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Today — 13 July 2026Main stream

Raphinha için ilk hamle! Galatasaray, Greenwood'u unutturacak

Fenerbahçe'nin Mason Greenwood transferinin ardından gözünü karartan Galatasaray, hücum hattına çağ atlatacak dev bir hamleyle Barcelona'nın 29 yaşındaki Sambacısı Raphinha için ilk resmi teklifini yaptı! Katalan devinin Adeyemi ve Gordon hamleleriyle forvet hattını sil baştan yenilemesini fırsat bilen sarı-kırmızılılar, Suudi Al Hilal'in de peşinde olduğu Brezilyalı süper solağı kapmak için transfer savaşını resmen başlattı.

Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe'nin Mason Greenwood transferini unutturacak dünya futbolunda yankı uyandıracak dev bir hamleye imza attı. Sarı-kırmızılı yönetim, FC Barcelona forması giyen 29 yaşındaki Brezilyalı kanat oyuncusu Raphinha'yı kadrosuna katmak için resmi olarak düğmeye bastı. Hücum hattına dünya çapında bir lider eklemek isteyen Aslan, Katalan devinin kapısını çalarak ilk resmi teklifini iletti.

BARCELONA BU YAZ ÇOK HAREKETLİ

Bu dev hamlenin arkasında, Barcelona cephesinde yaşanan büyük kadro revizyonu yatıyor. İspanyol devinin Anthony Gordon ve Karim Adeyemi transferleriyle forvet hattını yenilemesi, Ferran Torres ile yollarını ayırması ve Julián Álvarez rüyasını sürdürmesi, Raphinha'nın kulüpteki geleceğini tartışmalı hale getirdi. Katalan kulübündeki bu taşların yerinden oynamasını fırsat bilen Galatasaray yönetimi, operasyon için hemen harekete geçti.

SUUDİ AL-HILAL'İN DE İLGİSİ VAR

Ancak sarı-kırmızılıların bu transferde işi hiç de kolay değil. İspanyol Sport gazetesinin haberine göre, Suudi Arabistan'ın güçlü ekiplerinden Al Hilal de Brezilyalı yıldızı projesinin yeni lideri yapmak için yeniden devreye girmiş durumda. Parasal sınırları zorlayan Asya ekibine karşı Galatasaray, Şampiyonlar Ligi kozu ve üst düzey rekabetçi bir proje sunarak Raphinha'yı ikna etmeye çalışıyor.

GREENWOOD'U SOLDA SIFIR BIRAKACAK

Hücum hattına ilaç gibi gelecek, hızı ve tekniğiyle taraftarı coşturacak bir isim arayan Galatasaray, Raphinha ile turnayı gözünden vurmayı hedefliyor. Barcelona ile resmi temasları başlatan sarı-kırmızılı kurmaylar, bu transferi bitirerek hem Fenerbahçe'nin Greenwood hamlesine cevap vermek, hem de ortalığı sallayacak bir transferi bitirmek istiyor.

Messi'nin kankasına teklif! Beşiktaş'ta Trossard'ın alternatifi

Beşiktaş, Leandro Trossard transferinde yaşanabilecek olası bir olumsuzluğa karşı B planını hazırladı. Lionel Messi'nin milli takımdan kankası Thiago Almada için Atletico Madrid ile masaya oturan yönetim, River Playe ile aynı parayı vermeye hazır olduğunu iletti. 31 yaşındaki Trossard ile 25 yaşındaki Arjantinli genç yetenek arasındaki yaş farkı ise Başkan Serdal Adalı'nın kafasını karıştırmış durumda.

Beşiktaş, transfer çalışmalarında rotayı dünyaca ünlü yıldızların üzerine kırdı. Siyah-beyazlılar, Leandro Trossard transferinde yaşanabilecek olası bir pürüzü hesaba katarak dev bir hamle yaptı.

Kara Kartal, Belçikalı yıldızın alternatifi olarak Lionel Messi’nin milli takımdan yakın arkadaşı Thiago Almada’yı gündemine aldı.

20 MİLYON EURO'YA BİTECEK

Arjantinli genç yetenek Thiago Almada için şu sıralar River Plate de devrede. İspanyol devi, oyuncunun River Plate'e transferini bir an önce bitirmek istiyor.

Ancak Beşiktaş, bu transferde geri adım atmayarak Atletico Madrid yönetimiyle resmen masaya oturdu. Siyah-beyazlı kurmaylar, Arjantinlilerin Almada için gözden çıkardığı bonservis bedelinin aynısını yani 20 milyon euro'yu ödemeye hazır olduklarını iletti.

6 YAŞLIK FARK ADALI'YI DÜŞÜNDÜRÜYOR

eşiktaş cephesinde şu an için Leandro Trossard ismi önceliğini koruyor. Buna karşın iki oyuncu arasındaki yaş farkı yönetimin fikrini değiştirebilir. Trossard'ın 31 yaşında olması, Almada'nın ise henüz 25 yaşında ve geleceğe yatırım olabilecek bir yaşta bulunması Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı'nın kafasını karıştırdı.

BÜYÜK TRANSFER ÇALIMI OLUR

Siyah-beyazlı yönetim, hem tecrübe hem de gençlik aşısı arasında ince bir çizgi üzerinde yürüyor. Beşiktaş, Trossard transferinde pürüz çıkması halinde tüm enerjisini Almada'ya harcayarak River Plate'ye büyük bir transfer çalımı atmayı hedefliyor.

Kırkpınar Başpehlivanı maşallah! Galatasaray'a Ndombele gibi golcü

Dynamo Kyiv'in tatilden 99,7 kg dönerek kulüp "göbek" rekoru kıran 20 yaşındaki forveti Matviy Ponomarenko, kilolarıyla "Ndombele" ve "Kırkpınar başpehlivanı" benzetmelerine yol açsa da sahada devleri peşinden koşturuyor. Ukrayna milli takımında siftah yapan genç yıldıza Galatasaray ve Dortmund'un yaptığı 20 milyon euro'luk teklifler reddedilirken; 25-30 milyon euro bekleyen Kiev yönetimi ile Türkiye seçeneğine sıcak bakmayan oyuncunun bir sonraki durağı merak konusu.

Galatasaray ve Avrupa devlerinin radarında olan Dynamo Kyiv’in 20 yaşındaki golcüsü Matviy Ponomarenko, tatil dönüşü kilosuyla Ukrayna'da gündeme oturdu.

Genç santrafor, sezon öncesi sağlık kontrolünde tam 99,7 kilogram tartılarak kulüp tarihinin ağırlık rekorunu kırdı.

"Kırkpınar başpehlivanı" yakıştırmalarına yol açan ve akıllara eski Galatasaraylı Tanguy Ndombele'yi getiren oyuncu, yoğun hazırlık kampındaki antrenmanların ardından kilosunu 98 kg seviyesine indirmeyi başardı.

DORTMUND VE GALATASARAY'DAN 20 MİLYON EURO

Fiziksel durumuna yönelik tartışmalara rağmen Ponomarenko, sahada tam bir canavar. Oyuncuyla ilk etapta ilgilenen Milan'ın yanı sıra Porto, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Celtic, Werder Bremen ve Midtjylland gibi takımlar zemin yoklamaya başladı.

Ukrayna milli takımıyla çıktığı İsveç maçında ilk golünü de kaydeden Ponomarenko için Galatasaray ile Borussia Dortmund'un yaptığı 20 milyon euro'luk ilk teklifler Kiev yönetimi tarafından reddedildi.

DİNAMO KIEV 25-30 MİLYON EURO BEKLİYOR

Ponomarenko'nun transferinde şu an en ciddi aday, kulübün mali taleplerini karşılamaya hazır olan Fransız ekibi Strasbourg. Dynamo Kyiv Başkanı Ihor Surkis, oyuncunun 31 Aralık 2028'e kadar süren sözleşmesini koz olarak kullanarak en az 25-30 milyon euro bonservis geliri hedefliyor.

TÜRKİYE'DE OYNAMAYA SICAK BAKMIYOR

Yorumcu ve gazeteci Viktor Vatsko, YouTube kanalındaki "Vatsko on air" programında, "WhatsApp'taki mesajlarda geçen sezondan sonra Ponomarenko'ya gerçekten de büyük bir ilgi olduğu belirtiliyor. Ancak öncelikle, Dynamo'dan herhangi bir somut teklif duymadım. Bir tür girişimde bulunduklarını, zemin yokladıklarını ve görüşmelerde bazı rakamların geçtiğini biliyorum" açıklaması yaptı.

Türkiye'de oynamaya sıcak bakmadığı belirtilen genç golcü ise kilolarını dert etmeyerek, Avrupa Kupası elemeleri öncesi "Her şeyi kendiniz göreceksiniz. Dynamo sizi büyüleyecek" diyerek meydan okuyor.

Wimbledon'da şampiyon Jannik Sinner

Wimbledon tek erkeklerde şampiyon Jannik Sinner oldu. Bu turnuvada üst üste ikinci kez mutlu sona ulaşan İtalyan raket, finalde Alexander Zverev'i 3-1 mağlup ederek kariyerinin 5. Grand Slam şampiyonluğunu elde etti.

Wimbledon tek erkekler finalinde Jannik Sinner ile Alexander Zverev karşı karşıya geldi.

Zverev, tie-break'e giden ilk seti 7-6(7) ile hanesine yazdırdı.

İki oyuncunun da etkili servisler kullandığı ikinci set de tie-break'e gitti. Kazanan 7-6(2) ile Sinner oldu ve durumu dengeledi.

Üçüncü sette etkili oynayan İtalyan raket, 6-3'lük setle 2-1 öne geçti.

Dördüncü seti de 6-4 ile alan Sinner, üst üste ikinci kez Wimbledon'da mutlu sona ulaştı.

Dünya 1 numarası finale gelene kadar sırasıyla Kecmanovic, Borges, Brooksby, Mochizuki, Struff ve Djokovic'i mağlup etmişti.

SİNNER 5. GRAND SLAM KUPASINA ULAŞTI

Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev’i mağlup ederek kariyerinin 5. Grand Slam şampiyonluğunu kazandı.

İtalyan raket, 2024 Avustralya Açık, 2024 Amerika Açık, 2025 Avustralya Açık ve 2025 Wimbledon’ın ardından 2026 Wimbledon’da da kupaya uzandı.

Bu zafer, Sinner’in 2026 sezonundaki ilk Grand Slam şampiyonluğu oldu.

Greenwood transferinde son dakika! Mutlu son çok yakın

Fenerbahçe, Marsilya'da oynayan Mason Greenwood ile el sıkıştı. Fabrizio Romano'nun paylaştığı bilgilere göre Manchester United, oyuncunun sözleşmesindeki geri alma opsiyonunu devreye sokmayacağını Fransız kulübüne bildirdi.

Sarı-lacivertlilerde Mason Greenwood transferi için geri sayım başladı. Marsilya forması giyen İngiliz yıldızla el sıkışan Fenerbahçe, büyük bir engeli daha aştı. Dünyaca ünlü gazeteci Fabrizio Romano'nun haberine göre; Manchester United, oyuncunun sözleşmesinde yer alan geri alma opsiyonunu kullanmayacağını Marsilya'ya bildirdi. Bu gelişme, sarı-lacivertli yönetimin transferde dev bir adım atmasını sağladı.

TARAFTAR KAP'I BEKLİYOR

İşlemlerin resmileşmesiyle birlikte Fenerbahçe, 24 yaşındaki futbolcuyu kısa süre içinde İstanbul'a getirmeyi hedefliyor. İmza için son rötuşlar yapılırken, henüz resmi bir duyurunun gelmemesi sarı-lacivertli taraftarlar arasındaki merakı ve heyecanı artırdı. Camiada herkes kulüpten gelecek o KAP açıklamasını bekliyor.

GREENWOOD'UN PERFORMANSI

Geçtiğimiz sezon Marsilya formasıyla adeta parıldayan Mason Greenwood, çıktığı 45 resmi karşılaşmada sergilediği 26 gol ve 11 asistlik müthiş performansla kalitesini kanıtladı.

UEFA, Aston Villa'yı sıkıştırıyor! Ollie Watkins, Fenerbahçe'ye

UEFA kurallarını ihlal ettiği için bu yaz yıldızlarını elden çıkarmak zorunda olan Aston Villa'da Ollie Watkins satış listesine koyuldu. Daily Mail'in iddiasına göre Fenerbahçe, İngiliz milli golcüyü astronomik bir maaş zammıyla kadrosuna katmak için harekete geçti.

Aston Villa, UEFA’nın finansal harcama kuralları nedeniyle bu yaz transfer döneminde büyük bir krizle karşı karşıya. Son iki sezondur kuralları ihlal eden İngiliz ekibi, 2026-27 sezonu öncesinde rahat nefes alabilmek için acilen oyuncu satmak zorunda. UEFA’nın "gelirinden fazla harcama yapamazsın" talimatı, kulübü yıldız isimleriyle yollarını ayırma noktasına getirdi.

DAILY MAIL GAZETESİ YAZDI

Bu doğrultuda Aston Villa’nın golcü oyuncusu Ollie Watkins de satış listesine konuldu. İngiliz basınından Daily Mail'in haberine göre, Türk futbolunun devlerinden Fenerbahçe bu fırsatı kaçırmak istemiyor. Sarı-lacivertliler, Premier Lig'de fırtınalar estiren yıldız forveti kadrosuna katmak için şimdiden kolları sıvadı.

ASTON VILLA'DAN FAZLASI ÖNERİLDİ

Fenerbahçe, İngiltere Milli Takımı'nda da görev yapan Watkins'i ikna etmek için kesenin ağzını açtı. Yönetim, golcü oyuncuya Aston Villa'da kazandığından çok daha yüksek, cazip bir maaş zammı teklif etmeye hazır. Bu hamleyle birlikte transfer piyasasında tüm gözler İstanbul-Birmingham hattına çevrilmiş durumda.

ROGERS İÇİN DE SÖYLENTİLERVAR

Öte yandan Aston Villa'da tek ayrılık adayı Watkins değil; takımın bir diğer İngiliz milli yıldızı Morgan Rogers için de transfer söylentileri yüksek sesle konuşuluyor.

Ancak Villa yönetimi, Rogers'ın ayrılığına kolay kolay izin vermeyecek. Kulübün, bu oyuncu için 130 milyon sterlinin altındaki hiçbir teklifi kabul etmeyeceği net bir şekilde vurgulanıyor.

Claressa Shields sees only one winner in Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson: “He ain’t beating him”

12 July 2026 at 23:06

A clash between and would arguably be the biggest all-American fight in the sport, and female boxing icon has shared her prediction for how the bout would play out, if it were to happen. ‘Tank’ and Stevenson have been linked to a showdown for a number of years, with fans left debating whether the power […]

The post Claressa Shields sees only one winner in Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson: “He ain’t beating him” appeared first on Boxing News.

Victor Ortiz names the one opponent who was tougher than Floyd Mayweather: “He hit so hard”

12 July 2026 at 23:01

Despite his controversial defeat to Floyd Mayweather in 2011, Victor Ortiz believes one other opponent posed a greater threat than the self-proclaimed ‘Best Ever’. Having just dethroned Andre Berto with a unanimous decision victory, the American entered his clash with Mayweather as the WBC world welterweight champion. Ortiz, however, was an almighty underdog against the […]

The post Victor Ortiz names the one opponent who was tougher than Floyd Mayweather: “He hit so hard” appeared first on Boxing News.

Best in class creasefree display: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra hands-on video leaked

A Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, apparently straight out of the factory, is being examined from multiple angles including, for the first time, while actually turned on. A leaked hands-on video suggests an almost completely crease-free display in Samsungs upcoming foldable, according to another leaker, this can also be expected from its more compact iPhone Ultra competitor.

Yesterday — 12 July 2026Main stream

Əmir Qalenoy İran millisi ilə yeni müqaviləyə imza atdı

12 July 2026 at 22:00

İran Futbol Federasiyası bu ölkənin milli komandasının baş məşqçisi Əmir Qalenoy ilə müqavilənin müddətini daha altı ay uzatmağa qərar verib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə İran Futbol Federasiyasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Bildirilir ki, 61 yaşlı mütəxəssis 2027-ci ilin yanvarında Səudiyyə Ərəbistanında təşkil ediləcək Asiya Kubokunun sonuna qədər yığmaya rəhbərlik edəcək.

Əmir Qalenoy 2023-cü ildən İran millisini çalışdırır. Komanda onun rəhbərliyi altında DÇ-2026-nın qrup mərhələsində hər üç oyunda heç-heçə edərək cüzi fərqlə pley-offa yüksəlmək şansını əldən verib. İran yığması bu mütəxəssisin rəhbərliyi altında bütövlükdə 46 oyun keçirib, 31 qələbə qazanıb, 9 heç-heçə edib, 6 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.

Qalenoy daha öncə “Gol Gohar”, “Sepahan”, “Zobahan”, “Traktor”, “İstiqlal”, “Mes Kerman”, “Keşavarz” kimi komandaları da çalışdırıb. İranlı mütəxəssis daha öncə 2026-2027-ci illərdə də İran yığmasına rəhbərlik edib.

Covanni Stroppa “Venesiya” ilə yeni müqavilə imzaladı

12 July 2026 at 21:00

Yeni mövsümdən futbol üzrə İtaliya A Seriyasında mübarizə aparacaq “Venesiya” baş məşqçisi Covanni Stroppa ilə yeni müqavilə imzalayıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, A Seriyasına vəsiqə qazannış İtaliya klubu 58 yaşlı mütəxəssislə sözləşmənin müddətini 2029-cu ilin yayına qədər uzadıb.

Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Covanni Stroppa 2025-ci ilin yayından “Venesiya”nı çalışdırır. Onun rəhbərliyi altında komanda ötən mövsüm B Seriyasının qalibi olaraq yenidən elitaya yüksəlib. İtaliyalı mütəxəssis bu komandanı 41 oyuna çıxarıb, 26 qələbə, 10 heç-heçə və 5 məğlubiyyət görüb.

“Venesiya”nın bu məşqçinin rəhbərliyi altında A Seriyasında necə çıxış edəcəyi maraqla gözlənilir.

Stroppa daha öncə “Südtriol”, “Peskara”, “Spesiya”, “Foca”, “Ktorone”, “Montsa” və “Kremoneze” kimi komandalara da rəhbərlik edib.

Fərid Yusifli “Turan Tovuz”u “Şəfa”ya dəyişdi

12 July 2026 at 20:00

“Turan Tovuz”un dayaq yarımmüdafiəçisi Fərid Yusifli bundan sonra Premyer Liqanın yeni iştirakçısı olacaq “Şəfa”nın uğurları üçün çalışacaq.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə paytaxt klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

24 yaşlı futbolçu ilə 2 illik müqavilə imzalandığı diqqətə çatdırılıb. Transferin digər detalları açıqlanmayıb. Tovuz klubu da Fəridin transferi ilə bağlı “Şəfa” ilə razılığa gəlindiyini bəyan edib və Yusifliyə gələcək karyerasında uğurlar arzulayıb.

Xatırladaq ki, Fərid Yusifli “Neftçi”nin yetirməsidir. O, “ağ-qaralar”ın əsas komandasının heyətində ümumilikdə 38 oyun keçirib. Fəridin “Turan Tovuz” karyerası isə bütövlükdə 46 oyun və 2 assistdən ibarətdir.

Yarımmüdafiəçi Azərbaycanın U-16, U-17 və U-21 yığmalarında forma geyinsə də, əsas millimizdə debüt şansı qazanmayıb.

“Şəfa” daha öncə Rauf Hüseynli, Nicat Mehbalıyev, Arsen Ağcabəyov, Murad Musayev, Məmməd Hüseynov, Vlad Pop, Andrey Draqu, Dilan Mertens və Mussa Queli də heyətinə qatmışdı.

Əli Həsənli, Zahid Mərdanov, Emin Zamanov, Hüseyn Mürsəlov, Aqil Nəsibov, Amir Ebrahimzade, Seymur Rəhimov, Elvin İsmayılov, İbrahim Əliyev, Novruz Məmmədov, Aqşin Paşayev, Ürfan İsmayılov, Rəvan Kazımov, Vüqar Həsənov və Ruslan Hacıyevlə yollarını ayırmış paytaxt klubu Tərlan Quliyev, Elnur Cəfərov, Ramin Nəsirli və Nahid Əliyevlə də yeni müqavilə bağlayıb.

Lazio push for Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez, but not Diogo Leite

12 July 2026 at 22:51

Lazio are in advanced negotiations for two new central defenders, Dinamo Zagreb’s Sergi Dominguez and free agent Danilho Doekhi, but probably not Diogo Leite.

The Aquile are forced to revamp their squad following the sale of Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd and Mario Gila to Milan.

Lazio want both Doekhi and Sergi Dominguez

BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 02: Danilho Doekhi of 1. FC Union Berlin celebrates his team's second goal scored by teammate Livan Burcu (obscured) during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and 1. FC Köln at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on May 02, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 02: Danilho Doekhi of 1. FC Union Berlin celebrates his team’s second goal scored by teammate Livan Burcu (obscured) during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and 1. FC Köln at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on May 02, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Multiple sources including transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano claim that talks are at an advanced stage to snap up free agent Doekhi, whose contract with Union Berlin ran down.

The 28-year-old has been linked with numerous other clubs, including Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Sportitalia insist that Lazio are also pushing hard to secure Sergi Dominguez from Dinamo Zagreb.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 12: Sergi Dominguez of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 12: Sergi Dominguez of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

They already agreed personal terms with the former Barcelona man, but reaching the €12m asking price set by his club is proving more difficult.

Lazio director Angelo Maria Fabiani travelled to Croatia for the talks earlier this week, but the proposal of a loan worth €3.5m and option to buy for another €8m was rejected.

Now they are hoping to step up the process with a new bid that can convince Dinamo Zagreb to sell the 21-year-old.

Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà also notes that while Lazio did ask after free agent Diogo Leite, they are not intent at this moment on pushing on with talks.

The Portugal international reportedly turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League today.

Fiorentina squad for pre-season sees big names frozen out

12 July 2026 at 22:30

As expected, Fiorentina have left Robin Gosens and Jacopo Fazzini out of pre-season training, but quite a few others are frozen out too by new coach Fabio Grosso.

The Viola had a dismal campaign, spending most of it in the relegation zone and only surging at the end to secure their Serie A status.

They intend to completely revamp the side under Grosso, and have already been very active on the transfer market.

Arthur Atta Joins Fiorentina (Source: acffiorentina.com)
Arthur Atta Joins Fiorentina (Source: acffiorentina.com)

That is far from over, as today the club announced the list of 29 players called up for pre-season training at the Viola Park complex in Florence on Monday.

It had already been widely reported that Gosens was informed he wasn’t part of their plans, and indeed he has been excluded from the group.

So has Fazzini, who is on the verge of a move to Cagliari, while impressive teenager striker Riccardo Braschi is heading to Padova on loan.

More players left out include those who are returning to Fiorentina after loans, and who evidently are not expected to remain.

They are Riccardo Sottil, M’Bala Nzola, Amir Richardson, Antonin Barak and Paolo Bianco.

Fabiano Parisi will continue working separately following the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, while Marin Pongracic has extra vacation time after the World Cup with Croatia.

Alex Jimenez has not yet completed his transfer, but will be added to the group once that is done with Bournemouth.

Radu Dragusin joins Fiorentina (@acffiorentina)
Radu Dragusin joins Fiorentina (@acffiorentina)

Fiorentina squad for pre-season training

Christensen, De Gea, Fei, Lezzerini; Balbo, Beldenti, Comuzzo, Dodo, Dragusin, Viery, Fortini, Moreno, Ranieri, Melani, Perrotti; Atta, Brescianini, Croci, Deli, Fabbian, Fagioli, Mandragora, Ndour, Sohm, Pirrò; Egharevba, Gudmundsson, Kean, Piccoli

Udinese plan €6m Ugresic offer as bidding war hots up

12 July 2026 at 22:10

Udinese are in a bidding war for Partizan Belgrade midfielder Ognjen Ugresic at €6m, competing with Sassuolo, Bologna, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt and AS Monaco.

According to Tuttomercatoweb transfer pundit Marco Conterio, the Friulani have made a proposal worth €6m to the Serbian side.

That would be enough to out-bid fellow Serie A club Sassuolo, who had previously been prepared to offer €5m, while Bologna are also known to be tracking his progress.

Udinese targeting Ugresic

BELGRADE, SERBIA - OCTOBER 11: Vanja Dragojevic, Vasilije Kostov, Veljko Milosavljevic and Ognjen Ugresic of Serbia inspect the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and Albania at on October 11, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 11: Vanja Dragojevic, Vasilije Kostov, Veljko Milosavljevic and Ognjen Ugresic of Serbia inspect the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and Albania at on October 11, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

It is reported that Udinese see Ugresic as the ideal replacement for Arthur Atta, who has just completed his transfer to Fiorentina.

There is also interest from the likes of Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt and AS Monaco.

Ugresic will celebrate his 20th birthday next week and earned his first senior cap for Serbia in October 2025.

He is a product of the Partizan Belgrade youth academy and progressed to the senior squad in January 2025.

The player is primarily an attacking midfielder, but has been known to play in a more advanced role too.

Report: Aston Villa launch surprise move to hijack Newcastle’s deal for breakout World Cup star

12 July 2026 at 23:05

Aston Villa are reportedly attempting a late hijack of Newcastle United’s move for highly rated midfielder Johan Manzambi.

The Midlands club have emerged as serious contenders for the Swiss youngster’s signature, threatening to derail what had appeared to be a straightforward deal for Newcastle.

With the summer transfer window entering a crucial period, Unai Emery’s side are closely monitoring the situation and could make their move if an opportunity arises.

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Fabrizio Romano provides latest update on Johan Manzambi’s future

Fabrizio Romano provided a crucial update on X regarding the unfolding drama.

“Understand Aston Villa are among clubs attentive to Johan Manzambi situation with Newcastle,” Romano reported.

He confirmed that while Newcastle remains firmly in the mix, the arrival of Villa has complicated the landscape, leaving the final destination completely up to the player.

Newcastle have deal agreed with Freiburg but final decision is on player who is yet to agree personal terms with the club

??? Understand Aston Villa are among clubs attentive to Johan Manzambi situation with Newcastle.

Newcastle agreed terms with Freiburg but waiting on player’s green light to proceed.#AVFC interested and attentive; it’s up to the player.

? https://t.co/qXOxDcJdyI pic.twitter.com/psZyG9Slc1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2026

Newcastle have agreed a deal with SC Freiburg but personal terms remain unresolved

According to Romano’s updates earlier today, Newcastle had already done the heavy lifting on a club-to-club level.

The Magpies successfully agreed on a transfer fee with Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg days ago.

Newcastle’s recruitment team scheduled meetings with Manzambi’s camp to try and close the agreement on personal terms.

However, the green light from the player and his inner circle is still needed to get the contract sealed.

Because Manzambi has delayed signing, Aston Villa found the perfect window to step in.

??? Newcastle will get in touch with Johan Manzambi’s camp to try close the agreement on personal terms.

Agreement done days ago club to club with Freiburg — but green light from player and his camp still needed to get it sealed.

Decision up to Manzambi. pic.twitter.com/eojJY5FNoj

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2026

Villa’s project, combined with the allure of joining the side that recently defeated Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final, could heavily weigh on his mind.

Johan Manzambi enjoyed a great World Cup campaign

The 20-year-old Swiss wonderkid enjoyed a fantastic World Cup campaign, racking up three goals and two assists in just four games.

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His tournament highlights include a historic brace off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina and a Man of the Match performance against Canada.

As the youngest player in history to reach five goal involvements at a single World Cup, Manzambi has become the most wanted young midfielder in Europe.

The post Report: Aston Villa launch surprise move to hijack Newcastle’s deal for breakout World Cup star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Everton will struggle to bring back last season’s creative star with paltry £5m offer

12 July 2026 at 23:00

Jack Grealish will be on the move soon, but it may not be back to Everton, who are going to struggle to pay for the winger.

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Jack Grealish started last season on loan with Everton really well, and it looked very likely that they would end up signing the Man City winger for decent money this summer, if not the full £50m buy option in his loan deal.

But injuries in the second half of the season changed the picture, and Everton’s financial situation has made a big deal even less likely.

Everton’s budget unlikely to convince City to sell them England winger

Wayne Veysey of Football Insider claims that Everton are only going to be willing to pay between £5m and £10m for Grealish on a permanent deal this summer.

“Everton simply do not have the money to splash on top players in the transfer window,” he writes.

Man City are likely to laugh off that offer – but they also know they want Grealish’s big wages off their books.

If Everton can’t cough up, there’s bound to be talk about a move back to his old club Aston Villa, who have returned to the Champions League and should have a bit more spending money than the Toffees.

In other news…

Manchester United are considering reigniting their interest in Carlos Baleba, who Brighton are increasingly willing to sell at the right price.

Raphinha has been linked with moves away from Barcelona, as the winger enters the final two years of his contract.

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Manchester United consider return to last summer’s top target as Premier League rivals relent over £100m asking price

12 July 2026 at 22:30

Carlos Baleba remains a target for Man U, and the club could soon lower be bidding again as Brighton consider lowering their asking price.

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Man United are looking to refresh their midfield after the departure of Casemiro and he injury to Manuel Ugarte.

They already look to have secured Andrey Santos from Chelsea, and could yet add an even bigger name.

Carlos Baleba was linked with some of the top teams in Europe – in particular the Red Devils – a year ago after an exceptional season for Brighton. However, the last 12 months have seen his star wane a little. He even found himself out of the Seagulls’ first team at times.

But the potential is still there, and we’ve seen enough from him to know there’s a real player in there.

