leaves-customer-in-debt/

Microsoft Is Planning To Launch A 13-Inch Surface Laptop With Apple MacBook Neo-Level RAM, While Charging $1,300 For The Device

20 May 2026 at 23:39

Two Apple MacBook laptops are displayed on a white surface, one in black and the other in green, both showing different wallpaper designs and desktop widgets on their screens.

Apple's MacBook-related price advantage continues to expand, especially in relation to Microsoft's Surface laptops, which keep getting pricier by the minute. In what is especially troubling though, Microsoft is apparently failing to read the prevailing sentiment in the room, and now appears determined to launch a new 13-inch Surface laptop later this year, replete with MacBook Neo-level RAM, but at 2x its price. Microsoft appears to have abandoned even the pretense of trying to price its Surface laptops competitively against Apple's MacBooks in general and the MacBook Neo in particular Microsoft has just unveiled the refreshed versions of the Surface […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/microsoft-is-planning-to-launch-a-13-inch-surface-laptop-with-apple-macbook-neo-level-ram-while-charging-1300-for-the-device/

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Brings in Veteran Analyst to Rebuild Xbox’s Struggling Console Business in Latest Leadership Shake-Up

20 May 2026 at 22:56

A glowing green Xbox logo set against a black background.

Xbox chief executive officer Asha Sharma continues her run of ushering in a new era for the platform, and this latest move could prove to be the most influential one for her tenure. Following the installment of her own leadership team and the dismissal of some of the old guard left behind from Phil Spencer's time, Sharma has now brought in an industry-leading analyst, Matthew Ball, to be the platform's chief strategy officer, and Scott Van Vliet to be chief technology officer, a report from The Game Business reveals. If you recognize Matthew Ball's name, it'll be because he's the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/xbox-ceo-makes-major-additions-to-leadership-team/

China’s First Real Gaming GPU, The 7G100, Arrives From Lisuan, At RTX 5060 Ti Money, But Delivers RTX 3060 Performance

20 May 2026 at 22:15

Lisuan Tech LX 7G100 Founders Edition graphics card displayed beside its branded box with 'Lisuan eXtreme' text.

Lisuan Tech has launched the latest Gaming Graphics Card for the Chinese markets, the 7G100 Extreme Founders Edition, which is priced around $500. The Lisuan 7G100 Was Looking To Be A Great Graphics Card For Chinese Gamers, But Launch Reviews Show Otherwise In March, Chinese tech company Lisuan Tech unveiled its brand new consumer/prosumer lineup based on its 7G106 GPU. The lineup included four models, three of which were aimed at the Pro/AI segments, & just one that was aimed at the gaming segment. The gaming variant was the Lisuan Extreme "LX 7G100" graphics card, which was specifically designed with […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/chinas-first-real-gaming-gpu-7g100-arrives-costs-rtx-5060-ti-money-delivers-rtx-3060-performance/

Yesterday — 20 May 2026Main stream

NextGrade – Get an AI climbing plan tailored to your metrics and goals


NextGrade is an AI-powered training platform for climbers and boulderers that builds a personalized plan from your performance data. Enter key metrics, get analysis against thousands of profiles, and follow a structured schedule with guided sessions and deloads tuned to your target grade. Track tests, access a library of pre-built and custom workouts, and use tools like a grade converter and performance analyzer to break your plateau.

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Siin raises total capital to $3 million after new funding

Siin, the fastest-growing live shopping marketplace in MENA, today announced new funding, bringing its total capital raised to $3 million. The round was led by VentureSouq and Shift Group, with participation from Plus VC, Oqal, and other prominent regional investors, including Suhail Al Gossaibi, Mussab Al Hakami, and Abdulla Al Hashmi.

Siin is also backed by leading regional programs, including Hub71, part of Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, and InspireU, the accelerator program by Saudi Telecom Company (stc).

Founded in 2024 by seasoned marketplace operators, Hesham AlSaati (ex-Delivery Hero), Ahmed Allawi (ex-Tap Payments), and Khaled Albalooshi (ex-Telp). Siin is bringing live commerce to scale in a region where e-commerce has grown quickly but real-time, interactive shopping is still emerging.

“Commerce in MENA was never transactional; it’s social, interactive, and trust-driven,” said Ahmed Allawi, Co-founder of Siin. “From souqs to majalis, we’re now rebuilding that experience for a digital-first generation. By combining real-time engagement with a secure, community-driven marketplace, Siin is redefining how people connect, discover, and transact across the region.”

Siin enables users to buy and sell high-value goods through real-time livestreamed and gamified shopping experiences. Live commerce is taking off globally, and Siin is leading that shift regionally by powering thousands of sellers across the Gulf.

“In under a year, we’ve scaled across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, driving new behaviors in live shopping and social commerce,” said Hesham AlSaati, Co-founder of Siin. “We’ve facilitated the sale of hundreds of thousands of items, with tens of thousands of hours of live streaming, showing clear signs of strong engagement and marketplace liquidity. As we’ve grown, it’s become clear that we are building the trust and safety layer for social commerce in the region, positioning Siin as a leading live shopping platform for the Gulf.”

The newly raised capital will be deployed to accelerate regional expansion, increase Siin’s footprint across key markets, and further strengthen its seller ecosystem solidifying its position at the forefront of the region’s rapidly emerging live commerce market.

“Our platform is fully built in-house, and it’s already delivering at a level comparable to global leaders, while being deeply integrated for the MENA region,” said Khaled Albalooshi, Co-founder of Siin.

“Siin is tapping into a powerful intersection of culture and technology,” said Suneel Gokhale, General Partner & Co-Founder, VentureSouq.  What stood out to us is the team’s ability to localize a global trend in a way that feels native to the region. By reimagining traditional trading behaviors through live, interactive formats, Siin is unlocking a new category of commerce in the GCC with significant scale potential.”

Commenting on the fundraising announcement, Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner of Plus VC, added: “Siin is building more than a product, it is shaping a new behavioral layer for commerce in the region. By digitizing culturally ingrained trading dynamics and combining them with cutting-edge live and AI capabilities, the team is creating a highly differentiated platform with strong network effects. We are excited to support Hesham, Ahmed, Khaled and their team as they are well-positioned to lead the evolution of social commerce and establish themselves as pioneers in this space.” 

Building on this momentum, Siin is doubling down on supply growth, market expansion, and category leadership across the region. With a strong foundation in place, the company is well positioned to shape the future of live commerce and become a defining platform for social shopping in the Gulf.

 

The post Siin raises total capital to $3 million after new funding appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

Azamara Cruises to Sail First Full Asia Season in 2028

Azamara Cruises has announced its 2028 spring, summer and fall sailings.  According to a press release, this will be the cruise line’s first full season in Asia.  With 33 sailings aboard the Azamara Pursuit, the Asia program introduces nine Combination Cruises, allowing guests to explore multiple countries including Japan, South Korea and China within a single extended journey.  “We are constantly refining our itineraries to deliver thoughtfully curated experiences for...

Google announces next-gen Android Auto with smarter design and new features

20 May 2026 at 22:40

Google has announced a big update for Android Auto during Google I/O 2026. This update will make car screens smarter, easier to use, and more modern. The new Android Auto will have a fresh Material 3 Expressive design with smoother animations, bright colors, and a cleaner look. It can even copy the wallpaper and fonts from your Galaxy phone, so the car screen feels more personal.

The layout of apps is also changing. Apps will now appear in a floating bar on the side of the screen instead of staying fixed at the bottom. Google Maps will remain visible while using other apps, helping drivers navigate more easily.

Another new feature is widgets. Users can add widgets like Clock, Weather, Photos, Contacts, and Google Home to the car screen. This gives quick access to useful information without opening full apps.

Android Auto

Music apps are getting better too. Apps like Spotify and YouTube Music will have a simpler design with tabs at the top. There will also be a mini music player that stays on the screen while you search for songs or playlists. It also support Dolby Atmos support for richer and clearer sound in supported cars

Android Auto will now support video apps as well. When the car is parked, users can watch YouTube and other videos in high quality on the car screen. If the car starts moving, the video will stop for safety, but the sound can continue playing.

These updates will come first to cars from companies like BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Tata, Volvo, and Mahindra. Some Gemini AI features will also work if the connected phone supports them.

The post Google announces next-gen Android Auto with smarter design and new features appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Xpeng takes on Tesla: Production-ready GX L4 robotaxi is a brain on wheels

Mass production instead of endless testing phases: Xpeng leaves the global competition behind and sends its first production-ready L4 robotaxi onto the streets to challenge Tesla. The Chinese tech giant is completely ditching expensive LiDAR sensors and high-definition maps for its flagship.

Hypershell launches revised X-series exoskeletons with faster HyperIntuition motion control: Free to SAR teams

Hypershell has unveiled the X Ultra S, X Max S, and X Pro S exoskeletons, revised X-series exoskeletons with a faster HyperIntuition motion-control system providing up to 1000W of powered walking assistance. Free units are available to worldwide Search and Rescue (SAR) teams through the Hyperlift program.

Audi A2 e-tron: First real look at Audi's new entry-level EV during winter testing

Audi is bringing the legendary A2 back to life as an electric vehicle. The new entry-level model, named the A2 e-tron, is currently completing final extreme-weather stress tests in northern Sweden and in the Ingolstadt wind tunnel. First real photos of the camouflaged prototype reveal its striking silhouette ahead of its planned world premiere in fall 2026. The compact EV is expected to pave the way into the premium electric world for around €35,000.

Two-sided use: Philips unveils business monitor with dual displays for customer service and co-working

For reception areas, banks, healthcare facilities, service counters and open-plan offices: Philips has introduced a business monitor that can be viewed from both sides. Thanks to two integrated displays in a single screen, employees can directly present information to customers sitting on the opposite side of the monitor.

Samsung is facing the biggest worker strike in its history over employee bonuses

20 May 2026 at 22:07

Samsung’s memory division reported record sales for Q1, but this has caused discontent within the company, specifically the Device Solutions (DS) business. DS is home to the memory business, System LSI (which designs chipsets) and the foundry business (which fabs chips for Samsung and external clients). Now Samsung is facing the biggest strike in its history – with 48,000 employees threatening to walk out – which is due to start on Thursday, unless an agreement is reached or the government intervenes. The strike is planned to last 18 days. SK Hynix is also based in Korea and it is the...

Aston Villa win first Europa League title with 3-0 victory over Freiburg

21 May 2026 at 02:36
Minute by minute of the Europa League final Freiburg vs Aston Villa.

In a final featuring the stronger side on paper, the result was not a surprise as Aston Villa won their first-ever Europa League title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Freiburg.

In a tight first half, things unraveled for Freiburg late on as Aston Villa scored a pair of excellent goals. The breakthrough came from a well-worked corner routine that ended with a floated cross from Rogers and a superb volley from Tielemans.

When it seemed the teams would head into halftime with only a one-goal difference, Buendía found space and curled a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner for the 2-0. That goal effectively put the match out of reach.

In the second half, Aston Villa sat deeper to protect the lead while Freiburg struggled to create dangerous chances. A low cross from Buendía that was finished by Rogers sealed the 3-0 win with 30 minutes remaining.

Buendía scored a great goal (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Tielemans scored the first goal

Neymar sparks injury concern in Brazil after earning 2026 World Cup call-up from Carlo Ancelotti

20 May 2026 at 23:07
Neymar secured his spot in Carlo Ancelotti's plans for Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign, but he has raised alarms after picking up a calf injury.

Neymar has been included by Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America. However, the Santos star has sparked major concern following reports that his calf injury is more severe than initially expected.

According to a report from the prestigious Brazilian outlet O Globo, Neymar experienced discomfort in his right calf muscle after completing one of his recent training sessions with Santos. Subsequent medical scans revealed that the forward has sustained an edema in his right calf.

Reporter Diogo Dantas notes that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is treating the calf edema as a moderate injury, meaning his recovery will take longer than originally anticipated.

Given this outlook, the report indicates that Neymar will likely require at least a week of rehabilitation to ensure he can return to full training alongside his teammates ahead of the tournament in North America.

Neymar announced as part of Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.
Neymar announced as part of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. (Getty Images)

Will Neymar make it to Brazil’s training camp?

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is scheduled to begin their pre-World Cup training camp on May 27 at Granja Comary, the national team’s primary training headquarters. If Neymar’s recovery progresses as planned, the Santos talisman should have no issues joining the squad on time for the upcoming sessions.

However, there remains a risk that the injured area does not respond favorably to rest and physiotherapy, which could extend his recovery timeline. This would be the worst-case scenario for Neymar, as it could leave him severely lacking match fitness heading into the tournament in North America.

Brazil are scheduled to play a send-off match on home soil against Panama on May 31 at the Maracana Stadium, a fixture Neymar aims to feature in if his recovery goes according to plan. Their final friendly before the World Cup will take place against Egypt on June 6 at Huntington Bank Field.

Neymar reportedly ruled out for Santos until after the World Cup

Considering the injury to the Brazilian icon and the absolute priority to protect his health so he arrives in peak condition for the 2026 World Cup, Neymar will play no part in Santos’ remaining four matches prior to the tournament.

Santos are set to navigate four fixtures before the World Cup break. The Peixe face two Copa Sudamericana clashes (against San Lorenzo and Deportivo Cuenca) and two Brasileirao matches (against Grêmio and Vitoria), with manager Cuca forced to cope without Neymar for all of them.

Neymar of Santos.

Pep Guardiola proposed as next USMNT coach by American legend Alexi Lalas

20 May 2026 at 23:06
Alexi Lalas spoke about the possibility of Pep Guardiola becoming the next head coach of the USMNT.

This week, Pep Guardiola became one of the biggest names in soccer headlines around the world after reports from respected insiders Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs claimed his departure from Manchester City at the end of the current season is already considered a done deal. Against that backdrop, American soccer legend Alexi Lalas discussed the possibility of the USMNT taking advantage of the situation.

If Pep Guardiola is available and he’s open to it, you would be dumb not to take that call and to sit down, and to see how he thinks about these things,” the former defender began by saying on Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union on Fox Sports. “You absolutely make that call, you might even get that call. I mean, we know Pep famously took a sabbatical. Where did he go? Went to the United States. It might appeal to him.”

Indeed, when Guardiola ended his successful four-year run with Barcelona in 2012, he took a year-long break during which he spent significant time in New York. During that period, he prepared for his next challenge with Bayern Munich, including learning German.

Now, with Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City seemingly decided, it remains unclear what the Spanish coach’s next step will be. It is also worth noting that Guardiola has worked continuously for the past 13 years, immediately beginning his tenure in England after completing his three seasons with Bayern Munich.

Lalas believes Guardiola needs a challenge like the USMNT

From 2008 through the present, Pep Guardiola has built a legacy that places him among the most successful managers in soccer history. In fact, he currently ranks second all-time with 40 trophies, trailing only Sir Alex Ferguson’s 49.

However, Alexi Lalas believes Guardiola still faces an unexplored challenge in his career: “For all of his success and all of his intelligence when it comes to the game, he still has to apply it to a very very different scenario, both in terms of being international, but also in terms of being a lesser team relative to the elites.”

The former United States international at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups then explained why the USMNT fits that description. “Pep has established his greatness making great teams that much greater. And the US is not a great team that he is falling into,” said the 55-year-old former defender.

Pochettino and his future with the USMNT

For Pep Guardiola to become a realistic option for the future of the USMNT, the position would first need to become available. Right now, the job belongs to Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired in September 2024 on a two-year deal with the goal of leading the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There has still been no official confirmation regarding the Argentine coach’s future once the tournament in North America concludes this summer, which is understandable considering the USMNT’s performance there could ultimately determine the next steps.

Still, Alexi Lalas sounded confident about what will happen with Pochettino after the World Cup. Pochettino, I think he’s going to move on. I think he’s gonna have some wonderful opportunities. And so, this coaching carousel is going to happen,” the former American player said, therefore opening the door to the possibility of Pep Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola was addressed by Alexi Lalas.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri reportedly pushing to leave Manchester City for Real Madrid

20 May 2026 at 22:53
After a successful tenure, Rodrigo Hernandez appears determined to leave Manchester City, pushing for an exit during the summer of 2026. In this context, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner supposedly wants to join Real Madrid as his ideal destination.

Rodri has managed to become one of the best players of Manchester City in recent years. Not only has he become the central piece of the team’s balance, but he has also delivered goals in decisive moments. Despite this, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner reportedly looks set to leave the Citizens, pausing contract renewal talks in order to force an exit during the summer of 2026. In this context, he supposedly aims to join Real Madrid CF as his preferred destination.

With his contract running until 2027, Manchester City are fully determined to offer Rodri a new contract renewal. To achieve this, the Citizens are reportedly willing to offer him a weekly salary of €350,000 alongside a deal lasting until 2029. However, he has not yet given the “yes” to the club’s proposal, while also reportedly showing openness toward Real Madrid, making it clear that he would be willing to play for Los Blancos despite his past with Atlético de Madrid.

According to Joel del Río via MARCA, Pep Guardiola’s potential departure from the Citizens opens the door for Rodri to leave. In this context, Real Madrid believe that the 29-year-old star fits perfectly due to his leadership, tactical intelligence, and balance in midfield. In addition, the player reportedly views a move to Los Blancos positively, as the club consistently competes for every major title and would make him the central piece of their midfield.

While Rodri draws a lot of attention at Real Madrid, they have not yet made a move for his signing in the summer of 2026, reports Matteo Moretto. With this in mind, they could be far from having his arrival secured, as Manchester City are already pushing for a renewal. In addition, the 29-year-old star could consolidate as one of the best players for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, making his signing more complicated than ever.

Rodri of Manchester City
Rodri of Manchester City

Manchester City have already secured a replacement for Rodri Hernandez

Rodri has not come from his best season at Manchester City, as injuries heavily affected his physical continuity. Because of this, Pep Guardiola has had to resort to several alternatives. Thinking about the future of the sporting project, the Citizens decided to pay €60 million to FC Porto for Nico González, who could be the natural replacement for the 29-year-old star if he leaves the team in the summer of 2026.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Nico González played 2,492 minutes, having great prominence at the beginning of the season. While the return of Rodri took away his starting spot, the 24-year-old star has already shown a great ability to shine, even managing to score one goal. Because of this, Manchester City would not have to go and sign a replacement for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, something that could facilitate his departure to Real Madrid CF.

Rodrigo Hernandez of Manchester City controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League.

How to watch Santos vs San Lorenzo in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 Copa Sudamericana

20 May 2026 at 22:30
Santos will face San Lorenzo on Matchday 5 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana group stage. Viewers in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the essential information on kickoff time and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Santos vs San Lorenzo on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO Santos vs San Lorenzo
WHAT Copa Sudamericana
WHEN 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT • Tuesday, May 20, 2026
WHERE Fubo, Fanatiz and beIN SPORTS Connect
FREE TRIAL WATCH NOW

Match Overview

There’s little room for error in Group D as San Lorenzo and Santos prepare for a pivotal showdown. San Lorenzo sit atop the standings with six points and could strengthen its hold on first place with another victory heading into the final Matchday.

Meanwhile, Neymar and Santos arrive under pressure, needing a result to keep their hopes of advancing alive. With only three points separating the top and bottom of the group, this matchup has all the ingredients for a must-watch battle.

More details on how to watch

With Fubo, you can watch Santos vs San Lorenzo and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

Free resources available to you

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Fabricio Lopez of San Lorenzo.

Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia agree on what weight they would fight at: “What are we waiting for?”

20 May 2026 at 22:37

Despite the weight limit previously being a major sticking point for a fight between Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia, the pair seem to now be on the same page. Stevenson comfortably overcame Teofimo Lopez back in January to capture the WBO super-lightweight world title and become a four-division world champion at the age of just […]

The post Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia agree on what weight they would fight at: “What are we waiting for?” appeared first on Boxing News.

Dollar stablecoin holds 99% as Qivalis push falls short

20 May 2026 at 22:50
Dollar stablecoin supply has held at 99% of the global market as non-dollar tokens stall at 0.24% share. The European Central Bank noted in late 2025 that dollar stablecoin tokens account for approximately 99% of total stablecoin supply in circulation.…

Plume secures Bermuda license for regulated on-chain vault management

20 May 2026 at 22:00
Plume has obtained a digital asset business license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, making it the first regulated on-chain vault manager and giving the real-world asset protocol a formal place inside one of crypto’s best-known regulatory regimes. Plume announced the…

I swear by Bose headphones — and these 4 best-rated models are all on sale for Memorial Day with up to $120 off

I've used Bose headphones for almost a decade and they remain some of the best cans I've ever used, so here's why you shouldn't miss your chance to save up to $120 on these top-rated cans at Amazon for Memorial Day.

Fotospor yazmıştı! Fenerbahçe'de Maldini sürprizi

Fenerbahçe'de başkanlık yarışı sürüyor...Başkan adaylarından Hakan Safi, Maldini ile anlaştıklarını açıkladı.

Fenerbahçe başkan adaylarından Hakan Safi, L1 Üçgen'in konuğu oldu.

Hakan Safi'nin açıklamaları şöyle:

-Maldini ile oturduk konuştuk. Dünyadaki futbol aklımız, futbol elçimiz olacak. Beraber güzel şeyler yapacağız. Yarın yapacağım transferlerde Maldini’den faydalanacağız, faydalandık..

-Türkiye'yi bilen hoca getireceğiz!

-Maldini, Fenerbahçe'ye bağlı çalışmayacak zaten Milan'a ait kendisi. Bizim yapacağımız transferlerde elçimiz olacak.

-Bizim Maldini ile ortak arkadaşlarımız var, dostluklarımız var. Onunla oturduk, iki gün ondan bundan konuştuk. Maldini bizden, biz ondan ne istediğimizi karşılıklı biliyoruz. Maldini bizim futbol aklımız, elçimiz, futbol arkadaşımız olacak. Zaten öyleydi. Elimde şu an başkanımla beraber, Maldini de ortak dostlarımızla beraber bize nasıl yardımcı olabilir diye karşılıklı diyaloglarımız var. İnşallah onunla da güzel şeyler yapacağız. Fikirleri güzel. En son Milan'ın kendisinin çok payı vardı. O Milan'a yakışıyor, Milan onunla anılıyor, o da ona yakışıyor. Dolayısıyla karşılıklı diyalog halinde Maldini gibi dostluklarla devam edeceğiz. Maldini var, başka arkadaşlarımız daha var.

Yani profesyonel yapıda yer almayacak ama sizin dostluğunuz sayesinde o istişarenin bir parçası olacak?

-Tabii istişarenin parçası olacak. Bizim elçimiz olacak, bizim futbol elçimiz olacak. Dünyadaki futbol aktörü...

-Başka bir şey söylüyorsunuz şu an. Yani yine Fenerbahçe adına çalışacak ama başka bir statüsü olacak.

-Çalışmayacak, benim arkadaşım. Kendisiyle ilgili, fikirlerimle ilgili, yapacağımız işlerle ilgili, futbolcularla ilgili bize arkadaşlık yapacak.

“Fenerbahçe futbol aklı Maldini" demek başka, "Hakan Bey'in futbolu konuştuğu ve danıştığı insanlardan birisi Maldini olacak" demek başka.”

Hakan Safi'den atomik bomba: Maldini

-Doğru. Türkiye'de ne bizim öyle kendisinin öyle fikri var, ne kendisinin öyle fikri var. O Milan'a ait, biz de buraya aitiz. Sonra işte ben de yarın yapacağım transferlerde Maldini'den de biz çok fazla faydalandık, faydalanmaya başladık. Bunun da bu da Fenerbahçe'nin menfaatine olan bir şey.

-Fenerbahçe'ye iyi bütçe lazım biz de bunu yapacağız. İyi maç iyi topçuyla oynanır. İyi topçu, verilen parayı çıkarır. Harcamaktan korkmayacağız! Fenerbahçe böyle şampiyon olur!

-Söz aldığımız oyuncular var. Para harcayarak zoru, kolay yapacağız!

Galatasaray hazır mı? Bernardo Silva'dan beklenen mesaj geldi

Galatasaray'ın transfer listesinde yer alan Bernardo Silva, Manchester City'e veda etti.

Portekizli futbolcu Bernardo Silva, sezon sonu ayrılacağı İngiltere Premier Lig ekibi Manchester City'e veda mesajı yayınladı.

Manchester City'nin resmi internet sitesine konuşan Silva, kulüpten ayrılırken ömür boyu kulübün taraftarı olarak kalacağını söyledi.

Galatasaray

31 yaşındaki futbolcu "Dokuz yıl çok uzun bir süre, ayrılmak zor. Bir Manchester City taraftarı olarak ayrılıyorum. Portekiz'den geldiğimde Benfica taraftarıydım, ama şimdi bu kulübe olan duygularımın çok güçlü olduğunu kesin olarak söyleyebilirim." dedi.

Manchester City camiasına minnettar olduğu vurgulayan Silva, "Kupalar ve burada kişisel olarak başardıklarım açısından bir karışım söz konusu. Hiçbir şey yeterli değil, ama bence biz, bizim jenerasyonumuz çok şey kazandık." şeklinde konuştu.

Silva, Manchester City'de 459 maçta forma giyerken 1 UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi, 6 İngiltere Premier Ligi, 1 FIFA Kulüpler Dünya Kupası, 5 İngiltere Lig Kupası ve 3'er İngiltere Kupası (FA Cup) ve İngiltere Süper Kupası kazandı.

Galatasaray'ın gizli kahramanıydı: İrfan Saraloğlu görevi bırakıyor mu?

Son yıllarda Galatasaray'ın elde ettiği büyük başarıların arkasındaki isimlerden biri olan İrfan Saraloğlu için emekliliğe ayrılacak iddiaları gündeme gelmişti. Saraloğlu bu iddialara açıklık getirdi.

Galatasaray Futbol A Takımı Yardımcı Antrenörü İrfan Saraloğlu Saha İçi'nin konuğu oldu. İrfan Saraloğlu emeklilik iddialarına açıklık getirdi.

İrfan Saraloğlu'nun açıklamaları şöyle:

-Daha fazla şampiyonluklar kazanmak için Galatasaray'da göreve devam etmeyi düşünüyoruz. Emeklilik niyetim yok, üzüldüm bu tür bir haber çıkmasına.

-Aslında sihir Okan Buruk'ta. Bizler yardımcı oluyoruz ancak hocamızın motivasyon gücü çok yüksek. İyi motive eden, iyi çalıştıran, doğru şeyler yapan bir futbol adamımız var, önderimiz var.

"Sizi en yanlış nerede eleştiriyoruz?"

-Biz her türlü eleştiriliyoruz zaten. Çok etkilenen bir futbol adamı değiliz. Tecrübelerimiz kalkan oluyor. Her şeyi mükemmel yaptığınız zaman bile bir kusur bulan bir bakış açımız var yani. Türkiye'de yapıyorsunuz, 'Tamam Türkiye iyi ama Avrupa'da yapamadınız', Avrupa'da yapıyorsunuz, 'Avrupa'yı ne yapayım, Türkiye çok önemli' falan. Bir eleştirmez belki de genetiğimizde var yani. Karşı tarafı olumsuz görmek, olumsuz etkilemek gibi.

"Genç oyuncu kazanamama problemini nerede görüyorsunuz?"

-Vallahi bir defa çıta çok yükseldi. İnanın, Türkiye'de genç takımdan en çok oyuncu alan takımız antrenmanlara. Genç oyuncunun oynamadan gelişmesi mümkün değil. Gelişmesi için formül açık; TFF'nin ikinci kulüp konusunda kulüplere müsaade vermesi gerekiyor. B takımlar gibi.

"Galatasaray duran toptan çok gol atıyordu, bu sene?"

-Suçlu Abdülkerim (Gülerek) çünkü bu sene gol atmadı. Rakip iyi önlem alıyor o da var. Çok çalışıyoruz. Haftanın bir günü duran top çalışıyoruz.

-Wilfried Singo bizim için önemli bir oyuncu, önemli transfer. Onu üçlüde düşündük, ikilide düşündük, sağ bek olarak da düşündük. Gelecek yıl ondan daha fazla çok verim alacağımızı düşünüyorum. Potansiyeli çok yüksek. Teknik heyet olarak onu çok istedik. 'Mutlaka alınması gerek' diye rapor verdik, yönetim de isteğimizi geri çevirmedi sağ olsunlar.

-Günay Güvenç bizim için çok önemli bir kaleci. Kendisi ayrılmadığı sürece devam edecek. Uğurcan olmadığı zaman bizi taşıyabilecek bir kalecimiz var diye düşünüyorum.

-Takımın en hızlısı Barış. Bildiğim kadarıyla. Barış'ın devamlılığı çok iyi süratte. Sane, daha kısa metrajda hızlı. Osimhen'den hızlı Barış. Osimhen de süratlı ama Barış daha süratli diye düşünüyorum.

Onananın arzusu

20 May 2026 at 21:52

İcarə əsasında “Trabzonspor”da çıxış edən Andre Onana klubu “Mançester Yunayted”ə qayıtmaq istəyir.

Futbolpress.az BBC-yə istinadən xəbər verir ki, qolkiper yenidən “qırmızı şeytanlar”a qoşulmaq və özünü sübut etmək niyyətindədir. O, komandada əsas qapıçı olacağına inanır.

“Mançester Yunayted” rəhbərliyi hələ qərarını verməyib. Klubun qolkiperi satışa çıxaracağı da istisna edilmir.

Onana bu mövsüm Super Liqada 29 oyunda 34 qol buraxıb. O, matçda qapısını toxunulmaz saxlayıb.

“Qarabağ”ın oyununda 6 qol

20 May 2026 at 21:18

Əvəzedicilər Liqasında XXVI tura yekun vurulub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu gün bir oyun baş tutub.

“Qarabağ-2” evdə “Kəpəz-2” ilə qarşılaşıb. 6 qolun vurulduğu matç “atlılar”ın qələbəsiylə başa çatıb.

Əvəzedicilər Liqası
XXVI tur

20 may

“Qarabağ-2” – “Kəpəz-2” 4:2
Qollar: Mahmud Ağayev, 12. Əşrəf Ələkbərli, 43. Elton Mikayılov, 45; 51 – Şahnur İsmayılov, 57; 60-pen.

Galliani on Italian football crisis and Calciopoli snipe at Inter

20 May 2026 at 22:33

Milan and Monza legend Adriano Galliani outlines the problems with Italian football and takes a sideswipe at Inter’s Calciopoli title. ‘The only time in history where those in third finished first.’

The former CEO spent over three decades by Silvio Berlusconi’s side, first at Milan, then in their next adventure together at Monza.

There are currently reports that he could make a return to San Siro as an additional advisor to Gerry Cardinale and RedBird, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Giorgio Furlani could be moving on.

Meanwhile, Galliani was attending an event today and spoke to the reporters about the problems with modern Calcio.

Galliani identifies issues with Calcio

CAGLIARI, ITALY - NOVEMBER 26: Adriano Galliani of Monza looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Monza at Sardegna Arena on November 26, 2023 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
CAGLIARI, ITALY – NOVEMBER 26: Adriano Galliani of Monza looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Monza at Sardegna Arena on November 26, 2023 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“The clubs that won the Champions League in recent years have double the revenue of the biggest Italian clubs,” Galliani told Calciomercato.

“Real Madrid’s revenue is €1.2 billion, while the best Italian sides can do is €400-500m including profits from player sales.”

There were no Serie A representatives in the semi-finals of the three UEFA competitions, and only Bologna and Fiorentina got into the quarter-finals.

“We used to win because we had the best players. The last Ballon d’Or winner from Serie A was Kaka in 2007,” noted Galliani.

Salvatore Bocchetti signs his Monza contract with Adriano Galliani(acmonza.com)
Salvatore Bocchetti signs his Monza contract with Adriano Galliani(acmonza.com)

It again comes down to the lack of revenue, so what is causing the huge gap in finances?

“There are a few reasons why Serie A struggles to sell its TV rights abroad. The Premier League is fine because so many around the world speak English, while LaLiga is sold to the Spanish-speaking countries. Nobody really speaks Italian outside of Italy, other than parts of Switzerland,” explained Galliani.

“In order to increase revenue, the first thing we need to work on is the stadiums. A beautiful structure also helps sell TV rights, because when viewers see half-empty arenas that are crumbling, they aren’t interested.

“Serie A used to be something players aimed for, now we are a transitional league.”

There also doesn’t seem to be long between scandals, although Galliani is still not over the Calciopoli earthquake of 2006.

He was standing next to Fabio Capello at the event, the coach who saw two Serie A titles at Juventus stripped from the record.

“Capello won two titles on the field with Juventus. This was the only time in history where those who were third finished first. In Heaven, so the last shall be the first, but on Earth it was the third who became the first.”

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Former Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello of Italy managing the Red Team during a charity match for the Slovenian flood victims on September 15, 2023 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In August 2023 major floods occurred in two-thirds of the Slovenian territory due to heavy rain. Deemed as the worst natural disaster of the country. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) (Bayern-Inter)
Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Calciopoli left the 2024-25 title unassigned, but stripped the 2025-26 one from Juventus and handed it to Inter, who had finished third in the regular season.

This is because both Juve and Milan, who were first and second, were docked points in the scandal.

The 2026 Scudetto is often referred to as the ‘Cardboard Title’ because it was handed to Inter in this way.

Fabian Ruiz: ‘I miss Napoli and always follow them, Champions League Final tough’

20 May 2026 at 22:08

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz ‘still misses’ Napoli and follows all their games as he prepares for the Champions League Final against Arsenal.

The 30-year-old really made his mark at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona when completing the transfer from Real Betis in the summer of 2018.

At the time, the cost of €30m was considered huge for this club, but he delivered over four years before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.

Fabian Ruiz still fond of Napoli

Spain's midfielder #08 Fabian Ruiz celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Christophe SIMON / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
Spain’s midfielder #08 Fabian Ruiz celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Christophe SIMON / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

“I always follow Napoli games, I go back there whenever I have a few days off, as I really miss it,” Fabian Ruiz told Sky Sport Italia.

“They won two Serie A titles since I left, I’ve still got many friends there that I talk to, and I wish them all the best. They deserve it.”

The Spain international made 166 competitive appearances in the Napoli shirt, contributing 22 goals and 15 assists.

He now has exactly 166 games under his belt for PSG too, but only 16 goals and an additional 26 assists.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 31: Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy after his team's victory, to secure Paris Saint-Germain's first ever UEFA Champions League title in the club's history and a record UEFA Champions League Final winning scoreline of 5-0, following the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy after his team’s victory, to secure Paris Saint-Germain’s first ever UEFA Champions League title in the club’s history and a record UEFA Champions League Final winning scoreline of 5-0, following the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain won their first Champions League title last season, beating Inter in the Final, and now hope to retain the tournament when taking on Riccardo Calafiori’s Arsenal.

“We are immensely happy to be in the Champions League Final again, we know the difficulties involved in winning the trophy, and are up against a strong side that won the Premier League last night.

“It’ll be tough, but we have so much enthusiasm and feel ready for this occasion.”

PSG knocked Arsenal out in the semi-final last season with Fabian Ruiz on target.

“That was my first Champions League goal, it was a very difficult semi-final. We won both legs, but it is very different in a Final,” he noted.

“Luis Enrique tells us the details in every game where we can help the team to win. Bayern Munich were tough, I had to help Nuno Mendes out a bit in defence.”

Report Leao rejected by Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona

20 May 2026 at 21:41

According to Italian reports, Milan offered Rafael Leao to Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona, but none of the clubs seem particularly ready to spend big money for him.

BOLOGNA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The forward could well be coming to the end of his time at San Siro, because his contract only runs to June 2028 and there seems to be no sign of an extension on the horizon.

Considering the situation, this summer is the last chance to get a significant transfer fee, before the risk kicks in of losing him as a free agent.

Milan eager to find buyer for Leao

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While Leao has a release clause in his contract at a reported €120m, Milan would at this stage be content to pocket €80-90m for the inconsistent talent.

However, finding a club willing to pay that fee, and which Leao would be ready to join, might be tricky.

Sportitalia claim that the Rossoneri and his agent tried to shop him around to various clubs who had shown an interest in the past, such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona.

It did not go well, as none of them seemed prepared to discuss in deeper detail.

CREMONA, ITALY - MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have been mentioned as potential clubs, along with those in Saudi Arabia, but getting Leao to agree for those moves is another matter.

The Portugal international turns 27 next month and has reached the point of his career where he is no longer a player with potential, but ought to be the finished article.

He still managed a decent enough tally of 10 goals and three assists in 30 competitive games this season, but too often seemed disinterested or frustrated with coach Max Allegri.

Leao does not fit into the 3-5-2 formation, so has been used as a centre-forward instead, limiting his capabilities.

