Following the 3-2 victory over Liverpool that booked Manchester United’s ticket to next season’s Champions League, the spotlight has immediately shifted away from the pitch and directly onto the dugout.
Interim boss Michael Carrick has brilliantly steadied what was previously a severely rocking ship.
His spell at the club has included wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
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Now, one of the most decorated and respected veterans in the dressing room, Casemiro, has publicly demanded that the club’s hierarchy hand Carrick the permanent keys to the kingdom.
Casemiro praises Carrick for his impact
When a five-time Champions League winner speaks, you listen. Casemiro didn’t mince his words when pressed about the club’s ongoing managerial situation.
“In my opinion, Carrick completely deserves the job at Man United. I think he’s a guy who has already demonstrated that he has very good qualities to be a Manchester United coach.
“He deserves the club’s total trust”.
Casemiro knows exactly what elite management looks like, having thrived under legendary figures like Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane during his prime years at Real Madrid.
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If he genuinely believes Carrick has the tactical acumen and man-management aura to lead United back to the absolute top, the INEOS board needs to take some serious notes.
To truly appreciate the job Carrick has done, you have to look at the sheer chaos he has successfully navigated this season.
Carrick has turned around Man United in a short time
He steered the Red Devils back into Europe’s elite tier despite a horrific injury crisis ravaging his defensive line all year long.
He managed to keep captain Bruno Fernandes operating at a world-class level, racking up a staggering 22 assists across all competitions, while simultaneously integrating youth and maintaining a fiercely united dressing room.
Carrick hasn’t just survived the interim tag, he has thrived under the suffocating pressure to manage at Old Trafford.
For over a decade, we have watched the Man United relentlessly chase flashy, big-name managers, only to watch those expensive projects inevitably implode.
Carrick understands the DNA and the crushing expectations of this football club. He plays on the front foot, he completely understands the Premier League landscape, and as Casemiro just proved, he commands instant respect from the players.
The France international is currently going through a difficult period at the Bernabeu, despite his impressive individual statistics so far this season.
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Mbappe has 85 goals in 100 games for Real Madrid since joining last season, though he’s yet to win a major trophy with Los Blancos, and this season is also set to finish without silverware.
According to Fichajes, this has seen Liverpool register an interest in Mbappe in an ambitious potential move.
This comes as Marca and other Spanish football news outlets have reported on the former Paris Saint-Germain man’s attitude seeming to rub his teammates up the wrong way.
Liverpool, let’s not forget, spent huge money last summer on big names like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, so that could limit what they’re able to do this year without some serious sales to help balance the books and stay in line with Financial Fair Play rules.
Even then, not only would Mbappe cost a huge transfer fee, but he’d surely immediately become the club’s highest earner by some distance, which seems far from ideal, even if he is one of the best players in the world.
But before we even get into that, it’s not even clear if the 27-year-old will definitely be leaving Madrid.
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There may be some issues going on behind the scenes, but this sort of thing happens at every football club and the most likely thing is that all parties will work to resolve it.
Mbappe’s performances on the pitch mean it’s surely worth trying to keep him happy, and unless things really spiral from here, it doesn’t currently seem like we’re close to the stage where the club would look to get rid.
It would be hugely exciting to see Mbappe at Liverpool or another Premier League club, and while there’s perhaps always going to be some interest in his situation, we can’t see that leading to any concrete bids or negotiations just yet.
The Emirates Stadium was absolutely rocking on Tuesday night as Arsenal finally qualified for the Champions League final.
Securing a tense 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, and a 2-1 aggregate win overall, the Gunners have officially booked their ticket to their first Champions League final in an agonisingly long 20 years.
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While the entire red half of North London was busy celebrating the historic achievement, star midfielder Declan Rice used his post-match platform to deliver a thinly veiled dig at his former boyhood club, Chelsea.
‘That club gave me everything, without West Ham there’s no me,’ Rice told Prime Video after Arsenal’s victory over Atletico Madrid, as reported by Metro.
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‘I honestly believe that. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn’t. A lot of people there really pushed me on so it’s not nice to see the position they’re in.
‘But it’s football and I’ve got a job to do on Sunday. We’re trying to win a Premier League title, we want to win every game and I’m sure they will want to as well so let the best team win.’
Letting him slip through their fingers is now looking like a historically massive mistake for the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, a major blunder they will desperately want to avoid repeating with other academy prospects in the future.
Declan Rice’s game by numbers vs. Atletico Madrid:
100% successful take-ons
75 touches
62 passes attempted
56 passes completed
28 carries
8 passes into the final third
6 ground duels contested
5 ground duels won
3 progressive carries
As Chelsea continue to sift through their managerial mess and domestic struggles, Rice and Arsenal are packing their bags for Budapest.
They will face either German giants Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the grand finale, standing just 90 minutes away from lifting the most prestigious trophy in club football.
Surely Rice will be among the top contenders to win the Premier League Player of the season award, as well as PFA Player of the year award if the Gunners end up winning the league.
Some are even including him in the Ballon d’Or conversation and why not if the Gunners win the Premier League and the Champions League?
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has reportedly spoken with Barcelona winger Raphinha about life at the Nou Camp amid doubts over his future.
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Still, it seems the Blues do not intend to sell Pedro this summer and the Brazil international has also not explicitly told them he wants to leave, according to Simon Phillips.
The report adds that Chelsea could make some sales this summer, but it seems that Pedro is not likely to be one of those, even if he does seem to be putting feelers out over a potential move away.
It would surely make sense for Pedro and other Chelsea players to consider moving on after such a poor season, with the west London giants now looking unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, while they could even miss out on Europe altogether.
Is Joao Pedro looking for a transfer to Barcelona?
Barca seemingly have an interest in Pedro, according to Phillips, but for now it’s all at an early stage and not necessarily likely to happen, even if the player himself has also asked his fellow countryman Raphinha about the club.
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Pedro certainly looks like someone who could flourish at a bigger club like Barcelona, but he’s on a long-term contract at CFC, so it would take a lot to force them into letting him go.
The 24-year-old has 20 goals and six assists in his first season at Chelsea, so they’ll no doubt want to keep him around for a long time.
Still, if he keeps performing like this it’s going to be very hard fighting off interest from Barcelona and other elite clubs if Chelsea are unable to convince players of this calibre that they’re serious contenders for the biggest trophies.
Bukayo Saka grabbed the decisive goal as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 to seal their place in the Champions League final with a 2-1 aggregate victory. Having snapped a seven-game streak without a goal involvement when he scored and assisted against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend, captain fantastic Saka was Arsenal’s hero as […]
Verdict: Manchester City win Best Odds: 4/9 Bookmaker: Dachbet Desperately searching for an immediate Premier League response on Saturday evening, Manchester City will welcome Brentford to the Etihad. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might have eventually dragged themselves to a remarkable 3-3 stalemate away at Everton earlier in the week, Pep […]
With free agency and the NFL draft now behind us, let's take a look back at all of the moves that have shaped the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2026 offseason.
For much of the year up to this point, it's been quite quiet for Jacksonville. GM James Gladstone prioritized re-signing several of his own free agents, but made only one outside addition, signing running back Chris Rodriguez.
The catalyst behind this approach was Gladstone being mindful of the 2027 compensatory draft picks that Jacksonville is projected to receive.
The Jaguars also saw Devin Lloyd, Travis Etienne, Greg Newsome, and Andrew Wingard sign elsewhere. In the draft, Jacksonville made 10 picks, along with 18 undrafted free agent signings afterward.
To go along with the Jaguars' quite free agency period, most draft analysts were underwhelmed by their draft class. Gladstone's overall approach this offseason, however, does speak to his confidence in the current state of the Jaguars' roster.
Offseason additions during free agency period by the Jaguars
Jacksonville signed free agent running back Chris Rodriguez to a two-year deal worth $10 million.
Joshua Cephus was an exclusive rights free agent; however, the Jaguars non-tendered him. This, in turn, made Cephus an unrestricted free agent, able to sign where he pleased.
Jaguars' free agent running back Travis Etienne signed a four-year, $52 million deal to join the New Orleans Saints.
‘Just give him the ball’ – Schweinsteiger sends clear message on Liverpool player
Bastian Schweinsteiger has offered a huge endorsement of Florian Wirtz despite the Liverpool midfielder enduring an inconsistent first season at Anfield.
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The German international arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a club-record fee and, while there have been flashes of brilliance, it’s fair to say supporters expected more from the 23-year-old across the campaign.
Schweinsteiger compares Wirtz to Bayern legends
Speaking to Sport Bild via Bulinews, the former Bayern Munich star grouped Wirtz and Jamal Musiala alongside two of the greatest attacking players Germany has seen in recent decades.
Schweinsteiger said: “I see Wirtz and Musiala as our Ribery and Robben.”
The World Cup winner also highlighted the Liverpool playmaker’s creativity and vision, insisting the attacking midfielder is the type of footballer teammates should constantly involve.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder explained: “If I were playing with Wirtz, I would simply give him the ball as often as possible, because he needs the ball to make his game more dominant.”
Schweinsteiger then pointed to a pass Wirtz produced for Germany against Switzerland, claiming very few players in world football can execute deliveries with that level of precision.
Liverpool still waiting for best version of Wirtz
There’s no doubt the German has shown quality at times this season, but too many matches have drifted by without him fully influencing proceedings.
Even so, there’s a strong argument that adaptation has played a major role.
Former Liverpool defender Marcus Babbel recently explained how difficult the Premier League can be for players arriving from Germany, describing English football as “faster” and “harder”.
That feels especially relevant with Wirtz, who has often looked like a player lacking confidence rather than ability.
The talent is clearly there, and Schweinsteiger’s comments underline just how highly the Liverpool midfielder is still regarded back in Germany ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
If Slot can get the best version of Wirtz next season, Liverpool could still have a truly elite player on our hands.
Here's what to know about the Champions League final.
When is the Champions League final and what time is the kick off?
This year's final will be staged in Budapest on May 30. Kick off time has been brought forward to 1800 CET, having traditionally been played 2100 CET. Governing body UEFA said the decision for an earlier kick off was to enhance the matchday experience for fans and to optimize logistics such as public transport.
Who is headlining the pre-match show?
Rock band the Killers will be performing on the night. In recent years Linkin Park and Lenny Kravitz have headlined.
About the finalists
Arsenal is in the final for the first time since 2006. It is only its second time in the final and it has never won European club soccer's top competition, having lost to Barcelona in 2006.
Mikel Arteta's team was beaten in last year's semifinals by eventual champion PSG.
PSG is aiming to become only the second team to win back-to-back Champions League titles, having lifted the trophy for the first time last year.
Since the tournament was rebranded as the Champions League in the 1992-93 campaign only Real Madrid has retained the title, winning three times in succession from 2016-18.
Bayern has won the Champions League or European Cup on six occasions — most recently in 2020. Victory this year would see it equal AC Milan's total of seven titles to make the German giant the joint second most successful team in the competition's history behind Madrid, which is a 15-time winner.
About the Puskas Arena
The 67,000-seater stadium was opened in 2019 and built on the same site as the previous Ferenc Puskas Stadion — named after the Hungarian and Real Madrid icon, who won three European Cups as a player.
Recent winners
2025 PSG
2024 Real Madrid
2023 Manchester City
2022 Real Madrid
2021 Chelsea
Most Champions League/European Cup wins
15 Real Madrid
7 AC Milan
6 Bayern Munich, Liverpool
5 Barcelona
4 Ajax
3 Manchester United, Inter Milan
Where is the 2026-27 Champions League final?
The 2027 final will be staged at Atletico Madrid's stadium the Estadio Metropolitano. It is the second time it has held the final, having staged the 2019 showdown between Liverpool and Tottenham.
The city of Madrid has hosted the final on five previous occasions.
Detroit won Game 1, 111-101, versus Cleveland to give the Pistons four-straight wins overall and at home in the playoffs. Unlike the first round, Detroit is up 1-0 in the semifinals behind an all-around team effort.
Six different players scored 11 or more points for the Pistons in Game 1, with all five starters doing so. Detroit forced 19 turnovers and only committed 11 themselves, which was the biggest storyline. The Pistons and Cavaliers shot nearly identical, but Detroit attempted 35 free throws to Cleveland's 16. The turnover battle and free throw edge will be what to watch for in Game 2.
Can Cleveland get consistent scoring help outside of Donovan Mitchell (23) and James Harden (22)? Max Strus (19) and Evan Mobley (14) were the only other players to reach double figures for the Cavaliers. Cleveland is now 0-4 on the road in the playoffs and could use a victory in Detroit to settle the score before heading home where Cleveland is 4-0 during the playoffs. The home team in general, is 8-0 this postseason in Cleveland's two series.
Lets 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.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 7:10 PM EST
Site: Little Caesars Arena
City: Detroit, MI
Network/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
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. Pistons
The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Detroit Pistons (-162), Cleveland Cavaliers (+136)
Spread: Pistons -3.5
Total: 215.5 points
This game opened Pistons -3.5 with the Total set at 215.5.
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. Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers
PG James Harden
SG Donovan Mitchell
SF Dean Wade
PF Evan Mobley
C Jarrett Allen
Detroit Pistons
PG Cade Cunningham
SG Duncan Robinson
SF Ausar Thompson
PF Tobias Harris
C Jalen Duren
Injury Report: Pistons vs. Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
None
Detroit Pistons
Kevin Huerter (hip) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for Game 2. He missed Game 1.
Important stats, trends and insights: Pistons vs. Magic
Detroit is 48-42 ATS and 20-20 ATS as the home favorite
Detroit is 48-41-1 to the Under
Detroit is 24-21 to the Under at home
Detroit is 21-19 to the Under as a home favorite
Detroit is 24-21 ATS as the home team
Cleveland is 36-54 ATS, ranking second-worst
Cleveland is 17-28 ATS as the road team, ranking second-worst
Cleveland is 8-6 ATS as the road underdog, ranking fifth-worst
Cleveland is 45-45 to the Over
Cleveland is 25-20 to the Over as the road team, ranking fifth-best
Cleveland is 8-6 to the Under as a road underdog
Rotoworld Best Bet
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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 Pistons’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers’ Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers +3.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 215.5
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HYDERABAD: Early pace-setters Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have hit a road bump. Their winning run was halted on Sunday by teams in the lower half of the table and that jolt could just be the wakeup call they needed to regroup and regain lost ground.
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It’s a long tournament and with everything to gain, teams are making their moves before it’s too late in the IPL, where peaking early is fraught with danger. Kolkata Knight Riders have strung three wins in a row and Mumbai Indians found their range the other day with their big guns striking at will.
KKR and MI are still playing catch-up but with four teams having 12 points each and only a point — from the abandoned match against Kolkata Knight Riders — separating them from pole-sitters Punjab, teams will have to factor in complacency and fickle form.
Punjab Kings, whose middle order is being adroitly manned by skipper Shreyas Iyer, have had few worries on that count. Delhi Capitals will vouch for the force of the collective after KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 was laid to waste with Iyer brilliant in chasing down Delhi’s 264/2.
The self-belief and can-do spirit in the Punjab ranks has been infectious with Iyer at the forefront. His catch to get rid of Hardik Pandya while still aerial and his game smarts to relay the ball, all in one motion, to Xavier Bartlett charging in from long-off was cleanly executed and stunning in effect. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Heinrich Klaasen displayed some of that same clinical execution — also against Mumbai — and the hosts will need more from him in the crunch match against Punjab on Wednesday.
The quick turnaround after the defeats SRH and Punjab suffered to Kolkata and Gujarat Titans respectively on Sunday, when both teams looked flat and totally off-colour, should not be an impediment for the in-form teams to turn on the style as they look to pull away from the rest in the race to the playoffs.
Well, Andrew Lind of SportsLogos.net believes so. Lind listed the defending NFC South champions amongst the teams that are overdue for a uniform redesign, and even throws out a few interesting alterations:
While many fans would like to see claw marks integrated into Carolina’s design, there’s something to be said about the uniform’s staying power (31 seasons and counting). We would like to see them return to a shoulder design that wraps around the arm, though, as opposed to the UCLA-style stripes they currently use – and don’t tell us Nike can’t do it, they simply choose not to.
The black alternate helmets would also need to be adjusted as they move to primary status to include white eyes and teeth to accurately reflect their logo in all other applications, while new process blue alternate helmets with black stripes and a black facemask would complete their look – and, no, not every team needs a white helmet in the rotation.
Despite sticking close to their original look since their inaugural season in 1995, Carolina has been open to trying out some different looks in recent years. In addition to the black helmet, which was introduced to great acclaim in 2022, the Panthers have also mixed and matched their jerseys, pants and socks more often.
Five teams have either rolled out new or updated uniforms ahead of the 2026 campaign—the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders. So, could the Panthers be amongst the next group for 2027?
Wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) catches a pass over safety Leroy Roker III (10) during the Ohio State football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 18, 2026. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio State isn’t just moving into the offseason, it’s defining it.
Between a massive NFL Draft showing, meaningful spring game takeaways, and continued roster movement across both football and basketball, the Buckeyes are firmly in transition mode. But this isn’t a reset. It’s a reload, and the early signs suggest Ohio State is positioning itself for another run at the top.
NFL Draft: Ohio State sets the standard again
The headline is simple, Ohio State dominated the NFL Draft. Four first-round picks and 11 total selections reinforced what the program has become, the most consistent pipeline of NFL-ready talent in college football. Carnell Tate went No. 4 to the Titans, Arvell Reese followed at No. 5 to the Giants, Sonny Styles landed at No. 7 with the Commanders, and Caleb Downs went No. 12 after the Cowboys traded up.
And it didn’t stop there. Kayden McDonald, Max Klare, and Davison Igbinosun all came off the board on Day 2, with additional contributors like Caden Curry and Lorenzo Styles Jr. rounding out the class.
This wasn’t just about numbers. It was about top-end talent. Ohio State didn’t just produce draft picks, it produced cornerstone players. And that matters as much for recruiting as it does for perception. The standard in Columbus isn’t just getting players to the league anymore. It’s getting them there early and often.
Spring game takeaways: Flashes, questions, and early answers
Spring football didn’t answer everything, but it revealed plenty. At quarterback, Julian Sayin showed flashes but had limited reps, while TSC had a more volatile performance, high highs mixed with clear inconsistency. The takeaway is potential is there, but the position still needs clarity.
At running back, injuries limited evaluation. Top options like Bo Jackson and Isaiah West didn’t play, leaving more opportunities for depth players. Favour Akih saw significant usage and looked solid, but his size raises questions about how large his role can realistically be this season. Ja’kobi Jackson, meanwhile, showed enough to suggest he could factor into the rotation.
Wide receiver remains one of the most fascinating groups. Chris Henry Jr. stood out again, continuing his strong offseason momentum. The initial trio of Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Innis, and Devin McCuin was notable, and McCuin’s role is worth watching closely. There’s a real case that he could finish second on the team in receptions.
At tight end, Nate Roberts continues to trend toward TE1. The staff has shown confidence in him, and his versatility gives him a real chance to lead the room from Day 1.
The offensive line was difficult to fully evaluate due to injuries, but one thing stood out clearly, the defensive line dominated. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. consistently disrupted the front, highlighting both his growth and the potential strength of that unit.
Defensive momentum: A unit with real upside
If there was one clear takeaway from the spring game, it was this. The defensive line might already be ahead of schedule.
The starting group of Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr., and Beau Atkinson set the tone early, and the edge rotation looks deeper than expected. With players like Qua Russaw in the mix, there’s a real argument that this group could exceed expectations.
At linebacker, things remain fluid. With Pettijohn out, the starting group of Christian Alliegro, Pierce, and Alford got extended run. Alliegro and Pierce may have a slight edge heading into the summer, but this battle is far from decided.
In the secondary, the structure is becoming clearer. Devin Sanchez looks like CB1, with Jermaine Mathews Jr, Jaylen McClain, and Terry Moore rounding out the starting group. Sanchez, in particular, looks like a breakout candidate with true lockdown potential.
Recruiting and hoops: Momentum continues off the field
Off the field, momentum continues to build. Ohio State added four-star offensive tackle Jimmy Kalis, a top-200 prospect from Pennsylvania. The class now sits at 11 commits and ranks among the top groups nationally, continuing the program’s strong recruiting trajectory.
On the basketball side, the transfer portal remains active. Ohio State added depth with Jimmie Williams from Duquesne, who averaged 15 points per game last season, and Curtis Givens III from Memphis, who brings additional guard depth and playmaking.
Like football, the basketball roster is still evolving, but the pieces are starting to come together.
The bigger picture: A program reloading in real time
This is what Ohio State looks like in transition. Elite talent leaves, more arrives, and the standard doesn’t drop. The NFL Draft reinforced the program’s ceiling. Spring football revealed where the next strengths could come from. And recruiting plus the portal continue to shape what comes next.
The questions aren’t gone. Quarterback clarity, linebacker roles, and offensive line health all remain key storylines. But the foundation is there. And if the early signals hold, Ohio State won’t just be reloading, it will be right back in the national conversation.
USA Today featured the Hawkeyes in both its national top 25 and Big Ten Conference rankings this week, offering praise to head coach Kirk Ferentz's incoming group.
For a very deep Big Ten rankings, Iowa landed in the seventh spot, just behind Penn State and ahead of Washington. Author Paul Myerberg predicted a 9-4 record for Iowa.
"Look out for Iowa if the offense can maintain last year’s production behind a new starting quarterback," Myerberg wrote. "Led by coordinator Tim Lester, the Hawkeyes averaged 29.3 points per game and topped at least 37 points four times in Big Ten play."
In the nation-wide rankings, the Hawkeyes landed at No. 21, just behind Tennessee and ahead of Florida State.
"What will decide Iowa’s season is whether the offense can continue to hover around 30 points per game while breaking in a new starting quarterback, whether that’s Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown," authors Erick Smith and Paul Myerberg wrote. "One of the two contenders will have the luxury of playing in front of a loaded backfield that ranks among the best in the Big Ten.
"There should be no questions about the health of the Hawkeyes’ defense despite losing key contributors across the board, given the program’s long track record on that side of the ball. On paper, the strength of this year’s unit is in the secondary, where Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee lead the way."
CHICAGO – The Milwaukee Bucks put together one of the most successful runs in the NBA from 2018-25, recording the most regular-season wins of any franchise, reaching the Eastern Conference finals twice and winning the 2021 NBA title over the Phoenix Suns.
But, during the 2025-26 season, the team skidded to a 32-win season, its worst in a decade. The team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16, and the 2016 NBA Draft was the last time the franchise was a part of the draft lottery.
Then, the team still was trying to figure out how to build around a 21-year-old named Giannis Antetokounmpo and drafted a 7-foot teenager in Thon Maker with the No. 10 pick.
Now, the Bucks are trying to figure out if they will trade Antetokounmpo and perhaps use this new lottery pick as a centerpiece for a new era, or as a complement to a second run with their franchise legend.
The 2026 draft lottery results – for the Bucks and potential trade partners – will be another step for the organization going forward.
Here is what you need to know about the 2026 NBA Draft lottery:
The lottery will be held Sunday, May 10, at 2 p.m. (Central) at McCormick Place convention center in Chicago. It will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on the ESPN app. Representatives for the 14 eligible teams will be on stage as the results are revealed.
How does the NBA draft lottery work?
League officials, representatives from teams and some objective media members will be sequestered in a room where the ping-pong balls are drawn.
There are 1,001 ping-pong combinations. Teams are assigned 1,000 combinations with the 1,001st − 11-12-13-14 − resulting in a “pick again” scenario if it were drawn.
Balls numbered 1-14 are placed into a machine.
All 14 teams are assigned a certain number of the four-ball combinations, corresponding to their odds.
For example, since the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards each have a 14% chance at the first overall pick, they each have 140 combinations.
The Bucks, with a 3% chance at the first overall pick, have 30 combinations.
If a team's designated combo came up after it had already won a pick, it would result in a redraw.
Only the top four picks are determined by the NBA draft lottery, however. The remainder of picks 5-14 will be in inverse order of the teams' finish (with tiebreakers) in the regular season.
The Bucks would be the team called for the No. 1 selection if their combination was picked. That is because of the way the NBA categorizes trades, however. The No. 1 pick would be swapped with New Orleans because of the 2020 Jrue Holiday day trade. But, Atlanta owns the pick following a 2025 draft day trade with the Pelicans.
So, the Bucks can win the lottery but they cannot pick No. 1 overall.
What is the best pick the Bucks can have?
The best-case scenario for Milwaukee is for New Orleans to win the No. 1 pick, of which it has 6.8% chance of doing. That means the Bucks can keep their original selection, which could be as high as No. 2. Milwaukee holds a 3.3% chance of winning the No. 2 pick.
The last time they held that spot in a draft, they selected Jabari Parker in 2014.
Can the Bucks really get that lucky?
Yes.
Since the NBA flattened the lottery odds in 2019 to where the worst teams shared a 14% chance, there has been some wild variance in the lottery. As intended, the teams with the worst records did not always win the top pick.
2025: Dallas had a 1.8% chance at winning the No. 1 pick and they did, selecting eventual Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
2024: Atlanta had a 3% chance at winning the top pick and did, drafting Zaccharie Rissacher.
2019: New Orleans had a 6% chance at winning the No. 1 pick and did, drafting Zion Williamson.
From 2020-23, a team with a 14% chance (but not necessarily with the worst record in the league) did win the top selection.
2023: San Antonio (Victor Wembanyama) tied for the second-worst record in the league.
2022: Orlando (Paolo Banchero) had the second-worst record.
2021: Detroit (Cade Cunningham) had the second-worst record.
2020: Minnesota (Anthony Edwards) had the third-worst record.
Isn’t the NBA changing the lottery?
Yes, but not for this draft.
Commissioner Adam Silver decided “tanking” was something the league had to correct after this season, so the league is debating different iterations of the lottery. Several of those proposals include flattening the odds even further, expanding the number of teams to include those which lost in the play-in tournament and even lowering the odds of the worst-performing teams.
The board of governors must approve of any changes, and a vote on any changes will be held May 28. This is so teams know the new rules as they look to make trades of future draft choices.
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft is June 23 and starts at 7 p.m. (Central) and will be simulcast on ABC and ESPN. The second round is June 24 and starts at 7 p.m. (Central) and will be broadcast on ESPN.
The draft is held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Arizona. (Tammy Ljungblad/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Free agent cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is no longer facing any criminal charges in Texas.
Sneed’s attorney Michael J. Todd told ESPN that all of the charges against his client have been dropped. Sneed was initially charged with aggravated assault for a December 2024 incident that saw his assistant accused of shooting at another man outside of a car dealership. A grand jury later indicted Sneed on a lesser charge of failure to report a felony, but he is now clear of all charges.
A lawsuit filed against Sneed related to the incident is still pending.
Sneed was released by the Titans in March. He was limited to 12 games over the last two seasons due to injuries and had 26 tackles in seven appearances last season.
No other position could’ve been better enhanced than at running back, as the Chiefs replaced Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt with a trio of Kenneth Walker III, Emari Demercado and Emmett Johnson. Last season, Pacheco and Hunt combined for only one rushing attempt that went farther than 20 yards. With the Seahawks last season, Walker finished second among all running backs in percentage of carries that gained 10 yards or more. Demercado and Johnson should be quality backups who offer versatility and receiving skills out of the backfield. — Nate Taylor
Among those roster cuts was veteran defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, and the Chiefs departure was immediately snatched up off waivers by the New York Giants. The NFC East team announced the news on May 5, and it was also on the daily NFL transaction log.
Per A-to-Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman, fellow roster cuts “QB Jake Haener and DE Ethan Hurkett cleared waivers after being let go by the Chiefs.”
However, with the Giants claiming Pickens, it officially marks “his third stop since being selected in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.”
Kansas City took a flyer on Pickens just before the start of the 2025 season. The former third-round talent failed to make the Bears’ 53-man roster that August, and the Chiefs picked him up off waivers, similar to the Giants now.
On Monday, May 4, the Chiefs signed fifth-round RB Emmett Johnson to his four-year rookie contract. He joins fellow fifth-round pick WR Cyrus Allen and seventh-round pick QB Garrett Nussmeier as the only draft picks to have signed their rookie deals with Kansas City.
These three deals are the easiest to execute because there isn’t much room to negotiate when it comes to guaranteed salary. They’re also the cheapest and don’t require the Chiefs to make any contract-related moves to clear cap space. It’s ultimately only a matter of time before the remaining draft picks’ contracts are completed for Kansas City.
Johnson’s contract provides the Chiefs with significant financial flexibility moving forward. In 2026, the Chiefs are only spending $8.8 million (seventh-fewest) on the running back position. That number will balloon in 2027 ($19.8 million) as Kansas City gets deeper into its multi-year deal with RB Kenneth Walker. Johnson’s cap number won’t exceed $1.4M at any point during his rookie deal, unless his base salary is raised through the NFL’s Proven Performance Escalator (basically, if Johnson outplays his draft slot before the final year of his rookie deal). As things currently stand, Johnson helps keep the Chiefs’ running back room inexpensive, while having the ceiling of a high-volume contributor.
The Kansas City Chiefs confirm that FIFA will officially take control of the stadium ahead of the World Cup “in the next few weeks.”
FIFA crews will have a lot of work to do to prepare for the tournament that will be played in dozens of stadiums across North America, including here in Kansas City.
The first World Cup 2026 match is scheduled for Thursday, June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa.
The first match held in Kansas City is scheduled to take place June 16 between Argentina and Algeria.
Question: Will Patrick Mahomes be ready for Week 1?
All eyes are on Patrick Mahomes as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered in December. Head coach Andy Reid recently said that Mahomes is on track to take part in Kansas City’s OTAs, albeit possibly on a limited basis. The central question with Mahomes is whether he’ll be ready to suit up for the Chiefs in Week 1 or need extra time to rehab before taking the field again. That’ll be a fascinating balancing act for Kansas City to go through this offseason. On the one hand, they’ll want Mahomes to make positive strides in hopes of playing out of the gate, but they’ll also need to give Justin Fields, whom they acquired this offseason, work to prepare him in case he needs to start the season under center.
Former New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty Tuesday of assaulting his personal chef in a case marked by conflicting accounts of what happened inside his home after disputes over money and their relationship.
His trial lasted two days and the jury deliberated for less than two hours.
The charges stemmed from a Dec. 2 incident at his house in Dedham, where Jamila Adams, a former live-in personal chef known as Mila, testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument. He had pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge.
Diggs’ attorneys said the alleged assault never happened and challenged Adams’ credibility, arguing the dispute was about money or relationship tensions — including a disagreement over a planned trip to Miami — rather than a violent attack.
The New York Giants have agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million contract sign veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday.
Reader can make up to $15.5 million through incentives, the source told Fowler.
The move comes more than two weeks after the Giants traded standout defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft. New York also drafted Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round last month.
The Giants freed up more than $12.5 million in salary cap space by trading Lawrence.
Last week, the Giants also signed veteran defensive tackles Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu to one-year contracts. The Giants also claimed defensive tackle Zacch Pickens off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday.
The reigning Super Bowl-champion Seahawks have made their first significant dip into the outside free agent pool this offseason, agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with Dante Fowler, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.
Fowler, who will turn 32 a month before the season begins, had three sacks for the Cowboys last season while playing on just under one-third of Dallas’ defensive snaps. One year earlier with the Commanders, he had one of the most productive years of his career, notching 10.5 sacks. He has 58.5 career sacks across 10 NFL seasons, spent with the Jaguars, Rams, Falcons, Cowboys (two stints) and Commanders.
The Seahawks have had a quiet offseason since their Super Bowl LX triumph over the Patriots. They brought back wide receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed on a three-year, $51 million deal and cornerback Josh Jobe on a three year, $24 million deal but had not brought in any outside free agents on deals worth more than $2 million until Fowler on Tuesday.
He totaled just three catches for 37 yards over his time at the local universities, and entered the 2026 NFL Draft with Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranking him as the 211th best wide receiver in his draft guide ‘The Beast.” Brugler also uncharacteristically misspelled his name as “Xaiver.”
In between three unproductive college seasons, however, lies the potential the Chiefs likely saw when the front office invited Loyd to try out. He spent 2024 with a Championship Subdivision-level football program at Illinois State. In his only season with the Redbirds, Loyd totaled 66 catches for 912 yards and six touchdowns.
While Loyd undoubtedly would have liked to have made a bigger impact at the highest level of college football, he made the most of his chance with the Chiefs. Precious little has been reported of the team’s rookie camp due to the confidentiality rules Chiefs’ beat reporters operate under. One consistent media take, however, has been that Loyd had a great camp.
From The Feed
Social media to make you think
Chiefs UDFAs with >$260K in guaranteed money appear to be WR Jeff Caldwell DE Vincent Anthony TE JM Gyllenborg S Xavier Nwankpa C Pete Nygra
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Joel Bitonio #75 and Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns look on during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on November 16, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As we move into a new era of the weekday Dawg Chow, we have a couple of questions for the faithful readers.
First, what kind of stories do you want us to link to every day? We try to include a nice variety, but are there certain stories you want more of? Or ones that you can do without?
Second, The Athletic recently changed its policy so that subscribers can share links to the stories that anyone can read. We have always tried hard not to include links to stories that are behind paywalls, so this is a nice change. There will be a linked story here in a moment, so the question is: can you click through and see the entire article?
Let us know in the comments, and we will do our best to continue building a Daily Dawg Chow that is enjoyable and worth your time to read and comment on.
The Browns will welcome the rookies to Berea this week for Rookie Minicamp, which runs from May 8 to May 10. We will have plenty of news about what goes on over those three days, but until then, here are some stories to help you get acquainted with the new guys, courtesy of our own Barry Shuck.
Browns put on notice over latest Deshaun Watson decision (heavy.com) – There is a growing belief that the Cleveland Browns cannot hold a clean quarterback competition due to their investment in Deshaun Watson. (Editor’s note: This is what we are curious about – is this the type of story you want to read?)
Which Browns have been overlooked this offseason? Quinshon Judkins leads the list (The Athletic) – The Cleveland Browns’ 10-man draft class officially arrives Thursday afternoon for a weekend rookie minicamp. Two weeks from today, the quarterback competition and overall installation of new coach Todd Monken’s offense will proceed to the next step when Cleveland holds its first organized team activity practice.
NFL
Falcons believe rookie WR Branch fits new scheme (ESPN) – Zachariah Branch spent the night of April 24 in a five-bedroom suite at the Crockfords Las Vegas, a luxe offshoot of the Resorts World hotel and casino right on the famous Strip.
Dedham, MA - May 4: Stefon Diggs sits at the defense table before the start of jury selection in his assault trial in Dedham District Court on May 4, 2026. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Former Maryland football wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty on charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery in a trial verdict Tuesday.
Diggs was accused of felony strangulation and assault and battery against his personal chef Jamila “Mila” Adams. Adams testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during a dispute over payment in his Massachusetts home in December. Diggs pleaded not guilty in a hearing in April.
Stefon Diggs tears up after being found not guilty of the charges brought against him, which included allegations of strangulation and felony assault involving a former employee. pic.twitter.com/pWu5eTyTLG
The trial, which lasted two days, featured video evidence and statements from associates that contradicted Adams’ testimony. Judge Jeanmarie Carroll at one point reprimanded Adams for her conduct on the stand.
Diggs played at Maryland from 2012 until 2014. Over his college career, he logged 14 touchdowns and averaged 14.8 yards per catch. His 2,227 career receiving yards rank second all-time in team history, earning him national media attention and a spot on the All-Big Ten second team in 2014.
Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He’s since played for the Buffalo Bills, the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots. The wide receiver is now a free agent after he was dropped from the Patriots following a productive one-season stint.
Maryland men’s golf wrapped up its season over the weekend in North Plains, Oregon, where six Terps competed in the Big Ten Championships. Benjamin Siriboury finished tied for 29th, 13 shots behind the lead. He posted a 215, going 72/71/72 on the par 70 track.
South Sudanese class of 2026 forward Bol Thet will visit Maryland men’s basketball Wednesday.
‘26 @SpringdaleMBB/@GlobalSquadBB F Bol Thet 🇸🇸 will visit Maryland tomorrow, per source. The 6’10” senior was a former Siena commit, but reopened his recruitment when HC Gerry McNamara was hired at Syracuse. pic.twitter.com/QpzZnZfi3c
Indeed, according to SPORT, Cancelo is increasingly likely to remain part of the Barcelona project next season.
The Portuguese defender has full approval from both the sporting department and Hansi Flick, but there is a clear condition: the player must secure his release or force a minimal transfer fee for the deal to proceed.
Barcelona have already communicated the framework of the agreement to his agent, Jorge Mendes, who will now attempt to negotiate his departure from Al Hilal in the coming weeks.
Flick, who has publicly praised Cancelo, values his versatility and commitment. While there were initial concerns about his defensive lapses, the German coach has worked to correct these issues, and the player has improved in that regard.
Barcelona want to sign Joao Cancelo permanently. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Within the club, there is a belief that Cancelo meets the requirements of a signing: he has the necessary level, is already adapted and can compete for a starting position.
His ability to play on both flanks adds further value, as does his international experience, particularly important in a squad with many young players.
Financial aspects of the deal
From this point, the focus shifts to financial considerations. Cancelo has one year remaining on his contract with Al Hilal, but Barcelona are unwilling to pay a significant fee for a player who is not part of the plans of Simone Inzaghi.
Barcelona’s intention is for the player to obtain his release by renouncing the final year of his contract in Saudi Arabia. This is significant, as he earns approximately €16 million net per season.
Jorge Mendes will lead the negotiations, and there have been suggestions that Marc Casado could be included in the deal, as he is of interest to the Saudi club and is considered transferable by Barcelona.
Al Hilal are seeking at least €10 million for a transfer, but Barcelona are not willing to approach that figure. A compromise is therefore expected. Cancelo would then sign a two-year contract, or one year with an option for an additional season.
Discussions are expected to begin this month with the aim of resolving the situation before the World Cup.
A special moment for Inter, Champions of Italy: on the occasion of the away fixture in Rome against Lazio, a Club delegation will be received in audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
The meeting is scheduled for Saturday 9 May at 10:00 CEST: the visit to the Holy Father will open a day that will see Inter take to the field against Lazio at Stadio Olimpico at 18:00 CEST.
Bayern planning to reward Olise with new long-term contract
Bayern Munich are planning to tie Michael Olise down to a new long-term contract, according to Teamtalk.
With Olise’s current deal running until 2029, Bayern have yet to begin formal negotiations with the Frenchman, but have made their intentions clear to his camp and potential suitors.
Teamtalk reports that Bayern have received enquiries from a number of top clubs interested in Olise over the past six months, but have told them all that he's not for sale.
The 24-year-old himself is said to be happy with his situation at Bayern and is not looking to leave.
Bayern will be hoping for another strong performance from the French international when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
Arsenal supporters booking hotel rooms for the Champions League final in Hungary are facing fees more than 18 times higher than normal.
Thousands of the north London club’s supporters will descend on Budapest for the match on May 30, following the team’s semi-final victory on Tuesday.
Most hotels in Budapest are already fully booked and those with availability are charging high prices.
Analysis found a twin or double room for two people at the Expo Tower Hotel on the night of the match costs 1,458 euros (£1,259).
This is more than 18 times the price of 73 euros (£63) for arriving a day later.
At Bohem Art Hotel, the cost is 1,618 euros (£1,396) for staying on May 30, and 113 euros (£98) the following day.
Hotel President is charging £886 on May 30, and £104 on May 31.
Accommodation website Booking.com is warning consumers searching for a hotel room in Budapest on May 30 that “99% of places to stay are unavailable for your dates on our site”.
Akhil Vyas of the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust said: “You’re talking a lot of money.”
Asked if he thought the price of hotel rooms was fair, he replied: “I wouldn’t say so. It’s cheeky.
“I get it, it’s business, (but) how great is it for Budapest to have a Champions League final there, with all the tourism?
“It might put people off.”
Mr Vyas called for company bosses to be “a bit more sensible” about pricing, but said: “There’s no regulation or anything like that, so people can ultimately do what they want.”
He predicted that prices may fall slightly after rooms are cancelled by supporters of whichever team loses the second semi-final on Wednesday night between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal supporters booking flights to Budapest are also facing high prices.
People board a Ryanair flight on April 19, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary (Getty)
The cheapest easyJet flight from Gatwick to the city costs £519 on the day of the match, compared with £58 on May 31.
Wizz Air has a flight from Luton to Budapest costing from £462, whereas flying a day later is possible for £46.
Supporters wanting to fly with British Airways and arrive in time to get to the match must travel two days early, on May 28.
A flight on that day costs from £740, compared with £96 on May 31.
Mr Vyas said: “It’s the Champions League final at the end of the day so people will do it, including me.”
Fans can save money by booking indirect flights, flying to other locations and completing the journey to Budapest by train, or even travelling by coach.
Coach operator Coach Innovations is offering return trips from London to Budapest for £339, leaving on the evening of May 28 and arriving by 10am on May 30.
This involves a cross-Channel ferry sailing from Dover to Calais, and travelling through France, Belgium, Germany and Austria.
The Coach Innovations website suggests passengers will “sleep for a week” after the return journey.
Arsenal said they have received an allocation of 16,824 general admission tickets for the match at the Puskas Arena, which has a capacity of more than 67,000.
Tickets will be made available based on supporters’ previous attendance at matches, costing from 70 euros (£60).
Reselling website ticombo is offering tickets for the match from £5,177.
Other English football supporters also face high bills for European finals in the current weeks.
Thousands of fans of Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest – whichever team wins their semi-final clash – will travel to Istanbul, Turkey for the Europa League final on May 20.
Many Crystal Palace supporters will travel to Leipzig, Germany for the Conference League final on May 27 if the team makes it through their semi-final.
Is the starting job of one of the Indianapolis Colts' offseason free agent additions now in jeopardy following the 2026 NFL draft?
Among the many free agent additions made by the Colts was linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. Given the state of the linebacker room for much of the offseason, it seemed like a given that he would be a Week 1 starter.
However, following the NFL draft, there is less certainty around that.
Why might Akeem Davis-Gaither's starting job be in jeopardy?
The Colts utilized two of their eight draft picks on the linebacker position, taking CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher. Allen will likely be the team's starting MIKE linebacker, potentially leaving Davis-Gaither and Bryce Boettcher to compete for the WILL linebacker role.
The Colts believe that Boettcher can play both linebacker spots. He's been a reliable tackler during his career, allowing him to make an impact against the run while limiting yards in coverage. Boettcher allowed only 6.0 yards per reception in 2025.
Davis-Gaither, who is entering his seventh NFL season, has experience on his side. He also spent five of his six seasons up to this point playing in Lou Anarumo's defense. That familiarity should help him hit the ground running.
When projecting what the starting defense will look like come Week 1, I did have Davis-Gaither as a starter, but he may no longer be a lock for that role with the addition of Boettcher.
We’ve seen what replacement officials look like before, and it wasn’t good.
The NFL was forced to use replacement referees back in 2012, which led to the infamous “Fail Mary” among a slew of officiating mistakes.
Thankfully, talks have improved since late March and now it appears the two sides might have a deal.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert and Kalyn Kahler, discussions between the NFL and NFLRA have been successful enough that the union could vote to ratify the new CBA by Thursday.
“Negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement have progressed far enough that the union has scheduled a ratification vote for Thursday night, sources told ESPN on Tuesday,” the ESPN report said.
The terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
If both sides agree to the new deal, it will avoid the need for the backup officials in 2026.
The bumpy road to a deal
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; NFL referee Shawn Smith during Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
An impasse was hit late in March, when the NFL and NFLRA broke off talks on the very first day of what was supposed to be multiple days of negotiations.
The league was less than thrilled with some of the demands from the NFLRA that included significant raises and millions of dollars in marketing fees.
The NFL was also looking for a way to hold officials more accountable for poor performance, which has become more and more of an issue over the years.
“We continue to focus on investing in accountability and performance in our officiating,” the NFL said after talks broke off. “[NFLRA executive director] Scott [Green] and his team haven’t changed their approach in almost two years, continuing to demand raises at almost double the rates of the increases realized by the players over the course of this CBA and, in addition, millions of dollars in marketing fees that rank-and-file union members never see.”
Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm doesn't see the national team among the favourites to win this year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Twelve years after their last triumph in Brazil, of which Lahm was a part of, he acknowledged that the current team has good players who play for top clubs.
"But the past hasn't necessarily shown that we've really grown as a team in recent years or over the last few tournaments," he said at an event hosted by the Münchner Merkur/tz newspapers.
Since the title in 2014, Germany have suffered two group stages exits in Russia in 2018 and in Qatar in 2022. The team has also failed to reach an European Championship final in this period.
"That's why the favourites are definitely others, when I think about France or Spain, maybe even Portugal. But it's always possible," he said.
Lahm ended his national team career after the triumph in Brazil and retired from football in 2017 after more than a decade at Bayern Munich. Since then he's been active as businessman and football official.
Asked whether he thinks about returning to Bayern, he said: "Well, I'm keeping myself pretty busy and I'm enjoying it. My life is great. And that's why, to be honest, I'm not really thinking about FC Bayern right now."
The owner of Inverness Caledonian Thistle says sorting out "simple things" helped the club recover from a financial crisis to becoming League One champions.
ICT was placed into administration in October 2024 after running up millions of pounds in debts.
Businessman Alan Savage stepped in with an initial injection of £1m of funding, and the club exited administration in September last year.
Recalling the actions taken to achieve that, Savage said: "It was about reassuring the staff, fixing things like shower heads, simple things that had gone wrong."
"A few initiatives had gone south and I think it was looking like the club would be liquidated.
"They needed an injection of cash to pull it out of that and that is when I got involved."
Alan Savage said he wants ICT to be sustainable and not have to rely on bail-outs [BBC]
Savage, who was the club's chairman between 2006 and 2008, said his ambition was to get ICT to a point where it was sustainable and no longer required bail-outs to survive.
He said new initiatives included establishing the club's stadium as a start point for the North Coast 500 tourist route and hosting music events.
"We want more than one day a fortnight of football. We are trying to get life into the stadium every day of the week," said Savage.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings are set for a high-scoring clash on Hyderabad’s batting-friendly Pitch No. 2, where short boundaries and a flat surface are expected to heavily favour the batters. Both teams have been the fastest-scoring sides in the Powerplay during IPL 2026, maintaining scoring rates above 11.5 runs per over, while also dominating the middle overs.
With explosive hitters like Shreyas Iyer, Heinrich Klaasen, Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis in the line-ups, the match is expected to turn into a run-fest. SRH head coach Daniel Vettori even admitted concern for the bowlers ahead of the game.
Despite remaining at the top of the table, PBKS enter the contest after back-to-back defeats, with their bowling emerging as a concern. On a surface where wickets could prove decisive, Punjab’s bowlers will need to deliver under pressure. SRH, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back strongly after their dramatic collapse against Kolkata Knight Riders, hoping the return to a flatter batting track helps revive their aggressive approach.
SRH vs PBKS: Head-to-Head
Matches played: 25
Sunrisers Hyderabad won: 17
Punjab Kings won: 8
SRH vs PBKS Today IPL Match: Pitch Report
The today's match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to be a high-scoring encounter on a flat, batting-friendly surface. SRH has already posted totals above 240 twice at this venue this season. Both teams' batting lineups are in strong form. Fast bowlers who can hit the deck and extract early bounce under lights will be crucial during the powerplay.
SRH vs PBKS IPL Match: Hyderabad Weather Update
The weather in Hyderabad for today’s SRH vs PBKS match is expected to be hot and dry, with no significant threat of rain to disrupt play. While the afternoon will see intense heat, conditions will become more manageable by the 7:30 PM IST start. Dew is expected to become a major tactical factor during the second innings, which may assist the team batting second as the ball becomes slippery for bowlers.
SRH vs PBKS: Predicted Playing XIs
Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (w), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Harsh Dubey, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge
Impact Player: Eshan Malinga
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Player: Vijaykumar Vyshak
SRH vs PBKS: Live Streaming details
The SRH vs PBKS clash will be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad with the match set to begin at 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.
On May 4, we debuted the first in a series of reader polls asking who you consider the best high school football player in Wisconsin history, with 10 primary suggestions. We received well over 1,000 votes, and here's how people voted:
Joe Thomas was voted as the most impactful player in Wisconsin high school football history
As we said, trying to compare eras and arrive at a true list of Wisconsin's greats is a difficult undertaking. Our aim: Identifying trailblazers and trendsetters whose influence reaches beyond championships and statistics − and whose stories reflect a lasting impact on their state.
Naturally, that means the players in question weren't just high school standouts, though that part of the equation rates as highly important. They also went on to have success in college and the pros.
We know recency bias is a thing, so we're not surprised that the top two choices in the voting among our 10 primary suggestions both came from the current century. Of course, a pair of first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame locks make the call a good one. Here's how you voted:
Joe Thomas, Brookfield Central: 231 votes
J.J. Watt, Pewaukee: 189 votes
Alan Ameche, Kenosha: 109 votes
Rocky Bleier, Appleton Xavier: 81 votes
Mike Webster, Rhinelander: 64 votes
Elroy Hirsch, Wausau: 61 votes
Jim Leonhard, Flambeau: 47 votes
Pat Richter, Madison East: 44 votes
Bud Grant, Superior: 32 votes
Michael Bennett, Milwaukee Tech: 23 votes
Here are the other names suggested as the most impactful in Wisconsin history
With the option to select someone other than our group of 10, we received more than 150 submissions, and those we could verify are listed below.
That's a list with some impressive names, including two Pro Football Hall of Famers (Otto and Casper), a future Hall of Famer (Watt), a University of Wisconsin rushing legend and first-round NFL draft pick (Gordon), a former Packers player on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and first-round pick (Anderson), a former No. 1 overall NFL pick (Matuszak) and a number of familiar UW standouts (Clay, Moss, Wohler, Krumrie, Vanden Boom, Tauscher).
Tagge led Nebraska to two national championships and was a first-round draft pick. Brennan won two national titles at Notre Dame and later became the Fighting Irish head coach. Jirschele made our 2019 list of best overall Wisconsin high school athletes of all time. Voigt appeared in three Super Bowls with the Vikings.
Gasperini meets with El Shaarawy, renewal still possible
Roma still have 270 minutes left to play, after which it’s time to plan for next season.
The remaining fixtures against Parma, Lazio, and Verona will tell us whether the Giallorossi will finally return to the Champions League, a competition not seen in Trigoria for seven years.
But it’s not just on-pitch events that are making headlines these days. Four players’ contracts are expiring in June, and their futures are still up in the air.
These are Celik, Pellegrini, Dybala, and El Shaarawy.
According to today’s edition of Il Corriere della Sera, the latter met with Gian Piero Gasperini last week to discuss a possible contract extension.
The Piedmontese coach, in fact, is reportedly happy to retain all four players whose contracts are expiring.
The club’s owners appear willing to accommodate the former Atalanta coach’s requests, provided their salaries are sustainable and compatible with the club’s financial capabilities.
‘Shadow of the player’ – Richards questions Liverpool signing
Liverpool’s difficult season has sparked criticism from plenty of pundits in recent weeks, and now Micah Richards has questioned whether Milos Kerkez is coping with life at Anfield.
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The Hungary international arrived from Bournemouth last summer with huge expectations after an outstanding campaign on the south coast, but the 22-year-old has endured a mixed first year under Arne Slot.
Micah Richards questions Milos Kerkez form
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards admitted the left-back has not looked anywhere near the same player Liverpool supporters expected to see.
The former England defender said: “Kerkez has been a shadow of the player he was at Bournemouth. I don’t know if that’s pressure. I don’t know if that’s system.”
It’s another concern for Slot after Liverpool’s chaotic defeat at Manchester United, where defensive issues once again cost us badly.
The pundit argued Liverpool are now “too slow”, “too passive” and “too easy to play against”, which could partly explain why Kerkez has struggled to settle consistently despite playing regularly.
Robertson debate continues at Liverpool
Kerkez was immediately thrown into the starting side after his £40m arrival from Bournemouth, and there were periods earlier in the campaign where many supporters called for Andy Robertson to return more often.
The Scotland captain has still shown signs of quality this season, even if though this is his last campaign at Anfield.
Saunders explained: “He’s better than Kerkez, in my opinion… Kerkez is trying to get there and at the minute, I think it’s costing Liverpool games.”
That may sound harsh on the Hungarian, though there’s also context that can’t be ignored.
Kerkez is only 22, joined a struggling side dealing with injuries throughout the squad and has already played 45 games in all competitions this season.
Liverpool’s problems clearly run far deeper than one left-back, but Richards’ comments will still raise eyebrows given Kerkez will be Slot’s long-term first-choice option moving forward.
In IPL today, we will see a blockbuster clash as Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Punjab Kings in what has all the makings of a genuine title race showdown. SRH have had a remarkable turnaround, winning five on the bounce before KKR halted them, while PBKS have had two successive defeats after going unbeaten in seven. Both sides have had their wobbles. But both have had the quality to produce something special tonight in Hyderabad.
With only one week before the year’s second major, the PGA Tour heads to North Carolina for the Truist Championship and yet another small-field, no-cut signature event. Located just southeast of downtown Charlotte, Quail Hollow Club has hosted a PGA Tour event almost every year since 2003. Along with the 2017 and 2025 PGA Championship, the world-class course also hosted the prestigious 2022 Presidents Cup.
Quail Hollow is typically one of the most challenging courses on tour playing to an average of +0.75 strokes per round. At the two recent majors held here, the course played +1.99 per round. It’s a demanding par 71 that stretches to 7,583 yards from the back tees.
The tree-lined parkland layout is a favorite among players, combining pristine conditions with scenic, rolling terrain to create one of the most enjoyable walks on tour. Its routing flows seamlessly, with each green leading effortlessly into the next tee just steps away.
As with any course that has hosted major events, every facet of a golfer’s game will be tested this week. As recent past winners here demonstrate, including Rory McIlroy (four times), Wyndham Clark, Max Homa and Jason Day, distance off the tee and positive long iron play are especially advantageous this week. Another important skill is scrambling for pars on some of the toughest green complexes that players will face all year.
Coming off his recent Masters win, Rory McIlroy returns to Charlotte as the most recent winner here, having cruised to a five-shot victory in 2024. The Grand Slam champion now sits at 30 PGA Tour wins, four of which have come at Quail Hollow Club, further cementing his dominance at this venue.
Here are my favorite plays and fades in each price range for the 2026 Truist Championship.
$9,000+ range Play: Cameron Young, $10,100
Orlando Ramirez
Yes, Rory McIlroy is coming off a Masters win, but it is hard to justify the $1,600 price gap when Cameron Young is also entering in top form after a victory of his own. Young can practically follow the same recipe for success that he had last week in his runaway victory at Doral as Quail Hollow shares many characteristics, placing a premium on driving distance and long iron play. That alignment plays directly into Young’s strengths, and his noticeable improvement on and around the greens over the past year could prove especially valuable on some of the toughest putting surfaces on tour.
Young also dominated the par 4s last week, leading the field with a 38 percent Birdie or Better rate. That success is highly relevant given that Quail Hollow’s par 4s are among the most difficult on tour. Even more encouraging, Young ranks second in this field over his past 36 rounds on difficult par 4s, reinforcing his ability to handle one of the key challenges this course presents.
Cameron Young’s yearly strokes gained summary from the Rabbit Hole.
A well-rested Aberg arrives in Charlotte with outstanding form, having recorded four top-five finishes in his past five starts. Even more encouraging, his underlying strokes gained profile suggests that these ceiling performances should continue, as he ranks inside the top 20 in this field in each of the strokes gained categories over his past 24 rounds. His short game has quietly become a strength as he’s gained at least half a stroke on the field both on and around the greens in six of his past seven tournaments.
Off the tee, Aberg continues to separate himself as one of the elite drivers in the game. He ranks seventh in total driving this season, a skill set that should translate extremely well to a demanding layout like Quail Hollow. He has also been on fire with his recent approach game, gaining 0.89 strokes per round in his last five starts—and often on courses that mirror Quail Hollow with their emphasis on long iron play. His naturally high ball flight with an average apex of 118 feet into firm greens is another advantage, aligning with the profile of past winners at this event.
Read The Line's Joe Idone and John Haslbauer chat with golf writer Alan Shipnuck about the future of LIV and all things Rory McIlroy:
Fade: Robert MacIntyre, $9,300
MacIntyre enters the week ranking second-to-last in the field in SG/approach this year, losing 0.61 strokes per round. In this upper-tier, there is not a single other golfer gaining less than 0.20 per round. He’s recent form is also lacking with a T-42 at the RBC Heritage, preceded by a missed cut at the Masters.
Long known for inconsistency earlier in his career, Min Woo Lee has spent the past eight months reshaping that narrative into one of reliability paired with elite upside. He has recorded nine top-15 finishes across his past 16 starts, a stretch that highlights both his consistency and ceiling. With noticeable improvement in his long-iron play, elite length off the tee and one of the strongest short games on tour, his skill set aligns perfectly with the demands of Quail Hollow.
Fade: Ben Griffin, $8,700
I’m not putting much stock into Griffin’s third-place finish at last week’s Cadillac Championship. The result was driven almost entirely by an unsustainable performance on and around the greens, where he gained more than eight strokes, while actually losing 1.5 strokes on approach. That’s especially concerning given the broader trend, as he has now lost strokes with his irons in eight of his past nine events. That profile is a poor fit for this week’s test, where precise iron play is essential.
After a slow start in Miami, Hojgaard closed the week on a high note with a Sunday 66, showing signs of the form that has defined much of his season. Despite a couple of underwhelming recent results, his overall body of work in 2026 remains strong with four top-six finishes, making his current price look too low given both his upside and course fit. He is one of the longest players in the field, ranks 12th in proximity from 200-plus yards, and has been the best spike putter on Poa trivialis greens over the past two years, gaining more than two strokes in 18 percent of his rounds.
$6,000+ range Play: Ryan Fox, $6,600
Icon Sportswire
Fox is my favorite value play this week considering his body of work this year and past success on long and difficult courses. After four consecutive top-25s earlier in the year he was sidelined with kidney stones, which forced him to withdraw from The Players Championship. After a rough stretch, his game is rounding back into form with consecutive top-30s where he has gained over six total strokes ball-striking. He finished 28th here last year in the PGA Championship and has the upside to be in the mix come Sunday.
HYDERABAD: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s head coach Daniel Vettori said that the team is focused on against a very good side in Punjab Kings.
“Anyone can beat anyone on a given day. We are sure about the importance of this game but we also understand that they are at the top of the table for a reason,” he said.
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Vettori hoped that Nitish Kumar Reddy will pass the fitness test. “He’s feeling a lot better. We don’t see a situation where he won’t play tomorrow.” Asked if Nitish’s absence affected the team’s performance, Vettori said: “Nitish is like a Marco Jansen or a Marcus Stoinis in the Punjab team. They just offer so much balance to a lineup and makes my life a lot easier when it comes to selecting the team.”
The Kiwi also felt that Punjab rely heavily on their openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. “Their opening combination had complementary performances from their batting line-ups. Like us they they’re very aggressive with the bat. So you would anticipate a high-scoring game and it’s the bowling unit that can deal with that pressure really.”
Punjab Kings’ assistant coach Brad Haddin echoed similar sentiments. “SRH are a strong side and we need to get early wickets. Don’t let (Travis) Head and Abhishek (Sharma) bat long” he said when asked about the plan.
The back-to-back losses are not concerning for the Australian. “It is about playing your best cricket right at the end of the tournament and that’s what our team is striving for. They’re striving for that perfect game. If we find that, we’ll be hard to beat and that’s what we wanted to be throughout the whole tournament,” he said.
On Saturday, 1,000 lucky NJ/NY Gotham FC fans will get to see the reigning champions take on Boston Legacy FC for $5.
It is a small fee for a premium sports experience that feels almost out of place in today’s sports economy, especially for the National Women’s Soccer League, packed with global stars and nine-figure franchise valuations. The deal was part of a team promotion with the New York City government to highlight affordability issues, in sports and beyond.
It is also an example of why the NWSL is still the best deal in sports, especially when many leagues are looking to squeeze more revenue from loyal fans. However, rising valuations and interest threaten that affordability.
Across the sports landscape, especially in the women’s game, the math is changing quickly. Often called “fanflation”, the cost of being a fan is rising faster than the franchise valuations.
Another professional women’s sports league, the WNBA, is a cautionary tale.
The WNBA is, by just about every metric, a runaway success. Attendance is climbing, it recently agreed to a historic collective bargaining agreement with the players and franchise values are soaring, including the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, which became the first women’s team to be valued at $1 billion, according to CNBC. More expansion is on the horizon, with three new franchises expected by 2030 (combining to pay $750 million in fees to join). It’s easy to frame the league as a textbook growth story.
However, demand is outpacing supply, causing prices to climb fast. For example, the New York Liberty, in the same market as Gotham FC, is reportedly valued at $600 million and sold $2 million of tickets for a game against the Indiana Fever in May 2024. In some cases, the fans are feeling that increase in their own wallets. One Liberty season ticket holder told The Athletic she paid $600 for a Section 3 seat in 2023. By 2024, that figure had nearly doubled to just under $1,200, despite only two additional regular-season games. By 2025, as the team pushed toward another title run, her renewal quote for the 2026 season had ballooned to nearly $1,700. That’s an increase of roughly $1,100 over three seasons, a 183 percent jump.
So while the WNBA’s rise is real, and arguably overdue, it’s also creating a familiar tension: The more valuable the product becomes, the harder it is for the everyday fan to afford it.
When this article was published, the cheapest ticket available for Liberty’s home opener against the Connecticut Sun in the Barclays Center on Friday was around $50 for nosebleeds.
More than a dozen fans sitting on or near courtside tonight are wearing these bright orange shirts to protest the Liberty’s skyrocketing ticket prices for the playoffs and next season. pic.twitter.com/n95w5SPqL7
The NWSL isn’t immune to these growing pains — it’s just two decades younger. In fact, it’s entering its own growth phase.
Expansion fees have exploded, climbing from $2 million in 2022 to more than $200 million for Columbus, the latest addition. A $240 million media rights deal has reset expectations. Owners are investing heavily in infrastructure, from dedicated stadiums to state-of-the-art training facilities.
But here’s where the NWSL has diverged from the script: It hasn’t fully passed those costs onto fans in the form of higher ticket prices — at least not yet, and not uniformly. The NWSL’s argument has always been that it offers something rare in modern sports: Elite-level competition without the inflated price tag.
Average ticket prices rose from $38 in 2024 to $43 in 2025, a measured increase reflecting what league executives describe as a focus on long-term fan strategy rather than aggressive price hikes.
Gotham’s $5 ticket initiative, in partnership with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, aligns with the league’s larger premise: If soccer is supposed to be for the people, then the price of entry shouldn’t feel like a luxury tax — even if it’s a limited or special offer from time to time, like this one.
Perhaps another reason the tickets are still affordable is that the league is struggling to fill seats in some markets. On one hand, the NWSL is hitting unique attendance records: 40,091 fans filled San Francisco’s Oracle Park last August, Denver Summit FC’s opener saw over 60,000 fans in Empower Field at Mile High and Gotham is aiming to break their attendance record in July at Citi Field. All of those venues were one-off experiences outside the teams’ normal homes. Overall, there has been a dip in attendance in 2025, nearly 10 percent in comparison to the 2024 season.
Still, the early signs in 2026 suggest renewed momentum. Through the first five weeks of the 2026 season, the league is averaging 11,510 fans per regular-season match, up from 10,670 in 2025 and on pace for a fourth consecutive season averaging more than 10,000 attendees per game, the league said.
With lots of seats to fill, many NWSL fans can still find many affordable ticket options, especially compared to other major leagues. In some markets, a family of four can attend a match for less than the cost of parking at an NFL game. Take Racing Louisville’s $5.02 offering, an ode to the city’s area code 502. It is one of the most economical ticket options this year for the supporters for each home game.
Racing hasn’t seen the sort of demand that would lead to increased prices, but even the most popular teams are not squeezing fans. Instead, they are experimenting with different ticket offerings that limit sticker shock.
“Myself and everybody in my circle, we’re talking about things being unaffordable. We’re all very intentional. Accessibility is not an afterthought, it’s a requirement, and it always will be,” Kim Stone, the CEO and co-governor of Washington Spirit, told The Athletic.
The Spirit averaged more than 15,000 fans per home match at Audi Field during the 2025 NWSL regular season. For 2026, the club did not increase ticket prices in the supporter section and 70 percent of season ticket members in non-premium locations saw less than a 6 percent increase over last year. They also continued their ‘First Match on Us’ program, giving those who are looking to attend their first Spirit match two complimentary tickets. More than 1,700 tickets have been claimed this year, up 201 percent year over year, creating 860 new accounts, up 213 percent year over year.
However, Stone does not deny there will be a moment when ticket prices have to go up, but she said the key is to spread the price hike where the impact would be felt the least acutely.
“What’s changing is not that games are becoming unaffordable, but we’re offering more options,” Stone said. “As the game grows, so does our responsibility to invest in our players, but the way we do that is by building a model where stands at every level can participate. So whether that’s a $20 ticket or a premium experience, they’ll have the choice.”
Similarly, the league’s other attendance heavyweights, such as Seattle Reign, Portland Thorns and Angel City FC, also said they kept their supporter-level ticket prices the same this season. On Tuesday, Orlando Pride launched their own “First Match on Us” campaign, giving away two complimentary tickets to first-time attendees.
“Accessibility is a huge part of how we think about it, and a big driver of how our ticketing model has evolved,” Alexis Lee, Portland Thorns’ president of business operations, told The Athletic.
With fans paying closer attention to what things cost and what they’re getting for it, affordability is at the core of Portland’s ticket strategy. The Thorns diversified their offering with half-season plans, partial packages and mini-packages where fans can pick matches, all the way down to single-game tickets.
“We’ve led the league in attendance nine out of 13 seasons, and our average ticket price is still below the league average,” Lee said. “That’s not an accident; that’s the strategy working. We’re putting world-class athletes on that field, genuinely the best players in the world, and we’re doing it in a way that keeps Portland one of the most accessible pro sports experiences in the market. That combination is why people keep coming back.”
This sweet spot won’t last forever. If the NWSL continues to grow, it will eventually face the same dilemma as the WNBA — and that includes potentially higher prices that risk alienating the very audience that built the league.
“Filling seats is not about chasing the highest possible price in a hot market, it is about creating such a compelling experience and sense of belonging that fans want to keep coming back and feel good about the value they are getting,” Julie Haddon, the interim CMO of Angel City, told The Athletic. “Our goal has been to make Angel City games feel unmissable without making them unattainable.”
NWSL’s top markets seem to align with Haddon’s approach in southern California. NWSL clubs are trying to fill seats without breaking the bank.
Gotham’s $5 ticket initiative is, in many ways, a unique test case.
On one level, it’s a clever marketing play. Fill the stadium, create atmosphere, generate goodwill. On another, it’s a philosophical stance: Fandom shouldn’t be gated by income.
Mamdani’s involvement adds a political dimension, framing affordability as not just a business decision but a public good. His criticism of FIFA’s pricing — particularly ahead of the men’s World Cup, where tickets are prohibitively expensive — taps into a broader frustration among fans who feel priced out of the very sport they love.
For now, the league remains a bargain, relative to the WNBA or the larger men’s pro leagues. The real test isn’t whether the NWSL can grow — it’s whether it can grow without becoming the very thing it once disrupted.
The NWSL isn’t immune to fanflation, but now is the time for it to get ahead of the curve.
Each team will compete for a $1 million prize pool. There will be two semifinal matches, with the winners meeting in the championship. All matches will be played in a best-of-three sets format.
The three-hour exhibition event will air live at 7 p.m. CT on a major broadcast network to be determined. This will be the first women’s college sporting event to be staged at AT&T Stadium and one of the first women's sporting events of any kind to take place at an NFL venue.
This should be a fun showcase. The Huskers look to field a strong team once again, and their opponents are not lacking in terms of talent either.
Announcement
Something B1G is coming to Arlington. ⭐️
The Huskers will join three other elite programs in the “Super Bowl of Volleyball” at AT&T Stadium for @spikeslights!
NCAA women's volleyball hits @ATTStadium for the Inaugural Spikes Under the Lights.
The showcase brings together Nebraska, Florida, Penn State, and SMU for a primetime showdown on a historic stage.#NCAAWVBpic.twitter.com/hpTUVCKt0b
— NCAA Women's Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) May 5, 2026
$1 million prize pool
Nebraska volleyball will play at AT&T Stadium on Aug. 27 along with SMU, Penn State and Florida.
The total prize pool amounts to $1 million. The exhibition format features two semifinals and a final all in one day, but played in a best-of-three set structure. Will Husker Nation… pic.twitter.com/yIuansdUFK
News on a college volleyball preseason showcase at AT&T Stadium: Nebraska, Penn State, Florida and SMU will compete Aug. 27 in an altered format, made-for-TV event with $1 million in prize money at stake. https://t.co/jBGsdSzSgY
Nebraska volleyball will play at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas this August as part of a preseason exhibition tournament with a $1 million prize on the line.https://t.co/llPcBiBswT
— Nebraska Public Media News (@NebPubMediaNews) May 5, 2026
Four team events
NEWS — Nebraska volleyball will play at AT&T stadium on Aug. 27. #Huskers@KETV
Nebraska, Penn State, SMU and Florida will play for a $1 million prize pool.
A single-night competition format with 2 semifinal matchups followed by a championship final. Best-of-three set…
NEWS: Nebraska volleyball will participate in the 2026 Spikes Under the Lights at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, on Aug. 27 with a $1 million purse up for grabs.
The single-night competition format will feature two semifinal matchups, followed by a championship final, all played… pic.twitter.com/MF52YVFzbo
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
Cubs 2026 regular season record wearing various uniforms
White pinstripe: 14-4 Chicago Blues: 2-1 Blue alternate: 4-2 Road gray: 4-5
Cubs 2026 spring training record: 14-18 (14-17 Spring Training, 0-1 WBC exhibition) Al’s 2026 spring training record: 7-8 (7-7 Spring Training, 0-1 WBC exhibition)
Mark Pope is still looking for players in the transfer portal to bolster his 2026-27 Kentucky basketball roster. (Brian Simms/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
If you listen to Kentucky Sports Radio right now, Mark Pope should be standing up on a podium and talking with the media.
While Matt Jones and company are openly begging for some kind of communication, even joking about sending up “smoke signals,” the Kentucky basketball program has effectively gone completely dark.
It would be nice if someone associated with Kentucky Basketball would say something to the fans
It can be a Tweet, a pre-recorded video or just a smoke signal…but something to a fanbase desperately wanting something positive, strikes me as a good idea
Aside from a video asking fans for questions about the program and the obligatory social media graphics announcing player signings and assistant coaching hires, we haven’t heard a peep from Mark Pope since his final radio show back in March.
But is this silence actually a bad thing?
No. In fact, I think they are doing the right thing by remaining silent and doing the work that this roster desperately needs.
Coach speak doesn’t win games
Regardless of how you feel about where the roster currently sits, speaking to a hounding media and a fanbase that has been living on edge for weeks wouldn’t actually accomplish anything.