Baleba back on Man U radar as Brighton begin to yield

That doesn’t mean he’s not still a top player who is interesting the top clubs – and according to Football Insider, United are still interesting.

Brighton are apparently willing to drop their £100m asking price, a move that would get clubs including United back in the mix. We’re not sure how low they would have to go, but it will be interesting to see what happens when the Santos deal is wrapped up.

In other news…

Raphinha has been linked with moves away from Barcelona, as the winger enters the final two years of his contract.

Premier League teams are lining up to try and prise Omar Marmoush away from Manchester City, as the forward struggles to find a role in their team.

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The post Manchester United consider return to last summer’s top target as Premier League rivals relent over £100m asking price appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tennessee baseball signee Sean Dunlap withdrawing from 2026 MLB Draft

Tennessee baseball signee Sean Dunlap is withdrawing from the 2026 MLB Draft and play for Tennessee next season after going unselected in the first 10 rounds.

Dunlap, a catcher from Crown Point, Indiana, announced his decision on social media. One of the top position players in Tennessee's 2026 recruiting class, he is ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 2 catcher and No. 38 recruit in the country.

He committed to Tennessee in November 2024 over Indiana, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Mississippi State, Indiana and others.

Dunlap entered the draft ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 124 prospect, third-best among high school catchers. He was ESPN's No. 49 prospect.

Dunlap, who stands at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, was named the 2026 player of the year in his home state by Prep Baseball Report and MaxPreps and was the Chicago Post-Tribune's area player of the year. He hit .473 with 45 RBIs, nine home runs, 11 doubles and three triples for Crown Point.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee baseball signee Sean Dunlap withdrawing from 2026 MLB Draft

LeBron James rumors tracker: Latest news on Warriors, Cavaliers and other potential 2026-27 landing spots

LeBron James IMAGN 03162026

LeBron James rumors tracker: Latest news on Warriors, Cavaliers and other potential 2026-27 landing spots originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In 2010, he transformed the future of the NBA by creating the "Heatles" trio in Miami. In 2014, he returned to his roots, ultimately bringing an emotional championship to Cleveland. In 2018, he pursued the bright lights of Los Angeles, joining the list of legends to wear a Lakers uniform.

Now, for likely the last time in his storied NBA career, LeBron James has another decision to make. The 41-year-old, who remains one of the best all-around talents in the league as he fights off Father Time, will officially depart the Lakers after eight seasons — and while retirement has been pushed back for at least one more year, James is reportedly open to any destination for Year 24.

Acquiring James, even at his age, is a move that extends beyond the court. The team that lands him will forever be associated with an NBA legend, will garner league-wide interest for a potential retirement tour in 2026-27, and will undoubtedly have its eyes on title contention with his elite talents. While a Cavaliers reunion or a star team-up with Stephen Curry in Golden State appears to be the top destination for James, he's also known to keep his future plans quiet until the time is right.

Once again, all eyes are on James' free-agency decision. What new star duo will he create in the twilight of his career?

The Sporting News is tracking the latest reports and rumors surrounding LeBron James' free agency. Follow along with the rumblings on James' future below.

MORE: Ranking every team's chances of landing LeBron James

LeBron James free agency rumors

Windhorst: James has "done deal" with team that isn't Cavs

Windhorst reports that a source told him James has a deal with a team in "another city" than Cleveland. It's unclear how serious these rumors are, and Windhorst didn't give any other information besides that.

LeBron's leading suitors making pitches via voice notes

James' agent, Rich Paul, is reportedly fielding voice notes from teams interested in securing his services, including the Cavaliers, Warriors, Heat, Timberwolves and 76ers.

Jaylen Brown tells streamer iShowSpeed he thinks James is Philly bound

While the internet streamer was in action while watching France vs. Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals, new Sixer Jaylen Brown joined iShowSpeed. On Thursday, Brown stated a sentence that Philadelphia fans may love.

According to Brown, "I think he’s going to Philly bro."

Teams 'skeptical' they can beat Cleveland's case for James

Windhorst said he "suspects" that James will be aiming to find a fit where he can play a lighter role in the regular season, but teams he's talked to are "skeptical" that the appeal of Cleveland's homecoming aspect can be beaten.

The ESPN analyst also said he believes James will be viewed as a "supporting piece" on his new team

Bob Myers pitches Rich Paul on James' fit with Sixers

Bob Myers, now in a front office role with the 76ers, made an appearance on Rich Paul's "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman on Wednesday, making a direct pitch to James' agent about his fit in Philadelphia.

"If LeBron is here, I would honestly say this is your best chance to win," Myers said of the 76ers. 

James remains "first priority" for Cavaliers after Donovan Mitchell extension

After Cavs star Donovan Mitchell inked a long-term extension on Tuesday, Charania said it "doesn't hurt" James' chances of landing in Cleveland.  

Cavs, Heat, 76ers appear to be top three teams for James

The latest from Charania is that from talking to teams, the three contenders for James "that continue to come up" are Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia.

“When the Sixers got Jaylen Brown, I did some research. ... (LeBron) is taking their pitch very seriously," Charania said. "When I talk to teams now I have a hierarchy of Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, and then I think there's some teams on the peripheral.” 

Opposing teams don't have 'optimism' to land James due to Cavs allure

Windhorst said that as he's talked to teams, including people in Philadelphia, they are "afraid it’s Cleveland" for James' destination. 

"Everybody I talked to is like ‘we’re afraid it’s Cleveland,'" Windhorst said. "Nobody seems like they have optimism.”

'Growing belief' from competing teams that Cavaliers are favorites

Per Stein, there is a "growing belief" from the teams in on James that him making a return to Cleveland is the “scenario to beat."

Rich Paul says James' decision won't happen 'anytime soon'

Fans may need patience in waiting for James' decision, as his agent, Rich Paul, reportedly said: "I don’t think this happens anytime soon." He added that he doesn't "think it’ll be the next few days."

Timberwolves 'ramping up' push for James 

The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski reports that Minnesota is "ramping up" its push to land James, also having "full belief that they are very much in the hunt" to sign him. The Timberwolves also "firmly believe they have the best situation" for James, pitching his fit alongside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jalen McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

Rich Paul's whiteboard reveals potential destinations

Speaking on the "Game Over" podcast, James' agent, Rich Paul, used a whiteboard to detail potential destinations for his client. Paul listed the Warriors, Heat, 76ers, Cavaliers, Timberwolves and Nuggets as possibilities, while mentioning the Spurs, Celtics, Mavericks and Knicks on the outskirts. 

Paul went on to say the Knicks would be an easy choice for James if they hadn't won a championship.

Timberwolves 'continue to hope' James will choose them

The Timberwolves are leaving a spot open for James and "continue to hope" he will choose them, Scotto reports, though there is no indication of whether the NBA legend is seriously considering Minnesota.

Sixers 'trying to make a pitch' to James along with Warriors, Cavs, Heat

Charania said on ESPN that along with the expected contenders for James, Golden State, Cleveland and Miami, now Philadelphia is "trying to make a pitch" to land the NBA legend.

The 76ers have added Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons already this offseason and are still eyeing more.

There hasn't yet been much 'back-and-forth' between James' camp, teams

Windhorst said Thursday that while teams have expressed interest in James, there hasn't yet been any "traction" in scheduling a meeting with his representatives or being given an opportunity to make a pitch to the star. 

Sixers have expressed interest in James

On the same day they partook in a blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown, the Philadelphia 76ers are reported to be "expressing interest" in the former Lakers' star. With James, a potential starting five would include Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Brown, James, and Embiid.

Spurs not expected to pursue LeBron

After signing Tobias Harris to improve their frontcourt, Stein reports that the Spurs are not expected to pursue James. However, he does list the Nuggets as a team interested in James' services.

Nuggets have contacted James

The Nuggets are one team that has contacted James as he hits free agency, per The Denver Post. With the franchise looking to continue pursuing a second championship with Nikola Jokic, James could bolster the team's frontcourt.

LeBron has had 'discussions' about documentary for 2026-27 season

Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor reports that James has had discussions about "filming this entire upcoming season for a documentary or episodic series."

Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat known as 'legitimate options'

There isn't yet much concrete information about potential James suitors, but Haynes reports that the Warriors and Cavaliers are "in play," while the Heat have "interest."

Like Charania, Haynes reports that James' decision will not be motivated by money and he will be patient, eyeing championship contention.

Rich Paul details reasons for LeBron-Lakers exit

James' agent, Rich Paul, said Wednesday that the Lakers wanted James back for 2026-27, but no meetings ever happened because James and his representatives didn't want to waste time. Paul said that James valued having "complete happiness," rather than more money, and he could have gotten a more significant dollar amount from the Lakers.

When Paul and James first met about his free agency, a return to the Lakers felt "80%" likely, but that number fell over the coming weeks.

James' free-agent decision will 'not be driven by money'

Per Charania, James' free-agent process will be valuing "happiness" over financial details, although a timeline remains uncertain on when he'll make a decision. Charania also said that every contending NBA team will be considered in the process, but the Cavaliers, Warriors and Heat are expected to emerge as the top fits.

Charania also later said that James will value being able to "compete at the highest level" and he won't be in a "rush" to make a decision.

James officially departing from Lakers, but will play in 2026-27

Rumblings about James' future in Los Angeles ran rampant throughout the 2025-26 season, and virtually ever since the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic as their star of the future. And while a re-signing to be a secondary option to Doncic and Reaves appeared to be in the cards, especially with the Lakers' late-season success behind James, it was Charania's report on Tuesday that sparked soon-to-come pitches from any other NBA team to land the megastar.

Charania dropped the bombshell that James will not yet be retiring, but has also informed the Lakers that he is not returning to the franchise in 2026-27. That decision officially brought an end to James' time in L.A., winning the 2020 NBA title, breaking plenty of records and playing alongside his son, Bronny.

Per Charania, Lakers president Rob Pelinka and James' agent, Rich Paul, spoke on Tuesday and James informed the team that he appreciated their run together, but he would be moving on. Los Angeles had previously "expressed to James that they wanted him back," but James' decision was driven by "happiness" rather than financials.

Where will LeBron James play next season?

At the time, there's truly only one team who it's been confirmed James will not play for in 2026-27: the Lakers. Initial reports about his free agency plans indicate he's open to joining any other contending franchise — which does likely rule out franchises like the Nets, Bucks, Kings and Grizzlies.

Teams like the Nuggets, Spurs and Timberwolves have been floated out as sleeper candidates, but in reality, many reports indicate there will be three clear frontrunners for "The King."

Warriors

Ever since James and Curry teamed up on Team USA in 2024, rumblings around the NBA have indicated that, at the very least, there was some mutual interest in creating the pairing in Golden State. Until recently, it seemed unlikely — but reports have increased over recent weeks about the Warriors' pursuit of James.

When Draymond Green declined his player option for next season to become a free agent, Shams Charania reported that the move was made with intentions of helping Golden State pursue James, then potentially a trade for Anthony Davis afterward. It would appear difficult for the Warriors to acquire both James and Davis, especially after re-signing Kristaps Porzingis, but even if they only bring in the NBA's all-time leading scorer, it would mark a historic team-up between Curry and James, once viewed as rivals.

The appeal for James to join Golden State isn't hard to understand: not only would he be playing alongside two friends in Curry and Green, but he could contribute to playoff-level basketball and pursue a final championship with a franchise in its final stand as a dynasty. Steve Kerr would have an old team, but also one with Hall of Fame talent galore.

On some level, James joining the Warriors may not receive the league-wide warm welcome he may want, though. After all, Golden State was once his top rival in title contention, losing three separate Finals to the Warriors in his Cavaliers career.

But even in the twilight of their careers, a James-Curry pairing would bring plenty of highlights next season. If Golden State still somehow added Davis via trade afterward, Kerr might just have himself a real contender, barring health all-around.

Cavaliers

This possibility needs little explaining by now. It would be a Hollywood ending for James, returning to where it all started for one last ride — after emerging as an All-NBA talent in Cleveland, leaving for Miami, then returning and bringing a championship to the Cavaliers, he could return to his home city for a retirement tour.

The familiarity is already there for James, as is his strong relationship with the fanbase and community. There's little doubt that he would be welcomed back with open arms. On the court, however, things are a bit more complicated — the Cavaliers have been a consistent playoff team behind their core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, but even after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals with James Harden last season, they couldn't break through.

Whether James can fit on the roster financially, let alone be the missing piece for a good, but flawed team, is unclear. Cleveland does need talent on the wing, and Harden is reportedly waiting to sign an extension with the Cavs until they get an answer from James. But in a conference that is slated to get more competitive in 2026-27, James might have to be convinced that Cleveland has the roster to compete for a title.

Ideally, James could function as a "connector" type of wing, offering secondary playmaking to Harden, secondary scoring to Mitchell and some defensive capabilities to alleviate the burden on Mobley and Allen.

It would be a more complicated fit. But when considering James' ties to Cleveland, one last return home makes a lot of sense.

Heat

Had Miami not recently gone all-in on title contention by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, they might not be viewed as a serious contender for James' services. But now that Pat Riley pushed in his chips, with two All-Star big men already in place, the Heat are seeking to fill out their roster with as much talent as possible.

A trio of James, Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo would give the Heat an extremely high floor — at the least, that it a top-5 seed in the Eastern Conference. The question is whether James can be the kind of complement to the two big men that Miami needs. 

While it's not quite Cleveland, there's also the element of James being familiar with the franchise. Of course, he spent his "prime" years in Miami, winning his first two championships — and by signing with the Heat now, he'd have eyes on a third in the uniform, but with a much different roster.

Riley and the Heat continue to hunt for stars. James is the biggest one out there. That makes an off-the-court fit obvious, especially with James' previous stint — but his fit alongside Antetokounmpo and Adebayo would be a storyline to monitor in that scenario.  

MORE: Why LeBron leaving may be blessing for Lakers

Why did LeBron James leave the Lakers?

James' tension with the Lakers only increased after the franchise went all-in on its next star, trading Davis to acquire Doncic. Since then, reports indicated that L.A. was ready to focus on its Doncic era, while James was gradually pushed aside, becoming the team's third offensive option by the midway point of the 2025-26 season.

Ultimately, Charania recently reported that James' decision to leave the Lakers came down to his desire to play "meaningful, competitive basketball," pursuing "complete happiness" above all else. The Lakers have continually fizzled out in the playoffs during the latter years of James' tenure, and with plenty of signs pointing to the franchise's desire to build around Doncic, James chose to walk away.

Interestingly, he leaves behind a major part of his Lakers legacy: his son. Bronny James remains under contract with L.A., and he is expected to stay with the team even after his father departs.

Kentucky baseball gets a big boost with a returning outfielder

The Kentucky Wildcats baseball team could be losing a couple of star players already as Tyler Bell and Jaxon Jelkin have both been selected in the 2026 Major League Baseball draft. However, the Cats did get some very good news on Sunday.

Jayce Tharnish was one of the team's most important players this past season. He was especially key in the postseason, providing one of the year's biggest highlights against Wake Forest. After the season, there was a thought to him leaving as well, but he has now announced a return to Lexington.

I’m excited to announce I will be returning to Kentucky. I believe in our culture, the people and everything we’ve built and are working toward. Thank you, Big Blue Nation. Unfinished business!

Last season, Tharnish batted .351 with 6 homeruns, 38 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and a .918 OPS. He was also a terrific defensive outfielder. His return to Kentucky changes the roster in a good way, giving them a legitimate star to go along with an already talented cast.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky baseball gets a big boost with a returning outfielder

🤯 Not RB’s poster boy after all? Confusion over the DFB’s Klopp deal

🤯 Not RB’s poster boy after all? Confusion over the DFB’s Klopp deal

The die seems to have been cast: Following a meeting between DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke with Jürgen Klopp in New York, it is considered almost certain that the 59-year-old will soon be presented as the new Germany head coach. But while the most important personnel matter in German football is taking shape, the contractual details in the background are prompting differing media reports. In particular, the question of what Klopp’s future relationship with the Red Bull corporation will look like is being hotly debated.

Initially, “Bild” reported that the DFB wanted to accommodate the beverage giant and allow Klopp to continue promoting its products in parallel. However, 'kicker' and 'Sky' clearly contradict that scenario. 

"In recent days, the theory that Klopp would be allowed to move to the DFB without a transfer fee while remaining with the drinks corporation as an advertising ambassador in return has taken on a life of its own, without any specific source being named," a report by 'kicker' states, for example. Furthermore, such a model was reportedly "never at any point part of Red Bull’s strategy." The corporation also apparently is not insisting on a transfer fee.

Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg also refuted the claims that Klopp would continue to work as a Red Bull brand ambassador after taking over as Germany head coach. 

"It was NEVER planned for Jürgen Klopp to remain active as a Red Bull ambassador while serving as the new Germany head coach.” According to Plettenberg, reports suggesting otherwise were off the mark.

Instead of a traditional, time-intensive ambassador role, a much more flexible solution appears to be emerging. Red Bull’s only wish is said to be that Klopp remains available from time to time to share his expertise. It is therefore conceivable that, aside from his work as Germany head coach, he could occasionally be available in an advisory capacity to the corporation’s extensive world of sport.

Clarifying such details is also complex because, by taking up the DFB post, Klopp will inevitably become the face of the DFB’s official advertising partners, which could lead to overlaps with his numerous private sponsors. The final negotiations are now imminent: according to information from 'kicker', Neuendorf and Watzke will meet Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff at the start of the week. A further meeting between Klopp himself and Mintzlaff is then expected to take place around the World Cup final in order to definitively answer the last remaining questions.

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

Tim Henman pays tribute to Andew Castle after final Wimbledon commentary

Andrew Castle will no longer be part of the BBC’s commentary team (PA)

Tim Henman paid tribute to Andrew Castle after the veteran commentator’s final match as part of the BBC team at Wimbledon.

It was confirmed ahead of the Championships that the 2026 edition would be Castle’s last on commentary, with the former British No 1 electing to step away entirely after being told he would not be commentating on next year’s final.

Castle has spent 23 years working for the BBC at SW19 having forged a successful career in television and radio since concluding his playing career.

His final match at Wimbledon was the men’s final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, won in four sets by the Italian, with Henman and Andre Agassi alongside Castle in the commentary box.

And Henman felt it was a fitting match to farewell his departing, long-time colleague.

“I want to take this opportunity of thanking you so much for sharing the commentary box for so many years,” Henman said. “You’ve been an absolute star, you’ve taught me so much and I’ll miss you a lot. What a great way to finish off.”

Castle and Henman were on commentary together when Andy Murray ended a 73-year wait for a British winner of the men’s grass court grand slam – and the former revealed that the pair had had a mishap as the Scot sealed victory over Novak Djokovic.

“I knew you when you were an annoying 14-year-old and I’ve known you that whole time,” Castle said to Henman. “Thanks for your company, Tim, all the best and take care.

Andy Murray triumped at Wimbledon in 2013 (AFP/Getty)
Andy Murray triumped at Wimbledon in 2013 (AFP/Getty)

“I shall never forget Tim Henman standing up, shooting up when Andy Murray won in 2013 and elbowing me right in the head on match point because he was so excited.”

Andrew Cotter is expected to take on lead commentary duties for the men’s final at Wimbledon next year. John Lloyd will also leave the BBC team.

“That’s that from me, thank you very much for your company.” Castle signed off. “What a pleasure and privilege it has been to watch [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Roger] Federer and Djokovic and [Rafael] Nadal and Andy Murray – perhaps in particular – over the years. Take care and thank you."

Aston Villa on the verge of hijacking Newcastle’s move for Johan Manzambi

Aston Villa on the verge of hijacking Newcastle’s move for Johan Manzambi
Aston Villa on the verge of hijacking Newcastle’s move for Johan Manzambi

Aston Villa are on the verge of completing a dramatic transfer coup, overtaking Newcastle United in the high-stakes summer race to sign SC Freiburg’s breakout midfield star, Johan Manzambi. Eddie Howe and Unai Emery are at St James’ Park and Villa Park, respectively. The Birmingham club have accelerated talks in the past 24 hours, capitalising on a key administrative delay that left the Magpies exposed to a late bid.

The transfer saga seemed settled earlier this week when Newcastle reached a full agreement with Freiburg. Executives at St James’ Park had finalised a €60 million (£51 million) financial package, intended to make the 20-year-old Switzerland international Eddie Howe’s marquee midfield signing. However, despite agreeing terms with the Bundesliga club, Newcastle’s recruitment team lacked a crucial element: the player’s direct approval.

Manzambi declined to green-light the move to the North East, opting to hold off on signing while considering other top offers. Sensing an opportunity, Aston Villa’s sporting department launched a decisive, last-minute bid. The highly-rated Swiss midfielder has made it clear he prefers a switch to Villa Park over Tyneside, prompting Unai Emery’s board to match Newcastle’s financial terms to get the deal done.

Villa’s interest in Manzambi is driven by a tactical need to address a midfield injury crisis. The Midlands club have been searching for elite, press-resistant central options since Amadou Onana suffered a serious ACL injury during the latter stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manzambi, who enjoyed a breakout campaign in North America with five goal involvements before sustaining a minor knee injury, fits the dynamic, box-to-box profile Emery needs to maintain his high-intensity system.

With Manzambi’s preference now clear, negotiations between Villa and Freiburg are progressing rapidly towards a conclusion. The German club are willing to proceed with the sale as long as the original €60 million valuation is met. For Newcastle, missing out on a priority target due to the lack of player approval highlights a painful shortcoming in their transfer strategy. As Villa prepare to schedule a medical, supporters can look forward to welcoming one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders.

Irrepressible Sinner outlasts Zverev to win second straight Wimbledon title

Alexander Zverev grew frustrated as he failed to break down a rock-solid Jannik Sinner (Adrian Dennis)

Jannik Sinner was at his clinical best as he successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a bruising four-set victory over French Open champion Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final.

The world number one recovered from losing the first set in a match largely dominated by serve, eventually wearing Zverev down to secure a 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-4 win.

The Italian was rewarded for his perseverance in an attritional contest with his first Grand Slam title since lifting the trophy at the All England Club 12 months ago.

Sinner's fifth Grand Slam crown is just two behind the majors tally of his injured rival Carlos Alcaraz after notching his 100th match win at tennis' four biggest events.

He hit 58 winners against only 25 unforced errors in three hours and 46 minutes on Centre Court, refusing to buckle against an in-form Zverev who brought a 13-match winning streak at the majors into the final.

Sinner has banished the memories of his shock second-round exit from the French Open at the hands of Juan Manuel Cerundolo when he blew a two-set lead last month.

The closest Sinner came to crashing out of Wimbledon was in the first round when he had to come from behind to beat Miomir Kecmanovic in five sets.

It was plain sailing from then on for Sinner, who has become a fearsome force on grass.

The 24-year-old now boasts a remarkable 44-3 win-loss record this year after winning his sixth title of the season.

Zverev had never even reached the quarter-finals in nine previous visits to Wimbledon, but had been a man reborn in London after finally breaking his Grand Slam duck in Paris.

He managed to take a first set off Sinner in seven meetings, but could not kick on to snap a now 10-match losing streak against a seemingly unbreakable rival.

Zverev, who was bidding to become the first German man to win the trophy since Michael Stich in 1991, will climb above Alcaraz to second in the ATP rankings on Monday.

- Zverev left frustrated -

Zverev saved the only break point of a tight first set dominated by serve as it went to a tie-break.

The first 15 points of the breaker went with serve, with both men saving set points, before Zverev clinched with a fizzing forehand winner.

There were no break points in the second set as the players again efficiently bludgeoned their way to 6-6, but this time Sinner stepped it up in the tie-break to level the match.

Zverev finally created his first break point in the seventh game of the third set, but slipped when Sinner dinked over a drop-shot winner.

He clutched his knee and Sinner crossed the net to check on his injured opponent as the crowd held its breath, but was helped to his feet by the Italian.

Sinner made his move in the next game as Zverev's serve finally broke down.

Zverev threw his racquet angrily across the turf after looping a forehand long on a break point which had seen Sinner lying flat on the turf earlier in the rally.

The top seed immaculately served it out to love, sealing a two-sets-to-one lead with an ace.

Zverev gamely tried to prolong the contest but his race was run when Sinner broke for a 4-3 advantage in the fourth set.

He wrapped up the title on serve despite a dramatic final game featuring arguably the two best rallies of the match, falling to the turf in celebration after slapping away a forehand winner on his first match point.

jc/smg

Sophie Cunningham shares reaction to serving as UFC 329 guest ring girl

One of the surprises of the night during UFC 329 on Saturday was WNBA and Indiana Fever star guard Sophie Cunningham serving as a guest ring girl for one of the fights.

Cunningham said it was her first-ever UFC event and she ended up being a guest ring girl during the co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis.

No surprise, Cunningham had a blast.

“Went to my first live fight last night, which was so cool,” Cunningham told reporters on Sunday. “The whole experience overall was wonderful.”

Cunningham serving as a guest ring girl was not initially in the plans for her evening.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham Adidas PE set to release this month

She said it came together “literally like five minutes before” she went into the Octagon after she spoke with UFC president and CEO Dana White, who she has become friends with.

“Dana came over to say what’s up and I was like, ‘Hey, if you need a ring girl, let me know,’ and he’s like, ‘Alright, first round for the Paddy fight, that’s you,'” she revealed.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, hah,’ and he was like, ‘No, seriously,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, God,'” she said with a laugh. “It was so much fun, though. It was a great environment.”

“I love Sophie Cunningham,” White told the media after the event.

“We’ve created a relationship, and she was here tonight. When she walked in, she goes, “Oh, I want to walk around that.’ I said, ‘Then you’re gonna walk around it,'” White explained.

Ultimately, everything went off without a hitch. Cunningham absolutely crushed her guest role.

As if Cunningham serving as the ring girl wasn’t awesome enough, the WNBA star also re-enacted her viral pointing standoff with UFC fighter Max Holloway after the main event.

A disappointing finish to UFC 329

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (red gloves) looks on in a welterweight bout against Max Holloway (not pictured) during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While Cunningham had a great night, one of the participants in the main event, UFC legend Conor McGregor, who was making his return to the Octagon after five years, did not.

McGregor suffered a knee injury that forced a stoppage of the fight against Holloway after a little over one minute, which amounted to one of the most disappointing turn of events at a UFC event in the company’s history.

MORE: Conor McGregor warm-up video should quiet pre-fight injury rumors

McGregor’s return had a ton of hype, as evidenced by the UFC breaking its gate record by pulling in $25 million, which was $3 million more than the previous record.

There are many out there who believe that McGregor was injured before the fight started and just didn’t tell anyone, but that has yet to be proven.

Philadelphia's Sánchez to start All-Star Game at home for NL. Toronto's Cease the pick for AL

Cristopher Sánchez of the Philadelphia Phillies will start Tuesday night's All-Star Game in his home ballpark, taking the mound for the National League against Dylan Cease of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays announced Sunday that Cease will be the American League's starter. Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is managing the NL, said Sanchez is his starter.

“I think he deserves it. He’s the hometown ballplayer and I think the city of Philly will enjoy watching him and supporting him,” Roberts said. “I had a conversation with him this morning. ... He was very grateful. In a time when guys are not wanting to participate, this guy in the Midsummer Classic for fans, I think this is a good thing. He’s very excited about pitching.”

Also Sunday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said New York right-hander Cam Schlittler is not planning to pitch in the All-Star Game. Schlittler will still be at the game and there is no replacement planned for the AL roster.

Sanchez is 11-4 with a 2.62 ERA this season. He's third in the major leagues with 144 strikeouts. The left-hander's streak of 50 2/3 scoreless innings was a highlight of the major league season so far.

Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski, who leads the majors in ERA (1.62), WHIP (0.76) and strikeouts (167), was replaced on the All-Star team earlier in the week, when it appeared he would be starting for the Brewers on Sunday. Then Milwaukee scratched him from that start because of arm fatigue.

Cease is 6-4 with a 2.56 ERA for the Blue Jays. He nearly threw his second career no-hitter Wednesday against San Francisco, but it was broken up in the ninth inning.

Cease is the first Toronto pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Roy Halladay in 2009.

Schlittler was a candidate to start, boasting an AL-leading ERA of 2.05, but he pitched for the Yankees on Saturday.

“Just feels like on his recovery day to go back out there throwing 100 mph is something that I think he felt a little apprehensive about,” Boone told reporters before New York's game at Washington. “Certainly support that decision and obviously I think he understands what’s at stake here in the second half too for us and for him.”

Schlittler could start the opening game of the second half against the Dodgers on Friday at Yankee Stadium.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Diamondbacks trade rumor could impact 5 key pitchers, including Eduardo Rodriguez

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez

Diamondbacks trade rumor could impact 5 key pitchers, including Eduardo Rodriguez originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are well behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title, but they are 48-47 before the All-Star break.

That record has the D-Backs just 3.5 games back of a postseason spot in the Wild Card, which is their only realistic option to getting into the playoffs this year. In this spot, the Diamondbacks have a tricky trade deadline to manage.

According to a rumor from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Diamondbacks might be selling at the trade deadline, with five pitchers, including Eduardo Rodriguez, named as possible players on the move this summer.

Diamondbacks get big trade rumors on five pitchers

"The Diamondbacks, who have been mired in mediocrity, could have starters Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Soroka, Merrill Kelly, and Zac Gallen available along with closer Paul Sewald," Nightengale writes.

This is a significant rumor from Nightengale. If the D-Backs were to trade away all of these pitchers, they could get a huge return.

But it would mean giving up on the 2026 season as a year to contend for the postseason. For a club that's within striking distance of a postseason spot, that would be a bit shocking.

They could struggle coming out of the All-Star break, which would make selling a bit more reasonable. If Arizona were to be more than five games back of a wild-card spot by the trade deadline, it could open the door to a sell-off.