Milan are hoping he has a good World Cup with Portugal to bump up his price tag and get clubs ready to sign him.

Farioli: ‘Very happy at FC Porto, Serie A can wait’

20 May 2026 at 21:23

Italian coach Francesco Farioli is fresh from winning the league title with FC Porto and insists he’s in no rush to come back home. ‘Serie A can wait.’

The tactician only turned 37 last month and got to celebrate by winning the Liga Portugal trophy thanks to 28 victories, four draws and just two defeats.

He has had jobs in Turkish football, French and Dutch sides, missing out on the title on the final day with Ajax last season.

Farioli has flourished abroad

Official: Farioli appointed head coach of FC Porto.
Official: Farioli appointed head coach of FC Porto.

Never having been a head coach in Italy, could the former Sassuolo and Benevento goalkeeping trainer under Roberto De Zerbi come back to his home country?

“In all honesty, it’s not something I think about that much,” Farioli told Tuttomercatoweb.

“The curious thing is that this year I didn’t return to Italy at all, not even during my days off. My life has been completely moulded around my work, and living abroad for so many years has been an incredible experience, both on a human and professional level.

“Perhaps the real news is that for the first time I’m preparing for a second consecutive season at the same club. I only lasted one season in Nice and Amsterdam, and those were my choices.

“At Porto I’ve formed a strong bond with President Andre Villas-Boas, we share the same ideas about football, how to develop a project and the vision we want to build.

“This is why, really, I struggle to see myself anywhere else at the moment.”

BACKA TOPOLA, SERBIA - AUGUST 01: Head coach Francesco Farioli looks on during the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd leg match between FK Vojvodina and FC Ajax at TSC Arena on August 01, 2024 in Backa Topola, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BACKA TOPOLA, SERBIA – AUGUST 01: Head coach Francesco Farioli looks on during the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd leg match between FK Vojvodina and FC Ajax at TSC Arena on August 01, 2024 in Backa Topola, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

So what does that mean for a return to Italian football?

“Serie A can wait.”

After all, Farioli has just extended his contract with FC Porto to June 2028, by which time he’ll still be under 40.

Italy’s new delegation chief clarifies ‘it won’t be the U21 team’ in June friendlies

20 May 2026 at 21:03

1982 World Cup winner Giancarlo Antognoni will serve as Italy’s delegation chief for the scheduled friendlies coming up at the beginning of June, and he has clarified a few things about the youthful Azzurri side that is set to take to the field in a few weeks’ time: ‘It won’t be the U21 side’. 

A young Italy side for June friendlies, but not just the U21 squad

Italy will not be taking part in the 2026 World Cup in North America, but still have friendlies away against Luxembourg and Greece in the calendar for June 3 and June 7 respectively. 

It will be a makeshift Italy set-up on and off the pitch: U21s coach Silvio Baldini will be in charge following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will be joined by Antognoni, who has been called in to temporarily replace Gianluigi Buffon, who also left the Italy set-up after missing out on a World Cup spot. 

And, it is expected that Italy will name a youthful side that takes part in the June friendlies, featuring several of the players Baldini knows well from his time in charge of the U21 squad. 

There had been suggestions that Italy could seek to field a team made up entirely of representatives from the U21 squad, which reportedly angered the Greek federation. Antognoni has since clarified that this is not the case, although he has confirmed that it will be a youthful, but strong Azzurri side nonetheless. 

“I’ve read about some controversy in Greece in relation to the fact that some experienced players won’t be there. Honestly, I don’t understand it,” Antognoni said in an interview on the FIGC website

EMPOLI, ITALY - MARCH 26: Jeff Ekhator of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the team's third goal with Michael Kayode and Luca Kaleosho during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Jeff Ekhator of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal with Michael Kayode and Luca Kaleosho during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“It’s not a lack of respect for our opponents. It won’t be the U21 team that takes to the pitch, but a young and strong Italy side. Lots of talented players will play, some who are already permanent parts of the national team squad, and other guys that Silvio Baldini knows very well having coached them with great results with the U21s over the last nine months. 

“I’m convinced that a lot of them will be a part of the core of the national team in the near future. 

Antognoni says that he hopes a lot of the players who will play in the June friendlies will be part of the side aiming to take part in the 2030 World Cup. 

“But I’m also convinced that a lot of these guys will be called up as early as September, when Italy starts its next journey in the Nations League. 

“We’re talking about players who have already had leading roles in Serie A, the Premier League, the Bundesliga and in European competitions.” 

Among the Italy U21s with top-flight experience are Michael Kayode (Brentford), Davide Bartesaghi (Milan), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Honest Ahanor (Atalanta), Filippo Mane (Borussia Dortmund), Fabio Chiarodia (Borussia Monchengladbach) Cher Ndour (Fiorentina), Luca Lipani (Sassuolo), Luca Koleosho (Paris FC) and Samuele Inacio (Borussia Dortmund). 

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 08: Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on May 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 08: Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on May 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)

Antognoni ended his interview with a final pledge to the Italy supporters: “I can only say that they will be proud of these guys. Our future starts now. 

“And, let me say a few words about Silvio Baldini. He’s a great coach and a proper person. He’s deserved the opportunity to sit in the dugout of a senior national team and I’m convinced that he’s the right man to lead these youngsters into an experience they will never forget.” 

Liverpool eye 21-year-old Bundesliga ace after difficulties in pursuit of primary target

20 May 2026 at 22:00

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the RB Leipzig attacker Antonio Nusa during the summer transfer window. 

According to a report from Football Insider, a move for Yan Diomande could be difficult, so they are prepared to look at alternatives. The Norwegian attacker has done reasonably well at the German club, and he could prove to be an interesting acquisition.

However, there is no doubt that Diomande would be a better option.

The Ivorian operates as the right-sided winger, and he could be the ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has decided to leave the club in the summer. On the other hand, Nusa is a left-winger, and he will not be able to replace Salah. In addition to that, he could get in the way of Rio Ngumoha.

Ngumoha is a tremendous prospect with a bright future, and he needs regular opportunities in order to continue his development. Liverpool will not want to hamper his development by bringing in a player in his position.

It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to make a move for the Norwegian in the coming weeks.

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for the 21-year-old. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and with the right guidance, he could develop into a key player for Liverpool. He has the technical attributes for English football, and it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on a deal.

Liverpool need to improve in the wide areas during the summer transfer window. They have looked quite predictable, going forward, and they need someone who can take on defenders and beat them in one-on-one situations.

Nusa has five goals and four assists to his name this season.

The post Liverpool eye 21-year-old Bundesliga ace after difficulties in pursuit of primary target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Fernandez told the club to sign…”: Chelsea star demands the signing of rival player

20 May 2026 at 21:30

Cristian Romero could be on his way out of Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a move to Chelsea. 

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has reportedly held talks with the club hierarchy regarding his future, and he wants the club to show more ambition in the transfer market. He has urged them to make a move for the 28-year-old Tottenham defender. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can get the deal done.

Simon Phillips revealed on Substack: “Our sources heard that Fernandez recently had new conversations with the club over a new contract, but nothing was agreed at this point.

“In these conversations, Fernandez told the club to sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham and wants to see more top players come in.”

They have conceded 50 goals in the Premier League this season, and they need to improve defensively. Signing Romero could be a wise decision. He is certainly one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and he could make a big difference at Chelsea. He will help them improve at the back and compete for trophies next season.

He is fighting the relegation battle with Tottenham this season, and he certainly deserves to compete at a higher level. Chelsea could provide him with the opportunity he needs.

He has won the World Cup and the Copa América with his country, and he will look to win major club trophies. Tottenham might not be able to help him fulfil his ambitions, and it remains to be seen whether he is prepared to join a rival club.

Meanwhile, the defender will not be a cheap acquisition. He is likely to cost a premium. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can convince Tottenham to sell the player.

The post “Fernandez told the club to sign…”: Chelsea star demands the signing of rival player appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal preparing £100m-plus move for 29-G/A superstar after winning the title

20 May 2026 at 21:00

Arsenal are interested in signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid at the end of the season.

They are looking to improve the team during the summer transfer window, and the Argentine International would be an exceptional addition. He is a world-class player who has shown his quality in the Premier League with Manchester City.

He is in spectacular form with Atletico Madrid this season, and he could make a defining impact in the final third for Arsenal. The 26-year-old has 20 goals and nine assists this season.

Viktor Gyokeres has scored 20 goals in all competitions for Arsenal, but he is not consistent enough. They need a prolific goalscorer. Also, the South American is a complete forward who will help create opportunities for his teammates. In addition, he can be quite effective with pieces.

As per TEAMtalk, Alvarez is likely to cost in excess of £100 million. PSG and Barcelona are also interested in the players, but it seems the Spanish champions have pulled out of the deal. They will not be able to afford the player. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can beat PSG to his signature.

The Gunners will take on the French champions in the final of the UEFA Champions League this season. They will be hoping to win the tournament and then beat them to the signing of the 2022 World Cup winner.

Arsenal have the financial muscle to get across the line, and the 26-year-old could prove to be the ideal acquisition for them. He is one of the best attacking players in European football right now, and he could justify the investment at Arsenal.

He has played in the Premier League before and knows the League well. He should be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact.

The post Arsenal preparing £100m-plus move for 29-G/A superstar after winning the title appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tom Hanks' special Villa message ahead of final

Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks has shared a special message ahead of Aston Villa's Europa League final.

In an eight-second clip sent to BBC Radio WM, the Hollywood star and Villa fan said: "This is Tom Hanks in the United States of America, thinking one thing and one thing only, go Villa."

The Forrest Gump legend's good wishes came before ardent supporter Prince William also wished the squad luck in Istanbul, saying "Come on Villa!".

Wednesday's match will be Villa's first European final since winning the European Cup in 1982, while opponents Freiburg have never been in a major continental showpiece of any kind.

Tom Hanks is standing up in the stands of a football stadium, with his arms held out and an open smile on his face He is flanked on both sides by men in navy suit jackets
Tom Hanks, pictured watching the club in 2024, said he was "thinking one thing and one thing only, go Villa" [PA Media]
David Bradley pictured smiling against a white background with the letters BFI in gold. Bradley is wearing a blue shirt under a white suit jacket and red braces.
David Bradley has been watching the team play at Villa Park since 1994 [PA Media]

Hanks and the Prince of Wales are not the only famous people to support the club, which also counts actor David Bradley amongst its fans.

Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Bradley, who is known for playing Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, recalled the first match he attended in 1994, where the "atmosphere was so amazing".

"I was with the Royal Shakespeare Company for many years, but we always had Saturday matinees, that was in those days where all the games played on Saturday.

"I never got a chance to go to Villa Park, but as soon as my contract finished in 94 I got tickets for a game against Everton," Bradley said.

Prince William is standing with his fists in the air in celebration, with his face mid-cheer. There is a group of men to his right that all appear to be clapping
Prince William is a regular at Villa Park [Getty Images]

Earlier this month, William was photographed cheering from the stands during Villa's 4-0 semi-final victory against Nottingham Forest.

Manager Unai Emery confirmed William joined in with post-match celebrations.

"He was in the dressing room with the players and with me, and of course, he is so happy as well," Emery said.

William, patron of the Football Association, is a passionate Villa supporter and has followed the Midlands club since he was a schoolboy.

Come on Villa! Good luck in tonight’s Europa League final. UTV! W https://t.co/sPmAa8g7MX

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 20, 2026
Aston Villa fans pictured in  blue and claret football shirts, smiling with their arms around one another while Alan Hutton stands in the middle of the huddle, smiling wearing a white shirt.
Aston Villa fans have been pictured with former player Alan Hutton in Istanbul ahead of the final [PA Media]

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Spurs, Victor Wembanyama will play regular-season games vs. Pelicans in Paris, Manchester in January 2027

It’s Victor Wembanyama’s world, and we’re living in it. Two days removed from his latest otherworldly performance — a 41-point, 24-rebound gem to kick off the Western Conference finals — his San Antonio Spurs announced they’re headed back to his home country next season to play in Paris again.

The Spurs played the Indiana Pacers in the capital city twice last season, with the teams splitting a pair of blowouts. Midway through the 2026-27 campaign, San Antonio will head back to France to face the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Spurs will square off against the Pelicans on Jan. 14, 2027. Then, three days later, a rematch will be held in Manchester, England, on Jan. 17, 2027.

It's official 🌍✈️🏀

We're heading back to Europe in January 2027 to play two regular-season games in Paris, France and Manchester, England against the New Orleans Pelicans! pic.twitter.com/MmRdO7DYmd

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 20, 2026

“Playing games in Paris and Manchester reflects the strong momentum we’re seeing for basketball and the NBA in France, the UK and across Europe,” NBA managing director for Europe and the Middle East George Aivazoglou said in the league’s release on Wednesday.

“As interest in the game continues to grow across the continent, we look forward to working with the Pelicans, the Spurs and our partners to deliver unique experiences for fans, aspiring players and the local communities.”

Notably, Paris and Manchester are cities that could host teams in NBA Europe, a league that could start as early as fall 2027.

The Spurs have long had an international draw. Wembanyama’s continued the lineage of standout foreign players starring for the franchise. The 7-foot-4 center is a Paris native. As a fledgling NBAer, he teased his potential in the Paris Olympics back in 2024. At the time coming off an impressive rookie season with the Spurs, Wembanyama helped France to reach the gold-medal game, which Team USA wound up winning to maintain its Olympic reign. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick made an impression bigger than his alien-like frame, though.

Now 22, Wembanyama is a two-time All-Star and the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He’s led the league in blocks three years in a row, and his offensive game is evolving exponentially, as evidenced by the deep 3 he hit to force double overtime in the Spurs’ Game 1 win on the road against the defending NBA champion Thunder on Monday.

Wembanyama is the focal point of a burgeoning Spurs team. His ties to Paris have factored into San Antonio’s dedicated presence in France. Earlier this season, the Spurs debuted “Spurs Week Paris,” bringing a retail pop-up shop, free youth clinics and a watch party, as well as other community offerings, directly to French fans.

“It’s an incredible honor to make our return to France and play our first-ever game in England, given the strong embrace we’ve felt from the community and fans across Europe,” Spurs CEO RC Buford said in the league’s release.

“Bringing world-class basketball, community impact engagements and compelling fan activations to a European market, alongside the league, aligns directly with our organization’s vision to unite our global audience through unforgettable experiences and a shared love of sports.”

The Spurs-Pelicans game in Manchester will mark the first NBA regular-season game in the city. The Pelicans will be playing their third and fourth games in Europe, and those will be their first in France and England.

They’re headlined by two-time All-Star Zion Williamson, who spearheads a young core that’s now overseen by former Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley.

About three months before the Pelicans play in Paris, the city will welcome the NFL’s New Orleans Saints for an Oct. 25 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Together with the Saints playing in Paris next season, the opportunity for the Pelicans to play internationally in Paris and Manchester represents another significant step in strengthening our organization’s cultural and economic ties in these regions,” said Pelicans governor Gayle Benson, who also owns the Saints, per The Associated Press.

Despite Scoring Title, Luka Dončić Finishes Fourth in MVP Voting

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles on the court during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles on the court during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.

In his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić once again proved why he remains one of the league’s premier offensive talents.

Despite leading the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game and putting together one of the best statistical seasons in franchise history, the 27-year-old finished fourth in the 2025-26 NBA MVP voting.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said he was "disappointed" Dončić wasn't among the top three finalists before they announced the winner, adding that his play wasn't as much as it should have been with the media.

"I think he deserved to be there and I think all three guys that did end up being finalists had strong cases," Redick said. "I guess we underperformed for a couple months despite him getting Player of the Month one of those months. The media momentum just never got built."

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays the ball up during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays the ball up during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays the ball up during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Dončić played in 64 games this season, affecting NBA defenses in all types of ways as he averaged 9.2 assists and 8.7 rebounds while serving as the centerpiece of the Mavericks' offense.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the MVP award for the second consecutive season after guiding Oklahoma City to the NBA’s best record with 64 wins. Gilgeous-Alexander earned 83 first-place votes in the final results.

Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets finished second in voting, while Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs placed third ahead of Dončić.

Luka Dončić finishes 4th in MVP voting. Day in and day out, felt like he had a better season than that. pic.twitter.com/WjziZlwEQK

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 17, 2026

Dončić received just one second-place vote and zero first-place votes. Yes, ZERO.

Injuries to his campaign could have been a factor in that. But let's look at the numbers before that.

One of the defining stretches of his season came during the Lakers’ dominant late-season run, when the Lakers went 15-2 in March while climbing the Western Conference standings with the Slovenian leading the way.

During that span, Dončić played some of the best basketball of his career, scoring 600 total points in March — the most ever by a Lakers player in a single month — highlighted by a 60-point performance on the road against the Miami Heat, which is the most he's had for the purple and gold.

Dončić averaged 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on 39% shooting from 3 and 49.2% shooting overall in the month as he earned Player of the Month. It was one of his two total Player of the Month awards this season, to go along with his four Player of the Week nods.

His ability to dictate tempo, create offense for teammates, and deliver in clutch moments helped the Lakers finish 53-29, securing their second straight 50-win season under head coach JJ Redick.

However, Dončić’s MVP momentum slowed after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain against Oklahoma City on April 2. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs, which likely impacted his standing in the final voting.

The Lakers were eventually swept in the second round by the Thunder without Dončić.

Dončić is widely expected to earn an All-NBA selection after the conclusion of the season, which would be his first with the franchise. But with his finish outside the top three, despite being the NBA's highest scorer, it leads to the question, did they get it right?

Here are the seeds for the 2026 Section 1 boys lacrosse tournament

The stage is set. The brackets are out.

It's playoff time in Section 1.

Mamaroneck is again the No. 1 seed in Class A and will be going for a three-peat. Yorktown got the top seed in Class B and is attempting to add the program's 43rd sectional crown. Rye landed the No. 1 seed in Class C and will be looking to make a seventh consecutive sectional championship appearance. Pleasantville secured the No. 1 seed in Class D and is going for a third title in four seasons.

Only the Tigers are defending a championship. Greeley won in Class B last season, while Somers celebrated Section 1 and NYSPHSAA titles in Class B and Bronxville claimed the Class D championship.

The next stop for the Section 1 champions is Middletown High School on June 6 for the regional finals against Section 9's best. Hobart & William Smith College will again be hosting the state title games. In order to get there, Section 1 will have to solve the Long Island champions in a NYSPHSAA semifinal on June 11 at Middletown.

Class A

First round

Friday, May 22

No. 9 Wappingers (5-11) at No. 8 Arlington (5-11)

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, May 26

Wappingers-Arlington winner at No. 1 Mamaroneck (13-3)

No. 5 North Rockland (11-5) at No. 4 Clarkstown South (12-4)

No. 6 Lakeland/Panas (6-10) at No. 6 Scarsdale (8-8)

No. 7 Suffern (5-11) at No. 2 White Plains (14-4)

Semifinals

Friday, May 29

Championship

Tuesday, June 2 at Yorktown High School

Class B

First round

Friday, May 22

No. 10 Clarkstown North (9-7) at No. 8 Fox Lane (6-10)

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, May 27

Clarkstown North-Fox Lane winner at No. 1 Yorktown (12-4)

No. 5 Carmel (10-6) at No. 4 Mahopac (9-7)

No. 6 Harrison (8-8) at No. 3 Brewster (12-4)

No. 7 Nyack (7-9) winner at No. 2 Greeley (10-6)

Semifinals

Saturday, May 30

Championship

Wednesday, June 3 at Yorktown High School

Bronxville players celebrate their overtime win against Pleasantville in the Section 1 boys lacrosse Class D championship at Yorktown High School June 4, 2025.

Class C

First round

Friday, May 22

No. 9 Briarcliff/Croton (6-10) at No. 8 Tappan Zee (8-7)

No. 10 Nanuet (5-10) at No. 7 Pearl River (7-9)

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, May 27

Briarcliff/Croton-Tappan Zee winner at No. 1 Rye (11-5)

No. 5 Byram Hills (12-4) at No. 4 John Jay-Cross River (9-6)

No. 6 Sleepy Hollow (12-6) winner at No. 3 Pelham (11-5)

Nanuet-Pearl River winner at No. 2 Somers (10-6)

Semifinals

Saturday, May 30

Championship

Wednesday, June 3 at Yorktown High school

Class D

First round

Friday, May 22

No. 9 Rye Neck (6-10) at No. 8 Edgemont (6-10)

No. 10 Haldane (5-11) at No. 7 Valhalla (8-8)

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, May 26

Rye Neck-Edgemont winner at No. 1 Pleasantville (11-5)

No. 5 Westlake (6-10) at No. 4 Putnam Valley (8-8)

No. 6 Blind Brook (10-6) at No. 3 Irvington (11-5)

Haldane-Valhalla winner at No. 2 Bronxville (10-6)

Semifinals

Friday, May 29

Championship

Tuesday, June 2 at Yorktown High School

Mike Dougherty covers high school lacrosse for The Journal News/lohud.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud 2026 Section 1 boys lacrosse seeds, schedule

Baseball: Tanner Sagouspe, Lance Davis among TCU’s All-Big 12 honorees

Six TCU Horned Frogs received All-Big 12 honors at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Tanner Sagouspe was the lone player to take home First Team honors, while Lance Davis earned Second Team honors. Three players (Chase Brunson, Cole Cramer, Zack James) were named All-Big 12 Honorable Mentions and Brady Dallimore was named to the All-Freshman Team. TCU finished with a 33-20 record and a 17-13 mark in Big 12 play.

ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 🏅

six frogs earn all-conference honors for the 2026 season 👏

📰🔗: https://t.co/sV16Mte0PA#GoFrogs | #FrogballUSApic.twitter.com/ouUgyQJc6F

— TCU Baseball (@TCU_Baseball) May 19, 2026

Sagouspe, a transfer from Cal Poly, leads the team in saves with five and holds a 3-3 record with a 2.51 ERA over 19 appearances this season. The right-hander has logged 32.1 innings and has 42 strikeouts while holding his opposing batters to a .200 average. Davis, a transfer from Arkansas, has started 14 games and is 5-3 with two complete games. Over 80 innings pitched, Davis has a 2.97 ERA with 51 strikeouts and a .236 opposing BA.

Brunson is hitting .304 with 10 home runs, 11 doubles, a team-high 51 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. Cramer, who’s played in all 53 games this season, holds a .313 average with 66 hits, eight doubles and 38 RBIs. James has a 6-0 record and a 3.64 ERA with 48 strikeouts over 59.1 innings pitched. Dallimore is batting .270 with eight doubles, eight homers and 23 RBIs. In conference play, Dallimore is batting .293 with six homers and 17 RBIs.

MLS Young Stars Making Case for USMNT World Cup Squad Under Pochettino

MLS Young Stars Making Case for USMNT World Cup Squad Under Pochettino
MLS Young Stars Making Case for USMNT World Cup Squad Under Pochettino

Recent MLS performances have put a new generation of American talent squarely on Mauricio Pochettino's radar. Unlike previous USMNT stars who developed in European academies, today's emerging players are products of MLS youth systems—and they're making compelling cases for World Cup inclusion.

The shift is striking. While Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund), Weston McKennie (Schalke 04), and Tim Weah (PSG) represent the European-developed generation, players like Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), and Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake) showcase MLS's growing academy strength.

Real Salt Lake's Dynamic Duo

Zavier Gozo has emerged as Real Salt Lake's breakout star, stepping up when regular USMNT call-up Diego Luna started on the bench. In the recent victory over the Houston Dynamo, Gozo scored twice and dominated the match, bringing his season tally to six goals and three assists in just 13 games.

Luna, despite returning from injury, maintains his elite form with four goals and one assist in only 608 minutes. The attacking midfielder appears locked in for Pochettino's World Cup squad and remains Pablo Mastroeni's key creative force.

Sullivan's Breakthrough Moment

Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan continues defying expectations after becoming MLS's youngest-ever debutant at 14. In the recent loss to Orlando City, Sullivan entered at halftime following Jovan Lukic's injury and completely shifted the game's momentum.

Sullivan scored his first MLS goal and orchestrated the Union's comeback attempt from a 3-1 deficit. Despite limited minutes, he leads the team in goal contributions alongside Milan Iloski, while topping charts for key passes and big chances created with fellow youngster Frankie Westfield.

Hall's Historic Hat-Trick

New York Red Bulls striker Julian Hall made MLS history by becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick, securing victory over the Columbus Crew. The 18-year-old has emerged as the team's leading scorer despite competing with veterans Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Hall currently challenges Lionel Messi for the MLS Golden Boot while attracting interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig. However, his international future remains uncertain due to his Polish ancestry and ongoing recruitment efforts from Poland's federation.

Under Michael Bradley's guidance, the Red Bulls maintain MLS's youngest squad at an average age of 24, integrating talents like Matthew Dos Santos (17) and Adri Mehmeti (17) alongside Hall.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches on home soil, these MLS-developed players are proving that American soccer's domestic pipeline can compete with European academy products for national team spots.

West Ham want €40m for Roma target Crysencio Summerville

West Ham want €40m for Roma target Crysencio Summerville
West Ham want €40m for Roma target Crysencio Summerville

Serie A side Roma are interested in West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans to bolster the club’s attack are becoming clear.

The Giallorossi successfully signed Donyell Malen from Aston Villa and the deal is about to go through on a permanent basis. They could yet fetch more attacking talent from the Premier League.

La Gazzetta dello Sportreport that even Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa is the main target, West Ham’s Summerville is the alternative to the Norway international.

One advantage could be that the Dutchman has the same agents as Malen. Secondly, the Hammers’ possible relegation can make things easier to sign the 24-year-old, who has sparkled in a disastrous season so far, coming up with vital goal contributions.

As things stand, West Ham demand €40 million to sell Summerville but this price can reduce, depending on possible relegation.

Summerville will have suitors in England

Considering how well he has done at West Ham, Summerville is likely to have many clubs interested within the Premier League. That could well include relegation rivals Tottenham, who have been linked with him quite a bit.

This will make Roma’s task difficult, especially since Spurs have a much bigger financial capacity.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

Liverpool Identify This Ligue 1 Winger As A Target: Should Slot Move In For Him?

Liverpool Identify This Ligue 1 Winger As A Target: Should Slot Move In For Him?
Liverpool Identify This Ligue 1 Winger As A Target: Should Slot Move In For Him?

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Liverpool have identified Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche as a target. It is understood that the Reds are eyeing a move to sign the French wide player as they look to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah this summer.

Akliouche’s Impressive Form In French Football

Akliouche is having an impressive campaign at the French club after he put in a string of impressive displays for them on the right flank. The 24-year-old has scored seven goals and grabbed 11 assists in 43 matches for Monaco this season on all fronts.

The French talent is currently among the best wingers in Ligue 1. Hence, Liverpool would do well to get a deal done for him at the end of this campaign.

His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for the Reds to sign him on the cheap later this year.

Liverpool

MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 20: Maghnes Akliouche of AS Monaco in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Real Madrid C.F. and AS Monaco at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Should Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Move In For Akliouche?

Akliouche is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with it out in the wide areas. He has got the vision to create some inviting chances for his teammates in the final third and can shoot the ball with venom from long range.

The French sensation can chip in by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team. Akliouche is primarily a right-winger but can also operate as an attacking midfielder if told to do so by his manager. However, it remains to be seen whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.

We can expect Akliouche to bring more quality and depth to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s backline. He has what it takes to nail down a regular first-team spot at the Merseyside club in the coming seasons.

At 24, Akliouche has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for the Reds to pursue this summer. He might even help Liverpool compete for some major trophies in the future. Therefore, it is only logical for Slot to move in for Akliouche in this summer transfer period.

Cavaliers vs Knicks — Game 2 ECF — predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets on May 21

The New York Knicks erased a 22-point deficit in Game 1 and won in OT, 115-104. Jalen Brunson put the Knicks on his back and scored 38 points in the game and 17 of them coming in the fourth quarter and OT.

Cleveland only had one day off and was at a major rest disadvantage entering Game 1, so the 11-point loss was a tough for the Cavaliers. Cleveland shot 40% from the field, 32% from three, was out rebounded 47-38, and turned the ball over 21 times. Donovan Mitchell was the only Cavalier to score more than 15 points as he dropped 29 and Evan Mobley led the game with 14 rebounds, while James Harden struggled with double the turnovers (6) compared to assists (3).

New York won its eight-straight game and made one of the most historic comebacks of all time. Entering the fourth quarter, the Knicks were 4-of-23 from three (17.3%), and were out-played for three quarters. New York also left plenty at the free-throw line, going 21-of-32 (66%), but in the end, it didn't matter as the Knicks pulled through. Brunson dropped a game-high 38 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 13 rebounds. Landry Shamet was one of the heroes of Game 1 going a perfect 3-for-3 from deep and playing the final stretch in the fourth quarter and OT.

Let’s take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

  • Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
  • Time: 8:10 PM EST
  • Site: Madison Square Garden
  • City: New York, NY
  • Network/Streaming: ESPN

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: New York Knicks (-225), Cleveland Cavaliers (+185)
  • Spread: Knicks -6.5
  • Total: 215.5 points

This game opened Knicks -6.5 with the Total set at 216.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • PG James Harden
  • SG Donovan Mitchell
  • SF Dean Wade
  • PF Evan Mobley
  • Jarrett Allen

New York Knicks

  • PG Jalen Brunson
  • SG Josh Hart
  • SF Mikal Bridges
  • PF OG Anunoby
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

Injury Report: Knicks vs. Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • None

New York Knicks

  • None

Important stats, trends and insights: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

  • New York is 52-42 ATS and an NBA-best 31-15 ATS as a home favorite
  • New York is 50-44 to the Under and 24-22 at home
  • New York is 24-22 to the Under at home and 16-16 to the Over as a home favorite
  • Cleveland has the second worst ATS record at 39-57
  • Cleveland is 10-8 ATS as a road underdog and 8-10 on the ML
  • Cleveland is 28-21 to the Over on the road
  • Cleveland is 48-49 to the Under on the season

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Thursday’s Cavaliers and Knicks’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Knicks’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Knicks -6.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 215.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

Jeremiyah Love contract details, salary cap numbers

It’s been widely reported that the four-year contract (plus fifth-year option) signed by Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love is worth more than $53 million.

And yes, that is accurate for the third overall choice in the draft. The question is how it all breaks down. Here is that answer for the fully guaranteed deal:

The specific total is $53,022,816 and includes a signing bonus of $35,022,048.

The base salaries each year are for the league minimum, but also include a roster bonus paid on the third day of training camp.

Jermemiyah Love contract breakdown

The breakdown each year is:

  • 2026: $885,000 base salary.
  • 2027: $1.05 million base salary plus $2,245,128 roster bonus.
  • 2028: $1.165 million base salary plus $4,540,256 roster bonus.
  • 2029: $1.28 million base salary plus $6,835,384 roster bonus.

Salary cap numbers

This year’s salary-cap charge is $9,640,512, which is currently the fourth-highest on the team, not including the dead money for quarterback Kyler Murray.

First is safety Budda Baker at $19.216 million, then edge rusher Josh Sweat at $16.385 million and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at $9,647,567. The latter number is a mere $7,055 more than Love.

From 2027-2029, Love’s cap figures will be $12,050,640 in 2027; $14,460,768 in 2028; and $16,870,896 in 2029.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Jeremiyah Love contract details, salary cap numbers

Wales scrum-half Williams to retire at end of season

Wales scrum-half Lloyd Williams will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old Worcester Warrior played 32 times for his country between 2011 and 2023, scoring two tries.

Williams' first taste of international rugby came against Wales, when he played for the Barbarians against his home country in June 2011.

He was drafted into the Wales training squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but had to wait to win his first cap until August of that year in a win over Argentina.

Williams also featured in the 2015 World Cup and was part of the squads that won three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2012.

"It's kind of a heart and head decision; the heart tells me to keep on playing, but my head is saying I need to start looking after my body and start focusing on the next chapter," he told the Worcester website.

"I've had a fantastic year here at Worcester, it's something I'm really proud of and will look back with a lot of fond memories.

"The fact that this year will be my lasting memory of professional sport as a player is seriously special."

Williams is the son of former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Brynmor, and like his father played the bulk of his club career for Cardiff. Williams' brother Tom also played professionally.

After making his Cardiff debut against Leinster in 2010 as a 21-year-old, Williams went on to make 261 appearances for the Blue and Blacks, bagging 42 tries in the process.

While at Cardiff, he won the European Challenge Cup in 2018 as well as captaining the side on several occasions.

Williams was one of seven Wales internationals to leave Cardiff after the end of the 2022-23 season, joining Ealing Trailfinders for two seasons before finishing his career with Worcester Warriors.

Worcester play his former club Ealing on Saturday in the Elior Champ Rugby semi-finals.

Sporting JAX’s Ashlyn Puerta named “Golden Playmaker”

Sporting Club Jacksonville announced midfielder Ashlyn Puerta has been named the Gainbridge Super League’s Golden Playmaker for the 2025-26 season. The award is presented to the player who records the most assists in the regular season.

In her first professional season, Puerta had seven assists along with 12 goals. Sporting JAX teammates Sophia Boman, Meg Hughes, and Paige Kenton tied Puerta in assists; however, the club says in the event of a tie, the award is determined by assists per minute.

,“I am very honored and grateful to receive the Golden Playmaker award. First and foremost, I give all glory and honor to God, who makes all things possible,” said Puerta. “I’m so thankful to be part of such an incredible group of players, coaches and staff. We accomplished so much in our first year, and I look forward to achieving even more this postseason and next season. Finally, thank you to my family for always supporting and encouraging me no matter what. I love you all very much.”

“Ashlyn has been exceptional for us all season,” Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam said. “Her creativity, vision, and ability to impact games consistently helped drive our success this year. What makes her even more special is the way she elevates the players around her. This recognition is very well deserved.”

Sporting JAX is set to host its first playoff game on Sunday, May 24, at UNF’s Hodges Stadium against Carolina Ascent FC.

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Nikki Bella gives injury update on ankle, possible June return to ring

WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella is eyeing a return to wrestling after an injury has sidelined her for two months and WrestleMania 42.

Bella injured her ankle during the March 27 episode of SmackDown when she was in a tag team match with sister, Brie, against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. She hasn't competed since, but told USA TODAY Sports she could be coming back by the end of June.

"Injuries are so funny. I always try to ask that," Bella said regarding asking medical team about her status. "(They're like) 'not until I see what your ankle looks like in June,' and I'm like, 'But if you were to just guess,' and they're like, 'Don't know, not until June,'

Nikki Bella is introduced before the WWE Women's Tag-Team Championship Fatal 4-Way match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While she wants to return by the end of June, Bella wants to make sure the timing is right for when she's good to compete.

"I'm hoping, for me in my head, end of June would be incredible, but I also don't want to go back too early, because you know the big part about when people get reinjured is because their strength isn't matching, so I need to make sure the calves, the quads, glutes, I need to make sure they're all built up," she added.

Bella's injury resulted in missing the fatal four-way tag team match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42 in April, which was scheduled to be her first WrestleMania match since 2017.

Bella reached the entrance ramp in a walking boot alongside her sister Brie and introduced the returning Paige as her replacement for the bout. The former WWE Divas Champion competed in her first WWE match in nearly 10 years.

Brie Bella and Paige won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and remain champions with Bella on their side.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Bella injury update: WWE star gives timeline on possible return

Is 8 great? Our 'best sports cities' rank climbs. Who's better? | Opinion

Hey, this is great! We’re No. 8!

Don’t get too excited now. It’s just an unofficial ranking by a certain publication and it’s an opinion, not a proven fact.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Phoenix has been ranked No. 8 in the country among the Best Sports Cities in 2026 by Sports Business Journal, an affiliated publication of Phoenix Business Journal.

That's a jump in the rankings for the Arizona capital, which was No. 10 when the previous rankings were released in 2023.

Yippee!

It’s nothing to really scoff at. We should be proud that our city moved up a couple of spots in the order when it comes to how the folks at Sports Business Journal determined the best sports towns in the United States.

We grabbed the No. 8 spot for two very good reasons:

One is because our professional sports venues — 14 to be exact — are located within an hour’s drive. That’s a higher concentration than any city in the world.

The second is because Phoenix has amassed a diverse hosting resume for major sporting events. The Valley has been the site for multiple Super Bowls, most recently in 2023, and NCAA Division I Men’s and Women's Final Fours; BCS national championship game; College Football Playoff quarterfinals and semifinals; the 2024 NCAA Convention; the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, presented by Visa, featuring the U.S. women’s national team; and NFL annual league meetings.

In March, the city hosted the WWE Smackdown and then the NCAA Division I Women’s Final Four in April.

Atlanta was No. 1 in this year's report, which ranked 50 U.S. metros across numerous measures, including construction projects; corporate sports sponsorships, from naming rights to uniform patches and on-field logos; and total event attendance and other metrics.