If Pope sat down at a podium tomorrow, what could he really say? We would get 20 minutes of standard coach speak. We would get a few optimistic quips about how “things are going to be good” and how much they “love the guys in the locker room.” Is that going to move the needle in a positive way for this program? Absolutely not.
So, the best thing Pope and his staff can do right now is put their heads down, ignore the outside noise, get to work, and figure out a way to fix this thing.
A massive offseason to-do list
When you actually look at the logistical nightmare the staff is currently navigating, you realize why they don’t have time for empty press conferences.
First, there are massive staffing questions that will probably be addressed in the next month. Cody Fueger and Mark Fox are currently sitting on expiring contracts that run out on June 30th. On top of that, Kentucky is still down an assistant coach, meaning the current staff is spread incredibly thin.
Then, there is the recruiting trail. Pope is still trying to fill out the last two spots to make sure year number 3 is better than year number 2. He flew out to Israel to meet Marcio Santos, all while meeting and having conversations with recruits from this year and next.
I don’t want him taking 20 minutes out of that schedule to sit down in front of a camera and tell us “everything is fine.” It would do absolutely nothing except provide a few fleeting clicks.
Give me wins over words
At the end of the day, I’d rather have wins on the court and on the roster. I take this prolonged silence as a sign that this coaching staff is working as hard as they can to field a competitive team. I will take that any day of the week.
It may not work out perfectly. The season could still go sideways if the portal guys don’t gel or injuries hit. But a little press conference in early May isn’t going to change any of that. It’s only going to slow progress.
Let the coaching staff work in the shadows for now. We can have all the press conferences we want later in the summer when the roster is finalized.
Mark Pope is working to make it work. And he decided he wanted to talk directly to fans. Pope went on Twitter to leave a video and let BBN know he wanted to talk directly to them, and asked them to leave questions.
Some of the responses are not great, but some of them are actually pretty solid questions. Who knows how he answers them, but if he were going to do an interview, I would rather he do it this way.
BBN I want to talk!
Drop your questions in the comments, and I’ll spend the next couple of days answering them 👇 pic.twitter.com/twrdVeEZKj
I still think I would prefer total silence until June, but I also can understand doing what they do. Are you looking forward to hearing from Pope? Did you leave a question, or do you think he should have just remained silent?
Report – The key trait Real Madrid president is looking for in next manager
Real Madrid have decided to dismiss Álvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season, believing he has not met the objectives set when he took charge in January after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal.
The Merengues have dropped many points in the league and failed to reach the Champions League semi-finals, although their performances in Europe were considered competitive against strong opponents.
Now, according to Defensa Central, within Real Madrid, there is a belief that a coach with greater authority is needed to manage the dressing room and control strong personalities.
For club president Florentino Perez, the priority is clear: the next manager must be capable of organising and managing the personalities within the squad. While some may underestimate the importance of this, it is seen as essential in a group such as Real Madrid.
The search for a new manager is underway. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Over the past two seasons, this aspect has been problematic, and neither Alonso nor Arbeloa have managed to resolve it. As a result, the club believe a change in managerial profile is necessary, as they are not currently willing to part ways with their key players.
Unlock the Vini-Mbappe combination
Despite growing opinion that Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe are incompatible, there are still figures within Real Madrid who believe they can achieve success together. Both are considered exceptional players.
Their relationship off the pitch is not problematic, contrary to some reports. However, on the pitch they often occupy similar areas and make similar movements, which has made it difficult for them to combine effectively in certain matches.
Barcelona’s pursuit of talented teenagers on the verge of a breakout continues, and their long-standing interest in Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu has become formal. The 18-year-old caught the eyes of Barcelona’s scouts last summer, and for some months the Catalan club have been trying to find a way of doing a deal.
As per MD, Barcelona have now made an offer to Brugge for Bisiwu. Previously it has been reported that he would prioritise a move to Barcelona, and their plan is to pull off a deal similar to that of Roony Bardghji, paying a relatively low transfer fee to add him to their Barca Atletic squad, and seeing how he adapts to the first team in training. Barcelona are still waiting for a response to their offer from Brugge, and no details are revealed with regard to the amounts.
Will Brugge allow Bisiwu to leave?
Image via Belga / Nieuwsblad
The Catalan paper suggest that Brugge’s reluctance to sell could be softened by Bisiwu’s desire to force through the move, and the fact he has just a year left on his deal. Previous reports have struck a different tone, with Brugge believing that they will eventually secure a renewal with Bisiwu, and that they were in little hurry to negotiate for a player whose value could increase exponentially after game time in the first team.
The march to Memorial Day is here for the nation's top college lacrosse teams.
A trip through a tough bracket awaits before we get to the two teams contesting the sport's annual holiday afternoon championship game, though, beginning with a pair of opening-round games just three days after Selection Sunday.
This year's NCAA tournament appears wide open. Notre Dame has held down the top spot most of the year, but the Irish have lost a pair of games to the team hosting this year's semis and final, Virginia. Top seed Princeton is right there with Notre Dame, along with defending champion Cornell and rising power Richmond.
While Notre Dame could well win its third national title in four years, it will have plenty of competition on the way. Here's everything you need to know to watch this year's tournament.
NCAA men's lacrosse bracket 2026
The bracket consists of 18 teams, with 10 automatic and eight at-large selections. The top eight schools are seeded nationally, and the four lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers will play in the two opening-round games. See the full game schedule below.
The 2026 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament will air on multiple ESPN platforms, including the first round and quarterfinals on ESPNU, the semis on ESPN2 and the championship game on ESPN.
All of those games will also be available to stream via fubo. Fans can also stream those games and the two opening-round games with the ESPN app.
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.)
The Scout's Fantasy Premier League verdict is in ahead of Manchester City's double gameweek 36.
Pep Guardiola’s side welcome both Brentford and Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium across the next round of fixtures.
The Blues first host the Bees on Saturday 9 May at 17:30 (UK) before playing the Eagles at home on Wednesday 13 May at 20:00 (UK).
And FPL managers will be looking to boost their points tally at the business end of the campaign as the Club’s pursuit of the top-flight crown continues.
With that in mind, find out who the Scout is championing in Gameweek 36 ahead of Saturday 9 May’s 11:00 (UK) deadline.
Midfielder Jeremy Doku (£6.4m) registered 15-points in Gameweek 35 curtesy of two goals and all three bonus points.
He has now registered an attacking return in three of City’s last four Premier League matches. In this period, Doku is the Blues’ joint most attacking player with four attacking returns and the top FPL scoring with 31 points.
In the last four gameweeks, the Belgium international has created eight chances, supplied nine crosses and had nine shots.
ONES TO WATCH
Igor Thiago (£7.4m) and Maxence Lacroix (£5.2m) are opponents Brentford and Palace’s form players.
Only Haaland has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the Bees’ forward, whilse Lacroix is eighth for points scored amongst defenders this season.
DIFFERENTIALS
Elsewhere, Richarlison (£6.3m) and Jack Hinshelwood (£5.1m) are two low-owned gems worth considering.
Richarilson is Spurs’ top scorer this season with 10 goals with the forward also picking up four assist this season.
Hinshelwood has scored in two of his last three Premier League matches and registered eight attacking returns this season which only two Brighton players can better.
Crystal Palace eye final berth as Shakhtar Donetsk prepare to gamble all
Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Thursday with one foot in the Conference League final, but their 3-1 first-leg advantage over Shakhtar Donetsk demands focus rather than comfort.
Oliver Glasner’s side have put themselves in a commanding position, yet the nature of knockout football means this tie is far from finished.
The first leg showcased Palace at their most efficient, with attacking quality and structure combining to secure a two-goal cushion.
That advantage now shifts the burden onto Shakhtar, who must chase the game from the outset if they are to have any chance of overturning the deficit.
Palace’s approach over the weekend offered a clear indication of priorities, with a heavily rotated side falling to defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The selection and performance pointed to a calculated decision to preserve energy and key players for this European semi-final.
It underlines just how seriously Glasner is taking the competition, with the opportunity to reach a second final in consecutive seasons firmly within reach.
However, that defeat also serves as a warning that momentum can shift quickly if standards drop.
Shakhtar arrive wounded but dangerous, knowing that a cautious approach will not be enough to rescue the tie.
They are likely to press aggressively and disrupt Palace’s rhythm, turning the game into a physical and unpredictable contest.
That approach represents their clearest route back into the tie, even if it carries significant risk at the other end.
For Palace, the challenge is to strike the right balance between control and ambition.
Sitting deep and protecting the lead may invite unnecessary pressure, particularly against a side with attacking quality.
Equally, overcommitting could open spaces that Shakhtar will be eager to exploit.
The ideal scenario lies in asserting control early, forcing Shakhtar to chase shadows while maintaining a threat in transition.
Players such as Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta could prove decisive if Palace are able to stretch the game.
A fast start would not only settle nerves but also increase the pressure on the visitors to score multiple times.
Defensively, Palace must remain organised and disciplined, particularly in the early stages when Shakhtar are likely to throw numbers forward.
The stakes are clear, with a place in a European final representing a defining moment in the club’s modern history.
Glasner’s side have already shown they can handle the demands of this competition, but this second leg will test their maturity and composure.
If they match the intensity of the occasion and avoid complacency, Palace are well placed to finish the job.
Anything less, however, risks turning a strong position into a nervy night that could still swing the wrong way.
Benjamin Sesko: United ace’s classy gesture for ex-club Radece
One of the Manchester United players who appears to have benefited the most from Ruben Amorim’s departure is Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian arrived at Old Trafford at the beginning of this season in a bid to address the Red Devils’ goalscoring woes.
Sesko had admirers at clubs across the continent after an impressive rise with RB Leipzig, and the English giants managed a coup by winning the race for his signature. United were keen to improve their form in the final third after managing just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season.
Unfortunately, Sesko had a mixed time under former head coach Amorim, registering just two goals in 17 appearances. The Red Devils struggled to get results under the Portuguese, who was eventually let go at the turn of the year.
That proved to be the turning point in Sesko’s time at the Theatre of Dreams.
Sesko’s rise in 2026
Sesko celebrated Amorim’s departure by scoring three goals in two games under interim manager Darren Fletcher. Michael Carrick was appointed as Amorim’s temporary replacement in mid-January, and the Slovenian has also been impressive under the Englishman.
The 22 year old has registered seven goals in 13 games under the caretaker manager, helping the team climb up to third in the Premier League table. Sesko has now scored 10 goals in 16 games in 2026 and is one of the most in-form strikers in the league right now.
Last Sunday, the Slovenian scored in the 3-2 win over Liverpool as United secured qualification for next season’s Champions League. However, the player picked up an injury during the game and had to be substituted at the break.
While his participation in United’s upcoming game against Sunderland remains in doubt, a recent report has now revealed a magnanimous side of the young footballer.
Sesko makes heartwarming donation to former club
Sesko spent part of his formative years with his hometown club NK Radece, who have now revealed that the player made a significant contribution to their academy. The Slovenian club shared the heartwarming news via a post on social media, which read: “A Generous gesture by Benjamin Šeško for the Young Players of NK RADEČE.”
“It is with great joy and gratitude that we announce that our former player, Benjamin Šeško, has once again shown his big heart by supporting our youngest teams with a donation. It was at NK Radeče that his soccer journey began, so we are especially proud that, despite his busy schedule, he never forgets his roots.”
“With this gesture, he demonstrates how important it is to give back to the community and encourage new generations of young soccer players. Benjamin has shown exceptional talent since he was a child, and today he remains a great role model for all our children—not only because of his successes, but also because of his kindness.”
“Sincere thanks, Benjamin, for thinking of our youngest players and helping them realize their soccer dreams! We also sincerely thank his management team, especially Elvis Bašanović, for their help in making this donation possible.”
“As it says on the back of the jersey—“Theatre of Dreams”—we believe that it is right here, on our fields, that new great stories begin.”
Final Thoughts
Sesko is United’s leading goalscorer this season, and fans will hope he can return to full fitness soon to add to his tally. The Slovenian will also be keen to continue his momentum and end the season on a high.
Every journey starts somewhere. For Chandler Rivers and Elijah Sarratt, that 'somewhere' now comes in the purple and black of the Baltimore Ravens. Rivers is a five-foot-nine, 185-pound cornerback. Sarratt is a wide receiver who stands at six-foot-two and tips the scales at 210 pounds. Both arrive highly decorated.
Rivers is a 2024 First-Team All-ACC mention who also earned second-team honors in 2025. Sarratt's collegiate run left little room in the trophy case. Part of the College Football Playoff National Championship-winning Indian Hoosiers, he led the NCAA in receiving touchdowns at the end of the 2025 season. He was named Second-team All-Big Ten after receiving Third-team All-Big Ten honors one year prior. He also has First-team All-NEC (2022) and First-Team All-Sun Belt (2023) honors on his resume.
Both are part of an exciting Ravens 2026 11-man draft class. Baltimore's social media team shared clips featuring the two as they enjoyed their time at the rookie minicamp.
The journey is just beginning for two exciting Ravens rookies.
Early footage in shorts with no pads. We won't learn much until later. Practice time and eventual game reps will be key. Even in moments like these, there's something worth noting: the speed and the movement. There is also the comfort level. It's the first opportunity to see how college production starts translating to the professional stage. They're both traveling on two different paths. albeit to the same opportunity. Both seek spots on the 53-man roster.
Rivers enters as a defensive back with the kind of athletic profile that fits what Baltimore has consistently valued on that side of the ball: versatility, quickness, and the ability to compete in space. Sarratt, meanwhile, arrives with a different responsibility. At wide receiver, expectations come quickly. Route precision, timing, and chemistry aren't optional. They're required. And for a young pass catcher, every rep matters.
We've seen short clips and early reps, i.e., nothing definitive, but they signal something bigger. Rivers and Sarratt haven't proven anything yet, but they have taken the first step. In Baltimore, that first step is where everything of note always begins.
Bastian Schweinsteiger: Wirtz and Musiala are Germany's Ribéry and Robben
Bastian Schweinsteiger has likened Germany’s star duo, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, to Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben.
The Germany legend believes Wirtz and Musiala resemble his former Bayern Munich teammates in the sense that they possess the individual quality to decide games on their own.
“I see Wirtz and Musiala as our Ribéry and Robben. Those are the players who make the decisive move in key moments. If I were playing with Wirtz, I would simply give him the ball as often as possible, because he needs the ball to make his game more dominant, to bring in his ideas. I think he has incredible vision in his play,” Schweinsteiger told Sport Bild and went on to look back on the assist Wirtz provided for Serge Gnabry back in March.
“When I think back to his pass against Switzerland to Serge Gnabry, I say: not many players make passes like that – especially with that level of precision. If Musiala and Wirtz can get going, then I am very, very confident.”
As for Musiala, Schweinsteiger believes the 23-year-old has made significant progress towards finding back to his top level following the serious injury he suffered last summer.
“You can clearly see his improvement from game to game, also in terms of minutes played," he said.
"Serge Gnabry’s injury has accelerated things a bit. But Jamal seems to me to be back on the right track. The last five to ten percent might still be missing, but I’m very, very positive about it. If you listen around abroad to find out who excites people, you very often hear the name Musiala.”
More than four years since the tragedy of losing his only son, Dwayne Haskins Sr. is so determined to add depth to the legacy of the former NFL quarterback’s complicated life with compassion that he is certain will help others.
Here are some words for this: Admirable. Courageous. Spiritual.
Haskins, through the family’s foundation, will host a talk-back discussion on mental health on May 16th at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn in Maryland that, following a community walk in conjunction with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will honor his son’s life and launch an awareness campaign. He is convinced that his son – a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2018 who led the NCAA with 4,831 passing yards and 50 touchdowns in his lone season as a starter at Ohio State, yet was cut less than two seasons after Washington drafted him in the first round in 2019 – suffered from unchecked mental health issues as his career and life quickly spiraled off-course.
“Bro, it’s personal to me,” Haskins told USA TODAY Sports, a day after commemorating Dwayne Jr.’s 29th birthday on May 3. “I’ve never said anything about Dwayne publicly.”
The floor is yours, Sir.
“We knew our son had some mental health challenges,” said Haskins, whose family includes his wife, Tamara, and daughter Tamia. “As a family, we recognize that it’s very hard for us to communicate that when a professional athlete is pursuing his dream, that he has mental health issues. There’s a stigma with that.
“We started to recognize warning signs, that we knew something wasn’t right with Dwayne. Now we’ve become an advocate to get people aware of that. There’s mental health that manifests over a period of time, then all of a sudden something will trauma a person, where they won’t be able to have effective decision-making. And it continually gets triggered and triggered.”
It’s a striking coincidence that Haskins is launching this campaign – he hopes to develop a comprehensive program and take it nationwide next year – at a time when the NFL is ramping up mental health support programs in the aftermath of tragedies in recent months where two active players, Marshawn Kneeland of the Dallas Cowboys and Rondale Moore of the Minnesota Vikings, died by suicide.
“I do think there is still a stigma, but I think the stigma is more around help-seeking behaviors as opposed to mental health in general,” Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, NFL vice president of wellness and clinical services, told USA TODAY Sports.
“The stigma is: Is it a sign of weakness to ask for help?”
At the last NFL owners meeting in late March, the league announced the expansion of its mental health services to mandate that all 32 teams must employ a full-time mental health clinician who operates at each team’s headquarters. Previously, the league required teams to have a part-time clinician. Additionally, the NFL is now partnering with Cigna to form a network of specialists for players – and their families – to tap into beyond the team specialists.
“You would be surprised at how receptive players are at using these resources,” said NiiLampti, who worked in a similar capacity for the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) before joining the NFL. “I’ve had players who say, ‘Listen, we’ve got an athletic trainer, right? I’ve got a strength and conditioning coach. Why would I not have somebody who’s going to work with me in terms of what’s going on in my head?’ ”
NiiLampti hopes that by expanding the NFL program, challenges in getting support and resources immediately will be addressed. Undoubtedly, when crisis strikes, timing is critical.
“They don’t have the time. I need to work with somebody now!” NiiLampti said. “We need to find a way to get them in, strike while the iron’s hot.”
Haskins was unaware that the NFL recently announced its added emphasis on mental health support programs yet applauds the effort. As he reflects on his son’s journey, he suspects a barrier existed with an inability to acknowledge his challenges from a mental health perspective.
“I think that’s what the problem was. He wasn’t strong enough to say, ‘Hey, I need help,’ ” Haskins said. “But we knew something was wrong. That’s why the celebration (on May 16) is a platform for people to know about the warning signs.”
Put yourself in the father’s shoes. There is no playbook for losing a son or daughter. The grieving, Haskins realizes, will continue for the rest of his life. He pointed out that he and Tamara are still grieving the losses of their young mothers in 1988 yet have been forced to cope with losing their son in a different context. There was never a chance to say goodbye before Dwayne, Jr. was struck by a dump truck while crossing a highway in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in the early morning of April 9, 2022.
And the circumstances surrounding the death – according to the toxicology report, Dwayne, Jr., was legally drunk with ketamine and other drugs in his system, fueling allegations of foul play – left many unanswered questions. Dwayne, Jr., who played his third and final NFL season as backup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, was in Florida for several weeks of offseason training.
While Haskins didn’t address the controversies, including a dismissed lawsuit pertaining to image rights against Dwayne Jr.’s widow, Kalabrya, it seems clear that in processing the tragedy the focus on mental health is an anchor – in addition to his Christian faith.
At the upcoming event, they will use an acronym, “NINO,” to hammer home a theme of heeding warning signs. He’s hoping it will ultimately be widely recognized as a distress signal.
“NINO – ‘No, I’m not OK’ – is going to be a codeword for people who don’t understand or don’t know how to articulate their emotions,” Haskins said. “We believe that if we can get this acronym in place, we’ll be able to save more lives, or get people the attention or assistance from mental health organizations like NAMI to provide solutions.”
Talk about addressing a stigma. Here’s a suggestion, NFL: Enlist Haskins to visit teams to address their players by sharing his journey. Just imagine the real talk in those sessions.
Especially now, as so many NFL coaches and executives maintain that after the tragedies in recent months, they are more sensitive to mental health challenges. The awareness has resonated to the point that some say it was an increasing factor in evaluating prospects heading into the recent draft.
“This generation has a lot of stress, a lot of anxiety, maybe handle it a lot differently than our generation,” Les Snead, the Los Angeles Rams GM, told USA TODAY Sports, alluding to societal patterns. “But I do know this, too: If you think about what they’ve gone through, this group’s been getting driven.
“You’re a professional athlete, you’re a company. You make a bad play and the next thing you know, you’re a meme. I know there are other variables, but being a general manager and a father, you definitely understand what this generation’s reality is.”
Haskins knows. What happens on the field and on social media only scratches the surface. One of his key messages for the upcoming event addresses what he calls, “the perseverance of the dream,” which encompasses myriad potential pitfalls.
If he sounds like a man with a spiritual calling, he will not disagree.
Haskins says matter-of-factly that his campaign is inspired by this message from God: “For you guys to cope, you need to share this.”
He can also imagine a message from his son.
“Dwayne is looking down at us right now,” Haskins said. “And it’s, ‘I’m proud of you mom and dad. You’re bringing awareness on my behalf.’ ”
Which is quite the noble purpose.
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.
After the rampage in Leipzig, visitors to the city center commemorate the university in front of flowers and candles at the Paulinum. A 33-year-old German citizen drove into the busy pedestrian zone on Monday afternoon. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa
RB Leipzig will wear black armbands during their Bundesliga match against St Pauli on Saturday in remembrance of the victims of a deadly car-ramming attack in the eastern German city of Leipzig.
"The events in Leipzig's city centre on Monday left us deeply shocked. Our thoughts are with the victims, as well as their families and loved ones, and everyone affected by this horrific attack," the club said on X on Wednesday.
The under-19 team will also participate in the action. A moment of silence will be observed before kick-off at each match.
"RB Leipzig is thus sending a collective, silent message of sympathy and solidarity with our city," the club said.
According to preliminary findings, a 33-year-old man drove a vehicle into a pedestrian shopping street in central Leipzig on Monday. Several people were struck by the car before it came to a halt, with the driver surrendering to police without resistance while still inside the vehicle.
A total of six people aged 21 to 87 were injured, Leipzig police said.
They said a woman aged 84 and a man aged 75 sustained serious injuries. A 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man were killed.
Just when the Detroit Tigers needed someone to step up and be a presence in a sea of calamity, someone to throw them a life raft, someone to make them feel like their world isn’t collapsing around them, along comes Framber Valdez acting like a human Titanic.
Valdez is the Tigers’ new ace, their highest-paid player, the one the Tigers desperately are relying on to keep their postseason hopes alive until Tarik Skubal returns to the mound later this summer.
And on Tuesday evening, he melted down for the entire Tigers’ franchise to see, reminding everyone of the ugly warts in this talented left-handed pitcher.
Valdez’s selfish act of immaturity was so outrageous in the Tigers’ 10-3 shellacking to the Boston Red Sox that when he intentionally hit Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story with a 94.4 mph fastball in the middle of his back during his latest temper tantrum, even his own manager couldn’t stand up for him.
“We play a really good brand of baseball here,’’ Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said in his press conference after the game. “That doesn't feel like it. That's not judging intent. I have no idea.
“But when you go out on the field and end up in those confrontations, you usually feel like you're in your right.
“It didn't feel good being out there."
In other words, how are you going to actually fight for your own teammate when you feel like punching him yourself?
“I understand," Hinch said. "I understand their (Red Sox) frustration and the optics. I understand the whole thing.’’
Valdez, who gave up nine hits and 10 runs runs (seven earned) in just three innings, insisted with a straight face that he wasn’t deliberately trying to hit Story after giving up back-to-back homers, saying the pitch simply got away from him, and there’s no way he deserved to be ejected.
“Not at all," Valdez said through interpreter Carlos Guillen. “It was not on purpose. It might've looked like that but it wasn't. I was trying to throw a strike after two consecutive home runs, and the pitch just came out of my hand.
There is no chance that this same man who drilled his own teammate in the chest with a fastball last season with the Houston Astros would now intentionally hit an opponent.
No way, right?
Right?
Anyone else believe him?
Yes, just in case anyone forgot, this is the same guy who was so angry after giving up a grand slam to New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham last September, that he crossed up teammate and catcher Cesar Salazar by throwing a 92.8 mph sinker that slammed into his chest protector. Instead of apologizing, Valdez turned his back in disgust.
Valdez, summoned into Astros manager Joe Espada’s office after the game, told reporters it was simply miscommunication.
And you wonder why he was still on the free-agent market a week before spring training, signing a three-year, $115 million contract when he was expected to receive a deal close to free-agent starter Dylan Cease’s six-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays?
Now, with the Tigers badly needing an influx of help, with three members of their opening-day starting rotation and 14 players on the injured list, they are about to be playing one man short.
Valdez, 2-2 with a 4.57 ERA, surely will be suspended at least five days for his actions that should be announced Wednesday.
“I do not expect to get suspended,’’ said Valdez, who chose that moment to throw his first four-seam fastball of the season.
Maybe he should look around the room, and see if there’s a soul in the Tigers’ clubhouse that feels the same.
If you gave them a lie detector test, they’d probably all come to the same conclusion as Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy.
“I thought it was weak and I thought everybody saw it,’’ Tracy told reporters. “Their side, our side, I think everybody saw it. It was weak.”
Really, once Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu opened the fourth inning by hitting mammoth home runs off Valdez, with Contreras flipping his bat after his 449-foot shot, Story could sense it was coming.
“I was in there ready to hit,’’ Story said, “and it showed up way behind me, off the numbers. I think we all know what’s what ... it’s pretty indisputable.’’
Story glared toward Valdez after being hit, players poured out of the dugouts, but there were no punches thrown or even shoves. Why fight when everyone is in full agreement of what happened?
“We handled it,” Story said. “We said what we said on the field, and I think that’s where it stays.”
Now, Michael Hill, senior vice president of on-field operations for MLB, will have his say.
And, perhaps behind closed doors in a meeting with Valdez, Hinch will have plenty to say, too.
Over this past weekend, Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh welcomed 19 new members of the rookie class to Nashville for their first minicamp. While the eight draft choices didn’t do too much, they were present and got their first taste of the NFL.
Those 19 rookies were joined by a whopping 58 players on a tryout basis, making for an active two days at the facility. While some of the brief highlights looked good, Titans local reporter Paul Kuharsky took to social media to report that none of those 58 tryout players were offered a contract following the camp.
The #Titans will not sign anyone from their 58-player tryout class.
This does not mean that it won’t happen; there is a long way to go before training camp, and things can and will happen throughout offseason team activities (OTAs).
Currently, the Titans' roster sits at 91 after using an international exemption on David Ebuke Agoha, meaning they would have to make some moves to bring someone on board. Something that has been mentioned as a possibility in recent weeks by both Mike Borgonzi and other front office personnel.
The New York Knicks steamrolled the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1, 137-98, behind 35 points from Jalen Brunson (27 in the first half). New York has won four straight playoff games by 16, 29, 51, and 39 points.
Philadelphia played a Game 7 in Boston on Saturday, then had a day off before playing Game 1 in New York on Monday. It's not a shocker that the 76ers got blown out, but they will need a full 60-minute effort in Game 2 to avoid going back to Philadelphia in the hole. The 76ers shot 41% from the field in Game 1, turned the ball over 19 times, and lost the rebounding battle (38-29). Nobody reached 20 points for the 76ers, but the good news is they shot 34 free throws to the Knicks' 17 and no starter played more than 28 minutes for Philadelphia.
New York is the hottest team in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, unless you are a Detroit Pistons fan. However, the Knicks four consecutive wins of 33.7 points per game has been dominant. The Knicks shot 63% from the field and 51% from three in Game 1. Four of the Knicks starters scored 18 or more points and combined to shoot 70.2% from the field (33/47) and 61.1% from three (11/18). They'll look to continue that hot shooting in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden before heading to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4.
Lets 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.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: 76ers vs. Knicks
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 7:10 PM EST
Site: Madison Square Garden
City: New York, NY
Network/Streaming: ESPN
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Game Odds: 76ers vs. Knicks
The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers (+220), New York Knicks (-270)
Spread: Knicks -6.5
Total: 215.5 points
This game opened Knicks -7.5 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: Knicks vs. 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
PG Tyrese Maxey
SG VJ Edgecombe
SF Kelly Oubre Jr
PF Paul George
C Joel Embiid (probable)
New York Knicks
PG Jalen Brunson
SG Josh Hart
SF Mikal Bridges
PF OG Anunoby
C Karl-Anthony Towns
Injury Report: Knicks vs. 76ers
New York Knicks
None
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid (ankle) is listed as PROBABLE for Game 2
Important stats, trends and insights: 76ers vs. Knicks
New York is 49-41 ATS and 48-42 to the Under this season
New York is 30-14 ATS at home, ranking first
New York is 23-21 to the Under at home
Philadelphia is 27-19 ATS as the road team
Philadelphia is 14-14 ATS and 11-17 on the ML as a road underdog
Philadelphia is 49-42 ATS
Philadelphia is 48-43 to the Under and 24-21 to the Under as the road team
Rotoworld Best Bet
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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 Wednesday’s Knicks and 76ers’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the 76ers’ Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the 76ers +6.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 215.5
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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III recently spoke with Kay Adams on her show to discuss Patrick Mahomes' influence on his free-agent signing decisions and on building chemistry on the field.
"We've been working on getting connected in the passing game and everything, so that's good. I feel like I'll be used more in the pass game," said Walker, who praised Mahomes' focus on the game plan. "He's really good at being detailed with the whole team, and that chemistry is going to keep building."
Last season with the Seattle Seahawks, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. He was also impactful in the passing game with 31 receptions for 282 yards. Mahomes reportedly was in contact with general manager Brett Veach, keeping an eye on Walker during his Super Bowl run.
"I feel like it would have had a lot to do with it, you know, he's (Mahomes) the best quarterback in the league," said Walker. "So, I feel like he's got a lot of power in there. I'm glad he does because I'm here now."
The Super Bowl LX MVP signed a maximum of $45,000,000 over three years, with $28,700,000 of his contract fully guaranteed to lead Kansas City's backfield. He is expected to play a much-needed role in the offense and supply Mahomes with weapons.
Instead of a sequel performance, the Cavs virtually received a no-show in Detroit's 111-101 win.
Allen committed three fouls in the first quarter, forcing his early exit from the game. After returning, he then was called for his fourth personal foul in the third quarter, again resulting in Allen having to walk to the bench yet again.
He finished with only 18 minutes on the floor, two points on 1-for-4 shooting, three rebounds and four personal fouls. Allen essentially won the Cavs Game 7 against the Raptors with one of the best quarters in recent NBA playoff history. Two days later, he almost wasn't noticed in Game 1 against the Pistons.
"Yeah, it messes your rhythm up, messes rotations up," said Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. "Some of those, they weren't his fouls. We got a breakdown, they had a back-door, I mean, he's there trying to clean up. Usually it's not because of him being in a bad position. It's more of a breakdown from another person and he's got to come over and help.
"Just sputtered us a little, got us off rhythm, I thought."
Cavs lose to Pistons in Game 1 of NBA playoffs
Regardless of who was on the floor, the Pistons' big men controlled the paint in the fourth quarter. Once the Cavs clawed back to tie it 93-93, essentially making it a new game with 5:28 left, Pistons center Jalen Duren dominated near the rim.
In a 67-second span, Duren had back-to-back-to-back dunks, along with a key block and two crucial defensive rebounds. While the Cavs spent nearly the entire night crawling out of a hole, Duren just about slapped them back down himself.
The Pistons' size was known to be a key factor before Game 1 ever began, given not only Duren's size inside but Cade Cunningham's athleticism on the outside. It'll be a major test for the Cavs defense, and how they rotate players in and out of the lineup.
With Allen unavailable due to foul trouble, also combined to a degree with Sam Merrill missing the second half with a hamstring injury, the Cavs didn't have the answer in the fourth quarter of Game 1.
"It's tough on him with the rhythm and everything when you don't get to play that long," said Evan Mobley, who instead often played alongside Thomas Bryant in Game 1. "And he's a big asset to our team, so he definitely helps on the boards and defending as well, so it's tough, but things like that happen, and we got to adjust."
It isn't just how the rotations are thrown off their axis. It's also how vital Allen's presence on the defensive end, where he's also effectively the defense's quarterback, calling out plays and coverages and keeping everyone in front of him in line.
"I mean, when you play a team like this, he's instrumental to what we do defensively, right?" said Donovan Mitchell, who scored 23 points in the loss. "He only payed 18 minutes, and their bigs are tough. The boards, Cade [Cunningham] is getting downhill, [we're] trying to find ways to contest.
"So it's definitely tough to not have him out there on the floor, but even in those situations, maybe it's Ev next game that's in foul trouble, right? We still, as a collective, got to find a way together to get stops, rebound or protect the rim in any way we can."
The Cavs know the Pistons want to go downhill. If they don't have their top rim protectors available, Cleveland might be in danger of watching this series go downhill with them.
Ryan Lewis covers the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor has been released from the hospital following a severe case of pancreatitis, reports TMZ.
The Hall of Famer was discharged late last week and is now on the road to recovery. Pancreatitis is an extremely painful condition that can be life-threatening in severe cases, and Taylor was fortunate to receive prompt treatment during his hospital stay.
LT is not yet back to full strength, but the legendary outside linebacker is feeling “much better” and continues to improve on a daily basis. The positive update has brought relief to Giants fans and football enthusiasts alike, with Taylor expected to return to full health in the near future.
Over his 13-year NFL career with the Giants, Taylor recorded 142 sacks and 41 forced fumbles.
A 10-time Pro Bowler, Taylor is widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time, regardless of position. No words can fully capture his immense impact on both the Giants franchise and the game of football as a whole.
Many of Florida's premier high school athletes will be in Jacksonville May 6-9 for the FHSAA Track & Field State Championships, which means some of the state's top football recruits will be in action.
Cavallaro, a Florida State commit, won gold in the discus in 2025 and enters the state meet as the No. 1 seed in Class 1A in the discus and No. 2 seed in the shot put.
Other football recruits heading into the state meet as No. 1 seeds include Flanagan wide receiver Jacob Thomas (Class 4A, 100 and 200 meters), Rickards athlete Davion Crumitie (Class 3A, 100 meters) and Plantation wide receiver Jason Thomas (Class 3A, 400 meters).
Class 4A
Lennard 2027 S Mekhi Williams
Williams is the No. 18 seed in the 200 meters (22.13 seconds). He also is a member of Lennard’s 400-meter relay team (No. 7 seed, 41.76 seconds). Williams is ranked No. 31 on the USA TODAY Florida top 100 and is committed to Florida State.
Flanagan 2027 WR Jacob Thomas
Thomas is the No. 1 seed in the 100 meters (10.42 seconds) and the No. 1 seed in the 200 meters (20.97 seconds). He also is a member of Flanagan’s 400 relay team (No. 1 seed, 40.21 seconds) and the 1,600 relay team (No. 2 seed, 3:17.11 minutes). Thomas is ranked No. 51 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Pitt.
St. Thomas Aquinas 2027 RB Tyler Reid
Reid is the No. 17 seed in the 100 meters (10.83 seconds) and the No. 8 seed in the 200 meters (21.65 seconds). He also is a member of Aquinas’ 400 relay team (No. 3 seed, 40.73 seconds) and the 1,600 relay team (No. 14 seed, 3:22.93 minutes). Reid is ranked No. 82 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Pitt.
Largo 2029 WR Kylen Monk
Monk is the No. 4 seed in the 100 meters (10.52 seconds) and the No. 7 seed in the 200 meters (21.58 seconds). He also is a member of Largo’s 1,600 relay team (No. 5 seed, 3:18.46 minutes). Monk has an offer from Syracuse.
Sumner 2027 RB Tommy Scott
Scott is the No. 11 seed in the 100 meters (10.66 seconds). He is committed to FAU.
Atlantic Coast 2027 EDGE Isreal Hayward
Hayward is the No. 14 seed in the javelin (49.99 meters). He has a handful of offers, including Bowling Green and Florida A&M.
Lakeland 2026 RB DJ Dobie
Dobie is the No. 3 seed in the 100 meters (10.50 seconds) and the No. 9 seed in the 200 meters (21.68 seconds). He also is a member of Lakeland’s 400 relay team (No. 2 seed, 40.58 seconds). Dobie has signed with Western Carolina.
Class 3A
Hillsborough 2028 WR Derrell Hines
Hines is the No. 14 seed in the 100 meters (10.77 seconds), the No. 18 seed in the long jump (7.41 meters) and the No. 5 seed in the triple jump (13.30 meters). He also is a member of Hillsborough’s 1,600 relay team (No. 17 seed, 3:23.49 minutes). Hines’ offers include Auburn, Florida, Notre Dame and Oklahoma.
Dillard 2027 WR Anthony Jennings
Jennings is a member of Dillard’s 4x100 relay team (No. 11 seed, 41.92 seconds) and the 1,600 relay team (No. 1 seed, 3:14.04 minutes). Jennings is ranked No. 61 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100; his offers include Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Georgia.
Rickards 2027 ATH Davion Crumitie
Crumitie is the No. 1 seed in the 100 meters (10.29 seconds) and the No. 16 seed in the 200 meters (22.00 seconds). He also is a member of Rickard’s 400 relay team (No. 16 seed, 42:11 seconds). Crumitie is ranked No. 75 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100. His offers include Kansas State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.
Dr. Joaquin Garcia 2027 WR Zion Vilma
Vilma is the No. 4 seed in the 200 meters (21.52 seconds). Vilma’s offers include Florid State, Georgia, Miami and Rutgers.
Rockledge 2027 S Demond Scott Jr.
Scott is the No. 17 seed in the high jump (2.03 meters). Scott’s offers include Florida State, Miami, Pitt and West Virginia.
Niceville 2029 Jakobe Gilyard
Gilyard is a member of Niceville’s 400 relay team (No. 13 seed, 42.01 seconds). Gilyard’s offers include Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Louisville.
Riverdale 2027 S Levi McKenzie
McKenzie is the No. 5 seed in the 100 meters (10.57 seconds), the No. 6 seed in the 200 meters (21.62 seconds) and the No. 6 seed in the 400 meters (47.92 seconds). McKenzie’s offers include Florida, Houston, Louisville and UCF.
Miami Northwestern 2027 CB James Briggs
Briggs is a member of Miami Northwestern’s 400 relay team (No. 2 seed, 41.13 seconds). Briggs’ offers include Auburn, FAU, Pitt and UCF.
Choctawhatchee 2027 CB Amir Reese
Reese is a member of Choctawhatchee’s 400 relay team (No. 12 seed, 42.01 seconds). Reese’s offers include Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina, UCF and USF.
Atlantic 2027 RB Omari St. Fort
St. Fort is the No. 7 seed in the 100 meters (21.65 seconds). St. Fort’s offers include UCF, UCLA, UNLV and USF.
Plantation 2027 WR Jason Thomas
Thomas is the No. 1 seed in the 400 meters (46.92 seconds). He also is a member of Plantation’s 4x400 relay team (No. 5 seed, 3:17.76 minutes). Thomas’ offers include Louisville and UConn.
Lincoln 2027 WR Kabran Paul
Paul is the No. 7 seed in the 100 meters (10.59 seconds) and the No. 18 seed in the 200 meters (22.36 seconds). He also is a member of Lincoln’s 400 relay team (No. 1 seed, 41.07 seconds). Paul has signed with Appalachian State.
Lincoln 2027 WR Trevor Jacobs
Jacobs is the No. 12 seed in the 100 meters (10.68 seconds). He also is a member of Lincoln’s 400 relay team (No. 1 seed, 41.07 seconds). Jacobs has committed to South Alabama.
Class 2A
Booker 2027 DL Maleek Lee
Lee is the No. 5 seed in the discus (41.73 meters). Lee is ranked No. 46 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100; his offers includer Florida, Miami, Ohio State and USC.
Cardinal Mooney 2027 RB Connail Jackson
Jackson is the No. 15 seed in the 100 meters (10.87 seconds). He is also a member of Cardinal Mooney’s 400 relay team (No. 9 seed, 42.39 seconds). Jackson is ranked No. 69 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to UCF.
Chaminade-Madonna 2027 S Angelo Smith
Smith is the No. 13 seed in the 400 meters (57.52 seconds). Smith is ranked No. 77 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Ohio State.
Miami Palmetto 2027 WR Kaden Howard
Howard runs for Keys Gate Charter School. He is the No. 2 seed in the 100 meters (10.37 seconds) and the No. 4 seed in the 200 meters (21.72 seconds). Howard is ranked No. 86 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Nebraska.
Miami Central 2028 CB Quinton Rolle
Rolle is the No. 16 seed in the 100 meters (10.87 seconds). He also is a member of Miami Central’s 400 relay team (No. 7 seed, 42.23 seconds). Rolle’s offers include Auburn, Kentucky, Missouri and SMU.
St. Andrew’s 2027 S Jack Whelchel
Whelchel is the No. 10 seed in the 110 hurdles (15.09 seconds). Whelchel’s offers include Eastern Michigan, Minnesota, Middle Tennessee and Syracuse.
Cardinal Newman 2026 WR Leslie Mosley Jr.
Mosley is a member of Cardinal Newman’s 400 relay team (No. 2 seed, 41.27 seconds). Mosley has signed with Illinois.
Raines 2026 WR Kelvin Brown Jr.
Brown is the No. 11 seed in the 100 meters (10.71 seconds). He also is a member of Raines’ 400 relay team (No. 3 seed, 41.80 seconds). Brown has signed with Boston College.
Florida High 2027 LB Jason Harville
Harville is the No. 10 seed in the shot put (14.45 meters). Harville has an offer from Troy.
University 2028 S Kai Starks
Starks is the No. 8 seed in the 400 meters (48.76 seconds). Starks has offers from Southern Miss and USF.
Allen is No. 11 in the 100 meters (10.98 seconds) and No. 8 in the 200 meters (22.53 seconds). His offers include Alabama, Florida, LSU and Miami.
Indian Rocks Christian 2027 EDGE Anthony Cavallaro
Cavallaro is the No. 1 seed in the shot put (17.43 meters) and is No. 2 in the discus (53.00 meters). Cavallaro is ranked No. 44 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Florida State.
Carrollwood Day 2027 ATH Brooklyn Maxey
Maxey is a member of Carrollwood Day’s 400 relay team (43.82 seconds). Maxey is ranked No. 60 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Louisville.
The First Academy 2027 WR Brian Dillard
Dillard is a member of The First Academy’s 4x100 relay team (43.16 seconds). Dillard is ranked No. 63 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100; his offers include Iowa, Kentucky, Pitt and Virginia Tech.
John Carroll 2028 OL Andrew Pisani
Pisani is the No. 14 seed in the shot put (14.00 meters). Pisani’s offers include Florida, Miami, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Blountstown 2027 WR Curtis Ellis
Ellis is the No. 2 seed in the 100 meters (10.62 seconds). His offers include Georgia Tech, Miss. State, Pitt and UCF.
Holy Trinity 2026 ATH Jaeden McMillan
McMillan is the No. 2 seed in the 110 hurdles (14.61 seconds) and the No. 15 seed in the long jump (6.38 meters). He also is a member of Holy Trinity’s 400 relay team (No. 5 seed, 42.58 seconds) and the 4x400 relay team (No. 5 seed, 3:26.71 minutes). McMillan signed with FIU.
Lakeland Christian 2027 RB/CB AJ Truedell
Truedell is the No. 13 seed in the 100 meters (11.03 seconds). His offers include Appalachian State, FAU, Toledo and Tulane.
Victory Christian 2027 WR Andrew Morrison
Morrison is the No. 6 seed in the 200 meters (22.07 seconds). His offers include Appalachian State and Bowling Green.
Melbourne Central Catholic WR Grady Bonenberger
Bonenberger is the No. 14 seed in the long jump (6.40 long jump). Bonenberger has an offer from FAU.
John Carroll 2027 RB Jaydien Pittman
Pittman is the No. 1 seed in the 100 meters (10.57 seconds). He has an offer from FIU.
Melbourne Central Catholic 2027 WR Noah Flores
Flores is the No. 14 seed in the 200 meters (22.62 seconds). Flores is committed to Harvard.
Many of Florida's premier high school athletes will be in Jacksonville May 6-9 for the FHSAA Track & Field State Championships, which means some of the state's top football recruits will be in action.
Cavallaro, a Florida State commit, won gold in the discus in 2025 and enters the state meet as the No. 1 seed in Class 1A in the discus and No. 2 seed in the shot put.
Other football recruits heading into the state meet as No. 1 seeds include Flanagan wide receiver Jacob Thomas (Class 4A, 100 and 200 meters), Rickards athlete Davion Crumitie (Class 3A, 100 meters) and Plantation wide receiver Jason Thomas (Class 3A, 400 meters).
Class 4A
Lennard 2027 S Mekhi Williams
Williams is the No. 18 seed in the 200 meters (22.13 seconds). He also is a member of Lennard’s 400-meter relay team (No. 7 seed, 41.76 seconds). Williams is ranked No. 31 on the USA TODAY Florida top 100 and is committed to Florida State.
Flanagan 2027 WR Jacob Thomas
Thomas is the No. 1 seed in the 100 meters (10.42 seconds) and the No. 1 seed in the 200 meters (20.97 seconds). He also is a member of Flanagan’s 400 relay team (No. 1 seed, 40.21 seconds) and the 1,600 relay team (No. 2 seed, 3:17.11 minutes). Thomas is ranked No. 51 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Pitt.
St. Thomas Aquinas 2027 RB Tyler Reid
Reid is the No. 17 seed in the 100 meters (10.83 seconds) and the No. 8 seed in the 200 meters (21.65 seconds). He also is a member of Aquinas’ 400 relay team (No. 3 seed, 40.73 seconds) and the 1,600 relay team (No. 14 seed, 3:22.93 minutes). Reid is ranked No. 82 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Pitt.
Largo 2029 WR Kylen Monk
Monk is the No. 4 seed in the 100 meters (10.52 seconds) and the No. 7 seed in the 200 meters (21.58 seconds). He also is a member of Largo’s 1,600 relay team (No. 5 seed, 3:18.46 minutes). Monk has an offer from Syracuse.
Sumner 2027 RB Tommy Scott
Scott is the No. 11 seed in the 100 meters (10.66 seconds). He is committed to FAU.
Atlantic Coast 2027 EDGE Isreal Hayward
Hayward is the No. 14 seed in the javelin (49.99 meters). He has a handful of offers, including Bowling Green and Florida A&M.
Lakeland 2026 RB DJ Dobie
Dobie is the No. 3 seed in the 100 meters (10.50 seconds) and the No. 9 seed in the 200 meters (21.68 seconds). He also is a member of Lakeland’s 400 relay team (No. 2 seed, 40.58 seconds). Dobie has signed with Western Carolina.
Class 3A
Hillsborough 2028 WR Derrell Hines
Hines is the No. 14 seed in the 100 meters (10.77 seconds), the No. 18 seed in the long jump (7.41 meters) and the No. 5 seed in the triple jump (13.30 meters). He also is a member of Hillsborough’s 1,600 relay team (No. 17 seed, 3:23.49 minutes). Hines’ offers include Auburn, Florida, Notre Dame and Oklahoma.
Dillard 2027 WR Anthony Jennings
Jennings is a member of Dillard’s 4x100 relay team (No. 11 seed, 41.92 seconds) and the 1,600 relay team (No. 1 seed, 3:14.04 minutes). Jennings is ranked No. 61 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100; his offers include Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Georgia.
Rickards 2027 ATH Davion Crumitie
Crumitie is the No. 1 seed in the 100 meters (10.29 seconds) and the No. 16 seed in the 200 meters (22.00 seconds). He also is a member of Rickard’s 400 relay team (No. 16 seed, 42:11 seconds). Crumitie is ranked No. 75 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100. His offers include Kansas State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.
Dr. Joaquin Garcia 2027 WR Zion Vilma
Vilma is the No. 4 seed in the 200 meters (21.52 seconds). Vilma’s offers include Florid State, Georgia, Miami and Rutgers.
Rockledge 2027 S Demond Scott Jr.
Scott is the No. 17 seed in the high jump (2.03 meters). Scott’s offers include Florida State, Miami, Pitt and West Virginia.
Niceville 2029 Jakobe Gilyard
Gilyard is a member of Niceville’s 400 relay team (No. 13 seed, 42.01 seconds). Gilyard’s offers include Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Louisville.
Riverdale 2027 S Levi McKenzie
McKenzie is the No. 5 seed in the 100 meters (10.57 seconds), the No. 6 seed in the 200 meters (21.62 seconds) and the No. 6 seed in the 400 meters (47.92 seconds). McKenzie’s offers include Florida, Houston, Louisville and UCF.
Miami Northwestern 2027 CB James Briggs
Briggs is a member of Miami Northwestern’s 400 relay team (No. 2 seed, 41.13 seconds). Briggs’ offers include Auburn, FAU, Pitt and UCF.
Choctawhatchee 2027 CB Amir Reese
Reese is a member of Choctawhatchee’s 400 relay team (No. 12 seed, 42.01 seconds). Reese’s offers include Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina, UCF and USF.
Atlantic 2027 RB Omari St. Fort
St. Fort is the No. 7 seed in the 100 meters (21.65 seconds). St. Fort’s offers include UCF, UCLA, UNLV and USF.
Plantation 2027 WR Jason Thomas
Thomas is the No. 1 seed in the 400 meters (46.92 seconds). He also is a member of Plantation’s 4x400 relay team (No. 5 seed, 3:17.76 minutes). Thomas’ offers include Louisville and UConn.
Lincoln 2027 WR Kabran Paul
Paul is the No. 7 seed in the 100 meters (10.59 seconds) and the No. 18 seed in the 200 meters (22.36 seconds). He also is a member of Lincoln’s 400 relay team (No. 1 seed, 41.07 seconds). Paul has signed with Appalachian State.
Lincoln 2027 WR Trevor Jacobs
Jacobs is the No. 12 seed in the 100 meters (10.68 seconds). He also is a member of Lincoln’s 400 relay team (No. 1 seed, 41.07 seconds). Jacobs has committed to South Alabama.
Class 2A
Booker 2027 DL Maleek Lee
Lee is the No. 5 seed in the discus (41.73 meters). Lee is ranked No. 46 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100; his offers includer Florida, Miami, Ohio State and USC.
Cardinal Mooney 2027 RB Connail Jackson
Jackson is the No. 15 seed in the 100 meters (10.87 seconds). He is also a member of Cardinal Mooney’s 400 relay team (No. 9 seed, 42.39 seconds). Jackson is ranked No. 69 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to UCF.
Chaminade-Madonna 2027 S Angelo Smith
Smith is the No. 13 seed in the 400 meters (57.52 seconds). Smith is ranked No. 77 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Ohio State.
Miami Palmetto 2027 WR Kaden Howard
Howard runs for Keys Gate Charter School. He is the No. 2 seed in the 100 meters (10.37 seconds) and the No. 4 seed in the 200 meters (21.72 seconds). Howard is ranked No. 86 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Nebraska.
Miami Central 2028 CB Quinton Rolle
Rolle is the No. 16 seed in the 100 meters (10.87 seconds). He also is a member of Miami Central’s 400 relay team (No. 7 seed, 42.23 seconds). Rolle’s offers include Auburn, Kentucky, Missouri and SMU.
St. Andrew’s 2027 S Jack Whelchel
Whelchel is the No. 10 seed in the 110 hurdles (15.09 seconds). Whelchel’s offers include Eastern Michigan, Minnesota, Middle Tennessee and Syracuse.
Cardinal Newman 2026 WR Leslie Mosley Jr.
Mosley is a member of Cardinal Newman’s 400 relay team (No. 2 seed, 41.27 seconds). Mosley has signed with Illinois.
Raines 2026 WR Kelvin Brown Jr.
Brown is the No. 11 seed in the 100 meters (10.71 seconds). He also is a member of Raines’ 400 relay team (No. 3 seed, 41.80 seconds). Brown has signed with Boston College.
Florida High 2027 LB Jason Harville
Harville is the No. 10 seed in the shot put (14.45 meters). Harville has an offer from Troy.
University 2028 S Kai Starks
Starks is the No. 8 seed in the 400 meters (48.76 seconds). Starks has offers from Southern Miss and USF.
Allen is No. 11 in the 100 meters (10.98 seconds) and No. 8 in the 200 meters (22.53 seconds). His offers include Alabama, Florida, LSU and Miami.
Indian Rocks Christian 2027 EDGE Anthony Cavallaro
Cavallaro is the No. 1 seed in the shot put (17.43 meters) and is No. 2 in the discus (53.00 meters). Cavallaro is ranked No. 44 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Florida State.
Carrollwood Day 2027 ATH Brooklyn Maxey
Maxey is a member of Carrollwood Day’s 400 relay team (43.82 seconds). Maxey is ranked No. 60 on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 and is committed to Louisville.
The First Academy 2027 WR Brian Dillard
Dillard is a member of The First Academy’s 4x100 relay team (43.16 seconds). Dillard is ranked No. 63 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100; his offers include Iowa, Kentucky, Pitt and Virginia Tech.
John Carroll 2028 OL Andrew Pisani
Pisani is the No. 14 seed in the shot put (14.00 meters). Pisani’s offers include Florida, Miami, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Blountstown 2027 WR Curtis Ellis
Ellis is the No. 2 seed in the 100 meters (10.62 seconds). His offers include Georgia Tech, Miss. State, Pitt and UCF.
Holy Trinity 2026 ATH Jaeden McMillan
McMillan is the No. 2 seed in the 110 hurdles (14.61 seconds) and the No. 15 seed in the long jump (6.38 meters). He also is a member of Holy Trinity’s 400 relay team (No. 5 seed, 42.58 seconds) and the 4x400 relay team (No. 5 seed, 3:26.71 minutes). McMillan signed with FIU.
Lakeland Christian 2027 RB/CB AJ Truedell
Truedell is the No. 13 seed in the 100 meters (11.03 seconds). His offers include Appalachian State, FAU, Toledo and Tulane.
Victory Christian 2027 WR Andrew Morrison
Morrison is the No. 6 seed in the 200 meters (22.07 seconds). His offers include Appalachian State and Bowling Green.
Melbourne Central Catholic WR Grady Bonenberger
Bonenberger is the No. 14 seed in the long jump (6.40 long jump). Bonenberger has an offer from FAU.
John Carroll 2027 RB Jaydien Pittman
Pittman is the No. 1 seed in the 100 meters (10.57 seconds). He has an offer from FIU.
Melbourne Central Catholic 2027 WR Noah Flores
Flores is the No. 14 seed in the 200 meters (22.62 seconds). Flores is committed to Harvard.
The fast-paced offseason presented some unique challenges for each team's front office, with Phoenix Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren summing it up with a this thought: "Few other leagues have gone through what this league just went through in terms of doing everything in a 3-4 week period."
Some teams were able to thrive in the chaos. The Las Vegas Aces (A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray) and New York Liberty (Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones) kept their cores in tact, while the Liberty took it a step further with the addition of three-time All-Star Satou Sabally.
The same can't be said about some rosters that were decimated in free agency, like the Seattle Storm. USA TODAY Sports breaks down the winners and losers of the truncated offseason.
Winners
Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings finished 10-34 last season, tied for last place in the WNBA standings with the Chicago Sky, despite a sensational Rookie of the Year campaign from No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. The Wings used its 2026 No. 1 pick to select UConn's Azzi Fudd to improve the team's perimeter shooting after finishing second-to-last in 3-point percentage (30.4) last year. The Wings also allowed the second-most opponent points per game last season and made moves in free agency to shore up their interior with the addition of Alanna Smith, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, and Jessica Shepard.
New York Liberty
The New York Liberty's shocking first-round playoff exit just one season after winning a title meant the team needed to retool its roster and get healthy. New York was able to do both in the offseason, returning Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, plus adding three-time All-Star forward Satou Sabally. The Liberty also re-signed Betnijah Lany-Hamilton, a former starter for the franchise and a glue player that they will utilize on both ends of the floor. New York also added head coach, Chris DeMarco, who should bring his experience with individual skill development and systems to the team.
The Atlanta Dream had a disappointing end to their 2025 season. After a franchise-best 30 wins in the regular season, Atlanta lost its first-round playoff series to Indiana. Still, the Dream remained confident in their core players and knew they wanted to run it back with the same group. Atlanta emerged from free agency victorious with four of its five starters, plus two-time All-Star Angel Reese, following a trade. That kind of feat is hard to pull off, but Atlanta seems poised to not only redeem its playoff loss but also the top-five defense that helped it cement the franchise as a contender.
Los Angeles Sparks
After missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, things aren't looking so bad for the Sparks heading into the second season of coach Lynne Roberts' tenure. Kelsey Plum — who was fourth in the league in scoring last season — returned to LA on a team-friendly deal, taking a discount to allow the Sparks to bring in other talented players. And the team took advantage of its cap space, bringing in Nneka Ogwumike, who won an MVP and led the Sparks to a championship in 2016. LA gave up Rickea Jackson in a trade to the Chicago Sky, but received two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins in return. The Sparks also re-signed Dearica Hamby, added Erica Wheeler in free agency, and potentially got the steal of the draft by picking up South Carolina's Ta'Niya Latson in the second round.
Losers
Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm will look completely different after losing five players that accounted for 67.5 points per game last season in Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Brittney Sykes, Gabby Williams and Erica Wheeler. The Storm returned Ezi Magbegor (9.7 ppg) and Dominique Malonga (7.7 ppg), who will both have to take the next step offensively to replace the lost production. Seattle signed Natisha Hiedeman (7.3 ppg) and Stefanie Dolson (3.7 ppg) in free agency, drafted Awa Fam third overall and acquired Flau'jae Johnson in a draft-day trade with the Golden State Valkyries, but losing over 82% of your total scoring will be hard to replace.
Chicago Sky
The core of the Chicago Sky's roster has changed for the third consecutive season, and while the team has managed to add new pieces like Rickea Jackson, Natasha Cloud and Skylar Diggins to help recoup losses like Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese, continuity matters when trying to win a championship. Chicago is also dealing with several injuries to begin the 2026 season, and that's just never good for a team that needs as much time to get as possible. Courney Vandersloot is still out after a season-ending ACL injury, and Azurá Stevens and DiJonai Carrington are also out with unclear injury timelines.
Unlike last season, when the Mercury had two returning players, Phoenix has nine back for this season, including MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. But Phoenix wasn't able to re-sign Satou Sabally as the three-time All-Star walked in free agency after one season. Sabally was the team's leading scorer last season, and Phoenix hasn't brought in a replacement for her production. Instead, Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren said they will take a by-committee approach. That's easier said than done. The Mercury drafted international prospects Ines Pitarch-Granel and Eszter Ratkai, who won't play this year, and signed French forwards Valériane Ayayi and Noémie Brochant, who are not with the team yet.
Portland Fire
In this expansion franchise's first season, there's simply not a lot on this roster that inspires optimism about the Fire's immediate future. It is largely a collection of players who are either young, unproven or have failed to find a consistent role with past teams in the WNBA. Perhaps the exception is Bridget Carleton, the team's highest-paid player at $1.19 million, but even she has yet to prove she can carry an offense — averaging 9.6 points per game in her best season with the Minnesota Lynx. The hope here is a few of these players — from Haley Jones and Emily Engstler to Megan Gustafson and Sug Sutton — can seize opportunities and have breakout seasons.
RUSE has been re-released on Steam with full Steam Deck support After ten years of being MIA, the one-of-a-kind real-time strategy (RTS) game RUSE has returned to PC. The game returns to Steam with all its DLC included, and existing owners will now receive all the game’s DLC. RUSE is an RTS game from Eugen […]
Biostar plans to showcase next-generation AMD motherboards at Computex 2026 Biostar has claimed that it plans to showcase “next-generation AMD” motherboards at Computex 2026. This should include a new Valkyrie gaming model and other, more mainstream, motherboard designs. Given their “next-generation” teaser, these new motherboards are unlikely to be refreshed versions of AMD 800-series motherboards. […]
The LG gram Book 15 for 2026 has made its debut at a discounted $599, which immediately makes me think of the MacBook Neo. Here's how the two laptops compare.
Multiple users have raised concerns about Teams' status indicator, noting that it marks them as unavailable after only a few minutes of inactivity. They argue this feature feels intrusive surveillance and micromanagement rather than a helpful productivity tool.
Lego Batman is advertising 60 FPS, but it's really 15 FPS. Frame generation is supposed to make good performance better, not hide the fact that a game is running poorly. Lego Batman's spec sheet just crossed that line.
Well over five years since its release in late 2020, it is now possible to run Linux on PlayStation 5 with older system software, opening the way for many interesting applications, including turning the current-generation Sony system into an emulation beast. This is exactly what one user did, proving how the system has all it takes to run PlayStation 3 games natively with little intervention, further highlighting Sony's disinterest in delivering the sort of backward compatibility users would love to see. Shortly after developer Andrew Nguyen released their Linux loader online, X user Retropierdolnik shared a video showcasing the PlayStation […]
Being the first ever remake of the series, and the remake of one of its most popular entries, Ubisoft is going all in with Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. With a new post on its official website, the publisher moved away from the visual comparisons with the original and instead provided some additional details on parkour and core movement improvements, stealth and combat, complete with brand new gameplay footage. All of the improvements detailed this week seem to be based on the idea of improving what the original had and making it smoother for a more enjoyable experience. "One thing […]
Denmark's Energinet grid operator has pressed pause on new connection requests in the country as potential new data centers and other installations put total demands of up to 60 GW on its docket.
Microsoft's study says that it's not just enough to give employees access to AI tools for them to make the most of it. Instead, they should revamp their processes and systems to integrate AI use from the top-down.
The Apex Legends Season 29 update reduces stuttering by addressing physics calculations that struggled to keep up at high frame rates enabled by modern high-end CPUs.
Digital safety compliance platform built for construction companies and trades businesses. It offers GPS-verified work sessions, a custom form builder, AI paper-to-digital conversion, credential tracking with expiry alerts, and crew broadcasting. Workers always join free.
WaiverKit replaces paper waivers with secure digital forms that customers sign on their own phones. Build custom templates with an AI composer or drag-and-drop builder, share via QR code, and receive legally timestamped PDFs compliant with ESIGN and UETA. Search and retrieve waivers instantly, automate receipts and reminders, and translate forms into multiple languages. WaiverKit supports custom branding, guardian signing, and multi-location teams for gyms, studios, rentals, events, and more.
Airlines have cut about 13,000 flights globally in May as jet fuel prices rise sharply because of the conflict in the Middle East, according to aviation data firm Cirium. The reductions have removed nearly 2 […]
The average nightly rate for a 5-star hotel in the Maldives during high season starts above $1,200 and runs past $12,000 at the top end. Bora Bora, Santorini, and the Amalfi Coast fall somewhere in […]
Explora Journeys is targeting land-based luxury travelers by highlighting the value of ocean travel and redefining its onboard hospitality culture, according to President Anna Nash. With a significant portion of the luxury market still hesitant to book cruise vacations, Nash believes the niche must emphasize the operational simplicity of its product. “I think the opportunity...
Vietnam’s Travel and Aviation Sectors Experience Unmatched Surge with Over One Million Passengers During Major Holiday Periods, Highlighting Robust Growth...
Crypto bank Anchorage Digital has introduced an agentic banking service that allows AI systems to access and move funds across traditional and crypto payment rails without human intervention. According to Anchorage Digital co-founder and CEO Nathan McCauley, the new infrastructure…
Bitcoin price faced rejection near $82,000 as its recent rally lost momentum after United States President Donald Trump paused the “Project Freedom” operation amid progress in U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. According to data from crypto.news, Bitcoin (BTC) rose from around $80,500…
Andreessen Horowitz has raised $2.2 billion for a new crypto-focused investment fund as it targets infrastructure-led applications across digital assets. According to a blog post published by its crypto arm, a16z Crypto, the firm’s fifth fund will support founders building…
Samsung’s Stable One UI 8.5 update has started rolling out to non-Beta users of the Galaxy S25 series. Nearly five months of Beta testing were required to tailor the mid-cycle update for the 2025 flagship lineups, and it’s finally here.
Earlier, the South Korean tech giant started releasing the CZDP update to Beta participants. Users have received notification of Beta closure, and an incremental build has become available to switch the Beta state to Stable.
One UI 8.5 isn’t just a minor update.
This massive 4.4GB update brings Samsung’s next-gen AI experience, deeper customization, and a meaningful UI refresh to the Galaxy S25 series; something that actually feels closer to a “.0” upgrade than a mid-cycle patch.
One UI 8.5 introduces a cleaner interface with subtle visual tweaks across the system. Animations feel smoother, layouts are better optimized, and Samsung has improved overall navigation without making things feel unfamiliar.
Samsung finally loosens control over the Quick Panel. Users can now rearrange toggles more freely, adjust layout, and even reposition sliders. It’s a small change on paper, but it significantly improves daily usability.
AI continues to be a core focus. One UI 8.5 enhances features like call screening, live transcription, and AI-powered photo editing. Tools such as Audio Eraser and generative editing are more refined and easier to access.
The update improves the camera and editing experience with better AI assistance. Samsung tweaks UI placement in key apps. Elements like search bars are now easier to reach. After a long beta cycle, the stable build focuses heavily on performance.
One UI 8.5 may not look dramatic at first glance, but it delivers where it matters. From smarter AI features to better customization and smoother performance, this update makes the Galaxy S25 experience more polished and practical.
Samsung starts the Stable One UI 8.5 update rollout to the Galaxy S25 Edge slim flagship phone. An OTA just dropped in South Korea, which is major, and carries plenty of new features and user interface improvements.
The Korean tech giant has also released a major upgrade for the Galaxy S25 series. And we expect the Fan Edition model to join the party soon.
Despite being a Galaxy S25 family member, the Galaxy S25 Edge was sidelined in the Beta Program. Users waited months, and Samsung is now bringing the One UI 8.5 features and UI tweaks to the Galaxy S25 Edge flagship.
One UI 8.5 introduces a major redesign over previous iterations. One UI 8 felt boring despite utilizing Android 16 base. Now, it has become clear that Samsung kept visible changes reserved for the mid-cycle software update.
You will now be able to share files with Apple users through Quick Share; the AirDrop connection makes it happen. Good Lock experience has also been enhanced, with modules and plugins offering even more customization tricks.
Samsung is also offering new AI features such as Call screening, Audio Eraser with 3rd-party apps support, Photo Assist with text input, and Creative Studio. System animations are also gaining notable refinements and fluidity.
Galaxy S25 Edge
Galaxy S25 Edge is Samsung’s first slim flagship phone. It was released in May 2025 and measures just 5.8mm thick. It boasts Galaxy S Ultra-like 200-megapixel camera, but battery and charging letdowns ruined its appeal.
Last December, Samsung added Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra flagship phones to the Beta Program. Samsung surprised users of Galaxy S25 FE this month by adding the Fan Edition to the Beta testing programme.
Stable One UI 8.5 update has started rolling out to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This isn’t a routine update, but it packs a plethora of new features and user interface tweaks.
This Stable One UI 8.5 update isn’t just arriving on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. It’s a result of months of internal and Beta testing. Users of these devices have also played a key role in enhancing the software system.
Users who have participated in Beta are getting it first, and non-Beta users are getting a big OTA sequentially. Samsung has also included the April 2026 security patch, which ensures optimal security of your device.
Ambient Design and AI upgrades are the key highlights of One UI 8.5 software. Extended screen estate has been improved by adopting a floating navigation bar and UI components.
Various Samsung apps have been optimized for the new design language. Deeper integration of AI features aims to enhance the overall user experience and accessibility.
During the Beta testing, Samsung also installed select AI features from the Galaxy S26 series on the foldable devices. The main additions include AI-powered Call screening, enhanced Audio Eraser, Photo Assist and Creative Studio.
Good Lock apps also upgrade with extended functionalities. The Quick Share app has also gained support for AirDrop connection. It allows you to share and receive files across Apple devices, one of the most significant upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is now picking up the One UI 8.5 stable update, and it’s arriving faster than most people expected. South Korea gets it first, as usual, but the bigger story sits just a few days away; this is about to go global.
The rollout has kicked off in Samsung’s home market, right on cue after the main S25 series received the same update. When it comes to software releases, South Korea acts as the launchpad; the rest of the world follows almost immediately.
Samsung FE devices usually trail behind flagships by a noticeable margin. This year, Samsung is clearly tightening the gap, and that says a lot about how seriously it’s treating the “Fan Edition” lineup in 2026.
The Stable build should be solid enough for daily use. Smooth, consistent, and polished right out of the gate. If yes, this rollout is more interesting than usual, especially for users who skip beta programs entirely.
Don’t expect a massive visual overhaul; that’s not what this update is about. Instead, One UI 8.5 focuses on refinement. The kind you notice after a few hours, not instantly.
Animations feel tighter, more fluid
Background apps behave better, which helps battery life
Privacy controls get subtle but meaningful upgrades
Small UI tweaks clean up the overall experience
The update should start expanding globally within days. May 4 is shaping up to be the likely window, yet the rollout timing can still vary depending on region and carrier approvals, but the wait shouldn’t be long.
How to install the BZDP update:
If you’re holding the Galaxy S25 FE, checking manually is your best bet.
Finally, the day has arrived that Galaxy S25 users have been eagerly awaiting. The news: Samsung ends One UI 8.5 Beta Program as Beta participants are getting the Stable update, bringing phones back to official firmware.
Last December, Samsung launched Galaxy S25’s One UI Beta Program. It was available in six countries: Germany, India, Poland, South Korea, the UK and the US. Samsung pushed 10 Beta updates during the Program.
After the 8th Beta, the official update was assumed to be released. Meanwhile, Samsung pushed out two more Beta builds, with the 10th Beta adding select new AI features from the Galaxy S26 series.
Samsung’s last Beta is almost as stable as the official firmware. However, it’s necessary to return to the Stable channel as the Beta channel is being closed. This move starts in Korea, with wider expansion likely by May 4th.
Don’t stay on Beta firmware
If you are on Beta, install the supplementary software update, which isn’t as large as the general models, but does the same work. Bugs have been fixed, features have been installed, just the Beta > Stable switch is the target.
Withdrawing the Beta Program mandates a factory reset. However, the latest update doesn’t require resetting the device either, making the process easy and convenient.
Note that sticking to Beta won’t bring surprises. Samsung doesn’t run Beta Programs as Apple and Google do. You are required to switch as the Beta window is closed, feedback will not be responded to, and there will be no support.
Make sure to update all the apps installed on your Galaxy. The operating system is the brain, but the ecosystem of apps is vital in the user experience. Even on Stable OS, you will be able to report bugs and submit feedback.
Casio’s new GMD-B300 series adds step tracking and Bluetooth to a compact G-Shock design. Priced at ¥17,600 (~$113), the two watches offer 200 m water resistance, app sync, and lightweight wear, with pre-orders now live ahead of a May 2026 release.
The modding season for the Steam Controller is officially open. Valve has published CAD files for the innovative gamepad and the controller puck to help modders customize the design of the controller to their liking.
So far, Nitecore power banks are not furnished with the CCC mark, which is important for travel in China, especially when flying. Despite being a Chinese brand, Nitecore still had to wait some time for the certification. However, consumers can expect to see the mark soon on Nitecore products.