MORECardinals sign JJ Wetherholt to eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension

However, Nightengale's trade rumor for the Diamondbacks could lead to Rodriguez, Gallen, Soroka, Kelly, and Sewald getting dealt this summer.

Sewald, Gallen, Kelly, and Soroka are free agents after the 2026 season, so trading all four this summer if they're selling wouldn't be that shocking.

But, parting with Rodriguez, the D-Backs All-Star pitcher who has 4.2 bWAR this season with a 2.29 ERA in 19 starts, would be a bit of a surprise considering his four-year, $80 million deal runs through the 2027 season.

This rumor will be one Diamondbacks fans should keep in mind as the deadline on August 3 approaches. If Arizona is well behind the postseason hunt in the NL Wild Card, a major fire sale in the rotation could occur, potentially including Rodriguez.

More MLB news:

Tennessee baseball 2026 MLB draft picks

The MLB draft began with the first four rounds on July 11 at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The second and final day of the MLB draft is Sunday, consisting of rounds 5-20.

Former Tennessee baseball pitcher Tegan Kuhns was the only Vol selected in the first round. He was drafted by St. Louis with No. 32 overall pick.

The 6-foot-3, 193-pound right-handed pitcher appeared in 30 games, including 24 starts, for the Vols from 2025-26 under head coaches Josh Elander and Tony Vitello.

Kuhns (7-9) recorded 146 strikeouts, one complete game, one shutout and a 4.13 ERA in 117.2 innings for the Vols. He was named to the 2026 All-SEC second team and earned SEC Pitcher of the Week honors two times.

Kuhns becomes the fifth Tennessee pitcher to be drafted in the first round since 2020!#GBO🍊 #VolsInProBall#MLBDraft#ForTheLoupic.twitter.com/17yS0VSKvg

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) July 11, 2026

Below are MLB draft picks for former Vols in 2026.

Tennessee baseball 2026 MLB draft picks

NameTeamRound (overall)
Tegan KuhnsSt. Louis Cardinals1 (32)
Henry FordSeattle Mariners6 (191)
Bo RhudyPhiladelphia Phillies7 (219)
Garrett WrightLos Angeles Angels8 (229)

More: Henry Ford selected by Seattle in MLB draft

Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee baseball 2026 MLB draft picks

MLB Home Run Derby Could Net Young Stars Big Payday

PHILADELPHIA — MLB’s Home Run Derby will feature a particularly lucrative opportunity for four of its eight participants, while also offering a big dose of hometown heroes and veteran star power. 

The league’s retooled home run contest set for Monday night at Citizens Bank Park, a key part of a new-look run of All-Star Game events, will again feature a $2.5 million prize pool. The payouts, set in the current labor deal between MLB and the MLB Players Association, include:

  • $1 million for the winner
  • $500,000 for the runner-up 
  • $150,000 for each of the other six competitors
  • $100,000 for the longest home run

That $1 million top prize is more than the entire 2026 MLB salary for half of the Home Run Derby field: the Royals’ Jac Caglianone ($784,000), the Rays’ Junior Caminero ($794,800), the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker ($799,400), and the Yankees’ Ben Rice ($845,800). These younger MLB players are not yet eligible for salary arbitration or free agency. 

The expanded Home Run Derby prize pool, first introduced in 2019 and a fixture since then, has been an important tool to boost the event’s allure for players, and has certainly aided in bringing in younger talent.

Pete Alonso, now with the Orioles but the 2019 and 2021 winner while still with the Mets, famously said he used Home Run Derby prize money to help pay for his wedding, while also donating 10% to two charitable organizations aiding military veterans. 

Caminero won $500,000 last year in this event, placing second behind winner Cal Raleigh of the Mariners

Veteran Presence, Host-Market Pairing

The financial reward for winning the Home Run Derby is less singularly impactful for the other half of the 2026 field: the White Sox’ Munetaka Murakami ($17 million), the Red Sox’ Willson Contreras ($18 million), and the Phillies’ Bryce Harper ($26.1 million) and Kyle Schwarber ($30 million). 

With the MLB All-Star Game events no longer featuring megastars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, both battling injuries, the presence of Schwarber and Harper is becoming even more important. The duo represents the first pair of teammates to be in a Home Run Derby while their home market is hosting since the Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton and Justin Bour in Miami in 2017, and just the third overall. 

Schwarber and Harper famously battled in the final of the 2018 Home Run Derby in Washington, D.C., when Harper was a member of the Nationals and Schwarber was with the Cubs. Harper won that matchup, 19–18.

“Having a rematch of ‘18 would be pretty cool to see, too,” Schwarber said. “I think it would be fun for everyone, not just Philly, but the game and for the people watching.”

This year’s Home Run Derby, meanwhile, will feature a return to an untimed formatfor the first time since 2014, though it will be based on total swings instead of outs.

The post MLB Home Run Derby Could Net Young Stars Big Payday appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Gable Steveson reflects on his successful UFC 329 debut: ‘No takedowns necessary for that win’

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Gable Steveson wrestles Elisha Ellison in a heavyweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Gable Steveson came into UFC 329 a massive -2800 betting favorite over Elisha Ellison, which isn’t all that surprising given Steveson’s Olympic wrestling credentials and college wrestling accolades. And while his win wasn’t an easy domination, the Jon Jones protege showed he was willing to step into the fire for his UFC debut and engage in a fist fight.

Steveson and Ellison packed a lot of fighting into just half a round. Ellison fought like a man looking to capitalize on the opportunity to steal Steveson’s thunder. Steveson didn’t wilt under his opponent’s pressure and dished out a heap of violence, finishing the fight with a series of big right hands and knees (watch the highlights here).

“Man, what a cool thing,” Steveson told the press at the UFC 329 post-fight press conference. “Go out there on a big card, a lot of pressure, a lot of people waiting to see what Gable Steveson can do. And hopefully I delivered to everyone on their TV screen and so everyone who was an average fan that may not know me, knows me now.”

Gable Steveson gets the knockdown! 😳

[ #UFC329 | LIVE ON @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/YOsBw4p2lj

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 12, 2026

“I think I showed a lot to the people, but I also think there’s so much more to show,” he said. “Elisha, I knew he wasn’t gonna give up, but I know if you hit Elisha Ellison hard, from all of his videos, that he would fall. And when I hit him hard after a couple good jabs and a couple good body shots, you saw that he wanted the breaks. He wanted to circle the cage. He wanted to make sure that he got away from me.”

Steveson was clearly pleased with his performance, despite it being a bit of a brawl and the two time Division I champ going 0-1 on takedowns for his UFC debut.

“It’s gonna happen, it’s a fight, you’re gonna get hit,” Steveson said. “Maybe I take a big hit, but you saw I bounced right back and I got right in his face as I should.”

“The first [wrestling] shot I took was just to get a feeler out for him, see what he was gonna do, see how he would defend. I wanted to shock his nervous system to kinda make sure that he knew he was in for a fight. In a lot of Jon Jones fights, he goes out there and in the first 30 seconds, he pushes you to make sure you know he’s gonna fight. So he defended my takedown. Great job. But if I shot two more, he wasn’t gonna defend those.”

The Olympic wrestling gold medalist detailed what he said to fellow former U.S. Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier after he’d won.

“I’m a big DC fan also,” Steveson said (to boos in the crowd from Jon Jones). “I went over to him and I told him no takedowns are necessary for this win, and he congratulated me. As you know, DC is a big wrestler just like me, a guy that goes out there and can shoot a lot of shots, just like myself also. So I went up to him and I said, ‘Hey, I showed you a little bit of what a lot can be.’ And as time goes on, I’ll take those shots and take guys down and make sure they stay down.”

Got the debut W 🥳@JonnyBones | #UFC329pic.twitter.com/03VPAlwnAh

— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026

The first big test for Steveson was getting punched in the face by a big UFC heavyweight and seeing how he’d react. Gable took nearly a dozen clean punches to the head and didn’t wilt one bit. Unsurprising given the grit he’s shown in his amateur wrestling career, but still something he needed to prove on his way up the ladder.

As for what’s next?

“Today, I’m gonna enjoy the moment,” Steveson said. “Tomorrow, I’m gonna go home and enjoy it with my family. Monday, I go back to work. So if it means something [happens] fast and it comes quick, I would love it. But I think, [Madison Square Garden] is in November. MSG would be amazing to go out there in Madison Square Garden. The last time I was in MSG, Jon Jones spinning back kicked Stipe [Miocic]. So it would be cool to keep that legacy going in Madison Square Garden.”

Glamorgan beat Gloucestershire to win first trophy

Glamorgan lift the League Two T20 Blast trophy
Glamorgan won seven of eight T20 Blast group games [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Vitality Blast Women League 2 - Final, Cardiff

Glamorgan 154-6 (20 overs): Gammon 69, Sturge 36; C Phillips 3-25

Gloucestershire 122 all out (17 overs): Patel 52, Start 34; Porter 2-9

Glamorgan win by 32 runs

Scorecard

Glamorgan produced a dominant display to beat Gloucestershire by 32 runs and win the League Two T20 Blast title.

The West country visitors earned a place in the final at Sophia Gardens by easing past Kent by 67 runs in the day's earlier semi-final, but the hosts had too much quality.

An impressive 79-run partnership between Bethan Gammon and Megan Sturge put Glamorgan in a commanding position as they set the visitors a target of 155 in the Cardiff sunshine.

Despite a dazzling display by Izzy Patel, who scored 52, Gloucestershire never quite got going with the bat and were bowled out for 122.

Gloucestershire won the toss and elected to field, making a superb start when captain Lauren Parfitt was dismissed for just eight after being caught by Amelie Munday off Charlie Phillips.

A comical run out soon followed as Daisy Jeanes was dismissed but some impressive batting by Sturge and Gammon put Glamorgan in control.

They added 79 runs until Phillips finally made the breakthrough that Gloucestershire desperately needed, Sturge caught at deep point to leave the hosts 105-3.

The wickets then began to tumble with captain Liv Daniels claiming the pick of the bunch when catching Scottish international Megan McColl off her own bowling.

Daisy Mullan was next to fall as Phillips claimed her sixth wicket of the day and the hard-hitting Gammon fell for 69 in the final over as Glamorgan finished with 154-6.

Chasing a target of 155, Gloucestershire got off to the worst possible start.

Munday, who was the hero of the semi-final with 71, was bowled for a first-ball duck by Gemma Porter.

Porter soon got her second victim when Reddy hit one high to mid-wicket as Gloucestershire managed just 29 in the powerplay.

Glamorgan's bowlers kept applying pressure until Patel produced an astonishing display to swing momentum in the favour of the visitors.

A disastrous over increased the tension when Sara Phillips was taken off after bowling a second high no-ball. Her replacement Megan McColl made the same mistake, with 19 runs coming off the over to increase the pressure on Glamorgan.

Eight boundaries and dropped catches from the home fielders ensured a dramatic finish at Sophia Gardens, before three quick wickets put Glamorgan on the brink.

Gloucestershire were bowled out for 122 when Patel skied a shot that was caught by Phillips, as Glamorgan won their first piece of silverware before becoming a professional outfit next season.

Toronto Blue Jays at San Diego Padres

Toronto Blue Jays (45-50) at San Diego Padres (47-48), July 12, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Last one before the break. pic.twitter.com/lZUxW2TqEy

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 12, 2026

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Real Madrid & Barcelona stars included in statistical Team of the Round for World Cup quarter-finals

Real Madrid & Barcelona stars included in statistical Team of the Round for World Cup quarter-finals
Real Madrid & Barcelona stars included in statistical Team of the Round for World Cup quarter-finals

A pair of Real Madrid stars made the cut to secure inclusions in the statistical Team of the Round at the World Cup, alongside a member of the defensive ranks at Barcelona.

The latest set of fixtures at international football’s grandest tournament were of course played to completion over the last couple of days.

When all was said and done, it was France, Spain, Argentina and England who advanced, to set up a mouthwatering pair of semi-final ties for the week ahead.

Statisticians WhoScored, in turn, have since revealed their XI of the standout performers of the quarter-finals. And as alluded to above, La Liga stars feature front and centre.

From Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham makes the cut owing to his match-winning heroics against Norway, whilst Kylian Mbappé is also included after keeping his Golden Boot pursuit alive against Morocco.

From Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad, meanwhile, Jules Koundé is the sole contributor, after impressing once more from his berth at right-back for France.

Check out the WhoScored World Cup Team of the Round in full below:

Conor Laird – GSFN

Jake Paul Stages Viral Conor McGregor Injury Parody After UFC 329

Jake Paul (left) Conor McGregor (right)
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA (left) Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.COM / MEGA (right)

Jake Paul wasted little time weighing in on Conor McGregor‘s disastrous UFC comeback. Within hours of UFC 329 ending, the YouTuber-turned-boxer posted multiple videos parodying the injury that forced McGregor’s fight against Max Holloway to be stopped after just 69 seconds.

Jake Paul Initially Mocked McGregor’s Injury

Jake Paul poses at a Netflix Live Event
Christian Lora/Image Press Agency / MEGA

In one clip shared to X, Paul appeared to recreate the moment McGregor’s knee gave out by kicking his leg twice before grabbing at it, screaming in exaggerated pain, and falling backward into a swimming pool. He captioned the video, “UFC highlights from tonight.”

Paul followed up with a similar video on Instagram, writing, “Recap for those who didn’t watch,” while once again mimicking McGregor’s awkward collapse before tumbling into the water. The videos quickly gained attention online as fans debated whether Paul had crossed a line by mocking a fighter who had potentially suffered a serious injury.

Paul’s Tone Shifted After The Initial Mockery

Despite the trolling, Paul later appeared to soften his stance. In a separate post on X, the boxer offered a much more sympathetic message directed toward McGregor and his family. “Prayers for you and your family,” Paul wrote.

The message stood in stark contrast to the videos he had posted earlier and differed significantly from the reaction of his brother, Logan Paul. While Jake eventually expressed support for the former UFC champion, Logan continued criticizing McGregor after revealing he had won $30,000 betting on Max Holloway.

The elder Paul brother called McGregor’s performance “pathetic” and even used the moment to challenge him to a boxing match, prompting backlash from many fans who accused him of celebrating another athlete’s injury.

McGregor Vows To Return Despite Latest Setback

Max Holloway Defeated Conor McGregor By TKO
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The injury marked another heartbreaking chapter in McGregor’s comeback attempt. The former two-division UFC champion had not competed since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, making UFC 329 one of the most anticipated fights of his career. After his knee buckled during an exchange with Holloway, referee Mike Beltran waved off the fight and awarded Holloway a TKO victory.

UFC President Dana White later revealed doctors believe McGregor may have suffered a torn ACL. “My head gasket is gone,” McGregor wrote on X while addressing fans after the fight. “I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere.”

Although clearly devastated by the result, McGregor insisted his fighting career is far from over. “I will overcome this,” he wrote. “I will not be deterred. I will return.”

Max Holloway Joked About McGregor’s Injury But Praised His Toughness

Max Holloway Defeated Conor McGregor By TKO
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Max Holloway couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at Conor McGregor after the shocking ending to UFC 329.

Speaking to reporters following his victory, Holloway joked that he may have been responsible for McGregor’s knee giving out during the opening exchanges. “I had him weak in the knees, I guess,” Holloway said with a smile.

Despite the joke, Holloway admitted the ending wasn’t how he envisioned the long-awaited showdown concluding. “We have to run it back one more time for the boys,” Holloway said. “I worked my a– off to get to 170 pounds for this fight, and to see it end like this, it sucks.”

Holloway also revealed what was said between the two fighters moments after McGregor’s knee buckled. According to the former featherweight champion, McGregor initially refused to quit despite clearly being injured.

“The first time he’s on the ground, I was punching him and he’s like, ‘Fight! Fight!'” Holloway recalled. “I was like, ‘OK.’ That’s why I backed up. I said, ‘Stand up then, let’s fight.’ He fell back down and then the fight was called.”

Conor McGregor Had Promised Fans A Different Version Of Himself

Conor McGregor
EliotPress/MEGA

The disappointing ending came after months of McGregor insisting fans would see a different version of him inside and outside the Octagon.

In numerous interviews leading up to UFC 329, the former two-division champion spoke openly about recommitting himself to training, embracing his faith, and focusing on what he described as a more disciplined lifestyle.

Instead, his comeback lasted just 69 seconds before a devastating knee injury brought the fight to an abrupt end, leaving McGregor facing yet another lengthy recovery period and raising fresh questions about his future in combat sports.

The Jake Paul Stages Viral Conor McGregor Injury Parody After UFC 329 first appeared on The Blast

Infantino opens door to 64-team World Cup

Gianni Infantino
Infantino has been Fifa president since 2016 [Getty Images]

Plans for a 64-team men's World Cup are set to be picked up and assessed in detail after the 2026 tournament with Fifa boss Gianni Infantino saying football needs to be "for the whole world".

The proposal for an expanded tournament was put forward last year but Infantino says the success of the expanded 48-team tournament means they should look at how a 64-team World Cup could work.

"That's definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup," Infantino told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport when asked if the tournament could be expanded to 64 teams.

"When organizing a World Cup, it's important to organize it for the whole world - not just Europe and South America, but effectively the entire world. Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.

"You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it's getting higher and higher, all over the world. If you don't give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they'll lack the incentive to keep improving."

Infantino said that the first 48-team World Cup has been "a huge success", citing the progression of nine out of ten African teams to the knockout stages.

"At the last World Cup, there were only five teams from Africa. That just goes to show how important it is to include all teams - to give them this opportunity to participate."

The Fifa Council approved the expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams in 2017.

An official proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams was put forward by South American governing body Conmebol in April 2025, but no decision has been reached.

The 2030 edition will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with the three opening matches to be hosted by Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to celebrate the centenary of the competition.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin is among those to have dismissed the proposals, with the Slovenian saying it is a "bad idea" for both the tournament itself and the qualifying process.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa agreed, saying further expansion would bring "chaos".

Victor Montagliani, president of the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean (Concacaf), said the suggestion "doesn't feel right" and believes the expansion would damage "the broader football ecosystem".

However, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, said the United States could consider making a bid to host the 2038 World Cup and could "handle it" if expanded to 64 teams.

Fifa's official position has always been it will discuss expansion ideas with its stakeholders and it is duty bound to consider any proposals from its council members.

The Fifa Council would make the ultimate decision, but there are no signs it is something expected to be made imminently.

Kim ends three-year title wait with Scottish Open triumph

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Genesis Scottish Open final round

-17 T Kim (Kor); -15 MW Lee (Aus); -13 R MacIntyre (Sco),M Fitzpatrick (Eng),J Keefer (US), K Nakajima (Jpn); -12 M Thorbjornsen (US), R McIlroy (NI); -11 SW Kim (Kor), V Perez (Fra)

Selected others: -9 T Fleetwood (Eng), V Hovland (Nor); -4 J Rahm (Spa), -2 J Thomas (US)

————————————————

Tom Kim's drought is over. The South Korean shed tears of joy after excelling on a compelling final day at the Genesis Scottish Open to claim his first title in three years.

Kim has struggled for form and confidence since his previous victory - as well as plummeting down the world rankings - but served a reminder of his talents with a faultless 64 to finish 17 under at the Renaissance Club.

The 24-year-old triumphed by two shots, with Min Woo Lee the runner-up as crowd favourite Bob MacIntyre faltered in pursuit of a second home title, ending four adrift alongside Matt Fitzpatrick.

MacIntyre, Lee and Fitzpatrick had shared the lead after the fog-disrupted third round was completed on Sunday morning, but it was Kim who surged from one back for a brilliant win. He was the only player in the field to a avoid a bogey in the fourth round.

As well as a winner's prize of £1.2m, he secures a place in next year's Masters at Augusta National.

Rory McIlroy's third-round 73 left the world number two with too big a deficit to overcome despite matching Kim's closing six-under 64, the lowest score of the day.

Americans Michael Thorbjornsen and Johny Keefer, who tied for seventh and third respectively, will make their Open Championship debuts next week, while the other spot at Royal Birkdale goes to Frenchman Victor Perez.

Yastika Bhatia scripts history in Lord's Test, becomes first-ever woman cricketer to...

Yastika Bhatia etched her name into the history books with a magnificent maiden Test century, becoming the first woman ever to score a Test hundred at Lord's Cricket Ground during the ongoing one-off Test against England.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter reached the three-figure mark on Day 3 - July 12 with a composed single off Issy Wong before soaking in the applause from all corners of the iconic venue. She removed her helmet, raised her bat to acknowledge the crowd and her teammates, and bowed down to the pitch in an emotional celebration as her name was destined for the prestigious Lord's Honours Board.

Bhatia eventually departed for a superb 113 off 158 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, after Sophie Ecclestone induced a mistimed lofted shot that was safely caught by Mady Villiers at point. As she walked back, the Lord's crowd rose to its feet.




Historic feat for India


Bhatia's innings was not only her maiden Test century but also the highest score by an Indian woman in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.

Highest scores in the third/fourth innings of a Women's Test for India:

  • 113 – Yastika Bhatia vs England, Lord's (2026)
  • 98 – Sandhya Agarwal vs New Zealand, Lucknow (1985)
  • 83 – Sandhya Agarwal vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)
  • 80* – Sneh Rana vs England, Bristol (2021)
  • 75 – Gargi Banerjee vs England, Blackpool (1986)
  • 72 – Gargi Banerjee vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)


Her century came at a crucial time for India, as the historic knock powered the visitors to a massive 400-plus lead. Supported by Smriti Mandhana's 70, India tightened their grip on the one-off Test after bowling England out for 170 in the first innings. Having begun their second innings with a 115-run lead, India continued to pile on the runs and now stand on the verge of winning their first-ever Women's Test at Lord's.

Burnley sign Spanish winger Castell

Lluc Castell in match action for Spain under-17s in a red Spain match shirt with the number 19 in gold in the middle of the shirt
Lluc Castell is Burnley's first signing under new boss Nicky Hayen [Getty Images]

Burnley have signed winger Lluc Castell from Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old has agreed a three-year contract and becomes the Clarets' first signing of the summer transfer window.

Castell began his career in the academy of Gimnastic de Tarragona before joining Espanyol in 2022.

The Spain Under-18 international made his senior debut for the La Liga side in a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the final game of last season.

Burnley appointed Nicky Hayen as their new coach last Friday and will start the new Championship season at home to West Ham on Sunday, 16 August (16:00 BST).

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: A.J. Ewing, Jared Jones show league-winning potential

Welcome to Waiver Wire Watch, our weekly fantasy baseball waiver wire guide. We'll be doing things a little differently this season, with Eric Samulski publishing the initial waiver-wire article on Friday afternoon. Then James Schiano updates it every Sunday to make sure you get the most up-to-date information.

The premise of the article is pretty straightforward. We'll give you some recommended adds each week based on recent production or role changes. When we list a player, we'll list the category where we think he’ll be helpful or the quick reason he’s listed. We hope this helps you determine whether the player fits your team's needs. Not every "trending" player will be a good addition to your specific roster.

To qualify for this list, a player needs to be UNDER 40% rostered in Yahoo! formats. We understand you may say, “These players aren’t available in my league,” and we can’t help you there. These players are available in over 60% of leagues and some in 98% of leagues, so they’re available in many places, and that can hopefully satisfy readers who play in all league types.

⚾️ Baseball is back on NBC: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Hitters

A.J. Ewing - 2B/OF, NYM (34% rostered)

(POWER SURGE, BATTING AVERAGE UPSIDE)

Perhaps we forgot about Ewing, but the rookie is hitting .298/.368/.512 in his last 35 games with six home runs, 18 RBI, and five steals. He has three home runs in his last five games and has started to lift the ball a touch more, which has led to far more barrels. On the season, he has a 36.4% fly ball rate with the Mets, but in his last 15 games (where he has a 14.7% barrel rate), that fly ball rate has increased to 41.2%. His launch angle hasn't gone out of whack, but he's just finding more pitches that he can elevate and drive out of the park. It's a nice adjustment to see from a rookie.

Sunday update: Ewing has hit lead-off for the Mets in seven straight games, including against the left-handed Payton Tolle on Sunday. Hitting directly in front of Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, and Francisco Lindor will be a huge boost to Ewing's fantasy value. There's a whiff of league-winning potential in the second half here.

Caleb Durbin - 2B/3B, BOS (34% rostered)

(HOT STRETCH, STOLEN BASE UPSIDE)

The narrative around Durbin at the beginning of the season was so toxic that we're not sure people realize how good he's been. When he started off the year poorly and Kyle Harrison, the pitcher he was traded for, dominated in Milwaukee, there was this pervasive idea that Durbin was a bust. However, it appears that he just needed to find his footing. In 32 games since June 1st, Durbin is hitting .288/.344/.568 with eight home runs, 21 runs scored, 17 RBI, and six steals. That's a 146 wRC+ and is exactly what people envisioned from the second-year hitter when moving into a park like Fenway. Perhaps it took Durbin a bit longer to adjust his approach. His pull rate is 51% during this stretch, but was just around 43% in Milwaukee last year. The Green Monster has come calling. Nick Gonzalez - 2B/3B/SS, PIT (37% rostered) is another option for batting average. Since June 1st, Nick Gonzales is hitting .320 in 34 games with three home runs, 23 runs scored, and 15 RBI. In that span, he is tied for the 6th-highest groundball rate in baseball at 59% (league average is 41%). On the season, he also has the 3rd-most groundball base hits in baseball with 45 (Otto Lopez has 60), and Gonzales has increased his groundball rate from last year to this year the 6th-most of any hitter in baseball. It's an approach that is clearly working for him and will work for fantasy managers if you need batting average.

Sunday update: Durbin reached base four more times in his last two games and moved up to fourth in the Red Sox's order on Saturday. He has a huge green up arrow.

Dylan Crews - OF, WAS (32% rostered)

(STARTING JOB, POWER POTENTIAL)

Last week, we mentioned that we were buying into Crews because we were betting on the quality of contact winning out over the poor June stats. Crews has then continued to hit, and even made Eric’s recent article on hitters who should see a second-half power surge, but his roster rate hasn't moved. In his last 20 games, Crews is hitting .274/.346/.397 with two home runs, 14 runs scored, and three steals. That has come with a 45% hard-hit rate, and a Pull Air% that should lead to more home runs. Yes, he is still chasing more than we'd like to see, and there remain some contact issues in his game, but we saw Jordan Walker take three separate seasons to finally have his approach click, so these are the types of gambles we should be making when the results are at least solid.

Cole Carrigg - OF, COL (32% rostered)

(COORS FIELD, POWER UPSIDE)

Despite putting up a nearly .900 OPS over his first month, Carrigg's playing time seemed at jeopardy with Mickey Moniak's recent return to the Rockies' outfield Brenton Doyle due back soon. Yet, Doyle's rehab has stalled a bit which should keep the door open for Carrigg. Just bear in mind that he's struck out in seven of his last 11 at-bats and he doesn't have a hit since Tuesday.

Brayan Rocchio - 2B/SS - CLE (30% rostered)

(STARTING JOB, AVERAGE/SPEED UPSIDE)

Rocchio went through a cold stretch in June that saw him get dropped in a lot of places, but he's back to producing again. Over his last 20 games, he's hitting .293/.329/.440 with two home runs, 10 RBI, and three steals. He has seven home runs and a career-high 15 steals on the season and continues to make more contact than he has before. He's just 25 years old, so there is reason to believe he will continue to make strides. In deeper formats, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer- SS, ATH (3% rostered) seems to be playing every day even with Tyler Soderstrom back off the IL and could play more if Zeck Gelof's knee injury causes him to miss time. The 23-year-old is an elite contact hitter with a 96% zone contact in Triple-A and a 98% mark so far in his MLB career. He will chase outside of the zone, but almost always at pitches he can hit. That's been a bit harder for him in the big leagues, but this is not a guy who hits the ball overly hard, so you don't need to worry about his power production. He hit .352 in 42 games at Triple-A and is 15-for-34 to begin his MLB career. He also stole 27 bases last year in the minors and had 15 in 75 minor league games this year, so perhaps he can be a batting average and steals asset.

Kyle Karros - 3B, COL (28% rostered)

(STARTING JOB, HOT STREAK)

We covered Karros a couple of weeks ago during "Rockies Week," but he probably deserves more love. Since June 1st, he's hitting .333/.433/.618 with five home runs, 24 runs scored, and 16 RBI. That has come with an 11% barrel rate and 50% hard-hit rate, so even though some of the power production could be aided by a lot of recent home games, Karros is making tons of hard contact. We also know that is approach at the plate is tremendous, so if there is going to be hard contact on top of that, he could be an interesting fantasy player. We know you've forgotten about Curtis Mead - 1B/2B/3B, WAS (22% rostered), but he remains a solid player. Even in his last 15 games, he's hitting .279/.333/.557 with four home runs, seven runs scored, eight RBI, and two steals. He plays pretty much every day for the Nationals and hits third in the lineup. We're not sure why he was dropped in so many leagues.

Nasim Nunez - 2B/SS, WAS (25% rostered)

(STOLEN BASE UPSIDE, HOT STREAK)

There may not be a better speed pick-up on the wire in many leagues right now. Since June 1st, Nunez is 3rd in baseball with 11 steals. However, instead of that being empty speed, he's also hitting .356/.420/.456 with 15 runs and 12 RBI in 30 games. Yes, this is mainly a speed play, but if he can even keep a .270 average, that's going to be incredibly valuable to your fantasy teams.