The rest of the top five were New York City, Indianapolis, Charlotte, North Carolina and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Los Angeles and Las Vegas came in just ahead of Phoenix at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively.

Being No. 8 seems about right for the Valley.

ASU Sun Devils fans storm the court after their 70-60 win over the Kansas Jayhawks at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on March 3, 2026.

We’re a pretty big deal when it comes to bringing major sporting events to town, thanks in part to the wonderful work of the folks at the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission and the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, led by CEO Jay Parry.

It’s going to be a while, though, before we get to host a CFP championship game or another Super Bowl. The earliest the Super Bowl could return to the Valley would be 2031, and the Valley wouldn’t be up for consideration for the CFP title game until at least 2031.

Still, plenty of other events are headed to the Phoenix area. The NBA All-Star Game Weekend will be here next year for the fourth time in history, and Mortgage Matchup Center will also be hosting the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in August.

The Surprise Tennis and Raquet Complex will host the 2027 NCAA Division II tennis finals, and TKO Holdings Inc., the company that owns global combat sports brands such as UFC, WWE AND Zuffa Boxing, as well as PBR, a professional bull riding organization, is scheduled to bring seven events to the Valley during the next three years.

On top of that, the Valley has its mainstays such as the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Arizona State and Grand Canyon University athletics, auto racing at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale and spring training baseball in the Cactus League across the Phoenix metro area.

So sure, yes, we are deserving of being No. 8 among the Best Sports Cities in 2026.

Just don’t peek into our championship trophy cabinet. Not that we really have one as a sports town. The Diamondbacks’ victory over the New York Yankees in the 2001 World Series is our only major professional sports championship to date, although one could argue the three WNBA crowns won by the Mercury are highly substantial and should never be taken for granted.

The point is, the Valley is great at luring major sporting events and championships to the desert. We just aren’t very good at winning them.

Reach McManaman at bob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azbobbymac and listen to him live every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. on Roc and Manuch with Jimmy B on ESPN 620 (KTAR-AM) and every Thursday on the Doug Franz Unplugged podcast via Apple or Spotify.

Sign up for our free newsletters at  https://profile.azcentral.com/newsletters/manage/ for complete coverage.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix moves higher in top 10 best sports cities ranking

'I want the fans to experience a cup win' - Bosnich

European finals are "feelings and moments nobody can take away from you", says Aston Villa legend Mark Bosnich.

The former goalkeeper made 227 appearances for the Villans in all competitions between February 1992 and July 1999.

"I'm really full of excitement," the former Australia international told BBC Radio WM before the Europa League final where his former side take on Frieburg in Istanbul.

"I'm behind everyone at Aston Villa - the supporters, the staff and the players - because it has been a very long time between drinks, so to speak.

"The most important thing will be to play the game and not the occasion.

"I want the players and the newer supporters to experience a cup win. These are feelings and moments in your life that nobody can take away from you, ever."

Listen to the full conversation by pressing play above or listen on BBC Sounds

F1 Gets Its Own Special Monopoly Edition

Formula 1, the biggest motorsport brand in the world, has partnered with Hasbro to bring its own version of Monopoly, an interesting twist on the classic board game.

Hasbro is known for collaborating with other major entertainment and sports brands to develop crossover products that attract diverse audiences.

While nothing beats a classic version of Monopoly, each of these special editions have their own twists in order to give a different flavor to the series.

The game comes out on July 15, though it will be available for global pre-order on May 20th.

May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrates after winning the pole during qualifying for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrates after winning the pole during qualifying for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Instead of buying up streets like in the classic version, there are race circuits that players can buy, along with different color cars and helmets that players can customize as their character.

Details about the game’s additional mechanics remain unclear, but there is a new spin on each part of the game.

“Players race around every location on the calendar, battling for Championship points and wins as the Season goes on. Instead of collecting $200 when passing GO, players choose their favorite Formula 1 team and race their helmet tokens around the board’s central track, competing to win the Monopoly GRAND PRIX,” the announcement said.

“This collaboration marks the latest in a series of collaborations for Formula 1, creating new ways for fans to connect with the sport beyond the track.”

May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during qualifying for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during qualifying for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The release of such a classic game with an F1 twist is a marker of how big the motorsport series has gotten, all around the world. There are new commercial partnerships coming on a weekly basis with all kinds of brands.

“Monopoly is one of the most iconic and best-loved board games in the world, so we’re thrilled to bring a Formula 1 twist to such a classic,” Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said.

“This edition captures the excitement and competitiveness of the sport in a fun, accessible way, and we’re confident fans of all ages will love going head-to-head with their friends and family when they take to the grid and compete in the Monopoly GRAND PRIX.”

Copa do Nordeste: semi-finals get under way this Wednesday

Copa do Nordeste: semi-finals get under way this Wednesday
Copa do Nordeste: semi-finals get under way this Wednesday

The semifinals of the Copa do Nordeste begin this Wednesday (20) with two matches, both at 9 p.m.: Vitória vs. ABC, at Barradão, and Fortaleza vs. Sport, at Castelão. The return matches, which will determine the finalists, will be played on Wednesday the 27th, at Arena das Dunas and Ilha do Retiro.

Fortaleza and Sport have won six Copa do Nordeste titles combined, with three each. Vitória has four, while ABC has none — its best finish came in 2010, when it was runner-up. Bahia holds the record for most titles: five.

In the group stage, Sport had the best campaign, with 12 points and first place in Group C. In the quarterfinals, it beat ASA 1–0. Vitória topped Group A with 10 points and, in the knockout stage, eliminated Ceará: 1–0.

ABC, meanwhile, finished the group stage in first place in Group D with 10 points, the same total as Fortaleza, which was second in the group. In the quarterfinals, ABC thrashed Juazeirense 4–0.

The current Copa do Nordeste champion is Bahia, which, in the 2025 final, defeated Confiança twice. Tricolor was left out of the 2026 edition due to a change in CBF regulations that prevents clubs qualified for Conmebol competitions (the Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana) from playing in regional tournaments. Since Bahia secured a spot in the Libertadores preliminary round, it was automatically barred from the competition.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Raiders trying rookie OL Trey Zuhn III at new position

Through most of Trey Zuhn's college career at Texas A&M he played left tackle. Late last season, he moved to center. And that's where most NFL Draft analysts figured he would hold his most value. Then when the Raiders selected him at 91 overall in the third round, they announced him as a guard. And that's the position at which he is listed on their roster. That means he has either lined up or been listed at four of the five offensive line spots.

The one position the 6-7, 319-pounder had yet to be associated with was right tackle. But as of day two of OTA's, that appears to be where he's lining up.

According to media present at Raiders OTA practice on Wednesday, Zuhn is lining up at right tackle.

Trey Zuhn III is playing right tackle today in Raiders OTAs.

— Sam Warren (@samwarren83) May 20, 2026

Right tackle is considered the position on the Raiders line that is most in need of depth and competition. With just DJ Glaze currently in line to start there despite being arguably the worst returning starter on the line from last season.

The two spots on the line that have a cemented starter are left tackle (Kolton Miller) and center (Tyler Linderbaum). The guard spots are not settled, but seem to have depth and competition with several potential starters in Jackson Powers-Johnson, Caleb Rogers, Jordan Meredith, and Spencer Burford.

It is still early in the offseason and technically this would just the fifth organized practice for Zuhn if you include Rookie minicamp. So, yeah, there's a long way to go. But this is worth noting and keeping an eye on throughout OTA's, minicamp, and training camp.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders trying 3rd round OL Trey Zuhn III at new position

Switzerland routs Austria 9-0 to stay perfect at ice hockey worlds, US faces Germany

ZURICH (AP) — Switzerland routed Austria 9-0 on Wednesday to keep a perfect record at the ice hockey world championship.

Theo Rochette, Nico Hischier and Damien Riat each scored two goals as the Swiss won their fourth straight game to lead Group A in Zurich with 12 points.

Sven Andrighetto had three assists and Leonardo Genoni stopped 20 shots.

After finishing runner-up the previous two years, host Switzerland hopes for more in front of the home supporters.

Austria remains on nine points after its first loss.

In Group B in Fribourg, Czechia rallied late to edge winless Italy 3-1.

Nicholas Saracino put Italy in front 1-0 in the second period — for only the second goal by Italy at the worlds.

Early in the third, Marek Alscher tied it at 1-1 and Jakub Flek scored the eventual winner with 8:55 left. Dominik Kubalík added an empty-netter.

The Czechs, atop their group with 10 points, outshot Italy 58-15.

Later Wednesday, the United States hopes to recover from a loss to Finland on Monday when it faces Germany. Also, Sweden plays Slovenia.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Timberwolves will be as aggressive as possible this summer in trying to improve, Tim Connelly says

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The message to the Minnesota Timberwolves from the championship tier of the NBA has been delivered clearly and forcefully with their elimination from the playoffs three straight times: You're not there yet.

Nobody was listening more carefully than Tim Connelly.

“We have a lot of confidence in our guys, but it would be disingenuous to sit in front of this group and say we’re happy with the sixth seed, we’re happy with not being a home-court playoff team, we’re happy that our last three closeout games have been lopsided,” the Timberwolves president of basketball operations said. “We have to be realistic about what we have, which is way more good than bad, but we know that we’re not good enough right now.”

The San Antonio Spurs ousted the Timberwolves last week, taking the second-round series with a 30-point win. Last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals on the way to the NBA title, finishing that series with a 30-point victory. The Timberwolves were beaten in five games in the 2024 Western Conference Finals, too, by the Dallas Mavericks when they still had Luka Doncic. They lost the clinching game that year by 21 points.

Now the Spurs and Thunder have begun what could be a conference final for the ages, two young teams with mental toughness, defensive acumen and a superstar player. So how can the Timberwolves catch up to that? Some of the improvement effort will come from within, be it expanding roles for young players or new responsibilities for established starters. And some of the actions toward trying to keep up with the Western Conference powers will come from the outside.

“We know our competition is not going to sit still, and nor will we,” Connelly said Tuesday during his season-ending news conference. “If we mess up, we’ll mess up loudly. We’re going to try to be as aggressive as possible.”

The Timberwolves have the 28th overall pick in the first round and the 59th overall pick in the second round in this year's draft, assets that won't move the needle much in trade talks, so they'll likely have to give up a key player or two to get one. The other disadvantage they have in building the roster for next season is the Achilles tendon injury to starting guard Donte DiVincenzo that will keep him out indefinitely in the final year of his current contract.

“Donte is one of the most competitive guys in the league. We've got to certainly find some more shooting in his absence,” Connelly said. “We think he's going to be back. We don't know when.”

Much of the offseason roster speculation will center around the status of power forward Julius Randle, who had a dismal performance over the final five games of the playoffs. His combined plus-minus rating over the four losses to the Spurs was a minus-93, but Connelly sidestepped questions about whether Randle still fits into the team's long-term plan.

“We don’t win because of one player, lose because of one player. I think when we lost in the fashion we lost to San Antonio, they were clearly the better team, and we have to look at the collective, me included, the whole building,” Connelly said. “What can we all do better to ensure that we don’t see the same result next season?”

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Dragons sign Samoa and Hurricanes scrum-half Enari

Ere Enari passes the ball
Ere Enari has won 10 Samoa caps and played for them at the 2023 Rugby World Cup [Getty Images]

Dragons have signed Samoa scrum-half Ere Enari from Super Rugby Pacific (SRP) table-toppers Hurricanes for 2026-27.

The 28-year-old helped Crusaders win five consecutive SRP titles and has also played for Moana Pasifika while making 57 appearances in the competition.

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said: "Ere will be determined to make a big impression in a new competition as he competes with the likes of Che Hope and Rhodri Williams. He'll also be keen to help our academy players and the next generation of talent we have coming through."

Enari said: "After 10 years of Provincial and Super Rugby in New Zealand, my wife and I are looking forward to stepping into a new season in Wales. There are some familiar faces there which will be awesome, but we also can't wait to make new connections with teammates, partners and the Dragons supporters."

Dragons have not revealed the duration of Enari's contract.

Colorado Rockies game no. 50 thread: Jack Leiter vs Kyle Freeland

DENVER, CO - MAY 03: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ray Bahner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

After last night’s damp, cold, and miserable blowout loss, the Colorado Rockies find themselves tied at a game each in their series with the Texas Rangers. Today, with the weather slightly warmer and slightly sunnier—though there is a chance for rain—the Rockies will aim for the series win. However, no dogs will be in attendance.

Making the start for the Rockies is Kyle Freeland. The local left-handed veteran has struggled immensely since his return from the injured list. After starting the season with a 2.30 ERA until left shoulder soreness sidelined him, Freeland’s ERA has ballooned to 7.22 over his last four starts. His last three outings have been particularly difficult, with him allowing at least eight hits and six earned runs in each game.

Freeland’s last time out against the Arizona Diamondbacks saw him last just 3.2 innings while giving up seven earned runs on eight hits. He issued four walks for the first time since 2023 and there was a noticeable decrease in his fastball velocity from 92-93 MPH all the way down to 87 MPH.

On the mound for the Rangers is the right-handed Jack Leiter, who enters today’s game with a 4.35 ERA in nine starts with 55 strikeouts. Leiter’s strikeout stuff has been fairly effective this season with 10 SO/9, but walks have also been an issue. He has issued eight free passes over his last two starts. His last time out was his best start of the season, allowing just one earned run on three hits in seven innings against the Houston Astros. However, he did walk three and give up a home run.

Leiter has faced the Rockies just once before, where he gave up one earned run on two hits and three walks over six innings and struck out five batters. His arsenal this season consists of a four-seam fastball averaging around 96 MPH, as well as a changeup, a slider, a curveball, and a cutter that all have whiff rates above 30%.

First Pitch: 1:10 PM MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Rangers SB Nation site:Lone Star Ball

Lineups:

Whoop there it is, the lineup that is ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BXowc6pgFV

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) May 20, 2026

Rubber match in the Rocky Mountains. #AllForTXpic.twitter.com/Sne4PGk12O

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 20, 2026

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Report: Barcelona now willing to sign Man United star for €30 million

Report: Barcelona now willing to sign Man United star for €30 million
Report: Barcelona now willing to sign Man United star for €30 million

In a major development, Catalunya Radio reports that FC Barcelona are now ready to pay the €30 million transfer fee to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United.

Manager Hansi Flick has been pleased with the England international’s impact and is keen on keeping him at the club beyond this season.

Rashford set to stay?

Barcelona, for their part, have been eager to retain Rashford’s services beyond the ongoing campaign.

However, the issue, as far as the club is concerned, had been paying the €30 million fee to make his transfer permanent from Manchester United.

Flick wants to keep Rashford. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Instead, the Blaugrana had been pushing for another loan deal with a mandatory purchase option at a lower price for next summer.

The Red Devils, however, had been standing firm on their stance that Barça would have to pay the full €30 million fee to keep Rashford.

Having debated the issue internally, Barcelona have now seemingly decided that they will pay the €30 million figure that was agreed upon last summer in the loan agreement.

This is because the club believe that it will be difficult for them to find a player of Rashford’s quality at that price in the market.

An impactful debut season

Rashford has done well at Barcelona. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Rashford joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United last year and has had an impactful season, playing an important role in the La Liga and Spanish Super Cup triumphs.

In 48 appearances, the Englishman has 14 goals and 14 assists each for the Catalans.

Rashford, for his part, has always been clear that he wants to continue at Barcelona and is even willing to sign a lengthy contract at lower wages in order to facilitate the operation.

With the Catalans now seemingly ready to shell out the €30 million fee, the deal could soon be secured.

Game 49 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies

DENVER, CO - MAY 19: Brandon Nimmo #24 of the Texas Rangers (C) celebrates toward his dugout after hitting an RBI single as TJ Rumfield #7 of the Colorado Rockies (L) and first base coach Travis Jankowski #96 of the Rangers look on in the second inning at Coors Field on May 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 2:10 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Coors Field

RHP Jack Leiter vs. LHP Kyle Freeland

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSROCKIES
Andrew McCutchen – DHJake McCarthy – CF
Justin Foscue – 2BMickey Moniak – DH
Brandon Nimmo – RFTyler Freeman – RF
Josh Jung – 3BTJ Rumfield – 1B
Ezequiel Duran – SSTroy Johnston – LF
Jake Burger – 1BEzequiel Tovar – SS
Michael Helman – CFEdouard Julien – 2B
Kyle Higashioka – CKyle Karros – 3B
Sam Haggerty – LFBrett Sullivan – C
Jack Leiter – RHPKyle Freeland – LHP

Go Rangers!

Fabian Ruiz: ‘I miss Napoli and always follow them, Champions League Final tough’

Fabian Ruiz: ‘I miss Napoli and always follow them, Champions League Final tough’
Fabian Ruiz: ‘I miss Napoli and always follow them, Champions League Final tough’

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz ‘still misses’ Napoli and follows all their games as he prepares for the Champions League Final against Arsenal.

The 30-year-old really made his mark at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona when completing the transfer from Real Betis in the summer of 2018.

At the time, the cost of €30m was considered huge for this club, but he delivered over four years before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.

Fabian Ruiz still fond of Napoli

Spain’s midfielder #08 Fabian Ruiz celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Spain and Croatia at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Christophe SIMON / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

“I always follow Napoli games, I go back there whenever I have a few days off, as I really miss it,” Fabian Ruiz told Sky Sport Italia.

“They won two Serie A titles since I left, I’ve still got many friends there that I talk to, and I wish them all the best. They deserve it.”

The Spain international made 166 competitive appearances in the Napoli shirt, contributing 22 goals and 15 assists.

He now has exactly 166 games under his belt for PSG too, but only 16 goals and an additional 26 assists.

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy after his team’s victory, to secure Paris Saint-Germain’s first ever UEFA Champions League title in the club’s history and a record UEFA Champions League Final winning scoreline of 5-0, following the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain won their first Champions League title last season, beating Inter in the Final, and now hope to retain the tournament when taking on Riccardo Calafiori’s Arsenal.

“We are immensely happy to be in the Champions League Final again, we know the difficulties involved in winning the trophy, and are up against a strong side that won the Premier League last night.

“It’ll be tough, but we have so much enthusiasm and feel ready for this occasion.”

PSG knocked Arsenal out in the semi-final last season with Fabian Ruiz on target.

“That was my first Champions League goal, it was a very difficult semi-final. We won both legs, but it is very different in a Final,” he noted.

“Luis Enrique tells us the details in every game where we can help the team to win. Bayern Munich were tough, I had to help Nuno Mendes out a bit in defence.”

Sabres make major announcement on Lindy Ruff's future in Buffalo

Sabres make major announcement on Lindy Ruff's future in Buffalo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After their best season in two decades, the Buffalo Sabres didn't waste long to make sure Lindy Ruff's future was decided.

The long-time head coach isn't going anywhere.

The Sabres announced Wednesday that Ruff has signed a two-year contract extension to build on this special season.

Buffalo made the playoffs for the first time in 15 years, and won a playoff series for the first time in 19 years.

Ruff, in his second stint coaching the Sabres after also captaining Buffalo during his playing days, is a beloved figure in Western New York.

He's the winningest coach in franchise history, and this contract ties him to the Sabres through the 2027-28 season.

MORE: Sabres' story of this season is about all the chapters along the way

Ruff was originally a second-round draft pick by the Sabres, and he's rarely been away from Buffalo during his hockey career since.

This Sabres season was likely the craziest Ruff had been a part of. They were in last place in the Eastern Conference in early December. By the end of the season, they had won 50 games and the Atlantic Division title.

Buffalo couldn't quite get through its seven-game second-round series with the Montreal Canadiens, but Ruff helped a team with very little playoff experience get so close to the Eastern Conference Final.

“This is a giant step for us,” Ruff said following the Game 7 overtime loss. “A giant step for all the players to really get a feel of what it’s really like. To be proud of being a Buffalo Sabre, to be proud of playing here. When I took the job, I thought, number one, I wanted these guys to like being a Buffalo Sabre. I think they like being a Sabre and I think they made our city proud. It wasn’t the result we wanted and to a man, they’re all disappointed. But they gave them everything they had in the can."

The sign on the drive into downtown Buffalo, which read "Welcome to Lindy Ruffalo, N.Y.," won't have to go anywhere for a while.

More NHL news:

Twins' list of 'untouchable' trade chips is bitter truth for fans

Twins' list of 'untouchable' trade chips is bitter truth for fans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Twins aren't exactly a postseason contender this year, even though their 22-27 record is better than the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.

After their offseason and the trade deadline in 2025, the Twins' plans for this year's trade deadline should be fairly obvious: the Twins will almost certainly sell again this year.

Last year, there were a few players who were brought up in trade rumors, but didn't get moved. And every year, there will be sellers with a few players who are "untouchable." Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter revealed the Twins' untouchable trade chips this year.

"Minnesota Twins: None," Rueter writes. "Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan would both be untouchable pieces for a lot of contending teams, but for a directionless Twins organization, they might be two of the most valuable trade chips on the block this summer."

Rueter didn't list a single player who is untouchable for the Twins at this year's trade deadline. This list is a bitter truth that fans will likely have to come to terms with, as none of their MLB players should be untouchable.

Twins fans dealt bitter truth of 'untouchable' trade chips on MLB roster

Byron Buxton will likely draw the most attention this season as one of the best possible players a team could trade for.

They might field significant interest from the Philadelphia Phillies for the second deadline in a row on Buxton, and there's sure to be plenty of other interested teams.

Joe Ryan is another big name that should draw trade interest, and he's not someone the Twins should refrain from trading, even though he's an All-Star starter who most teams wouldn't want to trade.

MOREEx-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success

There are some younger players who the Twins likely won't move, like Luke Keaschall and Zebby Matthews, but if a team offers a good package, the Twins shouldn't say no.

If the Twins can trade away and get a strong return, they should seriously consider every such offer. That's especially the case with rental veterans like Kody Clemens, Josh Bell, Victor Caratini, Ryan Jeffers, Tristan Gray, and Bailey Ober, among others.

Zero players being untouchable for the Twins is a bitter truth for the fan base, but it's the right call, as Minnesota should be looking to move anyone if possible this year as they eye a long-term rebuild.

More MLB news:

Mets pitching prospect set for debut tonight, filling in for injured ace

The New York Mets are turning to youth as they try to navigate another major injury setback. Pitching prospect Zach Thornton is expected to make his MLB debut Wednesday night against the Washington Nationals, stepping into a rotation spot that suddenly became available after the loss of one of the team’s most important pitchers, Clay Holmes. For a Mets team searching for answers, Thornton could be getting a major opportunity at exactly the right time.

MORE: Yankees have best hitter in MLB right now and it’s not Aaron Judge

Thornton Gets His Shot

Thornton enters the big leagues as a borderline top-10 prospect in the Mets organization and has quietly put together an impressive season in the minors. Across seven starts between Double-A and Triple-A, the left-hander has posted a strong 3.16 ERA while continuing to climb through the system.

Now he gets the call every prospect dreams about. And unlike some debuts that come with a quick appearance or limited role, Thornton could have a real chance to stick around.

Clay Holmes Injury Created an Opening

Sep 27, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Thornton is replacing Clay Holmes, whose injury created a major hole in New York’s rotation. Holmes had unexpectedly become one of the Mets most valuable pitchers this season, performing at an ace-like level before suffering a fractured fibula after being struck by a ball off the bat of Spencer Jones.

The good news for New York is that Holmes may avoid surgery. The bad news is that he is still expected to miss significant time. That means somebody has to step in. Now that responsibility falls to Thornton.

The Opportunity Is Bigger Than One Start

For young pitchers, sometimes opportunity arrives because of injuries. What matters is what happens next. Thornton will not simply be pitching to survive one outing. He will be pitching for a chance to establish himself in the Mets rotation long term. If he performs well, there could be a legitimate runway for him to remain with the club even after other arms begin returning.

Mar 15, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zach Thornton (21) and catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) walk in from the bullpen before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Mets have dealt with injuries seemingly all season long, and nearly every week, another key player appears to land on the injured list. Now they are hoping a young arm can provide a spark. Sometimes prospects arrive quietly.

Moment Of Truth

Sometimes they arrive and immediately change an organization. The Mets are about to find out which type of debut Zach Thornton delivers. Zach Thornton gets the baseball on Wednesday night with a major opportunity in front of him.

The Mets need innings. They need production. And after losing a pitcher who had become one of the biggest surprises of the season, they desperately need somebody to step up. Now it becomes Thornton’s chance.

Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead 

Political Sparring Intensifies Over Bears’ $5B Stadium Future

The Bears’ stadium saga that has twisted and turned for more than three years is now coming down to a final set of high-stakes days, with the NFL’s team future hanging in the balance.

The Illinois Senate is still grappling with a “megaprojects” bill that would allow the Bears to negotiate property tax rates for a proposed domed stadium project in suburban Arlington Heights. The state House passed the legislation four weeks ago, but since then, political infighting in the Prairie State has slowed progress on the bill considerably. 

Numerous Chicago-area leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, have continued to push to keep the Bears in the city. That’s still happening as the team, the NFL, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker have each insisted for months that there is not a viable urban site option and that the stadium issue is down to either Arlington Heights or an already-approved option in Hammond, Ind

As a result, the Bears matter is a still-unresolved issue as Illinois wraps its legislative session on May 31. Team officials have consistently said they intend to make a decision by the early summer, and with construction costs on the planned $5 billion stadium and mixed-use development project rising by at least $10 million per month, time is of the essence.

“I’m fighting hard to make sure [the Bears can stay in Illinois],” Pritzker said. “Also very importantly, because my North Star is protecting the taxpayers of Illinois, is that we have something that works for the state of Illinois that’s fair with other businesses that want to come to Illinois or expand here, that we’re being fair in the allocation of support for a business expanding in the state while also protecting taxpayers across the state.”

The Bears issue also sparked an ongoing war of words between Pritzker and Johnson in which the governor said that the mayor had “no plan” regarding the Bears. Johnson jabbed back on WVON Radio that, “I’m not a billionaire. I’m not the heir of billions of dollars. …He doesn’t know what it’s like to open up a refrigerator and ain’t no food in it.” 

Pritzker then fired back again, saying, “I think it’s about your values. It’s about what you really care about in life and who you focused on. And I’ve focused on the working class, the middle class, and people most vulnerable throughout my career.”

League Updates

As planned, the Bears’ stadium situation was part of the NFL’s one-day spring meeting held Tuesday in Orlando—a session that also included awarding of hosting rights to an upcoming Super Bowl and NFL Draft, further changes to the upcoming international schedule, and continued discussion on the league’s increasingly scrutinized media strategy.

Within the league, patience regarding the Bears’ stadium saga is undoubtedly running thin, as the NFL would like to see the team join an accelerating venue development boom that already includes other teams such as the Bills, Titans, Commanders, Browns, Chiefs, and Broncos. 

“That [political] process is going on. The legislature in Illinois is obviously focused on that,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at the conclusion of the meeting. “They’re getting into the final days of their session. I’ve spoken to [Pritzker] recently. I think there’s a focus on trying to get something done there, and then they’ll have two viable sites that the Bears can make their decision from.”

For that to truly happen, though, much has to happen in the next 11 days in Illinois. After the state Senate votes on the megaprojects bill, it would go back to the House for reconciliation.

The post Political Sparring Intensifies Over Bears’ $5B Stadium Future appeared first on Front Office Sports.

West Monroe (La.) football reveals new sports medicine facility, covered practice field

The West Monroe (La.) Rebels already feature one of the Louisiana high school football’s top playing venues, but has now added around their stadium with some new amenities.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

KNOE8 Sports Director Aaron Dietrich posted photos on social media of West Monroe’s new sports medicine facility and covered practice field during a open house session. The photos reveal a recovery center for student-athletes, with a hydrotherapy room featuring a whirlpool and dedicated taping & bandaging stations.

West Monroe continues to raise the bar! Open house for the new sports medicine facility and covered practice field. Wow! @WestMonroeFball@LHSAAsports@lhsaanetworktv@JeritRoser@GeauxPrepsLA@KNOE8pic.twitter.com/akNzJ3F5i5

— Aaron Dietrich (@AaronsAces) May 20, 2026

Recently Rivals ranked the Top 5 high school football stadiums out of the Pelican State and West Monroe’s Rebel Stadium topped them all and here’s the excerpt on the facility taking the top spot.

“When it comes to being modern and state-of-the-art, it’s really hard to argue, other than playing a game at the New Orleans Saints’ Caesars Superdome, that West Monroe’s Rebel Stadium might be the best play in the state of Louisiana.

Completely renovated in 2015 with new home side bleachers, with seating enough for over 6,000 fans to attend a game on any given Friday night. Equipped with a new press box, ticket offices, restroom facilities and parking lot space, this facility tops our list simply for the overall experience one can get at Rebel Stadium.”

The Rebels went 8-5 last season and finishing No. 9 in the state, per the final Louisiana 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.

More about West Monroe High School

Armwood High School, located in Seffner, Florida, is part of the Hillsborough County School District. Known for its strong academics and vibrant athletics program, the school serves grades 9-12. The Armwood Hawks have a notable reputation, particularly in football, where they have achieved significant success at the state level. The school’s diverse student body participates in a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, and wrestling, fostering both athletic and personal growth.

How to Follow Louisiana High School Football

For Louisiana high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Pelican State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Louisiana high school football excitement across the state.

Garrick Higgo’s Former Caddie Breaks Silence on PGA Championship Blunder

Garrick Higgo was 2-over par before he even stepped foot on the first tee at the 2026 PGA Championship.

Higgo was one minute late for his scheduled tee time at Aronimink Golf Club, resulting in a two-stroke penalty at the start of his opening round. The 27-year-old South African golfer shot a 1-under 69 to begin his major championship, but he would’ve been tied for the lead had it not been for his late-arrival punishment.

On Friday, Higgo shot a 6-over 76 and missed the cut.

Higgo parted ways with his caddie Austin Gaugert in the wake of this highly-publicized incident.

Gaugert addressed the incident with a public statement on Instagram Wednesday.

“I want to say something about the incident with Garrick Higgo being late to the tee on Thursday at the PGA Championship. As a caddie, you try to do everything you can to prepare your player for competition and I fell short of that,” he wrote.

Garrick Higgo
MCKINNEY, TEXAS – MAY 20: Caddie Nick Cavendish-Pell talks to Garrick Higgo of South Africa on the 18th green during a practice roundprior to THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2026 at TPC Craig Ranch on May 20, 2026 in McKinney, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

“Garrick was understanding throughout the situation and handled it with professionalism and class,” Gaugert added. “This has happened to players before and will again. Garrick handled a difficult situation with grace, and I wish him nothing but success moving forward.

“After working with Garrick and finding the highest success in caddying, Garrick has become a better friend to me than just a boss. I will always be grateful for that.”

Higgo hired Nick Cavendish-Pell, who will be on the bag at this week’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson event.

Liverpool target on verge of exit, he'd cost £30m

Liverpool target on verge of exit, he'd cost £30m
Liverpool target on verge of exit, he'd cost £30m

Richard Hughes has his work cut out for him this summer.

Arne Slot and his first-team squad have failed to meet expectations this season with the Reds failing to add any sort of trophy to their cabinet.

Most people thought that the Anfield outfit would be the team to beat again, especially after spending over £450 million but, if we're being honest, that couldn't have been further from the truth.

And, now that Liverpool are literally just scraping Champions League qualification, it's clear that even more money will have to be spent on improving their ranks.

To help them do this, several players have already been linked with a move and now, one of them could actually be on his way after the latest update on his situation.

Bazoumana Toure is on the 'verge' of exiting Hoffenheim this summer

One of the main players to be leaving L4 this summer is Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian King hasn't been in the best run of form over the course of the 2025-26 campaign but, that doesn't mean that it won't be hard to replace him.

Players such as Yan Diomande and Dario Osorio have been linked as potential replacements but now, a move for one of their targets looks like it could actually be on the cards.

As per an update from Sky Germany, Bazoumana Toure is now on the 'verge' of leaving Hoffenheim after they failed to qualify for the Champions League which has seemingly opened a door for Liverpool.

"After failing to qualify for the Champions League, Bazoumana Toure is on the verge of leaving Hoffenheim , as only Champions League qualification would have kept the Ivorian talent," they wrote.

"Several top clubs are interested, including Liverpool and Manchester United – Aston Villa and Newcastle have also shown concrete interest.

"There is no release clause, and TSG Hoffenheim are demanding around €30-40 million.

"The 20-year-old moved to Hoffenheim in February 2025 and quickly developed into a key player.

"This season he has made 30 Bundesliga appearances for the Kraichgau club, scoring five goals and providing twelve assists."

Bazoumana Toure would be an interesting option for Liverpool to explore

Although Toure isn't a player that most people will have heard of, he's been setting the Bundesliga alight over the last season or so.

The 20-year-old has been one of Hoffenheim's best players with the Bundesliga outfit doing anything in their power to keep him at their club.

However, since the Bundesliga outfit are not going to be in the Champions League next season and since there's no shortage of clubs vying for his transfer, it doesn't make sense for the Ivorian to stay put when he can test himself at a much higher level.

This season alone, the attacker has played across the front three and has contributed to 17 goals across all competitions.

There's still a lot that he could learn in order for him to become an even better player than he already is but, with all the experienced heads around him, this move feels like a no-brainer for Liverpool.

He'd also only cost the Reds around £30 million which is a fraction of what RB Lepizig would demand for Diomande.

The only thing left to do now is for Liverpool to make a move for him, lets hope that they don't let another perfect target slip through the cracks.

Columbus Crew parts ways with Coach Henrik Rydström following a disappointing draw against the Philadelphia Union

Columbus Crew parts ways with Coach Henrik Rydström following a disappointing draw against the Philadelphia Union
Columbus Crew parts ways with Coach Henrik Rydström following a disappointing draw against the Philadelphia Union

Columbus Crew dismissed coach Henrik Rydström days after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. The match, one of the most technically poor performances in MLS 2026, saw Hugo Picard score a brilliant opener for the Crew before Milan Iloski equalized for the Union in the second half.

How the Match Unfolded

The game started slowly but exploded into life before the 10-minute mark. André Gomes delivered a seemingly harmless free kick that Union's defense cleared poorly, leaving the ball for Hugo Picard. The French defender, playing out of position on the left wing, unleashed an incredible strike from outside the area that nestled in the corner, giving Andre Blake no chance.

Columbus Crew had late chances through Max Arfsten's individual brilliance on the right wing, finding Andrés Herrera completely unmarked in the box, but the defender wasted the clear opportunity. The match ended with Sullivan taking a low free kick that Schulte comfortably saved.

Key Statistics and Performances

Columbus Crew dominated possession 62% to 38% but managed just five shots to the Union's 12. The expected goals told the story: Union created 1.09 xG compared to Crew's 0.41 xG, highlighting their superior attacking threat despite having less possession.

Both coaches Bradley Carnell and Henrik Rydström drew criticism for the passive, low-intensity approach that made the match feel like a friendly rather than a competitive fixture.

What This Means

Columbus has elected to promote assistant Laurent Cortouis, who has experience from this tenure as head coach in Montreal following the head coach's dismissal. The club once again looks to the Canadian team for a head-coaching answer. Wilfried Nancy, the former coach who won several titles with the Crew, also had worked in Montreal before coming to Ohio.

Philadelphia, for the time being, continues with Bradley Carnell in the realm, but many wonder if he will remain the coach until after the World Cup break.

What did SEC coaches have to say about the Oklahoma Sooners?

The Oklahoma Sooners have a team ready to contend in 2026. They'll have a difficult schedule to navigate, but they've got the pieces in place to build upon their playoff appearance in 2025. And SEC coaches think so, too.

Athlon talked to coaches in the conference about each team. There was high praise for Oklahoma entering its third season in the SEC. Coming off a 10-win season and College Football Playoff appearance, the Sooners have built momentum from a perception standpoint, and that's helped them on the recruiting trail.

Here's what anonymous SEC coaches had to say about the Sooners.

John Mateer has a High Ceiling

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrate after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.

[QB John Mateer] has a ridiculously high ceiling. - Anonymous SEC coach

Despite what you saw in 2025, that's true. John Mateer has the potential to contend for a Heisman Trophy in 2026. He looked like someone who would end up in New York after wins over Michigan and Auburn. In his first four games of the year, he averaged 303 passing yards and 47.5 rushing yards per game and had 11 total touchdowns.

The thumb injury had an impact on the rest of the season, but he's healthy and ready to roll for 2026. If he can play the way he did at the beginning of the season, combined with an improved offense around him, Mateer will have a chance to do some special things in 2026.