Google has announced expanded Binary Transparency for Android as a way to safeguard the ecosystem from supply chain attacks.
"This new public ledger ensures the Google apps on your device are exactly what we intended to build and distribute," Google's product and security teams said.
The initiative builds upon the foundation of Pixel Binary Transparency, which Google introduced in October 2021
Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed details of an intrusion that involved the use of a CloudZ remote access tool (RAT) and a previous undocumented plugin dubbed Pheno with the aim of facilitating credential theft.
"According to the functionalities of the CloudZ RAT and Pheno plugin, this was with the intention of stealing victims' credentials and potentially one-time passwords (OTPs),"
Google has officially confirmed that The Android Show will return for a second year, with the event scheduled to take place next week ahead of Google I/O 2026, which kicks off on May 19.
In a video shared on social media, Google announced that this year’s Android Show I/O Edition is set to take place on May 12. You’ll be able to watch the pre-recorded event on YouTube.
You won’t believe what’s next for Android! Tune in to the The Android Show | I/O Edition May 12 at 10 am PT for a look at the future. Set a reminder at https://t.co/RFgly7WP7M and be the first to know 🗓️ #TheAndroidShow...
and are finally set to meet, presuming they each come through low-risk warm-up fights unscathed. Now, Francis Ngannou, who has faced both men, has updated his prediction ahead of the biggest fight in British boxing history. Ngannou made his boxing debut against then reigning WBC heavyweight ruler Fury in October 2023, and the former UFC […]
Barring cuts, injuries or losses in ‘warm-up’ fights, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally face off later this year. The fight was announced last month as ‘signed and sealed,’ with ‘AJ’ first fighting in July against little-known Kristian Prenga and Fury considering an interim bout of his own. Despite those obstacles, if appears that […]
Fabio Wardley was elevated to WBO heavyweight world champion following his win over Joseph Parker. This weekend, he makes his first defence against Daniel Dubois. Parker was stopped in the eleventh round by Wardley after a highly-entertaining heavyweight contest that saw the Brit pick up the interim belt. When Oleksandr Usyk opted to vacate the […]
While we still don't know for certain when Landman season 3 will be released on Paramount+, we do have an new update from its director that confirms a working release date theory.
The Renault Duster is the best-selling vehicle in Ukraine in April.
5,612 new cars hit Ukrainian roads in April, a steep -7.4% year-on-year decline, leaving the year-to-date tally hanging by a threat at +0.3% to 20,056 units. Toyota (-5.7%) remains in the brands pole position with 12.5% share, with the Top 4 identical to last month. Renault (+1.5%) takes the 2nd spot ahead of Volkswagen (-21.9%) and Skoda (-23.1%) both in dire straits. In contrast Mazda (+191.5%), BYD (+40.1%), BMW (+16.9%) and Hyundai (+14.2%) ignore the negative context with splendid YoY lifts.
Model-wise, the Renault Duster (-16.9%) returns to #1 for the second time this year after last January but remains #2 year-to-date below the Toyota RAV4 (+22.9% in April). The Hyundai Tucson (+4.3%) stays at #3 ahead of the Skoda Kodiaq (-28.8%) and Karoq (+21.1%). The Mazda CX-5 (+166.7%) sports a stunning gain with the Nissan Qashqai (+17.5%) and VW Tiguan (+5.5%) also in positive in the remainder of the Top 10. The VW Touareg (-35.9%), despite a catastrophic YoY loss, still ranks at a world best #7 and is #6 so far this year. The BYD Sealion 6 is the most popular recent launch at #9. Note the Top 14 best-sellers are all SUVs.
The Lada Iskra breaks its ranking record at home in April.
Russian new car sales grow 15.1% year-on-year in April to 117,541 units, however once again this is partly due to a weak year-ago basis given April 2025 was down -25.5% on the year prior. The year-to-date tally after four months stands at 382,450, up 9.6% year-on-year. Local behemoth Lada (+11.8%) posts its first YoY gain since January 2025 and at 27.1% it is at its highest share since May 2025 vs. 25% year-to-date. Haval (+27.6%) delivers an excellent score and manages its highest monthly volume so far this year. As described last month, Tenet, a China-Russia joint venture assembling rebadged Chery vehicles at the ex-Volkswagen Kaluga plant, has stabilised around 10% share, grabbing 10.2% of the market this month. Jaecoo (+73.8%), Toyota (+70.1%) and Belgee (+47.1%) stand out below.
Model-wise, the Lada Granta (-4.1%) falls to 10.6% share vs. 12.7% a year ago, however this is its highest level since last August. The new Tenet T7 is back up to 2nd place with 6.5% share vs. 5.7% so far this year, pushing the Haval Jolion (+20.7%) down to #3. The Lada Vesta (-14.6%) continues to see its volume thaw year-on-year but is up to #4 YTD. Excellent performance by the Lada Niva Travel (+46.1%) at #5. The new Lada Iskra lodges its third ever Top 10 finish, up to a record #7.
The Citroen C3 Aircross is only outsold by the Toyota Corolla this month.
New light vehicle sales in Bulgaria advance by a very solid 18.9% year-on-year in April to 5,271 units, leading to a year-to-date tally up 4.5% to 18,010. Keep in mind a significant part of these registrations never see Bulgarian roads as they are reexported to other EU countries. Skoda (+2%) repeats at #1 with 10.5% share but remains below Toyota (+17.7%) in the year-to-date charts. Volkswagen (+13.8%) stays at #3 ahead of a surging Hyundai (+58.9%). In fact the rest of the Top 8 is identical to the YTD ranking, with Renault (-33.8%) and Dacia (-21.2%) struggling mightily, Citroen (+80.3%) soaring and Kia (-2.7%) edging down. Below, Dongfeng is up an extravagant 1920% year-on-year.
Over in the models charts, the Toyota Corolla (+34.4%) reclaims its usual top spot, toppling the leader of the past two months, the Hyundai i20 (+190.2%) down to #3 for the month. The performer of the month is the Citroen C3 Aircross (+887.5%) up to a record 2nd place overall which leads it to #4 year-to-date vs. #19 over the Full Year 2025. The Skoda Kodiaq (+110%) and Hyundai Tucson (+57%) round out the Top 5. Surreal performance by the Volvo XC60 (+3175%) up 13 spots on March to #6.
Honda Accord sales are up 42.5% and tilt the brand into positive.
Three factors have combined to trigger the 4th consecutive year-on-year market decline in the US at -6.7% to 1,367,000 units according to GlobalData. First, April 2025 was propped by a pre-tariff rush that lifted the market by 10%. Second, the loss of federal electric vehicle tax credits have depleted the market for BEVs and third, record high petrol prices have degraded affordability further. The SAAR stands at 16.1 million according to Motor Intelligence, down from 17.2 million in April 2025 and 16.3 million last month.
Illustrating the impact of tariffs, Imports are down 16% for the month and -9.9% year-to-date whereas vehicles produced in North America fall just -3.9% in April and -3.5% year-to-date. Manufacturers are doing their best to counter affordability pressure. According to JD Power and GlobalData, the average incentives on non-EV vehicles stands at $2,860, a whopping 16% more than April 2025. Meanwhile average EV incentives are significantly higher at $10,018, however down -1.7% on a year ago.
All OEMs reporting monthly data are down. American Honda resists best at -0.2% while Hyundai-Kia is at -2.1% and Toyota Motor at -4.6%. Brand-wise, Honda (+1.6%) and Genesis (+0.8%) are the only ones reporting in positive. Hyundai (-1.7%), Toyota (-1.9%), Kia (-2.8%) and Subaru (-5.9%) contain their loss even though this is Subaru’s 9th consecutive month of YoY declines. In contrast Ford (-14.1%), Acura (-15.6%), Mazda (-17.3%), Lexus (-19.9%) and Lincoln (-21.4%) all struggle.
The Ford F-Series remains the dominant force in the market but falls a stark -14.7% year-on-year, in line with the -15.7% it lost so far in 2026. The Honda CR-V (+2.9%) smashes its archenemy the Toyota RAV4 (-32.8%) by almost 15,000 sales and extends its YTD advantage to a probably insurmountable 54,000 units. In a mini sedan revival, the Toyota Camry (+17.9%) and Corolla (+12.6%) surprise with double-digit gains while the Honda Civic (+6.3%) is more measured but still in positive. Excellent results for the Honda Accord (+42.5%), Ford Transit (+22%) and Bronco (+18.6%).
Aziz Yıldırım, Fenerbahçe Kulübünün seçimli olağanüstü genel kurulunda başkanlığa aday olduğunu açıkladı.
Eski Fenerbahçe Başkanı Aziz Yıldırım, sarı-lacivertli kulüpte gerçekleştirilecek olağanüstü seçimli genel kurulda aday olduğunu açıklarken, diğer adaylara da birleşme çağrısı yaptı.
Hem adaylık hem de birleşme çağrısı yapan Aziz Yıldırım, AA muhabirine yaptığı yazılı açıklamada, "Benim her zaman olduğu gibi zor zamanlarda yoldaşım olan Fenerbahçelilere karşı vicdani bir sorumluluğum var. Çok sevdiğim Fenerbahçe’min geleceğinden endişe etmem nedeniyle, sizlerden gelen çağrıya kulak vererek, şu ana kadar ortaya çıkan başkan adaylarına ve bundan sonra ortaya çıkması muhtemel adaylara bir çağrı yaparak şunları söylemek isterim, Fenerbahçe camiasının bir ve beraber olduğunu göstereceğimiz destansı 120. yıl için Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü Başkanlığı’na adayım. Sayın Barış Göktürk ve Sayın Hakan Safi başta olmak üzere, adaylığı söz konusu olan tüm adaylara, benimle beraber olmayı teklif ediyorum. Fenerbahçe camiası bu kaos ortamından ancak birlik ve beraberliği güçlendirerek çıkabilir. Fenerbahçe’de tecrübe ve gençlik birlikte hareket ederse, kimse Fenerbahçe’nin önünde duramaz. Gelin bir olalım, beraber olalım ve Fenerbahçemizi hep birlikte güzel yarınlara taşıyalım." ifadelerini kullandı.
Yaşantısının önemli bir kısmını Fenerbahçe'ye adadığını belirten Yıldırım, "Arkadaşlarımla birlikte görev aldığımız dönemde, Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübünde önemli reformları hayata geçirdik. Yaptığımız tesisler ve kurduğumuz şirketlerle, 3 Temmuz öncesi dönemde sürdürülebilir sportif başarıyı güçlü bir mali yapıyla desteklemeyi başardık. 2024 yılında, sizlerden gelen çağrıya kulak vererek, o dönem Fenerbahçe’yi daha iyi yönetebilmek adına Fenerbahçe başkanlığına aday oldum. 2025 yılında ise 'Gençler görevi devir almalı' söylemiyle, yeni isimlerin önünü açmaya çalıştım. Fenerbahçe’nin gündeminde seçim ve Fenerbahçelilerin gönlünde şampiyonluk özlemi olan bugünlerde; ekonomik ve sportif anlamda kritik bir eşikten geçmekteyiz." görüşlerine yer verdi.
Fenerbahçe'de başkanlık yarışı muhtemelen Aziz Yıldırım ile Hakan Safi arasında geçecek. Safi bu süreçte kendisine Metin Sipahioğlu'nu müttefik olarak seçti.
Fenerbahçe'de başkan adaylarından Hakan Safi'nin muhtemelen Aziz Yıldırım'la gireceği başkanlık yarışında Metin Sipahioğlu'nun iletişim stratejilerinden yararlanma kararı aldığı belirtildi.
Sipahioğlu, geleneksel spor yöneticiliğinin aksine sosyal medyayı ve dijital platformları bir "koz" olarak kullanma konusunda uzmanlaşmış bir isim.
Seçim sürecinde Hakan Safi'nin adaylığının dijital itibarını güçlendirmeye, taraftar ve kamuoyu algısını anlık verilerle yöneterek kriz anlarında hızlı refleks gösterilmesini sağlamayı amaçlıyor.
Aziz Yıldırım ve ekibinin algı yönetimi çalışmalarına karşı proaktif cevaplar geliştirebilecek bir isim. Safi aleyhine oluşabilecek dezenformasyonun önünü kesecek argüman setleri de hazırlayabilir.
Sipahioğlu özellikle "Hep Destek Tam Destek" felsefesi ile Hakan Safi’nin kurmak istediği sürdürülebilir başarı sisteminde köprü görevi görmeye çalışacak.
Galatasaray yönetimi Mainz 05 forması giyen 29 yaşındaki Alman 10 numara Nadiem Amiri'yi istiyor. Okan Buruk ise farklı alternatifleri değerlendiriyor.
Alman Sky, Galatasaray'ın sosyal medya gücünü ve etkileşim çılgınlığını gördüğü için "her gün bir transfer" mottosuyla gaz vermeye devam ediyor.
Bugün de Mainz 05 forması giyen 29 yaşındaki Alman yıldız Nadiem Amiri'nin transfer listesine eklendiği dedikodusunu dolaşıma soktu.
Mainz ile 2028 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunmasına rağmen Amiri’nin kariyerinde yeni bir sayfa açmak istediği belirtiliyor. Ünlü menajer Pini Zahavi tarafından temsil edilen oyuncu, kariyerinin "son büyük imzasını" atmaya hazırlanıyor.
Haberde Galatasaray yönetimi bu transfer için oldukça istekli olsa da, Okan Buruk'un ikna olmadığı ve 10 numara bölgesi için farklı alternatifleri değerlendirdiği ifadesi dikkat çekici.
Galatasaray'da Dursun Özbek yaptıklarıyla "ceketini koysa kazanır" havası estirmesine rağmen karşısına rakip olarak çıkmayanlar sosyal medya üzerinden eleştirmeye çalışıyor.
Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek yönetim kurulu listesini Divan Kuruluna teslim etti... arkasına bile bakmasına gerek yok. Çünkü tek başına gireceği seçimde "ceketini bile koysa" kazanacağından emin.
Ancak camiada güçsüz bir yönetim kurulu oluşturduğuna dair iddialar var. Bu iddiaların başını ise daha önce sandıkta yendiği Divan Kurulu eski başkanı Eşref Hamamcıoğlu çekiyor.
Hamamcıoğlu açıklamasında Özbek'i eleştirmekten kendini alamadı:
- Sayın Başkan'ın 'benden sonra tufan' demekten vazgeçmesi lazım. Tek başına gireceği bir seçimde, Galatasaray'ın ihtiyaçlarına cevap verebilecek liyakatte bir yönetim kurulu kurmasını beklerdim.
Konyaspor hezimeti sonrasında Beşiktaş'ta kulisler şenlendi. Fikret Orman'a teveccüh var. Ancak şu an başı kalabalık. Emre Kocadağ ve Ahmet Nur Çebi de hareketlendi. Ancak en net hareketlilik Erdal Torunoğulları cephesinde yaşanıyor.
Beşiktaş'ın Konyaspor'a da yenilmesiyle 2025-26 sezonu "ellerim bomboş" şarkısıyla maziye karıştı... ancak bu karışma sadece Sergen Yalçın'ın koltuğunu sallamakla kalmadı. Serdal Adalı için de "istifa" çağrılarına neden oldu.
Siyah-beyazlı camiada bir kaynama var. Taraftarlar Sergen Yalçın'dan önce Serdal Adalı ve yönetiminden umudu kesmiş gibi. Muhalefet ise bu durumu avantaja çevirmek için kolları sıvadı. Fikret Orman'a bir teveccüh var. Özellikle taraftarlar arasında kendisini isteyen ciddi bir kitle var. Ancak eski başkanın özel hayatı yoğun.
Ahmet Nur Çebi, Emre Kocadağ gibi isimlerde kıpırdanma dikkatlerden kaçmıyor... ancak en dikkat çekici hareketlenme Erdal Torunoğulları cephesinde.
Torunoğulları'nın uzun süredir başkan adaylığı için şartların oluşmasını beklediği konuşuluyor. Adalı ile yaşanan süreç, beklediği sürecin başlamasına neden olabilir.
Önümüzdeki haftalarda Beşiktaş'ta sadece teknik direktör değişikliği değil başkanlık koltuğu için de isimlerin havalarda uçuştuğu bir dönem bizi bekliyor olacak.
Tecrübeli teknik direktör Abdullah Avcı, "Şu an itibarıyla biraz dışarıdan gözlemliyorum. Aynı zamanda beni mutlu edebilecek, hedefleri olan ve o hedeflere birlikte yürüyebileceğimiz bir yapı oluştuğu takdirde, yurt içi veya yurt dışında dinlenmiş ve zinde bir şekilde göreve hazırım diye düşünüyorum" dedi.
Göztepe, sezonun son iç saha maçında Gaziantep FK'yı yenip ligi 5'inci bitirerek Avrupa kupalarına katılma şansını korumayı hedefliyor, ancak bunun için Trabzonspor'un Türkiye Kupası'nı kazanması da kritik önem taşıyor.
Boston Celtics yıldızı Jaylen Brown, playoffların ilk turunda Philadelphia 76ers'a elenmelerinin ardından yaptığı hakem eleştirileri nedeniyle NBA tarafından 50 bin dolar para cezasına çarptırıldı.
Cleveland Cavaliers yıldızı Donovan Mitchell, Detroit Pistons karşısında oynanan Doğu Konferansı yarı final serisinin ilk maçının ardından hakem yönetimine tepki gösterdi.
Los Angeles Lakers forması giyen Jarred Vanderbilt'ın, Oklahoma City Thunder karşısında oynanan Batı Konferansı yarı final serisinin ilk maçında sağ serçe parmağını tamamen çıkardığı açıklandı.
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“Arsenal” Çempionlar Liqasının yarımfinal mərhələsinin cavab oyununda “Atletiko”ya qalib gəlib – 1:0.
Futbolpress.az “Opta”ya istinadən xəbər verir ki, bu, London klubunun mövsümdəki 41-ci qələbəsi olub. “Arsenal” qalibiyyət sayında rekordunu təkrarlayıb.
“Topçular” sonuncu dəfə 1970/71 mövsümündə 41 qələbə qazanmışdı.
Yuri Vernidubun gəlişindən sonra oyun planında artıran və turnir cədvəlində ciddi yüksəlişə nail olan “Neftçi” Misli Premyer Liqasında ən çox qələbə qazanan 4 komandadan biridir.
“Ağ-qaralar” 30 oyunda 13 dəfə üç xala sevinib. Bu, “Sabah”, “Qarabağ” və “Turan Tovuz”dan sonra ən yaxşı göstəricidir. Komandanın “üçlük”dən kənarda qalmasının əsas səbəbi isə mövsümün əvvəlində daha aşağı pillələrdə qərarlaşan kollektivlərlə oyunlarda itirlən xallardır.
Maraq üçün qeyd edək ki, “Neftçi” liqada ən çox heç-heçə edən (11) dörd komanda arasındadır. Beşinci pillədə yer alan “Zirə” bu göstəricidə liderdir – 13 bərabərlik. “Neftçi” ilə yanaşı, “İmişli” və “Şamaxı”nın də 11 “sülh”ü var.
İngiltərənin “Everton” klubunun 71 yaşlı bir azarkeşi həbs olunub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, buna səbəb fanatın Premyer Liqanın XXXV turunda “Mançester Siti” ilə matçda rəqib futbolçu Antuan Semenyoya qarşı irqçilik etməsi olub.
Azarkeş daha sonra girov qarşılığında sərbəst buraxılıb, ancaq onun qeyri-müəyyən müddətə stadiona girişinə qadağa qoyulub.
“Everton” – “Mançester Siti” oyunu 3:3 hesabıyla bitib.
“Atletiko”nun baş məşqçisi Dieqo Simeone Çempionlar Liqasında “Arsenal”a uduzduqları görüşü şərh edib.
Futbolpress.az UEFA-nın saytına istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis 0:1 hesabıyla bitən matçla bağlı bunları deyib:
“Mübarizəni dayandırdıqsa, deməli, rəqib finala daha çox layiq idi. Onlar şanslarından maksimum yararlandılar və bir qolla oyunun taleyini həll etdilər. Necə hiss etdiyimi soruşsanız… içimdə sakitlik var. Bilirəm ki, komandam meydanda bütün gücünü qoydu”.
“Arsenal” finalda PSJ – “Bavariya” cütünün qalibi ilə qarşılaşacaq.
“Vest Hem”in yarımmüdafiəçisi Mateus Fernandes yay transfer pəncərəsində “Mançester Yunayted” üçün əsas hədəflərdən birinə çevrilib. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, 21 […]
“Barselona”nın gənc ulduzu Pedri dünya futbol tarixinin ən bahalı transferlərindən birinə imza ata bilər. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, Kataloniya təmsilçisi […]
“Real” azarkeşləri komandanın hücumçusu Kilian Mbappenin klubdan göndərilməsi üçün genişmiqyaslı kampaniyaya başlayıblar. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, sosial şəbəkələrdə sürətlə yayılan […]
Milan legend Marcel Desailly feels Bayern Munich will win the Champions League this season and believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will be dark horses at the World Cup in the summer.
With the upcoming final stages of the UEFA Champions League and exciting run-ins for the domestic leagues across Europe, the football season has entered its most thrilling phase. Predicting which teams will come out on top is a challenge for fans as well as expert former players, like Marcel Desailly. The current odds present a number of intriguing opportunities, but exploring all the relevant betting bonus options on sites like NJ sportsbook promosbefore cementing those predictions with the bookies is always a sensible move for smart fans.
Inter reached the Champions League Final in 2023 and 2025, but unfortunately, this season, Serie A has no representative in the semi-finals of the three European club competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
Milan and France legend Desailly lifted the Champions League twice as a footballer, first at Marseille and then with the Rossoneri and has now predicted this season’s winner in Europe’s elite competition.
“I don’t know who will win, but I wish it were a different team, and I believe when I look at all the squads, it should be Bayern,” he told The Italian Football Podcast.
“Because of the consistency they’ve shown in the Bundesliga for the last two seasons, they have suffered but readjusted their philosophy to adapt to the talented squad they have.
“The consistency they have shown this season shows that to win the Champions League, you need these types of winners.
BERLIN – JULY 9: General view of the World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
“PSG have been on and off throughout with injuries as well. Real Madrid has been a disaster in La Liga. Luckily, Barcelona made some mistakes, so they couldn’t open a 15-point lead. Barcelona’s defence is weak.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid were knocked out in the quarter-finals, losing to Atletico Madrid and Bayern, respectively.
“So today I will tell you that definitely the next winner of the Champions League will make me happy if it is Bayern Munich,” confirmed Desailly.
The former defender also won the World Cup with France in 1998, crowning an impressive playing career that included six years at Chelsea.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 22: Laureus World Academy Member Marcel Desailly during the EURO 2024 Press Conference prior to the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2024 at the Palacio de Cibeles on April 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images for Laureus)
France won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the Final four years later, and Desailly feels they are still the team to beat, although there could be a surprise.
“I have to say France will win it, otherwise Deschamps will kill me [laughs]. Didier has been able to start two different teams. The potential of France is huge; the same can be said of Spain,” he said.
“But the surprise could come from Portugal. They have talented players. I would like Cristiano to get a reward like Messi got his reward. Let Cristiano get his reward.
“If France cannot make it, I will say that the surprise could come from Portugal.”
Parma defender Mariano Troilo mocked Inter star Nicolò Barella on Sunday over Italy’s failed World Cup qualification, but the Nerazzurri midfielder hit back: ‘They don’t even know who he is in Argentina.’
As reported by DAZN (via FCInter1908), Troilo stepped on Barella’s foot during a corner kick near the end of the game, prompting Inter captain Lautaro Martinez to defend his teammate by pushing Troilo, an Argentine compatriot, away.
Barella looked in a lot of pain while on the ground, but Troilo told him, “Get up, I didn’t even touch you.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Italian midfielder and Troilo continued provoking each other, prompting Inter coach Cristian Chivu to replace his star to avoid consequences.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s fifth 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)
When Barella arrived on the bench, he told his teammate Marcus Thuram what exactly had happened with the Parma defender.
“Do you know what he told me?” Barella asked.
“Shut up, Bobo, you’re out of the World Cup!”
The Inter midfielder sarcastically added before sitting on the bench: “They don’t even know who he is in Argentina!”
Italian football mourns former midfielder Beccalossi, who died on Tuesday night aged 69.
Ex-Inter star Beccalossi dies at 69
The former Inter star suffered a cerebral haemorrhage in January 2025. After being in a coma for 47 days, he underwent a long rehabilitation period in his hometown, Brescia, where he tragically passed away last night.
Beccalossi would have 70 on May 12.
A former midfielder for the Rondinelle, Inter, Sampdoria, Monza, Barletta and Pordenone, Beccalossi scored 30 goals in 249 appearances in Italy’s top flight.
He played for Inter from 1978 to 1984, scoring 37 goals in 216 appearances across all competitions, and won the Serie A title in 1979-80.
During his time at the Stadio Meazza, Beccalossi also reached the 1980-81 European Cup semifinals and won the 1981-82 Coppa Italia. He did win the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria as well, in the 1984-85 campaign.
Beccalossi did not play for the Italy national team, but made three appearances with the U21 team and scored one goal in four matches with Italy’s Olympic team.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Evaristo Beccalossi attends The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro Alla Scala on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Inter paid tribute to their former midfielder with a statement on their official website.
“FC Internazionale Milano and the entire Inter community join in mourning the passing of Evaristo Beccalossi, and, in remembering him, extend the deepest condolences to his family,” the Nerazzurri said.
“It feels impossible. In the folds of memory and in everyday life, Evaristo was always one of us. Unpredictable, like his dribbling, unique, like his way of handling the ball.”
On the bench against Genoa, on the pitch against Cagliari.
Rome derby and security: chaos fixture list
Thuram, I only see Inter
Thuram unleashed, fans go crazy
Marcus was decisive in the push that gave the Scudetto; he wants Coppa Italia too. Future? With black and blue colours.
Arsenal fly to the Final: Bayern-PSG to the last goal.
Corriere dello Sport
Arsenal at a fever pitch
They are in the Champions League Final and can win the Premier League after 22 years
Table for three
Muha, the spite
Total clash on Muharemovic: surprise move from Elkann’s club
Inter push to close the deal, but Juventus call
Ausilio has set the deal with Carnevali, but Ottolini tries to bring the defender back to Turin, also using the Bianconeri’s 50% clause. Assessments on Bastoni’s future.
Napoli, truce between Conte and Lukaku
Big Rom has returned to Castel Volturno: he met the teammates and the coach. He’ll continue to train separately.
Leao agitates Milan’s thoughts
Never so bad with the Rossoneri since 2019: he has completed only 24 dribbles from 56 and hasn’t scored in 65 days. Confirmation uncertain.
Roma, Gasp demands clear terms.
Signings, new director and medical staff: the coach wants to have a bigger impact: ‘We didn’t understand each other at the start of the season.’
Tuttosport
Mutual doubts: the Brazilian can leave
Bremer pain? Three top players worthy of Juve
Kim, Stone and Aké in the race for Spalletti’s new defence
Gleison has apologised for the mistake against Verona, but expected a call from the club for renewal and pay rise. The coach’s words and the 58m clause. Besides the South Korean of Bayern and the two Man City centre-backs, Baidoo and Ordonez are also on the radar. El Karouani on the left.
Saka celebrates, Cholo’s fury. Let’s enjoy Bayern-PSG.
Falcone, goodbye Lecce: Toro push
‘Ready for another experience.’ Petrachi has been closely following him for months, but the competition is growing. Livakovic is the alternative.
I’ve been speaking with my sources about a Serie A star who could be heading to the Premier League this summer after some impressive form.
A player attracting growing interest is Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu. I’ve reported before on the Frenchman being eyed by Liverpool after his strong performances and positive scouting reports. I’m told that the Reds continue to monitor him closely as one of their top defensive targets, while Manchester United and Aston Villa are also in the mix.
Juventus, however, are standing firm. Sources close to the Italian giants insist they “do not intend to sell Kalulu” and view him as “central” to their long-term project.
Some sources have also suggested that Juventus are preparing a new contract for Kalulu, running until 2030, which would include a salary increase to around €3.5 million net per season plus bonuses. This move would not only secure the player’s future in Turin but also protect his market value against potential offers from abroad.
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Pierre Kalulu transfer could go through for the right price
I feel I should also share some information, however, from sources who’ve done a lot of work in and around the agents industry, who state that the strong suspicion is that Juve would sell for the right price, perhaps around €40m, especially if the player won’t agree to a new contract.
There is not yet a clear frontrunner out of Liverpool or Man United, but both clubs are making a defensive signing a top priority this summer, so it’s just about determining who looks like the best option and also who’s available. On that latter factor, it’s fair to say the messages are a bit mixed, but my personal feeling is that I suspect there might be an offer that would test Juventus’ resolve, even if they genuinely want to keep him.
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Aston Villa’s pursuit adds another layer to the story. The Midlands club are keen to reinforce their defensive line and see Kalulu as a potential solution. Yet Juventus’ determination to keep him makes negotiations difficult. Only an extraordinary offer could force the Italian side to rethink their position, and Villa’s Financial Fair Play issues certainly make that look unlikely without a big sale. With all the speculation surrounding Morgan Rogers, however, perhaps that’s something that can’t be entirely ruled out.
Kalulu’s fine form for Juventus shows just how big a talent he is, and we’ve seen many times before that in this situation if the Premier League’s top clubs want a player like this, they usually get him. It’s early days on this one, but it definitely has the feel of one of the biggest stories to watch for summer 2026.
West Ham United are currently locked in a terrifying Premier League relegation battle, and their recent crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford has left their survival hopes hanging by a very thin thread.
As manager Nuno Espirito Santo desperately tries to rally his squad for the final few games, vultures are already starting to circle above the club.
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After arriving from Leeds United back in August 2024 for a reported £25 million, his debut campaign was frustratingly derailed by injuries, including a nasty nine-month hamstring issue.
However, he has completely flipped the script during the 2025/26 season.
Despite West Ham’s collective struggles on the pitch, Summerville has been an absolute revelation, bouncing back phenomenally to bag seven goals and four assists across 31 appearances.
Beyond just his raw attacking output, he holds a massive trump card for domestic suitors, he is officially classed as a home-grown player due to his formative years spent in the Leeds academy.
With Premier League squads strictly limited on the number of non-home-grown players they can register, his technical profile combined with that elite status makes him an incredibly valuable commodity.
Ultimately, West Ham’s financial gamble on the winger looks like it will pay off individually, but the club’s top-flight status is the ultimate deciding factor here.
The Hammers will be hoping to make more than the £25m plus add-ons they paid to sign the Dutchman.
Along with Summerville, midfielder Mateus Fernandes is catching the attention of top clubs in the Premier League.
Their Premier League status at the end of the season is going to be crucial and the next few weeks will decide the future of a number of key players.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has explained how the Gunners masterminded a Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.
The legendary ex-Gunners boss says he felt that Mikel Arteta’s side’s ability to win their duels and limit Atletico Madrid’s chances ended up being key on the night.
Arsenal won 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, and 2-1 on aggregate, booking their place in the Champions League final in Budapest later this month.
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They’ll face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in that game, but for now Wenger feels it’s normal to celebrate even just making it to the final.
Arsene Wenger on Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final success
“I think Arsenal wanted wanted it a bit more than Atleti and they were more decisive in the duels,” Wenger said, as quoted by the Metro.
“We said before the game that to go to the final they needed to be strong defensively and they didn’t concede a goal tonight.
“They played a team who for 45 minutes absolutely needed to score a goal and they didn’t give them a chance.
“I believe it shows how strong Arsenal are defensively and how disciplined they are, as well a bit the limitations of Atletico, who were not good enough in the final third.”
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He added: “In the end it’s a well-deserved win for Arsenal, there’s no doubt they were the better team over the two legs.
“They celebrate well tonight which is normal but you want to focus already on the final and the next games.
“The celebration is deserved and happiness is normal – absolutely normal – but the next step is to go to the final and win in.”
Arsenal have been superb in the Champions League this season, having gone unbeaten in the competition up to this point.
The north London giants are also sitting top of the Premier League and may now be the favourites to win it after Manchester City slipped up away to Everton in their game on Monday night.
Could Arsenal now go all the way and win a Premier League and Champions League double? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Newcastle United are currently 13th in the Premier League and they have had a disastrous season by their high standards.
Qualification for Europe was their target ahead of the season, with particularly the Champions League in their sights.
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However, their poor summer transfer window last year, their inconsistent form and their out of depth performances mean that they will not qualify for any European competition next season.
According to iSport, Newcastle United are gearing up for their most dramatic and significant squad overhaul since the massive Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) takeover completely transformed the club’s trajectory back in late 2021.
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Crucially, the boardroom has made a massive, unified decision regarding the dugout, manager Howe is being completely backed and will be the man leading this historic summer rebuild at St James’ Park.
The group of players that miraculously dragged Newcastle away from the relegation zone and sensationally fired them into the Champions League a few seasons ago has given absolutely everything to the cause.
However, a combination of an aging core, relentless injury crises, and the incredibly grueling physical demands of competing on multiple fronts has exposed a desperate need for a refresh.
The club’s hierarchy recognises that to consistently challenge heavyweights like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United at the very summit of the Premier League, “Newcastle 2.0” needs to be built immediately.
The strict reality of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) means the Magpies simply cannot go out and spend unlimited cash without balancing the books.
Howe is going to have to make some deeply tough calls on fan favorites.
We can fully expect a significant clearing of the decks, with several high-earning veteran players and squad rotation options being shown the exit door to free up crucial wage bill space and generate pure profit for the transfer kitty.
This financial maneuvering will be absolutely essential to fund the influx of young, dynamic, elite-level talent the club is aggressively targeting.
Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali are both facing uncertain future at St. James’ Park.
One of Howe’s biggest job this summer will be to sort out the futures of those two key members of the squad.
Brentford close to completing €20m defender signing
Brentford Move Quickly for Salzburg Prospect
Brentford appear close to another calculated move in the transfer market, with Florian Plettenberg reporting that the club have reached a verbal agreement with Red Bull Salzburg for defender Jannik Schuster in a deal worth around €20 million.
At 19, Schuster already carries the profile of a modern centre back. Comfortable in possession, physically composed and trusted regularly by Salzburg, he has made 30 appearances this season while also featuring for Austria’s Under 21 side.
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Salzburg Pathway Attracts Attention
There is growing recognition around Europe that Salzburg remain one of football’s strongest development clubs. Schuster’s rise has followed a familiar route, exposure to senior football at a young age, European competition experience and tactical education in an aggressive system.
Brentford’s recruitment department has repeatedly targeted players before their market value explodes. This deal feels consistent with that strategy. Rather than chasing established names, the club continue investing in profiles capable of developing into Premier League level performers.
Plettenberg reports that “a formal agreement and official announcement are expected once the final details of the deal are completed.”
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There will naturally be caution around spending €20 million on a teenager with no Premier League experience, but Brentford supporters have seen enough smart recruitment decisions to trust the process.
Schuster’s age is important. Brentford are not signing someone expected to dominate immediately. Instead, this looks like a long term investment with significant upside. Fans will also appreciate that the club are continuing to recruit from high level development environments rather than overpaying for domestic options.
There is another factor here too. Brentford’s defensive structure has needed refreshing at times, particularly against stronger attacking sides. A younger defender with mobility and confidence on the ball could fit seamlessly into the aggressive style supporters expect.
Much will depend on adaptation speed, but the profile makes sense. Brentford rarely move without extensive analysis, and supporters will view that as reassuring heading into another demanding Premier League campaign.
West Ham are back in the relegation zone after a shocking 3-0 loss at Brentford last weekend.
Summerville is expected to leave the London Stadium, despite his current contract not expiring until 2029.
According to The Telegraph, a range of Champions League clubs in England and across Europe have shown interest in the talented forward.
West Ham would expect to make a profit on the £25 million plus add-ons they paid for the Dutchman in 2024.
The player’s valuation will depend on whether the Irons manage to stay in the Premier League.
Summerville has been a key member of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season. He has started 26 Premier League games, bagging five goals and three assists in the process.
Summerville is still young and is highly rated for his dribbling skills, pace and work-rate.
He is a versatile attacker who can play across the frontline.
Several top Premier League clubs are looking to add a quality winger this summer.
Liverpool remain convinced that Hugo Ekitike can rediscover his highest level despite the serious Achilles injury that cut short his campaign at Anfield.
The France international suffered the setback during the defeat against his former club Paris Saint-Germain, an incident that immediately cast doubt over both his short-term future and his hopes of appearing at the World Cup. Surgery has since been completed successfully, with the striker now beginning the long rehabilitation process that accompanies one of football’s most feared injuries.
Yet inside the club there is no sense of panic. According to Dominic King, Liverpool’s hierarchy believe the 23-year-old will recover fully and return to the standards he produced before the injury. Writing about Liverpool’s summer transfer plans, King explained: “Liverpool will not look to find a replacement for Hugo Ekitike.
“They are confident after successful surgery the France striker will return to the levels he showed before rupturing his Achilles tendon and it would not be their style to spend big after such huge recent expenditure in one area.”
Those words reveal much about Liverpool’s thinking heading into a critical summer. While supporters naturally worry over the timing and severity of the injury latest surrounding Ekitike, the club’s medical department and recruitment staff appear aligned in their belief that patience will be rewarded.
FOOTBALL : Paris Saint Germain vs Liverpool FC – Ligue des Champions – Quart de Finale – Match Aller – 08/04/2026 Hugo Ekitike FC Liverpool Willian Pacho Paris SG ParisFrance PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxBEL Copyright: xBaptistexAutissierx
Transfer Strategy Hinges on Fitness Outlook
Liverpool’s stance on Ekitike could shape the entire attacking structure for next season.
Arne Slot already faces uncertainty in the centre-forward department, especially with Alexander Isak also enduring physical setbacks across the campaign. Relying heavily on one senior striker would ordinarily force movement in the transfer market, particularly for a club competing on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.
Instead, Liverpool appear reluctant to abandon the long-term investment made in Ekitike. That approach reflects a club increasingly careful with financial allocation after major spending in recent windows.
There is also recognition that elite-level recovery from Achilles injuries has improved considerably in modern sport. Rehabilitation programmes are more advanced, conditioning methods sharper and recovery timelines more manageable than they were a decade ago.
Still, caution remains essential. Achilles ruptures are not injuries players simply shake off. Explosiveness, acceleration and confidence in movement can take months to fully return. For a forward such as Ekitike, whose game relies heavily on sharp transitions and quick directional changes, regaining rhythm will be just as important as physical healing.
Challenges Facing Liverpool Attack
Supporters will understandably question whether optimism alone is enough.
Liverpool endured periods this season where attacking depth looked stretched, and Ekitike’s absence leaves a significant void. Even if recovery progresses smoothly, expectations around his return must remain realistic. Midway through next season may represent the earliest point at which he approaches full competitive sharpness.
That creates a delicate balancing act for Slot and Liverpool’s recruitment team. Signing another striker could provide insurance, but equally it risks disrupting plans centred around Ekitike’s long-term role within the squad.
The club’s faith in the Frenchman reflects how highly he is regarded internally. Before the injury latest emerged, Ekitike had shown flashes of becoming a decisive figure in Liverpool’s evolving attack. His movement between defenders, technical composure and ability to stretch defensive lines offered dimensions that Liverpool badly needed at key moments.
At 23, time is also on his side. Younger players generally recover more effectively from major injuries, particularly when rehabilitation is managed carefully and workloads are controlled correctly upon return.
Patience Could Reward Liverpool Long Term
There is little emotional comfort in long recoveries, particularly when supporters know how influential Ekitike could become. Yet Liverpool’s calm response suggests they view this setback as temporary rather than transformative.
Football history contains countless examples of careers altered by Achilles injuries, but equally there are players who returned stronger, smarter and more complete after adversity. Liverpool believe Ekitike belongs in the latter category.
For now, the focus remains entirely on rehabilitation. Every stage of recovery will be monitored closely, with Liverpool aware there can be no shortcuts. The immediate concern is not transfer headlines or external pressure but ensuring Ekitike has every possible chance to return at elite level.
If Liverpool’s confidence proves justified, the current injury latest may eventually become little more than an unwelcome interruption in what still promises to be a highly successful Anfield career.
Kris Boyd is urging Rangers to put their title frustrations aside and focus on finishing second in the league in order to secure a Champions League qualifying place.
A runners-up finish in this season's Scottish Premiership secures a place in the second qualifying round of the Uefa tournament and would give Rangers another crack at reaching Europe's premier club competetion.
Before the split Danny Rohl's side were just a point behind Hearts, but back-to-back defeats at home to Motherwell and away to the league leaders leave the Glasgow club seven points adrift with nine to play for.
While Rangers would need a lot to fall in their favour to have any hope of salvaging the title, they could catch Glasgow rivals Celtic in second place.
"I think there'll be more questions asked if Rangers don't get that second place," Boyd told Sky Sports.
"When you look at FFP (Financial Fair Play) and Rangers were on the threshold of that last season, you're then trying to rebuild another team.
"There's already players announced that they're going to be leaving. They've spent a lot of money already, but to allow Rangers to spend the money they'll need to spend to get back up there challenging next year, you're going to need every advantage you can get, and that will be that Champions League qualifier.
"So Rangers need to approach Celtic Park on Sunday as a game they must win. It's bad enough finishing second up here, but to finish third would be a huge, huge blow for Rangers."
Haitian elected officials and cultural figures recently gathered in Brooklyn to honour record scorer Duckens Nazon [Getty Images]
Life of late has been a whirlwind of emotions for Duckens Nazon.
From the highest of highs - helping Haiti qualify for their first World Cup since 1974 - to fearing for his life while trying to escape the ongoing conflict in Iran, where he plays his club football for Esteghlal, it has been a turbulent time.
The 32-year-old, who spent six months of a colourful 13-year career spanning 13 clubs and eight countries in Paisley with St Mirren in 2019, now has his sights set on stunning the nation he briefly called home.
As Haiti's record scorer with 44 goals in 76 caps, starting in his country's first World Cup match in 52 years against the Scots will cap off a wild spell for the striker, who claims his life was saved by an eSIM during his recent evacuation from Iran.
Nazon was set to depart Iran on the day the Israeli-US strikes began, but he was ordered off the flight for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, his wife from Morocco - a nation Haiti will also face in their World Cup group alongside Scotland and Brazil - and their four children were safe in France, where the former Coventry City striker was born.
Nazon is thankful his family were not part of his "crazy" evacuation trip, during which he watched bombs drop from just 100 metres away before finally escaping via Azerbaijan.
Speaking on the BBC's Sacked in the Morning podcast, he said: "I was about to take a plane to go to Istanbul or Paris, then the steward told everybody to get off because the war had started.
"Imagine you have your wife and your children by your side in that situation. If you're alone, I wouldn't say I don't care about my life, but you are more relaxed and taking decisions is easier and faster."
On the complications he experienced at the Iran-Azerbaijan border, he added: "I was stuck at the border for maybe 48 hours. They refused me, sent me back to Iran and I slept at the border.
"But I was so lucky because before the war started I bought an eSIM. After that, they cut the internet in Iran.
"So I had no contact and I was praying that when I reached the border I would get some signal - and it worked. This saved my life.
"I could talk to the French embassy and they helped me to get my passport. They spoke to the Azerbaijani forces and then I got out."
St Mirren, Scottish weather & ticket prices
With domestic football in Iran suspended because of the ongoing conflict, Nazon is following an individual training programme to prepare for the World Cup.
The current Haiti squad have become heroes for leading the nation back to football's grandest stage, where they will make just their second appearance at the finals.
Nazon acknowledges that the players are now "part of the country's history" but insists they will play without "extra pressure", starting with their opener against Scotland.
"We are ambassadors of our country and we know we have a responsibility," he says. "We know the young people also see us as examples.
"But we don't have to put extra pressure on ourselves and, when we play for our country, it's more a mission and we do it with passion and with love."
On loan at St Mirren from Belgian club Sint-Truiden for the second half of the 2018-19 season, Nazon "had a story" in Scotland. It was short-lived, though.
The forward played 12 games, scoring twice, but said he was "not ready for this kind of aggression and fight" in Scottish football, while the weather also played a part.
"I remember one game we had sun, snow and rain," he recalls. "After this, I was like, OK, I'm done."
Weather is unlikely to be an issue for Nazon this summer in North America. The striker, a friend of Scotland defender Dominic Hyam - with whom he played at Coventry - did, however, voice concerns about inflated ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup matches.
"There is only one thing that starts to go in my brain - it's the ticket prices," he says. "Hopefully this is not going to affect the crowd and people coming to the stadium, because we want this atmosphere.
"We want this energy around us. I'm looking forward to seeing Scottish people and Haitian people in the stadiums. This is going to be important."
The Indy Ignite have a familiar opponent in the Major League Volleyball semifinals Thursday at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. They'll again look to get past the Omaha Supernovas to reach Saturday's championship, though this time the roles are reversed.
“Last year, we were just grateful to be there. We barely made the playoffs, having lost seven of our last eight. We were just happy to be there, but I think this year, our mission, and our reason for going there, is to win,” outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh said. “We are prepared to put in the work, we are prepared to do what we have to do to come up with a trophy at the end of it. When you have high expectations, there's less room for error, and our expectations are high.”
Indy is a different team this season. After finishing last year 13-15, it brought in eight new players and a new coaching staff led by Lauren Bertolacci. The Ignite finished the regular season with a record-setting 23-5 campaign after defeating the San Diego Mojo 3-1 on Sunday for the most wins in a single season. They were second in aces (119) and played the second fewest number of sets this season at 108. Indy led the league in points with 1,941, 106 more than Omaha. Indy was first in assists (1,476), kill percentage (40.6%), kills (1,585) and opponent efficiency (.207).
Omaha (14-14) was sixth in opponent efficiency at .226. The stats say Indy should win the semifinal with ease, but the Supernovas have given Bertolacci’s side the most trouble this season. Two of Indy’s losses came to Omaha. Outside hitter Anna DeBeer played with the Ignite last season. She said this year’s chase for a title “won’t be easy,” but believes this team has an advantage they didn't have in 2025: experience.
“We've already been there, so that's good knowing what it's gonna kind of be like,” DeBeer said. “We have confidence in each other and in our coaches to put us in the greatest position to win.”
The Ignite can bet on Member-Meneh and DeBeer bringing their best game. Member-Meneh was sidelined during the postseason with a leg injury. DeBeer was part of the 2022 and 2024 Louisville teams that finished runner-up in the Final Four. She’s tired of second place.
“It's been a minute since I've actually won something, because it's always like falling short, so I think that's an extra motivation too,” DeBeer said. “We've gotten so close, and it's right there, and it’s just about finding the ways to finish it.”
DeBeer said resilience will be key for the Ignite to win, but acknowledged the team is prepared. DeBeer and Member-Meneh believe the team has the depth needed to secure a championship. Member-Meneh said the Ignite have 16 players who are “ready to step up.” DeBeer praised Bertolacci for knowing when to use her players and “when we're at our best.”
Bertolacci has an intense coaching style and prefers her players to approach the game aggressively and with speed. Bertolacci went 207-37 and won six national championships with Swiss team, Viteos NUC. Bertolacci is also the coach of the Swiss women’s national volleyball team.
She often tells her Ignite players, “Winning breeds winning.” Bertolacci of all people would know.
“With coach, it’s never, ‘I hate losing.’ It’s always, ‘I want to win,’” setter Mia Tuaniga said.
Opposite hitter Azhani Tealer said Bertolacci’s mindset gives the team confidence heading into Thursday, a large part of why this year “feels different,” she said. Member-Meneh echoed Tealer’s sentiments.
“It's not her playing style that gives me hope. I think it's more so her mind, and her expectations to win,” Member-Meneh said. “I think when we have a coach who has a high standard, it makes it so much easier, because it bleeds on to every member of the team. A lot of coaches talk about it and say they have that mindset, but their actions don't back it up. Her standard comes with action.”
Rookie middle blocker Cara Cresse has contributed to the Ignite's resurgence with 84 kills and 28 blocks. Indy drafted the 6-foot-6 Fort Wayne native and Louisville alum with the fifth pick in the 2025 MLV Draft. Cresse, who rested during the final game of the season, said the team has to “hone in on simple defensive and passing techniques” Thursday. Cresse doesn’t believe the Ignite has much room for improvement and credits team culture as the reason.
“Lauren accepts who you are. She wants us to come in every day as we are with our personalities, like and just being ourselves,” Cresse said. “I think that's such a big part of why our culture is so good and everyone just gets along so well. That has led to our success, honestly.”
The Ignite players have a coach who rallies around them. Her demands may make players like Lydia Martyn want to cry at times, but they have made Indy a championship caliber team.
“This team has gelled better than any team I've ever seen in the past,” owner Jim Schumacher told IndyStar. “It's been a magical season and hopefully we can keep it going. Anything can happen in single elimination, but Lauren and her staff have figured out how to bring out the best in all our players and our team. We’re the definition of one plus one equals four.”
Joshua Heron is an enterprise and Fever reporter. Follow him on Twitter at @HeronReports.
BBC Sport share the three reasons why Enzo Maresca left Chelsea
Enzo Maresca ultimately left Chelsea for three reasons with one of them a dispute over transfers according to BBC Sport.
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The Italian left Chelsea in January after 18 months in charge, and just six months after winning the Club World Cup.
Maresca also won the Conference League and got Chelsea back into the Champions League in his first season in charge.
Enzo Maresca left Chelsea for three reasons
Chelsea weren’t planing for a mid-season departure, and the decision to appoint Liam Rosenior backfired massively.
The Englishman made a good start, but the wheels fell off very quickly and he was sacked last month following a run of five league defeats in a row without scoring.
His departure certainly impacted the season in a negative way, and BBC Sport have revealed the three reasons Maresca ultimately left.
The report states a dispute over transfers, his salary and what he perceived as interference from the medical department over use of players were the main reasons.
Maresca is currently out of work but is widely expected to take over from Pep Guardiola as the next Manchester City manager when he eventually leaves the club.
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Jan Ziolkowski can leave Roma by June 30th. The Polish defender hasn’t found much playing time during his first season in the capital.
Gian Piero Gasperini has given him a few chances, but the 2005-born defender’s on-field performances haven’t entirely convinced the manager.
The former Legia Warsaw player has played 21 games, including a header against Panathinaikos that allowed Roma to avoid the Europa League playoffs and advance directly to the round of 16.
Roma wants to avoid selling too many big names to comply with the settlement agreement with UEFA, while also earning the appropriate capital gains by June 30.
As reported by SiamoLaRoma.it, the rumor from recent weeks has been confirmed: the Giallorossi want to sell Jan Ziolkowski before the beginning of July.
The Roman club is seeking a buyer for the Pole. Roma values him at around €25 million: the goal is to sell him to avoid sacrificing at least one big name.
It remains to be seen whether the interest from several foreign clubs (one English and one French) can translate into an offer that meets the Giallorossi’s demands.
Milan legend names possible 2026 World Cup ‘surprise’
Milan legend Marcel Desailly feels Bayern Munich will win the Champions League this season and believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will be dark horses at the World Cup in the summer.
With the upcoming final stages of the UEFA Champions League and exciting run-ins for the domestic leagues across Europe, the football season has entered its most thrilling phase. Predicting which teams will come out on top is a challenge for fans as well as expert former players, like Marcel Desailly. The current odds present a number of intriguing opportunities, but exploring all the relevant betting bonus options on sites like NJ sportsbook promos before cementing those predictions with the bookies is always a sensible move for smart fans.
Inter reached the Champions League Final in 2023 and 2025, but unfortunately, this season, Serie A has no representative in the semi-finals of the three European club competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
Milan and France legend Desailly lifted the Champions League twice as a footballer, first at Marseille and then with the Rossoneri and has now predicted this season’s winner in Europe’s elite competition.
“I don’t know who will win, but I wish it were a different team, and I believe when I look at all the squads, it should be Bayern,” he told The Italian Football Podcast.
“Because of the consistency they’ve shown in the Bundesliga for the last two seasons, they have suffered but readjusted their philosophy to adapt to the talented squad they have.
“The consistency they have shown this season shows that to win the Champions League, you need these types of winners.
BERLIN – JULY 9: General view of the World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
“PSG have been on and off throughout with injuries as well. Real Madrid has been a disaster in La Liga. Luckily, Barcelona made some mistakes, so they couldn’t open a 15-point lead. Barcelona’s defence is weak.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid were knocked out in the quarter-finals, losing to Atletico Madrid and Bayern, respectively.
“So today I will tell you that definitely the next winner of the Champions League will make me happy if it is Bayern Munich,” confirmed Desailly.
The former defender also won the World Cup with France in 1998, crowning an impressive playing career that included six years at Chelsea.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 22: Laureus World Academy Member Marcel Desailly during the EURO 2024 Press Conference prior to the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2024 at the Palacio de Cibeles on April 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images for Laureus)
France won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the Final four years later, and Desailly feels they are still the team to beat, although there could be a surprise.
“I have to say France will win it, otherwise Deschamps will kill me [laughs]. Didier has been able to start two different teams. The potential of France is huge; the same can be said of Spain,” he said.
“But the surprise could come from Portugal. They have talented players. I would like Cristiano to get a reward like Messi got his reward. Let Cristiano get his reward.
“If France cannot make it, I will say that the surprise could come from Portugal.”
Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain – Combined XI
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain lock horns again in the Champions League’s last four tonight.
The first leg delivered one of the greatest Champions League games in modern memory, as two heavyweights went punch-for-punch at the Parc des Princes. Another epic could be on the cards tonight, as the star-studded squads battle it out for a place in the final.
Ahead of their semi-final showdown, we’ve picked our Bayern Munich and PSG Combined XI.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
The German great did not enjoy his best night in the first leg, but he has proven this season that he can still be formidable. An exceptional performance at the Bernabeu helped Bayern beat Real Madrid in the last eight.
Right-back: Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain
Even amid a plethora of stars at Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern board member Uli Hoeneß picked Achraf Hakimi as the PSG player he’d most like at the German side.
“Achraf Hakimi. We would take him immediately, because he would fit in well with us”, he told Dazn.
It’s with good reason. The Moroccan is widely considered the best right-back in the game.
Centre-back: Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain
Has been through every peak and trough of Paris Saint-Germain’s modern project and continues to lead by example. No player has made more than his 519 appearances for the club, with Marquinhos a 10-time Ligue 1 winner.
Centre-back: Willian Pacho – Paris Saint-Germain
Part of an exciting generation of Ecuadorian talent alongside Piero Hincapie and Moises Caicedo, Pacho has matured into one of Europe’s most dependable defenders in Paris. He ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs for forward passes completed and percentage of defensive duels won.
Left-back: Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain
The flying full-back is an unmissable presence for PSG with his marauding runs down the left. Mendes last week became the youngest Portuguese player to reach 50 Champions League appearances, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
Midfield: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich
After last week’s chaotic clash, the midfield may be where this tie was won as both teams look to gain some control. Bayern’s best football flows through Kimmich, who sits in the elite bracket (top 5%) for progressive passes completed and chances created.
Midfield: Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain
In the opposite corner will be Vitinha, PSG’s very own midfield metronome. His ascent to world-class status was acknowledged with a third-place finish in last year’s Ballon d’Or.
Right-wing: Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
Michael Olise has been unstoppable for much of the current campaign, breaking Bundesliga records in the process. His 33 direct goal involvements in this Bundesliga season (14G 19A) have equalled the record for a winger since the data was first collected in 2004/05.
Left-wing: Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich
Perhaps the most difficult decision on the team sheet. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has lit up the Champions League this season, including two first-leg goals, but Luis Diaz earns the nod.
The Colombian’s endless endeavour and threat have fit Bayern Munich like a glove, with Diaz forming part of the most dangerous frontline in world football.
Forward: Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain
The Ballon d’Or holder can not be excluded, even if injuries have impacted his season. Dembele, when fit, has been as decisive as ever. He’s averaged a goal or assist every 72 minutes in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season.
Forward: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
The man who may replace Dembele as holder of the Golden Ball? Kane’s case for the Ballon d’Or is a strong one. The England captain has scored 54 goals in 47 games this season, the best return of his career. Winning this competition would make him the red-hot favourite.
Bayern Munich vs PSG – Past meetings and head-to-head record
Bayern Munich face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie tonight.
Last week’s first fixture in Paris was an instant classic, as PSG edged a nine-goal thriller at the Parc des Princes. The 5-4 win for the French side made it the highest-scoring single semi-final game in Champions League history.
The stage is set perfectly for tonight’s return, as the two teams battle it out for a place in Budapest later this month. Arsenal await the winners, after the Premier League side eliminated Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain have faced off in the Champions League on 17 previous occasions, with the balance of the rivalry evenly split. Despite that, there has incredibly never been a draw between the sides in European competition.
Bayern Munich vs PSG – Past meetings
Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 Bayern Munich – 2025/26 semi-final, 1st leg
Bayern Munich 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain – 2024/25 league phase
Bayern Munich 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain – 2022/23 Round of 16, 2nd leg
Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Bayern Munich – 2022/23 Round of 16, 1st leg
Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Bayern Munich – 2020/21 quarter-final, 2nd leg
Bayern Munich 2-3 Paris Saint-Germain – 2020/21 quarter-final, 1st leg
Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Bayern Munich – 2019/20 final
Bayern Munich 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain – 2017/18 group stage
Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Bayern Munich – 2017/28 group stage
Bayern Munich 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain – 2000/01 group stage
Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Bayern Munich – 2000/01 group stage
Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Bayern Munich – 1997/98 group stage
Bayern Munich 5-1 Paris Saint-Germain – 1997/98 group stage
Bayern Munich 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain – 1994/95 group stage
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Bayern Munich – 1994/95 group stage
Bayern Munich vs PSG – Overall head-to-head record
In the main event, Chimaev puts the middleweight title on the line for the first time, taking on former champion Sean Strickland after a tense build-up, which some fear could spill over into pre-fight violence.
The unbeaten Chimaev is a comfortable favourite here, having dominated Dricus Du Plessis to win the belt in August, after “DDP” twice outpointed Strickland.
The early prelims will begin at 10pm BST (2pm PT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET), with the regular prelims following at 12am BST on Sunday (4pm PT / 6pm CT / 7pm ET on Saturday). The main card will ensue at 2am BST on Sunday (6pm PT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET on Saturday).
How can I watch it?
In the UK, the main card will air live on TNT Sports and is also accessible via HBO Max, EE TV, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Sports; beforehand, the early and regular prelims will stream live on UFC Fight Pass. In the US, Paramount+ will stream the action.
Odds
Chimaev - 1/6
Strickland - 4/1
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Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani, faced tough questions regarding his team’s performance, and tactical decisions after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Tuesday.
Delhi Capitals suffered a top-order collapse and failed to recover on a tricky Arun Jaitley Stadium surface, eventually losing to CSK by eight wickets. The defeat marked DC’s fourth loss of the season at their home ground. The Arun Jaitley Stadium has witnessed extreme variations in scoring this season, ranging from record-breaking chases to dramatic batting collapses.
Here are DC's result in their home ground Arun Jaitley stadium in IPL 2026:
Date
Opponent
Result
Key Highlight
4 April
Mumbai Indians
Won by 6 wickets
Sameer Rizvi named Player of the Match
8 April
Gujarat Titans
Lost by 1 run
GT scored 210/4; DC fell just short
25 April
Punjab Kings
Lost by 6 wickets
PBKS chased down DC’s massive 264/2
27 April
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Lost by 9 wickets
DC bundled out for a season-low 75 runs
5 May
Chennai Super Kings
Lost by 8 wickets
Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 87* guided CSK to victory
Badani was questioned on whether the decision to bat first backfired on a difficult surface. Responding to the criticism, he explained that the franchise has very little control over the nature of the pitch prepared by the curator, despite Arun Jaitley Stadium being Delhi Capitals’ home venue.
"We don't have any control over the surfaces. It is a lot easier for a side to field 20 overs and then understand what the surface would be when they bat second, and that is pretty much what happened. I thought the game was lost in the first 10 overs when we didn't get enough; we were about 70 for 5, and you don't want to be 70 for 5 even if it is a tough surface. It has been a bit of an up-and-down curve for us to understand what we are going to get at Delhi, which is our home. One game was a 265, but there is little control that any side has on surfaces,'' Hemang Badani said during post match press conference.
Dimarco's golden season: king of assists, Nerazzurri's soul
Over the last few seasons, whenever he's on the pitch, it feels like the play naturally flows through the left flank. Federico Dimarco is something of a magnet: he attracts the ball and draws attention. His teammates already know he'll be there, ready to receive and create chances. Among the many names behind Inter's 21st Scudetto, his stands out as one of the brightest. Inter has always been a part of his identity, and winning in these colours means everything to him, especially after last season's disappointment, which only fuelled him to come back stronger. And that's exactly what he did, focused on one thing alone: winning. He has grown into a true leader on the pitch, one of the pillars of Inter's style of play. He has blended intensity and determination with his lethal left foot, contributing to both phases of the game to influence the play. He's given his all for the badge and for our colours.
When Dimarco scores, as part of his celebration, he points to his mind. It's a gesture that reflects a feeling that has been with him all year: awareness, built through consistent hard work, and demonstrated on the pitch through incredible performances and new milestones. A more mature Federico has been evident on the pitch, a crucial pillar of Inter's system and a Nerazzurri through and through, driving the team forward both in terms of his mindset and technique. His impressive numbers are the result of that effort and reflect the impact of a truly unique and decisive player. He has been unstoppable down the left flank, an ever-present threat to opponents and a constant force of creativity in Inter's attack. If Inter have made the most of set pieces and aerial goals, and if the fans are on their feet every time there's a corner or a cross from deep, it's because they know it's Federico Dimarco's left foot sending in the ball. It's this left foot that has assisted 18 goals; no one in Serie A history has done better. A left foot that has also produced six goals of his own in the league, taking him up to 24 goal contributions in total: once again the best tally in the current season, and the only defender to beat 20 goal involvements since the statistic has been recorded in 2004/05. He's better than a forward, better than midfielders, better than all the rest because that left foot is simply sensational.
Dimarco has had plenty of iconic moments, beautiful goals and assists, but if there's one game that encapsulates his quality this season, it's the match against Pisa at San Siro, in which Inter were two goals down in the first 23 minutes. Dimarco started on the bench, keen to come on and turn the game around. The team was struggling, and Chivu brought him on in the 34th minute to change the momentum. Federico was simply electric, and as soon as he came on, Inter found their momentum, San Siro came alive, and the Nerazzurri went into the break leading 3-2 after scoring three times in six minutes. Following Zielinski's penalty, it was the same type of goal: a cross from Dimarco, followed by a header from Lautaro and Pio to get the Nerazzurri back on track and make the Meazza erupt. This best captures Dimarco's awareness: when he lifts his head and picks out a spot, the ball will end up exactly where he wants it to go.
Dimarco has won his second Scudetto with Inter, a club he grew up loving, the Nerazzurri colours woven into his identity through both joy and hardship. This season, he has topped the assists charts, standing out among Inter's stars and playing a crucial role in winning the Club's 21st league title. Federico has not only made his dream of seeing Inter as Champions of Italy come true, but has also fulfilled ours.
Troilo mocked Barella over Italy’s World Cup fiasco: ‘They don’t even know who he is’
Parma defender Mariano Troilo mocked Inter star Nicolò Barella on Sunday over Italy’s failed World Cup qualification, but the Nerazzurri midfielder hit back: ‘They don’t even know who he is in Argentina.’
As reported by DAZN (via FCInter1908), Troilo stepped on Barella’s foot during a corner kick near the end of the game, prompting Inter captain Lautaro Martinez to defend his teammate by pushing Troilo, an Argentine compatriot, away.
Barella looked in a lot of pain while on the ground, but Troilo told him, “Get up, I didn’t even touch you.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Italian midfielder and Troilo continued provoking each other, prompting Inter coach Cristian Chivu to replace his star to avoid consequences.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s fifth 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)
When Barella arrived on the bench, he told his teammate Marcus Thuram what exactly had happened with the Parma defender.
“Do you know what he told me?” Barella asked.
“Shut up, Bobo, you’re out of the World Cup!”
The Inter midfielder sarcastically added before sitting on the bench: “They don’t even know who he is in Argentina!”
EXCLUSIVE | Louis Saha on Tottenham’s relegation battle: ‘When they’re pushed into a corner, they can be at their most dangerous.’
Get French Football News sat down with former France, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton striker Louis Saha this week for a wide-ranging interview.
Another of your – and Michael Carrick’s – former clubs where things are not going quite as well as at United, is Tottenham. What is going wrong there? Are you fearful that they may go down?
Ah, we have the right to be afraid for them, that’s for sure; they are in a very tough spot. But at the same time, I have confidence in a group of talented players who I think, when they’re pushed into a corner, can be at their most dangerous. In any case, I hope that’s the case for them, that they will show their character, like they did in their last match [a 1-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers].
In terms of what’s gone wrong, I think it’s a lack of consistency going back years. Maybe – and that’s what Antonio Conte has said – you sometimes get the impression that they’re too hesitant and looking for a teammate to take the initiative, that maybe there is a mental disconnect at key moments, whether during the match or across the season. Sometimes it comes from the board and the type of signings made, strategically – it’s great to go out and sign super-talented youngsters but maybe you need to bring in players who have already established themselves as world-class – it’s a similar issue that Arsenal were long criticised for – so you don’t find yourselves suffering from this lack of experience at key moments.
We see it with Chelsea today. Chelsea have made, I don’t know, about 20 signings of talented young players, but there are key moments in a match or in a season where mistakes are made at great cost to the team. So if you’re doing that regularly, to the detriment of the results and players, then it might work commercially, but then you find yourself in a situation like Tottenham’s.
You mentioned Conte there – it’s strange that, even as the players change, the same problem continues within the club?
Definitely, because I remember maybe hearing Jose Mourinho complain about the same thing, hearing Ange Postecoglou make the same observation. There are things that clearly are not working. I can’t tell you exactly what, I’m not party to the board’s discussions! I’m just a fan who watches football, maybe through the eyes of a player who was on the inside, and it might not be for me to try to put my finger exactly on what the issue is – that would be too easy. I am sure that other players, especially legends like Ledley King or others, have given their suggestions, but they still haven’t yet found the solution. So I don’t know, it’s very complicated. They have the talent, they have the budget, they have the infrastructure, they have the coaches. I struggle to understand it.
Louis Saha was talking exclusively to Get French Football News courtesy of Betinia
This exclusive interview is a repost from Get French Football News and can be found HERE
EXCLUSIVE | Louis Saha on Manchester United: ‘Jim Ratcliffe should extend Michael Carrick’s contract.’
Get French Football News sat down with former France, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton striker Louis Saha this week for a wide-ranging interview.
Obviously, you’re very associated with Manchester United; you had a very good career there, won a lot of medals. They’ve completely transformed their season since Michael Carrick arrived. For you, what does he bring to the team and, if you were Jim Ratcliffe, would you keep him for next season?
I think that he has brought a certain simplicity, a cohesion in the group that suits the players. He didn’t arrive saying, “This is my style of play.” No, he came in with the attitude that, in order for the players to feel comfortable and play to their maximum potential, I have to make them understand a system of play that is simple, that plays to their strengths and that allows them to be that second or split-second ahead of their opponent. Period.
Because logically these players have more quality than most Premier League players, they were recruited because they are good, because they have great stats. So to get the players to recognise this and give them the roles that suit them, I think that has been his major strength.
His second major strength is really knowing the place and being able to say this is the way that this institution is run because it has always got results in this way. I think it brought a lot of confidence both to those who didn’t yet understand this and to those who did.
So yes I definitely ask Sir Jim Ratcliffe to think like me and to not only extend Carrick’s contract but to strengthen his position because I think that with the support of a few signings, with the support of a staff who will be able to work on a form of progression with this group, that would be the coherent thing to do, working with the very good spine of the current team, with a clear plan for the future, with two or three signings of key players in midfield who will have more running in them, more creativity, maybe more defensive potential, to be able to change system from time to time. I think they have that but some defenders are still a little young, some midfielders are a little old, some strikers a little young too. Those little things need improving and then I think things can progress very quickly.
Louis Saha was talking exclusively to Get French Football News, courtesy of BetVictor Online Casino
This exclusive interview is a repost from Get French Football News and can be found HERE
Every great team throughout history has had a few key partnerships that fans instantly recall and fawn over.
For many Celtic fans, the level to which manager Martin O'Neill and Henrik Larsson were on the same wavelength is just as crucial as the striker's link-up play with Chris Sutton on the park.
It wasn't always sunshine and rainbows, though, with the sole time Larsson was on the end of O'Neill's half-time rage still a bone he picks with his former gaffer when they meet up well over 20 years later.
"Do I remember? Absolutely, because it only happened once," O'Neill recalls when asked about giving the striker a telling off in the changing room.
"It was against Dundee United and Henrik was playing in the first half... unlike him, he was flicking the ball all over the place.
"I think he flicked two over the stand and they ended up down at Dens Park, he was awful in the first half.
"So I had a go, and I think the players actually were in one aspect, secretly delighted that Henrik is getting a little bit of stick.
"I remember it distinctly because he was brilliant in the second half, that was his response."
Johan Mjallby, who also features in the Larsson edition of Icons of Football, was sitting next to the striker in the dressing room at the break and remembers it very well, as it was a one-off.
He adds: "And isn't that the best way to just shut your manager's mouth off up? That's Henrik."
In 2018 O'Neill, Sutton, and Larsson were all working during the World Cup in various punditry capacities, and when they met up, there was one item on the agenda for the Swede.
"The three of us went for something to eat, and that was the topic of conversation for about half an hour," O'Neill says.
"Henrik still hadn't forgiven me for embarrassing him in front of the rest of the team, but it stood him in good stead, and he's fine."
Lautaro, a Captain's heart: a journey through history
Another impressive season, another trophy lifted to the air with the captain's armband: Lautaro Martínez continues to write unforgettable pages in the Inter history books, a Story that has earned the right to be amongst the most impressive of those who have worn the Inter shirt.
El Toro has been the beacon of this Nerazzurri side, a role model and leader of a dressing room that could always look to its Captain in moments of difficulty. A kind word for everyone, a piece of advice for a younger teammate, but also the ability to keep the whole group's intensity at its peak. Direct, even cutting when the situation called for it, but always and only with a single objective in mind, the one he has consistently underlined in every interview and public statement:
Ever upward, always higher, with ambition and self-belief. The very same qualities that drive Lautaro every day and that the Captain brings to the pitch in every touch of the ball. Since his arrival in 2018, El Toro has always stood out for his hunger, determination and garra: every match played giving absolutely everything he has, every duel approached as though it were his last.
It was no different in the 2025/26 season: a year of fresh starts, a year of change that was also meant to represent a rebirth. A resolve that was evident from the very first match, with Lautaro scoring a goal by pressing Torino's defensive build-up. It was a symbolic strike, one that demonstrated his relentless will to fight, celebrated with raw, furious emotion standing on the advertising hoardings: an image that has by now become inseparable from Lautaro's Inter career, whether it be a Champions League semi-final or the opening day of the league season. A roar that is a rallying cry for an entire fanbase: because when Lautaro scores at San Siro, the vibration that shakes the Meazza is unlike any other.