Garrett Mitchell - OF, MIL (22% rostered)

(POWER/SPEED UPSIDE, STREAKY PLAYER ON HOT STREAK)

We featured Mitchell a bunch earlier in the season, and he's back to putting up really solid numbers. Over his last 20 games, he has a .328/.397/.574 slash line with three home runs, 11 runs scored, and nine RBI. That's with an 18.6% barrel rate and a 53.5% hard-hit rate. The tools have always been loud, but the plate approach has been the question. Over this stretch, he has a 15.3% swinging strike rate, but his 29.7% chase rate and 82.2% zone contact rate are actually improvements from what we've seen before and are more in line with MLB averages. Perhaps he is improving his approach after all. Another streaky outfielder add could be Josh Lowe - OF, LAA (2% rostered), who has hit .316 with two home runs, 8 runs scored, 6 RBI, and 2 steals in 12 games since being back. That comes with a 48.3% hard-hit rate and 22.5% strikeout rate, but nearly 18% SwStr%, so, much like Mitchell, some contact and approach concerns may come back to bite him. However, as we've seen from Esmerlyn Valdez, who also has massive contact concerns, sometimes that approach can lead to a scorching hot few weeks.

Tommy Edman - 2B/3B/OF, LAD (21% rostered)

(BATTING AVERAGE UPSIDE, GREAT LINEUP)

As we mentioned last week, you're probably not getting much speed from Edman anymore due to his myriad lower-body injuries. He had just nine steals in 134 games in 2024 and 2025 combined, and now has two steals in just three attempts in 19 games this season since being activated from the injured list. However, he is also hitting .351/.431/.491 in those games with nine RBI because he hits in the Dodgers' lineup. That's going to be production that helps if you need average and counting stats. Cole Young - 2B, SEA (13% rostered) was a player we highlighted earlier in the season and remain fans of. Over the last 15 games, he's hitting .250/.304/.519 with four home runs, nine runs scored, and seven RBI. The batting average over this stretch is not what we're used to, but he is starting to drive the ball a little more and get to the pull side more often (54% pull rate over this stretch). Like with Ewing, it's nice to see a young player adjusting and finding an approach that works for him, and we like that Young is finding more pitches he can drive out of the yard.

Jake Mangum- OF, PIT (14% rostered)

(NEW SPOT IN LINEUP, SPEED UPSIDE)

Over his last 20 games, Mangum is hitting .329/.376/.430 with one home run, 13 runs scored, six RBI, and five steals. Those five steals are tied for 13th in all of baseball over that stretch. When you factor in the runs he's also producing at the top of the lineup with Konnor Griffin hurt, Mangum is becoming a far more interesting fantasy pick-up. A prospect people forgot about because he didn't set the world on fire is JustinCrawford - OF, PHI (6% rostered), who has hit .350/.381/.433 over his last 20 games with eight runs scored, seven RBI, and three steals. It remains more of a profile that will help you in on-base percentage leagues, but he will also put up a solid batting average and should push 23-25 steals on the season. That might be more for five-OF leagues, but he has a skill set that can help.

Trevor Larnach - OF, MIN (7% rostered)

(HOT STRETCH, DAILY MOVES PICK-UP)

Larnach is a good option if you're in a daily moves league or a mid-week lineup change league since he won't play against lefties. He was also in Eric's most recent article about hitters who should see a power boost in the summer. In that article, Eric mentioned that, since May 20th, Larnach is hitting .310/.378/.481 with four home runs. He does have just a 7.6% barrel rate and a 38% hard-hit rate. While he’s not knocking the cover off of the ball, he has a 26.2% Pull Air rate, so he is getting the ball in the air to the pull side far more often than league average, which means he's likely deserving of better than an 8.5% HR/FB rate. He has seemingly shortened his swing and changed his bat path, which is giving him a little more lift and getting him to be a bit less oppo-focused. He has only played over 112 games once in his career, so we're not banking on this being a rest-of-season add, but it's working right now.

Sunday update: Larnach has hit lead-off for the Twins against 23 straight right-handed pitchers and is 3-for-7 with two doubles and a walk so their in series against the Angels. He is highly productive in a platoon role.

Lars Nootbaar - OF, STL (4% rostered)

(SOLID BATTING AVERAGE, RUNS UPSIDE)

Nootbaar also appeared in Eric's article on potential power surge, but in a spot of the article Eric reserved for players who need to pull the ball more to get to power. Nootbaar had the second-lowest Pull Air% of anybody on this list at 11.6%, but his blast per contact rate is an elite 19.8%, and he has a 10.1% barrel rate. Blasts are a Statcast metric that measures when a batter squares up a ball and does so at a high bat speed. According to Statcast research, blasts lead to a .563 batting average, 1.182 slugging percentage, and a +34 Run Value. Non-blasted batted balls average out to a .231 batting average, .295 slugging percentage, and -5 Run Value. So, pretty clearly, Blasts are usually balls that result in impactful contact, and it's worth noting that Nootbaar is making a ton of hard contact at high-end bat speeds. That could lead to some power boosts down the stretch. Tristan Peters - OF, CWS (7% rostered) is another low-rostered outfielder who has performed well this season. We admit that we were not (and potentially still are not) the biggest believers, but he is hitting .283/.333/.450 over his last 20 games with 13 runs scored and 10 RBI. He plays against all right-handed pitching and has just been a boring but solid piece for the White Sox.

Sunday update: Peters-mania hit a new high on Friday night when he hit for the cycle. His triple and home run came in the same inning as they poured it on against the Athletics and Peters was named to the All-Star team the following day. As a former Savannah Banana, his rise is one of the best stories in the league this season and should be given a more serious look while he's this red-hot.

Jacob Gonzalez - 1B/2B/SS, PIT (2% rostered)

(PLAYING TIME? POWER UPSIDE)

This was a turbulent week for Gonzalez. First, he was demoted back to Triple-A as Munetaka Murakami returned from the injured list to reclaim his spot at first base. Then, Gonzalez was traded to the Pirates on Friday night along with reliever Brandon Eisert for the 34th pick in Saturday's draft. Reports indicated that the Pirates went after Gonzalez to replace Konnor Griffin at shortstop in the short term. That was Gonzalez's primary position despite getting time at all four infield positions, but in two games since the trade Gonzalez hasn't started yet. Still, he did well to keep his head above water in his everyday stint with the White Sox and could provide some power in deeper leagues as a multi-eligible player. Keep an eye on how his playing time shakes out immediately after the break.

Michael Conforto - OF, CHC (1% rostered)

(STRONG SIDE PLATOON, POWER UPSIDE)

Conforto's playing time is ticking up a little bit since he starts against all righties, but he has just 42 plate appearances since June 19th, compared to 73 for Dansby Swanson, who plays every day and hits at the bottom of the lineup. That makes Conforto a better option for daily moves leagues, but he is hitting .308/.357/.641 in those 42 plate appearances with four home runs and nine RBI. We know that the ball flies out of Wrigley in the summer months, so this could be the time to scoop Confort. Another small sample size add could be Victor Bericoto - OF, SF (2% rostered) who has seen a decent chunk of playing time with Casey Schmitt sliding to third base while Matt Chapman is out. In 43 games at Triple-A this season, Bericoto hit .299/.355/.449 with six home runs, 32 runs scored, and 30 RBI. That came with a 50% hard-hit rate but also a 13% swinging strike rate. In his 59 MLB plate appearances, he has gone 17-for-58 (.293) with four home runs, nine RBI, one steal, and a 47% hard-hit rate. He has shown very little interest in taking a walk, but he has tremendous bat speed and has posted at least average zone contact rates in the minors, so it's a profile that can work.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pitchers

Peter Lambert - SP, HOU (45% rostered)

Lambert has a good matchup this weekend against the Rangers and then won't pitch next week, so it's tough to add him in shallower formats now, but we just wanted to shout out that he's been a very solid starting pitching option for most of the season. To be honest, when we were intrigued by his first two starts in Houston back near the beginning of the season, we thought it would fizzle out pretty quickly. However, he has proven that he can elevate his four-seamer and then attack low with changeups to lefties and sweepers to righties. It works.

Sunday update: Lambert tossed another gem on Saturday, holding the Rangers to on run over six innings with seven strikeouts. He'll head into the All-Star break with a 3.14 ERA across 86 innings and has an arsenal that should keep him effective.

Cade Cavalli - SP, WAS (34% rostered)

Too much is being made about Cavalli's velocity "drop" in his last start. He was only down about 0.6 mph from his season average. It's just that his start before against the Red Sox had a 1.5 mph velocity spike, so the drop seemed larger. But he made a start on short notice and on short rest in the heat, so he could start before his suspension kicked in. We would ignore that performance. Eric recorded a video on him last week with more details about what we like.

Reynaldo López - SP/RP, ATL (32% rostered)

López has back-to-back starts where he's gone five innings, and he even threw over 80 pitches the last time out. No, we don't think he's going to replicate what he did for Atlanta when he was healthy in 2024, but he's a solid starting pitcher on a good team, and that's better than you can say for a lot of potential streamers out there on the waiver wire.

Sunday update: López took the loss against the Cardinals on Saturday and allowed four runs in five innings. His stuff looked good though and his fastball-slider combo should keep him effective. He also slightly increased his pitch count again, up from 80 to 85.

Yoendrys Gómez - RP, MIN (28% rostered)

We've had Gómez here a few times, and we know he only has five saves since June 12th, which doesn't feel like a lot, but it's actually tied for 12th in baseball with Raisel Iglesias, Riley O'Brien, and Mason Miller. On, and Gómez has a 2.61 ERA over that stretch. Yes, he doesn't strike people out, but he also doesn't walk guys, and so we'd rather a profile like Gómez's than somebody like Alex Lange, who has four saves over the same stretch but far bigger command issues.

Sunday update: make that six saves! Because Gómez notched the save for the Twins' on Saturday against the Angels.

Jared Jones - SP, PIT (27% rostered)

Last week we said we still believe in Jared Jones, and so that feels pretty good after his start on Wednesday. Before that start, we mentioned that his Location+ was actually above-average despite coming off Tommy John surgery, and his 14.5% K-BB% and 16% swinging strike rate showed that he is missing bats. We saw the good version of what that can lead to on Wednesday, andEric recorded a video with some more detailed thoughts on the performance and the fantasy implications of it.

Brandon Sproat - SP, MIL (22% rostered)

Sproat was featured in Eric’s article last week on starting pitchers to buy or sell as one of the better buy targets. Jake Bennett and Ian Seymour were also some options in that article who are no longer in the streaming category. After five straight games where Sproat hadn’t issued more than two walks, he had a rough command outing over the weekend in Arizona. Still, overall, Sproat is doing a better job of commanding his fastball up in the zone and his secondaries at the bottom for whiffs. His matchup this weekend against Pittsburgh is not ideal (they're a top 3 offense against RHP), but we think Sproat is worth a roster spot for his upside.

Sunday update: Sproat took a step backwards with a poor start on Saturday against the Pirates. It took him 83 pitches to only record nine outs and while he didn't give up much hard contact, his command was a bit of a mess and he struggled to put hitters away. We still like him as a second half breakout.

Grant Taylor - RP/SP, CWS (21% rostered)

It seems that Seranthony Dominguez's struggles have finally cost him the closer's role. Lately, the White Sox have been using a two-man committee of Taylor and Sean Newcomb. Newcomb has been used to face mainly left-handers or has been the leftover reliever when Taylor is used in high-leverage spots in the seventh or eighth inning, so Newcomb has more saves than Taylor of late, but Taylor is the arm we want. He has electric stuff and is finally getting the chance to pitch in more traditional save spots, so we'd add him now before a hot stretch comes.

Sunday update: Taylor was used in his fireman role on Saturday, entering the game with a runner on third base and one out in the eighth. He struck out Shea Langeliers, got out of that jam, and then stuck around for the ninth inning to complete the save. That's now three save opportunities in his last four appearances.

Robert Gasser - SP, MIL (20% rostered)

Despite being eviscerated for seven runs by the Pirates on Sunday, we like Gasser moving forward. He's been up and down for the Brewers over the last few weeks despite pitching well every time his number is called. On a mostly regular schedule since the beginning of June, Gasser had a 3.60 ERA, 23.2% strikeout rate, and 5.6% walk rate before Sunday's blowup. Now, he should maintain a rotation spot for the foreseeable future with elbow soreness landing Kyle Harrison on the injured list. He doesn't have over-powering stuff with a 92 mph fastball, but often locates it well and its shape helps it miss bats at the top of the zone. His sweeper is plus and is his primary pitch while he also leans on a sinker and cutter. It's a very Brewers profile and he should find success in the second half.

Tyler Wells - RP, BAL (17% rostered)

Ryan Helsley is out with another elbow injury and is going to get a second opinion, which is never something you want to hear. After that injury, Tyler Wells picked up the first two save chances, and he has pitched well as a reliever this season. He doesn't have a ton of strikeout upside, but as a former starter, he has a deep arsenal of pitches and his velocity has ticked up a bit in the bullpen. Andrew Kittredge also got a save on Thursday, and Felix Bautista should be back in late August, plus the Orioles are in last place in the AL East, so we wouldn't go crazy trying to figure out this bullpen.

Caleb Kilian - RP, SF (14% rostered)

Kilian is now the clear closer for the Giants and has the only saves on the team over the last three weeks. Of course, he also has a 9.53 ERA in 5 2/3 innings over that stretch, so that's not ideal. He doesn't miss a ton of bats, but he's probably the best reliever in this bullpen, so if you wanted to gamble, we guess he'd be the guy. . Clayton Beeter - RP, WAS (11% rostered) would be another low-rostered closer option. He has similar walk rate concerns to Kilian and an equally fine but not great 11.7% swinging strike rate. However, he pitches for a better team than Kilian and has allowed fewer hits on average this season. He still makes us nervous, but we can see taking the gamble.

Sunday update: Kilian had an ugly blown save on Friday night allowing three runs and not recording an out. Then, JT Brubaker nabbed the save for the Giants on Saturday. So, these roles may still be a bit turbulent.

AJ Smith-Shawver - SP, ATL (13% rostered)

If you're looking for a starting pitcher injury stash, it might be time to add Smith-Shawver. He is moving his rehab up to Triple-A this weekend and might be back in Atlanta in two weeks. The 23-year-old is an intriguing young arm, but he had a 3.86 ERA in 44.1 innings for the Braves last year with a 22% strikeout rate, so this isn't a high-end pitching prospect that you need to stash. Could he be a valuable arm for a good team? Yes, he could, but you don't need to drop a pitcher who is helping your team right now just to get Smith-Shawver on your squad.

Noah Schultz - SP, CWS (11% rostered)

We didn't love the Boston start because they're a much better offense against left-handed pitching, and some home runs really hurt Schultz in that one. Yes, he has had some issues with command throughout the season that make him hard to trust. But he has three fastball variations and a sweeper that should miss bats. It sometimes takes a while for pitchers to figure out how to get major league hitters out, but we think Schultz should have a better second half.

Jacob Webb - RP, CHC (8% rostered)

Cubs' closer Daniel Palencia is out with another arm injury, and the Cubs are trying to piece together something at the back end of their bullpen. While they will probably make a trade, both Webb and Trent Thornton - RP, CHC (1% rostered) have two saves over the last three weeks. Ryan Rolison has the other one, but also a 6.35 ERA in his last eight appearances. We think Webb is the better bet than Thornton, and he has more strikeout upside, but neither is a slam dunk. We'd see adding both of them if you were chasing saves, but don't expect some Bryan Baker type of breakout.

Sunday update: Thornton secured a one-out save for the Cubs on Saturday after Webb pitched a clean eighth inning against the heart of the Reds' order and Rolison ran into trouble in the ninth. Thornton and Webb seem like the players to roster here.

Zach Thornton - SP, NYM (6% rostered)

Thornton is back in the Mets' rotation and is through six scoreless innings on Sunday as of publishing this piece. He profiles as a crafty lefty without overpowering stuff, but has a really nice cutter that he leans on. Known as a bit of a command artisan, he can command that pitch beautifully on the edges of the plate and avoid hard contact. Putting hitters away will be another challenge, but he has a modicum of value as a back-end starter with a solid home park.

Patrick Sandoval - SP, BOS (5% rostered)

Sandoval made his first start in two years on Thursday and was far better than we expected. He sat 94.3 mph on his four-seam fastball and had an 88% strike rate on it. He then worked the slider and sinker off of it to lefties and the change and curve off of it to righties. The curve was a bit of a mess, but the changeup had a 22% swinging strike rate, and that has always been his bread and butter. If he can locate 94.5 mph well with a plus changeup, he'll be a solid streamer, but this is just a deep league add right now. He doesn't have any minor league options though, so he's up to stay, whether that's in Boston's rotation, their bullpen, or on another team.

Janson Junk - SP, MIA (4% rostered)

Junk came off the IL on Thursday and allowed one run on three hits in five innings against the Mariners. He somehow had five strikeouts with just five whiffs, but his four-seam fastball was 94 mph with 19.1 inches of iVB. Somehow he got zero whiffs on it because the locations weren't great, but we dug the raw stuff in this one. He's got a true six-pitch mix, and if that fastball is going to keep that kind of vert, he's going to be a solid streaming option going forward.

ALL-STAR WEEK RELIEVER ADDS

If you're playing in NFBC or other weekly waiver wire redraft leagues, you know that this upcoming week is only three games due to the All-Star break. That means many of the starting pitchers you might normally stream are not going to pitch at all. You can choose to hold them on your roster, or you can drop them and stream a middle reliever or a multi-inning reliever to get a steal a win or get a few innings of solid production. Some of the ones we'd target, who aren't listed above, are:

Keider Montero - SP/RP, DET (15% rostered)
Ryan Zeferjahn - RP, LAA (2% rostered)
Dylan Dodd - RP, ATL (0% rostered)
Brent Headrick - RP, NYY (3% rostered)
Garrett Whitlock - RP, BOS (20% rostered)
Andrew Morris - SP/RP, MIN (5% rostered)
Steven Okert - RP, HOU (4% rostered)

The prediction that Scottie Scheffler made about Tom Kim back in May now looks very interesting

Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

Scottie Scheffler is very close friends with Tom Kim away from the golf course.

Scheffler and Kim both live in the Dallas area and often play golf together during their off-weeks.

However, their careers have been on completely different trajectories over the past three years.

Before his win at the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday, Tom Kim‘s last victory came back in October 2023, while Scottie Scheffler has won 20 times since February 2022, including four major championships.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Kim has been in the golfing doldrums for far too long now, with 17 missed cuts to his name since the start of the 2024 season.

However, the 24-year-old’s problems seem to be well and truly in his rearview mirror now.

The prediction that Scottie Scheffler made about Tom Kim in May

Scheffler has always had complete faith in Kim’s ability to bounce back from his struggles.

When speaking to the media ahead of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson back in May, the current world number one responded when asked to share his opinion on Kim’s struggles at the time.

I think, when you look at golf, it’s such a difficult sport. I believe it’s the hardest game in the world. So there’s always ebbs and flows to how you feel, the world number one said.

Tom’s a young guy still. I think people forget, I think he’s 23 years old. When you look at where I was at 23 years old, I definitely wasn’t a multiple-time TOUR winner.

Tom is a guy that has a ton of talent, but I think life on the PGA TOUR can be challenging at times, especially when you start thinking about your results and your ranking starts to drop a little bit.

It’s just challenging. Whenever I see Tom, I try to give him my best. If he ever has a question for me, I always try to give him a good answer.

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

He’s a guy that I care a lot about and wish nothing but the best, but like I said, it’s a hard game, and you kind of just go through the ebbs and flows and the ups and downs.

I think a lot of times, when you look from the outside, outside looking in, it’s easy just to look at his scores, but a lot of people, we’re humans, we all have a lot going on.

Tom’s a guy that I think is living really well right now, even though his scores might not show it. Every time I see him, he seems to be in good spirits, which is great.

That’s been his strength from the beginning is his attitude and the way he approaches things. I’m sure he’ll be back competing for trophies very soon again.

What a fantastic prediction that was from Scheffler. Kim has certainly been competing for trophies recently and he finally got over the line in Scotland on Sunday, deservedly so.

Tom Kim is back to his best

The challenge now for Kim will be to maintain the fine form that he has shown over the past few weeks.

He clearly has the game needed to compete at the very highest level.

With his confidence now sky high once again, Tom Kim will have the belief that he can compete with the best golfers in the world consistently, Scottie Scheffler included.

It’s also worth remembering that Kim is still only 24.

Golfers learn more through adversity than they do success.

And who knows, his recent struggles may end up serving him really well for the remainder of his career.

Sinner holds off Zverev to defend Wimbledon title

Jannik Sinner celebrates victory over Alexander Zverev
Jannik Sinner is only the 10th man to retain the Wimbledon title since the Open era began in 1968 [Getty Images]

Jannik Sinner demonstrated once again why he is the world's best player after holding off Alexander Zverev to win back-to-back Wimbledon men's singles titles.

Italy's Sinner gradually took control of an extremely tight contest to win 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-4 at the All England Club.

German second seed Zverev played confidently and boldly as he looked to back up his maiden Grand Slam victory at the French Open last month.

But it was still not enough to beat Sinner in an intense, high-quality encounter that gripped a star-studded Centre Court.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Ben Stiller, watched on as Sinner worked his way through the match against a determined Zverev.

Sinner's relief was clear as he threw himself to the floor in celebration after securing victory in three hours and 46 minutes - the second longest win of his career.

Sinner - who has now won his past 10 matches against Zverev - is the 10th man to retain the Wimbledon men's trophy since the Open era began in 1968.

It is the fifth Grand Slam title of his career and his first of 2026.

Johnny Keefer, Michael Thorbjornsen, Victor Perez qualify for Open Championship

The Genesis Scottish Open was the final event in the Open Championship qualifying series, the last chance for three golfers to gain entry into the final major of 2026.

The field will be 156 on Thursday at Royal Birkdale, which is hosting the Open for an 11th time. The top three finishers at the Scottish Open who were not already exempt for the Open would earn spots, and they didn't even need to win to do so.

Johnny Keeferputts on the 18th green on Day 4 of the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club.

The three? Johnny Keefer, Michael Thorbjornsen and Victor Perez. Here's how they did it:

  • Keefer tied for third at 13 under (68-68-64-67)
  • Thorbjornsen tied for seventh at 12 under (66-68-65-69)
  • Perez tied for ninth at 11 under (69-64-70-66)

These will be the first British Open appearances for Keefer and Thorbjornsen.

Todd Kelly is an assistant managing editor at Golfweek.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Johnny Keefer, Michael Thorbjornsen, Victor Perez qualify for Open Championship

Diego Forlán will be Uruguay's new manager... for now

Diego Forlán will be Uruguay's new manager... for now
Diego Forlán will be Uruguay's new manager... for now

Diego Forlán is going to be Uruguay’s interim head coach... or not.

As confirmed by 'MARCA', Diego Forlán will manage Uruguay until the next international break in March.

Since there will be elections in the Uruguayan Federation at the end of the year, that is when it will be decided whether he stays on or not.

Initially, Forlán was set to coach Uruguay’s Under-20 side at the South American Championship next January, something he will still do, but now he will have to combine it with the senior national team until then.

The former Atlético Madrid man will replace Marcelo Bielsa.

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

PREVIEW | France vs Spain: team news, lineups, predictions (World Cup 14/07)

PREVIEW | France vs Spain: team news, lineups, predictions (World Cup 14/07)
PREVIEW | France vs Spain: team news, lineups, predictions (World Cup 14/07)

France and Spain clash this Tuesday at the AT&T Stadium for a match of the semi-finals of the World Cup.

In their last game, France won 2-0 against Morocco (World Cup 2026). In their last match, Spain prevailed 2-1 against Belgium (World Cup 2026).

The last meeting between the two teams ended with Spain winning 5-4.

Unavailable

França

Espanha

Last starting XIs

France ( vs Morocco 2026-07-09): Mike Maignan, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé

Spain ( vs Belgium 2026-07-10): Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Rodri , Dani Olmo, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena

Tottenham Hotspur Are Hoping To Land This Talented Playmaker: Good Option For De Zerbi?

Tottenham Hotspur Are Hoping To Land This Talented Playmaker: Good Option For De Zerbi?
Tottenham Hotspur Are Hoping To Land This Talented Playmaker: Good Option For De Zerbi?

In a recent report, Record revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to land Sporting CP attacker Francisco Trincao. It has been mentioned that Spurs are eyeing a move to secure the services of the Portuguese talent later this year.

Trincao’s Impressive Form In North London

Trincao enjoyed a good run of form at the Portuguese club as he put in a run of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 26-year-old found the back of the net 13 times and earned 18 assists in 54 matches for Sporting last season on all fronts.

The Portuguese sensation is among the best playmakers in Liga Portugal. Hence, Spurs would do well to get him on board this off-season.

His current contract at the Portuguese club will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for Tottenham to sign him on the cheap later this year.

Tottenham Hotspur

LEIRIA, PORTUGAL – JUNE 10: Francisco Trincao of Portugal during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa on June 10, 2026 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Is Trincao A Good Option For Tottenham Hotspur Boss Roberto De Zerbi?

Trincao is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with the ball in the final third. He has got the vision to engineer a few inviting chances in the final third.

The Portuguese sensation can shoot the ball with power from long range. Trincao can even chip in by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. The talented playmaker is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also serve as a winger on either flank if told to do so. However, it remains to be seen whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if Spurs manage to snap him up this summer.

We can expect Trincao to bring more firepower to Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi’s attack. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular starting spot at the North London club in the coming seasons.

At 26, Trincao has his best years ahead of him, which makes him a decent option for Spurs to pursue later this year. He will also help Tottenham challenge across all competitions over the next few years. However, De Zerbi has to give him some time to adjust to life in England before he can unlock the best out of him at the London club.

Incredible deal could win Liverpool's transfer window

Incredible deal could win Liverpool's transfer window
Incredible deal could win Liverpool's transfer window

Liverpool have a chance to grab their best deal of the transfer window. And for a bargain price.

Liverpool need to sign another forward player this summer. They were lacking in wide areas as it was and Mohamed Salah's exit only exacerbates that problem.

Victor Munoz will certainly help after his arrival from Osasuna but there's little doubt that Liverpool need more. Hugo Ekitike being out until new year, questions over Alexander Isak's fitness and Rio Ngumoha's relative lack of football all combine to create a messy situation.

On top of that, the Reds have to shop in what's a pretty terrible market on the right flank. They wanted Yan Diomande, of course, but his decision to pick Paris Saint-Germain has seemingly ended their chances.

Instead, Liverpool must now find someone in a market that doesn't offer many elite options. It feels like their best bet may be to grab a player who can simply be a tide-over for a year, or potentially become a star, rather than a sure-thing.

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We've offered an out-of-the-box suggestion before in Matias Soule. The Argentine has the numbers that suggest he could be on the brink of something special, while he's young enough to offer real potential.

Even better, Corriere Dello Sport claims AS Roma would sell Soule for around €35m. It's an incredible price in this market - around one third of what RB Leipzig wanted for Diomande.

The report mentions other Premier League clubs as interested in Soule, but not Liverpool. Hopefully, that changes as Soule could be exactly what the Reds need for next season.

A creative outlet who can play from the right or through the middle, while boasting star potential. €35m could honestly end up looking like a steal - and potentially the Reds' best deal of the entire transfer window.

After Manchester Utd failure, Ederson can sign Atalanta extension

After Manchester Utd failure, Ederson can sign Atalanta extension
After Manchester Utd failure, Ederson can sign Atalanta extension

Serie A side Atalanta seemed set to pocket a significant amount from Ederson’s sale to Manchester United. The deal fell through – possibly due to medical reasons and this has impacted La Dea’s market.

Newcastle United have been mentioned as a suitor but there is a chance the Brazilian can now stay at Atalanta.

L’Eco Di Bergamoreport that Atalanta’s plans have turned upside down. Since the deal to Manchester United took about a month, they see the failure as a serious blow.

Plans and objectives now change. First and foremost, with Ederson in the squad, they need one less midfielder. But with Ederson staying, some other big names can possible depart Bergamo this summer.

Now, discussions have been held with the midfielder’s entourage about a possible renewal. His current deal runs out in 2027 and La Dea now plan to keep him in the squad and inculcate him into the first-team, while also keeping him in the long-term.

There is a chance he only signs a one-year bridge renewal. It will protect his value, so that a sale in 2027 can go through.

Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN

Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco game discussion: Michael Lorenzen vs Trevor McDonald

Jul 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) throws during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

So at last it’s come to this: the final game of the first half for the Colorado Rockies before the All-Star Break. They’ll take on the San Francisco Giants with the goal of salvaging a series tie in the Bay Area.

At this time last year, the Rockies were 22-74. They were well on their way to over 100 losses and mired in what would be a historically bad and miserable season that would kick off a long-awaited rebuild. The Rockies’ lone All-Star was breakout catcher Hunter Goodman.

Now the Rockies enter their final game with a record of 39-58–still bad, but nowhere near the historic levels of last season. They’re scuttling along with multiple other teams in the league with bad records. Still bad, but just “regular” bad. “Competitive” bad. A foundation is being built and the offense has been greatly improved upon. The lone All-Star is Hunter Goodman, but we can confidently say there were some snubs.

Right-handed veteran Michael Lorenzen will be starting for the Rockies and looking to end the first half with another quality start. After struggling immensely for most of the season, Lorenzen has found his footing somewhat. In five of his last six starts he’s gone at least five innings, something he had done in just half of his first 14 starts of the year. During this stretch he’s given up more than two earned runs just once.

Lorenzen pitched a six inning quality start in a win against the Los Angeles Dodgers his last time out. He gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out five batters.

On the bump for the Giants is rookie righty Trevor McDonald. McDonald made four appearances across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, but this is the first year he has been called upon by the Giants to perform significant work. In 12 starts the 25-year-old has a 5.46 ERA and 50 strikeouts over 59.1 innings of work. In his last start, McDonald gave up eight runs on 11 hits to the Toronto Blue Jays without tallying a strikeout and lasting only 2.1 innings.