Complimentary Offense

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle speaks with Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

That offense has answers for everything. They don’t do a ton, but everything they do complements the other thing. When he just executes and then makes splash plays here and there, they complement their elite defense very well. - Anonymous SEC coach

The offense complemented their defense pretty well in 2025, in that they didn't put the defense in as many bad positions as they had the year before. But it still has a ways to go. The run game finished 118th in the nation in yards per game and averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. If they can take a step and finish in the top half of FBS teams, that would help the defense out a ton, along with Mateer.

Oklahoma needs a run game to be a contender. You can't win big without one, especially in the playoff. But they have a developing, maturing offensive line and have added an SEC offensive tackle. They have a strong group of running backs providing better depth than they did the year before.

Alignment is Strong

Oklahoma football general manager Jim Nagy is pictured in the first half of the college football game between the Sooners and Michigan on Sept. 6, 2025

I was impressed with how [head coach] Brent [Venables] and [general manager] Jim Nagy structured the team, and it feels like they finally hit on what the recipe is to be successful there. - Anonymous SEC Coach

Brent Venables always had the vision. The defense was improving and the offense did good things under Jeff Lebby but the injury situation in 2024 was an unfortunate setback. Oklahoma's been in a good spot even though it hasn't fully had things come together.

The addition of Jim Nagy and his front office staff has added to the work Venables and his coaching staff put in on the recruiting trail and on-field development. There's been a strong collaboration that's built on the foundation Venables and his staff created in the first few years in Norman.

The combination of Venables and Nagy's respective staffs and the incredible amount of experience that they have in coaching and evaluating, plus the on-field results in 2025, helped the Sooners finish the 2026 recruiting cycle on a tear with late commitments from four-star prospects Jahsiear Rogers, Jayden Petit, and Jonathan Hatton.

That momentum carried over into the transfer portal, where Oklahoma made big splashes to add key players on both sides of the ball like Trell Harris, E'Marion Harris, Parker Livingstone, and Cole Sullivan.

The front office and the coaching staff have developed a great working relationship and the rest of the SEC is taking notice.

Brent Venables as a playcaller

Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Defensively, it’s so many multiples. Week to week, they won’t do the same pre-snap look again, so whatever you prepare for, you’re not gonna get. Obviously, you want to create indecision with young quarterbacks or new quarterbacks in the system, and they do that at a really high level. - Anonymous SEC coach

Oklahoma brought Brent Venables to Norman because he is one of the best defensive minds in college football over the last quarter of a century. It may have taken him a few years to fully take over, but he's always had his hands in the pot when it came to cooking up defense. But when he finally took over full playcalling duties, the results were fantastic.

Oklahoma's defense led them to the College Football Playoff last year. They were fast, physical, opportunistic, and provided a number of game-altering moments in 2025.

The defense is going to be good in 2026 despite the losses of key players on the defensive line. But they didn't miss a beat when they lost defensive standouts Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman the year before. In fact, they got better. The defensive depth chart is stacked with talented players recruited by Venables and his staff to fit just what Venables wants to do up front.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: SEC coaches praise Oklahoma Sooners heading into 2026

Players to cut short French Open interviews in pay row

The Coupe des Mousquetaires and Coupe Suzanne Lenglen
The French Open begins on Sunday, 24 May [Getty Images]

The world's leading tennis players plan to limit their pre-French Open media commitments to 15 minutes in protest at the prize money on offer.

As first reported by The Guardian, the players could walk out of news conferences or broadcast interviews at Roland Garros this Friday and Saturday when the 15 minutes is up.

The 15-minute limit is meant to symbolise the 15% of revenue which - broadly speaking - the Grand Slams allocate to prize money.

The strategy has been communicated to most of the top 200 singles players, but representatives of the players accept they are free to make their own decisions.

The men's and women's top-10 players are demanding a higher percentage of the revenue generated by the four Grand Slams, as well as benefit contributions and a greater say in areas such as scheduling.

This year's French Open prize money has increased by 9.5%, but the annual increase was 20% at last year's US Open and nearly 16% at January's Australian Open.

Interviews with the French Open's major broadcast partners - such as TNT Sports - are likely to be targeted as the players attempt to put pressure on the French Tennis Federation's (FFT) key commercial partners.

It has not yet been decided whether the players' "work to rule" will continue when the main draw begins in Paris on Sunday.

An FFT statement said it "regretted" the players' decision and it was "ready to engage in direct and constructive dialogue on governance issues".

What is the background?

The players' campaign, which began in late 2025, is being spearheaded by former WTA chairman and chief executive Larry Scott.

The American will be in Paris on Friday for a meeting with French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo and FFT president Gilles Moretton.

Meetings are also planned with representatives of the All England Club (AELTC) and the US Tennis Association later in the fortnight.

The players' action is designed to put pressure on the AELTC, with prize money for Wimbledon not due to be announced for another three weeks.

Last year, the Wimbledon prize fund rose by 7% to £53.5m - double the amount on offer a decade earlier.

Players look enviously, however, at the revenues generated by the Grand Slams and feel entitled to a larger slice of the cake.

The AELTC's financial statement for the year to July 2025 showed revenue of £427m and profit after tax of £39.7m.

Players have asked the Slams to pay 22% of their revenue in prize money by 2030.

They are also asking that tens of millions of dollars are paid towards pension, healthcare and maternity benefits, and that they are consulted more widely on scheduling and other key decisions.

At this month's Italian Open, world number one Aryna Sabalenka said she believes players will "at some point" boycott one of the majors.

World number three Iga Swiatek felt that would be a "bit extreme", but defending French Open champion Coco Gauff said she would support strike action "if everyone were to move as one and collaborate".

Men's world number one Jannik Sinner also claimed players are not getting the respect they deserve when it comes to prize money at the majors.

An FFT statement on Wednesday read: "We regret the players' decision, which impacts all of the tournament's stakeholders: the media, broadcasters, the FFT and the entire tennis community, all of whom follow each edition of Roland Garros with great enthusiasm.

"The French Tennis Federation recognises the importance of the players' contribution to the tournament's success, and wishes to maintain close ties with them."

The French Open takes place from 24 May to 7 June.

Oak Ridge's Mikee Teasley wins Mr. Baseball award again

Mikee Teasley is Mr. Baseball again.

The recent Oak Ridge High School graduate will soon be playing baseball for the University of Tennessee. This week, he's playing in the 2026 TSSAA Class 4A Baseball State Championship in Murfreesboro.

On May 19, he attended the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Mookie Betts Mr. Baseball Awards. For the second year in a row, Teasley won for Class 4A.

"It's more than just about me, it's about Oak Ridge," said Teasley, who hit .396 with nine doubles, four homers, 27 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. He also tossed 47 innings, going 7-0 with an 0.79 ERA and 66 strikeouts.

"It's something special, and I'm honored. "Everybody we (UT) recruited so far are dogs, and that's what we plan to raise at Tennessee. That's just the standard there. You've got to be great to be a recruit over there."

The Vols were well represented at the awards ceremony. Teasley was joined by fellow winner, Lipscomb Academy star and Tennessee baseball signee Jack Dugan.

The Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Mookie Betts Mr. Baseball awards winners include (front row, l-r) Oak Ridge's Mikee Teasley (4A), Greenfield's Easton Sullivan (1A), Crockett County's Carter Winders (3A), (back row, l-r) Lipscomb Academy's Jack Dugan (DII-AA), University School of Jackson's Braydin Jones (DII-A) and Pigeon Forge's Brody Watson (2A).

STATE PAIRINGS: TSSAA baseball state tournament 2026 championship brackets, scores

Ole Miss commitment Braydin Jones, of University School of Jackson in DII-A, was a winner and finalists included Tennessee commitment Gaven French (Heritage, 3A) and Vanderbilt signee Brody Carr (Jefferson County, 4A).

Betts, a former Overton star, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers, became a title sponsor of the awards this season. Award winners received a signed Betts jersey while finalists received a signed baseball.

The Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Mookie Betts Mr. Baseball awards winners include (front row, l-r) Oak Ridge's Mikee Teasley (4A), Greenfield's Easton Sullivan (1A), Crockett County's Carter Winders (3A), (back row, l-r) Lipscomb Academy's Jack Dugan (DII-AA), University School of Jackson's Braydin Jones (DII-A) and Pigeon Forge's Brody Watson (2A).

Cecil Joyce covers high school sports and MTSU athletics for The Daily News Journal. Contact him at cjoyce@dnj.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @Cecil_Joyce.The Oak Ridger's News Editor contributed to this story. Email her at dsmith@oakridger.com.

Michael Teasley holds his award on May 19.

Michael "Mikee" Teasley is Mr. Baseball for the second straight year.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mikee Teasley wins Mr. Baseball for second time

Is Artturi Lehkonen playing for Avalanche in Game 1 of West Finals?

The Colorado Avalanche are firing on all cylinders during these NHL playoffs.

After romping their way to 121 points and the Presidents' Trophy during the regular season, the Avalanche have gotten off to a rousing 8-1 start in the postseason. They have looked like an unstoppable machine with waves of depth as they seek their second Stanley Cup championship this decade.

And because fortune often smiles upon the dominant, the Avalanche are getting great injury news ahead of their Game 1 matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday. Well, aside from the whole sudden Cale Makar thing.

After missing the last two games of a second-round series with the Minnesota Wild with an undisclosed upper-body injury, starting left winger Artturi Lehkonen will return to the Colorado lineup in Game 1. As a 48-point, two-way player during the regular season, his return should serve as a massive boost to what is already the NHL's most formidable team.

Let Colorado coach Jared Bednar explain Lehkonen's value himself:

According to Coach Jared Bednar, getting Artturi Lehkonen back in the lineup helps this group a LOT:

"He's a big-time playoff performer."

Full morning skate presser ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/imYAQY4Dhw

— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) May 20, 2026

Expect Lehkonen to slot back into his usual top-six spot on the second line alongside Brock Nelson and Nicolas Roy. His presence should only help the Avalanche, who are clearly on a mission.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Artturi Lehkonen injury update: Is Avalanche star playing Game 1?

Lamar Jackson’s absence opens key opportunity for Ravens’ young QBs

Lamar Jackson missing the voluntary portion of OTAs was always going to spark conversation. That's what happens when one of the NFL’s most recognizable quarterbacks isn’t present. That's true even if the Baltimore Ravens' workouts are voluntary and the head coach has already made it clear there's nothing to discuss.

Jesse Minter addressed the situation following Tuesday’s practice and was specific enough to kill any unnecessary drama. Jackson has been involved. Communication has taken place. Everyone knows where things stand. That should be enough. But, naturally, everyone knows that it won't be. This is Lamar Jackson, and that alone is a reason enough for the story to continue drawing more attention than it probably deserves. Here's the angle worth discussing instead.

Lamar Jackson's absence provides an opportunity for Baltimore's other quarterbacks

In Jackson's absence, the nature of football's business means the 'next guys up' take the reps he misses. Games won't be decided in May or June, and while everyone understands OTA football comes with shorts, helmets, and plenty of caution, pretending these snaps don't matter would be foolish, especially for quarterbacks fighting for their professional futures.

This is Lamar's team. Tyler Huntley sits comfortably as the unquestioned backup. That leaves Skylar Thompson, Diego Pavia, and Joe Fagnano battling for what may ultimately be one roster spot, if that. Does anyone think those three can afford to treat these sessions casually?

At this point, every throw is an audition. Every meeting matters. Every rep offers a chance to show a brand-new coaching staff something it didn't know before. That's particularly important in Baltimore, where Jesse Minter and company are still building impressions, evaluating developmental depth, and learning which fringe players deserve a longer look once training camp arrives.

For Thompson, experience gives him an edge. For Pavia, the intrigue is obvious. For Fagnano, every opportunity is precious. No one is confusing OTA snaps with meaningful game action. Preseason will tell the bigger story.

Still, if you're competing for survival on the back end of an NFL roster, momentum starts now. Lamar Jackson's absence may be the easier headline. The real competition is happening behind him, and that competition has already started.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson’s absence opens key opportunity for Ravens’ young QBs

Dodgers offense faces the best version of Randy Vásquez

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting a sacrifice fly during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 19, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Maybe it’s the anticipation of having waited until nearly June to face them for the first time, but this series against the San Diego Padres has more than lived up to incredibly high expectations. A couple of days after seeing the Friars’ ace completely shut the high-powered Dodgers down, now it’s time to face probably one of the key figures in making this San Diego team one capable of competing for the NL West crown—well, at least so far. Randy Vásquez’s breakout is partially holding this rotation together in the absence of the currently sidelined Nick Pivetta, and his 2.68 ERA speaks for itself.

Vásquez isn’t exactly a new kid on the block, and he put up pretty respectable numbers last year, but it’ll be the first taste of his new version for the Dodgers. Vásquez has benefited from increased velocity to take a fastball that was surrendering a .253 batting average last year to a .182 mark in 2026. His 22.4% strikeout rate isn’t anything to write home about in a vacuum, but considering where he was just the season prior (13.77%), it’s a massive improvement.

The hero of last night’s dramatic win that saw the Dodgers score a run against Mason Miller without recording a hit versus the fireballer, Andy Pages, had fond memories of facing previous versions of Vázquez. Pages needed just six career at-bats against him to go deep twice, more than any other Dodger has. Still focused on Vásquez, not only does he lead San Diego with five wins, but the Friars have come out on the right side of the scoreboard in all but one of his nine starts.

It figures that the Dodgers won’t need a whole lot offensively to take care of this one, not if Shohei Ohtani carries on pitching the way he has. And they’ll certainly need him to, having pushed the bullpen quite a bit in that 5-4 win last night with Emmet Sheehan completing just four innings.

Wednesday’s game info

  • Teams: Dodgers at Padres
  • Ballpark: Petco Park, San Diego
  • Start time: 5:40 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

MJF Responds To Mick Foley-AEW Rumors In Classic MJF Fashion

MJF Responds To Mick Foley-AEW Rumors In Classic MJF Fashion
Ricky Havlik

MJF was asked about the possibility of Mick Foley appearing in AEW ahead of Double or Nothing and responded fully in character, doing nothing to dismiss the speculation.

Speaking with SNY, MJF called Foley fat and ugly before drawing a comparison to his upcoming opponent, saying Foley was the blueprint for what Darby Allin is today — which he said made him dislike Foley even more.

“I think Mick Foley is fat and he’s ugly,” MJF responded when asked what he thinks about the Foley-AEW speculation. “I think he was the blueprint of what Darby Allin is now, which makes me hate him even more. That’s what I think of Mick Foley.”

MJF faces Allin in the main event of Double or Nothing at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens this Sunday. It is a hair vs. title match, with MJF having agreed to put his hair on the line in exchange for a rematch against Allin’s AEW World Championship.

mjf
Credit: AEW

The Takedown on SI reported last week that AEW has expressed “real” interest in working with Foley, with Double or Nothing potentially serving as a landing spot, given the event takes place near where Foley grew up on Long Island. Whether any appearance would be a one-time deal or the start of a longer arrangement has not been determined.

Foley and MJF have a history of mutual interest in working together. When Foley was considering coming out of retirement for one final match, Dave Meltzer reported that MJF was the opponent he had in mind. That plan was shelved after Foley suffered a concussion in training in 2024. Any AEW involvement would likely involve limited or no in-ring physicality.

Foley’s WWE Legends deal is set to expire in June. He announced plans to let it lapse after taking issue with WWE’s relationship with the current administration. WWE Legends contracts restrict royalties, merchandising, and the use of likeness but do not outright prevent outside appearances — Rob Van Dam previously worked AEW matches while under a similar deal. Foley has already made recent appearances for OVW and GCW ahead of any formal free agency.

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Game 1’s collapse isn’t on James Harden

May 19, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter of game one of the eastern conference finals during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

That was a soul-sucking loss for the Cleveland Cavaliers. To go from a 22-point lead with roughly seven minutes left in the fourth quarter to an overtime loss is beyond demoralizing. Those who chose to engage in the toxic social media spaces had all of their darkest thoughts validated in a maddening echo chamber.

Count me among those who went to bed depressed and wondering where it all went wrong.

Spoiler: it went wrong in a lot of areas during those final seven minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime.

One of the common themes in the doomsday discourse centered around James Harden. It feels like the Cavaliers community operates in absolutes when it comes to Harden; either the Cavaliers were geniuses for bringing him in, or he needs to be launched out of a cannon into the surface of the sun.

But Harden in Game 1 was the victim of the true culprit behind Cleveland’s collapse: Kenny Atkinson.

Atkinson saw what every viewer saw, or at least he should’ve. The New York Knicks identified Harden as the weak point defensively and spammed the same action repeatedly, high screen-and-rolls designed to force Harden onto an island against one of the league’s most methodical isolation scorers in Jalen Brunson.

The result was predictable.

Brunson scored 13 of his 38 points during the final seven minutes. Because Harden was on the receiving end of much of that scoring run, many fans immediately threw his name into the conversation about why the Cavaliers blew the game.

But Harden became the scapegoat for a disaster-class coaching performance from Atkinson in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks closed the game on a staggering 44-11 run. During that collapse, Atkinson held onto his timeouts while watching a 22-point lead shrink to five with three minutes remaining.

There were no noticeable defensive adjustments for far too long. The Cavaliers continued allowing Harden to get dragged into the same matchup over and over again, turning him into the basketball version of a “barbecue chicken” alert. It also took far too long for Cleveland to start trapping Brunson and forcing the ball out of his hands.

And by the time the Cavaliers finally adjusted, the Knicks were already one step ahead. Mike Brown countered by replacing Josh Hart, who had struggled from three, with Landry Shamet to improve spacing and punish the extra help defense.

Meanwhile, Atkinson; who had spent the first three quarters adjusting effectively on both ends of the floor, suddenly looked like a deer in headlights.

After the game, Atkinson’s explanation only added to the frustration. Instead of fully owning the collapse, phrases like “unlucky” were tossed around while avoiding accountability for timeout management and the lack of decisive adjustments that may have helped stabilize the game.

It’s not Harden’s fault that he was repeatedly left isolated defensively possession after possession. At some point, a coach has to recognize what is happening and react.

Atkinson didn’t.

He didn’t make substitutions. He didn’t implement meaningful defensive changes. He didn’t even call a timeout to regroup while the game spiraled out of control.

Fans blamed what they saw on the screen: Harden getting hunted.

They should be blaming what they didn’t see: Kenny Atkinson responding with decisive coaching action.

Giants’ Super Bowl champ details his near-death experience: ‘I was in a coma’

Former Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora had to be resuscitated after emergency surgery left him in a coma — and doctors told his family they didn’t know if he would survive.

Appearing on the “NFL Players: Second Acts” podcast, Umenyiora explained his medical issues began because of scar tissue buildup from an appendectomy performed in Nigeria, his home country, when he was younger. The scar tissue had become intertwined with his intestine.

His condition took a turn an hour after a television appearance in London when Umenyiora said he began to feel ill when he returned home.

“I was just delirious,” said Umenyiora, who won two Super Bowls with the Giants. “I was in complete shock. I was throwing up everywhere. It was really bad. I got rushed to the hospital. In the hospital, they ran their tests and then they were like, ‘OK, we’re going to have this emergency surgery.’”

Umenyiora said he did not initially wake up after the operation.

“They opened me up and that’s when they found what was going on,” Umenyiora said. “At that point, I just blacked out. I was in a coma, I think for five days. I went through a lot of tough situations. They had to resuscitate me and everything, so it was a really tough situation. I was in the hospital for about a month, fought through all of that, came out of it, and everything is all good now.”

Umenyiora said he remembers waking up from the coma to see his family by his side. His family made the overseas trip after doctors told them they did not know if he would survive and that everything possible had been done.

The ordeal has changed Umenyiora’s perspective on life.

“Everybody thinks that you have time,” Umenyiora said. “You don’t have time. You could be sitting there on TV. We could be doing what you’re doing right now, and then within an hour, your whole life can change upside down. We don’t really, I think, understand that. We don’t appreciate that.”

“For me, it’s just about spending time with people who I love and being around them… It’s been eye-opening for me, and I’m just happy to be alive and happy to be around good people."

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Bad news for UFC fighters hoping to make a buck in Hype Brazil — nobody got paid

UFC may not pay a lot these days — but at least the checks clear.

Over at Hype Brazil, the checks haven’t even been distributed, even though the promotion’s most recent card ended more than a month ago. That’s according to a report from MMA Fighting, which indicates all 17 of the fighters it contacted — across both Hype Brazil events — have yet to be paid for their combat sports services.

Staff and celebrities hired to promote the show weren’t compensated either, according to the report. To make matters worse, Hype officials reportedly threatened to withhold money from fighters complaining on social media. I can’t imagine there will be a Hype Brazil 3 after this embarrassing (but all-too-familiar) debacle.

This is why we have athletic commissions and guaranteed purses.

It’s also discouraging for combatants who look to supplement their incomes with side hustles. So far everything has been on the level at RAC, where UFC stars of past and present often compete, but anytime a fighter participates in these pop-up promotions they run the risk of not getting paid.

Get the money up front or walk.

Devils Fan Defying the Odds in NHL Bracket Challenge

Devils Fan Defying the Odds in NHL Bracket Challenge
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the New Jersey Devils are watching the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs from home, one of their most passionate supporters still has something to play for.

Josh Langer, a Devils season-ticket holder and the voice behind one of the biggest Devils fan accounts on Instagram, @devils.fanpage, sits second place overall out of more than 616,000 entries in the NHL’s official ‘Bracket Challenge’.

He’s correctly guessed the outcome of all 12 playoff series’ so far — and nailed the exact number of games for every series except three. 

The odds of doing that well to this point? Approximately one in 200,000.

UPDATE!! A PERFECT BRACKET NOW THROUGH TWO ROUNDS!!

I’m now ranked 2ND IN THE WORLD out of 616,147 in the NHL’s bracket challenge

Oh my 🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/srUltFqhBjpic.twitter.com/Bvz5L1GIAt

— Josh (@joshlangerr) May 19, 2026

All that’s left to complete perfection is the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes meeting in the Stanley Cup Finals, with the Avs winning it all. Per NHL.com, both of those teams are the “overwhelming favorites” to advance in their respective series’.

The first-place bracket, belonging to user “Galastorn”, has predicted the same finals outcome. But the total number of finals goals scored could become a potential tiebreaker; Langer predicted 35, while Galastorn says 33.

If Langer is able to jump the first place bracket and win it all, he’ll win an all expenses paid trip to any NHL event plus a Limited Edition watch from Norqain worth over $10,000. Not bad.

Even if he’s unable to, he’ll still have a boatload of prizes to look forward to from the individual groups he’s entered, which Langer says he’s, “all but guaranteed to win at this rate.”

It took him only five minutes to make the bracket.

“I’m a big enough hockey fan and follow enough regular season action to just make my picks off the dome when looking at the bracket for the first time,” Langer explained. “And from there I think I have a good chance right off the bat.”

One call he’s especially proud of? Picking the Anaheim Ducks to upset the Edmonton Oilers in the first round:

“It feels like Edmonton’s window is slowly closing without proper goaltending, meanwhile Anaheim’s is opening with the young star talent,” he said. “The only way I would have went differently was based off playoff experience, but I went with Anaheim anyways.”

Many of his 51,600+ followers on Instagram have rallied behind his push for first place.

“The way the internet is these days, you’d probably expect some trash talk with anything I post,” he laughed, “but I’m not sure I’ve seen much, if any, of that floating around under my bracket success posts. It’s been mainly fun, positive words and most importantly shock.”

The Devils’ two most recent playoff eliminations have come at the hands of the Hurricanes. Naturally, that’s been eating at him. 

“I’ve been a Devils fan since birth,” Josh told me. “I was 8 days old when they won their third title in 2003, so I was instantly born into it from my dad and it’s been in my life forever.”

Nonetheless, the Hurricanes’ success against Jersey’s team hasn’t stopped him from being objective when it counts. In fact, he says the opposite is true.

“My Devils fandom is put aside when filling out a bracket. All biases are aside and I choose my picks based off how that team performed in my mind that season … choosing Carolina to go all the way to the finals this year, I wouldn’t be doing that if my Devils fandom got in the way.”

Langer has filled out an NHL bracket every year since around 2018 or 2019 — it’s a tradition he, his family, and his friends look forward to, much like many people during March Madness.

Of course, as a Devils fan, watching the Eastern Conference Finals will be a little strange for him.

“I won’t be rooting for Carolina but I won’t be nearly as angry this year if they did win the ECF compared to a year where I didn’t have a perfect bracket,” he said. “If Montreal wins, great. I won’t be upset because I’d love to see them in the finals. If Carolina wins, also great, because that’s good news for my bracket.”

If it all comes together and he wins the whole challenge?

“Yeah I mean that’d be great, right?” Josh said with a big grin. 

For a guy who has been going to games since he was a kid and now runs one of the biggest Devils communities online, a national bracket title would be the ultimate silver lining following a disappointing Devils season. 

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NFL Expert Floats Wild Reason Why Aaron Rodgers Waited Until Now to Re-Sign With Steelers

NFL Expert Floats Wild Reason Why Aaron Rodgers Waited Until Now to Re-Sign With Steelers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

One notable NFL expert believes there was a very specific reason why Aaron Rodgers waited until this week to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it wasn’t about haggling over money.

After a few months of speculation and rumors, the inevitable happened, and NFL legend Aaron Rodgers put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the Steelers. Most around the league expected him to return to Pittsburgh for a second season. Especially since the team didn’t give him much of a choice.

When the Steelers used the unrestricted free agent tender on the 42-year-old, it severely limited his options to sign elsewhere because Pittsburgh would land compensatory draft picks if he joined another team. So why did it take until May for Rodgers to finally sign a contract?

Aaron Rodgers wanted to see the Steelers schedule first before re-signing?

aaron rodgers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Some have speculated that he still wasn’t sure if he would play one more season. Others have suggested he wasn’t totally sold on a reunion with his former Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy. However, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has a different idea: Rodgers wanted to get a look at the Steelers 2026 schedule first.

Florio suggests that he waited until after May 14, when schedules were released, to spite the NFL, because if they knew he would be back in 2026, they would place more Steelers games in primetime during the first half of the season. And the four-time NFL MVP would have no interest in helping the league out. But maybe he just wanted to see how difficult the road to the playoffs might be?

While Pittsburgh doesn’t have an easy schedule next season, it is not among the five to six worst. Knowing that they don’t have a killer schedule might have given Rodgers the final confirmation he needed to return for another season and run for the playoffs in 2026. Because in the end, he only wants another year in the league for more wins and glory.

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Phoenix Suns, Mercury extend local broadcast deal with Gray Media

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker
Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns, the first NBA team to make the leap from traditional regional sports networks to over-the-air broadcast television in 2023, will remain on local Gray Media affiliates in Arizona until the end of the decade.

The Suns, and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, have reached a four-year extension to keep local broadcasts on Gray Media stations across Arizona, according to a report by Tom Friend in Sports Business Journal. The move marks the first time an NBA team has reached a long-term renewal with an over-the-air broadcaster after previously leaving a cable-based regional sports network, and comes at an inflection point for 12 other NBA currently deciding where to place local broadcasts for the 2026-27 season.

Those 12 teams, all formerly under contract with the now-defunct Main Street Sports Group, owner of the FanDuel Sports Networks, are largely deciding between two paths: an over-the-air arrangement supplemented by a direct-to-consumer streaming service like the Suns, or partnering with a company like DAZN to make streaming the primary method of distribution for local broadcasts.

One former Main Street team, the Detroit Pistons, has already chosen to go the over-the-air route through a deal with Scripps. The 12 remaining teams could view the Suns’ renewal with Gray as an endorsement that the over-the-air model is working.

That said, even the Suns, which, thanks to the increased reach of over-the-air broadcasts finished behind only the Celtics, Warriors, and Knicks this season in terms of impressions, per SBJ, haven’t fully recouped their previous media rights fee of $36 million per year. However, SBJ reports the Suns are “closer” to recouping previous levels of local media revenue than other teams that have made the jump from traditional regional sports networks to over-the-air broadcasters.

The Suns’ extension will, barring any opt-out options, take them out of the running for inclusion in a potential centralized local broadcast platform, which the NBA hopes to launch in time for the 2027-28 season. The team’s willingness to strike a deal beyond that time frame signals confidence in the over-the-air model. Other teams currently in the market for new local broadcast deals are reportedly requesting exit options following the 2026-27 season in order to potentially join the NBA’s forthcoming local broadcast hub.

The post Phoenix Suns, Mercury extend local broadcast deal with Gray Media appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Is Joe Burrow a threat to be Madden cover athlete?

Are we sleeping on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as a Madden cover star ahead of Madden NFL 27 this year?

It certainly feels like Burrow is a strong candidate. He’s one of the faces of the league. When interest was zilch around the Pro Bowl, he suddenly showed up late in the process for the game. He repped the sport during a major flag football tournament recently, too. 

Alas, NFL.com's Bobby Kownack listed his five favorites for the cover this year and came up with these names: 

  • Bijan Robinson
  • Kenneth Walker
  • Myles Garrett
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba
  • Matthew Stafford

Back in 2024, teases for that year’s game seemed to hint Burrow was the cover star. No dice. 

Knowing Burrow, he probably wouldn’t decline if offered. It would do the Bengals’ brand some good, too: It’s already booming after the NFL gave Burrow’s team an international game in a key market growth area

Maybe a Madden cover is next.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Is Joe Burrow a threat to be Madden cover athlete?

Chris Weidman: Conor McGregor faces 'big uphill battle' at UFC 329

Chris Weidman expected the betting odds to have been even wider for Conor McGregor's return to the UFC.

McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) draws former UFC and BMF champion Max Holloway (27-9 MMA, 23-9 UFC) in a five-round welterweight bout at UFC 329 on July 11 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (Paramount+).

McGregor, who hasn't competed since breaking his leg in July 2021, is a big underdog against Holloway.

"What are the odds on that fight? 3-1? I'm thinking like 6-1," Weidman said on UFC on Paramount+. "Max is so active. Obviously he lost to (Charles) Oliveira in his last fight, but before that, he's been looking great. And he's not going to have to worry about the wrestling and jiu-jitsu obviously of Conor McGregor, and Max just gets better as the fight goes on. Conor slows down to begin with, and now this is five years off. It's just a big uphill battle."

Weidman pointed to McGregor's prior tendency of slowing down in fights and sees him struggling with that even more after not having fought in five years.

"The only chance Conor really has is to knock out Max, probably in the first or second round," Weidman said. "He's also going against one of the biggest volume punchers we've ever seen, so he's not coming back in against a guy who kind of has an easy pace to deal with."

Former UFC middleweight champion Weidman can relate to McGregor's injury. Like McGregor, Weidman snapped his leg during a UFC fight, which resulted in surgery and a long layoff.

"I would say if anybody could do it, come back from a crazy layoff, come back from a traumatic leg break, all the ups and downs outside the UFC with, like, getting in trouble, lawsuits and stuff, it's him," Weidman said of McGregor. "I think that's why people love him. He's got such a confidence about himself.

"He talks things into existence, and then people are inspired by that because people want to be confident in themselves so they try to draw inspiration from Conor. So, if anybody can have the right mindset coming back from a late layoff, it would be Conor."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC legend details 'only chance' for McGregor to beat Holloway

Mitch Marner emerges as Golden Knights’ X-factor vs. Avalanche

The Vegas Golden Knights know exactly what this NHL Western Conference Final demands. Against the high-speed attack of the Colorado Avalanche, talent alone will not be enough. That is why all eyes have shifted toward Mitch Marner.

Speaking on Spittin’ Chiclets, former NHL winger T. J. Oshie made it clear how important Marner has become to Vegas’ playoff hopes.

“I think they’re trending exactly how they should be,” Oshie said. “I think they needed Mitch Marner to play like this in order to really get the job done. They’re not quite as fast as some of the other teams. I think they can play fast, which is different than straight speed, but I think they’re gonna need Mitch Marner. They’re gonna need him to be a superstar against Colorado.”

MORE: Mitch Marner continues MVP-level run as Golden Knights knock out Ducks

That assessment matches what has unfolded this postseason. Marner has completely changed the narrative surrounding his playoff reputation since arriving from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Through two rounds, he leads all playoff scorers with 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 12 games while driving Vegas offensively in every situation.

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) during the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) during the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

More importantly, Marner fits exactly what coach John Tortorella wants structurally. Vegas is not built like Colorado. The Avalanche overwhelm opponents with pace, transition pressure, and relentless puck movement led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar (will not play in Game 1).

Vegas plays differently. They rely on layered defensive structure, physical puck battles, and forcing turnovers into controlled counterattacks. Marner’s two-way game has become the bridge connecting those styles. His ability to create offense without sacrificing defensive responsibility gives Vegas a player capable of surviving Colorado’s speed game.

MORE: Golden Knights find relief amid Oilers, Kings’ pursuit of Bruce Cassidy

One major concern for the Vegas Golden Knights

Oshie also pointed toward another major factor: health. That pressure falls heavily on captain Mark Stone, whose defensive instincts remain central to Vegas’ identity.

“They’re gonna need to be healthy,” Oshie said. “I don’t know where Stone’s at, how he’s feeling overall. You have to be healthy against Colorado. I think Minnesota’s had a phenomenal roster. They had Ek out and Brodin out, and you can’t do it.”

Colorado enters as the favorite for good reason. The Avalanche are 8-1 this postseason and continue rolling four dangerous lines. Still, Vegas believes this version of Marner gives them something they lacked in previous playoff runs: a dynamic offensive creator capable of matching elite teams shift for shift.

“My gut tells me that Colorado is the heavy favorite the rest of the playoffs, remaining four, but if Mitch Marner plays how we saw him there in that last series, Colorado showed that they can get scored on,” Oshie said. “Minnesota was scoring goals on them at certain times, but they’re gonna need Stone healthy.

“And he’s gonna need some big goals, some of those big turnovers that he creates into odd-man rushes, those power play goals around the net. So, I think a lot is going to rely on that.”

Still. Marner is the player who could change the ceiling of the series.

Against Colorado, that may be the difference between competing and surviving.

Writer proposes non-Austin Reaves trade that would transform Lakers

When it comes to upgrading their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers may not have a lot of options in free agency. A lot of the best outside free agents this offseason will be restricted free agents, and since the Lakers have their own free agents they will want to keep, they may not be able to make big enough offers for those outside players.

That means Los Angeles may have to turn to the trade market to improve its roster. Unless it considers moving Austin Reaves, it may be out of luck as far as making a needle-moving trade. But Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report proposed a trade that could take L.A. to the next level and wouldn't involve Reaves.

"The Los Angeles Lakers receive: Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Yves Missi.

"The New Orleans Pelicans receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht, 2026 No. 25, 2031 first-rounder, 2033 first-rounder

"The two teams could agree to a deal before the draft, eventually executed on July 6 after the moratorium. Both teams lock in first-apron hard caps at $200.5 million. That's less of an issue for the Pelicans, who avoid luxury taxes. Los Angeles faces more of a challenge to flesh out the rest of its roster, using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to absorb Jones' salary.

"... In this scenario, Los Angeles gets a talented, young scoring forward in Murphy, a strong perimeter defender in Jones (who, outside of one strong season, is an inconsistent shooter) and a young center to develop in Missi.

"The Pelicans get two interesting prospects in Thiero and Knecht, three firsts, and a couple of veterans on relatively short contracts."

The Lakers will only have two future first-round draft picks available to trade this offseason, but in this trade, they would be receiving three very serviceable young players, all of whom can contribute in multiple areas.

Murphy would instantly replace Reaves as their No. 2 or No. 3 scoring option, depending on what happens with LeBron James. The 6-foot-8, 25-year-old is the type of athletic two-way wing the Lakers badly need, and he averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals a game this season.

Jones, who is 6-foot-7, would give L.A. another plus defender at the wing position. Missi is an interesting 22-year-old prospect, as he has shown the potential to rebound and block shots in his two NBA seasons. He stands 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, and he registered 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes a game this season, and he is the type of lob threat Luka Doncic loves to play with.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Writer proposes non-Austin Reaves trade that would transform Lakers

Valve Counters NY Loot Box Lawsuit With Official Motion To Dismiss

20 May 2026 at 22:04
In February, we reported on Valve's latest legal troubles: A lawsuit brought forward by the New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, who claims that the loot box and community market systems in games like Counter-Strike amount to "quintessential gambling," and expose children and adolescents to potential gambling addiction later in life. Valve later issued a public statement dismissing the contents of the lawsuit and arguing that loot boxes are no different from physical blind-box goods, like trading cards and Labubus. Loot boxes have been controversial in gaming for almost as long as they've been around, and this lawsuit has sparked discussions about how they could be inherently predatory, but ultimately, it seems as though Valve's argument centers around the letter of the law as much as the practical applications. According to a recent filing in the New York Supreme Court, Valve is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit based on a version of the same argument presented in the aforementioned statement and interpretation of what constitutes gambling.