Lautaro steers the Inter ship through every storm, repelling every obstacle: overcoming every difficulty. A journey made up of goals, but above all, of extraordinary performances: an unstoppable path that flies straight towards the 21st Scudetto, while passing through the history and the eras of the Nerazzurri.
The first part of El Toro's season allowed us to leaf through the album of Interista memories in a wonderful ascent. On 4 October, Lautaro scored against Cremonese at San Siro and reached 158 goals with Inter: the same tally as Luigi Cevenini, fifth in the all-time top scorers' rankings in Inter's history. Zizì is just the first of the Nerazzurri monuments alongside whom the Captain finds himself, with respect and humility, during the first half of the season: on 9 November, a wonderful finish against Lazio from out wide brings El Toro to 161, level with Sandro Mazzola. Fourth place, a dream in his heart and an objective that begins to feel within reach: the third step of the podium.
In un campionato dove gli attaccanti hanno faticato a segnare Lautaro Martinez è la principale eccezione: dopo un inizio positivo tra novembre e febbraio il Toro diventa decisivo nel trascinare l'Inter in vetta alla classifica. Pisa, Como, Genoa, Atalanta, Bologna: tra la fine del 2025 e l'inizio del 2026 l'Inter cambia marcia anche grazie alle reti del suo Capitano, a segno in cinque partite consecutive con sei gol totali. La squadra di Chivu conquista la vetta per non lasciarla più.
Gol spettacolari, importanti, segnati in ogni modo: di destro, di sinistro, di testa, lottando in area oppure con il classico gol alla Lautaro, tagliando con decisione sul primo palo per staccarsi dalla marcatura del difensore, vero e proprio marchio di fabbrica del centravanti argentino.
Six goals in five consecutive matches, four in four successive games between January and February during the period in which Inter began to open up the decisive gap in the title race. A crucial goal away at Udinese, a header of extraordinary power to spark the comeback against Pisa, the goal that broke the deadlock in Cremona. Right through to the away fixture in Reggio Emilia against Sassuolo: the date with history was 8 February, 2026. Inter were winning 2-0 away at the Neroverdi: the minute was the 50th. From a throw-in into the box, the ball reached Lautaro, who controlled and drove it across goal with his left foot, leaving Muric helpless: in that moment, there was the weight of history and the effortless touch of an artist who knows his craft. 171 goals in Nerazzurri colours, level with Roberto Boninsegna: the Captain had become the third-highest scorer in Inter's history.
This incredible journey suffered a setback due to an unfortunate evening in Norway. Away at Bodø/Glimt, Lautaro picked up an injury and was forced to stop. But the Captain fought as hard as ever, if not harder: he worked tirelessly, tried to shorten his recovery time, did everything in his power to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. In March, he watched Inter's difficulties from afar, champing at the bit and roaring like a caged lion, unable to make his contribution. A Lenten absence lasting 46 days that came to an end on Easter Sunday itself, when Inter faced Roma at San Siro. It took Lautaro just 60 seconds to remind everybody of his worth and that of the entire Inter side: the goal shook San Siro and sent every Inter supporter into raptures. Something had changed: El Toro scored a brace, Inter won 5-2 and once again emphatically reaffirmed their superiority in this title race.
Another knock kept him away from the pitch once more, but not from the team: the Captain took his place on the bench for the away fixtures at Como and Torino. He couldn't bring himself to miss the final stages of the journey, leaving his teammates at the crucial moment. The goals and victories came: only the last step remained. A step that Lautaro took personally during Inter vs Parma, when he came on in the 67th minute. Barella handed him the captain's armband as a mark of respect, and Lautaro fought with the same hunger and desire to score. A goal that the entire stadium dreamt of, to see him up there again: a goal that never came despite some extraordinary moments, including the assist for Mkhitaryan's 2-0 that set off the Inter celebrations in the stands and on the pitch. The decisive pass told us everything about who Lautaro Martínez is: a man who puts the good of the team first, a Captain who plays for Inter and for his supporters, the Nerazzurri faithful who have always stood by him.
Heart and soul of Inter, the symbol of a team that found a way to rise again and now celebrates the 21st Scudetto of its glorious history: a history that now welcomes Lautaro among its most beloved sons, a three-time Italian Champion, twice as Captain.
EXCLUSIVE | Louis Saha on Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘He is a cyborg!’
Get French Football News sat down with former France, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton striker Louis Saha this week for a wide-ranging football chat.
You mentioned Ledley King, you had the chance to play with incredible players like Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, for example. Who is the best player you have played with? And then – I don’t know if King will come up here, but who is the most underrated player you played with?
[Smiles] You mustn’t think that it’s just because he’s my friend that I think of Sylvain [Distin]. I’ve always teased him because I’ve never understood why he was never selected for the full France team. I think he’s a player who didn’t receive the same attention or recognition as other players in his position. Maybe others had the gift of the gab or knew how to promote themselves more. He had stiff competition, like William Gallas, Michaël Silvestre, Jean-Alain Boumsong and others – very good players. But I always felt that Sylvain was at the same level, he played in a huge number of Premier League games – certainly of all French players he must be among those with the most appearances. So yes, he’s definitely right up there and it’s incomprehensible to me that he never received a call-up. But hey, that’s football; sometimes we miss out on things and don’t understand why. But he’s certainly one of the most underrated players of his generation, at least as far as defenders go.
And if we’re talking about Ledley King too, I had the chance to play with him for four or five months and what impressed me the most was that he was very physically diminished but you would never have known that on the pitch because of his mentality, his ability to adapt and always perform. So Ledley King is a legend in that sense.
As for best player, without disrespecting “ZZ” – ZZ had amazing charisma, had that magic – I’m talking about pure talent.
But, after maybe Pelé for those of another generation, the most complete, the most perfect player, if you had to build the perfect footballer, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo. If you’re creating Lionel Messi, you’re going to create him within a certain tactical system. But the ideal player, with the physique, the guy who is 1m88 tall, who goes at 3,000 kilometres an hour, who has endurance, technique, strength, who has a high footballing IQ – maybe not as high as Paul Scholes or even Messi but still very high – who is strong mentally, who is a leader but who also continues to challenge himself, who will give you confidence because he always has so much self-confidence. Well, I can’t think of any other player like that. It’s impressive. For me, he’s a cyborg!
Speaking of very talented players, France at the moment is blessed with several great strikers. Does Louis Saha, at the top of his form, have a place in the current France squad?
Oh, that’s a great question! I think I have a game that is a little different from the others who are in the team today. We don’t necessarily have the traditional number 9 à la Olivier Giroud. Between Giroud, Djibril Cisse and me, let’s say, we had that number 9 role. I’m not in the mode of a Hugo Ekitike, who is an incredible talent. I could see maybe Jean-Philippe Mateta in the squad. But when you see the likes of Dembouz – Ousmane Dembélé – and Kylian Mbappé as your strikers, with Marcus Thuram in the squad too – yes, I’d hope to be able to bring something too!
Louis Saha was talking exclusively to Get French Football News courtesy of ToonieBet
This exclusive interview is a repost from Get French Football News and can be found HERE
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson wants to sign on-loan striker Toyosi Olusanya on a permanent basis, with the 28-year-old out of contract with Houston Dynamo this summer but with the Major League Soccer club having an option to extend it for another year. (Daily Record)
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson says some of his summer signings "won't be sexy" but will be granite solid in delivering seven or eight out of 10 performances in every game. (Press & Journal)
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are keen to retain striker Alfie Stewart with the 19-year-old on-loan striker's contract with Aberdeen not being renewed. (Press & Journal)
Wardley enters the main-event showdown with an unbeaten record, having bailed himself out in his last two fights; against Justis Huni then Joseph Parker, the Ipswich boxer was down on the scorecards when he secured late knockouts.
The October win over Parker saw Wardley, 31, win the interim WBO title, which was later upgraded when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the regular belt. And Wardley may be able to edge closer to a fight with Usyk if he can overcome Dubois, 28.
Fabio Wardley (left) will defend the WBO title against Daniel Dubois (Getty)
Wardley vs Dubois will take place on Saturday 9 May at the Co-op Live in Manchester. The main card will begin at 6pm BST (10am PT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET), with main-event ring walks following at around 11pm BST (3pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET).
Betting sites give a slight edge to the champion, with Wardley odds-on for the win over Dubois, who is around the even-money mark with most bookies.
Wardley - 5/6
Dubois - 21/20
Draw - 18/1
Odds via Betfred. The Independent vets betting sites for usability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
Fight card in full
Subject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion
Wardley, down on the scorecards, stopped Joseph Parker last time out (Getty)
Fabio Wardley (C) vs Daniel Dubois (WBO heavyweight title)
Jack Rafferty vs Ekow Essuman (super-lightweight)
Bradley Rea vs Liam Cameron (light-heavyweight)
David Morrell vs Zak Chelli (light-heavyweight)
Khaleel Majid vs Gavin Gwynne (super-lightweight)
Bakhodir Jalolov vs Agron Smakici (heavyweight)
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Goodbye Becca: Inter expresses its condolences for the loss of Evaristo Beccalossi
FC Internazionale Milano and the entire Nerazzurri family join in mourning the passing of Evaristo Beccalossi, sending their condolences to his loved ones as they remember him.
It feels impossible to accept. In memory and in everyday life, Evaristo was always on our minds – indescribable, like his dribbles, unique, like his control of the ball.
Talent cannot be taught – it is a gift which, at most, can be nurtured. Such as the stubborn determination of a naturally right-footed player who, from a young age, trained his left foot in the garage at home until he became ambidextrous, equally magical with both feet. Beccalossi’s talent was pure, and though at times contrasted by an inconsistency that would appear match to match, one that teammates and fans always adored.
Beccalossi, a fantasista in the truest sense, whom Gianni Brera famously nicknamed “Driblossi”. His art of dribbling, of beating opponents, was audacious, almost always successful, executed with lightness. He brought beauty to football, its most romantic expression, capable of making fans fall in love. With his curls flowing over his shoulders and his unmistakable stride across the pitch, he "caressed" the ball. No one captured his essence better than Peppino Prisco: “He didn’t play with the ball, the ball played with him; he didn’t kick it, but caressed it, filling it with affection.”
Those "caresses" were countless, on and off the pitch, throughout his years in Nerazzurri colours (1978-1984) and beyond, in his life after football, always close to Inter, always within the game, working with the Federation and inspiring younger generations. A fantasista there, too.
Right foot, left foot, goals and vision. Beccalossi fed Oriali, Marini, Baresi and more, scoring and assisting. He once said: “When I arrived at San Siro, my teammates didn’t know if they would be playing with ten or twelve – it depended entirely on me.”
Wearing the number 10, he joined Inter from his hometown club Brescia in 1978 and was immediately embraced by a Meazza crowd. The tip-off to Sandro Mazzola (his predecessor as No.10 and then a club director) came after a match in which he dribbled past five players before missing in front of goal. The perfect snapshot of his immense talent and his captivating unpredictability.
“With Beccalossi and Pasinato, we will win the league.” Many were not yet born in 1980, but that chant accompanied Inter, coached by Eugenio Bersellini, to their 12th Scudetto. Alongside Bordon, Baresi, Altobelli, Caso, Bini, Marini, Oriali, Canuti, Pasinato, Muraro, Mozzini, Pancheri, Ambu, Cipollini and Occhipinti, Beccalossi was the team’s No.10. Seven league goals, including two in the derby on 8 October 1979: a sublime right-footed volley on a pitch reduced to mud, and another to seal a derby stamped firmly with Nerazzurri colours.
Putting his 37 goals in 215 appearances aside, as well as his Scudetto and Coppa Italia, Beccalossi was the man of dreams. The player capable of producing magic at any moment. And if it didn’t arrive, it hardly mattered: having him on the pitch was enough, knowing that sooner or later a dribble or an impossible ball would come. Even a difficult night, like missing two penalties in five minutes, became part of his legend, later transformed into a theatrical monologue by actor Paolo Rossi.
“The most beautiful thing, in my opinion, was that the Inter fans identified with us. I left a good memory, even today.” Not just a good memory, but a deep sense of pride in having had “Becca” as part of the Club’s history. Now, that pride blends with a profound sadness, as we remember the life of Evaristo Beccalossi.
The IPL 2025 final will take place on Sunday, May 31.
Where is the Final of IPL 2026?
The grand final of IPL 2026 will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
What time is the Final of IPL 2026?
The final will start at 7:30 p.m. IST.
Why was Bengaluru denied the right to host IPL 2026 final?
The trouble traces back to the very first game of the season, when RCB hosted Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ahead of that match, Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar publicly demanded that each sitting MLA be handed a minimum of five IPL tickets.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar attempted to draw a line under it by announcing that three tickets per home RCB match would be allocated to MLAs and MPs for the remainder of the season.
IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule
The summit clash will be held on May 31, and the venue has been changed to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Match
Date
Venue
Teams
Qualifier 1
May 26, 2026
HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
1st place vs 2nd place
Eliminator
May 27, 2026
New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
3rd place vs 4th place
Qualifier 2
May 29, 2026
New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator
Final
May 31, 2026
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Winner of Q1 vs Winner of Q2
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Noah Dasgupta led the Cascade High School baseball team in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched as a junior, and threw 600 more pitches than his next-closest teammate.
A year later, Dasgupta is not playing high school baseball. Cascade, a rural school of about 546 students located about 30 miles southwest of Indianapolis.
Dasgupta was cut from the team at Cascade on the first day of practice as a senior. It is a decision Dasgupta’s family did not see coming.
Since getting cut from the team, Dasgupta said he has dealt with cyberbullying and been called a racist slur, leading to a feeling of unease around school as an outsider who is no longer part of a team that served as the one of the main reasons he decided to attend the school.
The administration and coaches at Cascade declined to comment beyond an email from superintendent Brian Tomamichel that addressed the alleged racial misconduct in an email to IndyStar.
"Mill Creek Community Schools takes all reports of alleged racial misconduct or bullying between students very seriously," Tomamichel said via email. "We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for every student. Any claim brought forward is promptly reviewed and investigated in accordance with Board policy and Indiana law."
Dasgupta, who transferred into the Cascade school system from Avon as a freshman, was a key part of its team for his first three high school seasons. Dasgupta, of Asian-Indian heritage, said he was used to being around kids that look like him. When he arrived at Cascade he said he experienced a bit of a culture shock, but the older members of the baseball team embraced him.
Now Dasgupta said he feels unsafe at school and is taking half of his courses remotely.
"It was the first day of practice when I got cut,” Dasgupta said. “So my dad came in to talk to (coach Ty Foster) because, obviously, we had no idea what was going on. That’s when Foster used that word specifically; he said that I was being flashy.
"If you had a problem with my chains, or the way I dress, or any of that, I wish you would have said it to me four years ago and not at that time. It made no sense to me.”
Dasgupta said he was cut from the team on March 16, the first day the Indiana High School Athletic Association allows teams to hold baseball practice.
Three days later, Dasgupta, his father, Jay, and stepmother Brandi Herbert had a meeting with Foster, Tomamichel and principal Jeff Hansel to discuss why Noah was no longer on the team.
According to Dasgupta, Foster pointed to instances of him not being a team player and arguing with teammates during winter workouts as reasons for his dismissal. Dasgupta said Foster cut him because he was “too flashy.” Foster, according to Dasgupta, said that he did not agree with the way he wore his hat angled to the side, wore multiple necklaces during games and displayed emotion on the mound.
Dasgupta said the winter workout in question was just typical competitive banter between teammates and during his prior talks with Foster about how he dressed or his attitude, the potential of his dismissal from the team was never discussed.
It appears to be out of the norm for Cascade to cut players from the team. Foster told Herbert during their meeting to discuss why Dasgupta was no longer on the team that Noah is the only player to be cut during his time in the program. In an email to IndyStar, Tomamichel said “the district is unable to provide a comment due to student confidentiality laws.”
Foster, Tomamichel and Hansel all declined further comment when contacted by the IndyStar.
Dasgupta said the treatment he has received since being cut from the team highlights a culture within the school and baseball program where he — one of the few non-white students in the school — has dealt with harassment and discrimination because of his race. All but about 7% of students are white, according to U.S. News & World Report.
In early April, Dasgupta reported an incident between himself and another Cascade student where he was called a racist slur. Tomamichel said that because there was no audio evidence of the incident, the school could not pursue disciplinary actions against the student.
In a follow-up email from Hansel to Dasgupta's father and stepmother the principal wrote, "We recognize the seriousness of the concern that was raised. I reviewed the video footage from the provided date and time and did not observe an altercation between Noah and another student. After speaking with Noah, it was still difficult to clearly identify the individual involved through the video; however, he did indicate a student who may have been involved. I followed up with that student directly, and the concerns were addressed."
The Dasguptas said to their knowledge, there has still been no discipline of the student who allegedly used the slur. In addition to in-person bullying, Dasgupta has experienced cyberbullying.
In photos obtained by IndyStar, an Instagram account called cascadefridaybeers sent messages to Dasgupta threatening to get his college baseball scholarship to Rio Grande University in Ohio revoked and said several members of the Cascade baseball team "own" him. The account is not affiliated with Cascade but does have the school's logo as its profile picture.
Hansel said the messages did not come from school-issued devices and that school "remains committed to monitoring and addressing any activity that occurs within the school setting to the extent that we are able."
More than one month into the baseball season, the Dasguptas are still searching for answers. They want to know what specific criteria the senior failed to reach that merited his removal from the team, and they want detailed information on the review process or subsequent investigations around their bullying and harassment claims.
"All I wanted to do was play baseball my senior year," Noah Dasgupta said. "I wanted to finish out what had been a really good career for me at Cascade. That's all I wanted to do, was play baseball, and they denied me that chance."
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Players of Atletico de Madrid looks dejected after conceding Arsenal's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Atlético Madrid fell at the doors of a fourth Champions League final, losing the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final 1-0 in London and 2-1 on aggregate.
Bukayo Saka turned in from close range on the stroke of half time after Jan Oblak had saved brilliantly from a Leandro Trossard shot which proved to be the key moment in this tie.
It wasn’t meant to be for Diego Simeone’s men, who lacked the punch that we’ve seen help them dismantle quality sides many times this season.
He’ll have to implant the appropriate motivation into his players to finish off the last four games of the LALIGA season with some sort of pride.
For now, here are Into the Calderón’s key takeaways from this painful night at the Emirates Stadium.
El Cholo is not El Mago
So much has been said of Atlético’s strength in depth over the last two years, with the amount of money spent on transfers frequently quoted as a metric to measure success against.
While it’s true that the squad at Simeone’s disposal is (on paper, transfer value, etc) the best it has been since he arrived 15 calendar years ago, the pedigree of the players who were required to complete the second-half turnaround weren’t quite up to the standard of a European semi-final, perhaps.
Atleti can look at this Arsenal side and relate: they are England’s nearly men. However, they have consolidated themselves as being of the quality to win, despite their repeated and hilarious ability to throw every attempt away.
The minimal contents of their trophy cabinet doesn’t change the fact that their players are really good, including those coming off the bench to see the match out. When it came to injecting the final impulse of energy that the last 30 minutes of a Champions League semi-final needs, the likes of Álex Baena and Thiago Almada, in theory of the level necessary, just don’t have the same pedigree as the two Martins on Mikel Arteta’s bench.
Ødergaard and Zubimendi helped the little old Arsenal lady finally cross the road after, in reality, being fortunate to do so over the course of the two legs.
Atleti weren’t bad, Simeone didn’t make mistakes and we could talk about the bad luck/injustice until the cows come home. But quite often Diego himself says that matches are in the hands of God. And this time God, whoever and wherever they may be, didn’t allow Atleti to win. They seem to have done that a lot over the years.
We made it to May
Five consecutive trophyless seasons have now passed since Atleti won LALIGA during the pandemic season of 2020-21.
After two of those, as the squad accumulated some questionable names, my expectations reduced and I did not ask for trophies anymore. Instead, I wished to be still within a shot of winning something by the time May came around.
Nothing is worse than being out of every competition and your league position unthreatened with April’s (or worse, March’s) page in the calendar still on show.
Last year was tough — out of everything by April 2 with a cruel run of fixtures our demise. This year, when it became apparent that we were to play Real Madrid, Barcelona, Barcelona, Sevilla, Barcelona and the Copa del Rey final in consecutive matches, I feared the worst.
The funny (infuriating) thing about the way the Spanish cup final is scheduled is that you can win it and still have nothing left to play for in May. Atleti did not win it.
The only fruit bore worth eating from that run was a Champions League semi-final whose second leg was the other side of April. So it’s an improvement: we had something to play for in May.
However, the demands of March and April stack all the physical odds against you when that thing to play for pits you up against an Arsenal side more rigid than a Mormon’s moral compass.
Coming into the most important continental match Atleti have had in a decade, they were unable to count on the full fitness of a game winner in Julián Alvarez, or a man who can change the complexion of a game in Alexander Sørloth. Instead, the Colchoneros were reliant on a 34- and imminently-departing 35-year-old who weren’t meant to even be playing much this year.
Arsenal will claim similar physical ailments from a taxing campaign in a high-quality domestic sphere which hampered their preparations. But Simeone will speak of having to do it in all three competitions against Barcelona and Real Madrid, placing Atleti’s struggles in its own unique tier.
I’m not sure what I’d prefer: undergo an arduous monumental physical effort to win three competitions as the underdog giving huge merit to any one of them? Or be domestically unchallenged, giving you the energy of a 6-year-old boy on summer break every time you play in the Champions League?
I guess if I preferred the latter, I’d be a Bayern Munich or PSG fan.
There’s no Champions League in America
There used to be. That was until 2023 when CONCACAF changed their continental competition to be called “The Champions Cup,” which doesn’t have the same feel to it, does it?
Anyway, Antoine Griezmann will arrive stateside as one of the best players to hail from European lands, certainly of the 2010/20s era, and yet he has never won LALIGA, and now we can officially say the same about the Champions League.
What a shame. Not just for Antoine, but for a whole crop of players who have come so close and would easily occupy spots in the “Best XI to never have won the Champions League.”
Koke and Jan Oblak have most probably just seen their last chance to win la orejona go by, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they follow Griezmann over the Atlantic this summer or next.
While all three played in that final of 2016, they’ve never had a season where, in the two main cup competitions, they have progressed further than Real Madrid and Barcelona. Yes, the Copa del Rey was a failure (not just this year but all the other years a team other than the big two won it).
Not winning the Champions League when taking into account the other three semifinalists would be harshly classed in the same category, but it’s an opportunity missed that could take a while to come back around. And you just know the next time it does, Real Madrid will be standing in the way.
Maybe that’s it: Atlético Madrid are only destined to win the Champions League if they beat Real Madrid on the way to doing so.
Lineker makes Xabi Alonso claim as Richards backs Arne Slot
Arne Slot’s future has become a growing talking point after Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United, but both Alan Shearer and Micah Richards believe the Dutchman deserves more time at Anfield.
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The reaction comes after another frustrating afternoon for us at Old Trafford, where Liverpool recovered from 2-0 down before eventually throwing away the game again in a damaging 3-2 defeat.
Richards backs Slot despite Liverpool concerns
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast after Gary Lineker asked whether Slot would still be Liverpool manager next season, Shearer admitted he would stick with the 47-year-old.
The former England captain said: “I think so. I think in terms of what he did last season and winning the league, manager of the season… with the issues and the problems they’ve had at Liverpool this year, then yeah.”
Richards agreed, although the pundit did raise major concerns about Liverpool’s performances and recruitment.
The ex-Manchester City defender explained: “The signings have not worked, have they? Isak’s been injured. Wirtz has not been at the level that we all expect.”
Richards also questioned where Jeremie Frimpong fits tactically, adding that Liverpool are now “too slow”, “too passive” and “too easy to play against”.
Liverpool identity concerns continue to grow
That criticism echoed what several pundits have said in after another chaotic defensive display from us.
Roy Keane claimed Liverpool looked “frightened to death” during the opening stages at Old Trafford, while Daniel Sturridge questioned whether the team currently has any clear identity under Slot.
Richards made a similar point when comparing this side to the intensity associated with Jurgen Klopp’s teams.
The pundit said: “What you normally associate Liverpool with is being aggressive, hard to beat, work rate… and they’re none of those things.”
Even so, Richards still insisted the Dutch coach deserves the opportunity to rebuild the squad and turn things around.
Meanwhile, Gary Lineker admitted: “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Xabi Alonso there next season.”
Liverpool were poor in the first half against United, although there’s also a fair argument that Slot has suffered dreadful luck this season with injuries and controversial decisions, including Sesko’s handball goal being allowed to stand.
EXCLUSIVE | Louis Saha on Ligue 1’s financial restraints: ‘In other European leagues it’s not at all as regulated.’
Get French Football News sat down with former France, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton striker Louis Saha this week for a wide-ranging football chat on Ligue 1.
Another of your former teams, who are doing even worse than Tottenham this season, is FC Metz. When you played for them, they were challenging for the title, with players like Robert Pires. How do you explain the fact that they have become a yo-yo club?
Oh yes, it’s been hard going this season! I think a lot comes down to framework. When you have results that look like repeated bad cycles and lots of yo-yoing, then for me it means that there is a problem with the structure. You can change the players, change the managers, but if you end up repeating a pattern, then there is a structural problem.
FC Metz are among the best clubs in terms of developing players – some unbelievable players have come from there. So I don’t think it’s a problem related to players coming through the academy. Maybe it’s a need to keep those players for a little longer. That would be good in terms of the stability of a club – try not to be a springboard club too soon – that might be something that could be managed. Although it’s a risk and sometimes you have to admit defeat because there are bigger clubs that splash the cash straightaway, as soon as you’ve developed a player. But for the good of the team, you need to try to keep those players at least one or two years longer than they have done the last few years. I think it’s been very detrimental; I find it quite striking.
Then, of course, in the course of this season, there have been key matches that Metz should have won but which they lost, home matches against direct relegation rivals where they didn’t show the necessary solidity. In a league like Ligue 1, you get punished for that – you only need four or five really poor performances like that and it’s the descent into hell. Well, that has happened too often and it’s a cycle that has repeated itself. That’s the club’s problem.
I think that the issue of clubs needing to sell players as soon as they come through youth development is a Ligue 1 problem, because so many clubs have financial issues…
That’s very true. That’s why we end up with lots of feeder clubs. When you have an academy and you find yourself forced by necessity to play that selling game, then there is less stability. Whereas a club like AS Monaco, which is not a club known for its youth development with the same structures as a club like Metz, don’t have the same issues to contend with.
I’m not a specialist but if I try to put my finger on it, some do it very well, others not so well. It looks like FC Nantes may fall through the trapdoor, too. But there are other clubs that manage to do it very well, like Stade Rennais. Three or four years ago, I saw Rennes being like Bordeaux in terms of big financial difficulty. Ligue 1 clubs are under a lot of financial pressure under the oversight of the DNCG [France’s football financial regulatory body]. It’s extremely tough because it’s not regulated to the same extent in Europe – it’s not at all as regulated in other leagues. So French clubs inevitably get cleaned out and clubs like Metz, who have developed great links in Senegal or in other countries and manage to bring through super-talents, then have to sell them. It’s a really tough game to play and that’s where you need to try to ensure your investment lasts not just three years but maybe four to five years. That’s what I think, with my modest level of knowledge anyway. I think it’s a real shame.
Louis Saha was talking exclusively to Get French Football News courtesy of Wiz Slots
This exclusive interview is a repost from Get French Football News and can be found HERE
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 28: Luis Diaz of FC Bayern München celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Parc des Princes on April 28, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Paris Saint-Germain’s players are well-aware of exactly what they will be walking into against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena — and they would not have it any other way.
“The first leg was crazy. We play football for matches like this. Both teams showed one of the best Champions League performances: the commitment, the intensity, the goals… it was simply exceptional. We expect the same thing tomorrow, the same match, or even more. We’re ready, we’re going to try to reach the final,” said PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery. “We’re going to try to impose our style of play, press them like we do in every match, play as much as possible in their half, trying to win back as many balls as possible and create chances. This team is built to attack and have possession.
“It will be the same match, with the same intensity, maybe even more. It will be up to us to dictate the pace, not to overdo it, and to try and calm things down when we have to. At this stage of the season, if you set too fast a pace, things can go very quickly in either direction.”
Zaïre-Emery, who will fill in for injured right-back Achraf Hakimi, will have a tough assignment in this match as he will attempt to defend Bayern Munich left-wing Luis Díaz.
“When you face a player who can do everything, like their front three, it’s always difficult to defend. We played well defensively, but we still conceded four goals. When the attackers are at that level, there’s no room for error. Regarding Luis Díaz, I’ll do my best, and I’ll have the support of my teammates, as always,” Zaïre-Emery stated.
That will be just one of several fascinating matchups for fans to watch. The loss of Hakimi should be felt in a big way…can Díaz take advantage of it?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - DECEMBER 20: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish wait to take the field against the Indiana Hoosiers prior to the Playoff First Round game at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Essentially, hump day is just running scissors out of the T-formation. Huddle up…
THE NEW COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF?
It feels like we are still in the create-a-player mode when it comes to the college football playoff. Every year there’s a tweak, or suggestion, or move — or something. In my own opinion, we should all just settle into what we have for at least a decade before another change happens, but like children, the power brokers in CFB are selfish and cry a lot about what they want.
Anyways… the AFCA made some recommendations for the playoff and for how the regular season operates as well.
The coaches have spoken: In a vote last week, the AFCA Board swung its support behind (1) a playoff with the max participants (likely 24); (2) discontinuing conference championships; and (3) ending CFP by second week of January, they tell @YahooSports.https://t.co/kZ2wlHmB3r
So just to be clear… if this happens, for as bad as I think it would actually be for CFB, it is a massive win for Notre Dame from a PR perspective (among other things). What would the “join a conference” crowd do with all of their free time now that conferences are now reduced to being just convenient scheduling agreements?
MARCUS FREEMAN AS SHERRONE MOORE?
Shane Gillis (nation’s #1 ND fan) went on Bussin With The Boys with Taylor Lewan and Will Compton (nation’s #3 ND fan) and talked about how Marcus Freeman was almost on Saturday Night Live until something wild happened up north.
Notre Dame is the team to beat when it comes to blue-chip defensive lineman Jackson Vaughn. According to people I trust, this defensive line class for the Irish in 2027 from end to end, could be something very VERY special.
After reclassifying from 2028 to 2027, EDGE Jackson Vaughn is closing in on a decision, @ChadSimmons_ writes👀
Football Scoop outlined some very good reasons as to why the Irish should be the #1 team in the country to start the 2026 college football season. That’s awesome, but… I am still a little worried about the #1 ranking voodoo to start the year. Just saying — #3 is fine too (but I love the confidence).
Ligue 1 Review | Didier Deschamps, are you watching? Corentin Tolisso stars in Lyon’s podium push
“I don’t even know what to say about Coco anymore. He’s an exemplary, determined captain. He shows it match after match. We’re at a loss for words regarding his performances,” Clinton Mata gushed after Olympique Lyonnais’s 4-2 victory over Stade Rennais. Corentin Tolisso, or Coco as he is affectionately known to his teammates, was at his inspired best on Sunday night as Lyon fought from behind to put one hand on the Ligue 1 podium.
The Lyon captain was involved in three of the four goals, registering two assists and converting his 42nd-minute penalty as Lyon leapt past Lille OSC to move back into third and with it a shot at automatic qualification into the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, with only two games remaining. However, the night could have been a very different outcome when, with almost the first kick of the game, Tolisso went down clutching his head after a challenge from Rennes defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.
Both sets of players quickly surrounded him as they shielded him from view while he received treatment. Despite the initial concern and the fact that he looked visibly dazed after the duel, he was given the all-clear to continue and leave his indelible mark on a tight Champions League race.
Didier Deschamps and the debate in Lyon
When, like last night, you see Tolisso at full pomp, controlling the tempo, orchestrating the press, and unpicking the defence, it becomes very hard to ignore the argument that has been raging in Lyon throughout this season: Coco should be in Didier Deschamps’s France plans for the upcoming summer World Cup. It’s baffled the Lyonnais that the France head coach has been as yet unmoved by the midfielder’s performances or the 14 goals he’s scored across all competitions.
It’s been five years since he was last selected to represent France. His last of 28 caps came in the group stages of the 2020 UEFA Euros (which were, of course, rescheduled to be played in 2021 due to the disruption caused by the global pandemic). Since then, the phone has been quiet, even as he’s watched Florian Thauvin’s performances this season with RC Lens end a six-year exile from Les Bleus.
In April, Tolisso admitted he was disappointed to miss out on the squad announcement for the March international break, which was the final international break before the World Cup. He said, “I was a bit disappointed when the last squad was announced. I believed [I would be there]. I have promised myself that I won’t talk about it in the media anymore. What will happen will happen. You can dream. I am working.”
Time running out for Corentin Tolisso
At 31 years old, it feels as if this could be his last shot at representing his nation at the World Cup, and while the door has not fully closed on the 2018 winner, the signs are not promising. According to a report from Téléfoot, Deschamps wants to take five midfielders to the World Cup, and there are already at least six players ahead of him, with Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, N’Golo Kanté, and Eduardo Camavinga (with the latter the most likely to miss out).
At the very least, Tolisso will not let the decision to leave him off the plane to North America be an easy one for Deschamps. It looks as if the Lyon captain will spend the final two weeks of the domestic season making the best possible case for his inclusion. And with this fire behind him, it’s hard not to think that Lyon are in a very good position to hold onto their spot on the podium and return to Europe’s premier competition.
This week’s Ligue 1 sub-plots
On Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain had both eyes on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich as they hosted FC Lorient. Luis Enrique rested most of his starters… the result was as expected, as Les Merlus held them to a 2-2 draw. Read how it happened HERE.
PSG dropping points was great news for Lens, who played that same evening. However, they couldn’t take advantage of PSG’s slip in the title race as they were forced to share points with relegation-threatened OGC Nice. Read all about it HERE.
Lorient are on course for a top-half finish, but will likely go into the summer in search of a new head coach. Olivier Pantaloni is expected to step aside following the midseason takeover by Bournemouth owner, Black Knight FC. His replacement might well have been found. Read more HERE.
This feature is a repost from Get French Football News and can be found HERE
Roma doesn’t want to lose in their last three games: their goal is to collect nine points, hoping Juventus can slip up.
The Giallorossi coach and his team are a monolithic unit. Gasperini has defended the group since the start of the season: “It bothers me that some think this is a 5th-6th place team and can’t go any higher. If they had had more reinforcements, perhaps they would have achieved greater heights.”
It’s not a trivial comment, after the latest 4-0 victory against Fiorentina, like the one about the future: “Either I move forward with my ideas or I’d better look for another position.” A clear message.
Gian Piero Gasperini wants a say in coaching decisions.
He reiterated this repeatedly, even after the 4-0 win over Fiorentina thanks to goals from Mancini, Wesley, Hermoso, and Pisilli.
The coach also has clear ideas on the issue of contract renewals for players whose contracts are expiring.
As Corriere della Sera reports, the manager is asking the Friedkins for contract extensions for all those who could leave the capital on June 30th. No one is excluded.
The list is long: El Shaarawy, Celik, Dybala, and Pellegrini. It remains to be seen what the owners’ response will be, especially since a month ago the exact opposite was being reported.
Werder Bremen reach agreement to sign Kenny Quetant
Werder Bremen have reached an agreement to sign Kenny Quetant, according to Sky Germany.
Yet to sign a professional contract with Le Havre, the 19-year-old is available on a free transfer and is set to become Bremen’s first signing of the summer.
Per Florian Plettenberg, Quetant’s medical is planned for Thursday, where he will then sign a four-year contract until 2030 with an option to extend by a further year.
Interestingly, Bremen wasn’t the first option for Quetant. Le Parisien reported that Freiburg had been favourites to sign the young forward, who has scored one goal in nine Ligue 1 appearances for Le Havre this season, while Lille had also shown an interest in the Frenchman.
What’s more, Quetant hasn’t been a member of Le Havre’s first team squad since the end of March, due to the player’s lack of commitment to the club.
The Giallorossi coach believes the core team is a good foundation to which to add some top-notch players. No revolution, just a targeted reinforcement.
In the meantime, the Giallorossi club will have to deal with the transfers scheduled by June 30th and then also think about the incoming market.
Roma is looking for Malen’s reinforcements for next season.
As Il Messaggero reports, Gasperini is worried about not finding players of a certain caliber, because while he’d like to start over with his core squad, he’s equally determined to push for reinforcements. Malen is a sure thing, and the agency handling his interests could bring further signings.
In addition to West Ham’s Summerville, Tzolis, a left winger from Brugge, has been offered to the club via intermediaries.
The 2002-born player is valued at around €30 million.
Roma already conducted an enquiry last summer, so a resurgence of interest isn’t out of the question.
The Greek winger has scored 19 goals this season and added 22 assists.
In the space of under a year, we’ve gone from a united fanbase who were behind the team, the manager and the ousting of the owner to now feeling completely disconnected with the team and the majority seemingly disillusioned with the manager.
Maybe there’s a good manager in there, somewhere, but it’s becoming more and more clear that Richardson isn’t the right manager for this team or this club. He seems somewhat overwhelmed by the expectations and size of Reading.
His comments post-match are becoming increasingly bizarre. We’ve had excuses about pitch conditions, having too many games, injuries, not enough available players, needing more time to develop the playing style of the team like other managers have had, the players not doing what he wants and his favourite line – about needing a pre-season and a few transfer windows.
However, the reality is that he’s had it as easy as Noel Hunt, and Hunt – an inexperienced manager – still delivered far more with far less. Look at this table:
This provides the number of players used each month between December and April this season and last. It also compares the number of games played and fixture congestion. This is a timely comparison because Hunt and Richardson came into their roles at similar times.
The raw data says it all, and it isn’t surprising: Richardson bemoans no pre-season and a lack of fitness, but he’s been in a similar position to his predecessor in terms of players available, the number of matches and time between games to work on things and implement his playing style.
Plus, Richardson has had a higher number of extended breaks – essentially anything above seven days – between matches. These are the particularly large gaps this season he’s had to work with the squad:
November 6 to November 22
November 29 to December 9
December 18 to December 26
January 4 to January 17
Whereas this was Hunt’s only equivalent break last season:
March 15 to March 29
And not to mention, Richardson’s had literally double the number of first-team coaches supporting him, compared to Hunt.
If Hunt could mount a playoff challenge, why couldn’t an experienced manager with a bigger back room team? Richardson has also had the time to embed playing style and fitness but hasn’t done so.
Also, how does Richardson explain why players are still picking up injuries? The buck surely stops with the coach organising the training sessions, does it not?
And why not give the younger players more time to play, to avoid rushing players back from injury? Jack Marriott was rushed back against Cardiff City and look what happened. Similar happened to Randell Williams earlier in the season.
Richardson is pushing himself more and more into a corner with the importance he is giving to the upcoming pre-season. It seems he will get this pre-season, and I am fascinated to see what he does with it, but what if the pre-season doesn’t change the quality of performances or results? What will he blame then?
Performances
Poor. Just so damn poor. Richardson has had six months with this squad and it shows: they look completely demotivated, uninterested and uninspired.
Missing Jack Marriott won’t help any team, but relying on him to score the goals to save games is not a workable strategy. If it was as simple as that, we wouldn’t need a coaching staff and manager. Richardson’s job is to (forgive me for going all Moneyball here) find the goals in the aggregate. That means: how else can we score goals?
Long Kelvin is a work in progress, but playing the same style of football into him doesn’t enhance the attributes he has – it detracts from them. He is a very different player to Marriott. This is strikingly obvious to everyone, so why can’t Richardson adapt the system?
The raw numbers for April and May were: six games played. four goals scored, nine goals conceded (no clean sheets) and 14 shots on target – seven of which came in one game, against Cardiff City.
Let’s focus on the passing for April 2026: worryingly, we rank fourth in the league for the number of backwards/lateral passes completed per game (210 – 52% of our total passes) and 15th in the league for complete passes in the final third (58 per game). These are not good underlying numbers.
The data also shows we are not as reliant on the long ball as Richardson is often criticised for: we rank 20th for long passes attempted (47 per game), but only 18th for accurate ones (18 per game, a 39% success rate). That’s damning.
When you factor in that, during April, Reading were ninth in the league for total completed passes per game (398) and 11th for pass accuracy (77%), it tells you that we have a team who do not know how to move the ball with efficiency or directness. Basically: we have a team that do not know how to build successful attacking transitions.
For further context: let’s compare to April 2025, when Reading were in a similar position in the table and challenging for the playoffs, except with far less squad depth and experience:
What does this tell us? We play more passes and go long less often too, but we play fewer passes in the final third compared to last year and we play substantially more backwards/lateral passes.
This begs the question: what on earth is Richardson doing with this team in the training sessions to make them worse than last year?
Approval rating
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Former Newcastle United midfielder Adam Campbell made 60 National League appearances in two seasons with Hartlepool [Getty Images]
Managerless Hartlepool United have released 13 players after finishing ninth in the National League.
Pools, who were taken over by American businessman Landon Smith in December, ended the season under the management of Nicky Featherstone but confirmed last month that he would be leaving at the end of the campaign.
Joe Aungiers, Adam Campbell, Matty Daly, Nathan Ferguson, Sam Folarin, Nick Hayes, Gavan Holohan, Danny Johnson, Vadaine Oliver, Tom Parkes, Alex Reid, Louis Stephenson and Brad Walker have all be let go at the end of their contracts.
The club are in discussions with Luke Charman, Campbell Darcy and Jack Hunter about new deals.
Kian Foreman, Max Kouogun, Jamie Miley and Nathan Sheron were all under contract for next season and options have been activated on the deals of Jay Benn, Josh Donaldson and Reiss McNally to keep them at the club for 2026-27.
My name is Marc Ray, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I’m the oldest of five siblings and a proud first-generation college graduate. After graduating from Aldine MacArthur High School in 2018, I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 2022. A career as a sports commentator first crossed my mind, but journalism was the route that I took once I stepped foot on the UH campus. Being a writing wizard and telling the stories of local athletes resonated more with me.
Throughout college, I was a member of CoogTV, a student-led newsroom, and spent time in front of the camera and behind the scenes. I also created content on my own. I covered the Vanessa Guillen and George Floyd protests, which built my versatility in the journalism game. With that, I earned internships with Houston Public Media, National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). After graduation, I earned my first professional journalism gig at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. I made the 16-hour drive to the Midwest and adjusted to the snowy conditions. I was a rookie in that regard.
During my 2.5 years in Iowa, I was the lead reporter for the Iowa girls state volleyball tournament and helped cover college sports, including March Madness, for the Des Moines Register. I accomplished my dream of covering a UFC event, when the MMA organization hosted its first event in Des Moines in 2025. My features were shared on MMA Junkie and its social platforms for USA Today. In April 2026, I joined the IndyStar and have already immersed myself in the high school sports scene. I’m honored to work alongside a talented team in a certified sports town. I’m passionate about feature writing and I’m looking forward to connecting with players, parents and coaches to share stories that resonate with readers. I value stories that highlight people as much as results. I’m a former high school athlete, who ran track and played football, that now gets to tell stories that go beyond the box scores.
I’m a proud NAHJ Sports Task Force member, who hopes to one day be a mentor for aspiring journalists. I’m locked in on improving and learning from the experiences of other journalists.
My family is my support system and the driving force behind my career. For my mom that had me at a young age, for my four younger siblings that see me as a role model and the sea of family members that offer their support, I strive to be a positive example for those that are closest to me. My partner, Iris, and I have a basset hound (Dixie) and a chihuahua (Bella), who are a part of my family. We’ve already explored parts of Indy and some cool spots around town.
I’m also a long-time professional wrestling fan who has passed that fandom down to my two younger brothers. When I’m not writing, you’ll see me in front of a TV cheering on the Texans (Sorry, Colts fans), along with the Astros and Rockets. You might catch me outside on a trail, at a local gym or at a coffee shop.
Marc Ray is a high school sports reporter at the IndyStar. He can be reached at marc.ray@indystar.com , and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn.
Celtic are linked with two players with Scottish Premiership rivals as Arne Engels is tipped for a summer exit from the Scottish champions.
Celtic have put Marc Leonard firmly on their summer radar and will continue to monitor the 24-year-old midfielder in his final three games of the season on loan to title rivals Heart of Midlothian from Birmingham City. (Daily Record)
Celtic are keeping tabs on Falkirk striker Barney Stewart and have the 22-year-old on their radar as an option to bolster their attack this summer. (Football Insider)
RB Leipzig are closely monitoring Arne Engels with a departure from Celtic planned this summer and with clubs from the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga also keen on the 22-year-old midfielder. (Florian Plettenberg on X)
Raith Rovers plan talks with Rangers as they hope to retain 20-year-old midfielder Paul Nsio, who has been on loan to the Scottish Championship club. (The Scotsman)
Dundee defender Ryan Astley wants to remain with Dundee, with the 24-year-old out of contract this summer. (The Courier)
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson wants to sign on-loan striker Toyosi Olusanya on a permanent basis, with the 28-year-old out of contract with Houston Dynamo this summer but with the Major League Soccer club having an option to extend it for another year. (Daily Record)
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson says some of his summer signings "won't be sexy" but will be granite solid in delivering seven or eight out of 10 performances in every game. (Press & Journal)
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are keen to retain striker Alfie Stewart with the 19-year-old on-loan striker's contract with Aberdeen not being renewed. (Press & Journal)
Highly-rated 15-year-old Celtic striker Zion Pullan has been called up for Spain for the first time. (The Herald)
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed Hibernian striker Owen Elding intends to play for his team amid continued passport issues. (Edinburgh Evening News)
Bryson DeChambeau has suggested that he would focus on growing his YouTube channel rather than a return to the PGA Tour if LIV Golf does not continue to operate.
DeChambeau is one of the marquee stars of the venture with a sizeable profile both within and outside of golf. His YouTube channel has 2.69m subscribers, and has featured guests including President Donald Trump and a host of sporting stars.
And DeChambeau has suggested that cultivating his YouTube audience around the world would become his focus if LIV does not continue, while also playing a limited number of tournaments.
“I think, from my perspective, I'd love to grow my YouTube channel three times, maybe even more," two-time major winner DeChambeau said to ESPN.
"I would love to. I'd love to do a bunch of dubbing in different languages, giving the world more reason to watch YouTube. And then I'd love to play tournaments that want me."
DeChambeau's LIV contract is up at the end of this season, with reports suggesting that he had been negotiating a new deal before the news of PIF’s withdrawal.
Bryson DeChambeau has hosted Donald Trump (right) on his YouTube channel (AFP/Getty)
He admitted that the announcement had come as a surprise, but that he hopes that it might enable golf to come back together.
"I was completely shocked," DeChambeau said. "I didn't expect it to happen. A couple months before that, it's like: 'We're here until 2032. We've got financing until 2032,' and so I told everybody, and that's what I was told.
"And then, you know, I haven't had any communication. And unfortunately, things are moving on in a different direction. Obviously, they wanted to move on.
"If we have a great business model and they're [PGA Tour, DP World Tour] very interested in combining forces, that's the Kumbaya moment, right?
"So, it's our job to come up with a better business plan on the [top company] side. The team franchises, there's enough making profit now to where we could sell them for close to $200m (£147m), and that's not talking about my team either.
"I think it requires a little bit of everybody kind of just lowering their guards and all coming together and going: 'OK, what's best for the game of golf?'"
After an unprecedented offseason that saw players' salaries leap into new stratospheres, the 2026 WNBA season is mercifully here.
That's a welcome sight for masses of women's basketball enthusiasts, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the best talents the sport has to offer.
A'ja Wilson sits at the top of the ladder after a glint 2025 season that saw her capture nearly all there was to offer in 2025. The Aces supernova dances with eternals. And with four MVPs and three WNBA titles to her name, there's a real case that the South Carolina product can be considered the greatest's player in the sport's history.
Behind her are a cadre of gemstones, stretching from Minnesota and Indiana to the Big Apple and Los Angeles.
So, just who are the best players in the WNBA heading into the 2026 season? Here's what you need to know.
Mitchell enjoyed the best season of her career in 2025, averaging a career-best 20.2 points per game en route to a first-team All-WNBA appearance and a fifth-place finish in MVP voting. She kept her strong displays going in the postseason, bringing Indiana to the cusp of a Finals appearance before going down in Game 5 with rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle injury that causes one's muscles to break down, leading to muscle death.
Mitchell will likely see her usage rate decrease as Caitlin Clark returns to health. That shouldn't diminish her shine too much, however; she hasn't averaged fewer than 17.8 points per game since 2019.
Boston, too, dazzled in Clark's absence, producing more points and assists than any other campaign in her still-budding career. Her paint passing makes her a unicorn of sorts among paint talents. So too does her defense -- Boston remains one of the sport's most enchanting rim protectors, leaving attackers forlorn as the anchor to Indiana's defense.
Boston was rewarded handsomely for her exploits, taking home the largest contract in WNBA history in terms of total value.
8. Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Bueckers was the league's best guard in her maiden season, wowing audiences with her mid-range game, stout off-ball defense and fluid handle. She was the fifth-leading scorer in the league and ranked joint-eighth in assists per game, capturing Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA second team honors.
With Azzi Fudd, Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard in tow, the Wings could put themselves in postseason contention. If so, Bueckers could end up in MVP consideration.
Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
7. Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream
Gray might not command the same level of publicity of some of her counterparts on this year's list. But make no mistake; she is a hooper.
The South Carolina alum was the centerpiece to Dream head coach Karl Smesko's setup in 2026, posting career highs in points, rebounds and assists. Furthermore, she secured her first All-WNBA berth, being voted to the first team. A dogged defender and steady offensive performer, Gray lead Atlanta to its best record in franchise history in 2025. With the nucleus of the team back and Angel Reese set to join the ranks, Atlanta should be in contention for an NBA title come 2026.
Stewart had a down season by her standards in 2025, seeing her scoring and rebounding tail off while missing 13 games with injury issues. She still remains one of the sport's finest two-way talents and enjoyed a wondrous offseason, capturing titles in Unrivaled and EuroLeague with the Mist and Fenerbahce, respectively.
However, it's she'll have to settle for a slightly lower position than she commanded this time last year. Her shooting has been trending downward for the better part of three seasons, a worry for a player set to turn 32 during the season.
(Getty Images)
5. Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
Young is undoubtedly one of the best guards in basketball. She showed as much during the playoffs, tallying 20.4 points per game on 49.4% shooting as the Aces captured their third title in four seasons.
The No. 1 pick in the 2019 Draft, Young has made her mark in Sin City in recent seasons. She should continue to shine in Las Vegas' backcourt, taking on greater responsibilities as Chelsea Gray nears the end of her glittering career.
4. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury
Thomas is one of the most unique players in WNBA history, serving as an offensive hub despite offering little scoring threat from outside of the painted area. The 34-year-old is getting older. But her production continues to dazzle -- she fell less than one assist and less than rebounds short of averaging a triple-double for the whole of a season.
There are valid concerns about the viability of a Thomas-led offense in the playoffs. Still, she broke the record for most assists in a single season and continues to make plays on both ends of the floor. She is more than deserving of top-four recognition.
Clark's 2025 season was effectively a write-off. The Iowa alum played in just 12 games, suffering injuries to her quad, groins and ankle. She fell way short of her 2024 production in the games she did play, seeing her three-point rate dip beneath 30 percent.
And yet, she remains in the same spot she was this time last year. Why? Well, things couldn't get much worse for Clark than they did in 2025. She is the sport's preeminent playmaker and her gravity opens up the floor for the likes of Boston and Mitchell.
All that amounts to a top-three player in the league. Expect Clark to enjoy a far better go of things in the 2026 season.
Collier will miss the first half of the season after undergoing surgery on both of her ankles. When she returns to action, she'll immediately surge to the top of the league's hierarchy -- right where she belongs.
Collier would have won MVP had it not been for Wilson's sizzling campaign. She has a case for the title of "league's most impactful defender" (alongside Wilson) and can produce highlights across the floor. Minnesota's roster looks a lot different to the title-contending unit it constructed in 2024 and 2025. Nevertheless, Collier should shine in Cheryl Reeve's setup, even if the Lynx do take a step back in 2026.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
1. A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Was it ever a surprise? Wilson returns to the top of the charts in 2026. The South Carolina alum brought the Aces back to the mountaintop after a one-year hiatus, hoisting not only her third career title, but also her second career WNBA Finals MVP.
That was one of several accolades Wilson picked up last season. She collected her fourth MVP and fifth All-WNBA first team appearance. She also claimed the Defensive Player of the Year prize, sharing the achievement with Alanna Smith.
Wilson is the best player in the land. She's probably the best player in league history. We can expect her to sit at the same spot on this list in 2027.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana (25) has been offered to Barcelona by the Frenchman’s representatives, as per a report from Sacha Tavolieri.
Since joining Chelsea from Leicester City, the France international has struggled with injury issues, limiting him to 68 club appearances since 2022. However, 34 of those have come this season, suggesting that the injury issues may be behind him.
His future, however, may not lie at Chelsea, Tavolieri understands. Fofana has been offered to Barcelona by the player’s representatives. The La Liga giants are in the market for a left-sided centre-back, but could also target a defender capable of playing on the right of the defence. There have been talks between the Catalan club and the player’s entourage in recent weeks.
Chelsea are not opposed to selling Fofana this summer. However, the London club will not do so for a fee lower than €30m (without bonuses). Barcelona would prefer a loan with a buy option. Chelsea would prefer a permanent deal if Fofana is to leave the club at the end of the season.
Video surfaced after the game of Simeone stepping on the Arsenal crest, which greets the players and coaching staff between the pitch and changing rooms.
And the footage suggested a contradiction in the Argentine coach’s approach after his visible anger last week towards White.
Simeone could be seen looking down at the ground before stepping on the Arsenal badge and disappearing into the tunnel towards the dressing rooms.
While most Atletico players could be seen walking around the Arsenal badge, though José María Giménez also opted to walk straight over it and was then targeted by some Gunners fans observing from above.
Diego Simeone walked OVER the Arsenal badge right in front of the Gunners fans at full-time... 😳
Just one week after confronting Ben White for walking over the Atletico Madrid badge, was Simeone being 'disrespectful' himself? 👀 pic.twitter.com/CdVKm6wINS
Arteta hailed the impact of the lively Emirates crowd and the difference they made in the tie.
“That box is ticked now, now we have to maintain it,” Arteta said. “Now we go to the level that I think a top club that wants to be fighting consistently for the highest trophies, that's a must. We've got it now, now we have to maintain it.
“The high is not too high, the low is not too low, my job is to be quite stable. I really will enjoy it, everyone is enjoying this moment now. Tomorrow we have to start to prepare for Sunday, we have an incredible game now to play against West Ham, a really tough one and we're going to have four days to do that. It's great, let's enjoy the moment.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone looks dejected after the match against Arsenal (Reuters)
“It's great, everybody can feel a shift in energy, in belief, in everything. Let's use it in the right way, understanding the margins and the difficulty of what we are trying to achieve. It's huge but we have the ability and the conviction to do that for sure.”
Arsenal now face four games with a historic Premier League and Champions League double at stake.
The Gunners travel to London rivals West Ham on Sunday with the Hammers desperate for points to beat the drop, before hosting Burnley and a final day trip away to Crystal Palace before preparations begin to take on Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on 30 May.
Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson believes Mikel Arteta's side are "good enough" to win the Champions League this season, having reached the club's first final in the esteemed competition in 20 years.
"The 2025-26 season has changed for Arsenal yet again," Upson said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily after the final whistle. "All of a sudden, the mood has been uplifted from being really concerning.
"The players will actually start looking forward to the rest of their Premier League fixtures now. There was a sense of dread building up to it, but it should be more excitement-based now."
Upson, who won six trophies during his time at Emirates Stadium, added: "Arsenal have to believe they are at the elite table now. They are good enough to go on and win this competition.
"This group can definitely do it and these are the kinds of moments that really feed that belief.
"You do have to cultivate that feeling of being one of the best teams in Europe, it doesn't just happen, and winning football matches against top teams certainly helps."
When asked who he would prefer his former side to face in the Budapest final, Upson replied: "I don't think there is a 'better option' between Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain.
"It is the Champions League final so whoever you're playing it is going to be the most challenging game you could possibly think of.
"Luckily the players can now sit back, watch the other semi-final unravel, and have a good look at the team they are going to face in the final."
Mikel Arteta’s side booked their place in the showpiece in Budapest on 30 May with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.
Bukayo Saka’s first-half tap-in in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg was enough to propel the Gunners to the final after a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg, putting them a step closer to a first Champions League title – as well as in the driving seat in the Premier League title race.
Saka’s goal at the Emirates Stadium sparked wild celebrations and fans flooded the pitch at full-time to celebrate with the players, leading to criticism from Rooney.
He said on Amazon Prime: “They deserve to be in this position, but they haven’t won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win.”
Former Arsenal star Wright was quick to respond, posting a video to social media in which he said: “Arsenal fans, let me tell you something: enjoy this. The celebration police will be out in force, do not get nicked!
“Enjoy yourselves, football’s about moments and this is a big moment. Enjoy it and let’s hope that in the final and after the final we have another massive moment. It’s a great day!”
Midfielder Declan Rice was also quick to encourage celebrations, telling Amazon Prime after the win: “I don’t think you can underestimate what we have done in this competition up to this point.
“We have every right to celebrate that moment. The most prestigious competition in club football. We are just trying to soak it all in.
“We knew coming into the game what was at stake. If you can’t get up for that, then you can’t get up for any game of football.
“When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building.”
Bukayo Saka’s goal made the difference (PA Wire)
The atmosphere at the Emirates has occasionally come under criticism in recent seasons for failing to replicate the kind of vocal support enjoyed at other teams’ home grounds.
But a superb atmosphere was created from before kick-off on Tuesday night as supporters greeted the team bus with flares and chants, the first time that has happened, and Arteta paid tribute to that warm reception afterwards.
He said: “It was an incredible night. We made history again together and I cannot be happier and prouder for everybody that’s involved in this football club.
“The manner that we [were] received outside the stadium was special and unique. The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way they managed every ball with us... I never felt that in the stadium [before].
“We knew how much it meant to everybody... the boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final.”
Anna Moore carried her most invaluable piece of equipment inside Purdue softball’s Bittinger Stadium and plugged it into the wall.
The gear in the Cathedral grad’s equipment bag helped her to the most impressive freshman season in Boilermaker history. That in-line scooter, though, made a full life off the diamond possible, too.
While many freshmen spend their first year deciding what to study, Moore jumped right into engineering. As if academic rigors and athletic demands were not enough, she also is the softball team's lone sorority member.
In both cases she followed family tradition. It would not be hyperbole to say Moore was born to be a Boilermaker. In less than one season, she’s already built a legacy, and her presence in the middle of the infield and the middle of the lineup makes Purdue a formidable No. 10 seed in this week’s Big Ten Tournament in Maryland.
“The moment she committed here, we knew that that she was coming to lead this team,” Purdue coach Maggie Frezzotti said. "That Purdue means a lot to her, and she had the talent, she had the preparation, she had the work ethic and she had that extra love for Purdue that we knew was gonna push her forward.”
How Purdue softball's Anne Moore grew her prodigious power
Moore felt out of place at her first Boiler softball camp. She was running late. Compared to the other girls in their fancy travel ball uniforms, her Purdue T-shirt felt inadequate.
Frezzotti remembers the short, skinny girl wearing a face mask and slap-hitting at the plate. Moore also made an impression with her skills. A relationship began which carried up through when Frezzotti became the head coach.
Moore changed along the way, too. In eighth grade, she was diagnosed with celiac disease. When she cut gluten out of her diet, her growth took off. When she took her weight training seriously in high school, it took off again.
During her junior year at Cathedral, Moore emerged as a power hitter. She coils back in a left-handed stance, keeping her long whip-like swing on plane with the ball as long as possible. That young slap-hitter now drives the ball to all fields with authority.
Moore took a while to get going in the offseason. She took a bad-hop ball to the face in practice that broke her nose. She missed a couple of weeks before testing out of concussion protocol. Then she got sick. Christmas break could not come soon enough.
“I didn't have to worry about school,” Moore said. “I just had to eat, sleep, and train — which is pretty much what I did. I hit, I think, every day of break. I made sure I got in all my lifts, and I was really focused on eating the right things, too.”
And the result?
“She came back and we were like, ‘Holy smokes,’” Frezzotti said.
The Big Ten honored Moore as Freshman of the Week three times during the regular season. Forget freshman records, though. Moore’s 61 RBIs are a team record for any class. Her 14 home runs are tied for the single-season team record.
Her 1.280 OPS ranks second only to Moriah Polar, who is conducting her own assault on Purdue’s offensive record books. Moore opened the season batting third and instantly brought an explosive element to the middle of the lineup.
First baseman Haley Painter, whose 12 home runs rank second on the squad, said the freshman takes veteran at-bats. At this point, that class designation doesn’t really apply.
“Me and her have had conversations about that because she's talked about, ‘Well, I’m just a freshman,‘” Painter said. “It's like, 'Yes, but you're not. The way you're carrying yourself, you're not just a freshman, you're acting, like a vet. So, carry yourself like a vet and have conversations like that, because people do look up to you even though you are just a freshman.'”
Why Purdue softball's Anna Moore was born a Boilermaker
Painter enrolled at the start of the semester after playing at Fresno State and Nevada. Moore’s freshman roommate, Bella Douglas, came from Howell, Utah. Like many of their teammates, they learned and embraced the school’s culture and rivalries after arriving.
Moore showed up with the competitive equity of a life spent rooting for the Boilermakers. If the rest of the team did not know it by mid-April, they knew it by the time they left Bloomington after a three-game series against IU.
Moore’s intensity showed up in the way she tried to inspire and motivate the rest of the team. It showed up in her dissatisfaction after a three-game sweep. Her solo home run in Game 2 accounted for half of the team’s offense for the whole weekend.
“It was, like, radiating off of her how much pride she had, and it was very, very inspirational,” Painter said. “It was awesome, honestly, because that's something you can't teach. When you have such a drive and heart and want and passion, you can't teach that.
“It was just awesome seeing a freshman have that. Like, ‘No, we have to win these games. I don't care about next year.’”
Moore’s parents, David and Nancy Moore, and her sister, Valerie, all graduated from Purdue. So did her grandfather. She grew up tailgating across from Ross-Ade Stadium at the home of family friends and going to women’s basketball games.
Recruiting becomes a bit easier when one of the state’s top players grew up shouting “IU sucks” at kickoff.
Moore made Frezzotti sweat a bit before making her commitment. She went as far as Stanford for an official visit. When the connecting flight home made her realize exactly how far away she would be, she narrowed her options to the two in-state Big Ten programs.
When first asked why she picked Purdue over IU, Moore said choosing engineering over pre-med played a big role. A few minutes later, though ...
“I know I said academics, but honestly, I really couldn’t have seen myself there,” Moore said. “Just socially, all-around, I definitely fit in more at Purdue.”
What Anna Moore does when not enjoying the best freshman season in Purdue history
Moore did not ride that scooter the two-and-a-half miles from campus to Bittinger Stadium. Practice simply provided a convenient time for a recharge.
She puts in plenty of miles on it the rest of the week, though. Here’s a typical Tuesday this semester:
Wake up at 6:40 a.m., scooter over to breakfast at the athlete dining hall.
By 7:30 she’s in her biology lab.
At 9:30, she’s in her engineering class for two hours.
She hits lunch before her 12:30 math recitation.
Then, a 1:30 physics lecture. Only after that can she head over to softball to continue to redefine what a great freshman season looks like.
Making the cut as one of Purdue’s 14,000 undergraduate engineering students takes discipline. To do it with an athlete’s practice and travel schedule takes extra dedication. Or, as Painter puts it:
“Insane,” said Painter, a public health student going into nursing. “Literally insane.”
Douglas, who plans to major in psychology, experienced the anxiety of first-semester finals and other pressures with her roommate.
“It'd be easy to just be like, 'I'll pick something easier,’” Douglas said of Moore. “But she takes the challenge head on, and it's really cool to watch her do that.”
He was an electrical engineer, but Moore plans to apply to the mechanical engineering school. A field trip to Speedway’s Dallara IndyCar Factory inspired that path – and added Indy 500 attendance to her spring responsibilities.
Family ties also helped Moore reconsider her previous decision not to pursue Greek life. When she saw other students rushing in the fall, she wondered if she was missing out on something. Her sister’s bridal party had been full of friends she made at Purdue’s Kappa Alpha Theta chapter.
When Moore found out that same women’s fraternity had spots open in the winter, she jumped in. Instead of complicating an already busy schedule, it gave her a life outside of sports.
A year ago, Purdue went into the Big Ten softball tournament as the 12 seed and pulled two upsets en route to the semifinals. It will need another underdog run this weekend to extend its season.
Moore’s bat could play a big part in a successful finish to the season, but so could the Boilermaker spirit burning inside of her for going on two decades.
“Sometimes she puts pressure on herself because she has high expectations for Purdue, and I think she'll tell you that she would trade all of the accolades for like five more wins,” Frezzotti said.
Anna Moore carried her most invaluable piece of equipment inside Purdue softball’s Bittinger Stadium and plugged it into the wall.
The gear in the Cathedral grad’s equipment bag helped her to the most impressive freshman season in Boilermaker history. That in-line scooter, though, made a full life off the diamond possible, too.
While many freshmen spend their first year deciding what to study, Moore jumped right into engineering. As if academic rigors and athletic demands were not enough, she also is the softball team's lone sorority member.
In both cases she followed family tradition. It would not be hyperbole to say Moore was born to be a Boilermaker. In less than one season, she’s already built a legacy, and her presence in the middle of the infield and the middle of the lineup makes Purdue a formidable No. 10 seed in this week’s Big Ten Tournament in Maryland.
“The moment she committed here, we knew that that she was coming to lead this team,” Purdue coach Maggie Frezzotti said. "That Purdue means a lot to her, and she had the talent, she had the preparation, she had the work ethic and she had that extra love for Purdue that we knew was gonna push her forward.”
How Purdue softball's Anne Moore grew her prodigious power
Moore felt out of place at her first Boiler softball camp. She was running late. Compared to the other girls in their fancy travel ball uniforms, her Purdue T-shirt felt inadequate.
Frezzotti remembers the short, skinny girl wearing a face mask and slap-hitting at the plate. Moore also made an impression with her skills. A relationship began which carried up through when Frezzotti became the head coach.
Moore changed along the way, too. In eighth grade, she was diagnosed with celiac disease. When she cut gluten out of her diet, her growth took off. When she took her weight training seriously in high school, it took off again.
During her junior year at Cathedral, Moore emerged as a power hitter. She coils back in a left-handed stance, keeping her long whip-like swing on plane with the ball as long as possible. That young slap-hitter now drives the ball to all fields with authority.
Moore took a while to get going in the offseason. She took a bad-hop ball to the face in practice that broke her nose. She missed a couple of weeks before testing out of concussion protocol. Then she got sick. Christmas break could not come soon enough.
“I didn't have to worry about school,” Moore said. “I just had to eat, sleep, and train — which is pretty much what I did. I hit, I think, every day of break. I made sure I got in all my lifts, and I was really focused on eating the right things, too.”
And the result?
“She came back and we were like, ‘Holy smokes,’” Frezzotti said.
The Big Ten honored Moore as Freshman of the Week three times during the regular season. Forget freshman records, though. Moore’s 61 RBIs are a team record for any class. Her 14 home runs are tied for the single-season team record.
Her 1.280 OPS ranks second only to Moriah Polar, who is conducting her own assault on Purdue’s offensive record books. Moore opened the season batting third and instantly brought an explosive element to the middle of the lineup.
First baseman Haley Painter, whose 12 home runs rank second on the squad, said the freshman takes veteran at-bats. At this point, that class designation doesn’t really apply.
“Me and her have had conversations about that because she's talked about, ‘Well, I’m just a freshman,‘” Painter said. “It's like, 'Yes, but you're not. The way you're carrying yourself, you're not just a freshman, you're acting, like a vet. So, carry yourself like a vet and have conversations like that, because people do look up to you even though you are just a freshman.'”
Why Purdue softball's Anna Moore was born a Boilermaker
Painter enrolled at the start of the semester after playing at Fresno State and Nevada. Moore’s freshman roommate, Bella Douglas, came from Howell, Utah. Like many of their teammates, they learned and embraced the school’s culture and rivalries after arriving.
Moore showed up with the competitive equity of a life spent rooting for the Boilermakers. If the rest of the team did not know it by mid-April, they knew it by the time they left Bloomington after a three-game series against IU.
Moore’s intensity showed up in the way she tried to inspire and motivate the rest of the team. It showed up in her dissatisfaction after a three-game sweep. Her solo home run in Game 2 accounted for half of the team’s offense for the whole weekend.
“It was, like, radiating off of her how much pride she had, and it was very, very inspirational,” Painter said. “It was awesome, honestly, because that's something you can't teach. When you have such a drive and heart and want and passion, you can't teach that.
“It was just awesome seeing a freshman have that. Like, ‘No, we have to win these games. I don't care about next year.’”
Moore’s parents, David and Nancy Moore, and her sister, Valerie, all graduated from Purdue. So did her grandfather. She grew up tailgating across from Ross-Ade Stadium at the home of family friends and going to women’s basketball games.
Recruiting becomes a bit easier when one of the state’s top players grew up shouting “IU sucks” at kickoff.
Moore made Frezzotti sweat a bit before making her commitment. She went as far as Stanford for an official visit. When the connecting flight home made her realize exactly how far away she would be, she narrowed her options to the two in-state Big Ten programs.
When first asked why she picked Purdue over IU, Moore said choosing engineering over pre-med played a big role. A few minutes later, though ...
“I know I said academics, but honestly, I really couldn’t have seen myself there,” Moore said. “Just socially, all-around, I definitely fit in more at Purdue.”
What Anna Moore does when not enjoying the best freshman season in Purdue history
Moore did not ride that scooter the two-and-a-half miles from campus to Bittinger Stadium. Practice simply provided a convenient time for a recharge.
She puts in plenty of miles on it the rest of the week, though. Here’s a typical Tuesday this semester:
Wake up at 6:40 a.m., scooter over to breakfast at the athlete dining hall.
By 7:30 she’s in her biology lab.
At 9:30, she’s in her engineering class for two hours.
She hits lunch before her 12:30 math recitation.
Then, a 1:30 physics lecture. Only after that can she head over to softball to continue to redefine what a great freshman season looks like.
Making the cut as one of Purdue’s 14,000 undergraduate engineering students takes discipline. To do it with an athlete’s practice and travel schedule takes extra dedication. Or, as Painter puts it:
“Insane,” said Painter, a public health student going into nursing. “Literally insane.”
Douglas, who plans to major in psychology, experienced the anxiety of first-semester finals and other pressures with her roommate.
“It'd be easy to just be like, 'I'll pick something easier,’” Douglas said of Moore. “But she takes the challenge head on, and it's really cool to watch her do that.”
He was an electrical engineer, but Moore plans to apply to the mechanical engineering school. A field trip to Speedway’s Dallara IndyCar Factory inspired that path – and added Indy 500 attendance to her spring responsibilities.