McDonald has faced the Rockies just once before, but had great success in that lone outing. He pitched a seven inning quality start while giving up three earned runs and striking out what is still a career high 10 batters.

This season McDonald has done well to avoid barrels and induce groundouts. His primary pitch is a sinker that averages 93.6 MPH, and he backs it up with a slider, a cutter, and a changeup.

First Pitch: 2:05 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)

Giants SB Nation Site:McCovey Chronicles

Lineups:

Last one before the break! pic.twitter.com/vfm9nGgLr1

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 12, 2026

Nickelodeon Day to finish the first half 🧽

⌚️: 1:05 p.m. PT
📍: @OracleParkSF
📺: @NBCSGiants
📻: @KNBR | KSFN#SFGiants | @CocaColapic.twitter.com/DMiCHayifI

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 12, 2026

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England hail incredible World Cup resilience as epic Argentina semifinal awaits

MIAMI — England have been nasty and horrible to play against at this 2026 World Cup and that is exactly what they needed to make the final step to win a major tournament.

After a grueling semifinal win against Norway on Saturday in the extreme heat and humidity of Miami, Thomas Tuchel lambasted his team for their poor performance.

But he praised their mentality when asked about it after the game by ITV Sport in the UK.

"This is pure mentality," Tuchel said. "How can you ask about mentality now? This is pure mentality, you can bottle it up and sell it. It’s the quality of our games. That’s it. It has nothing to do with mentality."

Essentially England, once again, found a way to drag themselves through just like they did against DR Congo and Mexico in the knockout rounds of this World Cup. The way they sang Wonderwall together with their fans at the final whistle, which has now become their team anthem, told you everything you need to know about this team and their country. England fans love this team. It represents them. No matter how they play, England's fans know this team will never give up.

¡SUENA "WONDERWALL: INGLATERRA A SEMIS

'The Three Lions' tuvieron que sudar frío, pero el boleto ya es suyo y la locura británica se desató por completo en Miami con el himno de Oasis retumbando a todo pulmón.

¿Tiene este equipo lo necesario para “regresar la… pic.twitter.com/iEMK2UM9BG

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 12, 2026

England full back Djed Spence came on and played a starring role off the bench against Norway to help drag England through to the final four. He charged 50 yards to close down the goalkeeper and almost forced a goal. He dribbled 30 yards and almost scored a beauty. He launched into tackles and headers and helped drag his teammates over the line just when their energy was running out.

His performance typified the togetherness and toughness in this England squad as they aim to go all the way and win a first World Cup since 1966.

Asked by Pro Soccer Talk about the resilience and unity England have, Spence did not hold back about how tight this team is.

"We've got great character, great team spirit. That is what we've been building over the last couple of months. We are a family, we are altogether and we will die for each other," Spence said.

Dan Burn, another squad player who has played a key role at vital moments for England at this World Cup as he celebrated a late headed clearance against Norway like a goal, summed up the spirit within this team.

"You can talk about brotherhood and character a lot but until you actually see it out on the pitch it's hard to believe in it. I think we've done that in the last two games, shown that we can see games out and getting through games when we're not playing very well. We are excited for the semifinal," Burn told Pro Soccer Talk.

England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also spoke about the resilience his side have shown to get this far in the tournament as the Three Lions are clearly wiling to do the dirty work and whatever it takes to get over the line.

“You’ve sometime got to get in the trenches and you’ve got to be resilient, and you’ve got to roll your sleeves up. That’s what we’ve got, we’ve got that togetherness, that team spirit and commitment. We pride ourselves on that. We will never say never," Pickford explained. "The manager wants us to improve moving forward and we want that ourselves. But when the going gets tough we are resilient and dig in as a team, make blocks, make headers, make saves and everyone is putting the effort in to get the result. Everyone can see that.”

Thomas Tuchel admitted he can’t turn off the coach in him when reflecting on England’s performance. ️#WorldCuppic.twitter.com/5DMtCUimHR

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 12, 2026

England will need all of the resiliency they've shown in the tournament so far, and then some, to get past Argentina in the semifinal.

At this tournament Argentina have been a similarly scrappy team who leave it all out there and have found a way to win, somehow, to reach the final four.

Add in the history of this fixture, the rivalry between the two countries and what's on the line in Atlanta on Wednesday and it's all about who is willing to do whatever it takes to reach the final.

England have not been at their best throughout this tournament but they're tougher than before.

That is the difference this time and why they have the belief they can go all the way.

They also know they can still improve and play much better. And that's not a bad spot to be in after reaching a World Cup semifinal.

"You’ve got to always want to improve. To get to another semifinal is great and we always want to keep improving," Pickford explained to Pro Soccer Talk. "That is the standard the manager sets and that is what we set as a team ourselves."

England are a total team and everyone is together and willing to do whatever it takes to reach a first final in 60 years. That is easy to say but England's players have proven they are actually doing it.

IndyCar driver Louis Foster reacts after wild NASCAR debut

Motorsport photo

Full-time IndyCar driver Louis Foster decided to try something very different during an off-weekend, taking on NASCAR for the first time.

The 22-year-old British driver was piloting the No. 76 Freedom Racing Enterprises Chevrolet in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Lime Rock Park.

Foster started 26th in his Truck debut, and drove all the way up to 12th before a pit road speeding violation. He then drove through the field again, nearly reaching the top ten when he had to make an unscheduled pit stop to clean grass from the radiator.

By the end of the chaotic race, he was as high as sixth and in perfect position to secure a top ten, only to get spun out with a couple of laps remaining. He crossed the finish line in 21st. Here's what Foster had to say after the race:

NASCAR BABYYY 🦅🇺🇸

Drove from P26 to P12. Got a pit speed violation. Then from P27 to P11. Got grass in my radiator & had to pit. Up from P25 to battling for P6 with 2 laps to go & got wrecked

I had SO much fun 😂

Super thankful to @DroplightHQ@SpencerBoyd & @FreedomRacing76pic.twitter.com/Ryb0gPtXSt

— Louis Foster (@_LouisFoster) July 12, 2026

Foster now heads back to IndyCar where the two-time Indy 500 starter drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. His next race is at Nashville Superspeedway on July 19, with the 2024 Indy NXT champion hoping to improve upon his career-best finish of seventh.

Read Also: Thomas Annunziata hospitalized after NASCAR Truck fire Grant Enfinger wins crash-filled NASCAR Truck race at Lime Rock Park

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Jack Kayil reiterates desire to play with Knicks during 2026-27 season

German guard Jack Kayil reiterated on Saturday that he wants to play with the New York Knicks during the 2026-27 season, rather than remain in Europe for another year.

Kayil was the 39th pick after averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 assists, three rebounds and one steal while shooting 37.7% from the field last season, helping Alba Berlin to the German League title. He was named the 2026 Bundesliga Best Young Player.

While the 20-year-old said after the draft that his plan was to play with the Knicks, Ian Begley of SNY reported on June 30 that the team planned for him to stay in Germany next season. Kayil said he still wants to join the Knicks, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Kayil said his dream is to play in NBA, for Knicks but said “we’ll see what happens” when asked if he knows if he’ll join New York this year or play overseas.

— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 12, 2026

Kayil was highly touted entering the draft this year because of his versatility and ability to play either guard position. He is a crafty scorer who can get into the paint and finish or pull up in the mid-range or beyond the arc, with a smooth step-back shot.

The 6-foot-3 Kayil debuted in the NBA Summer League on Saturday, recording 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 70-49 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He went 5-for-14 from the field in 21 minutes off the bench.

Kayil will have a few more opportunities to play with the Knicks during their stint in Las Vegas, which continues on Monday. From there, he and the team will need to finalize their plan for next year.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Jack Kayil reiterates desire to play with Knicks during 2026-27 season

Sinner fights back to down Zverev and retain Wimbledon title

Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates defeating Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates defeating Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa

Italian top seed Jannik Sinner retained his Wimbledon men's singles title after rallying from a set down to beat German second seed Alexander Zverev in a high-quality final on Sunday.

The 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, 6-4 victory is a fifth Grand Slam title for 24-year-old Sinner and first of the year after he also beat record men's major winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Sinner has now won 10 consecutive matches against Zverev, who started on the front foot but appeared to be troubled by a minor knee problem as the match wore on.

The German was buoyed by finally winning a Grand Slam title at the French Open last month, when the Italian was shocked by Juan Manuel Cerúndolo in the second round.

With Australian Open winner Carlos Alcaraz injured for both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Zverev took advantage by making both finals and will overtake the Spaniard as world number two on Monday.

But the 29-year-old's hopes of being the first person born in the 1990s to win the men's Wimbledon title was dashed.

Sinner will now head into the hard-court season ahead of the August 30-September 13 US Open in confident mood. There is no word yet whether great rival Alcaraz will be fit after his wrist injury.

Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates defeating Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa
Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates defeating Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa
Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates a point against Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa
Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates a point against Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa
German tennis player Alexander Zverev appears injured after slipping during his men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, against Italy's Jannik Sinner. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
German tennis player Alexander Zverev appears injured after slipping during his men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, against Italy's Jannik Sinner. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
German tennis player Alexander Zverev in action against Italy's Jannik Sinner during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
German tennis player Alexander Zverev in action against Italy's Jannik Sinner during their men's singles final match of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. John Walton/PA Wire/dpa

From the ride to the rubble - how McCullum lost England Test job

England head coach Brendon McCullum looks on
Brendon McCullum will stay on as England's white-ball coach despite his sacking as red-ball coach [Getty Images]

There was one moment when it fell apart - an implosion from which England never recovered.

Yes, there was the Ashes planning (or lack of it), Harry Brook's tangle with a nightclub bouncer and Noosa. A while back there was the tap on James Anderson's shoulder, and just recently there was Ben Stokes' ill-fated night out.

In terms of where it all went wrong, they pale in significance next to the shambolic Saturday afternoon in Perth.

And it was right there, in the palm of England's hand. One calm session would, in all likelihood, have been enough to win the first Test against Australia.

Who knows what might have happened after that?

England did not do calm sessions under Brendon McCullum - run towards the danger and all that. Nine wickets for 99 runs might be the most consequential batting collapse in English cricketing history, with aftershocks still being felt seven months later.

All leading to this: another stunning Sunday. English cricket used to save its best for Sundays - Anya Shrubsole in 2017, Stokes twice in 2019. Now, on two Sundays two weeks apart, Stokes has walked and McCullum has been pushed.

It leaves the England Test team back where they were four years ago: without a captain and without a coach.

"Time for us all to buckle up and get ready for the ride," said director of cricket Rob Key when McCullum was appointed. At the beginning, what a ride it was.

Bucket hats, nighthawks and all the golf. Some of England's most incredible wins, achieved in breathtaking style. New Zealand at Trent Bridge, India at Edgbaston, Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

For a while, England were more than a cricket team. They were a feeling, a movement and a phenomenon. They flickered occasionally over McCullum's next three years in charge, but nothing like that heady first year.

As to why the ride careered off the rails, McCullum gave us a clue on his very first day in the job.

"I don't coach technically," said McCullum at Lord's in May 2022. "I understand the techniques, but for me it's more around man-management and trying to provide the right environment for the team to go out and be the best versions of themselves."

McCullum inherited an experienced group, players who had been flattened by a run of one win in 17 and stifled by Covid restrictions: Stokes, Anderson, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood.

The New Zealander liberated them, providing a freedom they knew how to use.

When the time came to build a new England team – given the age profile, this was always likely on McCullum's watch – his style was not suited to moulding a new generation.

Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir – even Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. Their Test careers under McCullum started strongly. When they needed more, he could not provide it.

McCullum admitted to over-estimating the younger players' preparedness for the hostility faced on and off the field during an Ashes tour. The outcome was a 4-1 loss so damaging that England cannot rid themselves of the stench.

At the end of that series, McCullum spoke in Sydney like a man who knew his time was up.

"I'm open to evolution and some nipping and tucking, but without being ultimately able to steer the ship maybe there is someone better," he said.

He survived, along with Stokes and Key, albeit now with Bazball-lite: a curfew, restrictions on booze, a team chef and a beefed-up backroom staff. For a man who made no apologies for an "informal" environment, it did not feel very McCullum.

He can point to the Stokes nightclub controversy and the captain's retirement as mitigation for the series defeat by New Zealand, yet McCullum cannot argue with a record of two wins in nine, or 19 defeats in 38.

The mess could have been avoided had decisive action been taken after the Ashes. Richard Gould, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and Richard Thompson, the chair, opted against a change that felt inevitable.

By not removing McCullum then, they have wasted four months and the three Tests against New Zealand. There are now only 10 matches before Australia defend the urn in the UK next summer. Key is fortunate to still be in post, with the opportunity to appoint the next head coach.

The first phone call should be to Andy Flower, the man who masterminded England's last series win in Australia and took them to the top of the world rankings.

Once a fearsome presence in the England dressing room, he is now the most successful coach in the franchise world and has adapted his methods to accommodate the attitude of modern players.

Could England lure him back, perhaps with the flexibility for Flower to still work in the Indian Premier League and in The Hundred? Gould said there is a need for a "progressive" approach.

If not Flower, Jonathan Trott - the former England batter who played under Flower - would be interested. Glamorgan coach Richard Dawson is highly rated. Would Australians Justin Langer or Darren Lehmann cross the Ashes divide? Andrew Flintoff, the Lions head coach, is not thought to be under consideration.

The new Test coach will have to work alongside McCullum, who remains as white-ball coach.

Splitting the coaching roles has rarely worked for England – one team usually ends up taking priority – but the schedule is so demanding that doubling the responsibility becomes too difficult for one man.

The new set-up will have to work together to ensure players' time is managed, and that neither team gets the rough end of selection. The incoming Test coach will have to be comfortable working alongside a personality as big as McCullum.

Once the coach is in place, a captain can be appointed. Gould suggested that keeping a split captaincy model is a direction of travel, so where does that leave Brook?

He would be the most likely candidate to replace Stokes at Test captain, yet has forged a strong working relationship with McCullum leading the white-ball teams. Could it be that Brook and McCullum stay as a pair, and the new Test coach opts for a different skipper?

Flower has history with Root, for example. Might he skip a generation and go to Jacob Bethell, a man who he worked with at Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

And what about Stokes, who was so adamant there will be no going back on his retirement?

There are those who believe a change in management would have revitalised the all-rounder for a last crack at the Aussies next year. Does that remain out of the question?

Plenty for the new Test coach - and English cricket - to ponder.

The destruction that began in Perth in November has ended in a pile of rubble in July. Someone has a huge rebuilding job ahead of them.

📋 Cruzeiro and Grêmio named for friendly in Brasília

📋 Cruzeiro and Grêmio named for friendly in Brasília

Cruzeiro and Grêmio have announced their lineups for this Sunday’s (12) friendly.

The ball will start rolling at 5 p.m. (Brasília time) at Mané Garrincha.

Metrópoles Esportes and GrêmioTV will broadcast it live on YouTube.


Cruzeiro 🦊

This will be their second friendly after the one against Defensor (a 2-0 win).

Gabriel Pec could make his debut for Raposa.

Meanwhile, Arroyo is still recovering from an injury to his right thigh.

The return to official matches will be on the 22nd against Internacional.


Grêmio 🇪🇪

Tricolor will play their third friendly after beating Cascavel (a 2-1 win) and losing to Chapecoense by the same score.

Luís Castro is still without Weverton and Balbuena — both were given a few days off after the Cup.

Marlon is recovering from an ankle fracture, Tiaguinho was ruled out after a migraine episode, and Braithwaite has had only a few training sessions due to the flu.

The return to official matches will be on the 17th, when they face Mirassol.


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

Ellie Goulding Performs ‘Lights’ at World Cup Quarterfinal Game

Ellie Goulding set the celebratory tone for the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals with her performance of “Lights” at the for the match between her native country England and Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on Saturday. 

The British singer first performed during the pregame festivities, delivering “Outside.” At halftime, Goulding reemerged on the stage constructed in the stands to sing her hit “Lights.”

On Friday, Goulding announced that she’d be performing the halftime, while also showing love for her home country in an Instagram post.

“Performing at the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal for England vs. Norway has me feeling like truly anything could happen. I already know the boys will make England proud, it’s coming home,” she wrote.

It’s safe to say the pop star’s performance and star power may have played a part in England’s win. They’ll next face Argentina on July 15 in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner of that match will advance to the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., where Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna, and Shakira take the halftime stage.

Last month, Goulding announced that her sixth studio album, I Know Too Much, will arrive on Sept. 4. I Know Too Much marks her first new album since 2023’s Higher Than Heaven, which debuted Number One on the U.K. Albums Chart.

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Jedd Fisch explains why Demond Williams Jr. entered transfer portal

Demond Williams Jr. nearly became one of the biggest storylines of the college football offseason.

The promising young Washington quarterback agreed to a new deal to stick around in Seattle in 2026, but after agreeing to it, he briefly entered the transfer portal. Allegations of tampering swirled, as did rumors connecting Williams to schools like LSU and Miami, which needed a transfer portal quarterback at the time.

Williams ultimately backed down as Washington and the Big Ten were poised to challenge the legality of him exiting his deal, and he returned to the Huskies. As we approach the season, it seems both parties are putting the saga behind them.

During a recent appearance on the Triple Option Podcast, coach Jedd Fisch explained exactly what went down with Williams' brief flirtation with the transfer portal.

"We all came back for our first team meeting, and then when the team meeting ended, he called me and said, 'Coach, I think I need to go into the portal,'" Fisch said. "And I was like, 'What are you talking about, man?' What happened was: a program told him that they'd pay him an extra $2 million if he goes in the portal. The kid's 19 years old and we're paying him a lot, but if you add another $2 million onto anything...he was forced to put something out there.

"We spent about 24-36 hours going back and forth and talking about, 'This is the right place for you, and you have a contract, and contracts mean something.' In the end, he came back two days later. We didn't change anything; we didn't give him any more money or anything like that, but what we did do is we talked about what a great opportunity it is to be a three-year player in the same program, and we have a chance to do something super special."

Fisch is alleging tampering on behalf of another program, though he doesn't name the program that allegedly offered Williams a $2 million raise to enter the portal. He went on to explain that Williams has been embraced by his team since his return and compared the situation to how personnel decisions are made in the NFL.

"What I told our team is this is like the NFL, every now and then, a guy says, 'Hey, I want a trade,' and then you say, 'I'm not going to trade you,' and they come back, and they love you," he said. "Sometimes you have to franchise (tag) a guy, sometimes you have to put a certain tender on a guy, and then you just keep it moving. Demond has come back and has led our team, he got the most amount of votes at the leadership council...I think he feels really good about his decision to return. He got caught up a little bit in some adults trying to give him some advice differently than what he should be following."

Williams showed promise in his first full season as the starter this fall, and there's reason for optimism in Seattle. While the circumstances of the offseason weren't exactly ideal, Fisch insists that the team has moved on.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Jedd Fisch explains why Demond Williams Jr. entered transfer portal

MacDonald returns as Devils close on full roster

Josh MacDonald in red Cardiff Devils kit
Josh MacDonald has been voted on to EIHL All-Star teams in his previous two seasons with Cardiff Devils [James Assinder]

Josh MacDonald will return for a third season with Cardiff Devils, after finishing second in the Elite League (EIHL) goal-scoring charts in 2025-26.

Confirmation that their top goalscorer will remain on Devils' roster leaves last year's Play-Offs champions with just two forward spots to fill for the new campaign starting in September.

The 32-year-old Canadian joined Devils after spending three years in Germany, and scored 31 goals and 58 points from 64 games in the past season.

"Josh returns to us after another highly productive year," said head coach Paul Thompson. "He played a big part in our championship win last season, and I'm looking forward to working with him again."

Cardiff have now confirmed 16 returning players, along with four newcomers.

The futures of seven of last season's squad are yet to be confirmed as the Devils - who will be celebrating their 40th season - look to make a bid for a first EIHL regular season title since 2018.

Four fresh faces

Finnish forward Panu Mieho was the final new recruit added to the Devils roster.

The 31-year-old has played the past two seasons with hometown club IFK Helsinki, where he started his career as a junior.

He also played in Finland with Ilves and in the Swedish league with Timra IK.

Cardiff have also brought in Canadian forward Thomas Caron, 25, from Finnish Liiga side HPK, recruited Jake Sacratini - son of club legend Vezio Sacratini - and added defenceman Nick Welsh from Manchester Storm.

Among players returning for another year at the Vindico Arena is Great Britain forward Ben Davies, who will be playing his 13th season with his hometown club.

In February, 31-year-old Davies became only the fifth player to reach 1,000 EIHL games.

Netminder Ben Bowns returns for an 11th campaign, as does Devils captain Joey Martin. Others to re-sign include stalwarts Mark Richardson and Evan Mosey, netminder Christian Stoever, forwards Nolan Yaremko and Kohen Olischefski, and defencemen Brandon Estes and Tyson Helgesen.

Bayley Harewood has been given his first full-time deal after playing the last five seasons on two-way contracts, mostly with Bristol Pitbulls.

Cardiff have also recruited Jeff Battah as the club's new goaltending and video coach.

The appointment was made on the recommendation of the man he replaces, Euan King, who has left to join the Ice Hockey UK Foundation.

The 46-year-old Canadian has a wide-ranging coaching background across professional, major junior, university and international hockey, and he most recently worked with Rapaces de Gap in France's Ligue Magnus.

Paul Thompson shouts on the Cardiff Devils bench during the Play-Offs semi-final
Cardiff Devils' play-off triumph saw Paul Thompson become the first coach to win Elite League trophies with three different clubs [James Assinder]

The Devils have five pre-season games scheduled starting in August, before the new campaign gets under way at home against Guildford Flames in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, 12 September.

The Devils travel to Coventry Blaze the following day, as they begin the season with six cup games - with matches also against Manchester Storm, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers.

Storm are Cardiff's first league opponents, at home on Saturday, 3 October, with Glasgow Clan visiting the Vindico Arena the next day.

The Welsh club's first meeting with last season's League winners, Belfast Giants, is at home on the following weekend.

The Devils face a double-header road trip to Northern Ireland on 27 and 28 February, and conclude the regular season with a home game against Panthers and a visit to Flames on 3 and 4 April.

Cardiff Devils 2026-27 - confirmed so far

Netminders

Ben Bowns (GB)

Christian Stoever (USA)

Defencemen

Brandon Estes (USA)

Gleason Fournier (Canada)

Tyson Helgesen (Canada)

Evan Mosey (GB)

Jimmy Oligny (Canada)

Mark Richardson (GB)

Nick Welsh (Canada)

Forwards

Ryan Barrow (Canada)

Thomas Caron (Canada)

Ben Davies (Great Britain)

Sam Duggan (GB)

Bayley Harewood (GB)

Josh MacDonald (Canada)

Joey Martin (Canada)

Panu Mieho (Finland)

Kohen Olischefski (Canada)

Jake Sacratini (GB)

Nolan Yaremko (Canada)

Cardiff Devils 2026-27 pre-season fixtures

Confirmed dates so far

Saturday, 15 August

Cardiff Devils v Odense Bulldogs (19:00 BST)

Sunday, 16 August

Cardiff Devils v Odense Bulldogs (17:00 BST)

Saturday, 22 August

Cardiff Devils v Angers (19:00 BST)

Saturday, 29 August

Cardiff Devils v Sheffield (19:00 BST)

Sunday, 6 September

Cardiff Devils v Nottingham (17:00 BST)

Cardiff Devils 2025-26 roster

Netminders

Ben Bowns (Great Britain)

Christian Stoever (USA)

Defencemen

Brandon Estes (USA)

Gleason Fournier (Canada)

Tyson Helgesen (Canada)

Steven MacLean (Canada)

Evan Mosey (USA)

Jimmy Oligny (Canada)

Mark Richardson (Great Britain)

Forwards

Ryan Barrow (Canada)

Riley Brandt (Canada)

Connor Caponi (USA)

Ben Davies (Great Britain)

Sam Duggan (Great Britain)

Brett Ferguson (Canada)

Bayley Harewood (Great Britain)

Kristoff Kontos (Canada)

Cedric Lacroix (Canada)

Josh MacDonald (Canada)

Joey Martin (Canada)

Kohen Olischefski (Canada)

Brett Perlini (Great Britain)

Cole Sanford (Canada)

Nolan Yaremko (Canada)

FIFA to examine 64-team World Cup for 2030. What could that mean for TV rights?

Spain players stretch during training
Credit: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

After the success of the first-ever 48-team World Cup this summer, FIFA will examine yet another expansion to its quadrennial tournament.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Swiss media outlet Bluewin that the potential for a 64-team tournament in 2030 “will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” according to a report in The Athletic. The 2030 World Cup is slated to be held across six nations and three continents, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay scheduled to host one match a piece at the start of the competition to commemorate the inaugural World Cup, hosted 100 years prior in Uruguay. The remainder of the planned 48-team tournament would take place in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

However, an expansion to 64 teams could chance that calculus, potentially allowing Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to each host an entire group for the tournament, rather than just a single match.

“Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup,” Infantino said. “You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high—and it’s getting higher and higher, all over the world.”

The FIFA president added: “If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving.”

It’s unclear whether the World Cup would permanently expand to 64 teams, or if FIFA would choose to expand the tournament just once to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup. A 64-team format would make for a neater group stage in which the top two finishers in 16 groups advance to the Round of 32. One criticism of this year’s 48-team format was that an entire group stage was played just to eliminate 16 teams, with the top eight third-place finishers advanced to the knockout rounds. A 64-team field would mark a return to how the World Cup group stage typically operated, just with more groups.

Assuming FIFA were to pick this format (16 groups of four teams with the top two finishers advancing from each), the World Cup would expand from 104 games under the 48-team field, to 128 games in a 64-team field. In other words, FIFA would be creating 24 games of additional inventory to sell to broadcast partners across the globe.

As most already know, FIFA will be going to market shortly after this World Cup ends with U.S. broadcast rights for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments. While FIFA have not yet formally approached media companies for bids, there are a laundry list of broadcast networks and streamers that will be interested in securing rights. Incumbents Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) will certainly look to retain rights, though Telemundo parent NBCUniversal reportedly isn’t interested if the price per tournament approaches $2 billion. Netflix, YouTube, Apple, and Disney have all also been listed as interested suitors. FIFA, for its part, could also choose to sell English-language and Spanish-language rights together, should a company put in a compelling enough offer.

The expanded format, however, could pave the way for FIFA to split World Cup rights among multiple partners. With robust interest from both streamers and linear networks, and the likelihood that television consumption will still be substantially fragmented between those two distribution methods come 2030, FIFA may be wise to split its inventory among multiple partners that together can offer a mixed approach.

Added inventory from a 64-team format helps that cause. Prospective partners could be more amenable to sharing a larger tournament, since even a 50-50 split would grant them rights to 64 games each. For reference, the old 32-team format featured just 64 games in its entirety.

Prior reports suggest that media companies are expecting FIFA to command between $1.5 billion and $2 billion for the 2030 tournament. That’s more than triple the price Fox is paying for this year’s World Cup ($485 million), though that price is not at all indicative of the true market rate this World Cup would’ve garnered in a competitive bidding process.

Whether that $1.5 billion to $2 billion range is what media companies are genuinely expecting, or it’s simply a range FIFA would like to get out there in public, one thing is certain: adding 16 more teams and 24 more games to the tournament will definitely sweeten the pot for prospective media partners.

How likely it is that FIFA shift to 64 teams in 2030 is another question entirely. Two confederations, CONCACAF and UEFA, have already laid out full qualifying schedules for the next World Cup cycle, and those schedules are predicated on a 48-team field. 2030 World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF begins in September 2027, meaning any expansion decisions by FIFA would likely need to be made in relatively short order.

Of course, FIFA will need to know exactly what it’s selling anyway before approaching potential broadcast partners to submit bids. And if reports of FIFA’s plans to strike while the iron is hot after a successful 2026 World Cup are true, it’ll want to make a decision on 64 vs. 48 before long.

The post FIFA to examine 64-team World Cup for 2030. What could that mean for TV rights? appeared first on Awful Announcing.

OKC Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell Breaks Discusses Sam Presti’s Offseason Moves

In the modern NBA, roster turnover is inevitable, and that’s exactly what the Oklahoma City Thunder experienced during the 2026 offseason. For the Thunder and general manager Sam Presti, the focus remains on avoiding the dreaded second apron while continuing to build a sustainable championship contender.

As a result, Oklahoma City was forced to make some difficult but necessary decisions, including trading away Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. While those moves were part of the business side of the NBA, the Thunder are moving forward without two players they took great pride in developing through their system.

Clemente Almanza of the OKC Thunder Wire recently interviewed Ajay Mitchell, who shared his firsthand reaction to seeing his teammates traded and reflected on the impact Wiggins and Joe had on the team.

"It's great. Sam Presti is the best at what he does. I was glad to see who we picked up. Obviously, sad to see my two guys go — Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins," Mitchell said. "Just excited to see how this year is going to be."

For Mitchell, losing teammates like Wiggins and Joe is a reminder of just how quickly the NBA can change, even for a team that has built such a strong culture and identity. Both players played important roles in Oklahoma City’s rise, proving that the Thunder’s development system can turn overlooked talents into valuable contributors.

Wiggins became one of the organization’s biggest success stories after growing into a reliable two-way player, while Joe provided the team with consistent shooting and spacing off the bench. Their departures represent the difficult side of maintaining a championship-level roster in today’s NBA, where financial flexibility and long-term planning often impact personnel decisions.