Valve's motion to dismiss argues that mystery boxes are not classified as gambling under New York constitutional or statutory law, arguing that "The New York Court of Appeals has interpreted "gambling" under section 9 of the New York Constitution to prohibit 'the risking of money or something of value on games of chance, as well as bets and wagers by nonparticipants on competitions of skill.'" and that "Valve's offering of mystery boxes does not 'promote gambling' under any plausible reading of these provisions because player does not 'stake or risk' anything when purchasing a mystery box, a skin is not 'something of value,' and there is no wager 'agreement' between a player and Valve." The argument also postulates that skins do not qualify as "something of value" by the verbiage of New York's gambling law, arguing that "mystery boxes are not things of value because a 'virtual in-game item or feature designed or perceived to enhance gameplay' 'can only be used within the games themselves,'" and that "a skin is not money or property."

(PR) ICANN Announces Next Major Internet Security Update

20 May 2026 at 21:35
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today announced that it is planning to change the trust anchor for the Domain Name System (DNS) on 11 October 2026. This change, known as a rollover, is an important step in maintaining the long-term security, stability, and resiliency of the DNS.

The trust anchor is formally known as the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) root zone Key Signing Key (KSK). The KSK is the cryptographic key at the core of the DNSSEC trust anchor and is used to verify that DNS responses are legitimate and have not been modified in transit. DNSSEC helps ensure that Internet users receive authentic DNS data when accessing websites and online services. The rollover process replaces the current KSK with a new one, to maintain strong cryptographic security protections across the global DNS.

Epomaker Teases Hack70 Ortholinear Mechanical Keyboard

20 May 2026 at 21:08
Hot on the heels of the launch of the Epomaker HE 75 V2 and F108 Pro V2 keyboards, the keyboard maker has shown off the Hack70 as an upcoming mechanical keyboard, offering a larger version of the ortholinear layout that featured in keyboards like the Luma40. The Hack70 has yet to be officially announced, but the keyboard has been teased in a number of social media posts and a recent unboxing livestream to the brand's YouTube channel. The Hack70 has not yet been announced, but the only other keyboard in the Hack line-up is the HHKB-style Hack59, which comes in at $69.99 on Epomaker's online store, so pricing may be somewhat similar for the Hack70. What few details can be gleaned from the aforementioned livestream suggest that, although it is a niche product, it will likely be on the more affordable side and appeal to those who want to dip their toes into ortholinear keyboards without diving into hyper-niche DIY builds or in-depth customization.

The Hack70 will have tri-mode connectivity, meaning USB-C wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz, and it will have a plastic case with two-stage flip-out feet and a polycarbonate gasket mounted plate, judging by the included sound test. In case you're unfamiliar, an ortholinear layout—where the keys are aligned in a perfect grid, unlike the traditional row-stagger—supposedly eliminates diagonal finger movements, potentially reducing finger strain and increasing typing efficiency—although the latter is hotly debated. Similarly to the Keychron Q15 Max, the Hack70 veers away from traditional ortholinear keyboards by including more conventional 2.25u and 2.75u split spaces. The Hack70 will also be hot-swap compatible with 3- and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, with Epomaker Creamy Jade switches installed by default, by the looks of things, and it will have per-key RGB backlighting, although it will lack the shine-through keycaps of the Luma40. The Hack70's keycaps, which look to be dye-sublimated PBT, will be uniform height, using the XDA profile, thereby giving users the flexibility to test out different layouts or create a macro pad by moving keycaps around freely. The presenter in the unboxing livestream comments that there will be a .JSON file on the product page, suggesting that the Hack70 will be programmable in VIA.

Trump Mobile’s Garish Afterthought – The T1 Phone – Is Leaking The Personal Information Of Its 30,000 Or So Users

20 May 2026 at 21:16

A gold-trimmed smartphone with 'TRUMP MOBILE' displayed on its blue screen stands next to a matching box.

Trump Mobile's T1 Phone has just started shipping after a months-long delay and a litany of missed deadlines. Yet, it is apparently not done courting controversies, with the latest tidbit pointing to the smartphone's troubling proclivity for leaking the personal information of its users, adding to the brouhaha around its generous dose of vaporware. The $499 T1 Phone from Trump Mobile comes with a pre-installed Truth Social app and a sieve-like approach to data privacy When Trump Mobile first touted the T1 Phone as "made in America," perhaps the company was being inordinately honest. After all, the T1 Phone seems […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/trump-mobiles-garish-afterthought-the-t1-phone-is-leaking-the-personal-information-of-its-30000-or-so-users/

Subnautica 2 Reportedly Brought in an Estimated $100M With Over 4M Copies Sold in Less Than a Week

20 May 2026 at 21:06

A scene from the game 'Subnautica 2' shows multiple divers exploring an underwater coral landscape.

If 2025 was a year defined by hit indie games, then 2026 is, at least so far, proving to be defined by hit early access titles. Slay the Spire 2 kicked things off, followed by Windrose, and now it's Subnautica 2 picking up the torch and running straight into the ocean with it. According to a new report from Alinea Analytics, after Unknown Worlds' passed the two million sales mark in less than a day, its early access sequel went on to pass 4 million copies sold less than a week after launch, bringing in $100 million in revenue. Its […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/subnautica-2-reportedly-brought-in-an-estimated-100m-with-over-4m-copies-sold-in-less-than-a-week/

Memory makers brace for hydrogen fluoride pricing shock as Hormuz blockade impacts supply chain — key etching and cleaning material faces sharp cost increase amid trade disruption

20 May 2026 at 21:07
Rising production costs for key chip etching and cleaning material, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, could lead to further price rises for consumers on memory and storage products, even as salvation lies in the latter months of the year.

Maverick Project Scheduler – Plan projects with AI Gantt charts, resource leveling, and collaboration


Maverick Project Scheduler is an AI-powered project management platform that combines Gantt charts, resource allocation, task tracking, and team collaboration in the cloud. Describe your project in natural language, and it builds schedules, assigns resources, and balances workloads automatically. Teams use interactive drag-and-drop timelines, a detailed task grid, reporting and analytics, and centralized communication to deliver faster from any device with U.S.-based support.

View startup

Air New Zealand restarts three non-stop routes from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo (Narita) and Perth

20 May 2026 at 21:41
Air New Zealand wide-body aircraft taxiing on the runway at an international airport under clear skiesLaunching from late October, the new services mark a significant expansion of international flying from Christchurch, enabled by Air New Zealand’s 787 aircraft returning to service after being grounded due to global engine maintenance issues, and new 787 aircraft entering the fleet. The first Christchurch-Singapore service will depart on 28 October, […]

Mexico Rejects Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Destination

Mexican authorities have rejected Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project, citing environmental concerns about damage to the Mesoamerican Reef and coastal ecosystems. “It is not going to be approved,” said Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena at a May 19 press conference, according to Reuters. “The company is also taking steps to withdraw the project.” The decision...

3 More Samsung Galaxy phones get May 2026 security update

20 May 2026 at 20:48

Samsung has started rolling out the May 2026 security update for the Galaxy A26, Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, and Galaxy XCover 6 Pro. The latest update improves device security and system stability. It also prepares these phones for the upcoming One UI 8.5 update.

The Galaxy A26 is receiving the update with firmware version BZE5 in Europe. The update size is around 290MB. For rugged smartphones, the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro gets build version G766BXXS7BZE2, while the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro receives G736BXXSCGZE2 with the latest update.

Samsung is currently rolling out the update in selected regions. The Galaxy A26 update is available in Europe, while the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and XCover 6 Pro are getting the update in Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. More countries are expected to receive the update in the coming days.

May 2026 security patch fixes several security issues found in Android OS, One UI, and Samsung apps. It fixes 39 vulnerabilities to provide a better Galaxy experience with improved security and performance.

Users can manually check for the update by following a few easy steps. You just need to open Settings >> Software update >> Download and install. Make sure your device has enough battery and a stable internet connection before downloading the update. Install the update now to make your device ready for the One UI 8.5 update.

The post 3 More Samsung Galaxy phones get May 2026 security update appeared first on Sammy Fans.

70mai launches new bank card-sized 4K dash cam with built-in screen and GPS

70mai has launched the new 4K A810 Lite dash cam in the global market with a bank card-sized form factor. The dash cam features 4K recording, night vision, a 24H parking mode, 4G LTE remote monitoring, 3-mode GPS, and a built-in 3-mode GPS. Plus, it supports voice control for hands-free operation.

Lenovo releases new lightweight ThinkPad with AMD Zen 5 and Intel Panther Lake processors

Lenovo has released a new 13-inch ThinkPad internationally. Available with AMD Gorgon Point and Intel Panther Lake processors, the ThinkPad X13 Gen 7 is particularly lightweight at 930 g. Still, the new ThinkPad X13 can be configured with cellular connectivity and up to 32 GB of RAM.

Lenovo releases new 14-inch ThinkPad internationally with global launch coming soon

Lenovo has released a new 14-inch ThinkPad featuring Intel Panther Lake processors. Currently available in selected markets, early retailer listings indicate that the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 will be receiving a global release soon with an optional 120 Hz display, 32 GB of RAM and a 64 Wh battery.

ChatGPT-OpenAI phone specs, release date leak: 2nm MediaTek SoC, LPDDR6 RAM, UFS 5.0 storage, more

OpenAI is developing an "AI" smartphone featuring a custom MediaTek SoC, designed to replace traditional app-based interfaces with AI agents. According to the latest info, mass production is now targeted for early 2027 to capture the premium AI device market.

Lenovo releases new Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB gaming laptop globally with 165 Hz OLED display

Lenovo has now started selling the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB gaming laptop globally. Also available with new Intel Arrow Lake HX processors, the Legion 5i 15IAX11 features an 80 Wh battery and a 1,100-nit OLED display while retaining user-upgradeable RAM, storage and a swappable Wi-Fi card.

Two-Sided Use: Philips Unveils Business Monitor With Dual Displays for Customer Service and Co-Working

For reception areas, banks, healthcare facilities, service counters and open-plan offices: Philips has introduced a business monitor that can be viewed from both sides. Thanks to two integrated displays in a single screen, employees can directly present information to customers sitting on the opposite side of the monitor.

PS5 console sales drop 30% in April after price increase, while Switch 2 dominates

Gamers may have begun to shy away from the now more expensive PS5. U.S. April data highlights a 30% decline in PlayStation console sales compared to the previous year. Before the impending Switch 2 price increase, Nintendo’s handheld extended its lead over the competition.

AT&T will introduce a new fee for prepaid customers in June

20 May 2026 at 20:47

If you are an AT&T customer using a prepaid plan, you need to know this – the carrier is introducing an “AT&T Administrative & Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee” to the tune of $2.63 per service payment. This change will come into effect on June 22 of this year. You can follow the Source link below to see a detailed explanation of what this fee is supposed to cover. AT&T’s postpaid accounts already had an Administrative & Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee, which is $3.99 per line per month, so the prepaid plans are cheaper. That postpaid fee was $3.49 per line until December of last year, by the...

Bernardo Silva and Dusan Vlahovic reportedly dropped from Barcelona as free-agent reinforcements

20 May 2026 at 21:21
Heading into the 2026-27 season, Bernardo Silva and Dušan Vlahović have been offered to FC Barcelona as potential free-agent reinforcements. However, the Spanish side have reportedly rejected both players in order to focus on other priority transfer targets.

Barcelona managed to crown as champions of the 2025-26 LaLiga, showcasing a strong attacking style under Hansi Flick. However, the Blaugranas are still looking to reinforce their roster in search of greater competitiveness in the UEFA Champions League. In this context, Bernardo Silva and Dušan Vlahović were offered as world-class free-agent reinforcements. Even so, the Blaugranas have reportedly rejected the arrival of both players.

According to Sique Rodríguez via Cadena SER, both Dušan Vlahović and Bernardo Silva have been offered to FC Barcelona through their representatives. Although both players would arrive as free agents, the Blaugranas have reportedly decided to reject the offers for now, as they remain focused on signing a world-class striker and a winger — profiles that neither player currently fully satisfies.

Despite having shined at Manchester City, Bernardo Silva is not a player currently included within Barcelona plans. With numerous players already occupying the midfield, the front office reportedly do not consider the Portuguese star to be an option worth prioritizing. However, Dušan Vlahović could still have chances of joining Hansi Flick’s team, although only if the club fail to secure their primary targets, making him more of a secondary alternative.

After their major goalscoring problems and the departure of Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona seem determined to prioritize the signing of a striker. While Julián Álvarez was the club’s priority option, PSG now reportedly appear to lead the race for his signing. Because of this, João Pedro has emerged as Barcelona’s main target in the transfer market. For that reason, the possible arrival of Dušan Vlahović now appears more difficult than initially expected.

Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Dani Olmo, Alejandro Balde and Raphinha of FC Barcelona.

Report: Bernardo Silva emerges as a top target for Atlético Madrid

Bernardo Silva has remained one of the most important players for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. After several years with the Citizens, the Portuguese star has reportedly decided to leave as a free agent, with his main objective being a move to LaLiga, as per several reports. After Barcelona’s rejection, the 31-year-old midfielder has supposedly become Atlético de Madrid’s main target, while Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC also remain attentive to his future.

According to David G. Medina and Isaac Suárez via MARCA, Bernardo Silva has become Atlético de Madrid’s main target in the transfer market. After the departure of Antoine Griezmann, the Portuguese star is viewed as the ideal player to replace him within the squad, as his versatility and impressive trophy cabinet make him a high-impact option. However, Real Madrid and Juventus are also monitoring his future closely, potentially entering the race for his signing.

Bernardo Silva of Manchester City and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo faces nervous wait as Al-Nassr receives crucial injury update on Kingsley Coman and two other players ahead of Saudi Pro League title dream vs Damac

20 May 2026 at 20:46
The Saudi Pro League championship is up for grabs as Al-Nassr prepares for its crucial match against Damac, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman are likely to be the stars of the show.

The Saudi Pro League championship is up for grabs as Al-Nassr prepares for its crucial match against Damac, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman are likely to be the stars of the show. The Riyadh club enters the final round under enormous pressure, knowing that one strong performance at Al-Awwal Park could finally deliver the championship after months of relentless competition.

The atmosphere around the club has intensified even further following recent uncertainty surrounding several important first-team players. Jorge Jesus and his coaching staff spent the last few days anxiously monitoring the physical condition of multiple stars before making final decisions ahead of Thursday’s title showdown.

Al-Nassr supporters are expected to fill the stadium completely as anticipation continues to grow across Saudi Arabia. With Ronaldo leading the attack and the club sitting on top of the table with 83 points, the match has quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the entire season.

The timing of the encounter has only increased the tension surrounding the squad. Al-Nassr arrives after suffering a painful 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, a result that denied the club continental glory and placed even greater importance on securing the domestic title.

jesus al-nassr
Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr, looks on after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka

Al-Nassr faces massive pressure

The equation for Al-Nassr remains straightforward heading into the final weekend. A victory against Damac would officially crown the club Saudi Pro League champion without relying on any other result.

That reality has transformed preparations into an intense balancing act between tactical work and injury management. The club has spent the week carefully assessing the condition of several players who missed recent matches because of muscle problems and fitness concerns.

Earlier reports indicated that Kingsley Coman, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Angelo Gabriel were all undergoing specialized rehabilitation programs before training sessions. The group reportedly completed electrical therapy and stretching exercises as the medical department attempted to accelerate their recovery ahead of the decisive encounter.

Kingsley Coman of team Al-Nassr FC during a game.
Kingsley Coman of team Al-Nassr FC during a game.

The final decisions depended on whether the players could train pain-free alongside the rest of the squad. Jorge Jesus reportedly wanted every available option ready before selecting his starting lineup for the season-defining match.

Crucial injury update arrives with Brozovic still in doubt

Al-Nassr then received a major boost during the latest training session. According to reports from Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Kingsley Coman all returned to full group training ahead of the clash with Damac. The trio reportedly completed the entire session at the Dar Al-Nassr training center after recovering from the muscle injuries that forced them to miss the AFC Champions League Two final.

Their availability immediately strengthened optimism inside the club before the decisive league fixture. Coman’s recovery could prove especially significant for Jorge Jesus. The French winger has become an important attacking weapon during crucial moments this season, bringing pace, creativity, and experience to the frontline alongside Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.

One last battle remains ⏳💛 pic.twitter.com/X40JbHZeHy

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 19, 2026

Additional reports suggested that Coman had already declared himself fully fit and ready to start against Damac. Meanwhile, Al-Khaibari was said to be nearing full fitness after progressing well during the final rehabilitation phase. The return of Al-Amri also gives Al-Nassr greater defensive stability before facing a Damac side still battling to avoid relegation.

His presence could become vital in a match where every mistake may carry enormous consequences. However, while several players returned at the perfect moment, Al-Nassr also received concerning news regarding Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder is reportedly unlikely to feature against Damac because of an ongoing hamstring injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Kingsley Coman (R) of Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking sixth World Cup selection hailed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino

20 May 2026 at 20:21
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has spoken out regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he is set to break the record for the most tournament appearances in soccer history.

Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up to return to soccer’s biggest stage after manager Roberto Martinez confirmed the forward’s inclusion in Portugal’s final 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. With his presence officially locked in, Ronaldo has made history, prompting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to publicly praise the monumental achievement.

An incredible achievement by an inspirational player – it’s a record sixth successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal booked their place at the 2026 edition,” Infantino wrote on his Instagram account.

Furthermore, Infantino highlighted the historic feat that Ronaldo is poised to accomplish in North America. “Cristiano now has the chance to represent his country at six FIFA World Cups – something no men’s player has yet achieved,” he added.

However, Ronaldo might not be alone in achieving this landmark. Both Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa are also preparing for what could be their sixth World Cup campaigns, and while their official squad selections have yet to be confirmed, the probability of them featuring in North America remains incredibly high.

Ronaldo’s World Cup history

Cristiano’s journey with soccer’s most prestigious tournament began at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where, as a 21-year-old, he managed to score his first tournament goal across six appearances. In that edition, Portugal secured their second-best finish in history, placing fourth and narrowly missing out on matching the bronze medal secured at England 1966.

Four years later, he returned for the 2010 edition in South Africa, once again netting a single goal in four matches. During that tournament, Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16 after falling to eventual champions Spain.

Brazil 2014 marked Cristiano’s toughest World Cup outing to date. Despite scoring one goal, Portugal suffered a premature group-stage exit after being drawn into a difficult group alongside Germany, the United States, and Ghana.

In Russia 2018, Cristiano delivered his finest individual World Cup performance. The forward struck four times, including a sensational hat-trick against Spain in an electric 3-3 draw to open the tournament. However, collective success eluded them once again, as they were knocked out by Uruguay in the Round of 16.

In his most recent appearance at Qatar 2022, Ronaldo scored just once during the group stage and subsequently lost his place in the starting lineup during the knockout rounds. On that occasion, Portugal’s journey came to an end with a shocking quarterfinal defeat to Morocco.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

Oleksandr Usyk sums up Fabio Wardley’s performance against Daniel Dubois

20 May 2026 at 20:43

has shared his reaction to suffering a defeat to former foe in their WBO heavyweight title clash. Dubois overcame Wardley in an epic heavyweight battle at the Co-Op Live in Manchester earlier this month, recovering from two early knockdowns to claim an 11th round stoppage and become a two-time world heavyweight champion. Wardley was making […]

The post Oleksandr Usyk sums up Fabio Wardley’s performance against Daniel Dubois appeared first on Boxing News.

Microsoft Open-Sources RAMPART and Clarity to Secure AI Agents During Development

Microsoft has unveiled two new open-source tools called RAMPART and Clarity to assist developers in better testing the security of artificial intelligence (AI) agents. RAMPART, short for Risk Assessment and Measurement Platform for Agentic Red Teaming, functions as a Pytest-native safety and security testing framework for writing and running safety and security tests for AI agents, covering

Liste arttıkça arttı: Herkes Galatasaray'a hayran

Türkiye'de 4 senedir üst üste şampiyon olarak rakiplerini geride bırakan Galatasaray'a her geçen gün yeni bir futbolcu hayran oluyor.

Okan Buruk yönetimindeki Galatasaray, Süper Lig'de üst üste 4 kez şampiyon olarak bu sene 26.şampiyonluğunu ilan etti. Gerek yıldız kadrosu gerekse Süper Lig'de ve Avrupa'da gösterdiği başarılı performanslarla dikkatleri üzerine çekmeyi başaran sarı-kırmızılı kulüp son zamanlarda bir çok yıldız futbolcunun da beğenisini kazandı.

Galatasaray

The Residency, son dönemde Galatasaray'a hayranlıklarını açıklayan oyuncuları sıraladı.

İşte o liste:

Chelsea oyuncusu Chalobah: "Galatasaray’ın atmosferi çılgın görünüyor."

Arsenal oyuncusu Gabriel: "Türkiye'de sempati duyduğum takım: Galatasaray."

Barcelona oyuncusu Cancelo: "Türkiye'de Galatasaray favori takımım."

Aziz Yıldırım'dan teknik direktör açıklaması: Türk oyuncular olacak

Fenerbahçe başkan adaylarından Aziz Yıldırım açıklamalarda bulundu.

Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım seçim çalışmalarını sürdürüyor...Aziz Yıldırım teknik direktör konusuna dair açıklama yaptı.

Aziz Yıldırım'ın açıklamaları şöyle:

-Fenerbahçe’ye yeni bir olay yaratmayalım. Her iki yönetimin de (Ali Koç ve Sadettin Saran) şahsım adına ibra edilmesini tavsiye ediyorum.

-Yerli veya yabancı hoca konusunu hala tartışıyoruz. Belki önümüzdeki hafta veya kongrede açıklayacağız. Ama bilin ki arka planda Türk eski oyuncularımız olacak.

-Bu gece 2-3 sularında İstanbul'da olacağım ve o saatlerde santrfor konusu için toplantı yapacağız!

-En kolay şey para kısmı, onda rahat olun.

-Biz Samandırayı 2004’te diktik yanlış hatırlamıyorsam. Daha önce Dereağzındaydı, herkes gelip giriyordu. Sonra taşıdık oraya. Yüksek binalar yine vardı, alçak binalar da vardı. Oradan çıkıp gazeteciler izliyordu. Biz hiç rahatsız olmuyorduk. Gizli ne var? Gelip izlesinler.

Siz gerekli çalışmayı yaparsanız kazanırsınız. Sonra diyorlar bizi izlemeye geldiler ondan taktik idman yapmadık.

-Galatasaray'ın kadro değeri 350 ml €. Bizim 400 ml € seviyesine çıkarmamız lazım.

Bizim, eskiden olduğu gibi Galatasaray'ın üstüne çıkmamız lazım ki şampiyon olalım.

Verilere göre en değerli takımlar büyük oranda şampiyon oluyor. Onun için daha çok para toplayacağız. Siz de daha çok para vereceksiniz..

-Kale arkalarında 25-30 tane grup varmış. Bunları çok çabuk şekilde düzelteceğiz. Tek bir ağızdan bağırmamız gerekiyor.

Bernardo Silva'dan Galatasaray'a güzel haber: Aradan çekildi

Manchester City ile yollarını ayırmaya hazırlanan Bernardo Silva Galatasaray'ın gelecek sezon için gündemine gelmişti. Başarılı futbolcu cephesinde önemli gelişmeler yaşandı.

Üst üste 4.kez şampiyon olarak büyük bir başarıya imza atan Galatasaray rotasını gelecek sezona çevirdi. Sarı-kırmızılıların transfer listesinin başında ise Manchester City ile yollarını ayırmaya hazırlanan yıldız futbolcu Bernardo Silva var.

İspanyol basınından AS'da yer alan habere göre, Manchester City'den ayrılacak Bernardo Silva, Real Madrid ve Barcelona'ya önerildi.

Portekizli futbolcu, şu anda Real Madrid'in planları arasında yer almıyor. Teknik direktörlüğe Jose Mourinho'yu getirmeye hazırlanan Real Madrid, Bernardo Silva teklifine sıcak bakmadı. AS gazetesi, Real Madrid tarafından yaklaşık bir ay önce geri çevrilen futbolcunun Mourinho'nun takımında oynamak istediğini de iddia etti.

TFF açıkladı: İşte kupa finalinin hakemi

Türkiye Kupası'ndaki Trabzonspor-Konyaspor finalini hakem Halil Umut Meler yönetecek.

Trabzonspor ile TÜMOSAN Konyaspor arasında 22 Mayıs Cuma günü Antalya'da yapılacak Ziraat Türkiye Kupası final maçında hakem Halil Umut Meler düdük çalacak.

Halıl Umut Meler

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu Merkez Hakem Kurulundan yapılan açıklamaya göre, Corendon Airlines Park Antalya Stadı'nda saat 20.45'te başlayacak müsabakada Meler'in yardımcılıklarını İbrahim Çağlar Uyarcan ile Bersan Duran üstlenecek.

Final müsabakasının dördüncü hakemi ise Adnan Deniz Kayatepe olacak.

Xphere XP Price Rebounds Again After Massive 300% Rally

20 May 2026 at 20:18
Arthur Hayes Predicts Bitcoin at $500K, Reveals Top Altcoins to Watch in 2026

The post Xphere XP Price Rebounds Again After Massive 300% Rally appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The XP token isn’t cooling off quietly. After exploding 300% from roughly $0.019 to $0.082 on May 14 the market looked ready to dump the usual “sell-the-news” script on traders. And, honestly, it did for a moment.

Price corrected sharply toward $0.042 by May 19. But now XP price is climbing again, because crypto never really sleeps when narratives are involved.

XPHERE Pushes New PoW Narrative Hard

The initial breakout came after XPHERE unveiled its new Proof-of-Work algorithm. Not just another recycled mining pitch either. The project framed it as infrastructure built specifically for the Proof Chain itself, focused on network stability, scalable hardware compatibility, and long-term mining ecosystem growth.

That announcement alone flipped the switch on momentum. And traders noticed that fast.

Southeast Asia Event Fuels Fresh Momentum

Now the second wave of hype is tied to visibility. XPHERE announced it would serve as title sponsor for Builders x Capital Night x Block:Lounge, an official SEABW 2026 side event in Bangkok. The project’s co-founder is also scheduled to appear as a guest speaker alongside builders, VCs, and Web3 executives.

Well, to this announcement XP is already up 18% intraday and its generally witnessed that smaller-cap tokens tend to move aggressively when narrative momentum and public exposure collide.

XP Price Eyes Psychological Breakout Zone

Xphere XP Price Rebounds Again After Massive 300% Rally

From a technical perspective, the big level remains $0.082. If XP pushes through that spike high, traders will immediately start eyeing the psychological $0.100 zone and potentially a fresh all-time high.
But on the contrary, a rejection there could send XP price back toward $0.042, with $0.028 sitting lower as another support zone if momentum fades.

Why is Ozone Chain Surges In Mentions Alongside LINK & INJ, despite flat OZO prices?

20 May 2026 at 19:53
random altcoin

The post Why is Ozone Chain Surges In Mentions Alongside LINK & INJ, despite flat OZO prices? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Something weird is happening around Ozone Chain and its token OZO. While heavyweight AI and infrastructure coins like LINK, TAO, INJ, and VVV dominate crypto conversations most days, but a much smaller project with roughly a $106 million market cap suddenly climbed to the top of LunarCrush mention rankings with 895 mentions by even beating Render’s 644 mentions.

That’s not normal for a token sitting near rank 3979 by market cap on CoinMarketCap. Naturally, traders started asking why.

Why is Ozone Chain Surges In Mentions Alongside LINK & INJ, despite flat OZO prices?

Ozone Chain Pushes Quantum Security Narrative

Well, here’s the hook. Ozone Chain isn’t pitching another recycled Layer-1 story with vaporware promises and eternal testnets. The project already has its mainnet live and markets itself as a quantum-resistant Layer-1 blockchain integrating advanced quantum security technologies.

Over the past few weeks, the team kept stacking announcements. On April 29, Ozone Chain highlighted full EVM compatibility, allowing Ethereum developers to migrate smart contracts without rewriting code while promising faster transactions and lower fees.

OZO Name Launch Sparks More Attention

Then came another push on May 5 around real-world use cases. The project promoted cross-border payments, DeFi integrations, interoperable smart contracts, and quantum-resistant transaction security. And on May 15, it rolled out “OZO Name,” a Web3 identity layer replacing wallet addresses with human-readable usernames alongside a marketplace for premium identities.

Why is Ozone Chain Surges In Mentions Alongside LINK & INJ, despite flat OZO prices?

Now, here’s where things get awkward. Despite all the chatter, the OZO price chart still looks completely lifeless. The token trades near $0.13 and has mostly moved sideways since 2024.

But the reality is that the social dominance and actual adoption aren’t always the same thing. Right now, Ozone Chain has attention. Whether that attention becomes sustained usage is still an open question.

AI Coins Rally Hard As SERV, BNKR, VVV Jump

20 May 2026 at 19:06
AI Coins

The post AI Coins Rally Hard As SERV, BNKR, VVV Jump appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

AI coins are ripping again, and no, this isn’t one of those overnight “next big thing” rotations the market forgets in 48 hours. The AI narrative has been grinding higher for months now, and today’s leaderboard is packed with tokens riding that momentum hard.

OpenServ’s token, SERV, surged roughly 27% intraday after the project pushed out a fresh claim tied to Google’s newly released Gemini 3.5 Flash model. According to OpenServ, its SERV engine paired with DeepSeek v4 Flash can outperform Google’s setup at nearly one-thirtieth of the cost. Cheap, faster, “enterprise-ready” AI infrastructure? Crypto traders eat that stuff up like it’s free yield season again.

SERV Momentum Keeps Getting More Aggressive

Well, here’s the kicker. Today’s candle wasn’t built in isolation. The daily chart shows SERV has been climbing steadily since early May, with cumulative gains now approaching 350%.

AI Coins Rally Hard As SERV, BNKR, VVV Jump

Price action also reflects growing momentum around AI infrastructure narratives tied to governments, Fortune 500 firms, and high-stakes operational systems. Whether those adoption dreams materialize is another conversation entirely, but traders clearly aren’t waiting around for audited quarterly reports.

Meanwhile, the broader AI coin sector remains one of the strongest-performing corners of the market today.

BNKR Buyers Extend Early May Breakout

BankrCoin’s token BNKR also joined the rally, climbing 28% intraday and extending its already strong upward trend from earlier this month.

The move places BNKR among the top-performing AI-related assets on LunarCrush’s intraday rankings. Short-term charts show continued speculative demand flowing into lower-cap AI names as traders rotate away from slower large-cap plays.

AI Coins Rally Hard As SERV, BNKR, VVV Jump

But let’s be real momentum like this cuts both ways. These rallies tend to move vertically until they don’t.

Robinhood Listing Pushes VVV Even Higher

Then there’s Venice Token, better known as VVV, which gained another 22% after becoming available for trading on Robinhood. That listing catalyst added fresh retail visibility at a time when AI-linked crypto assets are already dominating social and trading feeds.
So, what’s next? If AI narratives continue sucking liquidity into the sector, SERV, BNKR, and VVV crypto could remain market favorites in the near term. But if momentum cools, traders chasing green candles late may quickly discover how brutal AI coin reversals can get.

Solana Price Prediction Turns Careful as SOL Drops to $85 Despite ETF Inflows, While Pepeto Crosses $10 Million Before Binance Listing

20 May 2026 at 18:25
Iggy Azalea Faces Lawsuit Over MOTHER Memecoin Claims

The post Solana Price Prediction Turns Careful as SOL Drops to $85 Despite ETF Inflows, While Pepeto Crosses $10 Million Before Binance Listing appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Solana price prediction faces new pressure as SOL fell to $85.45 during a wider crypto drop, even as spot ETFs pulled in $100 million across 11 straight positive days earlier this month. 

Any real Solana price prediction has to weigh that big money interest against a $50 billion market cap that limits how much SOL can grow from here, and Pepeto has raised more than $10 million with a Binance listing getting closer.

Solana ETFs Break Inflow Streak as the CLARITY Act Clears Committee

Solana spot ETFs logged 11 straight positive days in May, pulling in $100 million in total flows according to 24/7 Wall St

Dartmouth College disclosed a $3.3 million position in the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF on May 14, the same day the Senate Banking Committee passed the CLARITY Act 15 to 9 according to Investing News, giving tokens like SOL a clearer path to being treated as a commodity. 

The Solana price prediction now has stronger backing from big funds, but how much a $50 billion coin can still grow remains limited.

Pepeto and SOL: Presale Profits Meet Big Money Flows

Pepeto

While SOL pulls in fund money at a price that limits how high it can go, Pepeto is building a full exchange from scratch at a tiny fraction of the cost, and the cofounder who took the original Pepe coin to $11 billion with zero products leads this project alongside a former Binance expert who knows how listings work. 

PepetoSwap lets traders swap tokens with zero fees while the bridge moves money between Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana for free, so every dollar going into a position stays there instead of getting lost to trading costs, and that is why more than $10 million has come in at $0.0000001871 even while big coins fell.

cross-chain-pepeto

SolidProof checked every contract before the presale opened, and that safe base is growing through 172% APY staking that adds tokens to wallets every day while the Binance listing gets closer. Analysts say 100x to 300x profit could come from the listing because the price changes the moment trading starts and the current entry is gone for good. The Solana price prediction crowd looks at years of waiting for a 2x on SOL, while a presale could give 100x from one listing in weeks. 

Pepeto has the same 420 trillion supply that the original Pepe coin used to reach billions, this time with a working exchange behind it. The wallets buying now lock in a price that goes away the day the listing opens, and $10 million already in the presale shows that serious money is not waiting for SOL to slowly climb to $150. It is buying the entry that only exists right now.

SOL Forecast: ETF Backing Meets Price Resistance at $85.45

The Solana price prediction for 2026 leans slightly positive as SOL trades near $85.45 after falling from $90, according to CoinMarketCap

InvestingHaven sees a peak of $150 if $80 holds and SOL breaks above $100. Spot ETF money and the Firedancer upgrade help the case, and the CLARITY Act could lock in commodity status. 

On the other side, Changelly says SOL may not get past $97 this year. The all-time high of $293.31 shows how far the price still is from its peak. Getting to $150 would be about 78% from $85.45, a solid move for a big coin, but the Solana price prediction math will not turn hundreds into thousands the way buying a presale before a Binance listing can.

Conclusion

Every Solana price prediction and big coin outlook hits the same wall: the bigger the coin, the smaller the profit. SOL at $85.45 brings safety, but even a move to $150 is 78% that takes months to show up. Pepeto sits in a completely different spot, a working exchange presale at $0.0000001871 with a Binance listing ahead and no price limit set yet. 

The original Pepe coin hit $11 billion with the same 420 trillion supply and zero products, and reaching that level from today’s presale price puts 150x on the table for buyers already inside. 

More than $10 million in the presale shows where serious money is going, and the window between now and the listing is the only time this entry price exists. The Pepeto official website shows the live numbers and the 172% APY staking counter for anyone ready to act before the listing does.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs

What is the Solana price prediction for 2026?

The Solana price prediction targets $150 if $80 support holds, but SOL at $85.45 with a $50 billion market cap limits profit to about 78% even at its best.

Is Pepeto a better buy than Solana right now?

Pepeto is the stronger early entry because it raised $10 million at $0.0000001871 with a Binance listing ahead and 150x profit potential the Solana price prediction cannot match.

Why Is DASH Surging Today? Here’s What’s Driving the Price Rally

20 May 2026 at 18:01
Dash Price Rockets 66%, Can it Make it to $160?

The post Why Is DASH Surging Today? Here’s What’s Driving the Price Rally appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Dash has emerged as one of the top-performing cryptos over the past 24 hours, recording a sharp surge of 15.75%, reaching $48.77. The sudden breakout has attracted renewed trader attention toward the legacy-payment-focused crypto as speculative momentum returns across several altcoins. One of the biggest catalysts behind the rally appears to be Dash’s latest expansion efforts in Southeast Asia.  Alongside the growing regional exposure, rising speculative activity, and increasing trading volumes have further accelerated DASH’s bullish momentum. 

As the token reclaims key resistance levels, traders are now watching whether the latest rally can evolve into a broader recovery trend or face exhaustion after the sharp upside move.

Why Is DASH Price Rising?

The latest DASH price rally appears to be driven by a combination of rising speculative activity, improving market momentum, and the project’s growing visibility across Southeast Asia. One of the biggest catalysts behind the rally appears to be Dash’s latest expansion efforts in Southeast Asia after announcing its participation as a community partner at Southeast Asia Blockchain Week. The collaboration will allow Dash to participate in panel discussions, networking sessions, and community-driven activities alongside major blockchain projects and policymakers. 