Family ties also helped Moore reconsider her previous decision not to pursue Greek life. When she saw other students rushing in the fall, she wondered if she was missing out on something. Her sister’s bridal party had been full of friends she made at Purdue’s Kappa Alpha Theta chapter.
When Moore found out that same women’s fraternity had spots open in the winter, she jumped in. Instead of complicating an already busy schedule, it gave her a life outside of sports.
A year ago, Purdue went into the Big Ten softball tournament as the 12 seed and pulled two upsets en route to the semifinals. It will need another underdog run this weekend to extend its season.
Moore’s bat could play a big part in a successful finish to the season, but so could the Boilermaker spirit burning inside of her for going on two decades.
“Sometimes she puts pressure on herself because she has high expectations for Purdue, and I think she'll tell you that she would trade all of the accolades for like five more wins,” Frezzotti said.
Former Inter and Brescia star Beccalossi dies aged 69
Former Inter and Brescia midfielder Evaristo Beccalossi has died aged 69: ‘Always one of us,’ wrote the Nerazzurri.
Italian football mourns former midfielder Beccalossi, who died on Tuesday night aged 69.
Ex-Inter star Beccalossi dies at 69
The former Inter star suffered a cerebral haemorrhage in January 2025. After being in a coma for 47 days, he underwent a long rehabilitation period in his hometown, Brescia, where he tragically passed away last night.
Beccalossi would have 70 on May 12.
A former midfielder for the Rondinelle, Inter, Sampdoria, Monza, Barletta and Pordenone, Beccalossi scored 30 goals in 249 appearances in Italy’s top flight.
He played for Inter from 1978 to 1984, scoring 37 goals in 216 appearances across all competitions, and won the Serie A title in 1979-80.
During his time at the Stadio Meazza, Beccalossi also reached the 1980-81 European Cup semifinals and won the 1981-82 Coppa Italia. He did win the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria as well, in the 1984-85 campaign.
Beccalossi did not play for the Italy national team, but made three appearances with the U21 team and scored one goal in four matches with Italy’s Olympic team.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Evaristo Beccalossi attends The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro Alla Scala on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Inter paid tribute to their former midfielder with a statement on their official website.
“FC Internazionale Milano and the entire Inter community join in mourning the passing of Evaristo Beccalossi, and, in remembering him, extend the deepest condolences to his family,” the Nerazzurri said.
“It feels impossible. In the folds of memory and in everyday life, Evaristo was always one of us. Unpredictable, like his dribbling, unique, like his way of handling the ball.”
Borussia Dortmund hold meeting with Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn
Borussia Dortmund have re-entered the race to sign Hertha Berlin prodigy Kennet Eichhorn.
Sport Bild report that a personal meeting took place between newly appointed sporting director Nils Book and Eichhorn at the beginning of April.
However, Dortmund face competition from Bundesliga counterparts RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen in the bid to sign Eichhorn, who has a reported €12m exit clause – a feasible fee for all three clubs.
Who is Kennet Eichhorn?
Awarded his 2. Bundesliga debut by Stefan Leitl at 16 years and 14 days in August 2025, Eichhorn has played 15 times for Hertha Berlin in Germany’s second division, picking up seven yellow cards in 999 minutes of football.
Valued at €20m on Transfermarkt, the defensive midfielder has also attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, among others.
TalkSPORT host sends Chelsea major warning if they get “biggest decision in the club’s history” wrong
Chelsea face the biggest decision in the club’s history this summer and could end up like Tottenham if they get it wrong according to talkSPORT host Andy Jacobs.
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It’s been another difficult season for the Blues, who find themselves ninth in the league with just three games remaining.
Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest condemned the Blues to their sixth league defeat in a row, and they’ve only scored once in those games.
Andy Jacobs warns Chelsea they could end up like Spurs
Chelsea still have an FA Cup final against Manchester City to try and salvage something from the season, whilst their only chance of Champions League football is a sixth placed finish if Aston Villa come fifth and win the Europa League.
The Blues face arguably one of the most important summers in recent history with a new head coach needing to be appointed, and serious reinforcements added to the squad.
Liam Rosenior lasted less than four months, and Jacobs has warned Chelsea they could end up like Tottenham if they get this wrong.
“People are having a go at the players, but it’s like the Spurs players under Igor Tudor, it’s not them, it’s the manager,” he told talkSPORT.
“The manager does matter, who it is, and the whole structure. This season’s over and it’s done, now it’s the biggest decision in the club’s history, they’ve got to get it right.
“If they don’t get it right, then everybody can see the writing on the wall and what’s going to happen next season.”
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‘No way’ – John Aldridge sends emphatic transfer plea to Liverpool amid ‘spanner in the works’
John Aldridge has implored Liverpool not to sell two players who’ve recently been linked with potential exits from Anfield in the summer.
Last week, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Curtis Jones’ contract situation is on ‘standby’ (he has 14 months remaining on his current deal) and he could duly become a ‘really interesting option’ for several prospective suitors.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported earlier this week that Juventus have now made Alisson Becker a ‘top target’ for the upcoming transfer window, following on from Paul Joyce writing that ‘there is renewed doubt‘ as to how much longer the goalkeeper will stay with the Reds.
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Aldridge implores Liverpool to keep Alisson and Jones
In his latest column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge made the case for his former club to keep hold of both players, particularly amid the context of other high-profile departures, and questioned how those rumours originated in the first place.
He wrote: ‘Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will be leaving the club at the end of the month and there has been talk about other players who could leave, such as Alisson and Curtis Jones. I don’t know where this talk has come from. I feel like someone is trying to throw a spanner in the works.
‘There’s no way Liverpool can let Alisson and Jones go this summer. We’ve had one big transition last year. Alisson can play at Anfield for another four or five years. Why make the squad situation any more difficult?
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
‘I can’t see the point in letting someone like him go. I know he’s had some injury problems this year that have affected his kicking a bit but it feels like someone outside the club just trying to cause chaos.
‘As for Jones, he’s a local lad and a Liverpool fan. Where would he go? I’d be very surprised he if left.’
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Alisson and Jones are vital performers for Liverpool
Even though his playing time over the past couple of seasons has been significantly curtailed by injuries, Alisson remains a crucial figure for Liverpool, and to lose him off the back of Salah and Robertson leaving would be an enormous blow for the Reds.
The Brazilian is a standard bearer on the pitch and in the dressing room, and we’ve already seen several big leadership presences depart over the past three years.
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, for all the criticism that Jones gets, some of his underlying performance statistics are among the best of any Premier League midfielder this season, and he’s currently the one local presence in the senior squad, a commodity which should never be dismissed or underappreciated.
That alone shouldn’t get a player into the first-team setup, but the 25-year-old has proven over the past several years that he belongs at this level. If he didn’t, there’s no way he’d have surpassed 200 appearances for Liverpool.
We fully agree with Aldridge that it’d be a massive risk to let either of them depart in the summer, and we firmly hope that both will agree to remain with the Reds for at least another season, even if their contract situations are both at that delicate one-year stage.
Valve releases official Steam Controller and Puck CAD files for modders and accessories makers With the release of official CAD files for its Steam Controller and Puck, Valve has made it much easier for modders and accessories makers to create mods, stands, and custom add-ons for Valve’s new gamepad. Valve’s package contains STL and STP […]
BG Wealth Sharing, according to authorities, claimed to provide guidance on crypto trading, advertised heavily on social media and offered “daily profit opportunities.”
Bryan Pellegrino, co-founder and CEO of LayerZero, disputed Kelp DAO’s accusations and said a postmortem by external security firms will be published soon.
A class-action group has accused rapper Iggy Azalea of not following through on delivering utility and business integrations for her memecoin, Mother Iggy.
Synology today announced the availability of the new FS6420 and FS3420, two all-flash block and file storage systems built for latency-sensitive enterprise workloads. The new systems offer significant improvements in IOPS and throughput performance for on-premises virtualization, databases, and enterprise applications.
"More organizations than ever are running demanding on-premises workloads and need storage that can accommodate them." says Jeffrey Huang, Product Manager at Synology. "The FS6420 and FS3420 deliver substantial IOPS improvements over their predecessors, boosting performance for latency-sensitive workloads. They're strong options for a wide range of mid-size and large enterprises and colocation environments looking to implement enterprise applications and virtualization workloads."
AMD reported impressive first-quarter 2026 earnings, and during the earnings call, CEO Dr. Lisa Su shared some intriguing insights about the agentic AI era. This era is driving CPU usage to unprecedented levels, to the extent that the number of CPUs in a single compute node is becoming almost equal to the number of GPUs. In response to a question from an analyst, Dr. Lisa Su explained that the traditional setup of one CPU paired with four or even eight GPUs is shifting towards a one-to-one ratio of CPUs to GPUs. This change indicates a surge in CPU demand due to the agentic features, which require large language models to utilize the host CPU for continuous updates and orchestration of these agents. Previously, CPUs primarily served as hosts to initiate GPU operations for training and inferencing AI models. However, as AI becomes more agentic, the CPU's role is becoming significantly more important.
AMD's Lisa Su...We certainly see the movement towards where in the past, the CPU to GPU ratio was primarily just as a host node in like a 1:4 or 1:8 configuration node, now changing and getting closer to a 1:1 configuration or even -- you can even imagine if you get lots and lots of agents that you could have more CPUs and GPUs...
AMD today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2026. First quarter revenue was $10.3 billion, gross margin was 53%, operating income was $1.5 billion, net income was $1.4 billion and diluted earnings per share was $0.84. On a non-GAAP(*) basis, gross margin was 55%, operating income was $2.5 billion, net income was $2.3 billion and diluted earnings per share was $1.37.
"We delivered an outstanding first quarter, driven by accelerating demand for AI infrastructure, with Data Center now the primary driver of our revenue and earnings growth," said Dr. Lisa Su, AMD chair and CEO. "We are seeing strong momentum as inferencing and agentic AI drive increasing demand for high-performance CPUs and accelerators. Looking ahead, we expect server growth to accelerate meaningfully as we scale supply to meet demand. Customer engagement around MI450 Series and Helios is strengthening, with leading customer forecasts exceeding our initial expectations and a growing pipeline of large-scale deployments providing us with increasing visibility into our growth trajectory."
A few hours ago, Ubisoft leaker xj0nathan decided to share a screenshot from a private playtest of Assassin's Creed Invictus, the rumored multiplayer Fall Guys-inspired spin-off. However, the official Assassin's Creed X account responded to him quickly, claiming that the screenshot had been heavily altered with AI tools: Nice try… This might have started as an image from our private test, but it’s been heavily altered (most probably with AI). Not great to spread misinformation. 👎 For those genuinely curious about the project: we'll share more when the time is right! As you would expect, the leaker didn't take too […]
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The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and Marriott International Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly support and promote the Penang Golf Challenge as an annual business and networking platform. The […]
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Months after Beta testing, Samsung has officially started the rollout of the Stable One UI 8.5 update. Beta participants are getting prioritized, but non-Beta users shouldn’t worry about the availability of the major upgrade.
Users of Samsung’s Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra have started receiving the Stable One UI 8.5 update. The Korean tech giant has pushed it in its home ground, and the Global availability may start in the first week of May.
Update size differs based on the state
If you’re on One UI 8.5 Beta, your device may have received an incremental update. It switches the Beta state of your phone’s software to Stable.
In case you haven’t joined the Beta Program, Samsung is giving you a full firmware, which weighs in gigabytes and replaces the One UI 8.0 with One UI 8.5, based on Android 16.
Whether you’re on Beta or Stable, the experience is going to elevate. Make sure to charge your phone’s battery enough for uninterrupted update installation. Creating a backup is always advised to prevent any potential problem.
One UI 8.5 Update
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 was debuted with the Galaxy S26 series. The update introduces plenty of new features powered by artificial intelligence. Samsung has also worked on the user interface to streamline the user experience.
Ambient Design is the biggest upgrade, which boosts the screen estate. The new design language offers a dynamic interface across activities. The company has also improved various apps with floating navigation components.
Now that One UI 8.5 is available, Samsung will soon drop One UI 9 Beta. This time, Galaxy S26 users are first in line for priority treatment. Galaxy S25 series may also join the next Beta, but after spending a few months on One UI 8.5.
Samsung is rolling out a new firmware update to the Galaxy S26 series and Z Fold 7 in the US. The company is reportedly pushing the third release, dated April 2026, to the flagship phones, while the foldable is getting its second.
US users of the Galaxy S26 series and Z Fold 7 can identify the latest firmware update via PDA build version AZDI and AZD3, respectively.
As spotted by MohammedKhatri, the builds are available for carrier-locked models. Meanwhile, not many users reported the availability so far. It seems a gradual rollout, or probably a build with limited carrier availability.
Earlier, Verizon released 2nd firmware update to the Galaxy S26 and S26 lineups. Later, Samsung brought the second April update to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which especially includes close-up camera improvements.
Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3rd April OTA seemingly bringing camera fixes to US users. The 24-megapixel camera behaviour would enhance as you install the AZDI build. For the Fold 7, it appears to be a stability improvement update.
To check for updates, open Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Samsung is swiftly working to open the One UI 9 Beta Program. Recently, the first Beta build of the new software has surfaced for US models. It signals that preparations are already underway and US should be invited soon.
Google is teasing the biggest updates for Android, including a Liquid Glass-inspired interface. Samsung, meanwhile, appears cautious about the Android 17’s Liquid Glass design in the early builds of One UI 9.
Tipster IceUniverse signals through his recent X post that Samsung’s Android 17-based One UI 9 has “no trend of adopting Liquid Glass” (for now).
Samsung may have been considering adopting the Liquid Glass interface in future builds. It’s also possible that the company may take a gradual approach or embark on its own design path, which can also be Liquid Glass.
Early builds of One UI 9 are available in the wild, even on real phones. The company has recently published the first Beta version on its server. The public beta testing may begin soon for the Galaxy S26 series flagships.
Apple introduced the Liquid Glass design philosophy with iOS 26. The redesign sparked criticism initially, but ended up being welcomed by the masses. Android 17 is highly likely to be influenced by the new era of user interface.
One UI 8.5 doubles down on UI overhaul with frosted glass design. Samsung may set the foundation of Liquid Glass redesign in One UI 9. However, the full deployment might be kept on hold until the One UI 9.5.
These are just assumptions. What we know from IceUniverse is that the One UI 9 presently has no trend of Liquid Glass adoption. Samsung may postpone it to 2027 or start gradual adoption through the Beta Program this year.
Google scheduled The Android Show 2026 on May 12, where Android 17 and AI upgrades are expected to be discussed. This is the second time in a row the Mountain View company is holding a pre-I/O event for Android.
Palo Alto Networks has released an advisory warning that a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in its PAN-OS software has been exploited in the wild.
The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-0300, has been described as a case of unauthenticated remote code execution. It carries a CVSS score of 9.3 if the User-ID Authentication Portal is configured to enable access from the internet or any
Lenovo wants to set new standards with a compact gaming tablet with top Snapdragon performance, a 165 Hz display and a whopping 12 GB of RAM. We summarize how good the overall package of the Legion Tab 5 really is - and what compromises are involved.
Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.8 launches today with new agents Promeia and Starlight Billy, plus HoYoverse's official confirmation of a Steam release in Q2 2026.
The Xiaomi Gaming Mouse 2 has been announced, and under the hood, this flagship wireless mouse has the flagship PixArt PAW3955XM. It promises precise movement in competitive games, but the company didn't confirm the polling rate yet.
We saw an iPhone Ultra dummy unit getting leaked last month, and another one getting compared to an actual Huawei Pura X Max unit. Now, there's another video available on YouTube where another iPhone Ultra dummy unit is portrayed in hands-on fashion.
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vivo is set to introduce the X300 Ultra and X300 FE to the Indian audience today. The announcement event for the new camera flagship and its more affordable sibling is going to start at 2 PM IST (8:30 AM UTC), and you can follow it with us by tuning in to the stream below.
vivo already confirmed the X300 Ultra will be available in India in Victory Green and Eclipse Black colors. The flagship will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, a 6,600 mAh battery with 100W wired charging support, and the same rear camera setup as the global and Chinese X300 Ultra, including 200MP primary,...
QyTw0, the Finnish AI lab founded by former AMD Silo AI CEO Peter Sarlin, is now valued at €325 million (approximately $380 million) after raising a €25 million angel round ($29 million). It's a sign of enduring tailwinds for AI, quantum computing, and sovereign tech, especially for Europe-made companies.
Pi Network founders Chengdiao Fan and Nicolas Kokkalis took the stage at Consensus 2026, highlighting the convergence of AI, Web3, and blockchain to an audience of over 20000 attendees. Fan emphasized leveraging Pi’s KYC-verified base of over 50 million users to build practical AI-driven applications, while Kokkalis focused on secure digital identity without compromising privacy. With its open mainnet launched in February 2025 and more than 10 billion PI tokens now active on chain, Pi Network is preparing to introduce smart contracts through Protocol 23. The project aims to expand real-world utility and strengthen its ecosystem after facing earlier concerns over delays.
At Consensus 2026, Arthur Hayes defended the long-term future of altcoins, arguing that crypto markets will continue producing new speculative and innovative projects despite high failure rates. He rejected the growing belief that institutional adoption and regulation will eventually eliminate most altcoins from the market.
He stated:
“Altcoins will never die.”
While acknowledging that most crypto assets eventually fail, Hayes compared the altcoin market to the traditional stock market, arguing that most publicly traded companies also fail over long periods.
According to Hayes, crypto markets create an efficient environment for experimentation, innovation, and capital formation. He said investors should think of tokens similarly to software startups, where many projects fail but a smaller number generate significant long-term value.
Hyperliquid Is Hayes’ Biggest Altcoin Bet
Among his largest altcoin positions, Hayes highlighted Hyperliquid and Zcash. He said he remains highly bullish on Hyperliquid because decentralized trading applications have historically been crypto’s most successful business model.
He explained that trading platforms created some of the largest fortunes in the crypto industry and described Hyperliquid as the latest evolution of decentralized leveraged trading infrastructure. Hyperliquid improved upon earlier decentralized exchange models by combining fast technology with a strong token structure.
Bitmex CEO noted that approximately 97% of protocol revenue is directed back to token holders through buybacks and emphasized that the project did not include a venture capital allocation. He predicted the HYPE token could reach $150 by August.
He also praised Hyperliquid’s ability to offer 24/7 leveraged trading across crypto and traditional financial assets, including oil, the Nasdaq, and the S&P 500, particularly during periods when traditional markets are closed.
Hayes Sees Growing Demand for Privacy Coins
On privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, Hayes argued that growing connections between governments, large technology firms, and advanced artificial intelligence systems will make blockchain activity increasingly easy to monitor and analyze.
“There is a role for private cash on the internet.”
According to Hayes, demand for financial privacy will continue growing as AI systems become more effective at tracking and de-anonymizing blockchain transactions.
Throughout the discussion, Hayes maintained that altcoins remain an essential part of crypto because they allow developers and entrepreneurs to experiment with new ideas in an open financial system.
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XRP News Today:Speaking at Consensus, Brad Garlinghouse said Ripple is expanding XRP’s role in institutional finance, with the company focused on increasing the token’s adoption, liquidity, and real-world utility across global financial platforms.
Brad said the company’s recent acquisitions and infrastructure investments are aimed at strengthening XRP’s position across trading, payments, and financial platforms used by large institutions.
“Making XRP good collateral across lots of different institutional platforms is a big deal.”
He explained that Ripple’s broader strategy is focused on making XRP more useful within financial markets rather than depending mainly on speculative trading activity. According to him, every major acquisition and product expansion is tied to increasing confidence and usage around the token.
“All the acquisitions we made, all the buildings we’re doing are in service of how do we accelerate the adoption, the usefulness of XRP, the liquidity of XRP, and the trust of XRP.”
The discussion also included the strength of the XRP community, often known as the XRP Army. The Brad credited supporters for remaining active throughout years of legal and market uncertainty and said engagement around the ecosystem is currently at its strongest level.
“The XRP army has been an unbelievable supportive group.”
Despite backing XRP, he rejected the idea that one blockchain network will dominate the crypto industry, saying different chains will continue serving different purposes.
“It’s not going to be a one-chain world. It’s going to be a multi-chain world.”
The remarks come as Ripple increases its focus on institutional products and blockchain-based financial infrastructure while seeking broader adoption for XRP across global markets.
KelpDAO announced it will migrate its rsETH token from LayerZero to Chainlink CCIP after an April 18 exploit that drained 116,500 rsETH, worth about $292 million. The protocol blamed LayerZero’s single verifier setup and lack of warnings during integration. LayerZero CEO Bryan Pellegrino responded that Kelp chose the risky configuration despite guidance to use multiple verifiers. The disagreement has divided the community, with some backing Chainlink’s stronger security model and others raising concerns over both sides.
Internet Computer is regaining momentum as ICP price surged nearly 13% today, making it one of the stronger-performing altcoins during the session. The sharp rally comes as ecosystem developments and improving technical structure bring renewed attention back to the project.
Sentiment strengthened after DFINITY teased its upcoming “cloud engines” initiative ahead of Internet Computer’s fifth anniversary, an announcement many traders view as a major step toward expanding ICP’s role in AI and decentralized cloud infrastructure.
At the same time, ICP price action is beginning to shift technically. After months of sideways consolidation near local lows, the token is now attempting to reclaim a key resistance zone while momentum indicators strengthen rapidly. With narrative momentum and bullish price expansion beginning to align, traders are increasingly watching whether ICP is preparing for a larger breakout phase.
DFINITY’s AI Cloud Expansion Narrative Reignites ICP Momentum
Market attention around Internet Computer accelerated after discussions surrounding DFINITY’s upcoming “cloud engines” demo, which is expected to showcase infrastructure tied to AI agents, decentralized compute systems, and cloud-native applications.
The development is significant because it positions Internet Computer beyond a traditional Layer-1 blockchain narrative and closer to a broader AI-powered decentralized cloud infrastructure ecosystem. Within the crypto market, AI and cloud-related narratives have continued attracting liquidity as investors increasingly rotate toward projects with long-term infrastructure utility.
Supporters of the ecosystem believe ICP could evolve into a decentralized alternative to traditional cloud providers by integrating scalable compute, storage, and AI functionality directly on-chain. The renewed narrative has already started strengthening market sentiment, helping ICP return to trader watchlists after an extended period of weak momentum.
Alongside ecosystem developments, ICP’s deflationary dynamics are also gaining attention. Community-shared data indicates that more than 295,000 ICP tokens have already been burned in 2026, reflecting continued network activity and gradual supply reduction.
While token burns alone do not guarantee price appreciation, they contribute to a broader narrative of tightening supply, particularly during periods where ecosystem utility and participation begin improving simultaneously. The combination of expanding infrastructure ambitions and steady burn activity is helping reinforce ICP’s long-term positioning as sentiment across the ecosystem improves.
ICP Price Pressures Key Resistance as Breakout Structure Forms
ICP token appears to be emerging from a prolonged accumulation phase after spending several months consolidating between roughly $2.4 and $2.8. The structure gained momentum after ICP price rallied nearly 13% intraday, allowing price to break above its recent consolidation range while reclaiming short-term moving averages. The move signals renewed buyer aggression and suggests momentum may finally be shifting after an extended period of weakness.
Moreover, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has also pushed higher toward bullish territory, reflecting strengthening buying pressure as volatility begins expanding. The immediate resistance level now sits near $3.1, where horizontal resistance aligns closely with the descending 200-day moving average. This zone remains the key breakout trigger for bulls.
A confirmed breakout above $3.1 could shift overall market structure bullish in the near term and potentially open the path toward the next resistance levels around $4 to $5. However, rejection from the breakout zone may temporarily push ICP back into consolidation. For now, price action suggests that ICP is attempting to transition from accumulation into an early expansion phase.
Can ICP Sustain Its Recovery Momentum?
Internet Computer (ICP) is beginning to transition from prolonged consolidation into an early recovery structure as bullish narrative momentum and technical strength start aligning. The recent 13% surge has strengthened breakout expectations, with traders now closely watching the $3.1 resistance zone. A confirmed move above that level could accelerate upside momentum toward higher resistance areas, while rejection may temporarily extend consolidation. For now, improving sentiment, ongoing ICP burns, and strengthening price action suggest momentum is gradually shifting back toward bulls.
A major breakthrough for crypto regulation in the U.S. may be just weeks away. Senator Bernie Moreno has signaled that the long-awaited Digital Asset Market Clarity Act could be signed into law before July 4.
With growing political support, industry backing, and rising market confidence, the bill is now closer than ever to becoming a reality.
Clarity Act Moves Closer to Final Approval
Speaking at the Solana Accelerate event, Senator Bernie Moreno said the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is now nearing its final stages.
Moreno confirmed strong progress on the bill, stating,
“we passed the GENIUS Act, next week we’re going to mark up the CLARITY Act in the Senate, which is a big deal.”
He said that the key part of the bill involving disagreements over stablecoin yields is now resolved following the recent compromise led by Senators Tillis and Alsobrooks that has helped move things forward.
The proposal has gained support from major industry leaders, including Brian Armstrong, though traditional banks remain divided on the details.
July 4 CLARITY Act Could Become Law
During the event, he added that lawmakers are working to finalize the bill quickly, aiming to send it to Donald Trump’s desk.
He stated that the bill will reach, “the President’s desk before the end of June” and be “signed into law before July 4.”
However, the markup schedule has not yet been announced. Even so, experts anticipate that the Senate markup on the CLARITY Act will begin in May.
Moreno further said there are some process issues. He explained that many committees are involved, so everything needs to be put together in one simple plan. Even so, he believes it will be approved quickly.
Strong Political Support Builds Momentum
Financial investor Paul Barron struck a more optimistic tone. He suggested that even if banks make a last-minute effort to slow the CLARITY Act, the markup is still expected to take place on May 11.
Regardless of whether the banks are making one last-ditch effort to stifle the Clarity Act, the Markup happens on the 11th of May – get ready.https://t.co/7JuJL9tKfA
Meanwhile, pro-crypto lawmakers, including Cynthia Lummis, have promoted the legislation as key to keeping innovation within the United States.
Moreno also credited Donald Trump for speeding up progress in crypto regulation, pointing to a broader shift toward a more supportive policy environment.
Following this positive momentum, Polymarket shows growing confidence, with market pricing in a 67% chance that the bill will be signed into law this year.
Genius Terminal has deployed its Gh0st privacy stack on BNB Chain, introducing a trading infrastructure tool designed to obscure on-chain activity from public observers while remaining verifiable by regulators.
The system routes trade execution through multiple intermediate wallets, breaking the visible link between a user’s primary wallet and their actual trading activity. Orders are fragmented and distributed across dozens of addresses, making it significantly harder for outside parties to track positions or replicate strategies through copy trading.
How It Works
The mechanism separates a user’s identity from their execution pathway. Rather than trading directly from a primary wallet, orders pass through intermediate routing addresses before reaching the market. The private keys for each wallet remain under the user’s local control throughout the process.
Complex orchestration across dozens of wallets enabling individuals to move in silence, killing copy trading and maintaining anonymity. pic.twitter.com/VEBMWst6ZR
The effect is that positions and trading intent become difficult to observe from the outside, while the underlying transactions remain recorded on the blockchain and accessible to regulators for compliance verification.
Genius Terminal describes this as compliant privacy, a distinction it draws deliberately from traditional privacy tools that aim for complete anonymity. The company’s stated position is that privacy should mean protection from public observation, not removal from the ledger entirely.
“Privacy should not mean opacity,” the team said in a statement. “It should mean protection.”
The Copy Trading Problem
Copy trading, where participants mirror the on-chain activity of successful wallets in real time, has become a significant concern for sophisticated traders who find their strategies front-run or replicated before they can fully execute. By fragmenting orders across multiple wallets and pathways, Gh0st makes it substantially harder for copy trading bots and observers to identify and mirror positions as they are being built.
Backing and Market Context
The project has received backing from YZi Labs and counts Binance co-founder CZ as an advisor. Gh0st’s token has already been listed on Binance Alpha and derivatives markets.
The launch arrives as regulators globally are paying increasing attention to privacy tools in the crypto space.
The bittensor price prediction turned sharply bullish after Grayscale and Bitwise both submitted spot TAO ETF filings on April 28, sending TAO up 5.4% in a single session while volume jumped over 50%.
Bittensor (TAO) now trades at $289, Worldcoin (WLD) holds near $0.24, and both carry real adoption. But market caps above $2.7 billion cap how much upside a single event can deliver.
That is why capital keeps flowing toward the Pepeto presale at Pepetoswap, where $9.79 million has entered, and the Binance listing draws closer every day.
Grayscale and Bitwise File Spot TAO ETFs as Institutional Capital Targets AI Crypto
Grayscale submitted its S-1 to convert its Bittensor Trust into a spot TAO ETF, and Bitwise followed with its own filing the same day, according to CoinMarketCap. The network generated $43 million in AI service revenue during Q1 2026, the December 2025 halving cut daily supply from 7,200 to 3,600 TAO, and Polychain Capital holds $200 million in TAO exposure.
Two ETF filings on the same day signal that institutions view AI crypto as long term. But TAO at $289 with a $3.1 billion cap leaves limited room for portfolio changing returns, and presale pricing at $0.0000001868 carries distance that established caps cannot reach.
TAO, WLD, and the Presale Opportunity: Pepeto
Pepeto: The Presale Building Real Returns While ETF Capital Arrives Late to AI Tokens
The cofounder behind the original Pepe token leads Pepeto alongside a developer who spent years building exchange systems inside Binance. SolidProof completed a full contract review before the presale opened, and $9.79 million followed during a quarter where most new projects failed to raise anything.
PepetoSwap handles trades at zero cost across three chains, the bridge transfers funds between Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana without fees, and a built in AI layer checks each contract for hidden risks before a wallet commits capital. Every trade, every bridge transfer, and every risk check feeds the native token, so usage grows the asset directly.
Bittensor generates $43 million in quarterly revenue from AI services, and Pepeto is building the same kind of real usage loop around trading instead of compute. At $0.0000001868, every wallet that enters today holds a cost basis, the entire market will reprice the moment Binance opens the pair.
Staking at 175% APY keeps growing those positions in the background, quietly, while most of crypto argues about rate cuts and ETF timelines. The wallets inside this presale are not waiting for permission from the macro. They already made the call.
Bittensor (TAO) Price at $289 as Dual ETF Filings Lift Institutional Demand
Bittensor (TAO) trades at $289 per CoinMarketCap, up 0.74% in the last 24 hours and 16% over the past week. The token recovered after the Covenant AI subnet exit pushed it down 23% in one week, and the dual ETF filings from Grayscale and Bitwise reignited buying pressure. With 67% of the total supply locked in staking, roughly 3 million TAO trade freely on the open market.
Changelly targets $388 to $472 for the Bittensor price prediction in 2026, roughly 35% to 64% above current levels. Strong returns for a large cap, but a small fraction of what presale pricing at $0.0000001868 delivers from a single Binance listing.
Worldcoin (WLD) Price at $0.24 as 18 Million Verified Users Meet Falling Token Supply
Worldcoin (WLD) trades at $0.24 per CoinDesk, sitting just above its $0.23 all time low. The network holds 18 million verified humans across 160 countries, and Eightco Holdings committed $270 million to hold WLD as a treasury asset. Daily token emissions drop 43% on July 24, removing the largest source of steady sell pressure.
Conclusion
Two major asset managers filed spot TAO ETFs on the same day, and Bittensor posted $43 million in Q1 revenue, proving AI crypto carries substance. TAO at $289 and WLD at $0.24 both hold strong data, but neither can deliver the distance between $0.0000001868 and a Binance debut price.
Pepeto still sits at presale cost with 175% APY staking growing positions daily while the exchange launch approaches. When this round closes, the price resets higher, and the current entry disappears permanently.
One wallet that put $8,000 into Shiba Inu in January 2021 cashed out $9 million by August, and Pepeto at $0.0000001868 with a working exchange and confirmed listing carries the same kind of distance those early Shiba Inu entries held. Getting in through Pepetoswap.com now is the difference between holding that distance and watching it close from the outside.
What does the Bittensor price prediction show for 2026 after the Grayscale and Bitwise ETF filings?
Bittensor (TAO) at $289 holds 164% upside to its $757 all time high, and the dual ETF filings alongside $43 million in Q1 AI revenue remove barriers for institutional capital. Pepeto at presale pricing targets returns from a single Binance listing that no $3.1 billion cap can match.
What is Pepeto, and why is it gaining attention alongside Bittensor and Worldcoin?
Pepeto is a meme coin presale at $0.0000001868 with $9.79 million raised, a zero fee exchange, SolidProof audit, and 175% APY staking before a Binance listing. The original Pepe cofounder leads the project with a former Binance exchange developer.
Fenerbahçe'nin efsane başkanı Aziz Yıldırım'ın bugün saat 14:00'te AA'ya yazılı bir açıklama göndererek aday olacağını açıklayacağına dair bize de istihbarat geldi. Ancak Mehmet Ali Aydınlar'ın aday olmayacağını yazdığımız gibi Yıldırım'ın da son anda geri adım atabileceğini düşünmemize neden olan bazı ayrıntılar var.
Herkes Mehmet Ali Aydınlar için "kesin aday" diyordu. Fotospor ise 30 Nisan'da "aday olmayabilir" haberini yaptı. Acıbadem'in patronunun çekilmesinin ana nedeni olarak, Aziz Yıldırım'ın 'dilinin kemiği olmayan' muhalefeti gösterildi. Ancak asıl neden Fotospor'un da belirttiği gibi genç isimlerden Aydınlar'a beklediği desteğin gelmemesi olduğu iddia edildi. Buna göre genç işadamları 3 Temmuz süreci yüzünden Aydınlar'la aynı safta yer alarak gelecekte başkan adaylığı şanslarını riske atmak istemediler.
Aziz Yıldırım için de sabahtan akşama "aday" olacak haberleri yapılıyor. Bize de bu haberler geldi. Hatta bugün saat 14:00'te AA'ya bir yazı göndererek adaylığını açıklamasını biz de bekliyoruz. Ancak "aday olmayabilir" kısmını da bir kenara not düşelim. Aldığımız istihbarata göre nedenleri:
- Sadece Hakan Safi'nin olduğu bir başkanlık yarışına girmek zorunda kalacak gibi duruyor. Seveni kada sevmeyeni de çok... Safi'ye kaybetme ihtimali var.
- Ali Koç faktörü var. Koç, Safi'yi desteklemiyor ama "Aziz Yıldırım olacağına..." diyerek kendisine bağlı olduğu tahmin edilen 7-8 bin blok oyu harekete geçirebilir.
- Yıldırım, "Aykut Kocaman" derken Safi, "Xabi Alonso ile anlaştım bir de Rafael Leao'yu bitirdim" derse özellikle genç kongre üyelerininin kararını tahmin etmek çok zor değil.
- En önemlisi ise Safi'nin başkan olmasını isteyen, destek olan, hadi diyen çok önemli isimler var. Yıldırım da bunların farkında. Onları karşısına almak istemeyebilir.
Aday olur ve seçilirse Aziz Yıldırım'ın çalışacağı teknik direktör Aykut Kocaman olarak öne çıktı. Ancak Kocaman'ın Asensio ile ilgili söyledikleri taraftar arasında "Alex gibi istemez" çığlıklarına neden oldu.
Henüz adaylığını açıklamayan Aziz Yıldırım'ın seçilmesi halinde teknik direktör adayının Aykut Kocaman olduğu iddia edildi. Ancak efsane başkana yakın isimlere göre Yıldırım, teknik direktörlük konusunda herhangi bir isimle görüşmedi.
Aykut Kocaman seçim dönemlerinde hiçbir adayla yürümedi. Bunu prensip kararı olarak aldı. Ancak Fenerbahçe’nin ihtiyaç duyması halinde hiçbir zaman hayır demeyeceği özellikle de Başkan Yıldırım'a hayır demeyeceği biliniyor.
Bu arada Kocaman'ın ocak ayında verdiği röportajda söylediği, “Asensio'nun Fenerbahçe'ye gelmesini takıma akıl ve kalite katacağı için çok istemiştim ancak tempo konusunda aynı şeyi söyleyemem” açıklaması ise Fenerbahçe tarafarların kafasında yer eti.
Pek çok taraftar Alex De Souza'yı gönderen isim olarak hatırladıkları Kocaman'ın gelirse Asensio ile çalışmayacağını iddia etmeye başladı bile.
Olympiakos, EuroLeague play-off serisinde Monaco'yu yenip Final Four'a yükseldi. Fenerbahçe Beko bu akşam Zalgris'i elerse Atina'da Olympiakos'un rakibi olacak.
Olympiakos, EuroLeague play-off serisinde Monaco’yu 105-82 mağlup ederek seriyi 3-0 kazandı ve Final Four’a yükselen ilk takım oldu. Fenerbahçe Beko, Zalgris’i elemesi halinde Olympiakos’un rakibi olacak.
Fenerbahçe Beko, İstanbul’da oynanan ilk iki maçı kazanarak seride 2-0 öne geçti. Final Four bileti için sarı-lacivertlilerin bir galibiyete daha ihtiyacı var. Serinin üçüncü maçı bu akşam Zalgiris Kaunas'ın ev sahipliğinde, Zalgirio Arena'da oynanacak.
Final Four organizasyonu bu yıl komşuda düzenleniyor. Eğer Fenerbahçe turu geçerse, Olympiakos ile Atina'da rakibinin "evinde" çok kritik bir maça çıkacak.
Fenerbahçe'nin beğenmediği Livakovic'e Premier Lig'den Crystal Palace talip oldu.
Hırvatistan'tan Germinjak gazetesine göre Livakovic’in, Dinamo Zagreb'de devam etme ihtimali her geçen gün düşüyor. Crystal Palace’ın teklifiyle Premier Lig’e gidebilir. Fenerbahçe yaklaşık 5 milyon euro istiyor ve transfer tüm taraflar için uygun görünüyor.
Dünya Kupası'nda Hırvatis'an Milli Takımı'nın kalesini koruması beklenen Livakovic geçen sezon sonunda gösterdiği performans yüzünden gönderildi. Sezonun ilk yarısında Girona'da hayal kırıklığı yarattı. Ancak Dinamo Zagreb'de eski performansını yakaladı.
Galatasaray tribünleri Icardi'ye veda için Antalyaspor maçında uzun süre konuşulacak bir organizasyon hazırlığında.
Amedspor'un da şartları zorladığı Mauro Icardi için Latin Amerika'dan ve Avrupa'dan da bazı takımlar takipte... tek gerçek ise Mauro Icardi'nin gelecek sezon Galatasaray forması giymeyecek olması. Ancak bu Süper Lig'de devam etmeyecek anlamına gelmiyor.
Bu arada Antalyaspor maçı yalnızca bir şampiyonluk maçı değil; aynı zamanda Icardi'ye de bir veda maçı niteliğinde olacak. Taraftar grupları daha şimdiden Icardi için unutulmayacak bir veda töreni hazırlıyor. Gelen bilgilere göre soğuk kanlılığı ile tanınan Arjantinli yıldız bile maçtan sonra göz yaşlarını tutamayacak. Öyle dokunaklı bir veda olacak.
Icardi’nin Galatasaray ile özdeşleşen figürüne yakışır koreografiler ve besteler hazırlandığı konuşuluyor.
Sergen Yalçın, Konyaspor hezimeti sonrası "çocukların oyunundan memnunum" dedi. İstatistikler ise %59 topla oynayıp, rakip ceza sahasına 47 kez giren bir takımın net bir tane bile gol pozisyonu üretemediğini Beşiktaş'ın hocasının önüne serdi.
Beşiktaş evinde tek umudu olan Türkiye Kupası yolunda Konyaspor'a yenilip, "ellerim bomboş" sezonunu tamamladı. "istifa" rüzgarı estiren Sergen Yalçın maçtan sonra "çocukların oyunundan memnunum" diyerek şaşırttı. Çünkü istatistikler bambaşka konuşuyor.
Beşiktaş %59 topla oynayıp, rakip ceza sahasına 47 kez girmesine rağmen, maçı koca bir "sıfır" ile kapattı. Maç boyunca net bir gol pozisyonu üretemezken, Konyaspor yakaladığı 2 fırsatın birini değerlendirmeyi başardı. 16 şutun sadece 1 tanesi kaleyi buldu. 10 şut dışarı giderken, 5 şut defansa takıldı. Bu, hücum hattının ne kadar plansız ve etkisiz olduğunun kanıtı.
Sadece bu kadar değil; 18 dripling denemesinin sadece 7’sinde başarı sağlandı (%39). Tam 31 orta yapıldı, ancak sadece 6 tanesi yerini buldu (%19).
İstatistikler Sergen Yalçın'ın aksine Beşiktaş’ın rakip ceza sahasında etkisiz, zayıf ve yaratıcılıktan uzak bir takım olduğunu işaret etti.
Gençlerbirliği ya da Konyaspor, Türkiye Kupa'sını kazanırsa Beşiktaş gelecek sezon Konferans Ligi'ne kadar düşecek. Şu an için Konferans Ligi'nin play-off'unda bile seribaşı değil. Olası rakipler arasında Atalanta ve Marsilya'nın olması "eyvah" dedirtiyor.
Beşiktaş, Türkiye Kupası yarı finalinde Konyaspor'a yenilerek kupaya veda etti. Bu sonuçla siyah-beyazlılar sezonun ilk maçına 23 Temmuz'da çıkması kesinleşti.
Bu tarihte oynayacağı maçın Avrupa Ligi mi yoksa Konferans Ligi mi olacağını ise Trabzonspor'un kupayı kazanıp kazanamaması belirleyecek.
Bordo-mavililer kupaya uzanırsa Beşiktaş bu sezon olduğu gibi UEFA Avrupa Ligi 2. eleme turundan turnuvaya katılacak.
Gençlerbirliği ya da Konyaspor kupayı kazanırsa Beşiktaş bu sezon Konferans Ligi'nden elemelere katılacak.
Avrupa'daki puan durumu dikkate alındığında Beşiktaş, Konferans Ligi play-off turunda bile seribaşı olamıyor.
Yerel kupaların sonuçları Beşiktaş'ı seribaşı yapabilir. Fakat seribaşı olamadığı (yani şu an için) olası rakipler çok güçlü.
Beşiktaş bir anda karıştı. Sergen Yalçın, "sorumluluğu benim veya yönetimin alması doğal" diyerek Konyaspor hezimetinde sorumluluk paylaşımı istedi. Ancak Serdal Adalı ve yönetimi istifa etmeyecek. Sergen Yalçın bırakırsa da "dur" demeyecek.
Sergen Yalçın'ın Konyaspor maçından sonra yaptığı açıklamalar, "dobracı" tavrının devamı oldu. Satır aralarını Beşiktaş ve Türk futbolu dinamikleriyle okuduğumuzda ise durum bambaşka.
Sergen Yalçın, "sorumluluğu benim veya yönetimin alması doğal" ifadesiyle işin bittiğini itiraf etti. Ancak başarısızlığın faturasının sadece kendisine değil, yönetime de kesilmesini istedi. Yönetimle arasındaki "kan uyuşmazlığını" itiraf etti.
Bazılarına göre "başka yönetimle çalışmak istiyor" bazılarına göre de, "mevcut şartlar ve vizyonla sürdürülebilirlik kalmadı" mesajını vermeyi istedi.
Yalçın'ın bu sözlerinden sonra Serdal Adalı yönetiminin de istifa kararı alabileceği konuşuluyordu. Ancak yönetim şu an için istifa ya da benzeri bir karar almayı düşünmüyor. Yalçın istifa ederse kabul etmeyi planlıyor.
Konyaspor hezimetinden sonra "2 hafta kala bırakırsak ayıp olur" diyen Sergen Yalçın'ın "profesyonellik" yapmadığı aslında "işim atık bitti, sadece etik olarak buradayım" demek istediği iddia edildi. Yalçın'ın zihinsel olarak istifa ettiği ancak tazminat beklediği de Beşiktaş camiasında konuşulmaya başlandı.
Beşiktaş Teknik Direktörü Sergen Yalçın, Konyaspor faciasından sonra yaptığı açıklamalarla "açık kapı" bıraktı. Topu yönetime atmaktan da çekinmedi:
- Taraftar istifa diye bağırabilir. Başarısızlıkta sorumluluğu benim veya yönetimin alması doğal. 2 maçı oynamak zorundayız.
- Ayıp olur 2 hafta kala bırakırsak. Taraftarımız bırakmamı istiyorsa bırakırız. Hiç ondan yana şüpheniz olmasın.
Yalçın bu sözlerle sorumluluğu tek başına üzerine almayıp yanına yönetimi de ekledi. Serdal Adalı ve ekibini de ateşe ateşe attı. "Bu takımı ben kurmadım" demedi. Daha önce defalarca söylemişti. Ortam sıcakken kadro planlamasını şikayet etmedi. Ancak istifa denince "ederim" demeye getirdi.
"2 hafta kala bırakırsak ayıp olur" sözü ise profesyonellik olarak algılanmadı. Pek çoklarına göre "işim atık bitti, sadece etik olarak buradayım" anlamı çıkıyor.
İddialara göre bu söylemiyle Sergen Yalçın, zihinsel olarak takımla bağını kopardığını ancak tazminat veya prestij gibi sebeplerden dolayı sezon sonunu beklediğinin göstergesi anlamına geliyor.
Konyaspor mağlubiyetinin ardından Beşiktaş Teknik Direktörü Sergen Yalçın için "İstifa" tezahüratları yapılırken, soyunma odasında yaşananlarla ilgili dikkat çeken bir iddia ortaya atıldı.
Bayern Münih, devre arası transfer döneminde satın alma opsiyonuyla Galatasaray'a kiraladığı Sacha Boey'u kadrosunda tutmayacak. Alman basınında yer alan haberde, Sacha Boey için "Bayern'de bir geleceği yok." denildi.
NBA play-offlarında konferans yarı finalleri salı gecesi oynanan iki karşılaşmayla başladı. Oklahoma City Thunder ile Detroit Pistons, serilerinin ilk maçlarında etkileyici galibiyetler alarak avantajı ele geçirdi.
Sadettin Saran yönetiminin Serhou Guirassy, Harry Wilson ve Alejandro Grimaldo ile görüştüğü ancak bu transferlerle ilgili son kararı yeni gelecek yönetime bıraktığı öğrenildi.
Fenerbahçe'de Skriniar, Asensio ve Talisca'nın Konya maçı öncesi takımla toplantı yaptığı ve "Futbolda sürprizler vardır. Biz maçımızı kazanalım. Geçen hafta olduğu gibi bir fırsat daha kapımızı çalabilir" ifadelerini kullandıkları öğrenildi.
Beşiktaş, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası yarı finalinde konuk ettiği Konyaspor'a 90+8'de yediği penaltı golüyle 1-0 mağlup oldu. Spor yazarlarından Sinan Vardar, Beşiktaş-Konyaspor maçını Fotomaç'taki köşesinde değerlendirdi.
Kemerburgaz'da olağanüstü hal... Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk, Antalya maçı öncesi vitesi yükseltti. Samsun yenilgisinin ardından hata istemeyen tecrübeli teknik adam, karşılaşmayı derbi ciddiyetiyle hazırlıyor. Hedef: Kazan, 26. şampiyonluğu taraftarınla kutla!
Beşiktaş, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası yarı finalinde konuk ettiği Konyaspor'a 90+8'de yediği penaltı golüyle 1-0 mağlup oldu. Spor yazarlarından Sinan Vardar, Beşiktaş-Konyaspor maçını Fotomaç'taki köşesinde değerlendirdi.
Beşiktaş, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası yarı finalinde konuk ettiği Konyaspor'a 90+8'de yediği penaltı golüyle 1-0 mağlup oldu. Spor yazarları, Beşiktaş-Konyaspor maçını değerlendirdi.
“Yuventus”un futbolçusu Kenan Yıldız karyerasını İspaniyada davam etdirə bilər.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Real” türkiyəli yarımmüdafiəçinin xidmətində maraqlıdır. Bu barədə “La Gazetta dello Sport” nəşri məlumat yayıb. Madrid təmsilçisinin rəhbəri Florentino Peres Kenanın oyununu çox bəyənir və onu komandada görmək istəyir.
Tərəflər arasında yayda danışıqların olacağı ehtimal edilir.
Yıldız bu mövsüm A Seriyasında 34 oyunda 10 qol vurub, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.
Misli Premyer Liqasında XXXI turda 9 may, saat 19:30-da baş tutacaq “Sumqayıt” – “Araz-Naxçıvan” matçının biletləri satışa çıxıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “kimyaçılar”ın mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Biletləri “iTicket.az”, 1 saylı Sumqayıt ASAN Xidmət mərkəzi, oyun günü saat 14:00-dan etibarən isə Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına stadionun kassasından əldə edə bilərsiniz.
Qeyd edək ki, biletlərin qiyməti sektorlardan asılı olaraq 2, 3, 5 və 10 manatdır.
PSJ-nin futbolçusu Xviça Kvaratsxeliyanın qardaşı Tornike Xvaratsxeliya daha bir klubun diqqət mərkəzinə düşüb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Bavariya” Gürcüstanın “Dinamo” klubunda çıxış edən 16 yaşlı hücumçu ilə maraqlanır. Bu barədə “La Gazetta dello Sport” nəşri məlumat yayıb.
Daha əvvəl İtaliyanın “Yuventus” və “Napoli” klubunun Tornikeni izlədiyi bildirilib.
Hücumçu bu gün Çempionlar Liqasında keçiriləcək “Bavariya” – PSJ oyununu izləmək üçün “Allianz Arena”da olacaq. Münhen klubunun rəhbərliyi matç ərəfəsində futbolçu ilə görüşməyi planlaşdırır.
“Portu” icarə əsasında komandada çıxış edən Yakub Kiviorun transfer hüquqlarını alıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Portuqaliya klubu yarımmüdafiəçi üçün müqavilə ilə məxsus olduğu “Arsenal”a 17 milyon avro ödəyəcək.
“Neftçi” Misli Premyer Liqasında növbəti qələbəsini qazandı. “Ağ-qaralar” səfərdə autsayder “Karvan-Yevlax”a inamlı hesabla – 3:0-la qalib gəldi. Xallarını 50-yə çatdıran bakılılar 4-cü pillədəki mövqeyini qorudu.
Ötən turda “Qarabağ” üzərində qazanılan qələbədən sonra eyforiyaya qapılmayan, yevlaxlılarla duelə də ciddi yanaşan “Neftçi” yaxşı çıxışla arzuladığı üç xalı qazandı.
Paytaxt klubunun qarşıda finala bərabər üç oyunu var. Komanda 4-cü yeri tutsa belə, avrokuboklara vəsiqə qazanması özündən asılı deyil. “Sabah”ın kubokda “Zirə”ni məğlub etməsi, “ağ-qaralar” üçün Konfrans Liqası “bileti” verəcək. Əksi olacağı halda, komanda avrokuboklardan kənarda qalacaq.
Autsayder “Karvan-Yevlax” isə I Liqaya bir addım da yaxınlaşdı. Yevlax təmsilçisi rəqibinə yalnız yarımsaat müqavimət göstərə bildi. Qarşıda üç oyun var və yevlaxlıların 11-ci “Qəbələ” ilə arasındakı xal fərqi 6-dır. Komandaların bir-biri ilə də dueli var. Ancaq autsayder liqada qalmaq şansını davam etdirə bilməkçün oyuna qədər xal fərqini üçə endirməlidir. İndiki məqamda gedişat “Qəbələ”nin lehinədir.
Ümumilikdə, Füzuli Məmmədovun yetirmələrinin riyazi olaraq pley-off şansları davam edir. Lakin sərgilənən oyun, heyətin keyfiyyəti onları “Qəbələ”dən bir addım geridə saxlayır.
Azərbaycan millisinin futbolçusu Renat Dadaşov mövsümün sonunda Polşanı tərk edəcək. Msport.az yerli mətbuata istinadən xəbər verir ki, 26 yaşlı hücumçu […]
“Çelsi” Çempionlar Liqasına vəsiqə qazana bilməsə oyunçuların maaşlarında ciddi azalmalar olacaq. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, turnirə vəsiqə qazanmaq oyunçulara təxminən […]
“Arsenal” 55 il əvvəlki rekordunu təkrarlayıb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, “topçular” buna UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının yarımfinal mərhələsinin cavab oyununda “Atletiko”nu […]
UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında ikinci finalçı müəyyənləşəcək. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, yarımfinal mərhələsinin ikinci cavab oyununda “Bavariya” PSJ-ni qəbul edəcək. Qarşılaşma […]
This summer transfer window is expected to be one of the busiest for Manchester United.
They are in the market for strengthen several positions with midfield and the centre-back position high on their priority list.
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Now, another position is receiving attention from the recruitment team at Old Trafford as they feel a new, long term replacement of Luke Shaw is needed at the club.
Although Luke Shaw has recently returned to form and fitness, United simply cannot rely on him alone given the grueling, expanded European schedule awaiting them next year.
That is why Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert has become their target ahead of the summer transfer window.
Man United interested in promising left-back
According to reports from TEAMtalk, the 24-year-old Bournemouth defender has rapidly emerged as a primary target after establishing himself as one of the standout full-backs in the Premier League this season.
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Interestingly, Truffert had been on United’s radar over the past year, but he simply didn’t fit the tactical blueprint under former manager Ruben Amorim.
He has started every single Premier League match for the Cherries, chipping in with a crucial goal and three assists.
If the Cherries demand an astronomical fee, the Red Devils are keeping a close eye on several high-profile alternatives. The shortlist reportedly includes Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, and Arsenal’s highly-rated Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Adding a dynamic, reliable left-back like Truffert would be a massive step toward building a squad actually capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
If the Red Devils can successfully negotiate this deal, the left flank of Old Trafford is going to be incredibly exciting to watch next season.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has given credit to the improved form of Viktor Gyokeres in recent games after a particularly strong display in last night’s Champions League semi-final.
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Henry admits he’s been critical of Gyokeres at times, but he now feels that the former Sporting Lisbon man is proving him and his other critics wrong by becoming more of a real number 9 that opponents fear.
Watch below for Henry’s analysis…
Thierry Henry gives the Arsenal team their flowers after they make their first #UCL final since he played for the club in 2006 ??? pic.twitter.com/dlZpHPO1tm
— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2026
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Thierry Henry on Viktor Gyokeres
Discussing Gyokeres, Henry said: “You know, I’m old school, show me what you can do and I’ll say it.
“If you’re not playing well I’ll say you’re not playing well. For a very long time, for example, if I take the example of Gyokeres, the jury was out on him.
“It’s not a bad thing – embrace it, try to prove people wrong. Tonight he did, not only tonight but in the last month.
“I will give him his credit. He’s running, he looks solid, he looks a bit more like a number 9 you can be scared of.”
The Frenchman also praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and the players for seeming to adapt better to Gyokeres by looking for him early and doing more to get the best out of his strengths.
Viktor Gyokeres’ first Arsenal season in numbers
Gyokeres stats
Games
Goals
Assists
Arsenal 2025/26
51
21
3
Gyokeres hasn’t always looked that convincing in a red and white shirt, having been an absolute goal machine at former club Sporting.
Still, the 27-year-old has managed an impressive 21 goals in 51 games in all competitions, which isn’t bad considering it’s his first season with a new club in a new league.
Gyokeres has also managed five goals in the Champions League to help the Gunners reach only their second ever final.
Marcus Rashford’s future has been up in the air for a while, but the situation is getting seriously complicated.
After spending this season out on loan at Barcelona, it originally looked like the Manchester United academy graduate was destined to stay in Spain long-term.
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However, a major rift is reportedly developing between the two heavyweights over finances.
That has given other clubs a major boost to target a move for Rashford and one of the clubs closely monitoring the England international is Premier League leaders Arsenal, according to Daily Mail.
Marcus Rashford faces uncertainty over his career
To be fair to Rashford, the change of scenery has definitely helped him reset his career.
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He has chipped in with 13 goals in 45 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions.
However, manager Hansi Flick has mostly used him as a rotation option, handing him just 15 starts in La Liga.
The real issue, though, is the money. Barcelona have an option to make the move permanent for £26 million, but their well-documented financial troubles are making them seriously hesitate.
Man United just want him off the wage bill. With the Red Devils qualifying for the Champions League next season, Rashford’s salary would automatically jump to a staggering £325,000 per week.
United simply cannot afford to carry that massive financial burden for a player who isn’t even in their long-term plans.
Arsenal have entered the race for Man United attacker
This is exactly where Mikel Arteta and Arsenal step into the picture. As Barcelona and Man United continue to haggle over the £26 million fee, the Gunners are quietly monitoring the situation, ready to pounce if the deal completely collapses.
Adding a player with Rashford’s blistering pace, Premier League pedigree, and big-game experience could be a massive coup for an Arsenal side looking to solidify their status as top-tier contenders.
If Arsenal decide to pull the trigger and meet the asking price, we could very well see Rashford back in the Premier League, playing for one of Man United’s biggest rivals.
However, nothing has been fully agreed yet due to uncertainty over whether Tottenham can stay in the Premier League, which could lead to other clubs joining the race.
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool could be set to try to get in ahead of their rivals, with there still seemingly being no clarity on Ibrahima Konate staying and signing a new contract at Anfield.
Marcos Senesi transfer looks like a good opportunity for top clubs
Even if Senesi isn’t the biggest name in world football, he’s a quality player with Premier League experience who’s about to be available on a free transfer.
Tottenham could certainly do well to add someone like that to their squad for next season after flirting with relegation this term.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, have also had a disappointing season by their high standards, with Champions League qualification still not entirely guaranteed yet.
It seems clear the Reds would benefit from strengthening at the back after conceding 47 league goals – more than the likes of Everton and Crystal Palace, and 21 more than league leaders Arsenal.
Bournemouth to lose more star players?
Bournemouth saw Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez leave last summer, while Antoine Semenyo then joined Manchester City in January.
The Cherries now look set to lose Senesi for nothing, while there’ll likely be speculation over other star players such as Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.
Meanwhile, manager Andoni Iraola is also leaving his position as he’ll also be out of contract this summer.
Manchester United have secured Champions League football for next season and their target for next season is achieved.
But as the dust settles on an intensely demanding campaign under interim boss Michael Carrick, the club’s hierarchy is already looking ahead to a massive summer rebuild.
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They need a clever summer transfer window and a lot of positions will be on their agenda.
The midfield issues are there for all to see and it is clear that the Red Devils will target new midfielders in the summer.
Man United are looking to sign a new centre-back
Latest report has suggested that even signing a new centre-back has become a priority at Old Trafford ahead of the transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Man United have made signing a new, elite centre-back their absolute number one priority for the upcoming transfer window.
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To understand exactly why the United board is so desperate to splash the cash on a central defender, you just have to look at the absolute injury nightmare they’ve endured this season.
While young talents like Leny Yoro have stepped up admirably in crucial, high-pressure moments, like coming off the bench to lock down that massive win against Liverpool and veterans like Harry Maguire have consistently put their bodies on the line, the sheer lack of structural consistency has been a massive headache.
You simply cannot mount a sustained Premier League title challenge or survive deep, grueling Champions League knockout runs when you are forced to field a different centre-back partnership every single weekend due to nagging muscle injuries.
Now that Carrick has brilliantly steered the ship back into Europe’s elite competition, Man United once again hold the ultimate bargaining chip.
Elite, highly sought-after defenders want to play under the Champions League lights.
Furthermore, the massive financial windfall that naturally comes with UEFA qualification means the club’s sporting directors won’t be forced to bargain hunt in the market, they can legitimately target a marquee, world-class defensive anchor who can immediately slot into the starting XI and provide some much-needed physicality and leadership.
Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and other defenders have all struggled with injuries this season and United are looking for someone more reliable in the market.
The World Cup is the biggest stage in football, and a chance for the top players to prove their worth. There will be a whole host of stars from the Premier League heading to North America this summer, looking to do the business, and we’ve picked out some of those who could make the difference for their respective nations.
Elliot Anderson
For the last couple of seasons, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has established himself as one of the top-flight’s leading players in his position. This has allowed the Whitley Bay-born star to secure the role next to Declan Rice in England’s central midfield. The Three Lions start as one of the favourites to win the tournament according to the latest online World Cup betting, and if Anderson can transfer his league form to the competition, they have a great chance of success.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is in the running to be named the Premier League’s player of the season due to his stellar form for Manchester United. The Portuguese number ten continues to excel, regardless of United’s form, and he also plays a key role for his country. The talk is often about Cristiano Ronaldo, but in Fernandes, Portugal have another genuine world-class talent who can make the difference on the pitch by scoring a goal or finding the right pass.
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Antoine Semenyo
Last season, Antoine Semenyo started to show what he’s truly capable of at the top level of the English game, and he continued that form into the current campaign. Even before he joined Manchester City in January, the Ghana star was doing the business with goals and assists. Since arriving in Manchester, he’s taken his game to another level, and the Black Stars will be relying on him to help them compete in and progress out of Group L, a group that also features England.
Igor Thiago
Rewind a season, and people would have scoffed at the mere suggestion that Brentford striker Igor Thiago could be on the plane to represent Brazil at the World Cup this summer. Serious injury halted Thiago’s start to life in the Premier League, but this season he’s delivered an impressive goals return of 21 in 33, and is only second to Erling Haaland in the goalscoring charts. The 24-year-old is brimming with confidence and will be looking to take that into the tournament.
Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez has been one of Argentina’s most important and dependable players in recent times, as proven by his displays at the 2022 World Cup. Argentina ran out winners of that tournament, with Martinez showing up in the big moments, and in the final especially. The Aston Villa keeper sets the tone for the rest of the team, and if La Albiceleste are to defend their crown, they will need Martinez to be that big presence he’s shown he can be once again.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a whole raft of Premier League players will be dreaming of what’s to come. The players mentioned above all have the ability to make a difference for their respective nations when it matters most. And, it’s players like these that can ultimately make the difference between progressing in a tournament or heading home.
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The Brazil international is heading towards the end of his Man Utd contract and is keen to make a move to Miami his priority due to a desire to play with Lionel Messi.
Apparently, Casemiro would even be willing to accept a pay cut to get this dream move, with he and his family also keen on the move to the US, according to Sky Sports.
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Casemiro has performed well for United this season, with some fans perhaps even wondering if the club should make a quick U-turn on the 34-year-old’s deal as he edges closer to becoming a free agent.
Manchester United will surely miss Casemiro
Despite surely coming towards the end of his career, Casemiro has enjoyed a real renaissance this season, putting some of his past difficult MUFC form behind him.
It’s slightly surreal that it was two years ago we were seeing Jamie Carragher famously declaring that Casemiro should leave football before the football leaves him, with the former Real Madrid man now looking like someone the Red Devils are really going to miss…
It will be interesting to see how United end up replacing such an influential player, with Casemiro widely regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders of his generation.
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Even if we didn’t see Casemiro at his peak during his time at Old Trafford, he was world class for many years at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and numerous other major honours.
United will surely have a tough job on their hands this summer trying to strengthen in midfield, with a signing needed to replace Casemiro, and also another probably required as an upgrade on the struggling Manuel Ugarte.
Arsenal successfully navigated the ultimate test of their mental fortitude, grinding out a tense, hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid to officially punch their ticket to the Champions League final.
Following last week’s incredibly grueling 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital, the stakes were extremely high.
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But as the full-time whistle blew and the red half of North London erupted into pure euphoria, manager Mikel Arteta knew exactly who deserved a massive chunk of the credit, his blockbuster Swedish striker, Viktor Gyökeres.
Arteta praises Gyokeres for his work rate
Shortly after the wild celebrations moved from the pitch into the dressing room, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to X to share Arteta’s glowing post-match comments.
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The Spanish manager was absolutely buzzing, highlighting how his star forward has completely transformed the team’s ceiling.
While Arsenal have played beautiful, possession-heavy football for the last few years, Arteta noted that Gyökeres has finally given them an undeniably ruthless edge.
Arteta said: “Gyökeres tonight was immense, his work rate, the way he held the ball… fantastic”.
In just one season, Viktor Gyokeres has:
—Lead his Sweden to their first world cup in over a decade
—Lead Arsenal to a potential Premier League title
—Lead Arsenal to their first UCL final in 20 years
—Scored 20 goals and contributed 25 g/a in all competitions
Coming off the back of a brilliant brace against Fulham over the weekend, Gyökeres once again proved that he is the ultimate big-game player.
To fully appreciate the massive impact of the Arsenal number nine, you just have to look at exactly how this semi-final tie played out.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are the undisputed kings of the European dark arts. They are experts at frustrating teams, sitting deep, and bullying technically gifted players.
In seasons past, a younger, more naive Arsenal side might have completely crumbled under that immense physical pressure. But this time around, Gyökeres acted as the ultimate battering ram.
He happily occupied both central defenders all night, taking the heavy hits and continuously stretching the defensive line.
His goal in the first leg and his work rate in the second leg proved crucial for Arsenal in both the semifinals.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka got a big reaction from the pundits in the CBS Sports studio as he discussed who he wants to play in the Champions League final.
The Gunners were in celebratory mood last night as they made it to the final of Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time in 20 years and only the second time in their history.
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Saka scored the winner for Arsenal as they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium and 2-1 on aggregate, and he was asked about his preferred final opponent out of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain afterwards.
Watch below, however, as Saka insisted he couldn’t give an answer to that question from Micah Richards, though he dropped the cryptic line that “deep down” he knows who he wants to face…
This got a big reaction from the likes of Richards and Thierry Henry on the punditry team, and it’s interesting to think about what Saka could mean.
Who does Bukayo Saka want Arsenal to face in the Champions League final?
We will probably never know for sure which team Saka was talking about as Bayern prepare to host PSG at the Allianz Arena this evening for the second leg of their semi-final tie.
It may be that the England international has his eye on revenge on PSG for knocking them out in last season’s semi-final, which was a closer contest than the 3-1 aggregate score-line would suggest.
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Then again, perhaps Saka is thinking back to Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Bayern earlier this season in the league phase of the competition, with the player and the rest of his teammates perhaps fancying their chances against a side they already know they can beat.
We’ll find out later who will be Arsenal’s opponents, with the two finalists set to meet in Budapest on the 30th of May.
Chelsea are once again on the hunt for a new permanent boss following the brutal sacking of Liam Rosenior last month.
Rosenior’s turbulent reign lasted a mere 107 days, leaving the Blues scrambling to secure European football after a dismal string of league results.
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While caretaker manager Calum McFarlane is steadying the ship until the end of the campaign and has a massive FA Cup final against Manchester City to look forward to, the club’s hierarchy is intensely focused on the upcoming summer rebuild.
The Chelsea ownership is currently undergoing what is being described as a “period of self-reflection” following the Rosenior debacle.
They are absolutely desperate to find a coach whose tactical approach matches with their footballing identity.
Chelsea make approach to Xavi Hernandez
According to talkSPORT, the Blues have made contact with Spanish manager Xavi, who guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in the 2022–23 season season.
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We already know that Fabregas isn’t expected to abandon his project at Como this summer.
Meanwhile, outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is heavily admired by the board, but there are lingering concerns that his distinct tactical style might represent too much of a deviation from the club’s desired philosophy.
Spaniard is interested in a move to the Premier League
This is exactly where Xavi comes into the picture. The legendary Spanish midfielder has been out of work since departing Barcelona in May 2024, but early indications suggest he is “open” to the prospect of taking the reins in West London.
Interestingly, the Premier League is a stage Xavi has had his eyes on for quite some time.
Back in 2019, he openly confessed his love for the English game, stating, “Who doesn’t like the Premier League?” and specifically naming Chelsea among the top clubs he would choose to manage.
Despite contacting Xavi, the report mentions that the Spaniard is no longer a contender for the Blues job and the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge is considering other options.
If the New York Yankees continue to play at the level they have to start the 2026 season, not only is there reason to believe that this team can win the American League, but there's a lot of reason to think they can win a World Series.
The Yankees have done a very good job on both sides of the baseball, but they'll still need some help at the trade deadline.
Just as every contending team has shown over the past few years, adding another arm is never a bad thing, whether that be in the bullpen or rotation. The Yankees have shown their willingness to improve on the mound over the past few trade deadlines, and the expectation is that that will continue this year.
Recently proposing a trade while looking for a way for the Yankees to get better, they were linked to an intriguing reliever who has thrown the baseball at a high level throughout his career.
Yankees Acquire: RP Seranthony Dominguez
White Sox Acquire: RHP Rory Fox, OF Jace Avina
“From the Yankees’ perspective, this is a win-now move for a team sitting 23–11 and in first place in the American League, where the focus shifts from prospect development to strengthening the MLB roster for a playoff run.
“Adding Seranthony Domínguez (3.95 ERA, 17 K, 1.244 WHIP in 13.2 IP over 15 games) gives them immediate bullpen help with swing-and-miss stuff for high-leverage situations, even if he’s not a dominant closer,” Ryan Shea of SI wrote.
Dominguez isn't somebody who is going to wow guys with his stuff more often than not, but he's also been a very solid reliever for contending-caliber teams throughout his career.
It was a bit strange that he ended up with the Chicago White Sox this year, but the White Sox can also view this as a good thing, as they'll now have a player who can be traded for some decent prospects at the deadline.
Some players on the New York Yankees have found out the hard way that if they don't play well, there are other guys in the organization who will do what's needed to win at the highest level. As a result, they typically get replaced.
The latest that happened to was Anthony Volpe, who was optioned to Triple-A.
With Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole returning at some point, whether that be in the next few days for Rodon or in a month for Cole, there will definitely be an impact on some guys in the rotation.
According to the latest, somebody like Ryan Weathers or Will Warren will likely be moved to the bullpen because of that.
“When Rodón returns, the Yankees will likely send Elmer Rodríguez back to the minor leagues. If everyone remains healthy when Cole is ready, Ryan Weathers or Will Warren will probably go to the bullpen. Weathers is the likely choice, as he completed only 38 1/3 innings last season; he’s already at 38 2/3 innings this year. Weathers has been an effective backend starter, ranking highly in strikeout and walk percentages, but there’s only so much space in the rotation,” Chris Kirschner of The Athletic wrote.
I say moving to the bullpen is a downgrade because guys definitely want to be starters in Major League Baseball, no matter how anybody wants to spin it.
Starters get paid a lot more money, and for somebody like Warren or Weathers, who should play long enough to reach free agency and get a decent payday, that should have an impact on them. However, this is the right decision from the Yankees when it eventually happens, which is what the organization has to focus on.
The New York Yankees are hopeful they'll only get healthier over the next few weeks, which seems almost guaranteed at this point, barring something drastic.
The Yankees proved when they sent Anthony Volpe down that they're as serious as ever in terms of trying to win a World Series this year, so they'll need their guys healthy and ready to go. The top two remaining players to return from injuries will be Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole, arguably the two best pitchers in the Yankees organization.
Recently, looking at when both could return, it sounds like things are progressing very well for the two aces. In fact, Rodon could even return to the Yankees after his rehab start on Tuesday.
“Nearly everything has gone well for the 23-11 Yankees, and there are still ways for them to get even better as the season progresses. The starting rotation’s 2.74 ERA is tops in MLB, and that’s without Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole. It’s expected Rodón will make one more rehab assignment start Tuesday, which would put him in line to potentially make his season debut May 10. Cole is still a few weeks away, but he’s progressing well,” Chris Kirschner of The Athletic wrote.