Despite the disappointment of seeing teammates leave, Mitchell understands the bigger picture and knows these decisions are part of building a sustainable winner. The Thunder have remained committed to making moves that keep them competitive for years to come, even when those choices are not easy.

As Oklahoma City prepares for the next chapter, players like Mitchell will be counted on to help maintain the culture that Presti and the organization have worked so hard to establish. While Wiggins and Joe may no longer be in Thunder uniforms, their impact on the franchise’s growth will not be forgotten.

Now, with a new season ahead, Oklahoma City will look to prove that difficult offseason decisions can ultimately lead to continued success and another opportunity to compete for championships.

Former Canucks Winger Taking On Elevated Role With Old WHL Team

Once upon a time, Sven Baertschi was thought of as a staple in the Vancouver Canucks’ top-six. After retiring from playing hockey after the 2022–23 season, however, the forward made his way into the coaching space. 

Earlier this week, it was announced that Baertschi had been elevated from his role as an assistant coach with the Portland Winterhawks, now serving as their associate coach for the 2026–27 season. 

Baertschi has been with the Winterhawks as a coach since the 2024–25 season, with this being his first formal coaching gig. The familiarity with the WHL organization extends past this, however, as he played two seasons worth of junior hockey with Portland back in 2010–11 and 2011–12. After putting up an impressive 85 points in 66 games in his rookie season with the Winterhawks, Baertschi recorded 94 points in only 47 games, following that up with a 34-point post-season run. 

After four seasons as part of the Calgary Flames organization, having been drafted 13th-overall by the Flames in 2011, Baertschi was traded to the Canucks for a second-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. This pick turned into now-Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Rasmus Andersson. 

Jan 20, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi (47) skates against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi (47) skates against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The winger spent the better-half of seven seasons with the Canucks organization, scoring a career-high of 35 points in 2016–17, though injuries towards the back-half of his career ultimately ended with him and Vancouver parting ways. He spent one season with the Golden Knights organization before heading back to Switzerland and concluding his playing career. 

Players currently listed on the Winterhawks’ 2026–27 roster include defencemen Avery Laliberte and Stevie Grumley, as well as goaltender Ondrej Stebetak. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Ends in 69 Seconds After Knee Injury Against Max Holloway

Image Credit: ESPN MMA/YouTube.

Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC comeback ended almost as soon as it began.

TMZ reported that McGregor lost to Max Holloway by technical knockout after suffering a leg injury early in the UFC 329 main event in Las Vegas. The official UFC results listed Holloway’s win as a TKO due to knee injury at 1:09 of Round 1.

The fight was supposed to mark McGregor’s first UFC bout in more than five years. Instead, his return lasted only 69 seconds.

McGregor’s Comeback Ended in the Opening Minute

McGregor faced Holloway at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, July 11. The rematch carried major attention because their first UFC meeting came in 2013, when McGregor defeated Holloway by unanimous decision.

TMZ reported that McGregor appeared to struggle immediately after throwing a roundhouse kick, then fell again while trying to continue before grabbing his right leg in pain.

The Associated Press reported that McGregor landed awkwardly on his right knee after opening the fight with a flying left roundhouse kick. After trying to kick and strike Holloway two more times, it became clear he could not continue the scheduled five-round welterweight bout.

The stoppage came at 1:09 of the first round. UFC’s official result listed Holloway as the winner by TKO due to a knee injury.

Holloway Said He Wanted the Fight Stopped

Holloway said after the fight that he could tell McGregor was hurt. According to AP, Holloway said he repeatedly told referee Mike Beltran to stop the bout because McGregor’s demeanor had changed and he appeared unable to defend himself normally.

“When I saw him hurt, I said, ‘Call this, he’s hurt,’ ” Holloway said.

Holloway also wished McGregor a speedy recovery. 

McGregor Said the Injury “Came Out of Nowhere”

McGregor later wrote on social media that he had no injury going into the fight and said the knee issue “came out of nowhere.”

AP reported that UFC president Dana White said there were no visible signs of a preexisting injury at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in. White said he was assuming a blown ACL, but that should not be treated as a confirmed diagnosis unless McGregor or UFC releases a medical update.

TMZ noted that he fractured his left leg in his 2021 fight against Dustin Poirier, which kept him out of the Octagon for years.

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane to capture England record for most capped outfield player vs. Argentina

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates after the 2-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been living his best life ever since his move to the Bavarian capital. Not only has he led his club team to two Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal, and a Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, but he has also captained his country to the final of Euro 2024, and the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup.

In England’s most recent game, a 2-1 win over Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, Kane hit another milestone. According to @iMiaSanMia, of the time of writing, he is officially England’s most capped outfield player along with Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. Both have 120 caps for the Three Lions.

England’s all-time appearance maker is former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who has 125 caps. However, considering Kane is well in his prime, it seems like only a matter of time before he breaks that record has well.

Having reached the semifinals, Kane is guaranteed two more matches at this World Cup – the semifinal against Argentina, and a possible final or third place match depending on the former’s result. England play Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.


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Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 63

HARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys calls a play against the Carolina Panthers during the game on October 29, 2006 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Cowboys won 35-14. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is Day 63 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff. We are looking back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will leads us right up to the opening game of 2026. Our look back doesn’t depend on just one criteria for our rankings. We take into consideration things like how big the game was for the organization, how memorable the game was, games that had unusual events take place, games that are a part of NFL lore, Cowboys firsts, and games where the Cowboys just plain dominated. Variety is the spice of life and we have all different kind of Cowboys games to review. At the bottom, we’ll link each day of the countdown so you can go back and check out any you missed.

We welcome you to Day 63 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, when we revisit the night the Tony Romo era truly began. Romo had entered the previous week’s Monday night loss to the Giants in relief of Drew Bledsoe, but this was different. This was his first NFL start, on the road, in prime time, against a Panthers team that still had real defensive credibility. For a franchise that had spent years searching for stability after Troy Aikman, this game became one of the most important quarterback transition nights in modern Cowboys history.

Sunday, October 29, 2006 — 8:15 p.m. ET

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 35, Carolina Panthers 14

The start was rough. Carolina jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead, first on a one-yard DeShaun Foster touchdown run and then on a 24-yard touchdown run by Steve Smith. For a quarterback making his first start, that could have spiraled quickly. Instead, Romo settled down. He led Dallas back in the second quarter with a three-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten, then Mike Vanderjagt added a 38-yard field goal just before halftime to cut the Panthers’ lead to 14-10.  

The third quarter stayed scoreless, but Dallas was slowly taking control. Romo was not playing like a caretaker. He was moving in the pocket, spreading the ball around, and giving Bill Parcells’ offense a different energy than it had with Bledsoe. Early in the fourth quarter, Vanderjagt’s 24-yard field goal made it 14-13, and then the game turned completely. On the ensuing kickoff, Sam Hurd stripped Brad Hoover, recovered the fumble, and gave Dallas the ball at the Carolina 14. One play later, Julius Jones ran untouched for the go-ahead touchdown. Romo then hit Terrell Owens for the two-point conversion, and Dallas led 21-14.  

From there, the Cowboys buried the Panthers. Marion Barber scored on a three-yard touchdown run with 2:22 left, then added another 14-yard score less than a minute later after the Dallas defense created another short field. What had been a 14-10 Carolina lead entering the fourth quarter turned into a 35-14 Cowboys rout. Dallas scored 25 points in the final quarter, which was a team record at the time.  

Romo finished 24-of-36 for 270 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Owens was his top target, catching nine passes for 107 yards, while Witten added six catches and the first touchdown pass of Romo’s starting career.

This game belongs on the countdown because it marked the real start of one of the most important individual careers in Cowboys history. Romo was undrafted, had spent years developing behind the scenes, and was suddenly being asked to rescue a season under Parcells. One start did not answer every question, but it changed the feeling around the team immediately. The Cowboys had found their next quarterback who would set franchise records. He was surgical, improvisational, confident, and a quarterback who made the offense feel alive again.

#Cowboys vs #Panthers

2006
Week 8

THE TONY ROMO ERA BEGINS

Tony Romo first start as Cowboys QB

Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 35, Carolina Panthers 14#DallasCowboys      #NFL
(📽️:@nfl) pic.twitter.com/allfgqdPoE

— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) July 11, 2026

Interesting Facts About the Game

Romo’s first touchdown pass as a starter went to Jason Witten, which feels fitting given how central that connection would become in their time together over the years. 

Countdown To Kickoff by day:

10099989796959493929190898887868584838281807978777675747372, 71, 70, 69, 68, 67, 66, 65, 64

A look back at the Mets’ representatives in past Futures Games

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 09: Jenrry Mejia #58 of the New York Mets pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during their game on May 9, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The All-Star Futures Game is the newest of the All-Star week events*, as it is celebrating its 27th year** in 2026. Much like the All-Star Game itself, the moments in the games themselves are not nearly as important as the season/career that led to a selection to the team in the first place.

Since its inception, 40 Mets’ farmhands have been selected to play in the Futures Game, both in its original ‘USA vs the World’ format and the current American League/National League matchup. Let’s look at how those selections panned out for the Mets, in terms of the players developing into something special.

The footnotes

Jorge Toca (1999) and Grant Roberts (2000) each played for parts of a few seasons with the Mets, but never went anywhere and didn’t play for another big league club. You may remember backup catchers Kevin Plawecki (2014) and Tomás Nido (2017), both of whom were good, not great, backups for the Mets for a number of seasons. Royce Ring (2003) had some nice years pitching out of the Mets’ bullpen. Mike Vasil got claimed in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft by the Phillies. Jenry Mejia (2009) was done in by PED charges and suspended for life in 2016. Though he was eventually reinstated, his effectiveness was long-since sapped.

The trade chips

Alex Escobar ( 2000 and 2001) played 18 games for the Mets in 2001 before being part of the trade to Cleveland for Roberto Alomar ahead of the 2002 season. Jae Weong Seo (2001) was a decent starter for the Mets as they transitioned out of the Art Howe-era and was part of the trade that brought in Duaner Sánchez. Deolis Guerra (2007), Justin Huber (2002 and 2003) and Kevin Mulvey (2007) were part of the haul of prospects the Twins got for Johan Santana in 2008. Yusimero Petit (2004 and 2005) was part of the trade for Carlos Delgado ahead of the 2006 season. Matt Lindstrom (2006) was part of the Jason Vargas trade (the first, non-embarrassing, time Vargas was a Met)

Jefrey Marte (2011) went to the A’s for Opening Day hero Colin Cowgill, while Anthony Kay (2019) went to the Blue Jays as part of the Marcus Stroman deal. Dilson Herrera made the Futures Game as a Pirate in 2013 before being traded to the Mets along with Vic Black for John Buck and Marlon Byrd. Herrera then made the Futures Game as a Met in 2016 before being dealt to the Reds for two-time Met Jay Bruce. Both Amed Rosario (2016 and 2017) and Andrés Giménez (2018) had decent Mets careers going before being dealt to the Guardians for Francisco Lindor. Brandon Sproat (2024) was part of the swap for Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers, but don’t hold that against him.

The next big things that never were

Not all prospects work out, obviously, but some hurt more than others when their prospect status doesn’t accurately reflect their big league tenure for your club. Those names include Fernando Martinez (2007 and 2008), Lastings Milledge (2005), Rafael Montero (2013), Brett Baty (2021) and Mark Vientos (2022). While there still may be time for Baty and Vientos, only Montero thus far really took a step forward elsewhere after being a Futures Game selectee and having a disappointing Mets career.

The stars

Not all of these are necessarily superstars (though some are), but the Mets have had 11players in the 27 years of the Futures Game that could be unequivocally called successes as Mets: Pete Alonso (2018), Michael Conforto (2015), Jeurys Familia (2010), Wilmer Flores (2009 and 2012), Matt Harvey (2011), Brandon Nimmo (2013 and 2015), José Reyes (2022), Dominic Smith (2016), Noah Syndergaard (2013 and 2014), Zack Wheeler (2012) and David Wright (2004). Of all of those, only José Reyes has won the Larry Doby Award, aka the MVP of the Futures game (2002).

The unknowns

It is still too early to say how the careers of Francisco Alvarez (2021 and 2022), Jonah Tong (2025), Carson Benge (2025), and Ryan Clifford (2026) will be in the long run, but Alvarez and Benge are currently on the Mets’ MLB roster and doing well for themselves. Will Tong and Clifford join them in the next year or so? Let’s hope so.

* the draft is newer to All-Star Weekend, but is a much older event

** there was no Futures Game in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season

Hoffenheim confirm Fisnik Asllani transfer talks amid Barcelona rumors

Fisnik Asllani’s name has cropped up on several occasions this summer with regards a potential move to Barcelona and his club have now admitted talks are being held about his future.

Barcelona are making changes to their attack before the start of the 2026-27 season and the rumor mill has claimed in the last few days that Asllani could be an option if Ferran Torres move to PSG.

Asllani has made no secret of his admiration for Barcelona in the past, and it’s been reported he’s stalling on a move to Dortmund in the hope that the Catalans may come calling.

Hoffenheim’s sporting director Andreas Schicker now says that they are talking to other clubs about Asllani.

“We are in talks with both national and foreign clubs. It’s no secret that Fisnik Asllani has a release clause,” he said, per Sport.

Asllani’s release clause is reported to be around €30 million, making him an attractive option for many clubs.

Would you like to see him at Barcelona this summer? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

LG study highlights improved hit-rates with 480Hz OLED monitors

LG Display research uncovers a 38% accuracy improvement with 480Hz OLED displays In a blind test with 31 gamers, LG Display researched how high-refresh-rate (up to 480Hz) OLED monitors affected gamers’ experience. Based on their results, fast OLED monitors deliver both quantitative and qualitative improvements for gamers. In FPS games, player hit their targets more […]

The post LG study highlights improved hit-rates with 480Hz OLED monitors appeared first on OC3D.

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SanDisk has started sampling the tiny chip that will make 512TB SSDs possible in 2027, but don't expect them to cost under $300,000

  • SanDisk's BiCS10 chip reaches 29Gb per square millimetre in density
  • Bit density improved 59% compared to the previous BiCS8 generation
  • Interface speeds now hit 4.8Gb/s, a 33% increase

SanDisk has confirmed it is now sampling BiCS10, its 10th-generation 3D NAND flash chip, built jointly with longtime manufacturing partner Kioxia.

The 1Tb TLC chip packs 332 memory layers into a die that reaches an area bit density above 29Gb per square millimetre, which the company calls industry-leading.

That figure represents a 59% improvement in bit density compared to the previous BiCS8 generation currently in mass production.

A small chip built to scale into massive drives

BiCS10 uses Sandisk's CMOS directly bonded to an array architecture, paired with a new Toggle DDR6.0 interface that pushes data transfer speeds up to 4.8Gb/s.

This marks a 33% improvement over the prior generation's interface speed, according to SanDisk's own announcement of the sampling milestone.

Power efficiency also improved substantially, with input power consumption dropping 10% and output power consumption falling 34% relative to BiCS8.

SanDisk has already confirmed a broader roadmap built around this chip, targeting a 256TB SSD in 2026 and a 512TB drive in 2027.

The company has also teased an eventual 1PB data center drive, though it has not committed to a specific year for that product.

These capacity jumps depend on QLC memory adoption, with SanDisk shifting toward QLC for most capacity-focused products by 2028.

The technology behind these future drives comes from a new 332-layer 3D NAND generation developed through the SanDisk and Kioxia partnership.

The chip is built as a 1Tb TLC die, with capacity increases coming through layer stacking and improved lateral scaling rather than adding more bits per cell.

Instead of adding more bits into each memory cell, the companies are increasing density through additional layers, improved layouts, and new circuit designs.

The company reported that the new generation achieved a 4.8Gbps data transfer rate while reducing read energy consumption by 29% compared with previous designs.

These improvements are aimed at increasing capacity without sacrificing endurance and reliability as much as higher-bit-per-cell methods could create.

Current pricing shows why 512TB drives won't come cheap

Existing high-capacity enterprise drives offer the clearest signal of where 512TB pricing will eventually land.

Solidigm's 122.88TB D5-P5336 series currently retails between roughly $49,275 and $64,168, depending on configuration and packaging options chosen.

Scaling that per-terabyte cost toward a 512TB drive suggests a price comfortably beyond $300,000 once SanDisk's version reaches market in 2027.

Competition in this space remains intense, with Kioxia, Samsung, Solidigm, and Micron all racing toward similar capacity milestones on comparable timelines.

Samsung has separately confirmed plans for a 512TB PCIe 6.0 drive around 2027, following a 256TB Gen 5 launch expected in 2026.

NAND supply itself remains tight, with flash contract prices projected to rise 70 to 75% quarter over quarter heading into mid-2026.

That shortage, driven largely by enterprise demand tied to generative AI infrastructure, will likely keep pricing on these drives elevated well beyond initial launch.

SanDisk's BiCS10 sampling marks only the earliest technical step toward that 2027 target, with mass production and finished drives still several years from broad availability.

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The PlayStation physical games debacle is taking over everything Sony does — it’s the biggest tech PR disaster since Sonos’ app update, so will Sony learn the lessons that turned Sonos around?

Sony's social media team are having a rough week: anything they post is getting piled on by angry gamers who are outraged by Sony's plans to stop the production of game discs.

Many PlayStation owners are vowing to boycott the PlayStation Store, cancel their PlayStation Plus membership and never buy PlayStation products again.

It's a PR nightmare for sure, with pretty much any online PlayStation content becoming a place for gamers to protest, derailing any attempt to talk about anything else.

It reminds me of the response to Sonos' introduction of a new and hugely flawed app, which Sonos now admits was badly done.

Sonos' PR nightmare lasted for around 18 months, there is now optimism and rebuilt trust around the new changes it's bringing to improve the app. Could Sony learn from Sonos' experience and its attempts to rebuild customer trust?

I think the answer is: yes it could, but no it won't.

What Sonos got right and Sony probably won't

Speaking to TechRadar earlier this year, Sonos CEO Tom Conrad set out his views on how to try and make angry customers happy again. "You just have to show up in people's life with some humility and do the hard work of earning their trust back through great execution, great product, great software, great experiences, and never forget what you put people through."

Sonos CEO Tom Conrad's headshot on the left, a close-up of the Sonos logo on a Sonos Play speaker on the right

Sonos CEO Tom Conrad admits Sonos got it wrong and has been working hard to regain customers' trust through direct communication and carefully targeting what's being worked on (Image credit: Sonos / Future Publishing Ltd)

So far, Sony isn't doing that: rather than respond to gamers' concerns, it's battening down the hatches and staying silent about its move to digital-only. And that's a shame, because there are genuine reasons for gamers to worry about Sony's decision.

There are three key concerns about digital-only. The first, and I think the most important, is cost. The PlayStation Store is ludicrously expensive: for example Spider-Man 2, a three-year-old game, is £69.99 digital today in the UK, where I'm based. Competition between retailers means it's around £37 on disc.

The second is second-hand gaming. I buy many games second-hand, and many gamers like to sell their games after they've completed them or got annoyed by them, so that they can spend what they recoup on more new games (a win for the industry overall). So I can buy Returnal for about £20 on eBay. I can't buy the digital edition second-hand, so if I want the digital version it's… you guessed it, £69.99.

To be fair, you can get both games, and others, on PlayStation Plus Extra. But not everyone wants or can sustain yet another subscription, and we know that all subscription services go up in price — often dramatically so, as we saw with Xbox Game Pass last year.

And the third is ownership. Sony's disc announcement came just days after it deleted customers' purchased copies of over 500 movies, making it clear that purchasing doesn't mean owning forever. And those movies cost a lot less than £69.99.

Sony may have to eat humble pie for a while in order to mimic Sonos here, seeking out customer views to talk about those concerns, and maybe thinking about how to address them — so for example it could tell us that digital codes would still be sold through multiple retailers, like Nintendo does with its key cards, or that we'd be able to resell our digital-only games (even if it hasn't developed the mechanism for this yet).

However, the reality is that for a firm the size of Sony, even a significant customer backlash such as 246,586 signatures on a petition represents a microscopic proportion of its 125 million PlayStation Plus subscribers, let alone the many more PlayStation owners — and it can afford to ignore them.

That's something of a gamble. Just ask Microsoft, whose Game Pass price hike scared off far more customers than expected — according to reports, it lost 4 million out of 34 million Game Pass subscribers when it was expecting huge growth instead, forcing a partial reversal.

But Sony's gaming business is far bigger, and that means it can still upset a lot of customers without feeling much pain.

I suspect Sony is going to take a different lesson from the Sonos situation: even at the height of customer anger, Sonos still sold lots of speakers, soundbars and subs.

Then again, maybe Sony is more rattled than it's currently letting on. Two days after the digital-only announcement, with customers raging online, Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki sold more than half of his Sony stock and Sony's chief strategy officer unloaded a bunch of Sony shares too.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel clarifies post-Norway comments after Jude Bellingham’s bold response

12 July 2026 at 22:26
Despite the victory over Norway, Thomas Tuchel decided to be self-critical of his team's performances. In response, Jude Bellingham reacted emphatically, sparking controversy. As a result, the head coach decided to clarify his statements while maintaining his stance.

While they arrived as a top contenders, England struggled to defeat Norway, needing extra time to secure the victory. Acknowledging the problems his team has been dealing with, Thomas Tuchel was highly self-critical. Jude Bellingham responded emphatically, making his frustration clear. As a result, the head coach later clarified his statements, maintaining his perspective while trying to soften his tone.

Despite their victory over Norway, Thomas Tuchel revealed that he was not happy with his team performances, denoting that there are aspects to work on. “The result is fantastic, being in the last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance… we made life very, very difficult with the way we played, sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough,” he said in the post-game interview.

Unlike Tuchel, Bellingham made it clear that he was proud of England’s overall performance. When asked about Tuchel’s criticism, he replied: “Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sørloth. That’s not an easy team to play against, he said in the post-game interview.

In an effort to avoid controversy and tension in the locker room, head coach Thomas Tuchel decided to clarify his comments. “I am impressed with the shift that they put in, the effort, the belief…but I am also soccer coach. I think that we can play better. In general, I think it was not a high- level game. I think that we had better games… I am not saying that we are lucky to win, but we are lucky in decisive moments,” he said in today’s press conference.

Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.
Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.

Tuchel’s approach has England hopeful for World Cup semifinal

Far from regretting his comments, Thomas Tuchel made it clear that England need to improve their performances while also emphasizing how proud he is of his team’s commitment. As a result, the fans remain hopeful, as the team’s displays have disappointed many. Facing a top contender like Argentina, England need to regain control of matches with a clear tactical identity that does not rely on individual performances.

With a roster full of talent, England have struggled to win every knockout-stage match. Without imposing a dominant style of play, they have suffered defensively, conceding four goals in their last three matches. If they want to reach the 2026 World Cup final, they need to control the midfield, as that would significantly limit Argentina.

Tuchel’s team need to be efficient on the counterattack, taking advantage of Argentina’s defensive issues. That is why Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka need to be at their best and improve their goalscoring and creative impact. Pushing for tactical adjustments and a better performance on the pitch, England are aiming to reach the final under the high standards of Thomas Tuchel, who is striving to get as close to perfection as possible.

Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England and Jude Bellingham.

Lionel Messi becomes the all-time assist leader in World Cup history: How does the full ranking look?

12 July 2026 at 21:20
In a highly competitive match, Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Although Lionel Messi did not score, he did provide an assist, becoming the tournament's all-time leading assist provider. Here it is the full assist ranking.

Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, showcasing their resilience and goalscoring power in clutch moments. Although Lionel Messi has been the team’s leading goalscorer, he did not find the net in the most recent 2026 World Cup match. Nevertheless, he still made the difference by providing an assist to Alexis Mac Allister. As a result, the 39-year-old star became the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider.

According to MisterChip, a well-known soccer statistician, Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading assist provider in World Cup history. After assisting Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina’s first goal against Switzerland, he reached 11 assists, becoming the outright leader in this category. At 39 years old, he is expected to continue expanding his legacy in the tournament, with the match against England and a potential World Cup final still ahead of him.

Despite being 39 years old, Messi is delivering a historic performance at the 2026 World Cup. Tied with Kylian Mbappé, the two lead both the goalscoring chart of this edition and the all-time goalscoring chart in World Cup history. While the Frenchman is at the peak of his career at 27 years old, the Argentine star is playing in one of the final seasons of his career. Therefore, his performances are even more remarkable.

How does the full all-time assist ranking look?

Lionel Messi has a golden opportunity to further expand his legacy in World Cup history. If he scores or provides an assist against England, he could extend his lead as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer and all-time leading assist provider. After reaching 11 assists, Messi has surpassed numerous legends, including Fritz Walter, Raymond Kopa, Uwe Seeler, and Diego Maradona. Here is the all-time World Cup assist ranking.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating.
NameAssists
1. Lionel Messi11
2. Fritz Walter10
3. Raymond Kopa8
4. Uwe Seeler8
5. Diego Maradona8

Messi joins Mbappé as World Cup history’s only 10+ goal contributors

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has already recorded 8 goals and 2 assists for Argentina. Despite being in outstanding form, he has not been the only player to shine at the tournament. Kylian Mbappé has also imposed as one of the standout performers, registering 8 goals and 3 assists. As a result, the two have become the only players in World Cup history to record 10 + goal contributions in two different editions of the tournament.

At the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, Messi and Mbappé have both reached and/or surpassed 10 goal contributions, becoming the only players in the tournament’s history to achieve this feat, reveals MisterChip, via X. While the Frenchman recorded 10 in the first edition and 11 in the second, the Argentine legend registered 10 goal contributions in both tournaments.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match.

Gornik çantada keklik değil! Nordsjaeland'la korku saldı

Fenerbahçe'nin Şampiyonlar Ligi 2. eleme turundaki rakibi Górnik Zabrze, İsmail Kartal döneminde temsilcimize 6 gol atan Nordsjælland'i hazırlık maçında 2-0 yenerek gözdağı verdi. Lukas Ambros'u Anderlecht'e satarak kan kaybeden ancak hazırlık kampında 3 galibiyet alan Polonya ekibini mercek altına alan sarı-lacivertli teknik heyet, Perşembe günkü Süper Kupa maçına casus gönderiyor.

Fenerbahçe’nin Şampiyonlar Ligi 2. eleme turundaki rakibi Górnik Zabrze, hazırlık maçlarında sergilediği performansla hafife alınmaması gereken bir takım olduğunu kanıtladı.

Polonya ekibi, sarı-lacivertlilerin hafızasında derin yaralar bırakan ve bir önceki İsmail Kartal döneminde temsilcimize 6 atan Nordsjælland’i hazırlık maçında 2-0’lık net bir skorla mağlup etti. Avusturya kampının son provasında gelen bu galibiyet, rakibin ne kadar ciddi bir tehdit olduğunu gözler önüne serdi.

5 HAZIRLIK MAÇINDA SALZBURG'A YENİLDİ

Górnik Zabrze’ye Danimarka ekibi karşısında zaferi getiren golleri 8. ve 45+4. dakikalarda Taofeek Ismaheel kaydetti. Kamp dönemini oldukça hareketli geçiren Polonya temsilcisi, oynadığı 5 hazırlık maçında 3 galibiyet, 1 beraberlik ve 1 mağlubiyet aldı. Puszcza Niepolomice’yi 3-0, Hallescher’i 2-1 ve Nordsjælland'i 2-0 yenen Górnik; Tirol ile golsüz berabere kalırken, tek yenilgisini Red Bull Salzburg’a karşı 2-1'lik skorla aldı.

PERŞEMBE GÜNÜ SÜPER KUPA MAÇI

Gornik teknik direktörü Michal Gasparik ve ekibi, Fenerbahçe'nin Pogon Szczecin ile oynadığı hazırlık maçından çok ciddi veriler topladı.

Polonya ekibi cuma günü kampı tamamlayıp ülkesine dönerken, hafta sonu izninin ardından perşembe günü Lech Poznan ile oynayacağı Polonya Süper Kupası maçının hazırlıklarına başlayacak.

ÖNEMLİ YILDIZLARINI SATTILAR

Fenerbahçe teknik heyeti, 21 Temmuz’da oynanacak ilk karşılaşma öncesi analiz çalışmalarına hız verdi. İsmail Kartal’ın yardımcıları da bu kritik Süper Kupa mücadelesini tribünden canlı gözle takip ederek son raporu hazırlayacak.

Gornik'te önemli bir ayrılık yaşandı. Takımın dikkat çeken isimlerinden Lukas Ambros, Belçika ekibi Anderlecht’e transfer oldu. Şampiyonlar Ligi yarışı öncesinde yaşanan bu ayrılık Górnik Zabrze adına ciddi bir kan kaybı ve zayıflama anlamına gelse de kulüp kasasına önemli bir nakit girdisi sağladı.

Çorum Fransız yıldıza gitti: Nabil Fekir kaç para istedi?

Al-Jazira ile mukavelesi biten Nabil Fekir boşa çıkmıştı. Süper Lig'in yeni ekiplerinden Çorum FK ise Fransız yıldızla temasa geçti. Oyuncunun şartları, beklentilerin üzerinde duruyor...

Yeni sezonda Süper Lig'de boy gösterecek olan Çorum FK, önemli transferlerle birlikte güzel işler yapmak istiyor. Konuyla ilgili çalışmalar da devam ediyor. Çorum'un, Al-Jazira ile sözleşmesi bittikten sonra boşa çıkan Nabil Fekir ile temasa geçtiği öğrenildi...

İMZA PARASI VE 5 MİLYON

32 yaşındaki 10 numaranın imza parası dışında senelik 5 milyon euro civarında maaş talep ettiği konuşuluyor. Çorum cephesinin ise bu kadar yüksek paraları vermek istemediği belirtildi. Eğer 1.73 boyundaki futbolcu indirime giderse durum değişebilir. Mevcut koşullarda transferin tamamlanması çok zor gözüküyor.