The move also highlights Dash’s broader strategy to strengthen visibility around its payments-focused ecosystem while increasing awareness of innovations like DashPay. At a time when countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines continue ranking among the global leaders in retail crypto adoption, the expansion could help Dash improve ecosystem visibility, strengthen liquidity access, and reinforce its relevance in the evolving digital payments sector.

DASH Price Faces Major Resistance Near $50

The latest price action shows DASH attempting to reclaim bullish momentum after rebounding strongly from the $30 support zone over the past few months. However, DASH is now approaching a major resistance zone between $52 and $55, which has repeatedly acted as a strong supply region since late 2025. 

dash price

The recent rejection near this zone suggests sellers remain active at higher levels, while the RSI hovering near 60 indicates bullish momentum is improving but not yet overheated. Moreover, the price has risen above the 50 & 200-day MA, which could further head for a bullish crossover or the Golden Cross, if the DASH price remains elevated. 

If DASH manages to break above the $55 resistance range with strong volume confirmation, the token could open the doors for a broader recovery rally toward higher price levels. On the other hand, failure to sustain above the moving averages may trigger another short-term pullback toward the $40 support zone before the next major move develops.

What’s Next for the DASH Price Rally?

Dash’s latest rally highlights the return of speculative momentum across legacy altcoins, but the project’s growing expansion efforts in Southeast Asia are also adding fresh fundamental interest around the ecosystem. However, the token now faces a crucial resistance zone near $55, which could determine the next phase of the trend. If buying pressure and market sentiment continue improving, DASH could attempt a broader recovery rally in the coming weeks. On the other hand, weakening momentum near resistance may trigger short-term profit-taking before the next major move develops.

Nihad Məmmədov “Ginnesin Rekordlar Kitabı”na düşdü!

20 May 2026 at 21:00

Stolüstü tennis üzrə Azərbaycan milli komandasının da üzvü olan Nihad Məmmədov adını “Ginnesin Rekordlar Kitabı”na yazdırıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Azərbaycan Stolüstü Tennis Federasiyasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, bununla bağlı müvafiq qurumdan rəsmi təsdiq sənədi göndərilib.

Xatırladaq ki, Azərbaycan seçmə komandasının üzvü bu ilin aprel ayında, “Şüa İdman Kompleksi”ndə təşkil edilmiş mərasimdə, topu uzaq məsafədən oyuna daxil etməkdə qeydə alınan dünya rekordunu yeniləməyə cəhd göstərmişdi. O, Gənclər və İdman Nazirliyinin, ASTF-nin rəsmilərinin və beynəlxalq dərəcəli hakim Zaur Mikayılovun nəzarəti ilə bu hərəkəti 18,20 metr məsafədən uğurla həyata keçirmişdi.

Qeyd edək ki, sözügedən rekord (17,50 metr) son olaraq türkiyəli Osman Gürcüyə məxsus idi. Amma Nihad Məmmədov bu cəhdi ilə onun rekordunu unutdurmağı bacarıb.

İkinci Liqada yeni mükafatçılar

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Artıq başa çatmış futbol üzrə Azərbaycan İkinci Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün bütün mükafatçıları müəyyənləşib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, “Xankəndi” qızıl, “Qaradağ Lökbatan” gümüş, “Quba” bürünc medal qazanıb.

Hər üç komanda tarixində ilk dəfə mükafatçılar sırasına düşüb. Uzun fasilədən sonra 2023-cü ildə bərpa olunmuş İkinci Liqa ardıcıl 3-cü dəfə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) bayrağı altında təşkil olunub.

Baş tutmuş üç mövsüm ərzində yalnız bir komanda – “Şahdağ Qusar” iki dəfə “üçlük”də yer alıb. Əvvəlki iki mövsümdə mükafat qazanmş 5 komandanın hamısı cari çempionatda Birinci Liqada mübarizə aparır.

Mövsüm1-ci yer2-ci yer3-cü yer
2023/24Baku SportinqCəbrayılŞahdağ Qusar
2024/25Şahdağ QusarŞəfaŞimal
2025/26XankəndiQaradağ LökbatanQuba

Sumqayıtda könüllülərlə görüş

20 May 2026 at 20:48

“Sumqayıt” Futbol Klubunda 2025/2026 mövsümünün son turu öncəsi klubun könüllüləri ilə görüş təşkil olunub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionunun konfrans zalında baş tutan tədbirdə oyunların təşkili zamanı göstərdikləri aktiv fəaliyyətə görə gənclərə minnətdarlıq ifadə olunub.

Görüşdə çıxış edən klubun mətbuat katibi Zaur Xudiyev və marketinq üzrə menecer İsgəndər İsgəndərov könüllülərin ev oyunlarının təşkilindəki rolunu yüksək qiymətləndiriblər. Klub rəsmiləri gənclərin mövsüm boyu böyük enerji ilə çalışdıqlarını vurğulayaraq, qarşıda duran son turda da eyni yüksək ab-havanın qorunacağına əminliklərini bildiriblər.
Tədbirin davamında könüllülərə xüsusi sertifikatlar, mövsüm ərzində fəallığı ilə seçilən üzvlərə isə klubun xüsusi hədiyyələri təqdim edilib.

Görüşün sonunda klub rəsmiləri və könüllülər birlikdə xatirə şəkli çəkdiriblər.

I Liqa klublarının cərimələri bilindi

20 May 2026 at 20:23

AFFA İntizam Komitəsinin iclası keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, toplantıda I və II Liqanın XXVI turunun oyunları ilə bağlı aşağıdakı qərarlar qəbul edilib:

15 may 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XXVI turun “Səbail” – “Şahdağ Qusar” oyununda “Səbail” komandasında 4 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Səbail” komandası 210 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

15 may 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XXVI turun “Səbail” – “Şahdağ Qusar” oyununda “Şahdağ Qusar” komandasının 4 futbolçusu sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Şahdağ Qusar” komandası 210 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

15 may 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XXVI turun “Şəfa” – “Cəbrayıl” oyununa təhlükəsizlik nümayəndəsi təyin edilmiş vaxtdan gec gəldiyinə görə “Şəfa” komandası 600 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 99, 57.2);

15 may 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XXVI turun “Şəfa” – “Cəbrayıl” oyununda “Cəbrayıl” komandasında 4 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Cəbrayıl” komandası 210 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

 

Azərbaycan komandası Antalyada 1/8 finala yüksəldi

20 May 2026 at 20:16

Antalyada keçirilən Avropa çempionatında Azərbaycanın kamandan oxatma üzrə qarışıq komandası 1/8 finala yüksəlib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, klassik yay proqramı üzrə yarışan oxatanlar Moldova yığmasını 5:3 hesabı ilə üstələyib.

Azərbaycan təmsilçiləri sabah sözügedən mərhələdə Türkiyə millisi ilə qarşılaşacaqlar.

Qeyd edək ki, Azərbaycan komandasının heyətində ​Məhəmmədəli Əliyev və Fatimə Hüseynli mübarizə aparırlar.

“İmişli” milli üzvü ilə müqaviləni uzatdı

20 May 2026 at 19:51

“İmişli” futbolçusu Tuncay Yusifli ilə müqaviləni uzadıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Yusifli ilə 2+1 illik anlaşma imzalanıb.

Tuncay Azərbaycanın U-21 yığmasının da üzvüdür.

Premyer Liqa klubu onunla vidalaşacaq – qərar verildi

20 May 2026 at 19:30

Azərbaycan millisinin müdafiəçisi Bəxtiyar Həsənalızadə “Araz-Naxçıvan”dan ayrılacaq.

Futbolpress.az-ın məlumatına görə, 33 yaşlı futbolçu ilə müddəti bitəcək müqavilə uzadılmayacaq.

Bəxtiyar 2024-cü ildən “Araz-Naxçıvan”da çıxış edir. O, bu mövsüm çempionatda 24 oyunda forma geyinib.

Həsənalızadə Azərbaycan millisində 4 oyun keçirib.

“Araz-Naxçıvan” Misli Premyer Liqasında sona bir tur qalmış 43 xalla altıncı sıradadır.

Şahin Cəfərov

Google adds llms.txt check to Chrome Lighthouse

20 May 2026 at 20:57
Google Chrome Lighthouse scan

Google’s new Lighthouse “Agentic Browsing” audits now check for the presence of an llms.txt file. The new experimental Lighthouse documentation frames llms.txt as a discoverability and efficiency signal for AI agents, not a traditional crawling directive.

  • The audits are part of Chrome’s emerging “Agentic Browsing” category, which evaluates whether sites are structured for machine interaction.
  • This document comes less than a week after Google published new guidance on optimizing for AI search features like AI Overviews and AI Mode, in which it said you don’t need llms.txt files in a mythbusting section of its new guide on optimizing for generative AI features.

What Lighthouse now checks. Lighthouse’s Agentic Browsing category evaluates “how well your site is constructed for machine interaction” using deterministic audits, according to Google’s documentation. Among the checks:

  • WebMCP integration.
  • Accessibility tree integrity.
  • Layout stability through CLS.
  • Presence of an llms.txt file.

Lighthouse checks for “the presence of a machine-readable summary at the domain root.” Google also explained why the file matters for agents:

“Without llms.txt, agents may spend more time crawling the site to understand its high-level structure and primary content.”

The audit category doesn’t produce a traditional Lighthouse score (0-100). Instead, Google surfaces a fractional pass ratio along with pass/fail checks tied to agentic readiness signals.

The tension. The new Lighthouse documentation doesn’t directly conflict with Google’s advice on optimizing your website for generative AI features because these audits focus on AI agents and browser tools, not Google Search rankings. Still, seeing llms.txt mentioned in Chrome’s own readiness checks may cause some SEOs to rethink earlier doubts about the file.

Agentic engine optimization. The Lighthouse audits also align with ideas Google Cloud AI engineering director Addy Osmani outlined in April around Agentic Engine Optimization. Osmani said AI agents with limited context windows may cut off long pages or miss important information buried too deep in content. Among his recommendations:

  • Cleaner semantic structure.
  • Token-efficient content.
  • Markdown delivery.
  • llms.txt discovery layers.
  • Capability signaling files like AGENTS.md.

SEO vs. llms.txt. Here’s exactly what Google recommends in Mythbusting generative AI search: what you don’t need to do:

  • LLMS.txt files and other “special” markup: You don’t need to create new machine readable files, AI text files, markup, or Markdown to appear in generative AI search. Note that Google may discover, crawl, and index many kinds of files in addition to HTML on a website: this doesn’t mean that the file is treated in a special way.

Here’s what Google’s John Mueller said about Google using llms.txt, in response to Lily Ray asking him on Bluesky “Hey @johnmu.com – if you can answer, many folks are pointing out the irony that Google uses LLMs.txt files, plus markdown pages, despite also saying these things are not needed for performance in search. Could you share why Google might publish these files, if not to make crawling those pages/sites easier for agents? (I’m sure I’ll be getting this question a ton soon!)”:

The short answer is that it’s not done for search. There’s more to websites than just SEO :-).

The longer & nuanced version is that it’s worth separating “discovery” (finding the website or pages with a global search engine) vs “functionality” (there’s probably a more accurate term for this, but basically: once someone has found the page, helping them to best do the task they want to do).

Perhaps that’s similar to CTA’s on traditional pages? You don’t “do them” for SEO (to be found), but if you’re responsible for the website overall, ensuring a high “discovery rate” (SEO) together with a high conversion rate is useful to justify your work.

To get back to the developers.google.com site, AI coding has gotten very popular, and these coding systems can be (I think) efficient and accurate with the code they produce if they can easily read / parse reference material, such as developer documentation.

In those cases, it can help to give them a way to understand the context of the documentation they’re looking at, as well as a simplified version of the reference page (eg, in markdown). OF COURSE they can read HTML just fine, so this is imo more of a temporary crutch, perhaps to save some tokens.

For non-developer sites, I don’t think this makes much sense, even with more agentic traffic in the future (and if you check your logs, you’re not getting a lot of that at the moment). Making a markdown version of a shoe’s specs is not going to get you more sales (competitors appreciate it tho).

And (I know, nobody reads this far), if you think this is important to prepare for when agents are everywhere: your site (all sites) have much more important things to do for SEO than to prepare for a potential future situation that may or may not come. Prioritize needs before dreams.

What Google says agents rely on. Beyond llms.txt, Google’s new Lighthouse category strongly emphasizes accessibility and interface stability. The documentation says agents rely on the accessibility tree as their “primary data model.” Lighthouse specifically evaluates:

  • Programmatic labels for interactive elements.
  • Valid accessibility tree structure.
  • Whether interactive content is hidden from assistive systems.
  • Layout stability through CLS.

Google also warns that dynamically registered WebMCP tools and large DOM changes can affect audit results.

Why we care. Google says you don’t need llms.txt for Search, but Chrome is now checking whether the file exists. At the same time, Google’s agentic tools appear to favor sites that are easier for machines to read and use, especially sites with strong accessibility, stable layouts, and clear agent access.

Google’s help document. Lighthouse agentic browsing scoring

Dig deeper.

Google launches AI Performance Insights and Conversational Attributes in Merchant Center

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google is introducing new Merchant Center tools designed to help retailers improve visibility across AI-powered shopping experiences as announced today at Google Marketing Live 2026.

Driving the news. The company announced AI Performance Insights, a new reporting feature that helps merchants understand how their brand performs across AI surfaces.

The tool compares a brand’s share of voice against similar competitors and provides visibility into AI-driven discovery performance.

Google is also rolling out Conversational Attributes, a new product data capability that helps retailers optimize listings for more natural, conversational search behavior.

How it works. Retailers can add conversational product attributes and updated descriptions directly inside Merchant Center. Google’s AI systems then use that structured data to better match products with conversational shopping queries across AI Mode, Gemini and other AI-powered surfaces.

The updates are designed to help brands improve discoverability as shopping experiences become increasingly AI-driven.

Google also confirmed that Ask Advisor integrations are coming directly into Merchant Center.

Why we care. Structured product data is becoming more important as AI-powered shopping experiences expand across Search, Gemini and Maps.

Retailers that adapt product descriptions and feeds for conversational discovery may be better positioned to surface products in AI-generated recommendations and shopping flows.

The new reporting tools also provide advertisers with early visibility into how brands perform inside AI-powered experiences.

What to watch. As conversational search behavior grows, product feed optimization may become increasingly important for AI visibility. Retailers should also monitor how Google defines and measures “share of voice” across AI-powered shopping experiences.

Availability. AI Performance Insights is expected to roll out in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and the U.S. in the coming months. Conversational Attributes are rolling out globally.

Dig deeper. More Google Marketing Live 2026 news from today:

Google expands Direct Offers with AI-generated bundles, native checkout and travel deals

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google is expanding its Direct Offers pilot with new AI-powered promotion formats, native checkout integrations and travel-focused deal experiences as announced today at Google Marketing Live 2026.

Driving the news. The company announced several updates designed to make promotional offers more discoverable inside AI-powered Search experiences.

Brands will soon be able to upload:

  • Discounts
  • Giveaways
  • Local coupons
  • Product bundles

Google says Gemini will help dynamically construct personalized offers based on search intent.

How it works. Advertisers upload eligible promotions, products and campaign guardrails into Google Ads. Gemini then assembles contextual offers — such as bundles, coupons or discounts — based on a shopper’s query and browsing behavior inside AI-powered Search experiences.

The company is also adding native checkout support for merchants using Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), allowing users to complete purchases directly from AI-assisted shopping flows.

Travel partners including Booking and Expedia will also soon be able to surface travel offers directly inside AI-assisted trip planning experiences.

Why we care. Google is turning promotions into a more integrated part of conversational shopping experiences.

Instead of relying on traditional deal extensions or static offers, advertisers may increasingly need to optimize promotions for AI-assisted discovery and contextual recommendation engines.

The native checkout integrations could also reduce friction between product discovery and conversion.

What to watch. Google appears to be moving promotional commerce experiences closer to AI-assisted discovery flows. Advertisers should watch how native checkout and AI-generated deal recommendations affect conversion rates and shopping behavior.

Availability. Direct Offers remains in pilot for U.S. advertisers.

Dig deeper. More Google Marketing Live 2026 news from today:

Google brings Meridian marketing mix modeling into Analytics 360

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google is expanding its measurement capabilities with new integrations between Google Analytics 360, Meridian and predictive AI reporting tools as announced today at Google Marketing Live 2026.

Driving the news. Meridian, Google’s open-source marketing mix modeling platform, will be integrated directly into Google Analytics 360.

The integration is designed to help advertisers:

  • Unify first-party and cross-channel data
  • Measure incremental performance
  • Forecast campaign outcomes
  • Optimize media mix investments

Google is also introducing Qualified Future Conversions (QFCs), a predictive reporting metric powered by Gemini.

QFCs connect current ad activity with future sales signals such as branded search behavior.

How it works. Meridian combines first-party data, media signals and cross-channel performance metrics inside Google Analytics 360 to model incremental impact and forecast outcomes. Qualified Future Conversions uses Gemini-powered predictive signals to estimate how current ad engagement may influence future purchasing behavior.

Over time, Google plans to integrate QFC insights directly into Meridian to improve predictive modeling accuracy.

The updates are part of Google’s broader push to simplify measurement and improve ROI forecasting in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

Why we care. Measurement and attribution continue to grow more difficult as customer journeys become less linear and privacy restrictions expand.

Google’s latest updates show the company investing heavily in predictive modeling, incrementality and AI-assisted forecasting to help advertisers better understand long-term performance.

The combination of Meridian and QFCs could also help marketers make stronger budgeting decisions by linking current campaign activity to future business outcomes.

What to watch. Predictive measurement and incrementality modeling are becoming more important as attribution grows more fragmented. Advertisers will likely test whether Meridian and QFCs provide more actionable forecasting compared to existing attribution and MMM solutions.

Availability. Meridian integrations are coming to Google Analytics 360 globally across all languages. QFCs are currently available in a restricted global pilot with broader beta access expected later this year.

Dig deeper. More Google Marketing Live 2026 news from today:

Google expands Demand Gen with YouTube creator tools

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google is adding new creator, video and measurement capabilities to Demand Gen campaigns as it pushes YouTube further into performance advertising as announced today at Google Marketing Live 2026.

Driving the news. The company announced several new Demand Gen updates focused on creator partnerships, product discovery and cross-platform campaign optimization.

Advertisers will soon be able to:

  • Use multimodal video creation inside Asset Studio
  • Promote creator partnership videos directly within campaign setup
  • Upload Merchant Center product videos for dynamic distribution
  • Extend Demand Gen campaigns into Google Maps inventory

Google is also expanding checkout links into additional markets and extending product feed support into new verticals including automotive.

According to Google, advertisers with large product selections typically see a 33% increase in conversions when adopting product feeds in Demand Gen campaigns.

Additional measurement updates include:

  • Campaign Type Attribution
  • Uplift Experiments
  • Expanded third-party integrations with companies like TransUnion

Google is also introducing AI-assisted Demand Gen campaign creation, allowing advertisers to use settings from existing campaigns like Performance Max to streamline setup.

How it works. Demand Gen uses AI signals from YouTube, Discover, Maps and Shopping activity to dynamically distribute creative and product feeds across Google surfaces. Advertisers can also use creator videos and Merchant Center product assets to personalize campaigns based on user interest and engagement patterns.

Why we care. Google is increasingly positioning YouTube and Demand Gen as full-funnel performance channels rather than upper-funnel awareness products.

The integration of creator content, Maps inventory and dynamic product experiences reflects how discovery and commerce behaviors are converging across Google properties.

For advertisers, the updates could create new opportunities to connect creator-driven content with measurable conversion outcomes.

What to watch. Google’s continued investment in creator tools and Demand Gen suggests YouTube will play a larger role in performance advertising strategies. Advertisers should also monitor how Maps inventory and creator-led commerce campaigns impact conversion performance.

Availability. Many Demand Gen updates are rolling out globally in open beta.

Dig deeper. More Google Marketing Live 2026 news from today:

Google upgrades Asset Studio with Gemini-powered creative generation and video tools

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google is rolling out major updates to Asset Studio aimed at helping advertisers generate creative assets faster using Gemini as announced today at Google Marketing Live 2026.

Driving the news. Asset Studio will now support AI-powered generation across text, images and video using natural language prompts.

According to Google, the platform can understand:

  • Marketing briefs
  • Brand guidelines
  • Website content
  • Campaign goals

The system then generates creative assets across multiple themes and formats.

Google is also integrating Gemini Omni, its multimodal model, into Asset Studio to support video creation workflows.

Advertisers will additionally gain access to 1-Click Creative Testing, which helps identify high-performing assets based on campaign objectives.

How it works. Asset Studio uses Gemini models to interpret a marketer’s brief, brand guidelines, website content and goals. Advertisers can generate and refine assets using natural language prompts while Gemini Omni supports multimodal video creation workflows inside the same interface.

The company says the goal is to centralize creative production and reduce friction for advertisers building campaigns across Google and YouTube.

Why we care. Creative production remains one of the biggest operational bottlenecks for advertisers.

Google’s updates show how generative AI is increasingly becoming embedded directly into campaign production workflows rather than functioning as a standalone creative assistant.

For marketers managing campaigns across multiple surfaces, the ability to rapidly generate and test creative assets at scale could become a significant competitive advantage.

What to watch. As creative generation becomes more automated, advertisers will likely evaluate how AI-generated assets perform compared to traditional creative workflows. Brands may also need to rethink approval processes, governance and brand safety as AI production scales.

Availability. The new Asset Studio features are expected to roll out globally in English this summer.

Dig deeper. More Google Marketing Live 2026 news from today:

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Google is adding multimodal Gemini-powered asset generation, video creation and creative testing tools to Asset Studio.

Google expands Universal Commerce Protocol and launches new agentic shopping tools

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google is expanding its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) initiative with new checkout features, AI shopping integrations and support for additional industries as announced today at Google Marketing Live 2026.

Driving the news. The company announced several new UCP-powered commerce capabilities designed to support what it calls the “agentic commerce era.”

A key update is the expansion of Universal Cart, which allows shoppers to save products across retailers and complete purchases using Google Pay or retailer checkout experiences.

Google says the experience will soon support brands including Nike, Sephora, Target, Walmart, Wayfair and Shopify merchants such as Fenty and Steve Madden.

The company is also integrating UCP into:

  • Direct Offers
  • Demand Gen campaigns
  • AI Mode shopping experiences
  • Shopping ads on YouTube

Google additionally announced buy-now-pay-later integrations with Affirm and Klarna directly inside Google Pay.

How it works. Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) allows retailers to connect product catalogs, checkout and payment experiences across Google surfaces including Search, AI Mode and Gemini. Users can add products to a shared Universal Cart and complete purchases either through Google Pay or directly on the retailer’s website.

The company is also expanding UCP into additional verticals including hotel booking and food delivery.

Future experiences will allow users to book hotels directly from AI Mode or order food from conversations inside Google Maps.

To help brands improve discoverability across AI experiences, Google is introducing:

  • AI Performance Insights in Merchant Center
  • Conversational Attributes for product descriptions
  • Merchant Center integrations with Ask Advisor

Why we care. Google is laying the infrastructure for AI-assisted shopping and commerce discovery.

As conversational shopping experiences expand across Search, Gemini and Maps, brands may need to rethink how they structure product feeds, descriptions and commerce data.

The update also signals that AI-driven commerce is moving beyond discovery and into transaction workflows, with checkout, financing and promotions increasingly embedded directly into Google experiences.

What to watch. Retailers should pay close attention to how Google integrates checkout, financing and shopping actions directly into AI-powered experiences. The expansion into hotel booking and food delivery also suggests Google is preparing for broader transaction capabilities across Search and Maps.

Availability. Many UCP-powered features are rolling out in the U.S. first, with expansions planned for Canada, Australia and later the U.K. Additional vertical integrations are expected in the coming months.

Dig deeper. More Google Marketing Live 2026 news from today:

Google tests new conversational ad formats in AI Mode and Search

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google is introducing a new generation of Gemini-powered ad formats across AI Mode and Search designed to make ads feel more conversational, contextual and helpful as unveiled today at Google Marketing Live 2026.

Driving the news. The company announced several new ad experiences for AI-powered Search, including Conversational Discovery ads, Highlighted Answers, AI-powered Shopping ads and Business Agent for Leads. The updates are part of Google’s broader push to integrate Gemini deeper into Search and advertising experiences.

Conversational Discovery ads are designed to answer a person’s specific question directly inside AI Mode. For example, someone searching for ways to make their home smell like a spa could see tailored creative generated with Gemini that highlights relevant product features.

How it works. Google’s Gemini models analyze the intent behind a user’s query and dynamically generate ad creative tailored to that specific conversation. The ads also include an independent AI explainer that evaluates and summarizes product or service information alongside the advertiser’s messaging.

Highlighted Answers will allow highly relevant ads to appear directly within AI-generated recommendation lists.

Google is also launching AI-powered Shopping ads for high-consideration purchases like TVs and appliances. Gemini will generate custom explainers highlighting why a product may fit a shopper’s needs.

Business Agent for Leads introduces an AI-powered chat experience directly within lead generation ads. Instead of filling out static forms, users can interact with a Gemini-powered brand agent trained on an advertiser’s website.

Google is also expanding its Direct Offers pilot with:

  • Promotion bundling
  • Native checkout for UCP merchants
  • Travel deal integrations
  • AI-generated offer recommendations

The updates will roll into AI Mode responses to help shoppers discover deals more naturally.

Why we care. Google is fundamentally changing how ads appear in AI-powered Search experiences.

Instead of relying on static creative and keyword matching alone, advertisers will increasingly need to optimize for conversational discovery, AI-generated explainers and intent-rich interactions.

The announcement also signals that AI Mode is becoming a larger monetization surface for Google. Advertisers that adapt early to conversational ad formats and AI-assisted shopping experiences may gain a competitive advantage as Search behavior evolves.

What to watch. Advertisers should closely monitor how AI-generated explainers and conversational ad placements affect click-through rates, conversion behavior and attribution. The rollout could also signal broader changes in how Search inventory is monetized as AI Mode usage continues growing.

Availability. Conversational Discovery ads and Highlighted Answers are currently being tested in the U.S. on mobile and desktop. AI-powered Shopping ads are expected to roll out later this year in the U.S. Business Agent for Leads is launching in open beta for U.S. advertisers.

Dig deeper. More Google Marketing Live 2026 news from today:

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Google is rolling out Gemini-powered conversational ad formats across AI Mode and Search as it looks to make ads more contextual,

Google Marketing Live 2026: Everything you need to know

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Google Marketing Live 2026 made one thing clear: Gemini is no longer just powering features — it’s becoming the operating system behind Google’s advertising, commerce and measurement ecosystem.

This year’s event focused heavily on agentic AI, conversational Search, automated creative production and AI-assisted shopping experiences. Across Search, YouTube, Merchant Center and Analytics, Google introduced new tools designed to make campaigns more autonomous, predictive and interconnected.

Here’s a recap of the biggest announcements from Google Marketing Live 2026.

Google introduces a new generation of AI-powered Search ads

Google announced several new Gemini-powered ad formats designed for AI Mode and conversational Search experiences.

The updates include:

  • Conversational Discovery ads
  • Highlighted Answers
  • AI-powered Shopping ads
  • Business Agent for Leads

These formats are designed to make ads feel more contextual and interactive by embedding AI-generated explainers and conversational experiences directly into Search journeys.

Google also expanded its Direct Offers pilot with AI-generated bundles, native checkout and travel promotions integrated into AI-assisted Search experiences.

Full story: Google tests new conversational ad formats in AI Mode and Search

Google launches Ask Advisor across Ads, Analytics and Merchant Center

Google unveiled Ask Advisor, a new Gemini-powered AI collaborator that connects Google Ads, Analytics, Merchant Center and Google Marketing Platform.

The system acts as a unified assistant capable of helping marketers:

  • Build campaigns
  • Analyze performance
  • Surface recommendations
  • Automate operational tasks

Google says Ask Advisor can pull insights across platforms to help marketers move from planning to optimization more quickly.

Full story: Google launches Ask Advisor across Ads, Analytics and Merchant Center

Google expands Universal Commerce Protocol and AI shopping experiences

Google announced major updates to its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), Universal Cart and AI-powered checkout experiences.

New capabilities include:

  • AI-assisted checkout flows
  • Buy-now-pay-later integrations with Klarna and Affirm
  • Cross-retailer shopping experiences
  • AI-powered travel and food ordering integrations

Google is also expanding UCP integrations into Demand Gen campaigns, YouTube Shopping ads and AI Mode experiences.

Full story: Google expands Universal Commerce Protocol and launches new agentic shopping tools

Asset Studio gets Gemini-powered creative and video tools

Google upgraded Asset Studio with multimodal Gemini-powered creative generation capabilities.

Advertisers can now use natural language prompts to generate:

  • Images
  • Video assets
  • Text variations
  • Creative themes

Google also integrated Gemini Omni into Asset Studio to support video workflows and introduced 1-Click Creative Testing for asset optimization.

Full story: Google upgrades Asset Studio with Gemini-powered creative generation and video tools

Demand Gen expands with creator tools, Maps inventory and AI optimization

Google announced several Demand Gen updates focused on YouTube creators, AI-assisted optimization and cross-platform discovery.

The updates include:

  • Creator partnership tools
  • Google Maps inventory
  • Dynamic product video distribution
  • AI-assisted campaign setup
  • Expanded measurement integrations

Google says advertisers with large product feeds continue seeing stronger conversion performance inside Demand Gen campaigns.

Full story: Google expands Demand Gen with YouTube creator tools

Google upgrades measurement with Meridian and predictive AI tools

Google also announced new measurement and forecasting capabilities for Google Analytics 360.

The company is integrating Meridian, its open-source marketing mix model, directly into Analytics 360 while introducing Qualified Future Conversions (QFCs), a new predictive reporting metric powered by Gemini.

The tools are designed to help advertisers:

  • Improve media mix modeling
  • Forecast campaign outcomes
  • Measure incrementality
  • Connect current ad activity with future revenue signals

Full story: Google brings Meridian marketing mix modeling into Analytics 360

Merchant Center gets AI visibility and conversational commerce updates

Google announced new Merchant Center features designed to help retailers improve discoverability across AI-powered shopping experiences.

New tools include:

  • AI Performance Insights
  • Conversational Attributes
  • Merchant Center integrations with Ask Advisor

The updates aim to help retailers optimize product feeds and descriptions for conversational shopping behavior across Search, Gemini and AI Mode.

Full story: Google expands Direct Offers with AI-generated bundles, native checkout and travel deals

Atletico Madrid fresh Bernardo Silva challenge for Juventus

20 May 2026 at 20:44

Juventus face fresh competition for the signing of Bernardo Silva, as the Manchester City midfielder is now targeted by Atletico Madrid as a free agent.

He has now confirmed that this is his final season at the Etihad after nine years with the club, as his contract will expire on June 30 and is not going to be renewed.

Bernardo Silva targeted by more than just Juventus

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The player turns 32 in August, so is far from at the end of his career, and announced he is looking for a new challenge, as well as to move closer to his family in Portugal.

That all makes it a tricky situation for Juventus, who had until recently been the absolute favourites for his signature.

If they fail to qualify for the Champions League, it will make them a less appetising prospect, not to mention more difficult to justify his wages in Turin.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

There were reports today that his agent offered Bernardo Silva to both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who were not particularly interested.

However, now Marca claim that Atletico Madrid have joined the race and are ready to make a proposal to the former AS Monaco and Benfica player.

Diego Simeone’s club would represent a huge draw for Bernardo Silva, and stiff competition for Juventus.

Atleti had agreed personal terms with Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but Manchester United dived in to match those figures, along with a higher transfer fee to his club.

Lautaro Martinez agent: ‘If Barcelona called, I’d reply he is happy at Inter’

20 May 2026 at 20:29

Lautaro Martinez’s agent assures even if Barcelona, Arsenal or anyone else were to call, his reply would be the same: ‘He is happy at Inter and does not want to move.’

The striker was at the forefront of the celebrations for their historic Double, winning both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, going on an open top bus parade around the city on Sunday.

He is also on track to be crowned Capocannoniere for this campaign, further consolidating his status as the best centre-forward in Italian football.

This attracted plenty of interest from abroad, but just as in the past, the Argentina international has just one thing on his mind.

Lautaro Martinez only wants Inter

MILAN, ITALY - MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano lifts the Coppa Campioni d'Italia trophy following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano lifts the Coppa Campioni d’Italia trophy following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I have come to realise that Lautaro is admired and would be wanted by all the best teams in the world, but he belongs to Inter, so there is no reason for anyone to worry,” agent Alejandro Camano told FCInterNews.

“He is happy in Milan, he’s got the World Cup this summer, then the objective next season is to win the Champions League with Inter.”

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In the past, there was only ever one club that seemed genuinely as if it could tempt Lautaro Martinez into leaving San Siro, and that was Barcelona.

Now that Robert Lewandowski is leaving and they require a new striker, what would happen if the Blaugrana called him again?

ROME, ITALY - MAY 13: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team's second goal with team mates during the Coppa Italia Final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the Coppa Italia Final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

“Any call I would receive, from any club in the world, I would listen with respect, but the response would be the same. Lautaro is happy at Inter, he said he doesn’t want to move, so there is nothing more to add.”

Is the Argentina international staying to target the Champions League and maybe even the Ballon d’Or?

“No, he is staying because he loves Inter. It’s not about personal success, those come only as a result of the team trophies.”

Camano also represents Lazio defender Mario Gila, who has been linked with several clubs including Inter and Milan.

“He has one year left on his contract with Lazio, but nobody has called me over a renewal. I cannot renew his contract by myself. It all depends on them. If they want him to stay, good, otherwise we’ll have to talk about it.”

Rowe opens up on Rabiot fight: ‘They didn’t see the punch he threw at the start’

20 May 2026 at 20:22

Bologna’s Jonathan Rowe has opened up about the fight he had with Milan’s Adrien Rabiot, which led to them both being sold by Marseille last summer, and has spoken in-depth about the differences between playing for Roberto De Zerbi in Ligue 1 and under Vincenzo Italiano in Serie A. 

The former England U21 star sat down for a feature interview with James Horncastle and The Athletic, discussing his experiences with Marseille and Bologna. 

Rowe on Rabiot fight, De Zerbi methods and Bologna adaptation

It has been a successful start to life in Italy for the 23-year-old, who has 13 goal involvements from 43 appearances across all competitions this term. 

CREMONA, ITALY - APRIL 05: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

“I feel like I’ve settled in now. I feel comfortable. It’s not even been a year yet but I’ve started to find my feet,” says the Englishman. 

Less than a year ago, Rowe was caught up in a dressing-room bust-up involving several members of the Marseille team and staff, which ultimately led to his and Adrien Rabiot’s departure from the club last summer. 

It has been reported that Rowe was involved in an argument with goalkeeper Guillermo Rulli, which led to Rabiot getting involved and ultimately ended in security staff having to break the whole thing up. 

“It got heated. It was something he said,” Rowe recalled. 

“The thing is, De Zerbi and Mehdi (Benatia), the (sporting) director, did not see the first punch (Rabiot) threw right at the start. They only saw me come back and hit him. So they probably thought I just hit him out of nowhere. I kind of had to explain it after.

“Emotions were flaring. Things got out of control. These things happen a lot in changing rooms, more than people probably realise.”

Despite being shown the way to the Marseille exit as a result of the altercation last summer, Rowe says that he had a lot to learn from De Zerbi. 

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Robert De Zerbi, Head Coach of Olympique de Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Robert De Zerbi, Head Coach of Olympique de Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“With De Zerbi I realised you have got to pay more attention to the details.From your first touch to the next pass, to when the ball is on the other side of the pitch. It’s like when you’re driving. You have got to be three steps ahead just in case something happens and you have to be ready to make an intelligent decision.

“Sometimes in training I could get a bit bored because of the build-up that we’d be doing would mainly be focused on the defences and the midfielders in order to get the ball to us attackers.

“You’d be standing around in the hot sun for a few hours. But in a way that trains your brain to stay focused no matter what’s going on in the game. You might see the ball once every 10 or 15 minutes but when you get that ball you have to be decisive or you have to make something happen and create.” 

Rowe says that he was taken aback by some of De Zerbi’s training methods and team-bonding exercises: “I’d never done this before. I didn’t even know this was allowed in football. 

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“We went into the middle of nowhere, in the woods, in the cold. We’d wake up at 4am. We’d go to do some run or we’d walk into the woods. Then we’d do push-ups, a little core circuit with the flashlights out in the pitch black then another walk. Then we’d do hill sprints. You know, the fireworks, the pyro; whatever you call it that the fans use in the stadiums. He’d rip one of them open and start walking like we’re Vikings.” 