The Yankees have the luxury right now of not having to rush either of these guys back. It's important that they don't do anything short-sighted and try to bring Rodon back if they don't feel fully confident in how he looks. However, the Yankees are very smart with things like that, so they'll definitely do the right thing here.
It's been an interesting start to the season for the Toronto Blue Jays, and frankly, if this team were healthy, we'd likely be looking at one of the better teams in baseball. Unfortunately for Toronto, it has just been hit with injuries, something that's unavoidable at times.
There are also some other problems that the Blue Jays have run into, and one of them is moving on from guys like Bo Bichette.
Everybody knew the Blue Jays were going to move on from Bichette and let him walk in free agency, which he did by signing with the New York Mets.
However, because of allowing guys like him to walk, there have been problems throughout the lineup, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero is still one of the best hitters in baseball, but he's not seeing as many pitches to hit as he did at other stages of his career.
“Without a consistent threat behind the top slugger, Guerrero has seen fewer pitches in the heart of the zone (21.5 percent) than at any point in his big-league career. Opposing pitchers are wasting more pitches (11.2 percent) against the first baseman. It’s certainly part of why Guerrero has brought more on-base (.421 OBP) than power (two homers) this season,” Mitch Bannon of The Athletic wrote.
That's a somewhat concerning stat, and something the Blue Jays will ultimately have to figure out, whether that's right now or in the future. Kazuma Okamoto has been figuring things out recently, but he'll have to prove it a lot more throughout his career for teams to really start giving Guerrero better pitches to hit.
There's no debate that Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is one of the greatest players to ever lace them up. If we look at a pure talent standpoint, Trout is probably one of the best five players ever to play the game.
Trout has been excellent to start the 2026 campaign, and it's honestly one of the best stories of the year. When Trout is swinging the bat at a high level, baseball is a lot better.
However, moving on from a guy like Trout from the Angels' perspective doesn't always make sense, even if they believe they can get a decent return for him right now, as most don't believe they're contenders, and much of Trout's career would suggest that they aren't.
Despite that, others believe it's time to do so, even if it isn't the popular opinion.
“It’s quite possible that Trout will get hurt again, as he has in almost every year since the pandemic season, and obviate any discussion of his trade value. It’s quite probable that Moreno won’t allow GM Perry Minasian to even entertain trade offers. And there’s certainly a chance, albeit small, that Trout’s rally to start 2026 is a mirage — maybe just flukey, maybe a rare time when he’s in such good physical condition that he can remind us of the player he once was, and some minor ailment will bring him back to earth.
"The Angels’ future is bleak with or without him, however. Sometimes trading the best player in the franchise’s history is the right move for the franchise’s future,” Keith Law of The Athletic wrote.
Trout is obviously the greatest player in Angels history, and there's always going to be teams out there that want a player like him. However, I do think the Angels need to consider some of the downsides of moving on from him, as this could completely gut the franchise if things don't work out well in the future.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Lakers head coach JJ Redick could only look toward the sky midway through the third quarter, uttering a slew of words not suitable for a national broadcast as he watched his defense momentarily break down, resulting in a wide-open Lu Dort triple and a Cason Wallace point-blank layup.
A deficit that had been as small as four points in the second half had ballooned to double digits in the span of two minutes, a less-than-ideal swing against the best team in basketball. But Redick’s frustration, while temporarily fixated on the Lakers’ mistakes, wasn’t solely attributed to them. Tuesday night was a night rooted in opportunity cost, a successful strategy in slowing down superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — which ultimately is their best path to an upset — but also a display of Los Angeles’ offensive woes, sponsored by a combined 7-of-31 shooting night from Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart.
“You’re playing the world champs, your margin for error in terms of mistakes is not that high,” Redick said following the Lakers’ 108-90 loss in Game 1 of the second-round series. “You can make mistakes — basketball is a game full of mistakes — but just too many tonight. But there were some good things, we held Shai under 20 and the guys played hard. Just gotta do a better job of execution, which comes down to attention to detail. We’ll clean things up and be better.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s output is buried within Redick’s eulogy but considering the reigning regular-season and Finals MVP’s impact on Oklahoma City’s halfcourt execution, it’s worth exponentially more than a passing statement. Gilgeous-Alexander is the best scorer in basketball on the most dangerous team in the league. A plethora of defenses have tried to stop or slow him down and many have failed.
What the Lakers were able to achieve, holding SGA to just 18 points in 35 minutes — he hasn’t scored under 20 points all season and it’s the fewest he’s scored in a game since Game 3 of last year’s conference finals against Minnesota — is more than just a silver lining. It’s probably their best shot in this series. Gilgeous-Alexander missed nearly as many shots (seven) as he made (eight) and coughed up the ball seven times, constantly being rushed into decisions and making a litany of mistakes rarely seen of a player his caliber. Gilgeous-Alexander also took just one outside shot and attempted three free throws, two key rhythm areas that were shut off. The Lakers have been one of the most stringent halfcourt defensive units in the postseason, allowing just 84.9 points per 100 plays and limited the Thunder to just 94.3 points per Tuesday night. For context, Oklahoma City came into the game averaging 112.2 points per 100, 10 points higher than its regular-season mark. Its Game 1 output was on par with a bottom-five offense.
Yahoo Sports had a unique vantage point Tuesday evening, within earshot of the Lakers bench, allowing for the unpacking of an aggressive, timely scheme aimed at delaying, denying and diverting Gilgeous-Alexander away from the action.
Let’s dig in.
Principle 1: Compactness and timing
With regard to Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s important to limit his operating window and vision. The Lakers understand that in order to control possessions like the one below, all five players need to be in a close enough proximity to be able to send help. This compact shell isn’t something Los Angeles does often — the Lakers are just 21st in frequency per Synergy tracking data — but it allows just 1.042 points per chance (ninth in the NBA) and is tops in opponent turnover rate when it uses it.
(Peacock Sports screengrab)
This play actually starts with SGA attempting to burst through the middle, a passage that is quickly sealed off due to the Lakers’ compactness, forcing him to give up the ball and relocate for an isolation. From the Lakers bench, Redick yells, “Go! Go! Go!” the moment Gilgeous-Alexander catches the ball near the deep corner. Pay attention to Luke Kennard, who gradually heads toward Gilgeous-Alexander’s direction, speeding him up as SGA unsuccessfully tries to draw a foul and throws the ball away.
Principle 2: Hedging their bets
The frequency of Gilgeous-Alexander’s pick-and-rolls may have decreased slightly from the regular season to the playoffs, but the jump in efficiency (1.20 to 1.58) is enough to cause concern — and therefore an aggressive approach. According to Second Spectrum, the Thunder scored 1.160 points per possession on passes, shots, turnovers or fouls stemming from Gilgeous-Alexander-related pick-and-rolls, which rank first among 103 players to utilize at least 500 such actions. SGA is blitzed around 7% of the time, which is league average in terms of frequency, but drops Oklahoma City’s efficiency to 1.032 points per chance, which would rank 29th — in line with teammate Ajay Mitchell’s production. The Lakers’ defense momentarily transforming Gilgeous-Alexander to Mitchell is a win, regardless of time or score (even though the latter is a good player).
Marcus Smart, who’s unsurprisingly been handed the Gilgeous-Alexander assignment, hounds him up the floor, quickly moving his arms and feet to keep SGA from establishing any sort of flow. As Dort steps up to dislodge Smart, Redick can be heard screaming from the touchline, “Hedge! Hedge! Hedge!” urging reserve center Jaxson Hayes to cover the space, and the big smartly uses his upper body strength and underrated lateral quickness to keep pace with Gilgeous-Alexander until the guard throws another ball away.
“We’re definitely going to give him different looks,” Smart said. “He’s the MVP and defending champ. He’s seen it all and that’s what makes him great, his ability to play through things that other players couldn’t and make tough buckets. You can’t give him a steady diet of one thing, so we’re going to throw some things at him. Just gotta stay within the gameplan.”
Principle 3: Traps
Similar to the Lakers’ first-round success against Houston — particularly in Game 2, the lone game Kevin Durant was present — when heliocentric players positioned themselves poorly (30-plus feet from the basket), Los Angeles is exceptional at covering space quickly, reducing the surface area and forcing quick and often bad decisions. Jaylen Williams is neither in a position to receive a pass nor spaced properly, and when the Lakers send two to trap, another turnover occurs.
(Peacock Sports screengrab)
Principle 4: Random pressure
This is purely down to the IQ of LeBron James, a Lakers defensive transitional unit that has yielded a ton of success in the postseason and pressure. Pay attention to James as he sprints back after a missed Smart 3. He’s already committed to attacking SGA once he crosses halfcourt, but motions for Rui Hachimura to watch Wallace while he changes direction. Gilgeous-Alexander notices too late and tries to find Williams, who’s not on the same page.
“It’s not gonna be perfect, but you just try to stick to the plan the coaches and guys went through to prepare for Game 1 and this series,” Smart added. “Shai’s gonna find a way to get more involved but continue to stay aggressive on both ends. Just gotta stay with it no matter what.”
Around Major League Baseball, there haven't been many more important stories than Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels figuring things out at a very high level.
There should have been no question about Trout doing so, as he's proven throughout his entire career that when he's on the field, he's one of the best players we've ever seen.
It's unfortunate that people don't remember what Trout did when he was younger and always on the field, as there was a strong argument to be made that he was the greatest baseball player we've ever seen.
Obviously, things are different now because of those injuries and him getting older, but that doesn't mean that teams around the league won't still try to trade for him if the Angels move on from him, which was recently proposed by The Athletic. One of the teams that was linked to him was the San Francisco Giants, who have been very disappointing to start the year.
“The Giants showed last year they weren’t afraid to take on a big contract when they sent four players to the Red Sox for Devers, who is now part of their DH problem. They’ve gotten some production from Casey Schmitt, a good defensive third baseman who has power but doesn’t walk and chases too often to see him as a long-term regular at an offensive position. It does seem like throwing good money after bad to go acquire another big-contract DH, though,” Keith Law of The Athletic wrote.
It almost feels safe to say that if the Angels move on from Trout, they look to send him somewhere he wants to play. If he wants to play in San Francisco, it would make sense if both sides could figure something out.
😡 Tensions just before full-time! Simeone lays into his ex-boss
Shortly before the final whistle, tempers flared once again in the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Atlético. While the Arsenal bench was calling for the whistle, Diego Simeone became furious and ran toward his former boss Andrea Berta.
As the Arsenal chief was gesturing emphatically for the game to be ended, he was shoved by the Atlético coach. The two then had to be pulled apart.
Several Arsenal and Atlético officials, together with the fourth official, Tobias Stieler, tried to calm the situation down. Simeone was shown a yellow card for it.
Berta has been Arsenal’s sporting director for a year and previously worked with Simeone at Atlético for more than ten years. The Italian was first technical director from 2013 to 2017, then sporting director of the Rojiblancos for eight years. Over time, the two had maintained a friendly relationship.
American DeChambeau, 32, last week dismissed reports he is looking to leave LIV before the end of the year as "completely untrue".
"I think, from my perspective, I'd love to grow my YouTube channel three times, maybe even more," DeChambeau told ESPN before for this week's LIV tournament at Trump National Golf Club.
"I would love to. I'd love to do a bunch of dubbing in different languages, giving the world more reason to watch YouTube.
"And then I'd love to play tournaments that want me."
DeChambeau's LIV contract is up at the end of this season and he was looking to sign a lucrative new deal before Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it was set to pull its financial support, with reports suggesting he wants $500m (£370m) to stay.
The two-time US Open winner said he was "completely shocked" by the PIF announcement as he believed it would finance LIV Golf until 2032.
"I haven't had any communication. And unfortunately, things are moving on in a different direction. Obviously, they wanted to move on," he said on Tuesday.
LIV Golf, which caused a major split in 2022 when it started luring star names away from the PGA Tour with the offer of huge pay increases, is now searching to find replacement financial investment under a new independent board.
DeChambeau, who joined LIV in 2022, turned down the chance to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year under a returning member programme.
"The egos need to get dropped," DeChambeau said.
"Everybody needs to come in with a level-headed playing field, with an opportunistic mindset to grow the game of golf.
"That's why I came over here. That's why I do what I do on YouTube."
Report – €75m-rated Premier League forward emerges as Lewandowski replacement at Barcelona
Barcelona are already planning for life after Robert Lewandowski, and it appears the club has now identified one of its preferred candidates to eventually take over the striker position at Spotify Camp Nou.
Reports coming out of SPORT suggest that Barcelona are seriously considering a move for Joao Pedro as the club prepares for a long-term transition in attack.
The Brazilian forward, currently playing for Chelsea, has emerged as one of the two leading names on Barcelona’s shortlist alongside Julian Alvarez.
This development comes in the wake of Barcelona’s need to replace an ageing Lewandowski, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Despite Chelsea enduring a difficult and inconsistent period, Joao Pedro has continued to stand out with his performances.
Since arriving at the London club, the Brazilian has developed into a versatile attacker capable of playing centrally while also contributing creatively around the box.
There have been contacts
As reported before, Deco has been following the player closely for quite some time.
The former Barcelona midfielder has watched the Brazilian live on several occasions during visits to England and believes the forward has the profile needed to succeed under Hansi Flick.
Barcelona are interested in Joao Pedro. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Beyond the sporting aspect, Barcelona also see strong commercial potential in the Brazilian, something they believe could further increase his value at the club.
As per the outlet, contact has already taken place between Barcelona and the player’s representatives.
In fact, discussions have been ongoing over the past few weeks as the Catalan side explores whether a future operation could become financially possible.
What about the price?
One factor working in Joao Pedro’s favour is his expected price tag compared to Julian Alvarez.
While Atlético Madrid would reportedly demand an enormous fee to even consider selling the Argentine striker, the Chelsea forward could become available for a lower amount, although the PL side would still seek a major transfer fee believed to be between €80 million and €100 million.
Barcelona’s financial situation means the club must be extremely careful with every major signing, but the intention to secure a long-term replacement for Lewandowski is becoming increasingly clear through these developments.
*Note: Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication
Real Madrid forward unlikely to leave this summer despite ongoing contract standoff
Despite the growing uncertainty surrounding Vinicius Jr. and his contract situation, the possibility of Real Madrid selling the Brazilian superstar anytime soon still appears remote.
Fresh reports Ramon Alvarez de Mon suggest that although negotiations over a renewal are not progressing smoothly, those close to the situation believe a transfer in 2026 remains highly unlikely.
The main reasons are both financial and sporting, as Real Madrid would struggle not only to negotiate a deal of such enormous value but also to find a player capable of replacing Vinicius’ impact on the pitch.
An important player for Real Madrid
The Brazilian forward has become one of the most decisive players in world football over the past few seasons.
Hence, losing a player of that stature would create a massive gap in the squad, especially considering how difficult top attacking players are to find in the current market.
However, the contract issue continues to pose a big problem for the club.
The biggest concern for Real Madrid is that if Vinicius enters January 2027 without signing a new deal, he would officially move into the final six months of his contract.
At that point, FIFA regulations would allow him to negotiate freely with any other club without Madrid having control over the situation.
Vinicius Jr. will not leave in the summer. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
That situation would represent a scenario Real Madrid have rarely experienced with a player of such importance and global value.
The idea of one of the club’s biggest stars potentially walking away for free is viewed as an extremely dangerous situation.
So what now?
Even so, people close to the player insist that Vinicius still wants to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for the long term.
His commitment to the club has not changed, and there is currently no indication from his side that he is actively seeking an exit.
The only problem remains the overall economic package required to complete a renewal.
Any club interested in signing Vinicius would need to pay not only a gigantic transfer fee but also meet enormous salary demands.
That financial reality alone makes a transfer incredibly difficult to execute, even for Europe’s wealthiest sides.
Sedi Kinteh: Why Man United are chasing Tromso sensation
Manchester United ditched a 3-4-2-1 system with three centre-backs following the departure of Ruben Amorim at the turn of the year.
This development initially shifted United’s focus from targeting more central defenders to full-backs, as Michael Carrick re-introduced the 4-2-3-1 system at Old Trafford.
However, INEOS may be forced to address both areas, with the club’s recruitment team considering bringing in another defender.
Manchester United eyeing Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh
According to journalist Paddy Keogh, a move for a centre-back was not an option until April, as Manchester United felt comfortable with having Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt at their disposal.
However, injury worries over Martinez and De Ligt have changed United’s stance. The Argentina international has made just 10 starts this term, and the Dutchman last played for the Red Devils in November. He is not expected to feature again this campaign.
The Premier League giants have extended Harry Maguire‘s contract after nearly letting him leave and are now looking to bulk up their options without making a considerable investment.
It is claimed United are closely watching Tromsø prodigy Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh, who “could be a cheap high-upside” defensive addition this summer.
The 19-year-old Gambian is thought to be valued at £4.3m and is also being chased by Chelsea, AC Milan and RB Leipzig after impressing with his consistent performances in Norway.
Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh is frighteningly quick
The 6’1″ tall defender is a unicorn profile of sorts, boasting a massive frame and lightning pace, having clocked a top speed of over 37 km/h this season. At United, Bryan Mbeumo is currently the fastest player with an electric top speed of 36.4km/h.
The figure also makes Sedi Kinteh as quick as Tottenham Hotspur’s “speed machine” Micky van de Ven.
Interestingly, Keogh adds that United are also extensively monitoring Van de Ven, Toulouse star Charlie Cresswell, SC Braga’s Bright Arrey-Mbi, and Sporting CP sensation Ousmane Diomande.
Sedi Kinteh is not the most exciting name on the list, but his price tag and profile certainly make him a very appealing target.
NEW DELHI: Arun Jaitley Stadium was painted yellow on Tuesday evening. Everywhere the eye went, in every stand that celebrated the best that Delhi has ever produced, a trove of yellow jerseys was unmissable. They were there in groups and in small numbers, but their presence was hard to ignore. At one point, chants of 'Dhoni, Dhoni' rang out. Ironically, the former India captain, or 'Thala' as he's more affectionately called by the Chennai Super Kings faithful, hadn't even travelled to the capital and is yet to play a game this IPL season.
At the other end, bar a small section of DC Toli, Delhi Capitals fans were conspicuous by their absence. The blue-and-red of the home side had little to show for themselves and little cause to erupt over the course of Match 48 of IPL 2026.
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Having won the toss and opted to bat, DC never got going, and only a late show from Tristan Stubbs (38 from 31 balls) and Sameer Rizvi (40 from 24) helped reach a respectable 155/7.
Chennai Super Kings, led by Sanju Samson's 87 off 52 balls at the top of the order, and Kartik Sharma's unbeaten 41 from 31, sauntered to the total with 15 balls and 8 wickets to spare.
As a result, DC are seventh in the IPL standings with one win in the last five played or two in the last eight. They are only better than the Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants at this juncture.
Besides harbouring slim hopes of making the playoffs, what is common to this bunch is their woeful home record. MI (33.3 per cent win record at home), KKR (25 per cent), DC (20 per cent), and LSG (0 per cent) have all had a dreadful home run, which goes hand-in-hand with their overall poor season.
In contrast, CSK, who are sixth after back-to-back victories, have the third-best home record (60 per cent win record at home). The four teams in playoff spots - Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals - all have strong home win records of 75 per cent, 80 per cent, 60 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively.
Delhi Capitals have not helped their cause with a variety of surfaces on offer, while conditions have been inconsistent due to unseasonal rains and cooler temperatures in the evening.
The afternoon fixture against the Punjab Kings was a flat deck and ended up producing 529 runs. Then, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a lively track saw DC bundled for just 75.
On Tuesday, a surface that hadn't been used yet was expected to slow down by DC skipper Axar Patel. By the end, though, he witnessed the opposite and well-set batters were the need of the hour. Where DC barely found any, CSK had Samson and Karthik produce an unbeaten 114-run stand.
Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani admitted they've struggled in most departments and have to adapt better to conditions and pitches.
"We do not control the pitch. The surfaces are managed under BCCI guidelines to ensure neutrality," he said in the post-match media conference.
"You play what is given to you. Yes, it has been slightly unpredictable at our home ground. One game had a very high score, and another assisted spin.
"But that is the case for all teams. You have to adapt and find ways to win," he stated.
Badani said the need of the hour is to win all four of their remaining matches, with two coming at home. But for that, the inconsistencies need to be addressed.
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"One day, we bowl well but do not bat well. Another day, we bat well but fall short in another area.
"At this level, you need at least 60 to 70 per cent of your players contributing on a given day. That has been missing," he finished.
After admirably digging in, Arsenal now rise to the greatest stage. A season that has been characterised by such angst and toil may yet finish with jubilation and ascension – twice over.
You could see from the final whistle this meant everything, as players punched the air in joy. The Premier League trophy and European Cup are both now within touching distance.
Arsenal are into the Champions League final for the first time in two decades (PA)
Even a long-awaited return to a Champions League final – just the second in their history, and first since 2006 – represents an immense achievement. Few expected this when Mikel Arteta took over a basketcase club in December 2019, or even a few seasons into his tenure. He has restored a seriousness to the club and returned them to the elite.
This is what they dreamed of. Budapest now offers the opportunity for the Basque to become the first manager to bring the Champions League back to Arsenal. And what might the joy of this do for their title challenge? Remarkably, this was a night to forget about that. It was all about what happened here.
Bukayo Saka scored the winner in a tense tie (Reuters)
Duly, this semi-final win over Atletico Madrid – 1-0 on the night, 2-1 on aggregate – was almost characteristic of the entire season so far. Arsenal had to fight. It was painfully tense, with the lead so exactingly narrow.
And yet they persevered. They kept going, despite the usual doubts.
They had a lot of luck, especially with two penalty decisions, sure, but Arteta would say they deserved some; that it was just that same luck coming back around.
Almost fittingly for the occasion, the key players were all those who have endured adversity this season. Bukayo Saka, injured for so long that Arsenal’s attack lost spark and debate grew over whether he would ever evolve into the player that consistently delivers at this level, got the goal that mattered. Viktor Gyokeres, so often maligned as a signing they shouldn’t have made, set that goal up. Teenage prodigy Myles Lewis-Skelly, discarded for long period to the point of talk over whether he would be sold, offered the energy they had also been missing for long periods.
Viktor Gyokeres brought much-needed muscle to a scrap of a game (AP)
And they really did need it against a side that battles like Atletico.
As ugly as this game often was – almost typified by Gabriel headers – it was hard not to feel some of the emotion and romance from it all.
On the other side, Diego Simeone doesn’t get that Champions League moment this season. The great Antoine Griezmann will never get it, this defeat being his last match in the competition. As supreme as he is in individual moments, you could see why. He couldn’t sustain it. Neither could Atletico. Once he was taken off, they had little. One snatched Alexander Sorloth chance wasn’t enough.
Antoine Griezmann's Champions League career ended in defeat (Getty)
But that shouldn’t be confused with a lack of tension, a lack of suspense.
This was a heavy match, requiring muscle.
Gyokeres provided it. The striker has often received warranted criticism for his struggles in holding the ball up, but here he was hunting for it, whole holding Atletico defenders off. Gyokeres made himself a nuisance.
Arsenal’s breakthrough came from that persistence. Gyokeres had chased what seemed a lost cause to get free down the right and suddenly open up a lot of space in the Atletico area. From limited options, he picked the right one – arching the ball over to Leandro Trossard, whose angled strike was well saved by Jan Oblak.
Bukayo Saka scores the winner on the rebound (PA)
Saka, however, had already made his move. Since his return, the winger has rightly attracted a lot of praise for the extra dimension he gives Arsenal through cutting in from the right, making it all the more remarkable that Atletico didn’t seem to notice.
So, there he was, in between two defenders to just tap in.
It can’t quite be Gyokeres 2025/26 without some caveat; he should really have made the game safe on 65 minutes, when substitute Piero Hincapie swept over the most inviting cross on the counter.
Instead, with no one else around him and only Oblak to beat, Gyokeres got the bounce wrong and sent it over. That would have been too easy, after all. It wouldn’t have fit this match.
There was one moment when Griezmann and Robin Le Normand vigorously celebrated the award of a goal kick, rather than a corner.
It was obviously always going to be that kind of game, ensuring that many of the key moments came down to interpretations of contact.
Arsenal could add to their list of grievances from the first leg, as Trossard seemed to be bundled by Griezmann.
Gabriel was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty (Reuters)
This one didn’t feel as strong as some of Atletico’s claims, mind.
The biggest was when Giuliano Simeone appeared set to capitalise on a Declan Rice error, only to be denied by Gabriel. Or was it Gabriel? The replays didn’t seem to show the defender actually making contact with the ball as he jostled with Simeone until both lost their balance. A corner was given, but it felt like it should have been a penalty.
Minutes later, in the midst of Atletico’s best spell of pressure, Griezmann went down under a challenge from Riccardo Calafiori only for the referee to immediately signal a free-kick the other way for a Marc Pubill foul.
Simeone was livid. Arsenal responded with the same energy. They won the fight. They won the game. They now have a chance of winning everything that matters.
Arne Slot gets green light in pursuit for £24m centre-back
Liverpool have been tipped to sign an experienced centre-back in the summer transfer window.
Richard Hughes has taken steps to shore up the position long into the future - through the signings of Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet and Mor Talla Ndiaye.
But given their age and relative lack of top-flight action there would be a risk attached to throwing those three in at the deep end.
There are question marks in the short term against most - if not all - of Liverpool’s senior centre-back options and that makes it imperative to secure the position.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are out of contract in 2027 and it would be no surprise to see the Premier League champions entertain bids for the 28-year-old Englishman this summer.
More alarmingly Ibrahima Konate still hasn’t signed his new deal - despite claiming a couple of weeks ago that it was all but done.
Arne Slot wants Sam Beukema
Accordingly the likes of Micky van de Ven and Goncalo Inacio have been linked with a transfer to Merseyside. But one long-term Arne Slot favourite is beginning to emerge on the radar.
Sam Beukema, 27, was wanted by Slot when he was head coach of Feyenoord and the defender was starring for Go Ahead Eagles.
Slot missed out on a deal for his compatriot - who has since carved out a career for himself in Serie A. Beukema was picked up by Bologna from AZ back in 2023 before moving to Napoli last summer.
It hasn’t been the move that the 2024/25 Coppa Italia winner had been hoping for however with the outgoing Serie A champions now willing to cash in.
That has taken the Blues to eight defeats since January, which is an awful lot in the span of just four months. But how does their record in the calendar year compare to the league’s biggest strugglers over that period?
The teams with the most Premier League defeats in 2026:
=4. Chelsea – 8
So Chelsea have not been the worst team in the Premier League this year, but they haven’t been far off it either. Their form since the New year would leave them sixth from bottom in the table, having won five, drawn three and lost eight of their matches.
They’ve scored 22 goals (and conceded 27) in that time, but only one of those goals has come in their last six outings, which was Joao Pedro’s acrobatic consolation against Forest this week.
Oddly, while things have been falling apart in the league, they reached the FA Cup final. Swings and roundabouts.
It’s not at all surprising that, after making such a strong start, Sunderland’s form has tailed off since the midway point of the campaign. With safety secured, they can afford to drop a few points here and there.
=2. Newcastle United – 9
It’s been a pretty disappointing campaign overall for Newcastle, but the past few months have been brutal for the Magpies. Four consecutive defeats from the end of March into April effectively killed any chance of qualifying for Europe next season and they might not even finish in the top half.
Eddie Howe’s men are still capable of getting themselves up for big matches, exemplified by Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brighton. They’ve beaten Manchester United and Chelsea, and drawn with Barcelona this year, but they severely lack consistency.
Not exactly a shock to see this iteration of Spurs here, is it? But it is genuinely astounding how poor they have been this year.
It took Tottenham almost four full months to win their first game of 2026 in domestic competition, plunging them deep into the relegation battle. Roberto De Zerbi may have arrived in the nick of time, though; they are unbeaten in three, picking up seven points to take them out of the dropzone.
1. Burnley – 10
Remarkably, Wolves do not feature on this list. Unremarkably, Burnley are bottom. The Clarets have been dire all season long, which was pretty predictable given the lack of talent or investment in the squad.
After starting 2026 with just one defeat in four, they have lost all but three of the following 12 league matches. Their last win came against Crystal Palace in February, which was followed up by a shock defeat to Mansfield in the FA Cup just three days later.
Leading Premier League clubs want West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville
West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville is a target for leading Premier League clubs this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The Hammers expect to profit on the £25 million they paid to sign him when he joined the club two years ago.
West Ham would ideally love to keep the ‘fantastic’ Summerville, but if they go down, they may not be able to hold on to their best players.
Players like Summerville and Mateus Fernandes are already attracting keen interest, and more West Ham players will be targeted.
Summerville has bagged seven goals and four assists in 31 appearances this season, bouncing back phenomenally from an injury-riddled debut campaign.
He has been one of the few shining spots in what has been a very drab season at the London Stadium, and the interest in his services is unsurprising.
The Dutch youth international will be hot property as he is classed as home-grown after starting in Leeds United’s academy.
Squads are limited in the number of non-home-grown players they can register, meaning clubs will increasingly be searching for home-grown players.
West Ham should consider Wilfried Gnonto to replace Summerville if they go down
If West Ham do suffer relegation, they may have to revisit Elland Road for reinforcements once again to replace Summerville. Wilfried Gnonto is the perfect replacement.
The Italian attacker has struggled for consistent game time this season after Noah Okafor moved ahead of him in the pecking order, but his quality remains unquestionable.
Gnonto was a major part of Leeds’ promotion push last term, registering nine goals and six assists in 43 appearances as they climbed back into the Premier League.
At the Championship level, his explosiveness, direct dribbling, and ability to decide games in transition could make him a devastating weapon for West Ham.
If the Hammers are forced into a rebuild, targeting hungry, proven EFL performers like Gnonto may offer the quickest route back to the top flight.
Manchester City monitoring Ajax forward – Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea also in the race
Arsenal, Chelsea & Barcelona had scouts in attendance for Ajax’s 2-2 draw vs PSV on Saturday
Europe’s best sides interested in Ajax forward Mika Godts, including Man City & Bayern Munich
Godts has scored 17 times this season, provided 14 assists in 40 games in all competitions
Manchester City are among a long list of clubs tracking Ajax winger Mika Godts ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports from the Netherlands.
Godts is enjoying a superb campaign in the Eredivisie, having found the net 17 times while garnering 14 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for John Heitinga’s side, most recently scoring in a 2-2 draw with PSV on Saturday.
The talented left-winger has proven himself to be a consistent performer in the Dutch top-flight and has a contract running until the summer of 2029, making his potential exit a costly one.
FC Koln considering €8M permanent deal for Manchester City’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey
What is Mika Godts like as a player?
Only time will tell whether can replicate his rising form in the Premier League but the 20-year-old certainly shows the strengths that come with being a positive and influential player.
Not only is he a good dribbler with the ball, Godts can also make driving runs out wide with too. He can shoot from range or exploit defences in tight areas while possessing the vision to create wherever.
So eye-catching is his talent that, according to Voetbal Primeur journalist Lentin Goodijk, Pep Guardiola’s side are among the clubs hoping to land the wonderboy in the summer transfer window.
Which clubs are interested in Mika Godts?
In addition to the interest from the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal, Chelsea and ManchesterUnited are other Premier League sides keeping their eyes peeled on the winger’s situation and some have sent scouts in recent weeks to monitor his performances in the Netherlands.
Godts has the option to explore various moves across Europe, with Barcelona also deploying scouts and BayernMunich retaining strong interest to keep the chase for his signature competitive.
With three years remaining on his current deal at the Johan Cruijff Arena, it will certainly be tough for HugoViana, City’s sporting director, to snap up a cheap deal for the forward – despite the Portuguese executive’s impressive track record of bringing bargained stars to the EtihadStadium since replacing long-serving official Txiki Begiristain last summer.
Manchester United accept defeat in Elliot Anderson chase as Manchester City plan £100M transfer talks
How would Mika Godts fit into Man City?
Most notably was Viana’s ability to lure AntoineSemenyo to east Manchester in the January transfer window before signing MarcGuehi for just £20 million to help with Guardiola’s title charge.
Godts’s potential inclusion into City’s frontline would improve Guardiola’s options in the longer run – given he already has the ability to get into most Premier League starting squads.
Whether he could cope with the league’s physical demands is yet to be seen but Guardiola already has a wide portfolio to show how he has turned the likes of KevinDeBruyne, RiyadMahrez and RayanCherki into one of the world’s very best.
Should the Washington Commanders kick the tires on another receiver other than Brandon Aiyuk?
Since the 2025 season concluded, every couple of days, the San Francisco 49ers receiver has been the subject of much interest among the Commanders' fan base. With Washington GM Adam Peters not legally permitted to discuss another player under contract with another team, there is no way to discern how interested Peters is in Aiyuk.
If Peters determines he is not interested in Aiyuk, might Peters be interested in Stefon Diggs? Diggs is a local product, having played at Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, MD), later becoming a Maryland Terrapin. Diggs is out there, an unrestricted free agent.
The Commanders don't know if Aiyuk is healthy and recovered. How could they know? They can't legally work out Aiyuk. In addition, Aiyuk has not played an NFL game since the 49ers seventh game in the 2024 season. Thus, the last 17 regular season games the 49ers have played, Aiyuk has not been in uniform.
On the other hand, Diggs played in all 17 games last season, catching 85 receptions for the AFC Champion, New England Patriots. Having such a great and productive season, the question is, why, then, haven't the Pats re-signed Diggs to a contract?
Diggs has played in all 17 games in three of the last five seasons, and in 2022, he missed only one game. He has been durable and productive. In 2020, Diggs produced a huge season, collecting 127 receptions for 1,535 yards, leading the NFL in both categories. Paired with QB Kirk Cousins in 2019, Diggs averaged an impressive 17.9 yards per reception on his 63 catches.
But there is another side to the coin with Diggs. He will turn 33 in November. Secondly, why has Diggs already played on four other NFL teams? He was with the Vikings (2015-19), Bills (2020-23), Texans (2024) and Patriots (2025). Why have his last two teams (Texans and Patriots) both let him go to free agency? Why did the Vikings trade Diggs following the season, when he averaged 17.9 yards per reception? Why did the Bills trade Diggs to the Texans?
Though Diggs has been paired with effective quarterbacks in Cousins, Josh Allen, C.J. Stroud, and Drake Maye. The Bills signed Diggs to a four-year contract in 2022, but after only two seasons, they traded him. The Patriots signed Diggs to a three-year deal, and though he had 85 receptions in 2025, he was released after only one season in New England.
There was a civil lawsuit where a former girlfriend, Mulan Hernandez, accused Diggs of physical abuse. Hernandez's lawsuit was filed two months after Diggs filed a separate lawsuit, which accused her of extortion. In an additional case, on Tuesday, Diggs was found not guilty in a case where he was accused of strangulation and assault and battery stemming from a pay dispute with his personal chef on December 2, 2025.
Perhaps, these are enough red flags to discourage Peters from signing Diggs, even for a single season?
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 21: Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) in the dugout following the second inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians on April 21, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Suddenly, the Cleveland Guardians may have a starting pitching depth problem.
The Guardians are widely respected for their starting pitching development.
It’s no secret that the Guardians have developed some outstanding starters in recent years.
One must ask what happens this year if one of the Cleveland starting pitchers is injured, or is so ineffective, he must be replaced
The minor league pitching development program doesn’t have major league starting pitching depth waiting in the wings for 2026.
Yes, there is starting pitching on the horizon, but the cupboard is fairly bare at this point in the season.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Former Cleveland Guardians player Corey Kluber throws out the first pitch ahead of the game against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on April 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Starting pitchers C.C. Sabathia, Corey Kluber, and Shane Bieber, all refined their pitching brilliance in the Guardians player development program.
Sabathia was a 1st round Cleveland draft pick in 1998. He won a Cy Young Award in 2007, and is in the Hall of Fame. Wearing a New York Yankees cap, one might add.
Kluber was drafted in the 4th round by the San Diego in 2007, traded to Cleveland, and won two Cy Young Awards with the (then) Cleveland Indians.
Bieber was a 4th round Cleveland draft pick in 2016, and won a Cy Young Award in the shortened 2020 season. He is injured now, and is on the Toronto roster.
This season, the Guardians are hoping right-handers Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibbe can come close to the dominance the trio above offered the Cleveland franchise.
Both Williams and Bibee have had great moments on the mound. But both have struggled with command and control consistency.
Perhaps the most promising and reliable of the current Cleveland rotation is left-hander, Parker Messick.
Messick is still a rookie, having thrown only 39.2 innings last year. But those innings were a harbinger of great things to come.
Messick throws strikes. He can’t be rattled on the mound. He has a deceptive repertoire, and a savvy pitching demeanor.
This old scout believes Messick will join Sabathia, Kluber, and Bieber as a Cy Young Award winner at some point in his career.
The Guardians also have lefty Joey Cantillo, and right-hander Slade Cecconi in the rotation.
Each has had solid outings. Each has had some clunkers.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Logan Allen #26 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the second inning at Petco Park on April 01, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Cleveland Guardians Triple-A Columbus Starters:
If Cleveland needs a starting pitcher replacement, the most logical source would be the Triple-A Columbus Clippers affiliate.
milb.com lists the Clippers rotation to include Logan Allen, Pedro Avila, Trenton Denholm, Rorik Maltrud, and Ryan Webb.
Allen had opportunities with the parent Guardians and couldn’t win a role in the starting rotation. He isn’t faring very well at Columbus, either. But he is the most advanced of the major league ready starting pitchers.
A veteran pitcher, Pedro Avila has pitched in relief for Cleveland. He is now converting to being a starter.
Trenton Denholm has never pitched for Cleveland at the big league level. He is unranked by mlbpipeline.com in their list of the Top 30 Cleveland prospects.
Rorik Maltrud has not pitched for the parent Guardians. He is unranked by mlbpipeline.com.
Ryan Webb has not pitched for the Guardians. Like Denholm, and Maltrud, Webb is unranked in the mlbpipeline.comtop 30 Cleveland prospects.
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 16, 2026: Kahl Stephen #32 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during a minor league spring training game against the Texas Rangers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 16, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Diamond Images/Getty Images
In fact, the highest ranked pitcher in the Guardians organization is right-hander, Khal Stephen.
Stephen, 23, came to the Guardians in a trade with Toronto for Cy Young Winner, Shane Bieber.
The problem? Stephen is pitching at Double-A Akron. He has not yet reached Triple-A. One would think that will happen soon, as Stephen may be the best starting pitcher in waiting for the Cleveland franchise.
Here is the website off the Double-A Akron Rubberducks-milb.com
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 12: Kolby Allard (49) of the Cleveland Guardians delivers a pitch during the Sunday night MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cleveland Guardians on April 12, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Veteran left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard has now been signed, designated for assignment, and signed again so many times, he probably has taken up residence somewhere in Ohio.
Allard was signed as a free agent by Cleveland in February 2025. He was released in July.
Allard was signed back by Cleveland in July 2025 after he cleared waivers.
After his contract expired, Cleveland signed Allard again in February 2026.
Allard was released on April 16, 2026.
Allard signed back with Cleveland on April 17, 2026, and is now assigned to Triple-A Columbus, where he is on the Injured List.
Allard, if and when he is healthy, could be a starting pitching option at the big league level.
Should Cleveland Guardians Use Openers?
While there don’t seem to be many major league ready options for the parent Guardians at the Triple-A level, perhaps the team could bridge a starting pitcher need with “openers.”
The Tampa Bay Rays popularized using a long-reliever to start some games when the need would arise.
The “opener” would give way to another reliever, moving the chain along in the bullpen for the entire game.
It is far from ideal, and to this old scout, not a good strategy.
However, barring a trade for a pitcher, the Cleveland Guardians certainly don’t have the starting pitching depth they have been accustomed to in the recent past.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Tottenham Hotspur's English midfielder #22 Conor Gallagher reacts after the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on May 3, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / | AFP via Getty Images
Good morning everyone- fitzie is BACK! Before we get into the hoddle proper, I’d like to thank Menno and Matty for steering the ship in my absence. I’ll get round to updating the Track of the Day playlist soon.
——
We return to the hoddle proper with an old favourite – Trending Up / Trending Down, where your hoddler-in-chief takes a look at all things Tottenham and who (or what) is Trending Up, and what’s Trending Down. Without furher ado, let’s get started:
Trending Up:
Antonin Kinksy: I’m pretty sure it was only a few months ago where Kinsky featured in the “Trending Down” portion of this feature after his horrendous showing against Atletico Madrid. At the time I thought he played his last game for Spurs. I was wrong, and he’s done very well since filling in for Guglielmo Vicario.
Connor Gallagher: I still think his contract is ridiculous, but he’s been showing some improved performances since Roberto de Zerbi came to town (even though the sample size is still small). He cemented his place in Trending Up after scoring the first goal for Spurs this past weekend.
Kevin Danso: Danso’s been a reliable centerback since coming in these last few weeks. I don’t miss Cristian Romero as I thought I would, and I think that is mostly due to the solid if unspectacular displays we’re seeing from Big K.
Roberto De Zerbi: He’s done what Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor both failed to do in 2026 – get a Spurs win. They’ve now won two straight (and claimed six points of their last seven). It’s a huge boost for the club right before three crucial games. Can he get them over the line?
Trending Down:
Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke: These two players have the misfortune of joining this list after their most recent injuries. Simons is done for the season. Solanke looks likely to miss the remaining games as well, but we’ll find out more this week.
Players to fill the bench: And because of that, there are fewer and fewer players to sit on the Tottenham bench. The list has dwindled so much (and perhaps the “vibes” play into this also), that James Maddison, still injured, has been on bench duty to ostensibly help lift morale. It seems to be working though.
Days until the end of the season: There are only three games to go. Spurs hold a one-point advantage over West Ham in the survival race. It’s kind of scary to think that we’ll learn Tottenham’s fate in no fewer than 18 days’ time. First is a huge match against a resurgent Leeds, then it’s a trip to Stamford Bridge (which I don’t think any of us are excited about). And, finally, the season closer at home against Everton.
Fitzie’s track of the day:SWEET LOVE, by Stephen Sanchez
And now for your links:
Jack P-B ($$): “Roberto De Zerbi deserves immense credit for removing Tottenham’s mental block”
Alasdair Gold: “Luka Vuskovic returns and Tottenham wonderkid wanted by Championship club”
BBC: “Everton fan arrested for alleged Semenyo racist abuse”
The Guardian: “David Squires on … an unexpected cameo amid all the Premier League drama”
The Telegraph: “Arsenal beat Atletico to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years”
Munich evokes "great memories" for Luis Enrique and reigning champions PSG
Coming back to the place where they won their first Champions League crown last season, PSG need no encouragement for taking on Bayern Munich today, said Luis Enrique.
“We don't need any extra motivation, we're already at 100%. It brings back great memories when we go back to Munich; it will always be a real pleasure," he said at his press conference.
“We can remember last year, and if I go back even further, when I was the Barcelona coach, the year of our CL win, we played against Bayern in the semi-final, with the second leg in Munich. We went on to win the final.
“As a team, we have the same objective away from home as we do at home. We don't need to defend the result because the objective is to win,” he said.
Regarding the pressure of the semi-final in Munich with only a goal between them, the PSG coach drew inspiration from compatriot and professional tennis star Rafael Nadal.
“Both teams throughout the season, and in our case over the last two seasons, have shown their ability to handle difficult moments. We need to be more competitive than ever.
"When I see these kinds of matches, I remember Rafael Nadal saying that facing Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer was a motivation for him.
“He saw the potential to improve. We'll try to overcome the atmosphere [at the Allianz Arena] and a team that plays sensational football,” Enrique explained.
Chet Holmgren earned his first All-Star selection this season [Getty Images]
The Oklahoma City Thunder proved too strong for the Los Angeles Lakers to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA's Conference semi-finals.
The defending champions are the Western Conference's top seed and made a strong start to the best-of-seven series with a 108-90 win at home on Tuesday.
The Thunder produced a balanced offensive performance while their defence restricted the Lakers to their lowest score in a play-off game since 2021.
LeBron James claimed a game-high 27 points for the Lakers while Chet Holmgren led the Thunder with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
The NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell added 18 points apiece for the hosts.
"You're playing the world champs, your margin for error in terms of mistakes is not that high," said Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
"[There were] just too many tonight. We've got to clean that up."
LA guard Luka Doncic remained out with a hamstring injury and could also miss game two on Thursday.
The Detroit Pistons drew first blood in their series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, holding off a late rally to claim a 111-101 home win.
Cade Cunningham scored 23 points for the Eastern Conference's top seed Detroit, with Tobias Harris adding 20.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23 points while James Harden added 22 but had seven turnovers.
Real Madrid renewal talks with 25-year-old star complicated by huge wage difference
Contract talks between Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid are facing a major obstacle as both parties continue to remain far apart financially.
According to reports from Ramon Alvarez de Mon, negotiations between the two parties have slowed significantly because of the salary demands being requested by the Brazilian star’s camp.
Vinicius’ representatives are pushing for a package worth close to €30 million net per season, while Real Madrid are currently unwilling to go beyond approximately €20 million net.
That gap is understood to be the central reason why no agreement has been reached yet.
Details of the matter
The situation is particularly delicate because Vinicius is one of the faces of the club, both on and off the pitch.
The 25-year-old’s importance has only increased following the departures and ageing of several senior figures, and Madrid internally view him as one of the pillars of the next generation.
Still no development in Vinicius’ contract renewal. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Real Madrid are also cautious about how they structure the new agreement.
The club does not want to create a dangerous precedent by offering massive renewal bonuses or excessively inflated salaries that could later affect future negotiations with other stars in the dressing room.
Maintaining wage balance is of extreme importance, especially with several young players expected to demand improved contracts in the near future.
Approaching final year
One particular scenario that worries Madrid is the possibility of the contract entering its final stages without an agreement.
If Vinicius reaches January 2027 without renewing, he would legally be free to negotiate with any club as a free agent.
For a player of his age, quality and commercial value, such a situation would be unprecedented for Real Madrid.
For now, both sides remain calm, but the longer negotiations continue without progress, the bigger this story could become inside the Spanish capital.
The six-man shortlist Barcelona have drawn up to reinforce left wing, including two former players
Barcelona are already preparing for a busy summer transfer window and strengthening the left wing appears to be one of the club’s biggest priorities ahead of next season.
With the squad expected to undergo several changes, the Catalan giants are now keeping a close eye on multiple attacking profiles across Europe.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana currently have six different names on their shortlist as they search for a winger capable of adding pace, creativity and goals from the left side of attack.
The impossible dreams
One of the most surprising names being linked with the club is Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United.
The English winger has impressed with his intensity and direct style in the Premier League, qualities that Barça believe could suit Flick’s system.
However, the biggest obstacle is the financial side of the operation, as Newcastle value the player at around €85 million, a figure that currently looks far beyond Barcelona’s comfort zone.
Another player attracting serious attention is Victor Munoz, who has emerged as one of the breakout stars in La Liga this season with Osasuna.
Notably, Real Madrid still hold significant control over the player’s future after keeping 50 percent of his rights and also securing favourable buyback clauses.
He has a release clause worth €40 million in his contract and if Barcelona decide to activate it, as much as €20 million would go to Real Madrid’s coffers.
Jan Virgili is still on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
That reality makes any potential Barça move extremely complicated politically and financially.
Barcelona scouts reportedly watched him closely during Ajax’s recent clash against PSV, where the young winger delivered an impressive performance, scoring and assisting.
His lower valuation compared to some of the other targets makes him an attractive option.
Two more names completing the shortlist are Andreas Schjelderup of SL Benfica and former Barcelona player Ez Abde, who has enjoyed an excellent spell at Real Betis.
Barcelona still retain a percentage of Abde’s rights, something that could help lower the overall cost if the club decides to bring him back.
Declan Rice in awe of Arsenal teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal claimed a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium to progress to the UEFA Champions League final.
The Gunners are on the verge of sealing a double after Mikel Arteta’s side found another gear to dispatch the Spanish side.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was the official man of the match, but he reserved praise for teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was equally outstanding.
Rice said (via the BBC): “We have always known what Myles can do. I remember last year when he played so many games.
“Last year, when he stepped up, Real Madrid away at the Bernabeu at 18 – I thought: ‘Wow, what a player.’
“The manager has been tough on him behind the scenes. He has kept his head down, and he has worked so hard.
“He is in early, gym and works hard. To be thrown in at the deep end and perform how he did is no surprise to me.”
The Arsenal academy graduate won 3/3 aerial duels, made one key pass, and recorded two progressive carries.
Lewis-Skelly could help define Arsenal’s season. Arteta’s side looked strangely flat when Martin Zubimendi operated in midfield.
The Gunners lacked the intensity, drive, and verticality that have powered them through the campaign.
The decision to turn to Lewis-Skelly for the last two matches has completely changed the dynamic for Arsenal.
The teenager brings aggression without the ball, carries possession fearlessly through pressure, and injects energy into the midfield.
Yesterday, he played with the maturity of a seasoned international rather than a teenager experiencing the biggest nights of his career.
Arteta may have stumbled upon the perfect balance at exactly the right moment.
With the Premier League title race entering its decisive stage and a Champions League final now looming, Lewis-Skelly’s athleticism could become a major weapon.
On current evidence, he looks capable of helping drive Arsenal toward a historic double.
KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — The players struck their crutches against each other as they chased a soccer ball, as well as a larger dream of competing at the global level. Children shrieked in joy as they watched a goalie dive to block an attempt with her remaining hand.
Amputee football, a seven-a-side version of the game in which players roam the field on crutches and goalkeepers have one arm, has grown steadily in Rwanda over the past decade. Players say they have found a community on the field after embracing a sport some never imagined they could play. For many, it offers not only physical rehabilitation but also a sense of belonging.
In the capital Kigali, amputees play to foster healing and social cohesion after traumas that include the country's darkest period: the 1994 genocide, in which about 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were massacred by the majority Hutu population over a 100-day period.
Nyiraneza Solange was born two years after the genocide and lost her leg at the age of 5 after falling and developing an infection. She said the resilience shown by people who lost limbs during the genocide attracted her to amputee football.
She was encouraged by the former coach of the country's first amputee football team, who told her she could use her crutches to play. She quickly left any fear behind.
“I don’t even think about I don’t have a leg,” said Solange, explaining that she feels free while playing and has overcome the stigma that accompanies being an amputee.
Rwanda is estimated to have more than 3,000 lower-limb amputees. Some are victims of the genocide. Others are survivors of road accidents or illness.
Louise Kwizera, the vice president of the Rwanda Amputee Football Federation, said the sport enables players to learn to trust again, building unity in a society that “was once divided.”
“In communities affected by conflict or trauma, the playing field becomes a place of peace. People who may have different pasts come together as teammates,” Kwizera told The Associated Press.
Rwanda hopes to take part next year in the second women’s amputee football World Cup, an invitational event expected to be held in Poland or Brazil. Rwanda was represented by only a single player at the first edition of the competition in 2024.
The sport, governed by the World Amputee Football Federation, is played in more than 50 countries. Rwanda now has five women’s professional teams and 10 for men.
Haitian women’s amputee football team manager Fred Sorrels, who visited Rwanda to help develop the local program, said he was rooting for the East African country to host a World Cup. But the country's sports ministry said it has yet to make a formal bid.
Sorrels said he has seen the benefits of the sport.
“It’s a win psychologically and mentally for these ladies to have an opportunity to experience wholeness and wellness again,” he said.
Gilbert Muvunyi Manier, the Rwandan sports ministry's director general of sports development, called the sport a “powerful tool” for healing, reconciliation and social cohesion.
Players acknowledged limitations in strategy.
“It’s hard to save the ball when it goes to the side with the receding hand,” goalkeeper Nikuze Angelique said. Like Solange, she described a sense of community found on the field.
As players took selfies after a game, Angelique said she is hopeful they will reach the World Cup.
The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Sanju Samson finished unbeaten on 87, sacrificing a century to help CSK win.
He followed Gautam Gambhir's "team over self" philosophy instilled in the Indian dressing room.
CSK have now won five on the bounce, and are firmly back in playoff contention.
Sanju Samson puts team before milestone, passes up chance to match IPL century record
Sanju Samson scored a scintillating 87* off 52 balls against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday evening to steer Chennai Super Kings to an eight-wicket victory.
After driving and pulling his way to 66 from 36 balls, including a brutal 16 runs plundered off a single T Natarajan over in the 15th, he needed just 21 more runs to complete a third century of the season.
Only three batters in IPL history have managed three or more hundreds in a single edition: Virat Kohli, who scored four in 2016; Jos Buttler, who matched that tally in 2022; and Shubman Gill, who reached three in 2023.
With Chennai needing only 18 runs to win, the target was reachable, and the record was staring Samson in the face.
Rather than nudging singles to retain the strike and inch towards three figures, he stepped aside and allowed young Kartik Sharma, who was timing the ball beautifully at the other end, to take the game home.
Sharma finished unbeaten on 41 off 31 and hit the winning boundary while Samson remained 87 not out off 52 balls, having struck six sixes and seven fours.
When asked about the decision after the match, Samson was disarmingly candid. He admitted that the hundred was very much on his mind, but said pursuing it would have meant being selfish, and that was not something he was willing to be.
“Hundreds are always special,” Samson admitted. "Yeah, it was (on his desire to get the 100 against Delhi), but I felt I had to be a bit too selfish for that. So I thought, let’s win the game. The other partner was batting really well, and I didn’t want to tell him, ‘ek single de de yaar, main sau bana leta hoon’ [take a single, I’ll get my 100]. So I didn’t say that. I really enjoyed it, coming not out and finishing the game gives you better satisfaction."
With momentum firmly behind them, Chennai face back-to-back fixtures against Lucknow Super Giants, at home on May 10 and then away on May 15, which could prove decisive in confirming their playoff spot.
Which batsman has the most centuries in a single IPL season?
Batter
Season
Centuries
Team
Virat Kohli
2016
4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jos Buttler
2022
4
Rajasthan Royals
Shubman Gill
2023
3
Gujarat Titans
Sanju Samson
2026
2*
Chennai Super Kings
The Cricket News Opinion: Samson shows class against DC
It was almost word-for-word the philosophy that India head coach Gautam Gambhir has championed publicly, placing collective outcomes above individual glory. Samson, though currently outside the national setup, has clearly internalised that thinking.
Statistics matter in cricket, but moments of selflessness matter more. Samson had every justification to farm the strike and chase that hundred — no one would have criticised him. The fact that he did not, and that he did not even seem conflicted about it, tells you something about where his game is right now. Chennai are better for having him, and Indian cricket will be better for recalling him.
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One strike away from defeat while facing the nation’s top-ranked college baseball team, Loyola Marymount deployed its only remaining weapon.
Sprinklers.
An accidental spray that resulted from a system malfunction was a novel idea Tuesday night but couldn’t dampen dominant UCLA.
After milling about for 30 seconds white waiting for the sprinklers to stop with two out and two strikes in the bottom of the ninth inning, Bruins reliever Justin Lee struck out the final batter on the next pitch.
That allowed UCLA to hold on for an 8-4 victory over the Lions at Page Stadium on a night that seven Bruins pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts and no walks.
UCLA coach John Savage said he was pleased that his team was able to continue developing players during its final midweek game of the regular season. Catcher Kasen Khansarinia, who did not start any of his team’s games last weekend, drove in two runs and had a solid game defensively. Second baseman Phoenix Call, who played in just one game last weekend, had two hits.
Several relievers who had not been used recently delivered solid outings against the Lions (12-38).
“It’s just about adding pieces to the team,” Savage said, “and making sure you have enough depth and inventory to go down the road.”
Phoenix Call celebrates after ripping a triple during UCLA’s 8-4 win over Loyola Marymount on May 5, 2026 at Page Stadium. @UCLABaseball / X
The only thing left to add to the arsenal of what might be the nation’s most complete team is an umbrella.
“I guess it’s a time thing,” Savage said of the unexpected shower. “The game was too long so the sprinklers said, ‘Hey, let’s go and get out of here.’ ”
What it means
Having become the first team in the country to win 40 games last week before they swept Michigan State, the Bruins kept their seasonlong momentum intact.
With six games left in the regular season, UCLA (44-4) has a chance to reach the 50-win threshold before the Big Ten Tournament.
Turning point
It felt like the game was over in the top of the first inning.
UCLA sent eight batters to the plate and scored three runs with the benefit of only two hits.
Two LMU pitchers walked two batters and hit a third, compounding their early struggles. It was no way to start an upset bid against a team as mighty as the Bruins.
Did you see that?
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky made a couple of outstanding defensive plays, charging a slow roller in the first inning and ranging deep into the hole in the fifth.
MVP
UCLA freshman reliever Mack Edwards generated the biggest show of excitement from teammates when he pitched a perfect sixth inning.
After the left-hander struck out the final batter of the inning, his teammates surged out of the dugout to mob him in excitement.
Freshman reliever Mack Edwards celebrates during the sixth inning in UCLA’s win over Loyola Marymount. @UCLABaseball / X
Their enthusiasm was understandable. It was just Edwards’ second appearance of the season, and his first had not gone well — he gave up a run-scoring hit to the only batter he faced.
Edwards’ latest outing lowered his earned-run average from 99.00 to a considerably more agreeable 9.00.
“It was just fun to see a guy stay sharp who hasn’t been used,” Savage said.
Injury updates
Savage said first baseman Mulivai Levu was sick but should return before the team’s next series.
Ace Logan Reddemann, who is battling arm fatigue, remains on track to throw his next pitch in the Big Ten Tournament, Savage said.
“We’re ramping him up and we’re looking forward to him being a contributor and being a big factor to this thing,” Savage said. “I mean, he’s one of the reasons we are in the position we are, so we need him for the postseason run for sure.”
Up next
The Bruins open their final home series of the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday when they host Oregon at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
The UFC 328 middleweight title fight between champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland has become one of the biggest grudge matches in the promotion's history.
The two used to train together but a dispute in the gym has festered into a full-blown rivalry. Their fight week interaction has been limited by the organization. They're staying in two different hotels and extra security has been added.
Strickland has accused "Borz" of seeking out lesser training partners in the gym and mercilessly dominating them to feed his ego. On Tuesday, Chimaev released footage of a sparring session with Strickland. He captioned the video, "I am bullying weak people."
The video was only 26 seconds long. The two have very different recollections of how their training sessions went. They'll settle their differences inside the octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday. It will be Chimaev's first title defense.
Emma Raducanu has been forced to withdraw from the Italian Open in the latest setback of a disrupted season.
Raducanu had been due to begin her campaign against either Solana Sierra or a qualifier later this week before a possible meeting with Coco Gauff in Rome, but has pulled out of the event citing post-viral illness.
The British No 1 has not played since Indian Wells in March due to the illness, while an injury to her hand was also a contributing factor in her decision to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open last week.
The 23-year-old is therefore yet to play a clay-court match this season, with the start of the French Open on 24 May ever nearer.
Raducanu reached the fourth round in Rome 12 months ago before suffering defeat to Gauff. Her absence is a blow given the strength of the field at the Italian Open, the last WTA 1000 event before Roland-Garros.
All of the WTA’s top 20 are due to compete as home favourite Jasmine Paolini defends her title. The American will face either Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva or Czech teenager Tereza Valentova in her opening match in Rome, with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka potentially facing a tricky opener against Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open winner who is returning from injury.
In the men’s draw, British No 1 Cameron Norrie, who reached the Barcelona Open quarter-finals on clay, has a bye to the second round. Jack Draper is out for the remainder of the clay season as he continues to battle a series of injuries.
World No 1 Jannik Sinner is on a record run of five consecutive Masters 1000 titles and looking to make that six at his home Masters, while Novak Djokovic will be relieved he can only face the Italian in the final.
Sinner is aiming to replicate Djokovic’s achievement as the only man to complete the career Golden Masters - winning all nine titles at this level - with Rome the only one the 24-year-old has yet to claim.
Sinner is seeded to meet Jakub Mensik - one of the few players to beat him this year, in the Qatar Open quarter-finals - in the third round and rapidly rising Frenchman Arthur Fils, whom he defeated in the Madrid semi-finals, in the fourth.
Barcelona are in the market for a new striker and have eyes on Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi, according to Sky Sports.
The France Under-21 international centre-forward has caught the eye this season, bagging 12 goals in his debut Premier League campaign.
Kroupi’s exploits have caught the attention of several clubs, with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal linked. Barcelona are the latest to show interest.
Barca are preparing to lose Robert Lewandowski this summer when his contract expires, and they need a replacement.
Barcelona’s first-choice target to fill the gap is Julian Alvarez, but securing his services might prove too expensive. Kroupi is a cheaper alternative.
However, Bournemouth are adamant that Kroupi is not for sale this summer, as they look to keep the talented young centre-forward.
There is no doubt Kroupi has the talent to reach the very top.
Still, Barcelona would be taking a huge gamble by placing the burden of replacing Lewandowski on the shoulders of a 19-year-old still learning the demands of elite football.
Lewandowski is not just any departing striker. He is one of the greatest goalscorers of his generation, a player who delivered time after time in front of goal for over a decade.
Barcelona cannot afford to downgrade experience and reliability for raw potential alone.
One strong campaign at Bournemouth is not enough evidence that Kroupi is ready to lead the line for a club where every match carries enormous pressure and scrutiny.
The jump is too big, too soon.
From the player’s perspective, the move also feels premature.
Bournemouth are giving him regular minutes, trust, and the perfect environment to develop without overwhelming expectations.
Another year or two refining his game in the Premier League would benefit him far more than rushing into a career-defining transfer before he is fully ready.
Report: Chelsea accelerate interest in €40m rated ace, sent scouts to watch last weekend
Chelsea have stepped up their long term interest in Club Brugge centre back Joel Ordonez according to reports.
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Having been quiet in January, the Blues are once again expected to be busy this summer with reinforcements required in a number of areas of the squad.
Chelsea are said to still be in the market for a centre back, whilst it’s believed they want to add another midfielder and attacker.
Chelsea step up interest in Joel Ordonez
The Blues have struggled defensively this season, and haven’t kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since January.
Chelsea were boosted by the return of Levi Colwill in Monday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, as he made his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury.
However, it appears there’s another name on their radar in Ordonez, and TEAMtalk have reported Chelsea have stepped up their interest in the Ecuadorian.
The report adds Chelsea sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in action over the weekend, and have been impressed with his development.
TEAMtalk add Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa have also shown interest, whilst the Ecuador international will cost around €40m.
Ordonez is under contract until 2029, and has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four goals.
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In other news…
It’s been reported nothing is going on between Chelsea and Xavi Hernandez, despite suggestions the Blues had reached out to the Spaniard.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
OKLAHOMA CITY––Before 18,000 souls rose as one, before the energy of a blue-and-orange crashed against the hardwood, and in that single breath before tip-off — that suspended moment where time holds its breath and possibility still lives — you could almost convince yourself the Lakers had a chance.
Almost.
The Paycom Center hums with a frequency that rattles your ribcage and scatters your thoughts, a low thrum of anticipation that says, "We know something you don't know."
Not the roar. Not yet.
The hum.
The hum of a young crowd that believes.
The hum of sneakers squeaking on clean hardwood.
The hum of 18,203 people who have already watched the film, studied the matchups and can recite the scouting report from memory.
They are here early. They are here ready.
And across the court, leaning against the scorer's table with arms folded and eyes half-closed, sits a 41-year-old king on a throne fashioned of borrowed time.
The Los Angeles Lakers don't have enough dawgs in the kennel. They don't have enough firepower to fight this war.
The Thunder are too tough, too talented, too tenacious. They're a pack of hyenas fighting over the lone chicken breast – and that chicken breast walked off the floor with a full dislocation of his right pinky finger and didn't come back.
Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals ended 108-90.
But the funeral started somewhere around the nine-minute mark of the third quarter, right about the time Austin Reaves caught an open wing three – a clean look, a prayer of a shot that would have cut the deficit to three – and watched it clang off iron like a bell tolling for his own lost season.
The Thunder grabbed the rebound. The Thunder pushed. The Thunder scored.
Just like that, 60 seconds of basketball turned a four-point game into a double-digit deficit that never shrank again.
Welcome to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder devour details like dinner and the Lakers are left fasting.
Third quarters have doomed the Lakers all season.
The third quarter has haunted their huddles. The third quarter has turned winnable games into white flags.
The third quarter has been the slow leak in their tire, the crack in their foundation, the whisper that becomes a scream when the lights shine brightest.
Tuesday night, the Thunder won the third quarter by four. Only four.
But here's the poison in that number: Oklahoma City wins every quarter.
Plus five in the first. Plus three in the second. Plus four in the third. Plus six in the fourth.
OKC wears you down like water on a stone. They don't need a knockout punch. They throw 1,000 jabs.
They come at you in waves. They play 11 guys. They throw so much on you that you overwhelm yourself.
When their bench comes in, they don't lose a step.
If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has an off night, Chet Holmgren is there to carry the load.
If they need to overwhelm you with defense, they do so with aggression.
The numbers don't lie.
Eight of Oklahoma City's 13 made threes came from their bench. The Thunder's bench outscored the Lakers' bench 34-15.
That's not a gap; that's a canyon.
Holmgren – all 7-foot-1 of arms and angles and offensive ambition – finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
He was the Thunder's best player on a night when Gilgeous-Alexander looked mortal by his MVP standards: 18 points, seven turnovers, only three free throw attempts.
And the Lakers still couldn't stay within striking distance.
That's the thing about Oklahoma City, they're a chameleon. They're a team with a plethora of identities.
Whatever the Thunder need to morph into, they can. They will. They do.
The Lakers burst from the gate like men possessed, like they had something to prove, like the 41.7% shooting and 17 turnovers that would eventually doom them were some other team's problem.
LeBron James — ageless, relentless, almost absurd in his refusal to bow to biology — scored five of the first seven points, and for one shimmering, fragile moment, the purple and gold led 7-0.
The crowd murmured. The workers in the arena yawned. The Thunder blinked.
Hope, that most dangerous of drugs, coursed through the Lakers' veins.
But hope is a liar. Hope would have you believe that the third quarter won't be their grave.
Hope whispers that this time, this time, the collapse won't come.
Hope is wrong. Hope is always wrong.
By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder had shaken off the rust from their eight-day layoff and seized a 31-26 lead, James' 12 points be damned.
By halftime, Oklahoma City led 61-53, and James had 16 — a one-man army fighting a war his teammates couldn't seem to find the ammunition for.
The Lakers were hanging on by fingernails and duct tape, by prayer, by the sheer gravitational force of James' will.
Then came the third quarter. Then came the tomb.
If you want to understand the 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers, don't look at the final score — 108-90, a rout that felt closer than it was and further than it should have been.
Don't look at the 41.7% shooting or the 17 turnovers that bled 20 points.
Don't look at the bench scoring disparity, 34-15, a canyon where the Lakers' reserves should have been.
Look at the third quarter. Always look at the third quarter.
It has been the third quarter that has buried this team all season long, the 12-minute stretch where focus frays and execution evaporates, where leads dissolve and deficits become chasms.
The third quarter is where the Lakers' season goes to die, over and over, a recurring nightmare they cannot wake from.
And Tuesday night in Oklahoma City was no different.
It was worse.
The Lakers trimmed the deficit to four early in the third, 69-65, a tantalizing whisper of competitiveness.
Rui Hachimura had found his rhythm, knocking down triples. The defense was bending but not breaking. For a moment — one breath, one heartbeat — it felt like a game.
Then the Thunder did what the Thunder do––annihilate.
They don't respond; they erase.
Oklahoma City peeled off seven consecutive points. A Lu Dort three-pointer that cut through the air like a blade. A Cason Wallace steal and layup that turned a Lakers possession into Thunder points before the Lakers could even process what happened.
The lead stretched. The crowd roared. The Lakers' shoulders sagged.
And then, the dagger — the moment that turned a basketball game into a coronation for the defending champions.
With the final minute of the third quarter bleeding away, Ajay Mitchell — starting in place of the injured Jalen Williams, a backup playing like a star — drained a corner three. Marcus Smart fouled him on the way down.
The free throw dropped. Four-point play. Thunder up 84-72.
The quarter ended with the Lakers trailing by 12, and the game, for all practical purposes, was over.
"I don't think there was a turning point," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "I think it was a general theme throughout the night when we made game plan mistakes, they hurt us."
General theme. That's one way to put it. Recurring tragedy might be another.
Austin Reaves has returned to action, but appears premature.
He doesn't look like himself.
Then again, Reaves looks like a shadow of himself every playoff run.
The regular-season superhero who averaged 23.3 points becomes something smaller in the postseason spotlight – hunted on defense, hurried on offense, haunted by the realization that the whistles don't blow the same way in May.
Reaves' total on the night: eight points. Three-for-16 from the field. Zero-for-five from three. Five rebounds. Six assists.
"I got to my spots multiple times and just missed a couple easy shots," Reaves said. "Nobody cares about that now. I got to go out there and play better."
Redick, sitting at the podium later, offered the measured patience of a coach who knows he has no other choice: "He didn't play well, but he's going to bounce back. He's a great player."
But here's the question hovering over every possession, every missed rotation, every ill-advised three: Is he great enough to be the second option on a championship team? Or is he what Sam Presti's front office sees when they let talent walk – a nice story, a fan favorite, but not a foundation?
The Thunder don't have that problem.
Mitchell dropped 18 points and looked like he'd been running that offense for years, not days.
Isaiah Joe came off the bench and knocked down shots with the mechanical precision of a man who has taken that same corner three 10,000 times.
Jared McCain checked in and hit two threes like he was checking his watch.
The Lakers have LeBron James. The Thunder have a program.
But, James scored 27 points for Los Angeles. He scored 12 in the first quarter alone.
He was aggressive. He was physical.
He was, for long stretches, the only Laker who looked like he belonged on the same floor with the defending champions.
And it wasn't enough.
It wasn't nearly enough.
Father Time is undefeated, and it appears that the keeper of the sands of time has finally caught up to James.
Not in the box score – not yet – but in the margins.
It shows in the defensive rotations he can't quite make; in the loose balls he used to snatch from midair; in the third quarters when his legs get heavy and the young Thunder keep running.
"He's had the greatest career of any NBA player," Redick said. "You can argue all you want. I really don't care to postulate on who's the greatest of all time. But for him to answer the bell again? It's baffling in some ways."
Baffling. But not sustainable.
Long gone are the days of trading picks for talent. That model doesn't work in the modern NBA, where the apron tax strangles flexibility.
Oklahoma City is the blueprint. Sam Presti has amassed a collection of talent that is nothing short of miraculous – draft picks that hit, development that works, a culture that breeds buy-in from the 15th man to the franchise superstar.
The Lakers? They're still chasing ghosts.
Still suffering from a Sisyphus curse –– leaning on a 40-year-old to push them up a mountain that gets steeper every season.
Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated his pinky finger trying to block a shot. Full dislocation.
The pinky went one way. His hand went the other.
He screamed.
Audibly screamed.
Redick heard it from the sideline and went to check on him.
"I mean, he was audibly screaming," Redick said. "He knew he had done something."
That play – that freakish, unfortunate, perfectly symbolic play – happened on a two-handed alley-oop from Isaiah Hartenstein to Holmgren.