AYIN 18'İNDE 33 OLACAK

Nabil Fekir, 18 Temmuz'da 33 yaşına girecek. Tecrübeli yıldız, Al-Jazira'da toplam 53 resmi karşılaşmaya çıktı. 19 gol ve 9 asist üretti. Oyuncunun temsilcisi şu anda farklı kulüplerle de görüşmeler yapıyor. Ancak Avrupa pazarında beklediği maaş miktarını bulması neredeyse imkansız...

4 yılda taksit taksit Greenwood! Yeter ki Fenerbahçe alsın

Fenerbahçe, Mason Greenwood transferi için Marsilya ile el sıkıştı! Sarı-lacivertliler, bonservis engeline takılmamak için 40 milyon Euro'luk dev bedeli 4 yıllık taksit planıyla ödeyecek. Harcama limitlerini sarsmayan bu akılcı formülün perde arkası dikkat çekici.

Fenerbahçe, dünya yıldızı Mason Greenwood’un transferi için Marsilya ile her konuda anlaşmaya vardı. Sarı-lacivertliler, finansal olarak güçlü olmasına rağmen TFF Harcama Limitleri ve UEFA Finansal Fair Play (FFP) engeline takılmamak için devrim niteliğinde bir formül geliştirdi. Yaklaşık 40 milyon Euro artı bonusları kapsayan bu dev transfer, 4 yıla yayılan taksitlerle ödenecek.

İşte transfer piyasasının gerçekleri doğrultusunda, maddi sıkıntı yaşayan Marsilya'nın bu vadeli planı kabul etme gerekçeleri ise çok dikkat çekici.

- Finansal denetim kıskacındaki Marsilya, parayı peşin almasa bile 40 milyon Euro'luk satışı bu sezonun bilançosuna anında "büyük gelir" olarak kaydedecek. Bu durum Fransız kulübünü ceza almaktan koruyacak.

- Nakit paraya sıkışan Marsilya, Fenerbahçe ile yapılan 4 yıllık garanti sözleşmeyi bir finans kuruluşuna kırdırarak (örneğin 36-37 milyon Euro) parayı anında kasasına koyabilecek. Fenerbahçe ise taksitlerini bankaya ödemeye devam edecek.

- Marsilya, bu anlaşmayla hem dev bir bonservis taahhüdü alıyor hem de oyuncunun yüksek maaş yükünden anında kurtularak bütçesini rahatlatıyor.

- Futbol ekonomisinde Premier Lig veya Suudi kulüpleri dışında hiçbir kulüp bu seviyedeki bonservisleri peşin ödemiyor; taksitli planlar pazarın temel kuralı olarak kabul ediliyor.

Fenerbahçe yönetimi, parası olmasına rağmen kulübü limit krizine sokmayacak bu formülün son detayları üzerinde kendi içinde istişarelerini sürdürüyor. Hem Fenerbahçe'nin limitlerini koruyan hem de Marsilya'nın mali tablolarını rahatlatan bu akılcı formülle, Greenwood transferinde mutlu sona çok yaklaşıldı.

Fenerbahçe'ye 70 Milyon Euro'luk golcü! Real Madrid'den geliyor

Yeni sezonda mutlak şampiyonluk ve Avrupa'da başarı hedefleyen Fenerbahçe, transfer piyasasını sallayacak dev bir hamle için düğmeye bastı. Sarı-lacivertliler, Real Madrid'in 70 milyon euro değer biçilen 22 yaşındaki genç yeteneği Gonzalo García'yı satın alma opsiyonuyla kiralamak için resmi temaslara başladı. İspanyol devinin geniş forvet rotasyonu nedeniyle ayrılığa sıcak baktığı genç yıldızın, çubuklu formayı giymeye ikna edilerek rakiplere dev bir gözdağı verilmesi hedefleniyor.

Fenerbahçe, yaz transfer döneminin en büyük bombalarından birini patlatmak için düğmeye bastı. Sarı-lacivertliler, Real Madrid’in 22 yaşındaki genç yeteneği Gonzalo García'yı kadrosuna katmak için harekete geçti. İspanyol devinin 70 milyon euro değer biçtiği genç yıldızın kiralık olarak çubuklu formayı giyebileceği iddiası gündeme bomba gibi düştü.

Yeni sezonda mutlak şampiyonluk ve Avrupa'da başarı hedefleyen Fenerbahçe, dünya çapında ses getirecek bir transfer operasyonuna imza atıyor. Sarı-lacivertli kurmaylar, Real Madrid altyapısından yetişen ve Avrupa devlerinin radarında olan Gonzalo García için resmi temaslara başladı.

KİRALAMA FORMÜLÜ MASADA

Real Madrid'in geniş forvet rotasyonu ve Endrick gibi isimlerin takıma dahil olması nedeniyle Gonzalo García'nın süre alabileceği bir kulübe gönderilmesine sıcak bakılıyor. Bu durumu fırsata çevirmek isteyen Fenerbahçe yönetimi, İspanyol golcüyü satın alma opsiyonlu kiralama formülüyle renklerine bağlamayı planlıyor.

70 MİLYON EURO'LUK DEV POTANSİYEL

Real Madrid'in bonservis kapısını 70 milyon euro civarında açtığı Gonzalo García, hızı, atletizmi ve ceza sahasındaki bitiriciliğiyle tanınıyor. Kulübüyle 2030 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunan 2004 doğumlu santrfor, hücum hattının her bölgesinde görev yapabilen çok yönlü yapısıyla dikkat çekiyor.

Geçtiğimiz aylarda İspanya A Millî Takımı'na kadar yükselerek kalitesini kanıtlayan genç yıldızın, düzenli oynayabileceği bir projeye sıcak baktığı belirtiliyor. Fenerbahçe, bu transferle hem hücum hattını elit bir yetenekle güçlendirmeyi hem de şampiyonluk yolunda rakiplerine gözdağı vermeyi hedefliyor. Kulüpler arasındaki pazarlıkların önümüzdeki günlerde resmiyet kazanması bekleniyor.

Trossard'a piyango vurdu! Zamlı maaşını ikiye katladı

Beşiktaş, Arsenal'dan 20 milyon Euro bonservisle kadrosuna kattığı 32 yaşındaki Leandro Trossard ile 3+1 yıllık el sıkıştı... İngiltere'de 5.95 milyon Euro kazanan yıldız isim, bonuslarla 10 milyon Euro'yu bulacak yeni sözleşmesiyle maaşını ikiye katladı.

Süper Lig’de transfer perdesini hızlı açan Beşiktaş, dünya çapında ses getirecek bir hamleye imza attı. Siyah-beyazlılar, İngiltere Premier Lig devi Arsenal'ın 32 yaşındaki Belçikalı yıldızı Leandro Trossard ile 3+1 yıllık anlaşmaya vardı.

Yılın transferi için kesenin ağzını açan Beşiktaş yönetimi, Arsenal kulübüne yaklaşık 20 milyon Euro bonservis bedeli ödeyecek. Deneyimli kanat oyuncusu için ekstra bir imza parası ise ödenmeyecek.

Arsenal ile yaptığı son zamlı anlaşmayla yıllık net 5.95 milyon Euro kazanan ve takımda kalması halinde önümüzdeki sezon da aynı ücreti alacak olan Trossard, Türkiye kararıyla adeta piyangoyu vurdu.

Beşiktaş, Belçikalı yıldıza yıllık 7.5 milyon Euro garanti ücret ödeyecek. Sözleşmede yer alan başarı bonuslarının devreye girmesiyle birlikte bu rakam yıllık 10 milyon Euro’yu bulacak.

İngiltere'deki kazancını Beşiktaş'ın dev teklifiyle neredeyse ikiye katlayan Trossard'ın, önümüzdeki günlerde İstanbul'a gelerek resmi sözleşmeyi imzalaması bekleniyor.

Millidə baş məşqçi ayrılığı

12 July 2026 at 21:32

Seneqal millisində baş məşqçi Pap Tiavla yollar ayrılıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə yerli federasiyanın mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. Tiavla müddəti başa çatan müqavilə uzadılmayıb.

Seneqal millisi DÇ-2026-da mübarizəni pley-offda dayandırıb. Komanda Belçikaya uduzub – 2:3.

Roma star Kone expecting to be benched for France World Cup semi final

12 July 2026 at 21:52

Roma midfielder Manu Koné could be benched in favour of Aurelien Tchaouameni for the World Cup semi-final against Spain, though Milan’s Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot will start.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with the winner going on to face either Argentina or England in the Final.

According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid midfielder Tchaoumeni has fully recovered from his muscular issues and is going to be risked from the start.

Koné set to step aside for France

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Manu Kone #6 of France (and Serie A side Roma) and Ayyoub Bouaddi #6 of Morocco compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 09: Manu Kone #6 of France and Ayyoub Bouaddi #6 of Morocco compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

He had been replaced by Roma player Koné, who had impressed so much that former Genoa coach Patrick Vieira said he was the best midfielder currently in the France squad.

Nonetheless, the reports from the Bleus camp suggest he will be pushed to the bench for the big match by Tchaouameni.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

The Roma star was on the bench for the games against Senegal and Sweden, but started the others with Iraq, Norway, Paraguay and Morocco.

There is still going to be Serie A representation in the form of Milan pair Maignan and Rabiot.

The trio of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappé are untouchable, but the other big choice for Didier Deschamps is between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.

Other than that, it is set to be the same XI that beat Morocco in the quarter-final.

Report Estupinan targeted by Aston Villa as Milan seek sale

12 July 2026 at 21:19

Pervis Estupinan is on the market for Milan and transfer pundit Matteo Moretto claims that Aston Villa have asked for his availability.

The left-back was considered one of the less successful investments from last summer, as he was purchased from Brighton and Hove Albion for €17m plus up to €2m in add-ons.

He made only 22 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri last season, contributing one goal and one assist, but also getting sent off once.

Milan don’t want to keep Estupinan

MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 18: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan controls the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan controls the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Estupinan is not believed to be part of Milan’s plans under new coach Ruben Amorim, so his agents are looking around for alternative solutions.

According to transfer pundit Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s Italian-language YouTube channel, Aston Villa have made contact with Milan to ask about the Ecuador international.

They want to know the asking price as well as his fitness status before deciding whether to progress with negotiations.

Estupinan’s previous clubs include Villarreal, Watford, Osasuna and briefly Udinese.

He turned 28 in January and has a contract valid at San Siro until June 2030, with the asking price believed to be €14m.

Nico Paz proof Argentina 3-1 extra time win was stressful for everyone

12 July 2026 at 21:05

Argentina’s dramatic extra time win over Switzerland to set up a World Cup semi-final with England was not just a strain for the players on the pitch, but also Como’s Nico Paz off it.

The reigning world champions have stuttered throughout the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Despite playing against 10 men after Breel Embolo’s red card, Argentina were still forced to go to extra time last night, eventually squeezing through 3-1 with Julian Alvarez’s curler and a late Lautaro Martinez goal.

Nico Paz feeling the stress

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 31: Nicolas Paz (left) and Enzo Fernandez (right) of Argentina arrive for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Kansas City International Airport on May 31, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 31: Nicolas Paz (left) and Enzo Fernandez (right) of Argentina arrive for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Kansas City International Airport on May 31, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)

It took a lot out of the players on the field, and those off it too, as confirmed by Nico Paz.

The 21-year-old Como player revealed on social media that his wearable technology showed his stress levels as ‘high’ during the match, when he was just sitting on the bench.

The technology is worn by all players to monitor their vital signs as well as track their performances on the field.

Nico Paz has made two appearances in the World Cup so far, as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Algeria, and then starting the 3-1 win over Jordan.

Argentina will play England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with France taking on Spain on Tuesday.

Newcastle United latest Suzuki interested party for Parma Number 1

12 July 2026 at 20:39

Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki continues to attract new clubs, as Newcastle United are the latest linked after Juventus, Aston Villa and Leeds United.

The shot-stopper had already made a strong name for himself with his Serie A performances, but his profile stepped up several levels thanks to the heroics for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.

He is widely expected to leave the Stadio Tardini this summer and there is no shortage of options for his signature.

Suzuki wanted by many clubs

TOKYO, JAPAN - MAY 31: Zion Suzuki of Japan applauds fans after the international friendly match between Japan and Iceland at MUFG Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images) (Aston Villa links)
TOKYO, JAPAN – MAY 31: Zion Suzuki of Japan applauds fans after the international friendly match between Japan and Iceland at MUFG Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

Now Chronicle Live and Sport Mediaset claim that Newcastle United have held initial talks with Suzuki and his entourage.

They have Nick Pope as their first choice, but he is 34 years old and has only one year left on his contract, while they decided not to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton after a loan.

There is competition, as Juventus have him on their list, as well as Aston Villa and rumours even about Paris Saint-Germain.

Leeds United had been the most determined to sign Suzuki, but it’s reported the goalkeeper turned them down, as he is aiming higher for his next career move.

Leonardo surprising new Italy advisor for technical director Maldini

12 July 2026 at 20:21

The big surprise for Italy is the arrival of Leonardo as a special advisor, as FIGC President Giovanni Malagò reveals it was ‘Paolo Maldini’s suggestion’ he be involved.

There were weeks of talks before Maldini finally accepted the role of technical director at the Italy camp, which has been created especially for him to give some structure and consistency to the Nazionale.

It was no secret that he was the first choice for new Federation chief Malagò, but an unexpected part of the announcement was the inclusion of Leonardo as an advisor.

Leonardo takes key role for Italy

BERGAMO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“From the start, Paolo told me that he would be happy to bring in Leonardo as a consultant, because there is a lot of work to be done, it’s going to be a tough challenge,” Malagò told TG2 Post.

“I am pleased too, because I have great respect for Leonardo. They are two sides of the same coin.”

The Brazilian turns 57 in September and has had a deep bond with Italian football for many years.

He played for Milan from 1997-2001, then again at the end of his career in 2002-03.

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Paolo Maldini and Leonardo of Milan look on before the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on February 3, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Paolo Maldini and Leonardo of Milan look on before the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on February 3, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

After retirement, Leonardo started work with the Rossoneri as a talent scout, upgraded to technical director for 2008-09, and then as coach in 2009-10.

In a shock move, he then crossed over to city rivals Inter as coach in December 2010, where he remained until the end of the season.

Leonardo has since bounced around different jobs, including as Antalyaspor coach for just a few months in 2017.

He returned to Milan as technical director in 2018-19, where he worked alongside Maldini, and had two different spells at Paris Saint-Germain in 2011-13 and 2019-22.

Saudi and Premier League clubs interested in Barcelona star as he enters final 2 years of contract

12 July 2026 at 22:00

Raphinha is being linked with a number of teams right now, with Barcelona apparently open to selling him this summer at the right price.

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Rumours about Raphinha leaving Barcelona just won’t go away.

It shouldn’t be like this – the Brazilian has been excellent for the Blaugrana since joining from Leeds, and was one of their best players last season.

But the fact they can sell him for a good fee and reinvest that money means that nobody can rule out an exit. Catalan paper Sport reports on interest from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, although Raphinha has himself denied it.

Al Hilal and Premier League teams linked with winger

The winger’s contract expires in two years, so things will start to get serious after this summer. Teams from the Premier League are also mentioned as potential destinations.

However, from his point of view, it seems clear that he just wants a new contract, and to stay in Barcelona for good. He is apparently unhappy that he’s being blamed for these rumours, and doesn’t want to be used as an asset.

Right now no offer is “on the table”, so there’s nothing for anyone to get too excited about…

In other news…

Premier League teams are lining up to try and prise Omar Marmoush away from Manchester City, as the forward struggles to find a role in their team.

Aston Villa are lining up a bid for Julian Quinones, who was excellent for Mexico at the World Cup and now has multiple European teams interested.

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Newcastle and Tottenham interested in Premier League star who could move on just 18 months after big transfer

12 July 2026 at 21:00

Omar Marmoush is being linked with Premier League transfers as Man City decide what to do with their attacker.

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It feels like just yesterday that Omar Marmoush joined Man City, but it’s already 18 months ago since he made the switch from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Egypt star made a bright start, but has faded since, and further additions to their squad have pushed him out of the starting picture to a large degree.

Premier League teams circle as Man City debate attacker’s future

Now sources like TeamTalk are claiming that Man City are thinking of selling the 27 year old as they continue their summer refreshment of the squad for new manager Enzo Maresca. The Egyptian may be a better fit for Maresca than he was for Pep Guardiola.

Maresca will have to work out whether he likes the look of Marmoush – if not, it seems there will be plenty of takers. Both Tottenham and Newcastle are mentioned here as potential buyers, and we’d imagine interest from across Europe if he’s put up for sale.

His speed and versatility make him an interesting prospect for a number of sides who will back themselves to get more out of him than City have done.

In other news…

Aston Villa are lining up a bid for Julian Quinones, who was excellent for Mexico at the World Cup and now has multiple European teams interested.

Borussia Dortmund have made a slow start to this window, but it looks like they’ve lined up their first big deal of the summer.

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England want new coach before Pakistan - who could it be?

A split graphic of Richard Dawson (left), Andy Flower (centre) and Jonathan Trott (right), all wearing training shirts and with sunglasses resting above the brim of baseball caps
Richard Dawson (left), Andy Flower (centre) and Jonathan Trott (right) could be options to replace Brendon McCullum [Getty Images]

England will consider between six and 10 names as they seek Brendon McCullum's successor as Test head coach and would like the person in place for August's series against Pakistan, says ECB chief executive Richard Gould.

McCullum, 44, was sacked as red-ball coach on Sunday after seven defeats in the past nine Tests.

England's next Test is against Pakistan at Headingley on 19 August and the team are also currently without a captain after Ben Stokes announced his retirement during the series defeat by New Zealand in late June.

Gould told BBC Sport: "It will be a targeted selection process. We often do a lot of work in terms of planning as to succession - I will always keep a shortlist going of coaches and various other positions and in truth, this position is probably one where the shortlist is no more than six to 10 names globally of a diverse nature.

"In terms of conversations, they will start to happen now and [managing director of men's cricket] Rob Key will be leading on those."

Gould confirmed the England and Wales Cricket Board will look to install a head coach first and that person will have a say, alongside Key and national selector Marcus North, in the appointment of a captain.

The new coach will have to work alongside McCullum, who retains the white-ball role, to balance the best interests of English cricket in a crowded cricket calendar where players manage international and franchise commitments.

McCullum's four-year reign as Test coach has seen England adopt an aggressive style of cricket, but Gould believes his replacement does not necessarily have to mirror that.

"When you look at the skills we've got and the talents we've got within the team, it is a team that has been playing relatively aggressive cricket," Gould said.

"But there are always options for the pattern of play to change depending on what the coach wants and where the coach believes those skillsets are.

"It's going to have to be an individual that complements the skillsets we've got in the players and can bring the very best out of them."

While England would like McCullum's replacement in position for the three-Test series against Pakistan, Gould accepts an interim solution may happen.

"Clearly the individuals that will be within our shortlist will have other commitments - they may be international cricket, they may be county cricket, they may be franchise cricket, and we'll need to work through those," said Gould.

"An interim solution could be in place if it allows us to get to the best possible decision later on down the line."

Gould added that England would also consider a model where a coach could continue their franchise commitments alongside the role.

Who could England appoint?

Andy Flower

Current role: Head coach - Royal Challengers Bengaluru, London Spirit Previous roles: Head coach - England (2009-14), Saint Lucia Kings (2020-23), Trent Rockets (2021-25), Lucknow Super Giants (2022-23)

The man who inspired England to Ashes victory in Australia in 2010-11, Flower is probably towards the top of the wishlist.

The Zimbabwean was in charge of England between 2009 and 2014, ultimately leaving after a 5-0 away Ashes defeat.

Since leaving England he has prospered in franchise cricket, ending Royal Challengers Bengaluru's wait for Indian Premier League success with consecutive titles in 2024 and 2025 and winning The Hundred with Trent Rockets in 2022.

"Andy Flower would be the top target, but I think it's highly unlikely he takes the job," said former England bowler Steven Finn.

"I think you would need a very fat cheque book to go to Andy Flower, because the scrutiny is a level on top of what you experience in franchise cricket.

"You need that ability to have a debate but then come out of it on the same page. I've not been coached by Andy Flower since he was England coach but he's softened just slightly from the person he was then to the person he is now."

Jonathan Trott

Current role: None Previous roles: Head coach - Afghanistan (2022-26)

A stoic top-order batter who played 120 matches for England, Trott was head coach of Afghanistan between 2022 and 2026.

His team beat England at the 2023 World Cup and also finished above his prospective new employers.

"Jonathan Trott is someone to keep an eye on because he is shaped and moulded in the form of Andy Flower, both as a player and in the way that he's coached," said Finn.

"He's had to deal with quite a volatile situation by coaching Afghanistan for the last four or five years. That would grow you up as a coach quite quickly."

A bearded Andrew Flintoff in a Northern Superchargers black hooded top and white and purple cap
Andrew Flintoff played 227 times for England across all formats [Getty Images]

Andrew Flintoff

Current role: Head coach - England Lions, Sydney Thunder (for 2026-27) Previous roles: Head coach - Northern Superchargers (2024-25)

An England great who played 227 matches for his country, Flintoff moved into coaching after suffering severe injuries while presenting driving show Top Gear.

In 2024 he was appointed head coach of both Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and England Lions.

He has also worked with the senior side as an assistant coach, while he left Superchargers after their 2025 campaign.

Richard Dawson

Current role: Head coach - Glamorgan Previous roles: Head coach - Gloucestershire (2015-21). England Lions head coach and England coaching roles (2021-24)

An off-spinner who played seven Tests for England between 2001 and 2003, Dawson was appointed Glamorgan head coach for the 2025 season and remains in charge.

He started coaching at Gloucestershire, where he ended his playing career, before taking up coaching roles in the England development set-up.

He was an assistant to Matthew Mott when England won the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Gareth Batty

Current role: Head coach - Surrey

An off-spinner who played 19 internationals for England, Batty moved on to the coaching staff at Surrey after his retirement in 2021.

As head coach he led Surrey to three successive County Championship titles between 2022 and 2024.

Darren Lehmann
Darren Lehmann played 27 Tests for Australia between 1998 and 2004 [Getty Images]

Darren Lehmann

Current role: Head coach - Northamptonshire Previous roles (selected): Head coach - Brisbane Heat (2019-21), Australia (2013-18)

A highly experienced coach, Lehmann led Australia for almost five years, winning the Ashes 5-0 in 2013-14.

'Boof', as he is commonly known, resigned from his national team role in 2018 in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal on their tour of South Africa, despite being cleared of involvement.

He subsequently coached Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League before taking over at Northamptonshire for the 2025 season.

Justin Langer

Current role: Head coach - Manchester Super Giants (from 2026), Lucknow Super Giants Previous roles: Head coach - Australia (2018-22), Perth Scorchers/Western Australia (2012-2018)

The second former Australia coach to feature on this list, Langer played for his country in 105 Tests before taking over as national team head coach in 2018.

He is a known disciplinarian, which was a factor in his departure from his Australia role in 2022, and his management style would contrast sharply with that of Brendon McCullum.

He has coached Lucknow Super Giants since the 2024 season and will take over their partner club Manchester Super Giants this summer, having spent last season with London Spirit.

Ryan Campbell

Current role: Head coach - Durham Previous roles: Head coach - Netherlands (2017-22)

Former Australia and Hong Kong wicketkeeper Campbell was appointed head coach of Durham before the 2023 season after almost six years in charge of the Netherlands.

He was appointed by his fellow Australian Marcus North, who held Durham's director of cricket role before he was appointed England's national selector in May.

Campbell led Durham to promotion to Division One of the County Championship in his first season, but his side were relegated two years later.

Los Angeles Angels pick Garrett Wright in 2026 MLB Draft. What to know

Next stop on the baseball journey for Garrett Wright looks like it will be the professional ranks. 

The Jackson High School product was chosen in the eighth round by the Los Angeles Angels during the MLB draft in Philadelphia on Sunday, July 12. Wright was the sixth pick of Round 8 and the 229th overall pick of the draft.

MLB.com had Wright as the 190th-ranked prospect entering the draft after three outstanding seasons in college — the first two at Bowling Green in the Mid-American Conference and the last at the University of Tennessee in the SEC. 

Tennessee's Garrett Wright (5) rounds third base during a baseball game between Tennessee and Wright State in Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, March 6, 2026.

Wright, a 2023 Jackson grad who just turned 21 on July 5, is the first Stark County product picked in the MLB draft since Alliance native and Ohio State product Gavin Bruni was chosen in the 17th round of the 2024 draft by the Washington Nationals.

Wright was the 2024 MAC Freshman of the Year and 2025 MAC Defensive Player of the Year for Bowling Green. He coupled the latter award by leading the MAC in hitting with a .406 average. The 6-foot, 193-pound Wright is a catcher by trade but has the athleticism to play the outfield. 

He transferred to Tennessee for the 2026 season and looked right at home. He led the Volunteers in batting average (.348) and OPS (1.033) as they went 38-22 and advanced to a regional. 

Wright, a right-handed hitter who eventually batted leadoff for the Vols, totaled 17 doubles, a triple and nine home runs to go with 41 runs scored and 30 RBIs. He committed just one error in 179 total chances in the field. 

Wright has another year of eligibility remaining at Tennessee. He expressed before the draft that he expected to turn pro if he was selected. The deadline for draftees to sign is July 27. MLB.com estimates Wright's draft slot value at $249,300.

Reach Josh at josh.weir@cantonrep.com 

On X: @jweirREP 

Tennessee's Garrett Wright (5) prepares to bat during a baseball game between Tennessee and Missouri in Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, March 20, 2026.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Los Angeles Angels pick Garrett Wright in 2026 MLB Draft. What to know

Mariners report reveals bold trade plan with 'prized starters', with Luis Castillo likely

Mariners report reveals bold trade plan with 'prized starters', with Luis Castillo likely originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners are competing for the AL West or an AL Wild Card spot this season, despite their poor 47-49 record on the year.

But this team desperately needs to make some moves by the trade deadline to have a better chance of contending this season. To do so, they could get very creative.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Mariners are telling teams they will be open to trading from their "prized starters" this summer, especially Luis Castillo, to land one of two things: a right-handed hitter and a high-end reliever.

Mariners open to trading from MLB rotation for righty slugger and high-end reliever

"The Seattle Mariners are letting teams know that they are willing to trade one of their prized starters for a back-end reliever and right-handed hitter, most likely Luis Castillo," Nightengale writes.

Seattle could really use more help in the bullpen, and instead of using their prospects to land one at the deadline, they could part with Castillo to acquire some help.

The same goes for a right-handed hitter, which this Mariners offense sorely lacks, thanks in part to how poorly Rob Refsnyder has performed this season.

With the Mariners' six-man rotation, trading from that group would make a lot of sense. Of these starters, including Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, Emerson Hancock, and Bryce Miller, Castillo is the odd man out.

MORECubs realistic trade idea sends Seiya Suzuki to the Mariners for Luis Castillo

He has a 4.93 ERA with a 3-8 record this season, and the 33-year-old would make a lot of sense to move on from this summer if a team is willing to take on the right-hander's $22.75 million this season and in 2027.

Seattle is reportedly telling MLB clubs that a starting pitcher is available for trade, with Castillo likely the one to be dealt this summer. A right-handed hitter and a back-end reliever are the two things this club is looking for in return.

This would be a very interesting trade for the Mariners, but it makes a ton of sense. Their rotation is strong enough, even if they trade a starter, and being able to call up Kade Anderson if needed gives Seattle a great option for a sixth starter even after a trade.

More MLB news:

Dylan Harper credits 2 OKC Thunder players as hardest guys to guard

May 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) dribbles the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) in the first half during game six of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Now that the 2026 NBA playoffs are in the rearview mirror, I think we can safely crown the 2026 Western Conference Finals as the most epic series clash. Sure, the eventual NBA champion actually became the New York Knicks — despite being contrary to popular belief.

But the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs went the distance in a series that featured the NBA's top two teams all year. Both were 60-win juggernauts that blew teams out left and right. When they faced off, it was a meeting of NBA heavyweights — ala The Rock and John Cena at WrestleMania.

In a Feb. 2026 podcast clip with Dylan Harper that has recently gone viral, what he said on Vince Carter's and Tracy McGrady's 'Cousins' podcast aged like fine wine. Of course, the 20-year-old popped off in the NBA playoffs. He was arguably San Antonio's second-best player in their run to the NBA Finals.

Harper's old comments resurfaced as he pinpointed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as two of their toughest defensive assignments. The Spurs took four of five over the Thunder in the regular season, but a lot of caveats filled those matchups thanks to injuries.

"Shai and Jalen Williams from OKC," Harper said. "When we first played them, we beat them. But I was like, 'Them two kinda hard to guard.'"

The Thunder and Spurs were in a tier of their own throughout the year. It felt inevitable the two would square off in the Western Conference Finals. When it did happen, the duel was somewhat spoiled. Williams only played one entire game healthy and Ajay Mitchell missed the last four games of the series. Without those two, OKC's offense eventually fell apart.

Meanwhile, Harper's ascension helped the Spurs be ahead of schedule. Because of his unusual landing spot, the 2025 NBA draft No. 2 pick didn't get the same opportunities usually associated with his status. Instead, he was a bench player to San Antonio's win machine.

That said, Harper broke out in the NBA playoffs. He averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds. Even though they fell short of an NBA championship, the consensus was he'd be the long-term Robin to Victor Wembanyama's Batman.