Moving to Bologna has helped Rowe develop even further as a player, though: “It suits my game play,” Rowe says. “When it’s right, when it pays off; winning the ball high up the field, pressing, counter-attacking, being direct. I feel that sums up my game. When it pays off and the rest of the team is on the same wavelength, it almost feels unstoppable.

BOLOGNA, ITALY - MARCH 08: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Abdou Harroui of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Hellas Verona FC at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Abdou Harroui of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Hellas Verona FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“It was a bit of big shift from Marseille with De Zerbi; keeping possession and trying to find an opening, the little gap between the pockets. It was a change of mindset, because when I came I was trying probably to link up with the players, doing short passes. They were playing long. And I was like: ‘What are you doing?’ They were like: ‘This is how we play?’ It was a bit weird.

“But as time goes on naturally you build those connections, you build more relationships with team-mates. You start to understand their strengths and they start to understand yours a lot more. You have to adapt and I’m pretty good at that.”

Roma receive Kone boost for final game of the season

20 May 2026 at 20:13

Manu Koné is back to training with Roma and should start the final game of the season against Verona, but Lorenzo Pellegrini is still out of action.

It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

The Giallorossi know that a victory will be enough to guarantee qualification for the Champions League, as they go into the final round of the season in joint third place with Milan.

Roma can celebrate with victory

ROME, ITALY - MAY 17: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Midfielder Koné was not even fit for the bench in last week’s 1-0 Derby delle Capitale victory over Lazio, as he sustained a muscular issue in training.

However, Sky Sport Italia report the France international was back working with the squad today and should therefore be ready to start this weekend.

Wesley will certainly miss out, as he is suspended following the red card in that fiery clash, while Evan Ndicka sustained a muscular injury during the match and is also unlikely to feature.

Pellegrini had hoped for one final game this season, as his contract is running down, but it seems as if he won’t be fit enough to play against Verona.

Alonso identifies 6ft 4in defensive leader to transform Chelsea backline

20 May 2026 at 20:30

Chelsea are interested in signing the Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old worked under Xabi Alonso at the German club, and it seems that the Spanish manager is keen on a reunion. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Alonso will have a big say on transfers as a part of his agreement with Chelsea, and he wants to strengthen the defensive unit.

He believes that the Burkina Faso International would be the ideal acquisition for the London club. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

The 27-year-old is a key player for Leverkusen, and they will not want to lose him easily. Chelsea will have to spend a substantial amount of money in order to get the deal done.

The opportunity to play in the Premier League could be exciting for Tapsoba. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for major trophies.

The 6ft 4in defensive powerhouse knows Alonso and his style of football well, and he should be able to settle in quickly at Chelsea. The Blues have looked quite vulnerable at the back this season, and they need to tighten up defensively if they want to return to the fight for trophies in the UEFA Champions League next season.

They are currently eighth in the Premier League table, and they have conceded 50 goals in 37 league matches. A quality central defender could make a huge difference for them at the back.

The post Alonso identifies 6ft 4in defensive leader to transform Chelsea backline appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool could have edge over Tottenham in the race for €30 million utility man

20 May 2026 at 20:00

Lutsharel Geertruida has been linked with a permanent move to the Premier League in the summer, and multiple clubs are keen on him. 

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, and the German club is willing to sanction his departure for €30 million. According to a report from SportsBoom, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the Dutch defender.

They could use more quality in the defensive unit, and the 25-year-old would be the ideal utility man. He can operate as a right back, a central defender, or a defensive midfielder. The opportunity to join a big club in the Premier League will be exciting for him.

He does not have a future at the German club, and returning to Leipzig does not make sense for him.

Tottenham and Liverpool have the financial muscle to pay the asking price for him, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to get the deal done. Both teams need to add more quality and depth to the defensive unit. The 25-year-old has shown his quality in the Premier League with Sunderland, and he has the ability to succeed at a higher level as well.

Geertruida is entering the peak years of his career, and he could easily justify the investment. He could prove to be a bargain at that price. Liverpool will be able to offer him European football next season, which could give them an edge over Tottenham. The London club is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they will not be able to compete in Europe next year.

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have struggled with injury problems this season, and Liverpool need an alternative. The Netherlands star could be the ideal acquisition.

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Tottenham ready to “complete the formalities” to sign £35m De Zerbi target

20 May 2026 at 19:30

Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season, and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on him.

Roberto De Zerbi is hoping to sign the 25-year-old Denmark International, and he will cost £35 million.

According to a report from German publication Fussball Daten, Tottenham are prepared to “complete the formalities” to get the deal done. He has also been linked to clubs like Atletico Madrid.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can wrap up the move quickly. They have had a disappointing season, and they will look to get back on track next season. Signing the right players will help them improve.

The 25-year-old central midfielder will add creativity, drive and technical ability in the middle of the park. He could prove to be the ideal partner for players like Conor Gallagher and Pape Matar Sarr. The player has scored twice this season and has six assists.

The opportunity to join the north London club could be exciting for the 25-year-old. He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to join a bigger club. Tottenham have had a disappointing season, but they are one of the biggest clubs in the country, and they could be fighting for trophies next season. They have a quality manager and multiple top players at their disposal.

With a few intelligent additions, they could bounce back strongly and compete towards the top end of the table again.

£35 million seems like a reasonable valuation for a player like him, and he could justify the investment in future. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact at Tottenham.

The post Tottenham ready to “complete the formalities” to sign £35m De Zerbi target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Three-way race for Jarrod Bowen to unfold this summer?

Though mathematically still in with a chance to avoid it, West Ham are set for relegation from the Premier League. Ahead of the final round of the season, they sit in 18th place, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur, which means they need to beat Leeds at home on Sunday AND Spurs to lose at home […]

The post Three-way race for Jarrod Bowen to unfold this summer? appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Three-way race for Jarrod Bowen to unfold this summer? appeared first on Soccer News.

Dortmund's Maxi Beier set for shock Germany call-up ahead of World Cup

Dortmund's Maxi Beier set for shock Germany call-up ahead of World Cup
Dortmund's Maxi Beier set for shock Germany call-up ahead of World Cup

As reported by Sky Germany this evening, Maximilian Beier has been called up to the German national team's World Cup squad.

The Borussia Dortmund star hadn't made the cut for the last two international breaks, but his fortune has now turned at just the right time.

Beier's versatility may have been key in his nomination, given he has played as both both as a second striker and on the left wing. 

Alongside Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, and Felix Nmecha, Beier is set to be the fourth BVB player in the German national team squad.

The 23-year-old put in an impressive shift in the second-half of the Bundesliga season to finish on 9 goals and 8 assists in 32 games. 

Stoke defender Agina gets Kenya call-up

A general view inside Kenya's Nyayo International Stadium
Kenya play their home internationals at the Nyayo International Stadium in Nairobi [Getty Images]

Stoke City defender Syd Agina has been called into Kenya's senior squad for the first time in his career.

The 18-year-old has been included for friendlies against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan next month as the Harambee Stars prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which they are co-hosting.

Agina made his first-team debut for Stoke in a 3-3 draw against Ipswich Town in the Championship in March.

He has since made a futher four appearances including three starts as the Potters finished the season in 17th place.

Danilo: Man United want Botafogo dynamo to replace Casemiro

Danilo: Man United want Botafogo dynamo to replace Casemiro
Danilo: Man United want Botafogo dynamo to replace Casemiro

Manchester United are ready to ramp up their pursuit of Danilo as Botafogo appear resigned to losing their midfield dynamo this summer, according to a report from Brazil.

The Heir to Casemiro

The Red Devils’ most urgent priority is signing a successor to Casemiro, who will play his last game for the club against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.

Both the player and club have mutually agreed not to trigger a one-year extension in his expiring contract, with the 34-year-old Brazilian ready to move to Major League Soccer. Inter Miami are said to be leading the race for his signature, though LA Galaxy are refusing to give up hope of muscling in on the deal.

United are intent on signing two midfielders, with a third expected to arrive if a buyer is found for Manuel Ugarte. However, the bulk of the budget will be directed towards a defensive enforcer to replace Casemiro.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is understood to be the leading contender, though Real Madrid superstar Aurélien Tchouaméni is an ambitious alternative after recent developments in the Spanish capital.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) are other names on the wish list with the requisite physicality to bolster the engine room. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), by contrast, is considered too similar to Kobbie Mainoo to form a complementary partnership.

However, cheaper options are also being considered should United be unable to close deals for their primary targets, including Atalanta warrior Ederson. Danilo, the 25-year-old Brazil international, is believed to be quickly rising as a priority in the corridors of power at Old Trafford.

New Main Target

ESPN Brazil claims United now consider Danilo their “main target” to take the reins from Casemiro in midfield. The Mancunian club are “closely monitoring” his situation with Botafogo, with the Brasileiro Série A side said to be “counting on the sale of its star player to ease its financial strain.”

Botafogo’s rival, Palmeiras, are also vying for the former Nottingham Forest man’s signature, while Flamengo have also held talks with the Bahia native’s camp, sparking a red-hot race between the two Brazilian sides.

The player is open to remaining in his homeland if a “significant offer” from abroad does not materialise. Alongside Casemiro, he was selected by Carlo Ancelotti this week for the Seleção at the World Cup this summer.

Botafogo are understood to be asking for a fee in the region of £35 million for their prized asset – a considerable outlay for a transfer in South America, but one which pales in comparison to the figures demanded for midfielders in England.

Final Thoughts

One of the key traits INEOS are prioritising in midfield is Premier League experience. While Danilo did not enjoy the best of spells with Forest, he remains well-versed in the speed and intensity of football on these shores.

He has also shown marked improvements this season, adding a potent goal-scoring threat – nine goals and three assists in 21 games – to his already excellent defensive qualities. Arsenal and Fulham are believed to both be considering a swoop as well.

If United are forced to look beyond their first-choice targets to succeed Casemiro, Danilo represents a high-upside option at a reasonable price that would allow more money to be invested elsewhere in the squad.

Featured image from Getty Images

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Rowe opens up on Rabiot fight: ‘They didn’t see the punch he threw at the start’

Rowe opens up on Rabiot fight: ‘They didn’t see the punch he threw at the start’
Rowe opens up on Rabiot fight: ‘They didn’t see the punch he threw at the start’

Bologna’s Jonathan Rowe has opened up about the fight he had with Milan’s Adrien Rabiot, which led to them both being sold by Marseille last summer, and has spoken in-depth about the differences between playing for Roberto De Zerbi in Ligue 1 and under Vincenzo Italiano in Serie A.

The former England U21 star sat down for a feature interview with James Horncastle and The Athletic, discussing his experiences with Marseille and Bologna. 

Rowe on Rabiot fight, De Zerbi methods and Bologna adaptation

It has been a successful start to life in Italy for the 23-year-old, who has 13 goal involvements from 43 appearances across all competitions this term.

CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

“I feel like I’ve settled in now. I feel comfortable. It’s not even been a year yet but I’ve started to find my feet,” says the Englishman.

Less than a year ago, Rowe was caught up in a dressing-room bust-up involving several members of the Marseille team and staff, which ultimately led to his and Adrien Rabiot’s departure from the club last summer.

It has been reported that Rowe was involved in an argument with goalkeeper Guillermo Rulli, which led to Rabiot getting involved and ultimately ended in security staff having to break the whole thing up.

“It got heated. It was something he said,” Rowe recalled.

“The thing is, De Zerbi and Mehdi (Benatia), the (sporting) director, did not see the first punch (Rabiot) threw right at the start. They only saw me come back and hit him. So they probably thought I just hit him out of nowhere. I kind of had to explain it after.

“Emotions were flaring. Things got out of control. These things happen a lot in changing rooms, more than people probably realise.”

Despite being shown the way to the Marseille exit as a result of the altercation last summer, Rowe says that he had a lot to learn from De Zerbi.

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Robert De Zerbi, Head Coach of Olympique de Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“With De Zerbi I realised you have got to pay more attention to the details.From your first touch to the next pass, to when the ball is on the other side of the pitch. It’s like when you’re driving. You have got to be three steps ahead just in case something happens and you have to be ready to make an intelligent decision.

“Sometimes in training I could get a bit bored because of the build-up that we’d be doing would mainly be focused on the defences and the midfielders in order to get the ball to us attackers.

“You’d be standing around in the hot sun for a few hours. But in a way that trains your brain to stay focused no matter what’s going on in the game. You might see the ball once every 10 or 15 minutes but when you get that ball you have to be decisive or you have to make something happen and create.”

Rowe says that he was taken aback by some of De Zerbi’s training methods and team-bonding exercises: “I’d never done this before. I didn’t even know this was allowed in football.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“We went into the middle of nowhere, in the woods, in the cold. We’d wake up at 4am. We’d go to do some run or we’d walk into the woods. Then we’d do push-ups, a little core circuit with the flashlights out in the pitch black then another walk. Then we’d do hill sprints. You know, the fireworks, the pyro; whatever you call it that the fans use in the stadiums. He’d rip one of them open and start walking like we’re Vikings.”

Moving to Bologna has helped Rowe develop even further as a player, though: “It suits my game play,” Rowe says. “When it’s right, when it pays off; winning the ball high up the field, pressing, counter-attacking, being direct. I feel that sums up my game. When it pays off and the rest of the team is on the same wavelength, it almost feels unstoppable.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna is challenged by Abdou Harroui of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Hellas Verona FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“It was a bit of big shift from Marseille with De Zerbi; keeping possession and trying to find an opening, the little gap between the pockets. It was a change of mindset, because when I came I was trying probably to link up with the players, doing short passes. They were playing long. And I was like: ‘What are you doing?’ They were like: ‘This is how we play?’ It was a bit weird.

“But as time goes on naturally you build those connections, you build more relationships with team-mates. You start to understand their strengths and they start to understand yours a lot more. You have to adapt and I’m pretty good at that.”

All done deals since February, including deadline day

A transfer done deals graphic
[BBC]

The January transfer window for Premier League, English Football League, Scottish Premiership and Women's Super League clubs - and their counterparts in Germany, France, Spain and Italy - has now closed.

Take a look at all the confirmed deals, and read the latest rumours in Football Gossip.

20 May

English Football League

Jon Russell [Barnsley - Mansfield] Free

6 May

International

Andre Dozzell [Portsmouth - DC United] Free

5 May

English Football League

Cedric Kipre [Reims - Ipswich] Undisclosed

Chuba Akpom [Ajax - Ipswich] Undisclosed

15 April

English Football League

Jack Walton [Preston - Cambridge] Loan

27 March

English Football League

Nathan Redmond [Unattached - Blackburn]

26 March

English Football League

Ryan Watson [Unattached - Tranmere]

20 March

English Football League

Kaiyne Woolery [Unattached - Tranmere]

5 March

English Football League

Angus MacDonald [Unattached - Barrow]

27 February

International

Trent Kone-Doherty [Liverpool - Molde] Undisclosed

Josh Sargent [Norwich - Toronto] £20m

26 February

English Football League

Zain Silcott-Duberry [Unattached - Sheffield Wednesday] Free

13 February

English Football League

Matt Phillips [Unattached - Stevenage]

10 February

International

Charles Sagoe Jr [Arsenal - Kalmar] Loan

9 February

International

Yan Valery [Sheffield Wednesday - Young Boys] Loan

7 February

International

Jhon Arias [Wolves - Palmeiras] Undisclosed

English Football League

Onel Hernandez [Unattached - Port Vale]

Grant Ward [Unattached - Port Vale]

6 February

International

Emmanuel Agbadou [Wolves - Besiktas] Undisclosed

5 February

International

Andi Weimann [Derby - Rapid Vienna] Loan

4 February

International

N'Golo Kante [Al-Ittihad - Fenerbahce] Undisclosed

3 February

Women's Super League

Barbora Votikova [Slavia Prague - Arsenal] Loan

Malou Marcetto [Madrid CFF - London City Lionesses] Undisclosed

Rafaela Borggrafe [Liverpool - Bayer Leverkusen] Loan

Anouk Denton [West Ham United - Bay FC] £200,000

English Football League*

Pierre Ekwah [Saint-Etienne - Watford] Loan

Aidomo Emakhu [Millwall - Oxford] Undisclosed

Jack Howland [Millwall - Barnet] Loan

Jamaal Lascelles [Newcastle - Leicester] Undisclosed

Divine Mukasa [Manchester City - Leicester] Loan

Dujuan Richards [Chelsea - Leicester] Loan

*Deals announced on 3 February but completed the day before

2 February

Premier League

23:30: Axel Disasi [Chelsea - West Ham] Loan

22:30: Jeremy Jacquet [Rennes - Liverpool] £60m, to join on 1 July

22:06: Angel Gomes [Marseille - Wolves] Loan

21:52: Tyrique George [Chelsea - Everton] Loan

21:30: Evan Mooney [St Mirren - Arsenal] Undisclosed

21:30: Adam Armstrong [Southampton - Wolves] £7m

21:18: Nilson Angulo [Anderlecht - Sunderland] £17.5m

20:15: James Wilson [Hearts - Tottenham] Loan

20:00: Luca Netz [Borussia Monchengladbach - Nottingham Forest] Undisclosed

19:00: Jorgen Strand Larsen [Wolves - Crystal Palace] £48m

International

21:00: Karim Benzema [Al-Ittihad - Al-Hilal] Undisclosed

19:59: Simon Adingra [Sunderland - Monaco] Loan

19:16: Adil Aouchiche [Sunderland - Schalke] Undisclosed

18:50: David Datro Fofana [Chelsea - Strasbourg] Loan

18:50: Aaron Anselmino [Chelsea - Strasbourg] Loan

18:30: Samuel Iling-Junior [Aston Villa - Pisa] Loan

18:03: Ademola Lookman [Atalanta - Atletico Madrid] £30.3m

16:00: Armel Bella-Kotchap [Southampton - Hellas Verona] Undisclosed

14:00: Fally Mayulu [Bristol City - FC Arouca] Undisclosed

13:31: Juan Larios [Southampton - Real Zaragoza] Loan

09:55: Moussa Sissoko [Watford - Panathinaikos] Undisclosed

09:00: Brajan Gruda [Brighton - RB Leipzig] Loan

Scottish Premiership

00:10: Joel Mvuka [Lorient - Celtic] Loan

00:00: Ryan Naderi [Hansa Rostock - Rangers] Undisclosed

23:50: Stephen Welsh [Celtic - Motherwell] Loan

23:10: Benjamin Arthur [Brentford - Celtic] Loan

23:00: Munashe Garananga [Copenhagen - Hibernian] Loan

22:00: Jacob Devaney [Manchester United - St Mirren] Loan

22:00: Aldahir Valenzuela [Monterrey - Dundee] Loan

21:00: Scott Wright [Birmingham - Dundee] Loan

20:00: Emmanuel Agyei [FC Ashdod - Dundee United] Undisclosed

19:05: Ante Suto [Slaven Belupo - Hibernian] Undisclosed

18:00: Junior Adamu [Freiburg - Celtic] Loan

16:00: Dennis Geiger [Hoffenheim - Aberdeen] Loan

16:00: Lewis Montsma [Lincoln - Dundee] Undisclosed

16:00: Felix Passlack [Bochum - Hibernian] Undisclosed

15:30: Ben Broggio [Aston Villa - Falkirk] Loan

11:00: Aaron Tshibola [Levadiakos - Kilmarnock] Undisclosed

English Football League

22:15: Stephan Negru [Oxford - Tranmere] Loan

22:11: Max Dickov [Mansfield - Tranmere] Loan

22:00: Noah Eile [New York Red Bulls - Bristol City] Undisclosed

21:45: Leighton Clarkson [Aberdeen - Blackpool] Undisclosed

21:45: Madiodio Dia [FK Haugesund - Portsmouth] Undisclosed

21:43: Cyle Larin [Mallorca - Southampton] Loan

21:30: Sammie Szmodics [Ipswich - Derby] Loan

21:15: Gustavo Caballero [Santos - Portsmouth] Loan

21:15: Caylan Vickers [Brighton - Wigan] Loan

21:15: Charlie Setford [Ajax - MK Dons] Loan

21:15: Isaac Hutchinson [Bristol Rovers - Cheltenham] Loan

21:15: Kamil Conteh [Bristol Rovers - Lincoln] Loan

21:15: Will Dennis [Bournemouth - Leyton Orient] Loan

21:15: Tobi Oluwayemi [Celtic - Leyton Orient] Undisclosed

21:11: Ruben Roosken [Huddersfield - Oxford] Loan

21:07: Lee Evans [Blackpool - Bradford] Undisclosed

21:00: Bailey Cadamarteri [Sheffield Wednesday - Wrexham] Undisclosed

21:00: Brandon Cover [Leicester - Rotherham] Undisclosed

21:00: Sam Field [QPR - Norwich] Loan

21:00: Callum Lang [Portsmouth - Preston] Undisclosed

21:00: Princewill Ehibhatiomhan [Southampton - Salford] Loan

21:00: Junior Hoilett [Unattached - Swindon]

20:45: Richie Smallwood [Tranmere - Bristol Rovers] Loan

20:30: Hindolo Mustapha [Crystal Palace - West Brom] Loan

20:30: Joe Rothwell [Rangers - Sheffield United] Undisclosed

20:30: Mo Faal [Wrexham - Cheltenham] Loan

20:30: Andrew Moran [Brighton - Preston] Undisclosed

20:30: Davy van den Berg [Utrecht - Luton] Loan

20:15: Ato Ampah [Chelsea - Stoke] Undisclosed

20:15: Kyle McAdam [Nottingham Forest - Northampton] Loan

20:15: Ben Hammond [Nottingham Forest - Northampton] Loan

20:15: Tommy Leigh [Bradford - Bristol Rovers] Loan

20:00: Leo Walta [Sirius - Swansea] Loan

20:00: Sverre Sandal [KFUM - Luton] Undisclosed

20:00: Tomi Horvat [Sturm Graz - Bristol City] Undisclosed

20:00: Karoy Anderson [Charlton - Blackpool] Loan

20:00: Jonathan Panzo [Rio Ave - Birmingham] Undisclosed

19:45: Ryan Hardie [Wrexham - Huddersfield] Loan

19:45: Joe Quigley [Oldham - Bristol Rovers] Undisclosed

19:45: Andre Gray [Unattached - Port Vale]

19:45: Jacob Brown [Luton - Portsmouth] Loan

19:45: Layton Stewart [FC Thun - AFC Wimbledon] Loan

19:45: Romeo Akachukwu [Southampton - Colchester] Loan

19:30: Gabriele Biancheri [Manchester United - Rotherham] Loan

19:30: Johnny Kenny [Celtic - Bolton] Loan

19:30: Dylan Levitt [Hibernian - Leyton Orient] Undisclosed

19:30: Harry Ashfield [Wrexham - Cheltenham] Loan

19:30: Andre Vidigal [Stoke - Wycombe] Free

19:30: Kevin Berkoe [Salford - Shrewsbury] Undisclosed

19:30: Marvelous Nakamba [Luton - Sheffield Wednesday] Free

19:30: Derry Murkin [Utrecht - Derby] Undisclosed

19:30: Louie Barry [Aston Villa - Stockport] Loan

19:15: Kalvin Phillips [Manchester City - Sheffield United] Loan

19:15: Kadan Young [Aston Villa - Reading] Loan

19:00: Joel Ndala [Manchester City - Sheffield Wednesday] Loan

19:00: Zech Obiero [Leyton Orient - Tranmere] Loan

19:00: James Scanlon [Manchester United - Swindon] Loan

19:00: Sean Raggett [Rotherham - Cambridge] Loan

19:00: Saba Goglichidze [Udinese - Watford] Loan

19:00: Mitch Clarke [Port Vale - Fleetwood] Loan

19:00: Jid Okeke [Stockport - Walsall] Loan

18:45: Lino Sousa [Aston Villa - Rotherham] Loan

18:30:Davis Keillor-Dunn [Barnsley - Wrexham] Undisclosed

18:30: Sam Waller [Burnley - Harrogate] Undisclosed

18:15: Duncan Watmore [Unattached - Rotherham]

18:00: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi [Crystal Palace - Stoke] Loan

18:00: Jake Batty [Blackburn - Swindon] Undisclosed

18:00: Wes Harding [Millwall - Plymouth] Loan

18:00: Frank Onyeka [Brentford - Coventry] Loan

17:30: George Abbott [Tottenham - Mansfield] Loan

17:10: Tom Bradshaw [Oxford - Barnsley] Loan

17:00: Alfie Dorrington [Tottenham - Salford] Loan

17:00: Herbie Kane [Huddersfield - Plymouth] Loan

17:00: Millar Matthews-Lewis [Hemel Hempstead - Burton] Undisclosed

16:45: Reuell Walters [Luton - Blackpool] Loan

16:30: Joe Aribo [Southampton - Leicester] Loan

16:30: Collins Sichenje [FK Vojvodina - Charlton] Undisclosed

16:30: Jacob Mendy [Wrexham - Peterborough] Undisclosed

16:30: Joe Wildsmith [West Brom - Middlesbrough] Loan

16:00: Tobias Brenan [Wigan - Harrogate] Loan

16:00: Sven Sprangler [St Johnstone - Newport] Loan

16:00: Esapa Osong [Nottingham Forest - Fleetwood] Loan

16:00: Bobby Wales [Swansea - Huddersfield] Loan

15:00: Ryan Doherty [Stevenage - Ipswich] Undisclosed

15:00: Elliot Lee [Wrexham - Doncaster] Loan

15:00: Patrick Roberts [Sunderland - Birmingham] Undisclosed

15:00: Nik Tzanev [Newport - Huddersfield] Undisclosed

15:00: Ethan Wheatley [Manchester United - Bradford] Loan

14:30: Jack Hunt [Stockport - Wigan] Free

14:00: Omar Beckles [Leyton Orient - Gillingham] Free

13:30: Tyler Roberts [Birmingham - Mansfield] Free

13:12: James Morris [Watford - Leyton Orient] Undisclosed

13:00: Leo Hjelde [Sunderland - Sheffield United] Loan

13:00: Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba [Aston Villa - West Brom] Loan

1 February

English Football League

Tayo Adaramola [Crystal Palace - Sheffield Wednesday] Loan

Oladapo Afolayan [St. Pauli - Blackburn] Undisclosed

Elijah Campbell[Everton - Port Vale] Loan

Laminne Fanne [Luton - Venezia] Undisclosed

Andre Garcia [Reading - Club Brugge] Undisclosed

Calum Kavanagh [Bradford - Oldham] Undisclosed

Anthony Patterson [Sunderland - Millwall] Loan

Calum Scanlon [Liverpool - Cardiff] Loan

Martin Sherif[Everton - Port Vale] Loan

Mohamed Toure [Randers - Norwich] Undisclosed

Zak Vyner [Bristol City - Wrexham] Undisclosed

Lewis Warrington [Walsall - Tranmere] Undisclosed

Tommy Watson [Brighton - Millwall] Loan

Willum Willumsson [Birmingham - NC Nijmegen] Undisclosed

Transfers page archive

2026: January

2025: January - February to April* - May - June - July - August - September to December

2024:January - February to April* - May - June - July - August* - September to December

2023:January* - February to April - May - June - July - August - September* - October to December

2022:January - February to April* - May - June - July - August - September* - October to December

2021:January - February to April* - May - June - July - August - September* - October to December

2020:January* - February to July - August - September - October to December*

2019:January* - February to April - May - June - July - August - September* - October to December

2018:January* - February to May - June - July - August* - September to December

This page covers signings by Premier League, English Football League, Scottish Premiership and Women's Super League clubs, along with selected deals from overseas.

Mansfield sign midfielder Russell on two-year deal

Mansfield Town's Jon Russell
Jon Russell began his career with Chelsea before permanent moves to Huddersfield and then Barnsley [Getty Images]

Mansfield Town have agreed a deal to sign Jamaica midfielder Jon Russell on a two-year contract.

Russell moves on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Barnsley and will rejoin the Stags after a loan spell during the second half of this season.

The 25-year-old scored five times in 24 appearances, with 21 of those coming in League One as Mansfield finished 10th in the table, the club's highest position since 1987.

Boss Nigel Clough described the deal for Russell as "another important signing".

"Jon has impressed immensely since arriving in January and got goals for us from midfield which is a rare commodity these days," Clough told the club website.

Russell is the second piece of business done by the Stags in the last week after forward Tyler Roberts signed a new one-year contract on 12 May.

2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Film

  • BYU
  • Oregon

Background Info

  • Listed at 6-3/235 lbs.
  • 3-Star recruit according to 247 Sports
  • Played safety in high school
  • First-Team All-District 4-6A honors out of Dallas
  • Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2023
  • Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023
  • Third-Team All-Big 12 in 2025

Notable career stats heading into 2026

  • 280 tackles
  • 15.5 combined tackles for a loss and sacks
  • Generated 12 turnovers

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026

  • 79 Career PFF Run Defense Grade
  • 61.2 Career PFF Coverage Grade
  • 29 Hurries
  • Missed tackle rate of 9.7%
  • 100 Stops

Strengths

  • Great pass coverage
  • Instincts to make plays on the ball in the air and on the ground
  • Excellent in run support
  • Awareness is good enough to not overcommit and bite on play action
  • Ideal size and length for the linebacker position

Player Summary

Ben Roberts has one of the more entertaining games of film from any prospect this cycle against BYU in the Big 12 Championship. Beyond just that game, and in that game, he showcases top-tier pass overage ability for the position. He uses his instincts and size to make plays on the ball in the air and on the ground, and he shows the awareness not to overcommit either way. All in all, Roberts is going to be in contention for LB1 when it comes to the draft next offseason. 

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting on Texas Tech LB Ben Roberts

Tennis stars will hold media protest at French Open over Grand Slam prize money

The group of leading tennis players pushing for increased prize money and other reforms at the Grand Slams will stage a media protest at the French Open.

At the Italian Open earlier this month, stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff suggested that players could boycott one of the four biggest events in tennis at some point. At Roland Garros, where the second Grand Slam of the year starts Sunday, May 24, players will not go to those lengths, but they will walk out of their pre-tournament news conferences after 15 minutes, a source briefed on the group’s plans, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, said Thursday.

Players across the draw will also refuse interviews with French Open media and the tournament’s primary rightsholders, TNT Sports and Eurosport. They will only conduct flash interviews with broadcasters after matches in order to avoid being fined, as first reported by The Guardian.

In response to the players’ plans, an FFT spokesperson said via text message Wednesday that: “We regret the players’ decision, which impacts all of the tournament’s stakeholders: the media, broadcasters, the FFT and the entire tennis community, all of whom follow each edition of Roland-Garros with great enthusiasm.

“The FFT recognises the importance of the players’ contribution to the tournament’s success, and wishes to maintain close ties with them. In early May, it proposed a meeting that will take place on Friday 22 May with some of their representatives.

“The FFT is ready to engage in direct and constructive dialogue on governance issues, with a view to giving players a greater say in decision-making, contributing to players’ welfare and evolutions in the value-sharing model.”

Those talks are planned between the group and the French Tennis Federation (FFT) president, Gilles Moretton, as well as French Open tournament director, Amélie Mauresmo. Larry Scott, a former ATP Tour player and ex-WTA chief executive, who is advising the group, is expected to be in Paris for the talks, the source briefed on the group’s plans said.

Meetings with Wimbledon and US Open representatives are expected to take place later in the tournament. Spokespeople for both events did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The 15-minute timing represents the fact that the Grand Slams allocate on average 15 percent of revenues to prize money, a source briefed on the group’s plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships said Thursday. The top-10 men’s and women’s players leading this push for reform want that figure to rise to 22 percent, in line with joint ATP and WTA Tour events.

Many U.S. team sports set an even higher mark, with players in the NFL, NBA and MLB receiving close to 50 percent of league revenues, but those finances are subject to collective bargaining agreements which tennis players, who are effectively independent contractors, cannot establish.

The French Open’s 2026 prize pool is up by 9.5 percent from 2025, to a total of $72.3 million. This will come in at 15 percent of its projected revenue, according to the group’s estimates.

The three other majors all increased their prize money at their most recent editions. The Australian Open delivered a 16 percent increase, to $75 million; the U.S. Open’s 21 percent increase brought its prize pool to a record $85 million, and Wimbledon offered $72.6 million in 2025, up 7 percent from its 2024 pot, but all of those figures came in at less than 22 percent of each tournament’s respective revenues.

This the latest attempt by the group to put pressure on the four Grand Slams, following two letters it sent to the majors last year. They were signed by the most prominent players on the WTA and ATP Tours, including Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Gauff and Jannik Sinner.

As well as prize money changes, the group is pushing for more contributions to player welfare and greater consultation and representation about the Grand Slams’ plans, which includes seeking the formation of a Grand Slam Player Council.

The French Open qualifying event is already under way, ahead of the main draws starting Sunday. The principal pre-tournament media day will be held Friday, with any outstanding players doing their pre-event press over the weekend.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Sports Business, Culture, Tennis, Women's Tennis

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Notre Dame women's basketball lands commitment from five-star Eve Long

After securing one of the top recruiting classes for the class of 2026, Notre Dame women's basketball has made a splash in the Class of 2027.

The Fighting Irish picked up a commitment from five-star prospect Eve Long Tuesday, May 20. The news was first reported by On3's Talia Goodman.

Long is a composite five-star recruit on the 247Sports site, ranked 12th overall in the nation and 2nd amongst power forward recruits in the Class of 2027.

BREAKING: Top 2027 recruit Eve Long has committed to Notre Dame.

The 6-3 forward chose the Fighting Irish over Duke, UCLA, UConn and Kansas. 

READ: https://t.co/1fUj3L1uNepic.twitter.com/HYAVtdf9kx

— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) May 20, 2026

The 6-foot-3 forward from Olathe, Kansas, chose Notre Dame over Duke, UConn, UCLA and Kansas, among others.

More: Get to know Notre Dame women's basketball transfer Madison St. Rose

More: Get to know Notre Dame women's basketball transfer Anaya Hardy

It's the first commit in the Class of 2027 for Niele Ivey and her staff. Notre Dame is bringing in. The Irish's 2026 class ranks amongst the best in the country, bringing in five, top-100 players to join returners like All-American Hannah Hidalgo. Notre Dame reached the Elite 8 last season for the first time since 2019 before falling to UConn.

This story will be updated

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Eve Long class of 2027 commits to Notre Dame women's basketball

Talking spring championships season in Episode 37 of Prep Period

Ventura County Star sports reporters Joe Curley and Dominic Massimino take listeners through championship season for spring sports in Ventura County.

The pair discuss Foothill Tech boys volleyball and Oaks Christian boys lacrosse winning CIF-Southern Section titles, Newbury Park's Megan Wang winning state in the 100 backstroke, baseball and softball section playoffs, CIF-SS Finals in track and field, and much more.

Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe to the show!

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Talking spring championships season in Episode 37 of Prep Period

New Dolphins position coach has incredible description for veteran LB

The Miami Dolphins put forth a concerted effort this offseason to move on from several veterans from their 2025 roster with their new general manager and head coach taking over.

However, there were a few of their own free agents that Miami decided to bring back for 2026, including linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who appeared in 17 games and recorded 20 tackles and two passes defensed last year.

While the team has only been on the field for a few days this offseason, Dolphins linebackers coach Al Washington, who joined the staff this year, has already found an incredible description for Gay's play style.

"Willie Gay is violence, embodied violence," Washington said. "I love him. I could watch Willie on a sled for hours. Like, no matter what he does, he approaches it with enthusiasm, man. He'll wear a hat when he hits the sled. It's just a matter of time before the hat flies off. And he loves football, so yeah, Willie's got that. And there's others as well, but yeah, Willie definitely could be in that category."

Heading into 2026, Gay is fighting for a job, after the team returned Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson and Jackson Woodard while also signing Ronnie Harrison Jr. and drafting Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis.

If he does make this team, Gay will serve as depth and could play a role on special teams, but for now, he's already impressing those he needs to.

More Dolphins: New Dolphins WR named a cut candidate before Week 1

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: New Dolphins position coach has incredible description for veteran LB

£30m Chelsea star may have made his last start for the club already as two Premier League clubs built transfer case

£30m Chelsea star may have made his last start for the club already as two Premier League clubs built transfer case
£30m Chelsea star may have made his last start for the club already as two Premier League clubs built transfer case

Liam Delap is constantly being linked with moves away from Chelsea now, and we would not be surprised to see him go.

If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

Liam Delap got a rare start for Chelsea last night, with Joao Pedro rested. The summer signing from a year ago failed to impress once again.

Could it be the last start he ever gets for the club? There’s a non zero chance, and many fans are hoping it’s the case.

Once again the striker lumbered around creating little threat, and once again he came close to a red card after chucking an elbow in on Djed Spence.