Vanderbilt went up to contest. His right pinky caught the edge of the rim on the way down. His hand kept moving. His finger didn't.
He didn't return. He might not return for the rest of the series.
The Lakers needed his length. They needed his athleticism. They needed his ability to muck things up, to cause havoc, to be the irritant that makes Shai think twice.
And now? Now they're down a body against a team that plays 10 deep and doesn't lose a step when the subs check in.
"We didn't have the attention to detail in Game 5 against Houston," Redick admitted. "We had it tonight."
Did they?
17 turnovers...18 turnovers if you count the bad shots that functioned as turnovers – the ill-advised threes, the rushed floaters, the possessions that ended before they ever really began.
Oklahoma City turned those mistakes into 20 points.
20 points that James couldn't get back. 20 points that Reaves couldn't erase. 20 points that felt like 40 in a building that feeds on error.
"They take advantage of every single mental mistake," Reaves said. "Once you make a couple in a row, they capitalize."
On every possession, every screen, every closeout, the Thunder are dialed in.
There is no wandering. There is no wondering.
Each player knows their role as well as their own name.
They are deep. Ten players scored. Four hit double figures.
The rotation goes 11 deep without a drop-off in energy, execution or intensity.
When Gilgeous-Alexander sits, nobody panics. When Holmgren needs a breather, nobody shrinks.
Oklahoma City is devoted to the details. The box-outs. The weak-side rotations. The extra pass. The early help. The late contest.
They do the small things with the same ferocity that other teams reserve for dunks and daggers.
"They're the defending champions," James said. "It's a tall task."
But here's the truth that everyone in the building felt but few wanted to say: This didn't feel like a tall task. This felt like a mismatch.
This felt like a team that has built something, rather than one that is still trying to borrow something.
The Lakers shot 41.7% from the field. They turned it over 17 times. They lost the bench battle by 19 points. They lost the third quarter – again – and with it, any hope of stealing Game 1 on the road.
Somehow, Los Angeles managed to hold SGA under 20 points. They had a sound plan.
The Lakers just didn't make shots.
But they didn't make shots for a reason.
The Thunder made them uncomfortable. The Thunder made them hurry. The Thunder made them think, not react; hesitate, not attack.
That's what devotion to the details looks like.
That's what the Lakers used to be.
That's what they may never be again.
The series shifts to Thursday night. Same building. Same hum. Same hungry crowd.
The Lakers will talk about adjustments. They'll talk about shooting better. They'll talk about taking care of the ball and winning a quarter – just one quarter – to change the momentum.
"They got down to four at one point," Redick said. "We hung around all night. The game never felt out of reach."
But it did.
It felt out of reach the moment Mitchell hit that corner three and got fouled by Smart in the final minute of the third quarter. Four-point play. Twelve-point lead. Game over. Season teetering.
Reaves will watch the film.
He'll see his misses. He'll see his mistakes. He'll promise to be better.
James will ice his knees, rest his bones and prepare to do it all over again at the ripe age of 41.
And the Thunder will show up – dialed in, deep, devoted to the details – and dare the Lakers to find an answer they don't have.
Oklahoma City, simply, is too good. They compel, no, force you to have your antennas up for 48 minutes.
For most teams, that's unsustainable. The Lakers had their antennas up for about 24.
The third quarter came. The third quarter conquered.
Same as it ever was.
The fourth quarter was a formality, a victory lap for a team that knew the outcome before the Lakers did.
The Paycom Center emptied slowly, the crowd still buzzing, still celebrating, still living in the afterglow of a performance that felt inevitable from the opening tip.
The Lakers filed toward their locker room, a procession of golden-clad ghosts moving through a building that had already forgotten them.
James walked slowly, his 27 points heavy on his shoulders, his 41 years heavy on his legs.
He gave everything, again, and it had not been enough, again. There aren't too many of these performances in that body.
Somewhere in the arena, a replay showed Holmgren's alley-oop, the play that broke Vanderbilt's finger and the Lakers' spirit in one cruel moment.
This is who the Lakers are. This is who the Thunder are.
The distance between them is not measured in points but in eras, in philosophies, in the fundamental understanding of what it takes to win basketball games in 2026.
The Thunder know. The Lakers are still learning. And the third quarter — that cruel, unforgiving third quarter — is teaching them the hardest lesson of all.
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) awaits the puck during the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
DENVER — Nathan MacKinnon scored a goal and assisted on two more as the Colorado Avalanche rolled through Minnesota's newest netminder, Filip Gustavsson, on their way to a 5-2 win over the Wild on Tuesday night, grabbing a 2-0 lead in the second-round playoff series.
The Avalanche have now won six straight postseason games, which ties the 2021 squad for the franchise's longest win streak to begin the playoffs.
This game featured a little more defense than the 9-6 eruption in Game 1. The 14 goals for the Avalanche are the most in the first two games of a playoff series since the Calgary Flames had 15 against the Los Angeles Kings in 1988.
Martin Necas, Gabriel Landeskog and Nicolas Roy all scored their first goals of the series. Valeri Nichushkin added an empty-netter in the closing seconds. Twelve different Avalanche players have scored in the series, an NHL record for the first two games of a series.
“It’s great. I mean, right now, that’s what you need,” defenseman Cale Makar said. “You need everybody contributing and we’re finding ways to do that. There’s a lot of jelling minds right now.”
Scott Wedgewood made 29 saves on a night where he drew contact — he was knocked into the net on one occasion — and took a puck off the mask, leading to some quick repairs. It was a bounceback performance after giving up six goals in Game 1.
“He’s been unbelievable for us,” Roy said. "You can feel the confidence he’s got and it bleeds through the lineup.”
The Wild went with Gustavsson in net after Jesper Wallstedt gave up eight goals in the 9-6 loss. Gustavsson got off to a rocky start by giving up goals on the opening two shots of the first period and the first shot of the second. He settled down and finished with 18 saves.
“Just fine. Nothing special," Gustavsson said of how he felt Tuesday. “Not bad, not good.”
The series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Saturday.
The Avalanche are 18-2 in best-of-seven playoff series when winning the first two games since moving to Denver in 1995-96.
Kirill Kaprizov and Marcus Johansson had goals for the Wild. Tempers flared in the third, with Parker Kelly getting into a scuffle with Matt Boldy and hitting the linesman with his glove. No penalties were called.
Colorado weathered a late rush by the Wild after they pulled Gustavsson for an extra skater late in the game. Boldy took a big hit from MacKinnon along the boards.
The game boiled down to special teams. The Avalanche were 2 of 5 on the power play while the Wild finished 0 of 2.
“It’s not good enough,” said Boldy, whose team is missing two big pieces with forward Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin sidelined by lower-body injuries. "We know that. It’s on us. We’ve got to make adjustments and be way better.”
Necas gave the Avalanche a 1-0 lead in the first period but just six seconds later Kaprizov tied it. The six-second gap between the goals was tied for the fifth-fastest two goals by both teams in postseason history, according to NHL Stats.
Landeskog later added a power-play score on a pass from MacKinnon, who notched two assists in the first period for his 21st career multipoint playoff period. He passed Hall of Famer Joe Sakic for the most in franchise history.
“Just excited to play playoff hockey,” said MacKinnon, whose team has scored five or more goals in three straight postseason games for the fifth time in franchise history. “Obviously, the best time of year.”
For as good a fight as Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois is, is it as two-dimensional as some are claiming? Does it really boil down to “Dubois early or Wardley late”?
It’s an understandable narrative on the face of it, given each man’s recent form, but the truth is, it might not hold up to much scrutiny. So, let’s waste no time.
These were not just late stoppages, though, with the Ipswich boxer taking out Huni in round 10 and Parker in the 11th; they were comeback KOs, as Wardley trailed on the scorecards on both occasions.
WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley (left) and challenger Daniel Dubois (PA)
Yet for all their similarities, these finishes can be distinguished, too.
Wardley’s finish against Huni was a true one-punch KO, a mammoth overhand that beat the Australian’s cross for pace, undoing all of Huni’s good work in an instant. In that moment, Wardley was something of a matador, edging backwards slightly while Huni stepped in on his own jab feint and right straight.
Against Parker, there was some controversy. Before the finish in the 11th round, Wardley actually hurt the New Zealander with a sneaky rear uppercut in the dying seconds of the 10th. Wardley could not seal the stoppage then, but midway through the penultimate round, he drew down Parker’s hands with a feinted jab to the chest, before a step-in cross to the chin. The ensuing onslaught was not as accurate from Wardley as it might have been, but there were enough clean shots and enough eye-catching swings to force the referee to intervene.
So, on this occasion, it was more about optics and accumulation than a single-shot, Houdini-esque escape. Still, it was an escape.
Yet Wardley’s two previous outings, a pair of duels with Frazer Clarke, showed that the 31-year-old can be involved in very different types of fights. The first clash with Clarke was a split draw after a hellish 12 rounds, while the rematch ended inside two and a half minutes, as Wardley literally put a dent in his fellow Briton’s head.
Top to bottom: Wardley’s finishes over Joseph Parker, Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke (Getty)
In fact, prior to this, many of Wardley’s wins had come via early stoppages, helping him build an overall record of 20-0-1 (19 KOs).
And what of Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs)?
Firstly, his last “early” finish came three years ago, when he stopped Kevin Lerena in round two after challenging fans’ perceptions of his own heart (Dubois had climbed off the canvas three times in round one, battling through a knee injury).
Since then, the 28-year-old has fought five times and gone 3-2. His defeats by Oleksandr Usyk occurred in round nine in 2023 and round five last summer, while his wins came in the fifth frame (Anthony Joshua, 2024), eighth (Filip Hrgovic, 2024) and 10th (Jarrell Miller, 2023).
Top to bottom: how Dubois left Anthony Joshua and Filip Hrgovic, and how he stopped Jarrell Miller (Getty)
While some see Dubois as a flat-track bully who does not like to endure a tough fight, the former IBF champ absorbed significant damage against Miller before stopping the American in the final 10 seconds of their bout, and he was also tagged cleanly and repeatedly by Hrgovic before rallying to force a doctor stoppage. He was even buzzed by Joshua in the seconds prior to knocking out his fellow Briton.
Wardley vs Dubois odds
Wardley – 5/6 • Dubois – 21/20 • Draw – 18/1
Odds via Betfred. Betting sites give a slight edge to the champion, with Wardley odds-on for the win over Dubois, who is around the even-money mark with most bookies.
So, Dubois does have the capacity to withstand damage, despite any surface-level or lazy narratives around him, and he does have the ability to stop a fight late. Conversely, Wardley is not only a threat in the final few rounds, even if his two bouts in 2025 belie this reality.
Regardless, there is a good chance that this turns into a brawl quickly – and, actually, that a finish arrives in the middle rounds. “A finish” replaces “the finish” here, although the consensus is that Wardley vs Dubois will not go the full distance. But even if the final round is required at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, who is to say the final bell will be? This fight has been marketed as “Don’t Blink” for a reason.
Harvey Busby: Man United make decision on pursuit of highly rated scout
Manchester United have prioritised the academy in recent years under Ineos’ stewardship.
Focus
The Red Devils have spent significant sums trying to bring in some of the most exciting players at youth level.
Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi were plucked from Arsenal’s academy.
Sekou Kone, Diego Leon and Cristian Orozco have also been signed from abroad to enhance the strength of the academy.
This has resulted in strong performances, with the under-21s progressing to the semi-final of the playoffs against Manchester City.
The under-18s have also reached the final of the prestigious FA Youth Cup, where they will again face City next week.
Continued restructuring
United have also been restructuring at the decision-making level, as Darren Hughes was poached from Manchester City as a coach to work under academy head Stephen Torpey.
The Daily Mail reports that United are not yet done in reshaping their academy team.
The paper states that, “United have launched another raid on Newcastle’s academy in a bid to strengthen their recruitment operation.”
The Red Devils had made an offer for Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment, Paul Midgley, in December but he turned down the role.
The Daily Mail is now stating that the club “have headhunted their Premier League rivals’ lead youth technical scout Harvey Busby to fill the role of lead national scout at Carrington.”
Were he to accept the role, it is thought he would be in charge of the under-14 to under-16 age group.
The Red Devils also famously enticed former sporting director Dan Ashworth away from Newcastle in 2024, but he only lasted a matter of months at the club before being replaced by Jason Wilcox.
Baseball and glove on field high school scores (Getty Images)
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL, SOFTBALL SCORES Tuesday’s Results
BASEBALL
CITY SECTION El Camino Real 1, Granada Hills 0 Rise Kohyang 16, CNDLC 15 San Fernando 6, Granada Hills Kennedy 2 Santee 10, LA Jordan 4 University Prep Value 5, Smidt Tech 4
SOUTHERN SECTION AAE 4, University Prep 3 Anaheim 7, Placentia Valencia 6 Arlington 3, Bishop Amat 2 Artesia 8, Garden Grove Santiago 1 Ayala 8, Mira Costa 3 Bethel Christian 18, Packinghouse Christian 1 Bishop Montgomery 3, Redondo Union 2 Bloomington 10, Arroyo Valley 0 Brentwood 10, Shalhevet 0 Buena Park 3, Segerstrom 2 California 7, Whittier Christian 6 Calvary Baptist 27, Crossroads Christian 0 Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary 6, Alhambra 4 Carter 5, Eisenhower 4 Chaminade 1, St. Francis 0 Charter Oak 8, West Covina 7 Chino 6, Montclair 5 Chino Hills 5, Rancho Cucamonga 2 Citrus Valley 2, Arrowhead Christian 1 Coastal Christian 5, Valley Christian Academy 3 Compton 14, Dominguez 3 Compton Centennial 5, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy 3 Covina 7, Hacienda Heights Wilson 0 Don Lugo 12, Diamond Ranch 1 Eastvale Roosevelt 7, Apple Valley 2 Elsinore 8, San Jacinto 0 El Modena 4, Anaheim Canyon 1 Estancia 15, Bolsa Grande 4 Etiwanda 3, Upland 1 Fontana 10, Rim of the World 3 Garden Grove 6, Santa Ana 0 Glenn 11, San Gabriel 0 Grand Terrace 4, Kaiser 0 Hesperia Christian 15, Excelsior Charter 14 Huntington Beach 3, Gahr 2 Indio 6, Coachella Valley 5 Katella 4, Fullerton 1 Laguna Hills 8, Ocean View 6 Lakeside 9, Indian Springs 5 La Serna 3, Laguna Beach 2 Lennox Academy 10, HMSA 9 Loara 5, Heritage Christian 4 Long Beach Cabrillo 5, Long Beach Jordan 1 Long Beach Wilson 6, Long Beach Poly 3 Los Osos 5, Damien 0 Maranatha 9, Valencia 3 Mary Star of the Sea 10, Glendale 4 Millikan 8, Lakewood 0 Mission Viejo 4, Aliso Niguel 1 Newbury Park 6, Oxnard 4 Ontario 4, Chaffey 1 Orange 2, Irvine 1 Orange County Pacifica Christian 3, Costa Mesa 1 Orange Lutheran 6, Mater Dei 5 Oxnard Pacifica 6, Channel Islands 1 Rowland 8, Northview 5 Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 2, Tustin 0 Santa Fe 9, La Salle 3 Santa Monica 6, St. Monica 4 Servite 1, Cypress 0 Shadow Hills 2, Xavier Prep 1 Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 7, Loyola 1 Sierra Canyon 6, Alemany 5 Silver Valley 3, Lucerne Valley 2 Southlands Christian 9, Avalon 2 St. Anthony 6, Paramount 1 Summit 7, Hesperia 0 Tahquitz 10, Colton 1 Temescal Canyon 3, West Valley 2 Thacher 13, Dunn 7 Trabuco Hills 6, Capistrano Valley Christian 2 Trinity Classical Academy 3, Desert Christian 0 Troy 4, South Pasadena 3 United Christian Academy 14, Anza Hamilton 8 Vasquez 12, Faith Baptist 0 Webb 9, Fairmont Prep 3 Western 8, Whitney 3 Westminster 8, Godinez 2 Whittier 8, Los Amigos 1 Woodcrest Christian 16, Los Altos 1 Yucaipa 10, La Quinta 2
INTERSECTIONAL Cathedral 14, Sotomayor 3 CIMSA 10, Public Safety Academy 0 SLOCA 19, Shandon 2
SOFTBALL
CITY SECTION Animo Robinson d. AHSA, forfeit Smidt Tech 17, Alliance Bloomfield 7
SOUTHERN SECTION Alhambra 26, San Gabriel 5 Alta Loma 5, South Hills 4 Anaheim Canyon 4, Cypress 0 Arlington 7, Orange Vista 4 Arroyo 23, Garey 3 Beaumont 2, Redlands East Valley 0 Bell Gardens 7, Mark Keppel 4 Brea Olinda 7, Sonora 5 Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary 5 Carter 12, Grand Terrace 3 Castaic 14, Canyon Country Canyon 8 Cerritos 9, Artesia 0 Chaffey 16, Ontario 3 Charter Oak 10, West Covina 0 Chino 11, Montclair 4 Citrus Valley 8, Cajon 7 Colton 11, Summit 7 Compton 13, Long Beach Jordan 11 Compton Early College 21, Compton Centennial 6 Costa Mesa 23, Godinez 11 Covina 10, Hacienda Heights Wilson 3 Crean Lutheran 17, Esperanza 7 Don Lugo 11, Diamond Ranch 1 Elsinore 13, West Valley 0 El Toro 11, Beckman 0 Firebaugh 17, Bellflower 16 Fontana 15, Rim of the World 5 Foothill Tech 15, Carpinteria 0 Fountain Valley 19, Corona del Mar 6 Fullerton 9, Segerstrom 1 Garden Grove Pacifica 12, El Modena 7 Gahr 9, La Mirada 7 Gardena Serra 14, St. Bernard 6 Hart 16, West Ranch 0 HMSA 13, Environmental Charter 3 Huntington Beach 20, Newport Harbor 0 Indio 25, Coachella Valley 0 Lakewood 8, Long Beach Wilson 6 La Salle 12, St. Monica 1 Los Alamitos 2, Marina 1 Los Altos 7, Colony 3 Lynwood 24, Dominguez 10 Mater Dei 9, JSerra 5 Millikan 22, Long Beach Cabrillo 0 Mission Viejo 8, Capistrano Valley 2 Moorpark 3, Simi Valley 1 Murrieta Valley 7, Great Oak 6 Northview 10, Rowland 0 Oak Park 10, Grace 3 Oaks Christian 20, Calabasas 0 Orange Lutheran 3, Santa Margarita 0 Paraclete 16, Lakewood St. Joseph 15 Paramount 12, Norwalk 4 Pasadena Poly 30, Westridge 17 Ramona Convent 12, Mary Star of the Sea 2 Rancho Mirage 19, Palm Desert 18 Rialto 9, Jurupa Hills 3 Riverside King 9, Ramona 1 Riverside Notre Dame 4, Bloomington 3 Royal 13, Camarillo 12 San Clemente 14, Tesoro 2 San Gorgonio 15, Arroyo Valley 10 San Jacinto 17, Tahquitz 6 Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 8, Ocean View 5 Schurr 19, Montebello 2 Silver Valley 20, Lucerne Valley 9 St. Anthony 7, Bishop Conaty-Loretto 1 St. Paul 12, Bishop Amat 8 Sunny Hills 19, Troy 1 Thousand Oaks 4, Agoura 3 Torrance 2, South Torrance 0 Tustin 3, Laguna Hills 2 United Christian Academy 13, La Sierra Academy 0 University Prep 15, Victor Valley 5 Valencia 19, Golden Valley 0 Valley Christian 13, Maranatha 0 Vasquez 11, Santa Clarita Christian 1 Ventura 13, Santa Clara 2 Viewpoint 5, Burbank Providence 1 Warren 2, Downey 1 Westlake 9, Newbury Park 3 Whittier Christian 10, Heritage Christian 0 Yorba Linda 3, Villa Park 1 Yucaipa 23, Redlands 0
The two European heavyweights shared nine goals a week ago in a captivating affair, with PSG edging ahead at the end of their home half of the tie.
Could a similarly hectic encounter again be in store? Or will the stakes necessitate a cagier battle between the six-time winners and defending champions?
The winner will take on Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest on 30 May.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Bayern Munich vs PSG?
The second leg of the Champions League semi-final is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 6 May at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7pm BST. A live stream will be available via HBO Max.
Team news
Serge Gnaby remains sidelined for Bayern Munich, but both Lennart Karl and Raphael Guerreiro trained on match eve and could feature.
Achraf Hakimi will miss out for Paris Saint-Germain after suffering an injury in the first leg. Warren Zaire-Emery should deputise at right-back.
Liverpool must not let sensational midfield star join Manchester United
Liverpool must intervene as Manchester United look to sign an ideal midfielder.
The Telegraph reports that Manchester United are looking into a deal for West Ham United midfielder Matheus Fernandes. The Portuguese star is expected to be available, especially if the Hammers are relegated.
The 21-year-old has his admirers and United could try to snap him up on the cheap. If that is their plan, it’s one Liverpool should absolutely hijack.
There is no greater need at Liverpool than a solid midfielder and Fernandes is one of those. He wins the ball, moves it on, and has consistently been doing that over the last couple of seasons.
Enough so that we pitched the idea of signing him a year ago as he went down with Southampton. One of the best tackling midfielders in the Premier League, Fernandes also completes around 87 per cent of his passes and is one of the most consistent dribblers in the position.
All in all, that’s exactly what Liverpool lack in the middle. Someone who can win the ball back and limit his mistakes on the ball.
The fact Fernandes does it at 21 is even better - a long-term option who would, at the very least, bring a dimension that no other Liverpool midfielder can offer.
So don’t let United snap him up! Fernandes should be a Liverpool player.
Matheus Fernandes: Situation Summary
West Ham Performance and Stats
As of 4 May 2026, Mateus Fernandes (often referred to as Matheus) has emerged as the standout performer in an otherwise difficult season for West Ham United. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder, who joined from Southampton for €46 million last summer, has recorded three goals and three assists in the Premier League. He played the full 90 minutes in a 3–1 defeat to Brentford on 2 May, maintaining his status as a permanent fixture in Nuno Espírito Santo’s midfield. Despite the club sitting just two points above the relegation zone, Fernandes has earned widespread praise for his technical ability and work rate, currently holding an average rating of 6.84.
Transfer Speculation and Heavyweight Interest
Fernandes’ rapid ascent has made him a primary target for Europe’s elite. Reports from 4 May 2026 confirm that Manchester United have identified him as a priority for their summer rebuild following their return to the Champions League. Manchester City and Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the player, with City’s sporting director Hugo Viana—who knows the player from Sporting CP—tracking his progress closely. While West Ham are determined to keep him regardless of their league status, a valuation of approximately £55–65 million has been discussed.
International Standing
Fernandes made his senior international debut for Portugal in a friendly against the United States in April 2026. Given his domestic form, he is widely expected to be named in Roberto Martínez’s squad for the 2026 World Cup this June.
Logan Webb (62) wipes his head after giving up an rbi double to Sung-Mun Song (24) in the fourth inning as the San Francisco Giants played the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park San Francisco on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
The San Francisco Giants’ offense came to life on Tuesday, and it is critical that you understand that “come to life” is a relative term. Life, in living and breathing human being terms, may be binary, but in baseball parlance it is not.
For the Giants, coming to life means they scored exactly five runs, which marked just the 11th time they’ve done that through 36 games this year. It might not be a sign of life for the eight MLB teams that are averaging at least five runs per game.
But the issue with an offense that comes to life is that you never know whether its relationship with the other half of the game will be symbiotic or parasitic. Can life on offense beget life on the mound? Or must life on offense funnel life from a pitcher in order to stay alive?
On Tuesday, it was emphatically the latter. San Francisco’s life in the batter’s box, relative as it may be, came at the direct expense of their life throwing pitches. And the result was a 10-5 loss at the hands of the San Diego Padres.
That’s disappointing enough as is, but disappointment gives way to concern when you get to the critical detail: Logan Webb was on the mound.
We keep waiting for Webb’s season to arrive, and it keeps putting us on hold, and making us listen to that annoying music while we wait. There are flashes though, and Webb treated us to a few right out of the gates. He opened the night by striking out Jackson Merrill, and immediately followed it by K’ing Manny Machado. He did allow a two-out triple to Miguel Andujar, but in vintage Webb fashion, looked utterly unbothered while quickly retiring the next batter.
And on the other end, the offense wasted no time upping its game, and trying to prove to Buster Posey and Tony Vitello that the roster buttons being pressed are not in vain, and that the roster messages being yelled are heard, chef. Jung Hoo Lee quickly started a rally with a leadoff single against old frenemy Walker Buehler, setting the first inning in motion.
That set the stage for seemingly the only player employed by the Giants who knows how to hit these days, but my goodness does he know how to hit. For the second day in a row, Casey Schmitt (playing second base this time) launched a majestic first-inning moonshot that tickled the fog and hugged the left field line.
Just like that, the Giants had struck first with a pair of runs. With their offense looking lively and their ace on the mound, it didn’t even feel concerning when Xander Bogaerts bopped a solo shot in the second inning, cutting the lead in half.
You had more confidence than a one-game winning streak should afford you, but you felt sure that the offense would get the run back and Webb would settle down.
Right on the former; wrong on the latter.
The offense got the run back and then some in the bottom half of the inning thanks to the final third of the lineup. The seventh, eighth, and ninth hitters — Willy Adames, Drew Gilbert, and Jesús Rodríguez, respectively — all singled with one out. It was the third and final knock in that hit parade that was special: Rodríguez, getting a second straight start behind the dish to begin his MLB campaign, slapped one to right field for his first career hit. Adames, meanwhile, with his head down in reckless hustle, never looked up to see Hector Borg’s stop sign, and ran right through it, challenging Fernando Tatis Jr.’s dynamic arm, and winning ever so slightly.
Lee would follow that up with a fielder’s choice to score Gilbert, and the Giants led 4-1. Life was good, and it was even better when Webb would set down the side in order in the third, once again striking out Giants killers Merrill and Machado.
But soon it would not be very good at all. The fourth inning ended any and all hopes we garnered for an enjoyable baseball game. It started with a one-out, mild-mannered, seeing-eye single by Gavin Sheets. Such is the life of a sinkerballer.
It escalated a pitch later, when Tatis mashed a double to put runners at second and third with one out. Now the Padres were threatening to not just score a run, but get right back into the game.
They scored a run indeed, on a productive groundout by Bogaerts. It cut the score to 4-2, but it also gave Webb the second out of the inning, and escaping mostly intact was still in play. But Tatis would score when Nick Castellanos, who somehow still has a job, singled. And the danger only mounted further when Webb hit Luis Campusano with a pitch, putting the go-ahead run on the bases. And those runs would both score when Sung-Mun Song one-upped Rodríguez with his first career hit, which went for two bases and scored two runs. Take that, Jesús!
Song, who had taken third on an error by Adames on the play, would score easily on a Merrill single, and just like that, the Padres had flipped the game on its head. The inning had started with what felt like a comfortable lead. It had ended with the worst inning Webb has had in ages, and a 6-4 deficit.
It would be the final inning for Webb, who finished with four frames thrown, seven hits allowed, six runs, and four strikeouts (but no walks!). He had only thrown 62 pitches, but Vitello announced after the game that Webb had some leg discomfort, and the training staff wanted to play in safe after a long inning.
Ever the gamer — and in this case, likely ever the truth-teller — Webb was adamant that any soreness he felt had no impact on the way he threw the ball. He just didn’t throw it well, and with that, his ERA ballooned to 5.06.
What came after wasn’t much prettier. JT Brubaker took over for the fifth, and managed to give up two hits and two walks in his only inning, though he somehow allowed just one run along the way. Despite the second and third batters in the sixth inning being right handed, Tony Vitello shockingly opted for Ryan Borucki in the frame, and it went about how you would expect: he didn’t even get through the opening lefty unscathed, as Merrill bopped a leadoff single. After stealing second, he scored on the most predictable of outcomes: Borucki allowing a hit to a righty.
Gregory Santos handled the seventh and eighth, and while his stuff was nasty — and 20 of his 28 pitches were strikes — his second frame featured a single by Song, a stolen base, an RBI double by Merrill, and, just because this is the kind of day the Giants were having, a balked-home run.
The lone clean outing belonged to Joel Peguero, who made his return from the Injured List and pitched a scoreless ninth inning in his season debut. Welcome back, Joel. And happy birthday!
As that chaos and disappointment unfolded on the mound, the Giants’ offense realized that resistance was futile, and tucked their hits into their back pocket for Wednesday’s game (or at least that’s what I’m telling myself). They went down in order in the third, fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth innings. But while the showing was feeble during that time, it wasn’t devoid of highlights or feels, because in the seventh inning we were treated to one of the most special things in baseball: the first career home run.
No, it wasn’t off the bat of the highly-anticipated slugger Bryce Eldridge, though he did single for his first hit of the year. Instead, it was Rodríguez, who is getting the playing time preference over Patrick Bailey, it seems. With one out in the inning, Rodríguez got a slider from Jeremiah Estrada and, as he did earlier in the day with his single, inside-outed it to right field.
One day the rookie will learn about the disappointments that await hitters who hit fly balls to right field at Oracle Park, but that day will have to wait. Because in just his second career game, Rodríguez took on the arcade and emerged victorious, with his first slow jog around the bases.
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – Watkins Glen International is a place that’s given Connor Zilisch many memorable moments already in his young career.
In 2024, Zilisch earned his first O’Reilly Series win at just 18. Last year, he went back-to-back but an unexpected fall in victory lane took the joy of winning instantly away. Zilisch broke his collarbone after falling with his foot caught in the window net launching him head-first into the pavement. The scary scene not only took Zilisch out for last year’s Go Bowling at The Glen Cup Series race, but it pushed him to have surgery putting a plate and over 10 screws into his collarbone.
Trackhouse teammate, Shane van Gisbergen, went on to win The Go Bowling at The Glen in dominant fashion. Weeks later, Zilisch returned to Daytona last year and has never looked back. This weekend, Zilisch returns to race in three different circuits with the Truck Series on Friday along with van Gisbergen, The O’Reilly Series Saturday and then The Cup Series on Sunday.
Zilisch says it’s going to be a busy weekend but one that’s fulfilling especially with his history at The Glen.
“It’s certainly different, but at the same time you’re just trying to make a race car go fast around a racetrack,” Zilisch said. “As a race car driver that’s our job and that’s what we get paid to do.”
For Zilisch, who is looking for his first win of the season, there would be no better place to win again than at WGI.
“I’m looking forward to getting to run all three series and hopefully making it Sunday this time around.”
The NASCAR Truck Series Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at The Glen will be Friday at 4:30 pm on FS1. The O’Reilly Series Mission 200 at The Glen airs Saturday at 4 pm on The CW. And, The Go Bowling at The Glen will be Sunday at 3 pm on FS1.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Los Angeles Lakers (53-29, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Thursday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
LINE: Thunder -15.5; over/under is 209.5
WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Thunder lead series 1-0
BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference second round with a 1-0 lead in the series. The Thunder won the last matchup 108-90 on Wednesday, led by 24 points from Chet Holmgren. LeBron James led the Lakers with 27.
The Thunder are 41-11 in Western Conference games. Oklahoma City ranks fifth in the Western Conference in rebounding with 44.1 rebounds. Holmgren leads the Thunder with 8.9 boards.
The Lakers are 33-19 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles scores 116.3 points and has outscored opponents by 1.7 points per game.
The Thunder score 119.0 points per game, 4.4 more points than the 114.6 the Lakers give up. The Lakers average 11.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.5 fewer made shots on average than the 14.3 per game the Thunder allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.1 points and 6.6 assists for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
James is scoring 20.9 points per game and averaging 6.1 rebounds for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 8-2, averaging 120.6 points, 43.8 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 9.8 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.2 points per game.
Lakers: 7-3, averaging 104.8 points, 40.6 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 9.6 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 98.3 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
Lakers: Luka Doncic: out (hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt: day to day (finger).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (60-22, first in the Eastern Conference)
Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT
LINE: Pistons -3.5; over/under is 216
EASTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Pistons lead series 1-0
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference second round with a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pistons won the last meeting 111-101 on Tuesday, led by 23 points from Cade Cunningham. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 23.
The Pistons have gone 12-4 against division opponents. Detroit is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 18.0 fast break points per game led by Cunningham averaging 3.9.
The Cavaliers are 11-5 in division matchups. Cleveland scores 119.5 points and has outscored opponents by 4.1 points per game.
The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.2 fewer makes per game than the Cavaliers allow (14.2). The Cavaliers score 9.9 more points per game (119.5) than the Pistons give up to opponents (109.6).
TOP PERFORMERS: Ausar Thompson is scoring 9.9 points per game and averaging 5.7 rebounds for the Pistons. Cunningham is averaging 27.1 points and 5.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Mitchell is averaging 27.9 points, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Cavaliers. James Harden is averaging 18.6 points, 5.5 assists and 1.6 steals over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 7-3, averaging 107.9 points, 47.1 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.0 steals and 8.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.6 points per game.
Cavaliers: 5-5, averaging 111.6 points, 44.7 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.3 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: Kevin Huerter: day to day (adductor).
Cavaliers: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
John Obi Mikel calls Chelsea out for their most ignorant mistake out of many mistakes so far
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has called out the Chelsea owners for making their biggest mistake – there’s been many.
When you look back at the amount of mistakes that these new Chelsea owners have made in the four years they have owned the club, you will have lost count of them. It’s been pure ignorance, but some of the mistakes have been bigger than others.
EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea contact former Blues player for shock return to the club this summer!
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Mikel has rightfully called out their biggest mistake though, or at least it is their biggest mistake in my opinion – they have literally gutted out the entire club of anyone who was formerly here under the previous ownership and they have refused to bring in any former players to any roles. John Terry has a tiny role in the academy, but that’s literally it.
Mikel calls it out
Job Obi Mikel lays into Chelsea’s owners.
In words picked up on X this week, Mikel said on his latest Podcast:
“It’s this thing of BlueCo not wanting anyone who represented the football club before and who helped build the club to what it is today. They don’t want the people still, which is the wrong thing to do.
“You need to continue that success. You need the people who knew what it took to build the football club to what it is today. You need the people to continue the success, the culture. We don’t have that any more.”
In other news today..
Chelsea’s transfer of Joao Pedro worked out, and the club will surely try to repeat the trick this summer in the market. He’s been a rare example of buying proven quality for the here and now.
Chelsea have ruled out an attempt to bring Xavi Hernandez in as their new manager according to Ben Jacobs’ reporting today. What’s odd is that it was Jacobs who reported Chelsea made contact with Xavi just moments before he said this!?
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
‘There are no doubts’: Euro giants chief announces they will 100% sign £64m Man Utd man as soon as window opens
Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna has confirmed the club will be signing Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United this summer.
As a result, the forward’s Red Devils tenure will come to an end after three years, only two of which he spent actually playing for United.
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Rasmus Hojlund to join Napoli in June
When Hojlund made the switch to Naples last summer, it was swiftly revealed that a buy obligation worth £38 million had been included in the terms, which they would have to activate if they qualified for the Champions League.
Although Napoli have maintained since early on his loan spell that they intended to keep hold of the Dane, the clause will automatically have to be fulfilled in the coming weeks when the side book their UCL spot.
Unfortunately for Antonio Conte and his men, they were unable to retain their Scudetto following last season’s triumph, as Inter Milan claimed the title over the weekend with three games left to play.
However, they did lift silverware midway through the campaign when winning the Italian Super Cup back in December.
How is Hojlund getting on over in Italy?
In regard to how Hojlund, whom United signed for an initial £64m, has fared in sky blue, he has enjoyed a revitalised run in comparison to 2024/2025, when he returned only four Premier League goals in 32 appearances.
The 23-year-old has notched 14 goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions in 2025/2026, including 10 in the league and three in Europe.
Yet, with how United’s frontline has performed in his absence and how he’s been able to enjoy his football under less scrutiny, it goes without saying that the impending deal is the best outcome for all parties.
“There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here,” said Manna (as cited by Mirror Sport) when weighing in on the striker’s future. “We have an obligation to buy from Manchester United in case of Champions League access, but he is in our plans regardless of this condition.”
Real Madrid defender assures his commitment amid turbulent times: ‘I have fought very hard’
While Alvaro Carreras started strong at Real Madrid after arriving in the summer, his descent has been as swift as his ascent was a few months ago.
From being an undisputed starter to going behind Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, a lot has changed for Carreras in recent months and there are conflicting reports as to why the player has lost the manager’s faith.
The decision does not appear to be tactical but rather due to a reported rift between the new signing and the coaching staff.
Carreras’ statement
Taking to his personal Instagram account yesterday, the Real Madrid defender addressed the news of him rumouredly losing his spot under Alvaro Arbeloa due to poor professionalism and dedication.
“In recent days, certain insinuations and comments about me have emerged that do not correspond to reality.”
“My commitment to this club and to the coaches I’ve had has been unwavering since day one, and it will continue to be so,” he added.
Alvaro Carreras has assured his commitment to Real Madrid. (Source: Instagram)
Commenting on how he has always given his all for the club crest, the Spanish defender said,
“Since I returned, I have always worked with the highest level of professionalism, respect, and dedication. I have fought very hard to fulfil my dream of returning home.”
Finally, he confirmed that there was truth to his altercation with a teammate behind the scenes, although he did not take any names or get into specifics.
“Regarding the incident with a teammate, it was an isolated matter without importance that has already been resolved. My relationship with the entire team is very good.”
With El Clasico coming up this weekend, it will be interesting to see who the management sees as the best candidate to hold off Barcelona’s threat down the flank.
Barcelona priority target getting tired of waiting for club after accepting five-year contract offer
Barcelona’s plans for the summer transfer window may already be facing a serious complication as one of the club’s top targets is beginning to lose patience.
Reports emerging from Mundo Deportivo suggest that Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is no longer willing to wait endlessly for the Catalan giants to make their move official.
The Italian international has been heavily linked with Barcelona for months, with the club viewing him as one of the ideal options to strengthen the backline ahead of next season.
The defender is admired internally for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence and ability to fit naturally into Hansi Flick’s system.
The player accepted the idea of joining Barça in principle, but everything depended on final approval from Flick and the sporting department.
For weeks, Bastoni remained calm and optimistic. The message reaching his camp was that the transfer would eventually happen once Barcelona finalised their sporting plans for next season.
Bastoni wants to have better clarity from Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, despite the club moving closer to securing the La Liga title in recent weeks, no official offer has yet arrived at Inter Milan and that delay is now beginning to frustrate the defender.
Bastoni growing impatient
It is said that Bastoni wants clarity regarding his future and does not want to enter the summer surrounded by uncertainty.
More importantly, the Italian centre-back only wants to leave Inter if he feels truly important to Barcelona’s project.
He is said to value the confidence of the coach above everything else and wants guarantees that he would play a leading role under Flick.
At the same time, the situation is not creating panic for the player personally. Bastoni remains very happy at Inter, where he is considered one of the pillars of the squad.
The Serie A giants continue to trust him completely, and the player himself sees the club as one of the best teams in the world.
Still, Barcelona remain the one exception that could tempt him away from Italy.
Brad Garlinghouse has warned that recent Senate progress on the CLARITY Act still leaves a narrow window for the bill to move forward. According to Brad Garlinghouse, the next two weeks will determine whether the digital asset market structure bill…
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Several Samsung users reported Galaxy Enhance-X app is either crashing or not working. The company has just released a major update, but something may have gone wrong, leading to the app’s functionality being broken.
What’s happening?
Opening the Galaxy Enhance-X app triggers either crashing or an “Update” pop-up. Tapping Update redirects the user to the app’s Galaxy Store listing page, which has no update available for installation.
That said, the application has entered an update loop. The app itself is demanding an update, but the actual update page has nothing.
Samsung acknowledged the problem
A Samsung moderator has acknowledged the issue and confirmed the fix. The app’s latest update, version 16.0.4.1, is being rolled out gradually. It should be available in the Galaxy Store over the next couple of days or weeks.
The moderator has also shared an interim solution, using which I managed to get the Enhance-X working on my Galaxy device.
The trick involves clearing the app’s cache and data. To do so, tap and hold the Enhance-X and hit the “i” icon to open the app’s settings. Tap “Storage,” followed by “Clear cache” as well as “Clear data,” and it will fix the crashing problem.
Samsung’s Bixby Vision app has also faced the same issue earlier. The company started the rollout of a new app update through Galaxy Store. That version also patched the app’s update loop problem, which was ruining the experience.
Deal | The Humble Bundle Choice selection has been updated, and for May 2026, there are hits like Diablo IV and Crysis 3 Remastered. With retail prices considered, the value of the collection stands at $247.92, but they can all be scored for just $14.99.
Samsung's Galaxy A27 first surfaced in November, and more recently we saw it in the Geekbench database in early April, then it starred in some leaked renders not long afterwards.
Today Samsung itself has confirmed that the Galaxy A27 is a real device that is coming soon. It's not surprising, of course, but it's still good to have an official confirmation. The Korean company still hasn't unveiled the phone, by the way, but it has listed it as compatible with Samsung Wallet on its Brazilian website, as you can see in the screenshot below.
The Galaxy A27 is powered by the Snapdragon 6...
Instagram has started testing an "AI creator" label for accounts that frequently post AI-generated content. It seems like this is opt-in, so the owner of the account needs to want this label in order to get it. If they do go this route, then an "AI creator" label will appear on their profile and alongside their content.
It's still a test, so not everyone has access to it yet, but the feature will be expanding "in the coming weeks", according to Instagram. Why people who post AI slop would go through the trouble to tell you with this badge that they post AI slop is beyond us, but maybe...
Boox’s phone-like ereader gets a flashy Pro upgrade, with color E Ink, stylus support and mobile data making it more versatile, though the even higher price stings.
Local consultancy DesRosiers Automotive has the Canadian new light vehicle market down -3.9% year-on-year in April to an estimated 178,000 units. Keep in mind April 2025 was the biggest April volume since 2018 so the comparison base is quite high. In this context, and given record high petrol prices, this month’s result is actually not that bad. Indeed the SAAR of 1.83 million, although down from the 1.90 million of April 2025, is also quite satisfying and just down from the 1.85 million of March. Note total sales for manufacturers still reporting monthly are down -7.1% to 77,349. The year-to-date result after four months stands at 584,000, -5.3% below the same period a year ago.
Among OEMs reporting monthly data, Toyota Motor (+5.9%) is the only one in positive, with Hyundai-Kia (-2.6%) resisting slightly better than the market but Honda Canada (-14.8%) skidding. Brand-wise, Genesis (+16.1%), Volvo (+16%) and Toyota (+8.5%) keep their head above the water, Hyundai (-0.7%) is stable while Kia (-6.8%), Acura (-8.5%) and Lexus (-8.9%) contain their fall to the single digits. Subaru (-27.3%) and Mazda (-26.7%) are in serious trouble.
As for models with monthly sales available, the Toyota RAV4 (-37.4%) is back above its archenemy the Honda CR-V for the first time this year and despite a still catastrophic YoY loss. The CR-V leads by almost 5,800 sales YTD. The Hyundai Tucson (+13.7%) is very solid as are the Kia Sportage (+25.7%) and Toyota Corolla (+27.4%), the latter surprising given the traditional poor performance of passenger cars. The Toyota Sienna (+65.2%), Tacoma (+54.4%) and Kia Seltos (+42.8%) all shoot up.
The Toyota Corolla is up to a record 2nd place in Romania in April.
The Romanian market enjoys a second straight positive month, albeit very shy at +2.1% to 10,205 units. This is still a poor result given April 2025 was off -24.7% on the year prior. Year-to-date volumes are down -14.2% to 37,480. Local behemoth Dacia (-26.4%) continues its race to the bottom to just 16.8% share which could quite possibly be the carmaker’s lowest ever at home. In contrast Toyota (+6.8%), up two spots on last month to #2, and Volkswagen (+43.5%) easily beat the market to complete the podium. There are no additional YoY gainers in the Top 10 except newcomer Chery threepeating at a best-ever #10 and equalling its record 3.5% share also hit last February.
Over in the models charts, the Dacia Duster (-18.1%) keeps a firm lead with 7.1% share. This month it distances the Toyota Corolla (+38.5%) up to a record 2nd place. The annual leader for 21 consecutive years, the Dacia Logan (-54.9%) continues to perform unbelievably badly even though it climbs back up two spots on March to #3 with a mediocre 3% share. It ranks #5 year-to-date with sales off a catastrophic -66.8% YoY. The VW Taigo (+231.8%) surges to an all-time high 5th position ahead of both the Dacia Sandero (-52.2%) and Bigster (+613.9%), the latter down five ranks on a record 2nd place last month. The Chery Tiggo 4 is once again the most popular recent launch and repeats at a record #10.
The Toyota RAV4 is by far the best-selling vehicle in Ireland in April.
Exceptional month for new car sales in Ireland at +17% year-on-year in April to 10,184 units. The year-to-date tally is now up 2.2% to 75,073. Toyota (+38.4%) and Skoda (+34.9%) end the month just 11 units apart, which means Toyota widens the gap with its followers and Skoda ascends to #3 year-to-date. Volkswagen (+2.4%) is weak YoY in comparison but holds 13.7% of the market vs. 10.6% so far this year. BYD (+83.1%) stays inside the Top 10 at #9 with Ford (+61.9%) also very dynamic at #6. Hyundai (+14.7%) and Audi (+11.2%), although managing double-digit YoY lifts, trail the market. Further down, notice Citroen (+161.8%), Opel (+72.7%), MG (+47%) and for once Seat (+38.8%) all in outstanding shape.
Model-wise, the Toyota RAV4 (+166.3%) surges from #119 in March to #1 in April with a stunning 8.4% share, by far the nameplate’s highest ever with a previous best at 4.6% in January 2022. This is also the RAV4’s first win in exactly a year, since April 2025. Due to a particularly slow start of the year the RAV4 stands at #19 year-to-date vs. #5 over the Full Year 2025. The Skoda Octavia (+46.2%) and Kodiaq (+45.4%) complete the podium ahead of surging VW Golf (+72.1%) and Toyota C-HR (+160.7%). The Skoda Enyaq (+262.3%) and VW ID.4 (+94.7%) also shoot up in the remainder of the Top 10 while the BYD Seal U (+176.4%) and Skoda Elroq (+107.1%) are in equally great shape below.
New car sales in Taiwan skid -4.5% year-on-year in April to 31,407 units, leading to a year-to-date tally down -3.7% to 127,841. Toyota (+3.2%) defies the negative trend with a small uptick to reach 32.8% share vs. 31.1% so far this year. Lexus (-13.4%) is back up two spots on last month to its traditional 2nd place with 6.8% share, while CMC (-18.1%) is also up two to #3 despite a drab YoY evolution. The same goes for Mercedes (-21.8%) up six ranks to #4 but freefalling YoY. Mazda (+67.4%), Mitsubishi (+37.3%) and Ford (+33.9%) all go against the market with splendid YoY gains. Tesla (-95.7%) goes from 5,421 sales and 13.9% share in March (#2) to just 7 sales this month.
Model-wise, the Toyota Corolla Cross (+11.6%) reclaims the top spot at 11.4% share with the Toyota RAV4 (+24.7%) back in great shape at #2. The CMC J Space (-16.8%) rounds out the podium but suffers from a particularly high year-ago comparison base. The new Ford Territory confirms it is an instant blockbuster by reaching a record 4th place, also hit last February. The Honda HR-V (+64.4%) also shines at #8, with the Nissan Kicks (+39.9%) just missing out on a first Top 10 finish in 3 years at #11. The Mercedes CLA (+535.6%) surges to #14 thanks to the new generation.
Audi hits its highest Belgian ranking in 2.5 years.
Stable volumes in Belgium in April at -0.03% year-on-year to 37,802 units. The year-to-date tally remains in negative at -4.5% to 151,607. No surprise at the top of the brands charts: BMW (+0.3%) leads again but falls from 14.2% share in March to 10% now. Audi (+27.5%) advances to #2 with 8.7% share vs. 6.7% so far this year. It lodges the biggest YoY gain in the Top 10 and hits its highest ranking since January 2024. Renault (+12.3%), Volvo (+2.6%) and Skoda (+0.7%) also end the month in positive in the remainder of the Top 10. Below, MG (+145.6%), BYD (+95.3%), Mini (+54.8%) and Tesla (+46.3%) stand out.
Beşiktaş, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası yarı finalinde konuk ettiği Konyaspor'a 90+8'de yediği penaltı golüyle 1-0 mağlup oldu. Spor yazarları, Beşiktaş-Konyaspor maçını değerlendirdi.
“Atletiko Mineyro”dan ayrılan Halk “Fluminense”yə keçib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Braziliya klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 39 yaşlı hücumçu ilə müqavilə 2027-ci ilin sonuna kimi nəzərdə tutulub.
Halk karyerası ərzində “Portu”, “Zenit”, “Atletiko Mineyro”da çıxış edib.
“Sabah”ın baş məşqçisi Valdas Dambrauskas basketbol klubunun Azərbaycan çempionu olması ilə bağlı paylaşım edib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis feysbuk hesabında bunları yazıb:
“Sabah” basketbol klubunu ardıcıl 4-cü dəfə Azərbaycan çempionu olması münasibətilə təbrik edirəm. Oyunçulara, rəhbərliyə və azarkeşlərə böyük alqış! Möhtəşəm nailiyyətlərdir və bu prosesin içində olanlar hansı əziyyətlərin çəkildiyini bilir. Xüsusilə, litvalı məşqçi heyətini – Aurimas Yasilionis, Laimonas Barkauskas və Avropa basketbolunun canlı əfsanəsi Rimas Kurtinaytisi təbrik edirəm!”
“Arsenal”ın baş məşqçisi Mikel Arteta Çempionlar Liqasında finala yüksəlmələrini şərh edib.
Futbolpress.az UEFA-ya istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis yarımfinalda “Atletiko”ya qalib gəldikləri (1:0) oyundan sonra bunları deyib:
“İnanılmaz axşam idi. Birlikdə tarix yazdıq. Bu uğurda əməyi olan hər kəsə təşəkkür edirəm. Stadionda möhtəşəm atmosfer var idi. Fanatlar üçün finalın nə olduğunu yaxşı başa düşürdük. 20 il sonra yenidən bir nömrəli titulu qazanmağa yaxınıq”.
“Arsenal” finalda PSJ – “Bavariya” cütünün qalibi ilə qarşılaşacaq.
“Karvan Yevlax” Misli Premyer Liqasının debütantıdır. Ancaq burada 30 oyuna cəmi 3 qələbə qazana bilib. Son illər belə autsayder olmamışdı.
I Liqanın səviyyəsi o qədər aşağıdır ki, bölgə təmsilçisi Premyer Liqada çox pis nəticəyə uğradı.
Yevlax təmsilçisi yalnız Füzuli Məmmədovun baş məşqçi təyinatından sonra yerli futbolçu potensialından istifadə faizini 5-6-dan 20-25-ə qaldırıb.
Müxtəlif ölkələrdən, səviyyəsi qənaətbəxş olmayan əcnəbiləri gətirməklə nəyə nail olundu?
Klub rəhbərliyi bundan ciddi dərs almalıdır.
Ok, Premyer Liqaya yüksəlməklə illik 2.5 milyon manat dotasiyadan faydalanıb stadionu yararlı vəziyyətə saldılar. Bunu ciddi iş saymaq olar. Lakin komanda quruculuğunda naşı davrandıqları aşkardır.
I Liqada yenidən elitaya vəsiqə üçün mübarizə aparmağa potensial toplaya biliblər. Son məlumatlara görə Məmmədovla yola davam ediləcək.
Hər halda, Pro kateqoriyalı, təcrübəli mütəxəssislə yenidən sıralara qayıdıb, daha faydalı komandaya çevrilə bilərlər.
Bunun üçün həm işartılar görünür, həm də imkan/zəmin var.
30 oyunun 22-də məğlub olmaq üçün heyətin 80 faizini əcnəbidən ibarət formalaşdırmağa gərək yox idi. Oxşar qeyd bir neçə ortabab PL klubuna da şamil edilə bilər…
Azərbaycanın minifutbol millisi Monteneqroda keçirilən “Millətlər Liqası” turnirinin qalibi olub. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, komanda Qazaxıstan və Monteneqro millilərinin iştirakı […]
UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının ilk finalçısı müəyyənləşib. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, yarımfinal mərhələsinin cavab oyununda “Atletiko” “Arsenal”ın qonağı olub. Qarşılaşma “Emireyts” […]
Bruno Fernandes has had a brilliant season for Manchester United and media speculation continues to link him with a move away from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese midfielder could make history this season by providing the most assists in a single Premier League season. He is just two assists away from the record.
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Naturally, his form and consistency has attracted interest from some of the top clubs.
According to Sky Germany, Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray have identified Man United captain Fernandes as their absolute “dream target” for the upcoming window.
Galatasaray eyeing move for Bruno Fernandes
The Istanbul outfit is reportedly desperate to initiate formal contact with the player’s camp, hoping to pull off one of the biggest European transfer heists of the entire year.
To be completely fair to Galatasaray, their immense admiration for the Portuguese magnifico is absolutely nothing new.
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However, after watching Fernandes put together yet another stunning individual campaign, racking up a massive 28 goal involvements across all competitions even at 33 years old, their desire to bring him to Rams Park has only intensified.
They clearly view him as the ultimate marquee signing required to elevate their squad to the next tier of European competition.
Prying Fernandes away from the red half of Manchester right now feels like a completely impossible mission.
As we saw recently during United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool, the captain remains the undisputed, beating heart of this squad.
Having just helped interim boss Michael Carrick successfully steer the club back into the promised land of the Champions League, Fernandes is currently riding a massive emotional high.
This is a player who recently turned his back on astronomical sums of money, including a heavily reported £200 million mega-offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer, simply because of his profound, unshakeable connection to the Man United badge.
If he wasn’t willing to cash out for unbelievable Saudi riches, it is incredibly difficult to imagine him suddenly abandoning his current project for a move to the Turkish Süper Lig, especially just as magical Champions League nights are returning to Old Trafford.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could be seen having a major touchline row with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone during last night’s Champions League semi-final.
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It’s not clear precisely what went on between the pair, but there’s clearly some bad blood after their time working together with the La Liga club.
See below for a video of the incident, though it possibly doesn’t capture the entire context of what went down, with additional footage and reporting from TNT Sports suggesting Simeone may have started it by pushing a member of Arsenal’s coaching staff…
Tensions were clearly high towards the end of such a big game, with Arsenal eventually going through after a 1-0 victory on the night, and a 2-1 win over both legs of the tie.
Simeone is known for being a bit of a fiery character, so it’s possible that he didn’t show his best side here as he looked to get his team back into the game.
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Arsenal get past Atletico Madrid into Champions League final
In the end, Arsenal held on to their lead in a close and intriguing tie against Simeone’s side to make it to only their second ever Champions League final.
The Gunners have had to wait 20 years for this moment, with the club last reaching the final of this competition in 2006 when they were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also top of the Premier League in what could still be a memorable season, though they will likely be underdogs in the Champions League final whether they end up facing Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.
“The feeling” – Fabrizio Romano gives latest update on new Chelsea manager search
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has put out his latest information on Chelsea’s new manager search this week.
Blues fans are eagerly anticipating any news on who the next manager might be. Some of them are desperate for news in fact.
EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea contact former Blues player for shock return to the club this summer!
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But the fact is at the moment, I don’t think any of us will know who the new manager will be until the end of the season, which is when the club are expected to announce them.
There is a load of speculation flying around in the mean time though, but none of it is holding much weight to it at the moment. Even news of Xavi being contacted yesterday was quickly shut down by top sources.
Romano’s latest on manager search
Xavi Hernandez managing Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“There is nothing ongoing between Chelsea and Xavi Hernandez. That’s my understanding as of today.
“If tomorrow morning they decide to meet. I will let you know. But as of today, beginning of May, zero contacts between Xavi and Chelsea.
“Chelsea continued their process to find a new manager. The feeling at the club is that they are still at early stages, talking to candidates, representatives of candidates, and preparing the final list. But still nothing advanced, still nothing decided.”
In other news today..
Chelsea’s transfer of Joao Pedro worked out, and the club will surely try to repeat the trick this summer in the market. He’s been a rare example of buying proven quality for the here and now.
Chelsea have ruled out an attempt to bring Xavi Hernandez in as their new manager according to Ben Jacobs’ reporting today. What’s odd is that it was Jacobs who reported Chelsea made contact with Xavi just moments before he said this!?
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
On the same day that manager Torey Lovullo called the entire starting rotation into his office to tell them they needed to pick up the pace, Dbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez did just that and then some. ERod put this team on his back tonight shutting down the Pirates offense taking some of the pressure off his team and allowing them to get back to .500 on Cinco de Mayo as they beat the Pirates 9-0.
Eduardo Rodriguez was commanding all of his pitches to all parts of the zone today. His final line was 7 innings pitched, allowing only 2 hits, while walking 3, and striking out 7. Early in the game he did a great job of getting some strikeouts on the curveball low in the zone. The curve is a pitch that ERod has not used much historically but tonight it was critical. That low curveball opened up the top of the zone for his fastball later in the game which generated a 47% whiff rate striking out 4 Pirates hitters. In the words of Jim McLennan earlier on twitter, only 2 AZ pitchers this year have thrown 7 shutout innings and Eduardo Rodriguez is both of them. Tonight’s outing lowered ERod’s season ERA down to 2.50, far and away the best of the starting rotation and I don’t even have to check.
The Dbacks offense got off to a great start in this one pushing across 2 runs in the first inning also pushing Pirates starter Bubba Chandler to 38 pitches. The Pirates actually had their bullpen up in the first and would’ve likely pulled Chandler had 1 more batter reached in the inning. Rather than continue to focus on getting the Pirates starter out of the game, the Arizona offense would proceed to have the next 7 batters get retired in order. This game was looking like it was going to be closer as the offense failed to record a hit in innings 2-5, however their patient approach would pay off in the 6th inning as they sent 9 men to the plate and scored 5 runs blowing the game open.
The offense did do a much better job tonight staying patient at the plate walking 7 times creating a lot of base traffic and setting up some timely hits. Certainly a positive sign for an offense that has been perhaps overly aggressive in recent weeks. The most timely of the hits were a pair of doubles in the 6th inning by Gabi Moreno and Geraldo Perdomo. It was also great to see some of Ketel Marte’s early season tough like start to dissipate tonight as he hit a triple, a single, scored 2 runs, and 2 RBI. Tonight was a good example of what this offense can do when they take their walks and cut down on the chase.
This was only the 2nd win of 5 or more runs this season. Certainly a welcome beginning of the homestand for a team that has played so many high leverage close games. All eyes will be on Michael Soroka tomorrow night as he faces Paul Skenes. If Soroka can get back to the form he showed earlier in the season and keep this momentum rolling in the starting rotation, that could be a big boost for this team. Perhaps we will be able to look back on today as the day the starting rotation got back on track following a timely group meeting? Let’s hope!
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jackson Merrill had three hits and drove in two runs, Xander Bogaerts homered and the San Diego Padres tied their season highs for hits with 14 and runs in a 10-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night.
Sung-Mun Song had a two-run double — his first MLB hit — with two outs in the fourth, advanced to third on a throwing error and scored on Merrill's single to cap San Diego’s five-run inning and make it 6-4. Song, a 29-year-old South Korean infielder who signed with the Padres in December, was 2 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.
Miguel Andujar singled, doubled and tripled and had an RBI, and Bogaerts and Nick Castellanos each drove in two runs.
Walker Buehler (2-2) gave up four runs and had five strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for the Padres, who snapped a six-game skid on Monday night with a 3-2 win on Monday night. San Diego is 40-23 against San Francisco, dating to the 2022 season.
Logan Webb (2-4) allowed six runs and seven hits in four innings for the Giants.
Jesús Rodriguez homered and drove in two runs for San Francisco. The 24-year-old catcher, who went 0 for 4 in his MLB debut Monday, got his first hit in the second inning with an RBI single and hit a solo shot in the seventh. Casey Schmitt hit a two-run homer in the first.
Up next
Padres RHP Matt Waldron (0-1, 9.88 ERA) starts Wednesday opposite Adrian Houser (0-3, 7.12) in the finale of a three-game series.
The Houston Astros are going to be without shortstop Carlos Correa for the foreseeable future.
Correa was a late scratch from the team’s 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night after he went down with an ankle injury during pregame warmups. Correa, according to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, injured his ankle while taking swings in a batting cage.
Correa is set to meet with a foot specialist on Wednesday morning. While specifics of his injury are not yet known, the expectation is that he will be out indefinitely and could miss “weeks or maybe even months.”
“Carlos is a cornerstone in this clubhouse,” Astros first baseman Christian Walker said, via MLB.com. “The guys lean on him. We look to him for leadership. I know that his presence will continue to be felt, but we’re just going to continue to pray for him and stay positive.”
Correa holds a .279 batting average this season with three home runs and 16 RBI. He went 0-for-4 in Monday’s 8-3 win over the Dodgers.
Correa will be just the latest Astros player to land on the IL. Shortstop Jeremy Pena is still recovering from a fractured finger and hamstring strain, and opening day starters Yanier Diaz, Joey Loperfido and Jake Meyers have all gone down with various injuries.
The Astros, after early home runs from Walker and Braden Shewmake, held on late to beat the Dodgers by a run on Tuesday night at Daikin Park. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani spent seven innings on the mound and had eight strikeouts.
The win pushed the Astros to 15-22 on the season. They’ve won four of their last six. The two sides will wrap up their three-game series Wednesday afternoon.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout, Jorge Soler and Zach Neto hit home runs, Ryan Zeferzahn worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning and the Los Angeles Angels held on for a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.
Zeferjahn hit a batter and walked two in the ninth before retiring Edgar Quero on a groundout for his first save this season and his third in 10 career opportunities. The right-hander struck out rookie home run leader Munetaka Murakami — tied with the Yankees' Aaron Judge at 14 — with a runner on first to get the final out in the eighth.
Trout hit his 11th homer of the season and the 415th of his career with one out in the first off Erick Fedde (0-4) after Chicago scored two runs off Sam Aldegheri in the top half.
Neto homered for the first time since April 10, a tiebreaking two-out shot in the fifth for his sixth of the season. Trout walked for the second time before scoring from first on a double by Nolan Schanuel to make it 4-2 and chase Fedde. Trout reached base four times with a single in the eighth.
Neto ended a 0-for-23 slump with a third-inning single before getting picked off.
Chase Meidroth hit his second homer leading off the seventh against Sam Bachman to get Chicago within 4-3. Both Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas extended their on-base streaks to 18 games for the Sox.
José Fermin (1-1) pitched a scoreless fifth for the win. Aldegheri allowed two runs on four hits in four innings in his sixth career start.
Fedde yielded four runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings.
The top four hitters in the Angels' lineup drove in a run for the first time since June 18, 2021, against the Tigers.
Up next
White Sox LHP Noah Schultz (2-1, 2.53) closes out the series Wednesday opposite Angels RHP Walbert Ureña (0-3, 3.86).
After an injury-hit 2025 season that still ended in a deep playoff run, the Indiana Fever are now entering the 2026 WNBA season with unfinished business. They’ve reinforced their roster, and most importantly, Caitlin Clark is healthy going into the season.
So, everything points to the Indiana Fever as genuine contenders this year. And after falling one step short last season, they will be looking to take that final step. As Caitlin Clark herself has said “I think we’re gonna be the favorite to win it all.”
Where They Finished Last Season
The Indiana Fever completed an unforgettable and deeply resilient 2025 campaign under head coach Stephanie White. They battled quite severe injury adversity. But they still had a reasonable finish. Specifically, they ended their regular season with a 24–20 record. That made them third in the Eastern Conference and sixth overall in the league.
And despite operating for significant stretches without Clark, they pushed the defending champion Las Vegas Aces all the way to a full five games in the WNBA semifinals. They also won the Commissioner’s Cup, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in the final.
Offseason Moves: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Like most WNBA teams, the Indiana Fever were far from idle during the offseason. In total, they brought in seven new key additions, four via free agency and three through the draft. They also re-signed five key members of their core and navigated five departures. Below is an outline of how the roster took shape.
Players Who Left Through Free Agency and The Expansion Draft
Natasha Howard: Departed in free agency to join the Minnesota Lynx.
Odyssey Sims: Left in free agency to sign with the Dallas Wings.
Aari McDonald: Departed in free agency and remains an unrestricted agent.
Kristy Wallace: Selected by the Toronto Tempo in the expansion draft.
Chloe Bibby: Selected by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft.
Players Brought in Through Free Agency and The Expansion Draft
Monique Billings: Free Agency from the Golden State Valkyries
Tyasha Harris: Free Agency from the Dallas Wings
Myisha Hines-Allen: Free Agency from the Dallas Wings
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough: On a training camp contract From the Atlanta Dream.
Raven Johnson: Selected 10th overall by Indiana in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Justine Pissott: Selected 25th overall in the WNBA draft. Signed to the first Player Development contract in franchise history.
Jessica Timmons: Selected 40th overall in the WNBA draft. Holds the second developmental spot on the roster.
Players Who Were Re-signed
Kelsey Mitchell: Returned on a high-value one-year supermax deal.
Aliyah Boston: Historic four-year contract extension under the new EPIC provision.
Lexie Hull: Re-signed to a multi-year deal as a restricted free agent.
Sophie Cunningham: Re-signed to a one-year deal.
Damiris Dantas: Re-signed to a two-year contract.
Caitlin Clark entering her third year with the team, and Makayla Timpson, entering the second year of her original rookie contract were the only two returning players who remained under their existing contracts without needing renewals.
There are also two undrafted free agents, Megan McConnell, and Kayana Traylor, who are currently signed to training camp contracts and competing for roster spots.
Players to Watch
Of course, Caitlin Clark remains the biggest conversation starter on this Indiana Fever team. She was limited to just 13 games last season due injuries, and that really affected how their season turned out, however impressive it still was. Now, she returns at 100% health, which completely changes Indiana’s ceiling. A high-tempo offense driven by Clark has the potential to contend with the league’s top-tier teams.
Another key player to watch will be Aliyah Boston. Last season, with the backcourt depleted by injuries, she proved she could carry the team’s offense while anchoring the interior defense. Now, with Clark’s return drawing defensive pressure away from the paint, Boston becomes more free to dominate the glass and improve her interior scoring efficiency.
Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7), Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) react to the action Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Connecticut Sun, 88-71.
Raven Johnson, who came in as the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, is also definitely one to watch. As the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time NCAA champion, Johnson is a true lockdown perimeter defender. She provides elite on-ball pressure, which will help slow down the league’s elite scoring guards.
And of course, beyond these three, there’s also Kelsey Mitchell, who is the undeniable veteran engine of the Indiana Fever. She delivered the best season of her career last year, averaging a career-high 20.2 points per game. With the team even more balanced now, there’s no reason why she wouldn’t be churning out top performances again.
Strengths Heading Into the Season
The Indiana Fever will enter 2026 with one of the most dynamic offensive engines in the league. They have a fully healthy Caitlin Clark, who will fuel their high-tempo system. And alongside Clark is Kelsey Mitchell, who adds another scoring threat. The team has also significantly improved its frontcourt depth and rebounding. Aliyah Boston remains the anchor in the paint. However, the additions of Monique Billings and Myisha Hines-Allen now brings more athleticism, length, and veteran toughness.
Defensively, the Indiana Fever have also addressed their biggest weakness from last season with Rookie Raven Johnson. Her presence gives Indiana a true lockdown option against elite guards.
But perhaps the strongest advantage that the Fever have going into this season is the fact that they managed to retain the core of their team. While several teams across the league underwent major changes, Indiana retained the core of its rotation from last season’s semifinal run. That familiarity and established chemistry will definitely allow them to execute more efficiently from the start.
Questions That Need Answers
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Indiana Fever this season is simple; can Caitlin Clark stay healthy across all 44 games? She was limited to just 13 appearances last year due to groin and ankle-related issues. And even in a preseason game against the Dallas Wings, she had a brief injury scare after an awkward fall. While it didn’t result in anything serious, it brought a flash of reality, about how much Indiana’s ceiling depends on her availability. Of course, head coach Stephanie White has said expressly that she will be managed more carefully this season. But over a long and physically demanding schedule, her durability remains the single biggest variable.
Another area of concern would be whether the Indiana Fever can truly hold its own against the league’s elite teams, particularly the Las Vegas Aces. Last season’s semifinal matchup exposed gaps in their perimeter defense and overall defensive consistency. While the roster has improved on paper, those upgrades still need to translate into real, high-pressure game situations. That will ultimately determine whether they are genuine title contenders or just a step below.
What are the Season Prediction
With the performance they had last season, and the team they have now assembled, the Indiana fever are definitely top contenders for the WNBA title this season. Last season, they finished with a 24-20 record. This season, the most reasonable projection would be at least 30 wins.
From a playoff standpoint, the expectation is that Indiana will comfortably secure a postseason spot. And after pushing the eventual champion Aces to five games in the 2025 semifinals, without a fully healthy Caitlin Clark, the expectation now is that they could go a little further. The team has managed to retain the core players that played that semi final. They’ve also added more depth to the team. Alongside all that, Caitlin Clark is healthy. So, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to predict a WNBA Finals appearance for them this season.
Fans finally have the answer to why it all happened! Three weeks ago, the Golden State Valkyries drafted Flau’jae Johnson as the No. 8 overall pick, and while everyone felt like it was a perfect fit, the franchise went on to swap her rights with the Seattle Storm for the rights to the No. 16 pick, Marta Suarez, and a 2028 second-round pick. However, when the Valkyries’ GM was asked why? All she had to say was, “I’m going to take a beat to be able to eloquently give a response.” However, that was back then because Ohemaa Nyanin has revealed the behind-the-scenes for this move.
During the Valkyries’ media day, the General Manager pointed her finger at cap flexibility.
“The decision-making around the draft had a lot to do with cap flexibility. We had the opportunity, or we thought we had the opportunity, to potentially sign another athlete,” she said.
As per the new CBA, first-round pick Flau’jae Johnson was all set to receive $309,622 in her first season, which would total up to $1,386,092 over four years. But because of the trade, they saved around $40,000, as Saurez would get only $270,000.
Though after the draft, the Valkyries had close to $750,000 of cap space, they ended up spending the majority of that re-signing Tiffany Hayes. So with the goal to “sign as many as returners as possible,” and long-term flexibility in mind, the Golden State front office went down this path. That mindset also stems from the fact that this franchise has already lost two key players. So reflecting on the expansion draft, Nyanin didn’t hide her disappointment and said, “Expansion draft was pretty sad. We lost two elite athletes in María Conde and Carla Leite.”
Leite had already shown promise as a rotation guard, averaging 7.2 points and 2.0 assists across 37 games, while Conde represented a high-upside international piece the team never got to integrate. So in that light, the push for flexibility starts to look like a front office trying to stay prepared after already taking a hit.
“My job, very specifically, is to make sure that we maintain an understanding of what’s happening today and then what could happen in the future. And so the flexibility, that is needed to be able to withstand whatever could happen in the future,” she further added.
But does that make fans feel any better? Most probably not, because the Valkyries then went on to waive Suarez.
The Player They Wanted… Until They Didn’t
It took a while, but fans were finally coming to terms with a move that didn’t make any sense. Because it felt like it was Marta Suarez that the franchise wanted all along.
“Marta is fierce. She’s fearless,” Nyanin said after the trade. “We have looked at her for a really long time. … She has a very high basketball IQ. Her high character is off the charts. … We felt like she would be a great fit.”
She even played for the Valkyries in the preseason, where she dropped 5 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 14 minutes. But then, three days ago, the Valkyries went on to make another move that has left everyone baffled.
They waived six players in one go, which also included Suárez. Yes, they have waived the very player they traded Flau’jae Johnson for. And alongside her was:
Ashlon Jackson (No. 23 pick),
Mariella Fasoula,
Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda,
Miela Sowah,
Cate Reese
But why? The short answer is – this team is still trying to understand the new CBA.
“There are a lot of things that we need to take into consideration when it comes to the status of an athlete, where it comes to their years of experience, etc. And I think that there’s more to come. There’s a lot more to think through in the next 48 hours,” she added. So from their 2026 draft class, the only player they still hold rights to is Kokoro Tanaka from Japan, whose name isn’t even on the active roster.
However, the good news is – the Valkyries can still keep Marta Suarez even if she doesn’t make the main team right now. Under the new rules, teams are allowed to have two extra “developmental” players apart from the usual 12-player roster. These players can train with the team and even play in up to 12 games during the season. So, even if Suarez isn’t on the main roster, she could still stay with the team and get chances later.
At the same time, while the Valkyries try to make sense of all this mess, Johnson is already carving out her own path with the Storm.
Flau’jae Johnson Turns the Page Quickly in Seattle
If there were any doubts about how Johnson would adjust to her new team, she’s already answering them on the court. In just two preseason outings (ironically, one against the very Golden State Valkyries team that traded her), Johnson has put up a strong early impression. Across games against the Valkyries and the Portland Fire, she dropped a combined 32 points in just 43 minutes, showcasing the scoring ability that once made her look like a perfect fit in Golden State.
Apr 25, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) dribbles to the basket against the Golden State Valkyries in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
So in Seattle, there is nothing but excitement around her potential. “We’re really excited about how she aligns and helps us this year, but also is going to be a really important piece for us as we’re building for the future,” the Storm GM Talisa Rhea admitted.
And it’s easy to see why. Flau’jae Johnson is coming off a strong final season at LSU, where she averaged 14.2 points while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc, so she is expected to carry that same rhythm into the pros, and so far she hasn’t disappointed.
With the regular season set to tip off on May 8, the Storm will open against none other than the Valkyries, so Johnson will get a chance to face her former team again. And this time, it won’t just be about proving a point; it’ll be about setting the tone for what can be expected from her and the Storm in the 2026 WNBA season.
The tumultuous offseason is in the rearview now as the confetti prepares for the 30th season of the WNBA. The strategy rooms are busy drawing out maps for the upcoming few months as every team tips off their season with one generic dream that every franchise should have- the coveted WNBA title. Now, basketball is, of course, a team sport, and it can only be won when five players contribute. But is that so simple? Possibly not.
Because we’ve seen over the years that there are certain players who, by themselves, can pull off a team in a single season. Just like a 41-year-old LeBron James is pulling an injury-laden LA Lakers team through the playoffs, there are players who can do the same role for their teams as well when the need arises for them. Without much delay, let’s get to the crux of it and identify the players from each franchise who can decide the team’s fate in the 2026 season.
Las Vegas Aces
First off, let’s talk about the champions- the Aces, who are curating a dynasty of their own in the WNBA. To be honest, there isn’t much to think about in this regard, as most would have already guessed that their season-determining player will be A’ja Wilson, and if anybody has any doubts in this regard, they might be living under a rock in the last few years.
23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals were Wilson’s numbers last year in the regular season that literally carried the Aces from being 12-13 at one point in time in the season to concluding it 30-14. That’s the level of impact a meaningful season for Wilson can have for the Aces. But just like every Batman needs a Robin, Wilson needs support around her as well, and to be exact, she has two in this regard- Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.
Like Wilson, Gray and Young have been seasoned campaigners for a few years now. They have won three WNBA titles in the last four years, and as they set their sights on a historic fourth, the trio will yet again be their make-or-break players.
New York Liberty
With a star-studded roster, there can’t be a single player who can determine Liberty’s success this season. They did a pretty good job in the free agency, retaining their Big Three with ease. And naturally, the trio will eventually determine the team’s bottom line this season. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones are all experienced campaigners and even tasted Championship success together in 2024.
Jun 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) looks on against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
All of them scored over 12 points per game last year, with Stewart leading the charts in 18.3. Besides that, name any metric you can from the season, and you’ll find that the Big Three have already established their stamp on it. Another popular opinion in this regard might be Satou Sabally. who, in her own right, can get in the conversation.
Fresh off a stint with the Phoenix Mercury last year, Sabally is buzzing with individual success (16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds last season). Additionally, she isn’t just a regular forward who scores and rebounds; she also possesses impeccable scoring ability (over 41% from the field in her career), like a guard, and if she can sync well with the team’s Big Three, the team will be one to reckon with in the coming season.
Indiana Fever
The first name that anybody can possibly think of for the Fever is Caitlin Clark. Now, many can argue that even without CC, the franchise reached the playoffs last season. Yes, that’s a valid argument. But if you can look at the impact that Clark creates just by being on the court, it doesn’t have a substitute in the Fever team. In most instances, she will be Fever’s ball handler and will, from time to time, launch those three-pointers from the half-court, making her hard to stop when she gets going.
Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston are the other two vital cogs for the Indiana Fever team. Mitchell (20.2 points in 2025 with over 45% from the field), similar to Clark (16.6 points last season) will shoulder the backcourt for the team. On the other hand, Boston will bring that physical presence and dominance on the boards for Fever, giving the team an edge in possessions at times and even bulldozing opponents herself.
Minnesota Lynx
In Lynx, you largely can’t look beyond Napheesa Collier. For most seasons in the last few years, Collier has been the Lynx’s crown jewel. Of course, she is the team’s primary scorer, averaging over 20 points per game with ease this season. But not to forget, she contributes equally with rebounds, leading the team last season with an average of 6.8.
But the major caveat is that Collier will miss the first few Lynx games while recovering from ankle surgery. In her absence, especially and even in stretches of the season, Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride will have to shoulder a bit of responsibility as well, and were allies of Collier last season. Besides these players, their rookie Olivia Miles can also be an interesting prospect to watch out for the Lynx in the upcoming year.
Atlanta Dream
For many years, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray have been the cornerstones of the Atlanta Dream franchise. Even last season, the duo did most of the heavy lifting in the team’s run to the playoffs, combining for around 36 points per game in the season. For all money, they will yet again be the deciding factors for the team, but the twist is they aren’t alone this year, as the team will have the services of Angel Reese in the frontcourt.
Apr 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during the first half of a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Reese’s trade in the early phases of free agency caused a great stir in the community. It isn’t just because of how her association with the Chicago Sky ended, but also because of how seamlessly Reese would fit into the franchise. Now, it’s well known that the Reese, a two-time WNBA Rebounding leader, brings a strong frontcourt presence, and that’s exactly what the Dream wanted.
With Gray and Howard overlooking the perimeters, and Reese taking care of the boards, the trio can by themselves be the decisive factors of the team.
Dallas Wings
At Dallas, there is a bit of tussling between Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. Now, Ogunbowale is, of course, the veteran who has guided the team for years now. And rightly so, a decorated career with Wings, boasting around 19.9 ppg and 4.0 assists in her career, is enough to add weight to her side of the debate. But Bueckers is the new sheriff in Dallas, and her numbers from last year (19.2 ppg) and her WNBA Rookie of the Year-winning season also echo a similar sentiment.
But for the Wings, you can’t even count out players like Aziaha Jame, or defensively standout players like Alanna Smith, or even their No.1 draft pick, Azzi Fudd, because they all, in their own right, have been proven game-winners in the past.
Los Angeles Sparks
For the LA Sparks, their ceiling depends on a single player- Kelsey Plum. Coming off a successful individual run with the team, boasting over 19 points per game, Plum will be the go-to player for the franchise yet again. The Sparks haven’t had a great run in the last few years and have missed playoff runs quite consistently, and Plum will look to change it this season.
On top of Plum, the Sparks will also see the homecoming of Nneka Ogwumike, after serving a stint with the Seattle Storm. Undoubtedly, the veteran duo will be one to reckon with in the coming season. The 35-year-old is coming off a steller season with the Sparks, scoring 18.3 points per game in the regular season. She has also showcased impressive form amid her return to the Sparks, scoring 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in the only preseason game she played against the Portland Fire.
They have lost some veterans in Rickea Jackson and Azura Stevens, diminishing the team’s depth. But Dearica Hamby (18.4 points per game last season) is still on the team and will be an able aide to Plum going into the season.
Seattle Storm
For Storm, their fate in the season depends on the young players. For instance, Dominique Malonga and Ezi Magbegor will be the team’s major trump cards. Malonga and Magbegor are quite experienced and will have to take the reins of the team after the departures of veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
They played a majorly supportive role last season, scoring around 7 points each, with Magbegor also leading the team in blocks. But subsequently, their role will be immensely greater this season, where they will have to call the shots on the court at times. Their rookies- Flau’jae Johnson and Awa Fam will also be vital in this regard as well. Johnson has already showcased flashes of what she can do in the preseason games, scoring a team-high 20 points against the Portland Fire.
Connecticut Sun
Brittney Griner might be 35 years old, but she will still be bossing the court for the Sun this season. It’s true that her minutes were limited with the Atlanta Dream last season, but the sheer class she brings has no alternative. And her 16 points in the preseason game against a star-studded NY Liberty team just adds weight to the fact that her scoring prowess hasn’t left her.
In Sun, she might again come alive and score over 15 points per game in the season. With Griner, Aaliyah Edwards, too, will play a part in her own way with her fierce shooting (47.3% career wise) and all-around game on the court.
Chicago Sky
After Angel Reese’s departure, the Chicago Sky were in search of a franchise player they could rely on to deliver. And that search brought them to Skylar Diggins-Smith, a veteran who has proved her mettle time and again, with a career that boasts 16.4 ppg and 5.3 assists. It might be a new start for Diggins-Smith, but for a player like her, it won’t take long to translate her prowess on the court.
Rickea Jackson and Courtney Vandersloot are among the other players whose performances can decide Sky’s fate. But there’s another name as well, who also happens to be their latest free agent signing, Natasha Cloud. Coming off a season with the NY Liberty, Cloud is a dependable backcourt player who averaged over 10 points and 5 assists per game last season, and she can just pick up where she left off with the Sky.
Washington Mystics
Having lost players like Brittney Sykes, the Mystics will rely heavily on Shakira Austin this season. Austin has already solidified her footing as a formidable forward, scoring 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds last season. Besides that, Austin will be supported majorly by a young core, including Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalic, and Cotie McMahon, who are coming off impressive collegiate seasons.
Phoenix Mercury
DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Cooper will be the go-to players for the Mercury in the season. Both of them are quite experienced and have proved their mettle time and again. Last season, both scored over 10 points per game, and this season, the team’s offensive output will rest on their shoulders. Alyssa Thomas and Sami Whitcomb will also provide immense depth to their roster and will definitely have a say in their season ceiling.
Golden State Valkyries
ForValkyries, they have a major veteran in Gabby Williams at their disposal, whom they roped in during free agency. Williams, having played for the Seattle Storm for the last four years and for the Chicago Sky for three years prior to that, is immensely experienced and will be a go-to player for the Valkyries this season. Besides that, the team will also have Veronica Burton at its disposal, who led the team in scoring last season, averaging just over 11 points per game. Other players who can make a major impact for the Valkyries in the season include Kaitlyn Chen and Tiffany Hayes.
Toronto Tempo
Being a new team, the Toronto Tempo have an array of talents who will have a say on how their debut season goes. Marina Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes both scored over 14 points per game last season and will bring the same sort of form this season as well. Nyara Sabally and Temi Fagbenie will also bring a substantial depth to the roster and will add to Mabrey and Sykes’ veteran presence on the court.
Portland Fire
Bridget Carleton will be one of the major players who will shoulder the responsibility of fire in the season. Having played for the Minnesota Lynx over the last few years, Carleton has vast experience, and, as a result, the Fire’s output will be on one shoulder. Besides Carleton, the Fire will also have the services of Megan Gustafson and Carla Leite in the 2026 season.
Rocky Thompson was asked to turn around the Bridgeport Islanders after a disastrous 2024-25 season. It was no easy task considering the team won 15 games all season with only four wins at home. He brought a winning culture to the New York Islanders American Hockey League team as they finished the season with the fourth-best record in the Atlantic Division, with their young team taking significant strides forward at the end of the season.
The Islanders rewarded him for it. They promoted him to the NHL team as an assistant coach on Peter DeBoer’s staff. “He’s a brilliant coach, he’s so smart with his structure,” Chris Terry noted at the end of the season, after the team secured a home playoff game, the last in Bridgeport. The move brings Thompson back to the NHL as the AHL team enters the Hamilton, Ontario era.
This is the Best Option for the Islanders
This move keeps Thompson on their staff, and he won’t leave the AHL team for another opportunity. It’s easy to assume he wouldn’t have done that but it’s better to be safe than sorry. The Hartford Wolf Pack fired Grant Potulny earlier in the week and needs a coach to come in and clean up the mess, something Thompson did with the neighboring Connecticut rival (and New York NHL rival)
Thompson is also a good coach to have around for a younger team, especially a team that retooled on the fly this season. It’s unclear if the Islanders are leaning into a retool or pushing to contend or attempting both at the same time. Regardless of the direction, the Islanders have a youth movement on the way, and it’s good to have Thompson around for that.
He’s not an X’s and O’s coach or a coach who is brought in because of the system he runs. Instead, Thompson is someone players want to play for, and they play above expectation under his watch. That’s all the Islanders need. DeBoer will handle the systems, while Thompson will be a motivational voice behind the bench.
Hamilton as an Attractive Destination
It would have been crazy to say a year ago that the Islanders are an appealing spot for a head coach. However, they are the ideal team for a young up-and-coming coach to come in and take them to the next level, both as a Calder Cup contender and a development factory for the NHL team.
The Islanders are a lot like the Philadelphia Flyers and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms from last season. They have a lot of the right pieces in place, and after a step forward this season, they just need a coach to pick up where the previous one left off. In the Phantoms case, it was John Snowden developing the prospects to turn the rebuilding Flyers into a playoff team. In the Islanders' case, it will be a coach who can develop the prospects to join the roster by midseason.
Even if Victor Eklund is on the NHL team next season, a safe assumption considering how he played down the stretch, there’s a good chance Cole Eiserman is on the AHL team. Likewise, the Islanders have a handful of other prospects to work with and round things out at the AHL level.
The Islanders can find an experienced coach to come right in and pick up where Thompson left off. Hamilton is also a good place to lure in a coach from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) who is young and poised to be in the NHL someday. Jay McKee of the Brantford Bulldogs or Greg Walters of the Windsor Spitfires can take that next step soon enough. The move from junior hockey to the AHL is a tough adjustment, especially considering how coaches at both levels are young and not ready to make that big move. Going from one part of Ontario to another is an easier transition.
Islanders AHL Coaching Candidates.
The experienced coach who stands out is Ian Lapperriere. He coached the Phantoms from 2021 until 2025 and is currently a scout for the Islanders. The irony is that he’s a great coach to take a team from point A to point B, specifically, to build up a team into what the Islanders are now. That said, they know what they’re getting if they hire him.
The Islanders can also promote someone internally. David Cunniff is the assistant who checks that box. He’s someone players love to play for. The only two issues with Cunniff are that he’s the assistant moving into the head coaching role, which is known as the good-cop bad-cop adjustment, plus he’s 55 in a league that always looks for youth behind the bench.
One fascinating name to keep in mind is Chris Terry. Terry is a 37-year-old veteran who has been in the organization for years. The next logical step after years of being a leader in the locker room is becoming a leader behind the bench. “I love the game. I love the experiences I’ve had. I’ve had a lot of different coaches and long-time mentors. So, I feel like I have a wealth of knowledge to put to use after hockey, whenever that is,” he mentioned in a conversation with The Hockey News. Even if he’s not the head coach, an assistant role can be in the works for the longtime Islander.
The Islanders have a fascinating future ahead of them. Thompson's move to the NHL team makes the Hamilton era a haze right now but with the right coach, the team will only build on what he started.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 05: Sung-Mun Song #24 of the San Diego Padres hits a single against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at Oracle Park on May 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sung-Mun Song made his MLB debut in Mexico City against the Arizona Diamondbacks when the San Diego Padres added him to their roster as the 27th man. Song made an appearance as a pinch runner but did not do much more than that. Song changed that in his first MLB start when he hit a two-run double to left-center field to give the Padres a 5-4 lead in the top of the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants.
The double by Song was part of a five-run fourth inning for the Padres against Giants starter Logan Webb. San Diego entered the top of the fourth trailing 4-1, but after scoring five runs to take a two-run lead, they never looked back while earning a 10-5 win at Oracle Park Tuesday night.
Walker Buehler started on the mound for the Padres and surrendered two runs in the bottom of the first inning on a Casey Schmitt two-run home run. San Diego answered in the top of the second inning when Xander Bogaerts hit a solo home run to left field, but Buehler returned to the mound in the bottom of the second and quickly surrendered two more runs to San Francisco, giving them a 4-1 lead. Buehler settled in after the second and completed 5.1 innings allowing four runs on seven hits with no walks and five strikeouts.
The new-look Padres offense continued to apply pressure to Giants pitchers, scoring runs in the fifth, sixth and eighth innings. Jackson Merrill was 3-for-5 with two runs scored two RBI and a stolen base from the leadoff spot. Miguel Andujar batted third and finished 3-for-5 with a double, a triple, a run scored and an RBI. Gavin Sheets and Xander Bogaerts each finished 2-for-5 batting in the fourth and sixth spots respectively with Sheets adding a stolen base and Bogaerts opening the San Diego scoring with a solo home run in the second.
Perhaps the most notable change to the Padres lineup was Fernando Tatis Jr., who moved from the first or second spot in the lineup for much of the season, all the way down to fifth. Tatis Jr. finished 1-for-5 with a run scored.
San Diego will look to win the series when the two teams meet Wednesday at 12:45 p.m.
Veteran defensive lineman Zacch Pickens was never expected to be the Kansas City Chiefs' most important pass-rusher next season, but most pundits thought he would at least get the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team's 53-man roster in training camp.
Instead, Pickens was among the veterans who found themselves on the outside looking in when Kansas City's front office signed three first-year prospects after impressive tryouts at the Chiefs' rookie camp.
Luckily for Pickens, the New York Giants were in need of some help on their defensive line, and moved quickly to claim the former third-round pick shortly after Kansas City elected to waive him.
While every team in the NFL could use some help with their defensive lines, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach recently addressed Kansas City's front four by selecting former Clemson Tigers standout Peter Woods and Oklahoma Sooners sack-master R Mason Thomas with the No. 29 and No. 40 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, respectively.
This was never going to be an easy series for the Minnesota Wild. After going through six rough, physical games against the Dallas Stars, the Wild entered the series without Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin.
Against a high-flying offense like the Colorado Avalanche, those are probably two of the last guys you’d want to lose to injury. They may or may not return when the series shifts to Minnesota, but either way, their plan of attack against Colorado right now just isn’t doing it.
The Avalanche scored a franchise-record nine goals in Game 1 — eight of which were on goalie Jesper Wallstedt. They followed it up with four against Filip Gustavsson and another empty netter to win 5-2 on Tuesday to take a 2-0 series lead. Suddenly, the third game of this series matters that much more for the Wild. The pressure is on them not to fall completely behind.
To put it in simple terms, they’re giving the Avalanche way too much room to skate. In the first period of Game 2, MacKinnon seemed to have more rush attacks than he did in any game against Los Angeles. We also saw this in Game 1 from both him and Martin Necas.
The Wild struggled on the penalty kill against the Stars, and that has continued. The Avalanche weren’t all that great on the PP this year, but they improved immensely after the Olympic break. Against Minnesota, they’re 3-for-7, though they gave up a shorthanded goal on one of their failed opportunities. Colorado is also 5-for-5 on the penalty kill, on a full 10 minutes of PK time throughout the series.
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10 Takeaways
1. You’re not going to lose a lot of games when Nathan MacKinnon is playing like this, if you’re the Avalanche. He had one point through the first three games against the Los Angeles Kings. Since then, he’s put up three points in three consecutive games. Against the Wild, MacKinnon has two goals and four assists for a total of six points on the 14 goals Colorado has.
2. Martin Necas scored a beautiful opening goal, giving him five points in this series. It wasn’t noticeable in the opening round, but this looks like a series where Necas is doing the Mikko Rantanen thing, riding shotgun with MacKinnon shift after shift and being another superstar that can produce.
Head coach Jared Bednar had a great response when asked about Necas’ playoff production, as he works through the reputation he had in Carolina of not being much of a playoff producer. Here’s his full response:
“Some of the criticisms on Marty from his younger years prior to being here, they may have been valid. Marty and I talked about this. Byt just because something’s true one day doesn’t make it true the next. And especially over time, Marty, he’s put in a lot of hard work to be a trusted player on our team defensively. It was one of the talks we had when he got here, and a handful of times after that.
“If you’re going to play with Nate and play against opposition’s best guys every night, I got to be able to trust you. You can’t play there, no matter how good you are offensively, right? So he buys into that. The style, the players he plays with, it’s important that he’s on that line, because he helps them a lot, and his game has grown, you know? So I think those criticisms now are invalid.”
3. Jake Middleton has been on the ice for nine goals against, while Jared Spurgeon has seen eight Avalanche goals go in. That’s Minnesota’s second pair without Brodin available. Wild head coach John Hynes said he’s going to look at changing up the pairings but I’m not sure how many options he has without Brodin. I doubt you’re breaking up your top pair of Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber. And the third pair, whether Zach Bogosian, Jeff Petry, or Daemon Hunt, don’t play all that much.
4. I know Kirill Kaprizov had the first Wild goal, but they’re going to need a lot more from him and Matt Boldy in this series. Those two guys, along with Hughes, are far and away the three guys that need to carry the team. Hughes has been fine. He was better on Sunday than in Game 2.
But Kaprizov and Boldy have to do more. Especially Boldy.
5. Speaking of which, the best save, by far, was Scott Wedgewood robbing Kaprizov on the doorstep on the Minnesota power play early in the third period. Just a spectacular save to keep the Avalanche ahead by two goals.
6. I said it after Game 1 and I’ll say it again. The Wild stand no chance in this series if they can’t stop the Avs’ rush attack. Allowing MacKinnon that much space in two games isn’t a recipe for success. I’m curious to see how Minnesota looks on home ice — if Hynes getting the last change makes a difference.
As of right now, he hasn’t found a way to contain the Avs’ speed.
7. I know the 2022 Nashville Predators weren’t that great of a team as the second wildcard, but Bednar is now 6-0 against Hynes in the postseason. He and the Avs swept Hynes’ Predators in the opening round in 2022. It’s quite the change from facing (and losing to) Pete DeBoer seemingly every year or so.
8. For what it’s worth, Parker Kelly absolutely got away with accidentally punching the linesman in the face during one of those scrums in front of the net.
Lindy absolutely wore a right and moved on before Boldy got booped on the nose and… did not move on haha pic.twitter.com/AuFOOn6U5n
9. When Nic Roy scored to make it 3-1, he became the 11th different Avalanche skater to score a goal in the series. And it came just over 81 minutes into the series. I’ve seen overtimes go longer than that without any one goal scorer, let alone 11 different guys on one team.
Valeri Nichushkin’s empty-netter broke a record, as the Avalanche became the first team in NHL history to have 12 different goal scorers in the first two games of a series.
Rather than list the guys who scored, it would be quicker and easier to name the six who still haven’t. It’s Brock Nelson, Ross Colton, Logan O’Connor, Parker Kelly, Brent Burns, and Brett Kulak. I’m not listing them to call them out. More doing it because it’s actually hilarious that we’re two games into this series and 12 of 18 skaters have a goal.
10. Speaking of Roy, he had the quote of the night after the game. He was asked how to not let the emotions of a 2-0 series lead get to you when there is still work to be done.
His response: “Never too high, never too low. I think that’s what I got in mind. I mean, enjoy it a little bit today, rest tomorrow and go back to practice. Look at what you you can do better from from the game today, and go from there.”
The San Francisco Giants were unable to overcome an early deficit Tuesday, falling 10-5 to the San Diego Padres after a difficult start from Logan Webb set the tone.
Webb labored through four innings, surrendering six earned runs on seven hits while striking out four. A solo home run from Xander Bogaerts highlighted the damage as consistent hard contact plagued the right-hander throughout the outing.
Though he did not issue a walk and threw 40 of his 62 pitches for strikes, Webb struggled to miss bats or limit traffic, exiting before completing five innings.
The outing continued a trend of inconsistency for Webb, who now holds an ERA north of 5.00 through his first stretch of starts this season. While his ability to pound the strike zone remains intact, opposing hitters have repeatedly capitalized, putting balls in play at a high rate and limiting his effectiveness.
Offensively, the Giants showed early life. Casey Schmitt delivered a two-run homer in the first inning to give San Francisco a quick boost. The lineup added on in the second, with Jesús Rodríguez contributing an RBI single and Jung Hoo Lee bringing in another run on a fielder’s choice.
Rodríguez continued to stand out, later launching a solo home run in the seventh inning, offering a bright spot for a Giants offense that has searched for consistency.
His recent contributions come at a crucial time, particularly as the team integrates him within the lineup as he collected his first major-league hit in the contest on Tuesday night.
The Giants were without Luis Arraez, who was held out due to minor soreness. The absence of one of the club’s more reliable bats further underscored the lineup’s uneven production.
San Francisco’s bullpen was unable to stabilize the game after Webb’s exit. JT Brubaker allowed a run while working through traffic in his inning of relief, issuing two walks alongside two hits.
Ryan Borucki followed with a run allowed in the sixth, and Gregory Santos surrendered two more over his two innings of work as the Padres extended their lead.
Despite a handful of offensive flashes, the Giants were unable to mount a sustained comeback after Rodríguez’s homer. The loss drops San Francisco to 14-22 on the season, including an 8-10 mark at home.
With the series now even, the Giants will turn to Adrian Houser in the finale, while the Padres are expected to counter with knuckleballer Matt Waldron.
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SEATTLE (AP) — Matt Olson hit the go-ahead homer in the ninth, Bryce Elder pitched six strong innings, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Mauricio Dubón had a two-run double and Ozzie Albies extended his hit streak to 17 games to tie the franchise record. He is tied for the league lead in hits with 47.
Dylan Lee struck out the side in the seventh, Robert Suarez (3-0) worked the eighth and Raisel Iglesias, recently activated from the injured list, got his sixth save for the league-leading Braves.
Elder had his fifth quality start in eight games. He allowed two runs on two hits, yielding a two-run homer to J.P. Crawford in the fourth. He lowered his ERA to 2.02 ERA, which ranks fourth in the National League.
Olson hit his 300th home run in Monday’s 5-4 loss, becoming the 166th player to reach the milestone. He hit his 301st in the top of the ninth, sending Andrés Muñoz’s (3-3) slider 412-feet for a solo shot to give Atlanta a 3-2 lead.
Olson, batting .308 and a 1.077 OPS, leads the NL in home runs (13) and RBIs (33). The native of Atlanta has a career 159 home runs with the Braves after spending his first six seasons with the Athletics.
George Kirby pitched seven innings for Seattle, surrendering two runs on five hits while striking out five. Three of those hits came in the fourth. Albies and Olson each singled before they scored on Dubón’s two-out double down the right field line.
Up next
LHP Martín Pérez (2-1, 2.22 ERA) starts the series final Wednesday for the Braves, RHP Bryan Woo (1-2, 4.61) pitches for the Mariners.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that Elder had his fifth quality start of the season, not sixth.
PHOENIX (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez gave up just two hits over seven strong innings, Geraldo Perdomo added a two-run double and the Arizona Diamondbacks cruised past the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 on Tuesday night.
The D-backs used a five-run sixth inning to take a 7-0 lead. Gabriel Moreno hit an RBI double down the right-field foul line, Perdomo added his two-run double, Ketel Marte hit an RBI groundout and Corbin Carroll brought home the final run on a sacrifice fly.
Pittsburgh reliever Yohan Ramirez was tagged for all five runs and recorded just one out.
Rodriguez (3-0) didn’t give up a hit until the fifth inning when Jared Triolo lined a two-out single to left. The veteran left hander struck out seven and walked three. The performance was a welcome sight for the D-backs, who came in with a 5.07 ERA, which was the worst mark in the National League.
The D-backs jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning after Adrian Del Castillo's sacrifice fly and Ildemaro Vargas' RBI double. The 34-year-old Vargas — who was recently named MLB's NL Player of the Month for March/April — has a .377 batting average and a 1.051 OPS this season.
Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler (1-4) fought control issues all night, giving up two runs over five innings. He gave up just two hits, but walked six and struck out four.
The Pirates were without reliever Chris Devenski, who was suspended two games and fined by Major League Baseball for intentionally throwing at Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart on Saturday.
Manager Don Kelly was suspended one game because of the incident and also missed Tuesday's contest. Bench coach Kristopher Negron replaced him.
Up next
The D-backs will start RHP Michael Soroka (4-1, 4.70 ERA) on Wednesday while the Pirates counter with RHP Paul Skenes (4-2, 3.18).
The Los Angeles Lakers are down 1-0 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Head coach JJ Redick's Lakers squad managed only 90 points compared to the defending champions' 108.
While the Lakers made it competitive at times, they were utterly outclassed, especially because their offense has its limits. LeBron James has addressed the elephant in the room: Luka Doncic's absence due to injury.
LeBron James knows Luka Doncic's absence is the Lakers' big problem
The Lakers managed to beat the Rockets on the back of a LeBron masterclass. At 41, most people would think an athlete would fall off, but King James is like most athletes who struggle against Father Time.
It seems LeBron is playing around against Father Time, which is why he keeps succeeding even if he is older. Despite their success, LeBron does know he has limits now, which could be solved by playing alongside Doncic.
Throughout the 2025-26 season, it became clear that the Lakers are Doncic's team. LeBron has accepted that, which is why he was willing to go with Redick's Doncic-focused system.
Since Doncic is still out injured, it is up to James and Austin Reaves to step up. However, the four-time MVP and Finals MVP knows Doncic is sorely missed.
"The offensive issues coming from? We have a guy who averaged 37 a game. There are issues right there. We're playing against the #1 best defensive team in the NBA, and when you play against a great defense, you need to have guys that can attract multiple defenders," James said about Doncic being a sorely missed presence.
Moving forward, LeBron and the rest of the Lakers organization would prefer having Doncic around because they are severely lacking firepower against the defending champions.
MASON, Mich. (WLNS) – The postseason is nearing for high school spring sports across the state of Michigan, and league championships were won on Tuesday.
The CAAC Red track and field meet saw the Williamston boys and Mason girls take first place. For the Bulldogs, this is the 10th straight year they’ve won the CAAC Red.
Check out the highlights in the video above, with the details below.
Haslett’s Christina Dixon won the 200-meter dash with a season-best time of 26.32 seconds. Dixon would then help the Vikings’ 4×400 relay team, with Mya Muhammad, Madison Muhammad and Alexis Turner, take first place with a personal-best 4:13.54.
Lansing Eastern captured first in the boys version of the 4×400 race thanks to Koamir Muhamad, Jontae Rosario, Asa Pumphrey and Zadien Harris running a personal-best 3:34.42.
St. Johns standout runner Ava Schafer won the 3200-meter race with a time of 11:46.28, and Willimatson senior Raymond Herek won it on the boys side with a personal-best 9:55.05.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — View scores from across KELOLAND down below.
MLB Minnesota 11 Washington 3 F
NHL Minnesota 2 Colorado 5 F
HSBB Washington 10 Tea 5 F Mitchell 7 Roosevelt 3 F Jefferson 4 Lincoln 3 F Sioux Falls Christian 11 Baltic 0 F Belle Fourche 10 St. Thomas More 5 F Washington 7 Tea 1 F Spearfish 11 Sturgis Brown 5 F O’Gorman 12 Brookings 7 F Clark Area 2 Groton Area 1 F Roosevelt 7 Mitchell 5 F Vermillion 10 Parkston 1 F Brookings 4 O’Gorman 3 F Jefferson 3 Harrisburg 2 F
HSSB McCook Central/Montrose 18 Kingsbury County 1 F West Central 10 Lincoln 9 F Sioux Falls Christian 17 Colman-Egan 1 F Flandreau 14 Clark/Willow Lake 4 F O’Gorman 17 Brandon Valley 13 F Lennox 11 Baltic 1 F Washington 6 Tea 0 F Jefferson 21 Mitchell 0 F
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
May 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) goes after the puck defended by Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Wild’s goalie change didn’t help all that much. For the second consecutive game, the Colorado Avalanche scored a flurry of goals early, this time defeating the Wild 5-2 on Tuesday with Filip Gustavsson between the pipes. Colorado leads the second-round series 2-0 and is a perfect 6-0 in the postseason.
“Much better tonight,” head coach Jared Bednar said, “Still made a couple mistakes for sure, things we can continue to clean up to tighten things up. But I thought the commitment was there, the details were much better in all situations.”
Martin Necas, Gabe Landeskog, Nic Roy, and Nathan MacKinnon scored for the Avalanche, the first three coming in the first 21:24 of play. Valeri Nichushkin later added an empty-netter. The Avs put 22 shots on Gustavsson, who gave up three goals on the first eight he faced before settling in. Colorado kept riding with Scott Wedgewood, and he made 29 saves to recover from the six goals he gave up in Game 1.
Wedgewood surrendered just one goal on 29 shots in the final 57 minutes of action.
“I thought there wasn’t a guy on our roster that wasn’t better tonight than the other night,” Bednar said. “And he certainly was. We started from the goaltender out.”
MacKinnon also had two assists, while Necas and Landeskog had one, each to also finish with multiple points. Brett Kulak had two helpers.
The Avs broke an NHL record with 12 different goal scorers through the first two games of a series. They’ve found the back of the net 14 times against the Wild. In the opening round, Minnesota gave up only 15 to the Dallas Stars in six games.
Cale Makar and MacKinnon are the only Avalanche goal scorers with more than one. They each have two.
“The whole 23-man roster that we carry is deep,” Wedgewood said. “Parker Kelly is playing the second line near the end of the year. Ross Colton comes in and out. You’ve got [Joel] Kiviranta not playing, which is kind of crazy if you really think about a team not using him.”
MacKinnon was flying up and down the ice in this one. On the Avalanche’s first goal, he went speeding up the ice along the boards, dropped a pass to Necas upon entering the offensive zone, and the winger sent a backhander past Gustavsson on Colorado’s first shot.
The Wild managed to respond an impressive six seconds later. Kirill Kaprizov got a pass from Ryan Hartman that sprung him all alone, and he got his first of the series on a slick shot past Wedgewood at 2:57.
Several minutes later, Yakov Trenin was called for high-sticking, sending Colorado to the power play for the first time. Fifteen seconds into the man-advantage, Landeskog finished a tic-tac-toe play that went from Necas, to MacKinnon, to Landeskog in front of the net for the finish at 8:24. It was Colorado’s second goal on two shots.
The Avs carried a 2-1 lead into the break, killing a Wild power play in the process. They also got outshot 10-7.
In the second, Colorado had the better jump early, and scored again on their first shot of the frame. Ross Colton sent a pass to Roy, who beat Gustavsson clean on the Avalanche’s eighth shot.
Colton was a healthy scratch for the first two games of the playoffs. In both games of the second round, he’s been the primary set-up man for the eventual game winner.
“He’s bought into what we’re trying to do here and I know he cares,” Bednar said of Colton. “I made the decision I made in the first series for reasons I believe in, and he’s playing right now and playing well. That’s what we need.”
The Avalanche didn’t allow a goal in the second period. It’s the only scoreless period from either team through the first two games.
In the third, another power play led to yet another tally. The Avs were 2-for-5 on the man advantage, this time it was MacKinnon finishing a one-timer off a setup from Nazem Kadri.
Minnesota responded 1:05 later, but that was all they could get. Nichushkin buried the empty-net goal with five seconds remaining.
Good: Shutting It Down In the Second
The second period was Colorado’s best of the series. By far. The early goal from Roy gave Bednar’s club a comfortable two-goal lead. From that point on, they checked well, limited Minnesota’s opportunities, and shut things down.
This was the aforementioned period where the Avalanche didn’t allow a goal. Minnesota did well at five-on-five all throughout the evening. But not enough to break through as often as they wanted.
Bad: The Quick Goal From Kaprizov
It felt like we were headed for another crazy back-and-forth game early in the first period. The Avs got the opening goal, and the Kaprizov response just six seconds later felt like more of what we had seen in Game 1. Thankfully for Colorado, it wasn’t the case.
Kudos to the Wild, because both Mats Zuccarello and Ryan Hartman did an excellent job with one-touches to get the puck to Kaprizov behind both Cale Makar and Devon Toews.
Scoring a goal six seconds after a faceoff at center ice is impressive for Minnesota. Not so much for Colorado.
The fact that this was the only goal they surrendered is a massive improvement on Game 1.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost forward Jarred Vanderbilt early to a gruesome finger injury on Tuesday night.
Vanderbilt went up to try to block Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren at the rim in the Lakers’ Game 1 loss, but he missed and ended up smacking his right hand hard against the backboard at the Paycom Center. As Holmgren went to celebrate the other way, Vanderbilt doubled over and screamed out in clear pain while holding his right hand.
Vanderbilt sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky finger, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. He finished with two points and a rebound in six minutes. He’s averaged 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season.
It’s unclear how long Vanderbilt will be sidelined due to the finger injury, but it’s not a good sign for the Lakers as they get deeper in their Western Conference semifinals series. The Thunder surged ahead in the second half on Tuesday night to secure the 108-90 win. That gave them their sixth straight playoff win dating back to their NBA Finals victory last season, which matched a franchise record.
Vanderbilt is just the latest injury the Lakers are dealing with this postseason. While they just got Austin Reaves back from an oblique injury, star Luka Dončić is still out with a hamstring injury.
How does a player with a résumé like Tina Charles end up without a team? And the 2026 WNBA season is just three days away. As one of the league’s most decorated veterans and the most accomplished unsigned free agent currently available, concerns within the WNBA community are beginning to grow louder by the day.
American sports broadcaster Cindy Brunson gave voice to that concern in a post she made on X on Monday. “There has to be a roster spot for her, period,” she wrote. And when you lay out what Tina Charles represents, it’s hard to argue with her opinion. As she also pointed out, Charles is not just a former No. 1 draft pick. She’s the all-time leader in WNBA rebounds. She’s also a former league MVP, and a two-time scoring champion, among other achievments. The idea that no team has found room for that kind of player is, as Brunson suggested, genuinely difficult to reconcile.
What makes it even harder to understand is that Tina Charles hasn’t given anyone a reason to walk away based on performance. Her 2025 season with the Connecticut Sun, the team that originally drafted her back in 2010, was anything but the output of a player fading into irrelevance. She led the team with 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. And she did that while playing in 43 regular season games, starting 42 of them, and missing just one game. She also scored in double figures in 35 of those games and posted 20 or more points on 15 separate occasions. By any reasonable standard, that is a productive, reliable, starting-caliber season.
Yet the Sun chose not to bring her back for 2026. They didn’t issue any formal statement to explain the decision, but the direction the franchise is heading offers some context. The have made significant investment in younger players like Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards. And they have an expanded 18-player roster featuring eight rookies and four second-year players. So, the Connecticut appears to be prioritizing a youth-driven rebuild. At 37 years of age heading into this season, Charles may simply no longer fit the timeline the Sun are building toward, even if she clearly appears to still fit on a basketball court.
Charles herself has stayed quiet on her current situation, making no formal public statement about where things stand. But she made her intentions clear before the 2025 season even concluded. “God willing, I would love to play another year in the WNBA,” she said. Sadly, that wish, as of right now, remains unfulfilled.
But with three days until the season tips off, the window is narrow but not yet closed. Who knows, anything can happen in three days. Hopefully something does and one of the greatest players in WNBA history, wouldn’t have to bow out because she was no longer wanted.
WNBA Fans Show Concern as Former No. 1 Pick Tina Charles Remains Unsigned Ahead of 2026 Season
The silence around Tina Charles is getting louder. Her continued unsigned status heading into the 2026 WNBA season has sparked growing concern across the basketball community, particularly given the level of production she delivered just last season. But as one fan cut straight to the heart of the matter, “Her resume is not why she gets a spot. She’s 37.” The same fan, however, was quick to add that they still “think she can still play.”
That age narrative keeps surfacing as the primary explanation, even among those who genuinely believe Charles still has something to offer on the court. “She’s going on 38. It is what it is,” one fan said. “Time comes for us all,” added another. Yet even a fan who wasn’t entirely convinced she had much fuel left in the tank still saw value in having her around. “She’s 37… not sure how much she still has left, but I’d love her on the Sky to mentor Kamilla Cardoso,” they said.
Some fans, though, haven’t given up on the idea of Charles landing somewhere before the season gets underway. “Cloud finally got picked up,” one fan noted pointedly. “Hopefully she will too. One of the last bigs who can go outside as well… .” It’s a fair parallel to draw. Natasha Cloud is a ten-year veteran who eventually found a home with the Chicago Sky despite her own prolonged free agency. The key difference, of course, is that Cloud is 34, and Charles is 37. Three years may not sound like much. However, in the context of professional sports at the late stage of a career, it can be a meaningful gap.
But hopefully Charles’ story ends the same way Cloud’s did. However, for now, the question is: is it really time for Tina Charles to call it a career? Or does last season’s performance suggest that there is still more chapter left to write? But maybe with everything she has accomplished, she deserves the chance to answer that question on her own terms.
Nick Morabito continued his good run at the plate as Triple-A Syracuse dropped a 3-2 rain-shortened game, in six innings, to Rochester, on Tuesday night.
Morabito notched a pair of singles in three at-bats and came around to score, raising his average to .284 and OPS to .864 through his first 30 games at Triple-A on the season, as he's 11-for-30 in his last 10 with four extra-base hits, four RBI, and eight walks.
Morabito, who turns 23 on Thursday, entered the 2026 season on the Mets' 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft and as the No. 11 prospect on Joe DeMayo's Top 30 list of Mets’ prospects.
Ryan Clifford had a single and a double with an RBI and a walk in his three times at the plate on Tuesday. Both hits were scorched: 108.1 mph off the bat and 106.1 mph.
The No. 6 prospect raised his average to .234 with a .740 OPS in 32 games this year. He's got 11 extra-base hits (five homers) with 19 RBI.
A.J. Ewing, the No. 3 prospect in the Mets’ system, went hitless on Tuesday. Through his first seven games at Triple-A, the 21-year-old is batting .440 (11-for-25) with a pair of extra-base hits and two RBI and a 1.060 OPS.
Down in Port St. Lucie, Elian Peńa smacked a three-run home run for his lone hit in five times up. The 370-foot blast was smacked 104.7 mph off the bat. The Mets’ No. 7 prospect struck out twice, but is still batting .311 with a .866 OPS through his first 26 games of the year at Single-A
Ball Arena welcomed Avalanche fans (and some Wild fans) for game two of the second round series between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild, and those supporting the home club would head to the lot happy once again.
The Avalanche scored first and last tonight, and despite Matt Boldy, Quinn Hughes, and Marcus Johansson’s best effort, Colorado’s star power and physicality won the night.
Nathan MacKinnon had three assists and a goal, Gabe Landeskog scored on the power play, and the Avalanche were the aggressors in the checking department.
Scott Wedgewood made some clutch saves on the kill and looked good in his 6th consecutive playoff start and victory.
On the other hand, Filip Gustavsson gave up two goals on his first two shots and didn’t appear all that comfortable for the Wild.
The Avs have Minnesota in a must-win situation now after snagging a 5-2 victory.
Let’s take a deeper look at the action of game number two!
The Game
I hardly get a bold prediction right on the Mile High Hockey Lab, but today I actually earned a ding as Martin Necas was indeed the first goalscorer of the evening. I mentioned on the program that I felt he’d been plenty creative and was due for a goal rather than a setup.
Nathan MacKinnon broke in and found Martin Necas on a drop pass, who broke toward the net and sent a backhand shot through traffic that beat Filip Gustavsson.
In the intermission report, Mark Messier said, “You need a save there,” when recapping the tally that would give the Avalanche a 1-0 lead.
That lead would last all of six seconds as a broken play leading to Devon Toews and Cale Makar both covering the same Wild player.
Martin Necas was left to pick up Kirill Kaprisov, but didn’t really stand a chance in that regard.
Kaprisov would break in all alone and beat Scott Wedgewood with ease. We were tied at one.
The Colorado Avalanche power play dominated the conversation throughout the regular season (not in a good way). Still, it was on point tonight, starting with the third goal of the first period logged by Gabe Landeskog.
The tape-to-tape passes from Kadri to Makar to Necas connected with Nathan MacKinnon, who one-touched a pass from the net side to Landeskog in the bumper position. Landy left no doubt with the finish. 2-1 Avalanche, and that’s how the first period would end.
The Avalanche got an early second-period goal from deadline addition Nicolas Roy on a feed from Ross Colton to give the boys in burgundy a 3-1 lead.
Good to see Rosco get on the board for the first time this playoffs, and Nic Roy now has 4 points in the six playoff games this postseason.
Colorado hasn’t lost a game all season where they’ve held the lead heading into the third, and would add another notch to that log on the back of another power play goal, this time from Nathan MacKinnon.
Nate did well to find himself some open ice and got a fortunate bounce as his one-timer went off Yakov Trenin’s shin and in. The Avalanche would extend their lead to 4-1.
We saw a little pushback from the Minnesota Wild, who got a third-period goal from Marcus Johansson. I thought Johansson was among the Wild’s best players, and so I wasn’t surprised that he finally broke through, bringing the score to 4-2.
In the end, a not-so-smart cross-check from Karpisov would tranquilize the Wild’s comeback effort, and inevitably, Val Nichushkin would loft a puck the length of the ice and into the empty net.
The Avalanche win 5-2 in a professional, workman-like effort and improve to 6-0 in the playoffs, taking a 2-0 series lead heading to Minnesota for game three.
Takeaways
The Wild have to be disappointed in a couple of things tonight, but I’ll start with the penalties they took. Ryan Hartman’s trip in the second and Kaprisov’s cross-check to Makar’s face were killers tonight.
Hartman’s didn’t end up in a goal and neither did Kaprisov’s, oddly enough, but they did kill some much-needed momentum on completely avoidable infractions.
The Avalanche pulled the uno-reverse card and outhit the Minnesota Wild with more than a few memorable and crunching hits.
Brock Nelson caught Ryan Hartman reaching, Nathan MacKinnon bowled right over Quinn Hughes, and pasted Matt Boldy to the boards. I expect a response from the Wild in this regard in game three, so it will be important for Colorado to make the most of those three days’ rest.
Minnesota went with Filip Gustavsson tonight as a surprise replacement for Jesper Wallstedt, and it seemed to backfire a bit.
A couple of Colorado’s goals, you’d like your goalie to make a save, but Gustavsson hasn’t had a start since March and was making a habit of giving up four or more back then, so I’m confused as to what sort of jolt John Hines was expecting from that move.
It’s so shockingly odd that it leads me to speculate that something was wrong with Wallstedt. It could be as simple as he just needed a night off. Speculation aside, I’d bet the Wild go with Wallstedt for the rest of the series.
Colorado’s top guns were flying around tonight, and when that’s the case, they are a tough team to beat. It felt like the Lehkonen — MacKinnon — Necas line could score on any shift, and Gabe Landeskog still seems to find another level this time of year.
Gabe Landeskog on elevating his game this time of year yet again:
“It’s playoff hockey it’s what you play for. It’s about leaving it out there really.”#GoAvsGo
Colorado did recommit defensively, and outside of that lapse that led to Kaprisov’s goal, they were back to shutting things down. What you just read may be true, but make no mistake: Scott Wedgewood did his thing yet again.
Pittsburgh Pirates' Jared Triolo scores during a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ bats fell silent against Eduardo Rodríguez and the Arizona Diamondbacks in a 9-0 loss at Chase Field on Tuesday night.
Scoring Plays
Bottom 1st, 2-0 ARZ: Ketel Marte tripled off Bubba Chandler (1-4) and scored on an Adrian Del Castillo sac fly to center. Later in the inning, another miscommunication between Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz in center resulted in an RBI double of Ildemaro Vargas.
Bottom 6th, 7-0 ARZ: The Diamondbacks (17-17) struck for five runs against Pirates reliever Yohan Ramírez. Gabriel Moreno doubled home a run and later scored on a two-run double from Nolan Arenado. Alek Thomas beat a throw home on a Marte chopper to short and Corbin Carroll capped off the big inning with a sac fly to center.
Bottom 8th, 9-0 ARZ: Arizona tacked on two more off Dennis Santana in the ninth. Marte ripped an RBI single to right and Del Castillo did the same two batters later.
Key Moments
The Pirates (19-17) had a chance to at least draw even in the second inning with two on and one out but came up empty.
Arizona blew the game open against Ramírez, who allowed as many earned runs in this game as he had all season entering play.
Player of the Game
Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodríguez (3-0) carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning and held the Pirates scoreless across seven innings. He allowed two hits, walked three and struck out a season-high seven batters.
Stat to Know
Konnor Griffin extended his career-high hit streak to seven games with a double in the seventh. He’s hitting .435 (10-for-23) with two doubles, a triple, a home run, four RBI and three walks during the streak.
Notable Performances
Bubba Chandler: 5.0 innings, two hits, two runs, six walks, four strikeouts, 92 pitches/58 strikes
Yohan Ramírez: 0.1 inning, two hits, five runs, one walk, no strikeouts, 29 pitches/15 strikes
Konnor Griffin: 1 for 2, one double, one run, one walk
Noteworthy
Pirates manager Don Kelly was suspended for one game. Bench coach Kristopher Negrón served as acting manager. RHP Chris Devenski was also suspended by MLB for two games.
This was the third time in the last seven meetings Arizona shut out Pittsburgh dating back to last season.
Former Pirates outfielder and coach Bob Skinner died at the age of 94. Skinner was art of the 1960 World Series champion team with Pittsburgh.
Up Next
RHP Paul Skenes (4-2, 3.18 ERA) will be on the mound for the Pirates in the second game of the series. RHP Michael Soroka (4-1, 4.70 ERA) gets the nod for the Diamondbacks. First pitch: 9:40 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB Network/93.7 The Fan.
TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Unity baseball is off to a 19-3 start after making runs to state in boys basketball and football.
The Rockets are looking for redemption after a close loss to Monticello in the sectional championship game last season.
A notable part of thjs season’s success includes head coach Tom Kimball surpassing the 400-win milestone.
He credits many people for the program’s recent success, including community members, administrators and talented players.
While winning was the biggest goal early in his career, that isn’t the case anymore.
“As I’ve grown older and grown into this little bit, I realize that winning is important and we all love to win, but in reality, the relationships that you build and if you can help kids better themselves and be a better part in society, at the end of the day, that’s kind of what coaching is about,” Kimball said.
“Seeing him in school, it just builds an even better relationship with him,” senior Coleton Langendorf said. “He’s always joking with us when he sees us, and we’re just always having a good time with him.”
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Strasbourg and Chelsea fans protesting together recently in London against BlueCo (Glyn KIRK)
Strasbourg could this week reach the first European final in their history, at the end of a turbulent season for the club which belongs to the same BlueCo consortium that owns Chelsea.
The team coached by Englishman Gary O'Neil host Rayo Vallecano at their Stade de la Meinau on Thursday in the second leg of their Conference League semi-final, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first meeting.
Neither team has made it to the last four of a European competition before, and the winner will progress to the final in the German city of Leipzig on May 27 against Crystal Palace or Shakhtar Donetsk.
Not so long ago, the prospect of lifting a European trophy would have felt like a pipe dream for Strasbourg fans.
The club from a city which sits on France's border with Germany and is the seat of the European Parliament, have been French champions just once, in 1979.
Before this campaign, their best run in Europe came in 1980, when they lost to Ajax in the European Cup quarter-finals, although there was a memorable win against Liverpool in the UEFA Cup in 1997.
But the involvement of BlueCo in all of this is a point of tension for Strasbourg's supporters.
"We needed someone to accompany us to get to this step," the club's president Marc Keller, an ex-Strasbourg player, told RMC radio after the team beat German side Mainz in the last round.
He pointed out that Strasbourg were languishing in the regional, amateur fourth and fifth tiers of French football 15 years ago, after running into financial difficulties and going into liquidation.
They returned to Ligue 1 in 2017 after almost a decade away, and had managed to establish themselves again in the top flight.
However, Strasbourg hardly looked like becoming competitors in Europe before BlueCo took over in June 2023, a year after buying Chelsea.
"We were conscious that we had gone as far as we could with our existing model," insisted Keller.
- Silent protests -
Significant money has since been invested in new players, and Strasbourg qualified for this edition of the Conference League after an exciting last campaign under English coach Liam Rosenior.
Some talented players have come to Strasbourg from Chelsea, albeit mostly on loan, but what fans have noticed above all is something else: if a player or coach does really well in Alsace, the chances are they will soon be off to Stamford Bridge.
In September, Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha, Strasbourg's captain, announced he would join Chelsea next season, upsetting many fans.
In January, Chelsea decided to poach Rosenior, whose own comments did little to calm the anger among supporters.
"I hope the fans are proud in a way that somebody who's worked here has been identified to be the manager of a Champions League-winning club and current club world champions," he suggested.
He was replaced by O'Neil, under whom Strasbourg have already lost in the French Cup semi-finals.
"Thursday's game is the biggest in the club's history. We will need the same support and energy that we got against Mainz," said O'Neil.
The problem is that the club's most vociferous supporters have, since last season, chosen to express their displeasure at the ownership by staging a silent protest in the first 15 minutes of matches.
What is happening at Strasbourg is "what the future could look like for the vast majority of clubs," said Ultra Boys 90, a leading supporters group, in an open letter earlier this year.
"They will be relegated to the role of feeder teams, without their own resources, with no soul and no link to where they come from."
The silent protest is expected to take place as usual on Thursday, even if Ultra Boys 90 are calling on fans to gather ahead of kick-off to welcome the team bus to the ground.
The stadium has been recently renovated, with a huge new main stand having taken capacity to around 32,000.
It is almost always sold out now, but many of the fans who fill it are unhappy, or at least conflicted, about the direction in which the club is heading.
Even if they might be heading for a European final, with the chance of lifting a trophy won last season by none other than Chelsea.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — New University of Evansville women’s basketball head coach, Ben Wierzba has signed his second player in Louisiana transfer Marina Artero.
— Evansville Women's Basketball (@UEAthletics_WBB) May 5, 2026
The 5’11 junior forward from Spain appeared in all 31 games this past season for the Ragin Cajuns. Artero made 19 starts while averaging about 1.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game at Louisiana.
She started her collegiate career at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania and now will become an important piece of Wierzba’s first roster.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Dallas Cowboys have rebuilt much of their defense during the 2026 offseason, but it’s not quite done. Christian Parker could use a designated edge-rush veteran to beef up the pass rush, and one of the top options just signed somewhere else.
Pass rusher Dante Fowler agreed to a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks worth up to $5 million, giving the Cowboys one fewer player to help get after the quarterback. Fowler had two stints in Dallas, including last year, where he had three sacks and 10 QB hits.
That production came off the heels of a 10.5 sack campaign under Dan Quinn while playing with the Washington Commanders in 2024. Fowler was the highest priced free agent signed by the Cowboys during the 2025 offseason, but he couldn’t replicate the pressure under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
He’s had an up and down career, but Fowler was a decent option as one of the best remaining designated pass rushers still on the market. Instead of coming back to the Cowboys for a fourth season, Fowler now heads to Seattle to reunite with his former line coach and current Seahawks DC Aden Durde, along with former Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.
The remaining veteran edge rush options now include Joey Bosa, Cameron Jordan, Haason Reddick, and Von Miller, along with last year’s sack leader in Jadeveon Clowney.
It’s worth noting the Cowboys and Parker could be content with the younger pass rushers they’ve already got in-house. The 2026 offseason and the draft did bring some new talent, so there isn’t reason to panic.
However, if the Cowboys did want a veteran designated edge presence, there’s one fewer option.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
HOUSTON — The Dodgers keep finding new ways to make Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance feel like a footnote.
On a quiet Tuesday night at Daikin Park, Ohtani delivered exactly what you’d expect from an ace, and still walked off the mound with a loss attached to his outing. The Dodgers fell 2-1 to the Houston Astros, dropping another one-run game in which their most dynamic player was limited to just one side of his skill set.
That’s becoming a theme. And not a flattering one.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the second inningv against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the second inningv against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Ohtani, working strictly as a pitcher again, turned in his most extended outing in nearly two years. Seven innings. Eight strikeouts. No walks. Just 89 pitches, 62 for strikes. Outside of two early mistakes, solo home runs by Christian Walker in the second and Braden Shewmake in the third, he dictated the game.
Ohtani is dealing like a Cy Young contender, yet the Dodgers keep wasting it.
His final line — 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K — his ERA goes up to 0.97. It should have been the headline. Instead, it’s buried under another night where the offense vanished until it was too late.
The only life came in the eighth, when Kyle Tucker poked an RBI single to right to cut the deficit to one. That was it. No sustained pressure. No response to early damage. Just another late, insufficient push.
And here’s where this gets uncomfortable for Dave Roberts.
For the second straight Ohtani start, Roberts opted to use him as a pitcher only, no DH, no bat in the lineup. For the second straight time, the Dodgers lost by one run. Last week, it was against the Miami Marlins. This time, a more respectable opponent, but the same hollow result.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it’s starting to feel like more than that.
Even in the middle of an 0-for-17 slump, Ohtani’s presence changes the shape of a game. Pitchers work differently. Bullpens get leveraged earlier. Mistakes get punished differently. Take that out, and the Dodgers lineup, deep as it is on paper, suddenly looks a lot more ordinary.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Ohtani himself didn’t exactly hide his stance last week.
“I think for players who wanna do two-way and if they wanna DH, they should get the option,” he said after that loss to Miami.
Shohei Ohtani discussed his first loss of the season and also shared some thoughts on whether he would like to hit on days he pitches.
“I think for players who wanna do two-way and if they wanna DH, they should get the option to do DH,” Ohtani said. “At the same time, it’s hard… pic.twitter.com/oKCuKM5U8r
Read between the lines, and it wasn’t just a general comment. It was a window into how he views his role, and maybe how this balancing act is affecting him.
Because Ohtani doesn’t just play both ways. He thrives on it. It’s rhythm. It’s identity. It’s part of what makes him different.
And right now, the Dodgers are experimenting with that identity in real time. The results? Mixed at best.
Yes, protecting his workload matters. Yes, it’s early May, not October. But wins in May count the same, and the Dodgers are now 22-14 with a familiar issue: dominant pitching performances getting little to no offensive backing.
So the question isn’t just about strategy. It’s about philosophy.
Do you manage Ohtani like a traditional ace, carefully, conservatively, one role at a time? Or do you lean into what makes him singular, even if it comes with risk?
"If there was a situation where I was hitting well, I'm sure the team would want me to pitch and hit as well,” Ohtani said postgame. “I understand in this situation where just focus on the pitching, turn the page on hitting, I understand that the team might think like that."
Because nights like Tuesday make one thing clear: the “pitcher-only” version of Ohtani might be elite, but it might not be enough, not for this team, and not the way these games are unfolding.
With the San Francisco Giants waiting next week back at Dodger Stadium, the decision looms again. And it’s no longer just a lineup card choice. It’s a test of whether the Dodgers truly understand the player they built all of this around, or if they’re still trying to fit him into a box he was never meant to occupy.
WACO, Texas — The American Football Coaches Association is proposing the elimination of conference championship games and other changes as part of its non-binding recommendation for the College Football Playoff to be completed by the second Monday each January.
While the AFCA has no authority within the NCAA or CFP governance structures, FBS coaches are part of the group’s board and membership. The AFCA publicly revealed its positions Tuesday, after they were discussed and adopted by board members at an annual meeting last week.
“The American Football Coaches Association has identified the length of the college football season as a critical issue that needs to be addressed,” the group said in a statement. “As we modernize our game to better serve student-athletes, we have fallen short in structuring a season that concludes in a timely and sustainable way.”
As for the size of the playoff field, currently 12 teams and expected to expand, the AFCA didn’t publicly endorse a certain number, but said “future playoff models should maximize the number of participants while honoring the proposed completion date.”
Other proposals
Along with eliminating conference title games, the AFCA proposals for finishing on the second Monday in January are to reduce scheduled bye weeks from two to one and reduce the minimum number of days between games to no fewer than six.
The AFCA also calls to preserve a dedicated window for the Army-Navy game, while allowing flexibility for other games, such as playoff games, to be played on that same day outside that window.
“Structuring the season in this way will better support student-athletes by more closely matching the academic calendar and aligning with the single transfer portal window,” the AFCA said. “It also elevates the quality of play during the most meaningful stretch of the season by removing unnecessary breaks and preserving competitive rhythm.”
The 12-team playoff format is unchanged for next season. The opening round of games, featuring the fifth through 12th seeds, will be played on campus Dec. 18-19. Traditional bowl sites will host quarterfinal games Dec. 30-Jan. 1, and semifinal games Jan. 14-15. The championship game will be played in Las Vegas on Jan. 25, 2027, which is the fourth Monday of that month.
Conference championship games are set for the first weekend in December, with the Army-Navy game scheduled Dec. 12.
The Minnesota Wild are halfway to the start of their summer vacation after losing 5-2 to the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of their Western Conference Second Round series at Ball Arena on Tuesday night.
This one wasn’t a track meet like their 9-6 loss in Game 1 on Saturday. But the end result was the same — a three-goal loss in which the Wild couldn’t stop Avs stars Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. MacKinnon, who finished third in the NHL in scoring during the regular season, had his second straight one-goal, two-assist night, while Necas scored the game’s first goal and set up another.
Gabriel Landeskog, Nicolas Roy and Valeri Nichushkin also scored for the Avs, the NHL’s top team during the regular season. Scott Wedgewood won his sixth game in as many tries, making 29 saves.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Wild got a first-period goal by Kirill Kaprizov and one with 5:27 left in the third period by Marcus Johansson, but that wasn’t nearly enough against the NHL’s highest-scoring team during the regular season.
The series takes a three-day break before moving to Grand Casino Arena for Game 3 on Saturday. The extra day off is necessitated by the Minnesota Frost’s PWHL playoff games Thursday and Friday. It will give coach John Hynes some more time to try to figure out how to shut down the Avs, who’ve scored 14 goals in the first two games.
Goaltender change doesn’t help Wild in Game 2 loss
The Wild changed goaltenders after their Game 1 loss. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt took a seat and veteran Filip Gustavsson got his first start since April 13. their next-to-last regular-season game. But Gustavsson didn’t fare any better that Wallstedt in the first 10 minutes, allowing goals on the first two shots he faced.
MacKinnon did all the work on the game’s first goal. He raced our of his own zone, down the right side and finding Necas coming late. Necas found a gap in the slot between three defenders and beat Gustavsson with a backhander at 2:51 for a 1-0 lead.
The cheers hadn’t even died down when the Wild took advantage of a Colorado defensive gaffe to tie the score. Cale Makar was way out of position and Ryan Hartman sent Kaprizov in on a breakaway. Minnesota’s all-time playoff goal-scoring leader beat Wedgewood at 2:57 — six seconds after Necas scored — to even the game at 1-1.
The Wild held Colorado without a shot on goal for more than five minutes. But Colorado made it 2-for-2 on Landeskog’s power-play goal at 8:24. Landeskog found a soft spot in the slot and finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play from Makar to Necas to MacKinnon, whose perfect feed set up Colorado’s captain for a 10-foot snap shot that Gustavsson had no chance on.
Minnesota pressed for the tying goal during its first power play after Brock Nelson was sent off for holding at 13:16. The Wild got six high-danger chances during the man-advantage, according to Natural Stat Trick, but Wedgewood stopped them all.
The period ended with Colorado leading 2-1, though the Wild had a 10-7 edge in shots on goal.
IT'S 2-1 COLORADO!
Nathan MacKinnon with the feed to Gabriel Landeskog!
Just as they did in the opening 20 minutes, the Avs scored on their first shot of the second period. Minnesota failed to get the puck deep on an attempted zone entry; the Avs took advantage after Russ Colton found Roy coming down the middle. Roy got his shot off quickly and beat Gustavsson at 1:24 for a 3-1 lead.
The Wild had 10 shots again in the second period but generated little consistent offense and didn’t seriously test Wedgewood.
Wedgewood kept Minnesota from getting closer after Nelson took a tripping penalty at 4:20. The Avs didn’t score after Mats Zuccarello was called for tripping at 7:26, but MacKinnon’s power-play one-timer from the left circle at 13:18 boosted the lead to 4-1.
Marcus Johansson got one back at 14:33, but that was as close as Minnesota got. Nichushkin’s empty-netter with five seconds left rubbed a little more salt in the wound.
Key Takeaways after Wild lose 5-2 to Avanlanche in Game 2
Wild’s stars outshone
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Avalanche are getting big production from MacKinnon and Necas. The Wild can’t say the same about many of their top players.
Defenseman Quinn Hughes, who entered the game leading all players in postseason scoring, had a tough night. He played 28:07 but finished minus-1 with no shots on goal, three shot attempts, one hit and one blocked shot. The Avs paid a lot of attention to Minnesota’s top defender — most notably on a huge third-period hit by MacKinnon.
Kaprizov had a goal and a couple of other good chances, but Matt Boldy had no points, finished minus-1 and wasn’t much of a factor. Boldy, the Wild’s biggest scorer in the first round with six goals, has one assist in two games.
The Wild aren’t going to beat an elite team without their top players firing on all cylinders, They weren’t on Tuesday.
Special-teams problems continue
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Wild’s special teams are still dragging them down.
Minnesota’s power play was 2-for-4 in the Wild’s 6-1 win over the Dallas Stars. But it’s done almost nothing since then, a trend that continued against Colorado. Minnesota went 0-for-2, dropping the Wild to 0-for-5 in the series and 2-for-26 in their past seven games.
The penalty-killers, who allowed Dallas to score 10 times on 25 opportunities in the opening round, are faring no better against Colorado. The Avs went 2-for-5 and are 3-for-7 in the first two games. Minnesota’s 13 power-play goals allowed and minus-9 differential are the worst of any team in this year’s playoffs.
Break time
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Wild have to be glad they’ve got an extra day off before Game 3. They’re hoping the off days allow injured Joel Eriksson Ek, one of the NHL’s best two-way centers, to return to the lineup at home.
Hynes will undoubtedly use the time to figure out who he’ll start in goal Saturday. Wallstedt allowed eight goals in Game 1 but carried the Wild past Dallas in the first round. Gustavsson, who carried most of the load during the regular season, allowed a couple of goals on stoppable shots.
Whoever he chooses will have to come up with a big effort in front of the home fans. The Wild are trying to get to the conference final for the first time since 2003.
Stat shots
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Wild are down 2-0 in a series for the ninth time in their history. They won only one of the first eight. That came in 2014, when they lost the first two games on the road but won the series by taking Game 7 in Denver.
The Wild and Avs matched the second-fastest two goals in a Stanley Cup game; the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers scored six seconds apart in Game 2 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The record is five seconds set by the Penguins and Buffalo Sabres in Game 3 of the Preliminary Round in 1979.
Colorado matched the Carolina Hurricanes by starting 6-0 in this year’s playoffs. It’s the fifth time in playoffs history where multiple teams have started the postseason with streaks this long.
MacKinnon had his 21st career multiple-point playoff game. That moved him past Hall of Famer (now Avs president) Joe Sakic for the most in franchise history.
Colorado set an NHL record with 12 different goal-scorers within the first two games of any postseason series.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder without Luka Doncic, who is still out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. There is still no firm timetable for Doncic's return, and with each passing day, it looks more likely that he will not return at all during this postseason.
Los Angeles already had an anemic bench when healthy this season, and now their second unit could be even thinner. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who can be a spark plug for them off the bench as an energy player, suffered a finger injury during the second quarter while trying to block a dunk by Isaiah Hartenstein. He exited the game and never returned, as the Lakers lost 108-90.
Per Shams Charania of ESPN, Vanderbilt has sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky finger.
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky finger in a gruesome injury tonight, sources tell ESPN.
If Vanderbilt isn't able to play, coach JJ Redick may have to go to little-used big man Maxi Kleber or even rookie Adou Thiero for at least spot duty. Thiero has mostly only played sparingly during garbage time throughout this season, and Kleber, who averaged 10.7 minutes a game during the regular season, played a total of seven minutes in the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets. All seven of those minutes came in Game 4, which was a 115-96 blowout loss.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is coming off a career year statistically and, after Kyler Murray was released, was seen as the likely starting quarterback for 2026, even with the addition of free agency of Gardner Minshew and, more recently, the addition of Carson Beck in the third round of the draft.
However, Brissett is currently not happy with his contract. He is scheduled to make nearly $4.9 million in salary and up to $510,000 in per-game roster bonuses. That is solid backup quarterback money, but it isn't anywhere near what even a low-end starting quarterback gets.
Initial reports of Brissett's desires say that he wants a multi-year deal that pays him like a starter. He has decided to stay away from the voluntary offseason program.
However, Brissett might not have the leverage he thinks he has.
Yes, he set career-highs in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Yes, Michael Wilson and Trey McBride had career years thanks to Brissett. However, the Cardinals went 1-11 when he started and 0-9 after the starting job was given to him, and the offense averaged only 18.7 points over the final nine games, so there were yards but there weren't points.
The Cardinals then signed Minshew, who has 47 career starts and drafted Beck, who started 43 games in college. Minshew and Brissett are probably equal in skill and caliber of starter.
And now the Cardinals have a new head coach and offensive system. Minshew has been getting reps. Brissett is not. Brissett has not worked in this system, so it isn't as if he already knows the offense.
Now, the Cardinals reportedly are open to accommodating Brissett, whatever that means, and general manager Monti Ossenfort said during the draft, with regards to Brissett and his contract, "things are in a good spot."
We at Cards Wire are very much pro-player when it comes to trying to get paid more. If a player thinks he can, by all means, handle business.
The problem is that Brissett doesn't seem to have any leverage. The Cardinals' hopes are lost without him. One could say that they had little hope even with him. After all, he went 1-11 last year, he is 2-15 in his last 17 starts in 2024-2025 and is 20-45 as a starter in his career.
The Cardinals got the best version of Brissett in 2025 and still weren't competitive. Is it reasonable to expect him to play at that same level?
And how much worse off would the Cardinals be with Minshew starting?
If Brissett can secure a little more security, good for him, but the situation right now doesn't seem to be in his favor.
The Cardinals are a team without a legitimate starting quarterback without real hopes of being competitive. Brissett doesn't likely have the value he thinks he has or deserves, and that is the sad reality.
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 Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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