Delap could be on the way out already after poor season

TeamTalk are the latest site to push rumours about Delap being sold this summer. The £30m we spent on him makes him relatively easy to move on without a loss, and teams like Everton and Newcastle are regularly linked.

“The Magpies were keen on Delap when he was at Ipswich, but would have to sell a striker themselves to make room for him,” they write.

“Everton have also view Delap as a realistic target to lead their line. As we have consistently reported, the Toffees intend to sign a new centre-forward, and he remains on their shortlist after they pushed but failed to bring him in last summer.”

Plenty of Chelsea fans will have their fingers crossed.

In other news…

Umir Irfan’s really good piece for the BBC looked at how new manager Xabi Alonso might want to use striker Joao Pedro next year.

Irfan noted another difference in the personnel that Alonso will have available – Cole Palmer is the natural Florian Wirtz replacement, but their skillset is different in one key way.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

Lautaro Martinez agent: ‘If Barcelona called, I’d reply he is happy at Inter’

Lautaro Martinez agent: ‘If Barcelona called, I’d reply he is happy at Inter’
Lautaro Martinez agent: ‘If Barcelona called, I’d reply he is happy at Inter’

Lautaro Martinez’s agent assures even if Barcelona, Arsenal or anyone else were to call, his reply would be the same: ‘He is happy at Inter and does not want to move.’

The striker was at the forefront of the celebrations for their historic Double, winning both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, going on an open top bus parade around the city on Sunday.

He is also on track to be crowned Capocannoniere for this campaign, further consolidating his status as the best centre-forward in Italian football.

This attracted plenty of interest from abroad, but just as in the past, the Argentina international has just one thing on his mind.

Lautaro Martinez only wants Inter

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano lifts the Coppa Campioni d’Italia trophy following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I have come to realise that Lautaro is admired and would be wanted by all the best teams in the world, but he belongs to Inter, so there is no reason for anyone to worry,” agent Alejandro Camano told FCInterNews.

“He is happy in Milan, he’s got the World Cup this summer, then the objective next season is to win the Champions League with Inter.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In the past, there was only ever one club that seemed genuinely as if it could tempt Lautaro Martinez into leaving San Siro, and that was Barcelona.

Now that Robert Lewandowski is leaving and they require a new striker, what would happen if the Blaugrana called him again?

ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the Coppa Italia Final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

“Any call I would receive, from any club in the world, I would listen with respect, but the response would be the same. Lautaro is happy at Inter, he said he doesn’t want to move, so there is nothing more to add.”

Is the Argentina international staying to target the Champions League and maybe even the Ballon d’Or?

“No, he is staying because he loves Inter. It’s not about personal success, those come only as a result of the team trophies.”

Camano also represents Lazio defender Mario Gila, who has been linked with several clubs including Inter and Milan.

“He has one year left on his contract with Lazio, but nobody has called me over a renewal. I cannot renew his contract by myself. It all depends on them. If they want him to stay, good, otherwise we’ll have to talk about it.”

Bruno Fernandes backs Michael Carrick to turn Man United into title contenders

Michael Carrick (left) gives instructions to Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (Getty)

Bruno Fernandes has declared his unwavering commitment to Manchester United, stating he is "here to serve" the club, while expressing his strong desire for Michael Carrick to lead them back to the Premier League summit.

A broad agreement for Carrick, 44, to remain as the Red Devils' manager is understood to have been reached, though an official announcement is still pending.

United sources indicate the deal for Carrick is a matter of "when rather if" it is finalised. The manager was in London on Tuesday, where he presented the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award to his captain, Fernandes.

The 31-year-old midfielder recently equalled the Premier League record for assists in a single season, reaching 20 during Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, a match where the home crowd vocally supported their head coach.

Addressing Carrick's anticipated long-term appointment, Fernandes reiterated his previous praise.

Carrick presented Bruno Fernandes with his player of the year award on Tuesday (PA Wire)
Carrick presented Bruno Fernandes with his player of the year award on Tuesday (PA Wire)

"I spoke a lot of times about him," he said. "I already said many things about how good he could be as a manager in the past, so I think those words are still there."

He added, "obviously, it’s not in my hands deciding who’s going to be the next manager. I’m here to serve the club, whether that is a manager that comes in, or if he stays, I will serve them in the same way."

When asked directly if Carrick could guide United to the top of the league, Fernandes responded, "I hope so, if he stays. I hope he’s one that can take us back to the top of the Premier League because this is what all the players want."

United will conclude their 40-game season – their shortest campaign in 111 years – with a trip to Brighton on Sunday.

Carrick will lead his side to the south coast having overseen 11 wins from his 16 matches in charge since Ruben Amorim’s departure in January.

KKR vs MI Live win probability, prediction, odds & chances of victory in IPL 2026 clash

Kolkata Knight Riders take on Mumbai Indians in their penultimate IPL 2026 home game in Kolkata on Wednesday, May 20.

It was a must-win game for KKR as another defeat would see them eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race, as after this match, they can only reach 13 points. 

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Live Scorecard

KKR vs MI IPL 2026: Win probability and toss result 

After 16 overs, MI 95/6

MI lose two more wickets as KKR's dominance continues.

After 10 overs, MI 64/4

The match has finally resumed. Can Pandya and Varma pull MI out of the mess they are currently in?

The covers are coming off. Good news from Eden Gardens.  

After 8 overs, MI 57/4

The rain has been stopped due to heavy rain in Kolkata. 

    After 6 overs, MI 46/4

    MI have lost their top order within the powerplay as KKR dominate proceedings. 

    Toss: KKR won the toss and opted to field first. 

    KKR vs MI: Playing XI

    KKR playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakravarthy, Saurabh Dubey.

    KKR impact subs: Vaibhav Arora, Finn Allen, Ramandeep Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Rahul Tripathi.

    MI playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Raghu Sharma.

    MI impact subs: Shardul Thakur, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat, Allah Ghazanfar

    KKR vs MI: Win percentage

    TeamWin probability
    KKR85%
    MI15%

    KKR vs MI: Betting odds

    TeamOdds
    KKR1.08
    MI8.09

    Panthers sign UDFA TE Heinrich Haarberg, add Taysom Hill-esque skills

    Ja'Tavion Sanders

    Panthers sign UDFA TE Heinrich Haarberg, add Taysom Hill-esque skills originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales continues investigating ways to add unique schemes for new playcaller Brad Idzik to utilize next season.

    Among his first moves following the NFL Draft in April, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan signed gritty quarterback Haynes King for a $250,000 guaranteed contract. The former Georgia Tech standout developed a reputation for his tough running style.

    Team insiders immediately pointed to New Orleans tight end Taysom Hill as the type of player King could develop into. Following a rookie minicamp practice on May 9, King said: "At the end of the day, everybody wants to play."

    But his primary focus is to earn the No. 3 quarterback job, behind starter Bryce Young and backup Kenny Pickett.

    Doubling down on trying to help the Panthers improve their short-yardage production, Morgan reached an agreement on a UDFA deal with former Nebraska tight end Heinrich Haarberg, a former starting quarterback.

    Panthers sign Heinrich Haarberg, add versatility to 91-man roster

    Listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Haarberg posted 12 career catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. As the primary signal caller in 2023, Haarberg went 5-3 for the Big Ten program.

    The Panthers, who avoid calling quarterback sneaks for the 5-10 Young and don't employ a version of the "Tush Push," ranked No. 25 in third-down conversions last season, converting 36.1 percent. The Saints often use Hill as a short-yardage specialist, able to run over defenders and get open in the flat for screen passes.

    Haarberg could earn a similar role with the Panthers.

    Morgan did not sign a veteran tight end during free agency or add to the room via the NFL Draft in April, electing to go with the top three players from last season, Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans.

    Haarberg's signing could be another sign of the organization's confidence that the power trio will enhance its production in 2026.

    KKR vs MI IPL 2026 live score, toss winner, winning probability, result and highlights from Kolkata

    KKR vs MI IPL 2026 live score, toss winner, winning probability, result and highlights from Kolkata originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

     KEY MATCH DETAILS:

    • Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
    • Captains: Ajinkya Rahane (KKR), Hardik Pandya (MI)
    • Toss result: KKR won the toss and opted to field first.
    • Live Telecast: JioHotstar (India), TBD (Bangladesh), No Broadcast (Pakistan), CricLife Max, StarzPlay (UAE), Willow TV, Fubo, Willow TV app, Sling TV (USA & Canada)
    • Umpires & Match officials: Rajiv Seth (Match referee), Kannur Swaroopanand, Saiyed Khalid (On-field Umpire), Mohit Krishnadas (TV Umpire), Ajitesh Argal (Fourth Umpire)
    • Match result: TBD
    • Player of the Match: TBD

    IPL 2026 HUB:Latest IPL News | IPL Points Table | Team Stats | IPL 2026 Squads

    Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Live Scorecard from IPL 2026

    Follow along with the latest live scorecard here as the match unfolds, or click here for key text commentary updates from the action.

    KKR vs MI: Playing XI

    KKRplaying XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakravarthy, Saurabh Dubey.

    KKR impact subs: Vaibhav Arora, Finn Allen, Ramandeep Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Rahul Tripathi.

    MI playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Raghu Sharma.

    MI impact subs: Shardul Thakur, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat, Allah Ghazanfar

    MORE: What happens if an IPL match is cancelled due to rain? Rules and refund details

    KKR vs MI IPL 2026 Live Updates

    Hello everyone, and welcome to the live blog for the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

    Toss result: KKR won the toss and opted to field first.

    MI innings: 95/6 (16 overs)

    • MI are deep in trouble as they lose four wickets inside the powerplay. 
    • Rain has interrupted the game at Eden Gardens.
    • Good news from Kolkata as the covers are finally coming off. 
    • The match has finally resumed.
    • KKR bowlers continue to dominate as they pick up two more wickets. 

    KKR vs MI: Win Probability

    TeamWin percentage
    KKR85%
    MI15%

    Kolkata weather update: Chances of rain interrupting play

    Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and the probability of rainfall in Kolkata on Wednesday.

    • 6:00 PM: 34°C (0% chance of rain)
    • 7:00 PM: 33°C (0% chance of rain)
    • 8:00 PM: 33°C (0% chance of rain)
    • 9:00 PM: 31°C (0% chance of rain)
    • 10:00 PM: 31°C (0% chance of rain)
    • 11:00 PM: 30°C (0% chance of rain)

    MORE:IPL 2026 schedule: Fixtures and full list of matches for Indian Premier League 2026 season

    Key highlights and reactions: KKR vs MI IPL 2026

    IPL 2026 Points Table: Latest updated standings with live KKR vs MI result

    PosTeamPlayedWonLostNRNrrPoints
    1Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Q)13940+1.06018
    2Gujarat Titans (Q)13850+0.40016
    3Sunrisers Hyderabad (Q)13850+0.35016
    4Rajasthan Royals13760+0.08314
    5Punjab Kings13661+0.23013
    6Chennai Super Kings13670-0.02712
    7Delhi Capitals13670-0.87112
    8Kolkata Knight Riders12561-0.03811
    9Mumbai Indians (E)12480-0.5048
    10Lucknow Super Giants (E)13490-0.7028

    To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our FacebookInstagram and X (Twitter) pages.

    Bradford sign half-back Dean until end of season

    Riley Dean has short dark hair and is running with the rugby ball in one hand. He is wearing a shirt which has red and white hoops.
    Riley Dean returned to the UK in 2024 when he signed for Oldham [Getty Images]

    Bradford Bulls have signed half-back Riley Dean from Championship side Oldham until the end of the season.

    The 24-year-old previously spent four years at Warrington Wolves after making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2019.

    After loans to several clubs, Dean signed for the Australian side Mackay Cutters in 2023 before returning to the UK with Oldham the following year.

    Dean said he was "buzzing" to have joined the Bulls and that the staff had been really welcoming.

    "I have enjoyed my first session and hopefully I get selected for the weekend," he told the club website.

    "It's clear the lads work hard for each other which is obviously a great culture to have that the coaches have drilled into them, so I am really excited to be a part of that."

    He added: "The Bulls fans came to Oldham last year and it was probably the best atmosphere we had all year; it was really good to see so hopefully I get to experience that now on the right end of it."

    Sean McVay: I didn't handle Jared Goff trade the right way, lacked courage to talk to him

    The Rams' trade of Jared Goff and two first-round picks to the Lions for Matthew Stafford worked out well for both teams in the end. But Rams coach Sean McVay says he regrets the way he handled it.

    McVay said on Bussin’ With The Boys that he should have been forthright with Goff about why the Rams felt they needed to find a new quarterback and warned Goff in advance that he could be traded.

    “I’m super sensitive to what an amateur I was with the Goff situation, trading him,” McVay said. “You want to talk about lack of courage, lack of clarity, lack of ability to be able to look somebody in the eye that you’ve had a lot of really cool experiences with and tell him, ‘Hey, not easy to say, but we might explore an opportunity to acquire Matthew Stafford, and you’ll be a part of a trade there.’ But instead, it’s like you kind of get frustrated, and it was more really about me than it was about him. I had a lot of things that I had to work through, and I didn't handle that the right way. I'm not saying we wouldn't have made the decision, but the handling of it was exactly the antithesis of how I would hope to handle things going forward."

    McVay says every player deserves to know where he stands with his coach, and McVay didn't do a good enough job of telling Goff where he stood.

    "The important thing is to operate with clarity for people," McVay said. "Did I have the courage to sit him down after that season in 2020 and tell him there's a possibility we might explore some avenues that might lead to you not being our quarterback going forward? No. Would I handle it different now? Absolutely."

    Goff has said it bothered him that the Rams never told him they were thinking of getting rid of him until just before the news of the trade broke. McVay said he heard what Goff said and learned he needs to keep it real with his players.

    "I appreciate his honesty in all of that," McVay said. "There was nobody to blame but myself."

    How long is Cale Makar out? Avalanche injury news creates uncertain return timeline for superstar

    How long is Cale Makar out? Avalanche injury news creates uncertain return timeline for superstar originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Cale Makar has a case as the best defenseman on the planet.

    He's certainly a big part of the reason the Colorado Avalanche are still in contention to win this season's Stanley Cup.

    But the news on Wednesday, that Makar has an injury, is a big issue for the Avs.

    He's already been ruled out for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

    Jack Ahcan is the player who will dress with Makar out, and the defensive pairings will have to be shuffled around.

    So far in this postseason, Makar had four goals and an assist through nine games. 

    He played 29 shifts in the Avalanche's comeback win over the Wild in the previous round to win that series, a normal amount of ice time, not suggesting any injury. 

    But at least for now, Makar is out.

    MORE: Sabres' story of this season is about all the chapters along the way

    How long is Cale Makar out? 

    At the moment, Colorado has termed Makar to be "day-to-day."

    As some will say in jest: Aren't we all?

    But in all seriousness, that's all we know. The details about Makar's injury are being kept under wraps. It's not totally clear when it happened, either.

    That makes it tough to truly speculate.

    The suggestion of a day-to-day verdict is that Makar could be back any time in this series. But given that he's not playing Game 1, it's certainly more than nothing.

    More NHL news:

    Just in: Delightful news for Man Utd as ‘exceptional’ star is open to sign new contract

    Just in: Delightful news for Man Utd as ‘exceptional’ star is open to sign new contract
    Just in: Delightful news for Man Utd as ‘exceptional’ star is open to sign new contract

    Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is reportedly destined to linger at the club beyond the current campaign and could even pen a new contract.

    Since his arrival in January 2020, the Portuguese playmaker has been the club’s best player. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, the MUFC skipper has taken his game to a whole new level this season and has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Year.

    DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

    While this award is often handed to a league winner, no Arsenal player came close to rivalling Bruno’s ‘exceptional’ exploits. The 31-year-old has already equalled Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne’s assist record by creating 20 goals this season, and he will have the opportunity to set a new record on the final day of the season against Crystal Palace.

    Man Utd & Bruno Fernandes open to signing new contract

    With the former Sporting CP star hitting his stride, Man Utd fans are hoping to keep him at the club for years to come.

    However, there have been several speculations surrounding Bruno’s future, especially with his contract expiring in June 2027.

    Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

    Some sources have suggested that United should sell the skipper this summer before he leaves as a free agent.

    Nevertheless, Man Utd insider Sully expects Fernandes to stick around for years to come, revealing that the two parties could soon negotiate a new contract.

    “Bruno Fernandes is happy at MUFC and has had meetings with the club in recent months with a general expectation being that he’ll stay beyond the summer,” posted the journalist on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

    “There’s been some speculation regarding his release clause but that isn’t expected to be an issue. A new contract hasn’t been ruled out.”

    Why keeping Fernandes is vital for Man Utd

    At the age of 31, Fernandes is producing some of the best football of his career, especially after being paired with top-notch attackers like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko this season.

    In the current day and age, we have seen world-class players delivering the goods despite their advanced playing age. 40-year-old Luka Modric is a prime example of a playmaker who continues to defy Father Time thanks to his remarkable professionalism and sheer determination.

    Based on Bruno’s demeanour and obsession with the sport, we have every reason to believe he still has many good years in the tank. Hence, ditching the captain just because he surpassed 30 would be a grave mistake on Man Utd’s part.

    Vikings down to 5 finalists for vacant general manager position

    Vikings down to 5 finalists for vacant general manager position originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    The Minnesota Vikings reportedly have five finalists for their general manager opening.

    According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the Vikings have requested a second round of in-person interviews with interim GM Rob Brzezinski, Broncos assistant GM Reed Burckhardt, Bills assistant GM Terrance Gray, Rams assistant GM John McKay and Seahawks assistant GM Nolan Teasley.

    All five of those candidates have connections to the Vikings, Jones notes:

    "Quick connections in less than 280 characters: Brzezinski is a longtime Vikings exec. Burckhardt and Gray each spent more than a decade in Minnesota. McKay worked with KOC in L.A. And Teasley is No. 2 in personnel for the Super Bowl champs," Jones added on each candidate.

    What Vikings are looking for in new GM

    Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein spoke with Vikings owner Mark Wilf, who laid out what the team is looking for in its next general manager:

    "Vikings care less about evaluator vs. cap than they do about GM who leads," she said. "Doesn't sound like they'll split who leads business vs. evaluation."

    "We still ultimately need to have a leader who represents ownership who can bring the building together," Wilf said to Epstein.

    The Vikings entered the general manager market earlier this offseason when the team fired former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

    Minnesota decided to wait on hiring a new general manager until after the 2026 NFL Draft.

    Now, it looks like we could be just days away from the Vikings finding Adofo-Mensah's replacement.

    More NFL News

    Jerry Jones laughs off Cowboys having no rest before, after Rio trip

    Jerry Jones lives a very different life than the rest of us.

    Sure, he's the owner of the most valuable sports franchise on Earth. Yes, his net worth is estimated at close to $20 billion. He gets ferried around a good chunk of Texas in his own helicopter, and he takes exotic vacations on his personal 375-foot superyacht. He's the kind of rich and famous where he gets to guest-star on a popular TV series like Landman just playing himself.

    But the 83-year-old jetsetter is also such a seasoned globetrotter that the thought of sitting through an 11- to 12-hour flight to another country is just the cost of doing business, apparently no more of a concern than a simple evening out.

    Asked this week at the league's May meeting about the Cowboys' upcoming Week 3 trip to Rio de Janeiro and the demanding travel schedule that will give the team no additional rest on either side of it... AND put them back on the road for another away game immediately following... AND ALSO see them host a Thursday night contest just four days after that... Jones brushed it all off rather nonchalantly.

    "The wear and tear is a lot less than a night out on the town," according to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports. "Everybody ought to think about that. Stop, stop. It isn't like they [would be] home in bed, resting up."

    Cowboys, Ravens scheduled to play Week 3 in Rio de Janeiro without extra rest on either end. 10+ hour flight each way. Is Jerry Jones concerned about the competitive disadvantage?

    "The wear and tear," Jerry told me, "is a lot less than a night out on the town."

    — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) May 19, 2026

    Even Jones's nights out on the town are on a different level, apparently.

    But if the Cowboys look like anything less than world-beaters in that Brazilian contest, expect Jones's quote to be brought back in 10-foot-tall neon lettering to be thrown in his face.

    It's been pointed out that the Ravens will have the same rest differential as Dallas on either end of the Rio trip. (They will, however, have a slightly longer flight both ways.) Like the Cowboys, they'll play a Sunday afternoon game the week before and after. But Baltimore gets to stay at home in Week 4, while the Cowboys will have to board another plane to Houston. And while the Ravens then stick to Sundays with the Sunday night game in Week 5, Dallas will have already hosted Tampa Bay the Thursday prior.

    That's like having to follow up that "night out on the town" with working a double... for the next two days.

    But whatever. Jones won't be the one punching the clock for any of those brutal shifts.

    Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!

    This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Jerry Jones laughs off Cowboys' brutal international travel schedule

    Former NFL quarterback predicts Fernando Mendoza's first start for Las Vegas Raiders

    Former NFL quarterback predicts Fernando Mendoza's first start for Las Vegas Raiders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

    Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck believes the best scenario for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza to start with the Las Vegas Raiders would come midway through the 2026 season.

    The Raiders’ schedule is one of the most competitive in the league, but Hasselbeck says keep an eye on Week 8 against the New York Jets as the ideal opportunity for Mendoza to take over as the starter. Kirk Cousins would likely open the season because of his experience and immediate command of the offense. Mendoza could benefit from spending the early part of the season learning from the longtime NFL starter before eventually taking over.

    “You get about a month to be the starter, then have a bye week to evaluate things," Hasselbeck said. “I think that’s the best scenario."

    .@tthasselbeck and @minakimes predict when Fernando Mendoza will make his NFL debut 🔮 pic.twitter.com/B1K303OWw8

    — NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 18, 2026

    Mendoza comes into his rookie season trying to make an immediate impact. The way to make that happen is live game experience, which is more valuable for a young quarterback than extended time on the bench. Being behind Cousins will be huge for Mendoza's development in all of this.

    MORE:Las Vegas Raiders schedule gives Fernando Mendoza his first reality check

    Many analysts expect Cousins to hold the job initially, but believe Mendoza eventually will see the field this season. The Heisman Trophy winner has taken steps to learn the West Coast offense and is playing under center for the first time in his career. 

    More College Football news:

    Texas Longhorns football set to welcome top 2028 recruit to campus

    When it comes to building for the future, Longhorns football has been busy connecting with some of the best players in the 2028 class. That list includes Kellan Hall, who is the top defensive lineman on the board. While Texas faces plenty of competition, it will be able to make its best pitch when Hall is on campus for a visit on May 31st. 

    During the recruiting process, Hall has received offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan. He has already taken unofficial visits to Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Missouri. That list should continue to grow over the next few weeks as the Louisville native weighs his options. 

    The No. 1 DL in the 2028 class will visit #Texas on May 31st.

    Introducing five-star Kellan Hall, out of Louisville, KY.

    OTF: https://t.co/alDSf75hcz@KellanHbigdawgpic.twitter.com/852LNMu3AW

    — CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) May 19, 2026

    The heavy interest comes as no surprise, given how Hall is viewed by scouts. Currently, he is ranked as the third-best defensive lineman in his class by 247Sports. They also rank the Longhorns' target as the best player from Kentucky and the 25th best player in the nation. That is partly why Texas has made its interest known early on. 

    Throughout his high school career, Hall has made life difficult for offensive coordinators with his athleticism and quick reaction time. He has also played very well against the run and shown that he can handle multiple positions. Those traits would be key in a competitive conference such as the SEC. 

    Sophomore Season Highlights

    State Champion (15-0)
    All-District 1st Team Defense
    All-State 1st Team Defense
    3A Lineman of The Year
    District Lineman of the Year
    All-American 1st Team Defense (Rivals)
    53 tkls, 17.5 tfl, 6.5 sacks (11 gms)@centurions_fb@CamronHahnpic.twitter.com/NPzuqEv6bN

    — Kellan Hall (@KellanHbigdawg) December 24, 2025

    While Texas would get a boost with Hall in the mix, he is not the only recruit they are chasing. The Longhorns have also made offers to four-star recruits such as Ian Thomas, DeAndre Bidden, Braxton Rein, Austin Attalah, Kendrick Harris, and Kameron McGee. Adding any of those players would be a major win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff. 

    Although Hall has not set a commitment date, the Longhorns will get a chance to show him what his future in the burnt orange could hold when he is on campus in less than two weeks.

    This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Five-star DL recruit Kellan Hall schedules Texas Longhorns visit

    Women’s lacrosse top 10 talk: Week 15

    Alongside the women’s lacrosse Final Four comes the penultimate edition of top 10 talk in 2026. Similarly to last week, no new IWLCA coaches poll was released, but the top four teams from its most recent poll still ended up being the teams in this year’s national semifinals. Let’s see how they each stack up.

    NOTE: All rankings referenced in this article are from the most recent poll.

    1. North Carolina (18-1, 10-0 ACC)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 14-11 win over Stanford

    This Week: Final Four semifinal vs. Maryland

    As expected, the No. 2-seeded Tar Heels are headed to Evanston for the Final Four after taking down ACC rival Stanford in their quarterfinal matchup. North Carolina held on after taking an 8-4 halftime lead despite the Cardinal holding Chloe Humphrey to just three goals. Overall, the Tar Heels continued their dominance in most facets, but they did have notable goalkeeping struggles, with Betty Nelson and Lexi Zenk allowing 11 goals with just three saves on the contest. Against Terrapin star goalkeeper JJ Suriano, UNC will have to do a better job of competing in that department.

    2. Northwestern (17-3, 7-1 B1G)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 13-12 2OT win over Colorado

    This Week: Final Four semifinal vs. Johns Hopkins

    The Wildcats nearly suffered their second upset loss to Colorado this season, going to double-overtime against the Buffaloes before winning the game on a Noel Cumberland free position goal. Northwestern arguably benefitted from a series of highly controversial calls and no-calls from the officials, but regardless, the ‘Cats now find themselves back in a very familiar position as a title contender in the Final Four. Northwestern’s semifinal draw is Johns Hopkins, a team the Wildcats dispatched 16-12 earlier in the year. The Blue Jays can score too, but the Wildcats have their biggest comparative advantage in the cage thanks to the prowess of Jenika Cuocco.

    3. Maryland (18-3, 6-2 B1G)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 14-10 win over Navy

    This Week: Final Four semifinal vs. North Carolina

    The Terrapins rode a strong 5-1 fourth-quarter advantage to victory against the Midshipmen, getting multi-goal performances from all six of their scorers. JJ Suriano had a solid nine-save performance as well, and the Terrapins managed to get consistently good looks despite losing the draw-control battle 17-9. Against UNC, the Terps will need to follow Stanford’s blueprint of limiting Chloe Humphrey, but defensive inconsistency in various games this season could make that a tough ask.

    4. Johns Hopkins (17-4, 6-2 B1G)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 13-12 win over Stony Brook

    This Week: Final Four semifinal vs. Northwestern

    Johns Hopkins won an absolute thriller over Stony Brook, coming back from a 12-10 fourth-quarter deficit and winning on a mind-boggling last-second transition goal from Taylor Hoss. The Blue Jays’ balanced scoring attack was in full force, as Ava Angello led with four goals but Hoss and Lacey Downey added three as well. Next up, Johns Hopkins will face Northwestern for a second time this season, and it will likely need a better performance from Ashley Langdon, who had a pedestrian seven-save outing against the Seawolves.

    5. Navy (20-2, 8-1 Patriot League)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 14-10 loss to Maryland

    This Week: none

    Navy’s incredible 2026 campaign finally came to a close against Maryland despite a six-goal performance from Alyssa Chung. The Midshipmen hung around for a while against the Terrapins, but a rough fourth quarter ended up being the nail in the coffin. Still, Navy’s season was an absolute success, with just two losses and a number of big wins overall.

    6. Stanford (17-5, 8-2 ACC)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 14-11 loss to North Carolina

    This Week: none

    Stanford could not get past UNC despite multi-goal games from five different players on Thursday. The Cardinal played efficiently in the critical scoring area but mustered just 14 shots on goal compared to North Carolina’s 23. Still, despite the end-of-year disappointment, the Cardinal rose to incredible heights in 2026.

    7. Michigan (13-7, 5-3 B1G)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: none

    This Week: none

    Michigan’s season ended after its second-round loss to Stanford on May 10.

    8. Stony Brook (19-3, 7-0 CAA)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 13-12 loss to Johns Hopkins

    This Week: none

    Stony Brook’s loss to Johns Hopkins was an absolute heartbreaker for the Seawolves, as it truly seemed like the Seawolves might be able to hang on to their fourth-quarter advantage en route to a Final Four berth. Two of Stony Brook’s losses this season have now come at the hands of the Blue Jays, and Thursday’s was particularly agonizing given how it went down in the final seconds. Still, the Seawolves didn’t lose to a non-Final-Four team all season, making 2026 a standout year for their players.

    9. Syracuse (14-6, 7-3 ACC)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: none

    This Week: none

    Syracuse’s season ended after its second-round loss to Navy on May 10.

    10. Colorado (16-4, 4-1 Big 12)

    Movement: none

    Last Week: 13-12 2OT loss to Northwestern

    This Week: none

    Colorado players and fans alike have reason to be salty after the controversial ending to the Buffaloes’ contest against Northwestern, which featured a questionable Colorado charge, a mystifying non-awarded Colorado free position and an interesting no-call on a potential second Madison Taylor yellow card. Nonetheless, the Buffaloes can absolutely be pleased with a season that exceeded the expectations of most. They began the year with a huge upset over the Wildcats, won the Big 12 championship and ended their campaign just inches away from a Final Four berth.

    Why Drake’s Surprise Release Can’t Salvage Fallout From Kendrick Lamar Beef

    Drake, one of the most popular artists of the 2010s, returned last week with 43 new songs and a score to settle, but can the sheer volume of his discography update restore the reputation that he publicly lost following his feud with Kendrick Lamar?

    The Canadian rapper and singer—born Aubrey Drake Graham—surprise-dropped not only his long-anticipated album Iceman overnight, but also two additional LPs: Habibti and Maid of Honour. The album’s release was teased through the installation of a giant ice sculpture in Drake’s home city, Toronto.

    The releases are Drake’s first since his bitter feud with Lamar reached its peak in 2024.

    Jeff Moore, a music marketing strategist, told Newsweek that, despite the frenzy around the drop, the new albums are unlikely to redeem Drake, “if redemption is the public reconsidering the beef and taking his side.”

    “It’s similar to Pusha T’s ‘Story of Adidon,'” Moore said. “Drake did nothing to fire back and ended up conceding the loss. The next month, Scorpion dropped and became the first album to clear 1 billion streams in a week. Pusha won that beef, but Drake won the chart year.

    “The math is already in his favor: 43 tracks dropped. and he got three Spotify streaming records. He also doesn’t actually say Lamar’s name in any track,'” Moore said.

    “For me, that’s the giveaway. Drake is betting he can outlast the cultural verdict, not reverse it. The early streaming numbers suggest that bet is paying off, but I wouldn’t call that redemption.”

    Drake’s Return to the Spotlight

    Drake’s new drops span three distinct musical genres:

    • Iceman is rap and hip-hop focused, leaning into the harder, more combative corner of Drake’s catalog.
    • Habibti pivots toward silkier R&B territory.
    • Maid of Honour features dance themes.

    Collaborators across the trilogy include Central Cee, 21 Savage, Future, Molly Santana and PARTYNEXTDOOR, a roll call designed to signal that, whatever the gossip columns say, Drake retains his currency as a convener of talent.

    But the big question hanging over the release was always whether Drake would use his return to reignite his feud with Lamar—and the answer, it turns out, is yes.

    On Iceman‘s opening track, Make Them Cry, Drake offers what appears to be the most candid window yet into his state of mind at the height of the beef.

    From left: Drake at Wireless Festival on July 12, 2025 in London, England; and Kendrick Lamar on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans.

    “Tell us how it felt to meet the grim reaper / This album better have some big features / Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m all alone for my mental [health],” he raps. “Been so sure of my words that I haven’t used a pencil.”

    Elsewhere, Drake takes apparent aim at Lamar’s much-celebrated community work in his native Compton, California, rapping: “Handin’ out turkeys on camera inside of your hood, then you go back to the hills.”

    This is a pointed accusation that Lamar’s man-of-the-people image is just performance rather than real care and substance.

    Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Feud Explained

    The confrontation escalated dramatically from a rivalry into open warfare following Lamar’s pointed feature on Future and Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You album in 2024, on which he dismantled the notion of a rap “Big Three” and declared simply: “It’s just big me.”

    What followed was a cascade of diss tracks, culminating in Lamar’s “Not Like Us”—a song that became a big cultural moment, a viral landslide that Drake struggled to answer.

    Drake in return had dropped “Family Matters” accusing Lamar’s fiancee of having a child with Lamar’s close friend. His rival responded with “Meet The Grahams.” which accused Drake of harboring sex offenses and made comparisons between the Canadian and the disgraced Sean “Diddy” Combs.

    Drake later dropped “The Heart Part 6,” where he acknowledged the allegations, denied them and accused Lamar of domestic abuse.

    Though Drake released some damning disses against Lamar, at the time, the latter was largely seen as having won the lyrical squabble.

    “What made Drake dominant in the 2010s wasn’t just chart success,” Harrison Mbemba, founder of AuxChord, told Newsweek.

    “It was his ability to soundtrack internet culture, nightlife, relationships, memes, and mood simultaneously. The Lamar feud disrupted that perception of invincibility.

    “These new drops feel strategically designed to flood the ecosystem again, reminding audiences of Drake’s versatility and consistency,” Mbemba said.

    “Surprise releases create urgency, conversation, and algorithmic momentum instantly, too. That said, redemption after the Lamar feud will not come from numbers alone.”

    After all, Lamar won the cultural narrative battle, in Mbemba’s eyes, because the discourse around authenticity and artistic credibility landed with audiences.

    “Drake’s path back is less about proving he can still make hits; he can. It’s about proving he still has emotional and cultural relevance in a rapidly evolving music landscape,” the app founder added.

    “The interesting thing about these releases is that they show Drake leaning back into what originally made him compelling; emotional accessibility.”

    Could This Be Drake’s Comeback?

    Drake’s greatest commercial successes belong to the 2010s, with hits including “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” and “Passionfruit.”

    Since then, the chart toppers are sparser, the narrative less favorable.

    Whether 43 songs can rewrite that story remains the question, but his streaming figures are on the rise once more.

    Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Won’t Punish Joey Chestnut After Guilty Plea

    Nathan’s Famous won’t bar 17-time champion Joey Chestnut from competing at its hot dog eating contest this year, even after Chestnut pleaded guilty on April 20 to misdemeanor battery.

    Chestnut was accused of hitting a man in an Indiana bar altercation on March 21. He was sentenced to 180 days of probation, which includes the July 4 date of the hot dog contest.

    “Joey is not going to be penalized or barred from participating in this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest,” a Nathan’s spokesperson told Front Office Sports. “This incident has nothing to do with Nathan’s.”

    Nathan’s has not responded to an FOS inquiry about its personal conduct policy for competitors at its annual contest. The contest is administered by Major League Eating (MLE), sanctioned by the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE). A representative for MLE declined to comment on the matter.

    Bar surveillance footage revealed that Chestnut slapped a man in the face after they initially shook hands with each other, according toUs Weekly. Chestnut told police the day after the incident that he was intoxicated when he struck the man. He also said then that the slap “looked like a joke” but presumed that he “must have taken offense” to something said by the victim.

    According to police, Chestnut pulled the altercation victim forward and hit him, before “[standing] over him” and later moving toward him again. Officers also say that the victim endured a bodily injury as a result of the hit.

    Chestnut was previously barred from Nathan’s annual contest in 2024 because he signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a Nathan’s competitor. He returned to—and won—the 2025 contest after signing a three-year contract to only endorse Nathan’s hot dogs, which is owned by Smithfield Foods. He is expected to compete this year at the Coney Island event.

    “My feeling is this incident will in no way affect Joey’s ability to compete,” the Nathan’s spokesperson said. “Every July 4th Joey tries to shatter his own world record, and this year will be no different.”

    Chestnut’s 17 total hot dog eating contest titles is a world record for a single person. In 2021, he ate 76 hot dogs and buns to win that year’s title, breaking his own record and setting the current record for most hot dogs eaten in the span of 10 minutes. First-place winners for the men’s and women’s contests earn $10,000 each.

    First winning in 2007, Chestnut has historically been the main fixture of Nathan’s hot dog eating contest. The event averaged over one million viewers from 2021 to 2023 on various ESPN platforms, but dropped to 831,000 on ESPN2 when Chestnut was absent in 2024. In 2025, ratings shot up to 1.6 million on ESPN2.

    —Ben Horney contributed to this story.

    The post Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Won’t Punish Joey Chestnut After Guilty Plea appeared first on Front Office Sports.

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