In their playoff series, the Spurs were allowed to fully pay attention to Gilgeous-Alexander and ignore the rest. The strategy almost backfired. Jared McCain had a couple of 20-point games to put OKC in a 3-2 series lead. Alas, the talent discrepancy was too much to overcome. You needed to be fully healthy to beat San Antonio. And the Thunder just didn't have the same health luck as the previous two years.

"They got four ball-handlers. Shai, just the way he creates angle, gets to your body, tempo," Harper said. "He's always going. He don't like playing against a crowd. If he misses or makes, he's gone."

Who knows how the series would've played out if Williams was healthy? After all, he was an All-NBA talent the year before. He helped the Thunder bring home an NBA championship on an injured wrist. But four hamstring strains in five months completely ruined his season. He was just never healthy for a long enough stretch of time to gain a rhythm.

"JDub uses his body. Gets to the rim and uses both hands," Harper said. "Guarding the two, I think was like, 'Alright. When I play them, I got to make sure I know everything.'"

I know it's a little disingenuous to see Harper's comments resurface right now. They're being presented as if it recently happened — rather than at the NBA All-Star break. If you look online, he's being buried on social media for excluding Brunson and the Knicks. That said, I don't think his thoughts should change too much.

The Thunder pushed the Spurs to the brink of elimination. All with Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring numbers being affected by the constant pressure and Williams basically being a no-show in their playoff series. If OKC had a little better injury luck, it's easy to see things shake out differently. Alas. Can't get stuck in playing the what-if game in the NBA.

Dylan Harper on the hardest player to guard in the NBA -

“SGA. And JDub…. We beat them but… damn… them two kinda hard” pic.twitter.com/EXyBgusRbr

— 𝘿𝙐𝙁𝙁𝘼𝙇𝙊 (@Duffal0) July 11, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Dylan Harper credits 2 OKC Thunder players as hardest guys to guard

Preview every QB on the KC Chiefs' 90-man roster before training camp

The Kansas City Chiefs will enter the 2026 NFL season with a chip on their shoulder after failing to qualify for the playoffs last year.

A serious lower-body injury sustained by quarterback Patrick Mahomes ultimately doomed Kansas City's 2025 campaign, but the star passer's presumptive return to action in Week 1 should put wind in the Chiefs' sails as the team endeavors to punch its ticket to another Super Bowl.

Take a look at this brief profile of Mahomes and every other quarterback who is currently on Kansas City's roster before Chiefs training camp kicks off in St. Joseph, Missouri, later this month:

QB Patrick Mahomes

Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) receives a snap during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Kansas City acquired Patrick Mahomes in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He will be the Chiefs' starting quarterback next season, and should be expected to play with an extra intensity as he returns from a knee injury that prematurely ended his 2025 regular-season campaign.

2026 cap number: $34,653,888

QB Justin Fields

Nov 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

A key free agency addition, Fields is expected to be Mahomes' backup next season and originally entered the league as a first-round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft.

2026 cap number: $3,000,000

QB Garrett Nussmeier

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (QB13) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nussmeier was Kansas City's final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and is likely to earn a spot on the Chiefs' practice squad after training camp — if Andy Reid doesn't decide to carry a third quarterback on the team's final 53-man roster.

2026 cap number: $915,122

QB Chris Oladokun

Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (13) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and quarterbacks coach David Girardi (left to right) pose for a photo after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

A savvy veteran, Oladokun will likely spend the 2026 season competing for playing time on an NFL practice squad. While he isn't expected to push for a roster spot, Oladokun should be expected to see action in all of Kansas City's preseason exhibitions.

2026 cap number: $1,005,000

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Preview every QB on the KC Chiefs' 90-man roster before training camp

76ers officially beat out Lakers, Spurs for $38 million ex-Cavaliers elite defender

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey

76ers officially beat out Lakers, Spurs for $38 million ex-Cavaliers elite defender originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When it’s all said and done, it isn’t far-fetched to suggest the Philadelphia 76ers will have a strong case for being crowned one of the biggest winners of the offseason. 

In addition to adding Jaylen Brown to the fold in shocking fashion, the 76ers signed former Boston Celtics sharpshooter Anfernee Simons to give them an electric second-unit scorer with valuable experience in a large NBA market. 

Philadelphia also brought $38 million (career earnings) ex-Cleveland Cavaliers elite defender Dean Wade on board.

The Kansas product was reportedly linked to contending organizations such as the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, but the 76ers ultimately closed the deal on June 30 Philadelphia finalized the transaction on Monday.

“Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey announced today that the team has signed Dean Wade,” the 76ers’ press release stated. “Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”

“Wade joins Philadelphia after appearing in 59 games and making a career-high 38 starts for Cleveland last season, averaging career highs in points (5.8) and assists (1.5) to go along with 4.2 rebounds in 22.3 minutes. His three games with at least three steals and two blocked shots led the Cavaliers in 2025-26.”

“Wade recorded double-digit scoring on 13 occasions and posted a season-high 14 points twice, shooting at least 50% from three in both contests. The seven-year pro appeared in all 18 of Cleveland’s postseason contests in 2026, averaging a playoff career-high 4.4 points on 46.2% field goal shooting and 37.5% three-point shooting) and 3.9 rebounds.”

While Wade is undoubtedly a serviceable offensive player, he makes his money on the defensive end. From holding his own on the interior against bigger, stronger post players to using his lateral quickness to keep speedy wings out of the paint, the 29-year-old is as versatile as it gets as a defender (he boasts a 112.6 career defensive rating)

If Wade plays his role perfectly with the 76ers in 2026-27, he should be in for another impactful campaign as a second-unit defensive specialist.

More NBA news:

Game Thread: Wanna Seymour strikeouts today

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 20: Ian Seymour #61 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 20, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Go Rays!

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GUARDIANS AT MARLINS: Cantillo vs. Phillips, discussion

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 04: Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates after hitting a fly ball to center field for a home run, tying the game 1-1 in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on July 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here’s the Guardians’ lineup:

Here’s the Marlins’ lineup:

Let’s go, Guardians!

San Diego turns tables with all-around win to force rubber match

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 11: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres flips his bat after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Petco Park on July 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres haven’t had a win like this in quite some time. It’s been a while since the Friars have won in such thrilling fashion. The last time that happened was when San Diego came back against the Atlanta Braves after being down 5-0. The Padres got off to an early lead, scoring two in the first, before starter Walker Buehler struggled in the second inning. He surrendered four runs to the Toronto Blue Jays in the top of the frame.

The Friars immediately tied it in the bottom of the frame. They then hit the go-ahead run in the third to make it 6-4. The club knocked in one more run in the fourth to lengthen their lead before Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tied it on a three-run shot against Bradgley Rodriguez. The Padres got their go-ahead run on a solo homer from Ty France. That one run was all they would need as Mason Miller blanked the Jays to slam the door shut.

Taking the mound

Kevin Gausman (TOR) v. Germán Márquez (SD)

Despite sporting a below-average 4.32 ERA, Gausman has looked good this season for the Jays. That higher mark has been due to some recent struggles. In his last seven starts, the righty’s surrendered 27 runs toward a 6.51 ERA. In his last three, Gausman has surrendered 11 runs.

The Padres have historically hit quite well versus Gausman. Chief among them is Fernando Tatis Jr., who has two homers and a career .400 batting average. Additionally, France and Manny Machado both have batting averages over .300 against the Toronto right-hander.

Márquez dominated the Arizona Diamondbacks in his first start since coming off the IL. The veteran right-hander pitched five shutout innings, walking just three batters. Since returning from his IL stint, the righty has given up just two runs across eight innings pitched.

Only one of Toronto’s batters (Daulton Varsho) has more than 10 career at-bats against Márquez. The Jays haven’t had much success against the veteran apart from George Springer (.444 batting average in nine at-bats). Márquez has had his knuckle curve working lately. He’ll look to keep that up against the Jays this afternoon.

Batter up!

The offense looked fantastic last night, showing real fight throughout the whole game. The club scored in each of the first four innings and had some great at-bats against Toronto. The club walked a ridiculous eleven times, showing plate discipline they haven’t had most of the year. They’ll need to keep that consistent in order to win the rubber match today.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  2. Jackson Merrill, CF
  3. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  4. Manny Machado, 3B
  5. Gavin Sheets, LF
  6. Ty France, 1B
  7. Miguel Andujar, DH
  8. Luis Campusano, C
  9. Sung-Mun Song, 2B

Merrill has had a very productive turnaround lately, hitting .321 in his last seven games and .288 over the last 15. He went 2-for-3 with two walks in last night’s game against Toronto. Hopefully, the center fielder will be able to continue that production after the All-Star break.

Relief corps

Despite Buehler going just 2 innings, the San Diego bullpen was saved by the unlikeliest of heroes. Matt Waldron made his return from the IL yesterday and pitched three shutout innings. He dominated, striking out three and stranding two hits. Yuki Matsui, Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller filled out the final four innings for San Diego, though Matsui struggled.

With the All-Star break beginning after the conclusion of today’s game, the bullpen will get some rest no matter how many arms the Friars need to turn to. Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio and Wandy Peralta will be the readily available options for San Diego.

Bayern Munich prez eager to extend deal with Harry Kane

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Harry Kane #9 of England stands for the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images

For months, speculation has surrounded Harry Kane’s long-term future at Bayern Munich, but club president Herbert Hainer’s latest comments should provide supporters with plenty of optimism. While there is no indication that a new deal is imminent, there also does not appear to be any concern from either side about getting an extension completed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to Sport Bild, Hainer made it clear that Bayern Munich sees Kane as a cornerstone of the club’s future.

“There’s no doubt that we want to extend Harry Kane’s contract. I also believe that Harry wants to extend with us. He has said that he feels absolutely no pressure as to whether it should happen before or after the World Cup. He’s very relaxed about it. What was important to him was to focus first on the season and the goals with FC Bayern. That shows what a great athlete he is,” Hainer said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

The most notable part of Hainer’s comments might not be Bayern Munich’s desire to keep Kane—that has been obvious for quite some time. Instead, it is Kane’s reported mindset that stands out. Rather than allowing contract negotiations to become a distraction during one of the biggest seasons of his career, the England captain appears focused solely on helping Bayern Munich compete for trophies while preparing for another World Cup campaign.

That approach reflects the professionalism that has defined Kane throughout his career. Whether he is scoring goals, mentoring younger teammates, or handling contract speculation, he has consistently projected calm and confidence instead of creating unnecessary headlines.

Assuming both sides remain on the same page, there seems to be little reason to rush an agreement simply to meet an arbitrary deadline before the World Cup. Bayern Munich clearly values Kane as both one of the world’s elite strikers and a leader within the dressing room, while Kane appears equally happy with his role at Säbener Straße. Those are usually the ingredients that lead to successful contract extensions when the timing is right.


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GameThread: Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:40 p.m.

Jul 10, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Eduardo Valencia (32) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers (44-51) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (53-42)

Time/Place: 1:40 p.m., Comerica Park
SB Nation Site:The Good Phight
Media:
Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: LHP Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Wheeler (9-1, 2.28 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Skubal1270.230.43.646.23.131.7
Wheeler1487.029.46.046.03.122.4

rubber match before the break

⚾️ 1:40 PM ET
📺 @WatchDSN
📻 @971theticketxyt
🏟️ Comerica Park pic.twitter.com/ZOeiDZ36LI

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 12, 2026

One more before the All-Star break!#RingTheBellpic.twitter.com/USHvFZcs71

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 12, 2026

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MLB Draft Day 2: Atlanta Braves Tracker and Open Thread

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 11: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during the 2026 MLB Draft at Pennsylvania Convention Center on July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Braves had a whirlwhind day one of the 2026 MLB draft, taking five players overall who all are due to slot in the top 20 of the system immediately upon signing. Yet even going with likely over slot pitchers in the second through fourth rounds there is still a feeling they have the wiggle room to fit a bit of talent into day two of the draft. Today will run through rounds 5 through 20 of the draft, so be sure to stick around Battery Power for a rundown of the players drafted today and who we think will make the biggest impact.

Atlanta Braves Day 2 Picks

5th Round (144th): LHP Wil Libbert, Ole Miss — Libbert had a rough junior season, but has above average velocity and a four-pitch repertoire. He’s a bit more of a project than the typical college arm, but has a high ceiling than most 5th round college guys as well.

6th Round (173rd): RHP Tyson Grulkowski, Muskego HS (WI) — A big-bodied high schooler with plus feel for spin, Grulkowski is a projectable high school arm that proves the Braves are still spending money on day two. More from Matt Powers: https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-prospects/135650/braves-select-tyson-grulkowski-in-6th-round-of-2026-mlb-draft

7th Round (202nd): C Jack Brenner, Fond du Lac HS (WI) — Into the Wisconsin prep ranks again, the Braves grabbed an athletic catcher. The Braves have had good luck developing catchers in recent years.

8th Round (232nd): C Jacob Jarrell, Clemson — The senior signs are going to fill up the rest of the first ten rounds now. Jarrell has swing and miss issues but finished his senior season with 18 home runs and has real raw power. He is expected to stick behind the plate at the professional level.

9th Round (262nd):

10th Round (292nd):

11th Round (322nd):

12th Round (352nd):

13th Round (382nd):

14th Round (412th):

15th Round (442nd):

16th Round (472nd):

17th Round (502nd):

18th Round (532nd):

19th Round (562nd):

20th Round (592nd):

MLB Draft tracker 2026: Live picks, results for Rounds 1-20 in baseball draft

MLB Draft 2026

MLB Draft tracker 2026: Live picks, results for Rounds 1-20 in baseball draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Arguably more than ever, MLB is being stocked with young talent at a rapid pace.

Top prospects are flying through the minor-league system nowadays — between the added incentives for MLB franchises to promote prospects quicker and the immense talent of players like Konnor Griffin, Nick Kurtz, Travis Bazzana and many more, stars reaching MLB just one or two years after being drafted is no longer unheard of.

That means at the 2026 MLB Draft, unlike in the past, it may not take very long for players to become household names. With this year's draft being held on Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia, the site of the 2026 MLB All-Star festivities, the White Sox hold the No. 1 pick. A collection of shortstops headline this year's class, including UCLA's Roch Cholowsky and prep infielder Grady Emerson, while catcher Vahn Lackey and pitcher Jackson Flora are also expected to land high in the order.

There are hundreds of picks to be made at the 2026 MLB Draft, as a crop of high school and college prospects will hear their names called as their professional baseball dreams become reality.

The Sporting News is tracking every pick made at the 2026 MLB Draft. Follow along with the full results from Philadelphia below.

SN's MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule

MLB Draft picks 2026: Live results from Rounds 1-20

Round 1

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
1White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA
2RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech
4GiantsJackson FloraPUC Santa Barbara
5PiratesDerek CurielOFLSU
6RoyalsZion RoseOFLouisville
7OriolesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)
8AthleticsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech
9BravesAJ GraciaOFVirginia
10RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky
11NationalsChris Hacopian2BTexas A&M
12AngelsJared GrindlingerOFHuntington Beach HS (CA)
13CardinalsTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)
14MarlinsJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)
15DiamondbacksRyder HelfrickCArkansas
16RangersGio RojasPMarjory Stoneman Douglas HS (FL)
17AstrosLogan HughesOFTexas Tech
18RedsJustin LebronSSAlabama
19GuardiansLiam PetersonPFlorida
20Red SoxJake SchaffnerSSNorth Carolina
21PadresColeman Borthwick3BSouth Walton HS (FL)
22TigersCameron FlukeyPCoastal Carolina
23CubsCade TownsendPMississippi
24MarinersAce Reese3BMississippi State
25BrewersTrey EbelSSCorona HS (CA)
27MetsCarson WigginsPArkansas
35YankeesHunter DietzPArkansas
36PhilliesTyler SpanglerSSDe La Salle HS (CA)
39Blue JaysCole CarlonPArizona State 
40DodgersBo LowranceSSChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)

Prospect Promotion Incentive Picks

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
26BravesCarter BeckOFIndiana State
28AstrosJack RadelPNotre Dame

Competitive Balance Round A

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
29Giants (from Guardians)Carson BolemonPSouthside Christian HS (SC)
30RoyalsTaylor RabePMississippi
31DiamondbacksBlake BryantPCitizens Christian HS (GA)
32CardinalsTegan KuhnsPTennessee
33Rays (from Orioles)Taj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)
34White Sox (from Pirates)Landon ThomeSSNazareth Academy HS (IL)
37RockiesDaniel JacksonCGeorgia

Round 2

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
38RockiesLogan ReddemannPUCLA
41White SoxCole Prosek2BMagnolia Heights HS (MS)
42NationalsChase BrunsonOFTCU
43TwinsCarson TinneyCTexas
44PiratesAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook HS (NY)
45AngelsJarren Advincula2BGeorgia Tech
46OriolesTy HeadOFNorth Carolina State (NC)
47AthleticsMason EdwardsPUSC
48BravesKaiden McCarthyPVermont Academy (VT)
49RaysBen BlairPLiberty (VA)
50CardinalsRocco ManiscalcoSSOxford HS (AL)
51PiratesChris Rembert2BAuburn
52MarlinsEthan KleinschmitPOregon State
53DiamondbacksCarson KerceSSGeorgia Tech
54RangersConnor ComeauSSL. C. Anderson HS (TX)
55GiantsKaden WaechterPJesuit HS (FL)
56RoyalsJack SlightomPLyons Township HS (IL)
57AstrosWes MendesPFlorida State 
58RedsEric BeckerSSVirginia
59GuardiansLogan SchmidtPGanesha HS (CA)
60PadresElliot LascellesSSUpper Canada College HS (ON)
61TigersTyson LeBlancSSKansas
62CubsCaden SorrellOFTexas A&M
63YankeesSean DuncanPTerry Fox SS (BC)
64PhilliesCaden BogenpohlOFMissouri State
65MarinersJake BrownOFLSU
66BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU

Competitive Balance Round B

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
67Red Sox (from Brewers)Owen HullOFNorth Carolina
68Cardinals (from Mariners)Andrew WilliamsonOFCentral Florida
69TigersEvan DempseyPFlorida Gulf Coast 
70RedsMulivai Levu1BUCLA
71MarlinsRyan PetersonPSam Houston (TX)
72Cardinals (from Rays)Dawson MontesaPWest Virginia
73AthleticsGabe GaecklePArkansas
74TwinsBrett RenfrowPVirginia Tech

Compensation picks

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
75CubsMyles Bailey1BFlorida State

Round 3

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
76RockiesJack NatiliCCincinnati
77White SoxJoey VolchkoPGeorgia
78NationalsLuke WilliamsSSFranklin Regional HS (PA)
79TwinsEthan WachsmannPGrandview HS (CO)
80PiratesJason DeCaroPNorth Carolina
81AngelsGavin Grahovac3BTexas A&M
82OriolesDominic VoegelePKansas
83AthleticsJacob DudanPNorth Carolina State
84BravesJensen HirschkornPKingsburg HS (CA)
85RaysGavin GiesePDana Hills HS (CA)
86CardinalsCaden FerraroOFTexas Tech 
87MarlinsCam KozealSSArkansas
88DiamondbacksBrayden DowdOFFlorida State
89RangersBrody BumilaPBishop Feehan HS (MA)
90GiantsPeyton BondsOFRutgers
91RoyalsMaxx YehlPWest Virginia
92MetsAiden RobbinsOFTexas
93AstrosKeon JohnsonSSFirst Presbyterian HS (GA)
94RedsTyner HornPNebraska
95GuardiansTre BroussardOFHouston
96Red SoxJace MataczynskiSSHudson HS (WI)
97PadresRyan LynchPNorth Carolina
98CubsCarson JasaPNebraska
99YankeesBrendan BrockCOklahoma
100PhilliesRuger RiojasPTexas
101MarinersNathan TaylorPCincinnati
102Brewers Kyle JonesOFFlorida
103Blue JaysRyan CooneySSOregon

Round 4

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
104RockiesBen DavisPMississippi State
105White SoxEric SeguraPOregon State
106NationalsCooper HarrisPFlower Mound HS (TX)
107TwinsTommy LaPourPTCU
108PiratesAndruw GilesOFBasic HS (NV)
109AngelsRylan LujoOFGeorgia
110OriolesKevin Roberts Jr.OFJackson Prep HS (MS)
111AthleticsRoman MartinSSUCLA
112BravesCole DennisPBishop Snyder HS (FL)
113RaysCollin BlandOFHouston HS (TN)
114CardinalsDee KennedySSKansas State
115MarlinsWessley RobersonOFGlynn Academy HS (GA)
116DiamondbacksJosh McDevittPMissouri
117RangersHudson CalhounPMississippi
118GiantsCarlos MartinezPHofstra (NY)
119RoyalsDominic BattistaOFOswego East HS (IL)
120MetsShane SdaoPTexas A&M
121AstrosKam DurninSSMissouri
122RedsEthan NorbyPEast Carolina
123GuardiansKade Lewis3BWake Forest
124PadresRobbie LaveyCGeorge Washington (DC)
125TigersDominic PellegrinSSHoly Cross HS (LA)
126CubsDylan MarionneauxPNorthwestern State (LA)
127Yankees

Paul Gutierrez-Contreras II

OFCal State Fullerton (OF)
128PhilliesDeven SheerinPLSU
129MarinersTrevor Lucas3BUNC Wilmington
130BrewersJulian GarciaPSt. John Bosco HS (CA)
131Blue JaysWill BrickCChristian Brothers HS (TN)
132DodgersRussell SandeferPFlorida

Compensation picks

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
133AstrosBeau PetersonIFMill Valley HS (KS)
134PadresAlex ConoverOFOklahoma State
135PhilliesJaxon JelkinPKentucky

Round 5

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
136RockiesTyler PutnamPBattle HS (MO)
137White SoxCal ScolariPOregon
138NationalsDaniel Cuvet3BMiami
139TwinsSteele MurdockPUC San Diego
140PiratesRyan MarohnPNorth Carolina State
141AngelsJaxon WillitsSSOklahoma
142OriolesJimmy AndersonSSHeartland CC (IL)
143AthleticsAlex Hernandez3BGeorgia Tech
144BravesWil LibbertPMississippi
145RaysOwen KramkowskiPArizona
146CardinalsCal RandallPUCLA
147MarlinsTrey BeardPFlorida State
148DiamondbacksTrey BeardPOklahoma
149RangersMichael Anderson Jr.TWPPenn State
150GiantsLuke Nixon2BNorth Carolina State
151RoyalsEthan McElvainPArkansas
152MetsLuke McNeilliePFlorida
153AstrosGavin EddyPCalifornia
154RedsDylan BowenSSHanover Central HS (IN)
155GuardiansLucas MooreOFLouisville
156Red SoxLucas DavenportPBaylor
157PadresJames GuyettePKansas State
158TigersDeclan DahlPLouisiana Tech
159CubsDylan BlomkerPLa Cueva HS (NM)
160YankeesBear HarrisonCTexas A&M
161PhilliesWill GasparinoOFUCLA
162MarinersHayden YostOFFlorida
163BrewersAidan KnaakPClemson
164Blue JaysNolan HigginsPMichigan State

Round 6

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
165RockiesGarrett LambertPMercer
166White SoxAlex WeingartnerOFSt. Augustine Prep HS (NJ)
167NationalsCooper AllenPUNC Wilmington
168TwinsEthan LayPSacramento State
169PiratesTyler FayPAlabama
170AngelsJustin ByrdPGeorgia
171OriolesZane AdamsPAlabama
172AthleticsAlex SosaCMiami
173BravesTyson GrulkowskiPMuskego HS (WI)
174RaysKyle JohnsonPVirginia
175CardinalsOwen HenneSSSeton Hall
176MarlinsCole SelvigPMinnesota
177DiamondbacksMicah WorleyPSUNY Stony Brook (NY)
178RangersAidan BrainardPNevada
179GiantsEric NachtsheimPMcNeese State
180RoyalsJustin LeGuernicPClemson
181MetsAlex PetrovicPAuburn
182AstrosMichael AddariPIllinois State
183RedsDuncan MarstenPWake Forest
184GuardiansDeiten LachanceCOklahoma
185Red SoxBrett LanmanPAbilene Christian
186PadresNu'u ContradesSSArizona State
187TigersMaddox MolonySSOregon
188CubsIsaac MortonPMinnesota
189YankeesAndrew Gonzalez3BAmericas HS (TX)
190PhilliesMacon WinslowCNorth Carolina
191MarinersHenry Ford3BTennessee
192BrewersRyan OshinskiePBrown
193Blue JaysGable MitchellSSIowa

Round 7

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
194RockiesJack ScottPCentral Missouri
195White SoxClay BurdetteOFXavier
196NationalsGage PetersonPAppalachian State
197TwinsMax BaylesPSanta Clara
198PiratesBryson MoorePFlorida State
199AngelsRyan HetzlerPAuburn
200OriolesRyan PiechPXavier
201AthleticsDavid RossowPCampbell
202BravesJack BrennerCFond du Lac HS (WI)
203RaysAJ RicePPickens County HS (GA)
204CardinalsDerek SchaeferPArizona State
205MarlinsEric GuevaraSSAuburn
206DiamondbacksCarson TurnquistPCal Poly
207RangersCaden AokiPGeorgia
208GiantsBeau BryansPJacksonville State
209RoyalsDylan ViguePGeorgia
210MetsAidan KeenanPStanford
211AstrosBryan CarneyPUniversity of Olivet 
212RedsSherman Johnson3BNorth Carolina State
213GuardiansSavion SimsPPrestonwood Christian HS (TX)
214Red SoxKide AdetuyiPFlorida Atlantic
215PadresJoe Tiroly2BVirginia
216TigersBrady Ballinger1BKansas
217CubsCole TrybaPUC Santa Barbara
218YankeesMichael HarpsterPEast Tennessee State
219PhilliesBo RhudyPTennessee
220MarinersRyan WynnSSGeorgia Tech
221BrewersGrant HillPChelsea HS (AL)
222Blue JaysDean WestOFUCLA
223DodgersCharlie WestPConnecticut

Round 8

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
224RockiesHudson BarrettPOklahoma State
225White SoxJayson Jones3BWichita State
226NationalsMax HansmannPEvansville
227TwinsThomas BurnsPTexas
228PiratesAlex OverbayPArizona State
229AngelsGarrett WrightCTennessee
230OriolesWill PlunkettSSMamaroneck HS (NY)
231AthleticsAidan WeaverPDuke
232BravesJacob JarrellCClemson
233RaysGriffin LongPSonoraville HS (GA)
234CardinalsLuke HarrisonPTexas
235MarlinsRintaro Sasaki1BStanford
236DiamondbacksPaul SchoenfeldOFWest Virginia
237RangersKolby BranchSSGeorgia
238GiantsCody BraschPLouisana-Lafayette
239RoyalsHunter PossehlPFlorida Gulf Coast
240Mets
241Astros
242Reds
243Guardians
244Red Sox
245Padres
246Tigers
247Cubs
248Yankees
249Phillies
250Mariners
251Brewers
252Blue Jays
253Dodgers

Round 9

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
254Rockies
255White Sox
256Nationals
257Twins
258Pirates
259Angels
260Orioles
261Athletics
262Braves
263Rays
264Cardinals
265Marlins
266Diamondbacks
267Rangers
268Giants
269Royals
270Mets
271Astros
272Reds
273Guardians
274Red Sox
275Padres
276Tigers
277Cubs
278Yankees
279Phillies
280Mariners
281Brewers
282Blue Jays
283Dodgers

Round 10

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
284Rockies
285White Sox
286Nationals
287Twins
288Pirates
289Angels
290Orioles
291Athletics
292Braves
293Rays
294Cardinals
295Marlins
296Diamondbacks
297Rangers
298Giants
299Royals
300Mets
301Astros
302Reds
303Guardians
304Red Sox
305Padres
306Tigers
307Cubs
308Yankees
309Phillies
310Mariners
311Brewers
312Blue Jays
313Dodgers

Round 11

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
314Rockies
315White Sox
316Nationals
317Twins
318Pirates
319Angels
320Orioles
321Athletics
322Braves
323Rays
324Cardinals
325Marlins
326Diamondbacks
327Rangers
328Giants
329Royals
330Mets
331Astros
332Reds
333Guardians
334Red Sox
335Padres
336Tigers
337Cubs
338Yankees
339Phillies
340Mariners
341Brewers
342Blue Jays
343Dodgers

Round 12

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
344Rockies
345White Sox
346Nationals
347Twins
348Pirates
349Angels
350Orioles
351Athletics
352Braves
353Rays
354Cardinals
355Marlins
356Diamondbacks
357Rangers
358Giants
359Royals
360Mets
361Astros
362Reds
363Guardians
364Red Sox
365Padres
366Tigers
367Cubs
368Yankees
369Phillies
370Mariners
371Brewers
372Blue Jays
373Dodgers

Round 13

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
374Rockies
375White Sox
376Nationals
377Twins
378Pirates
379Angels
380Orioles
381Athletics
382Braves
383Rays
384Cardinals
385Marlins
386Diamondbacks
387Rangers
388Giants
389Royals
390Mets
391Astros
392Reds
393Guardians
394Red Sox
395Padres
396Tigers
397Cubs
398Yankees
399Phillies
400Mariners
401Brewers
402Blue Jays
403Dodgers

Round 14

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
404Rockies
405White Sox
406Nationals
407Twins
408Pirates
409Angels
410Orioles
411Athletics
412Braves
413Rays
414Cardinals
415Marlins
416Diamondbacks
417Rangers
418Giants
419Royals
420Mets
421Astros
422Reds
423Guardians
424Red Sox
425Padres
426Tigers
427Cubs
428Yankees
429Phillies
430Mariners
431Brewers
432Blue Jays
433Dodgers

Round 15

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
434Rockies
435White Sox
436Nationals
437Twins
438Pirates
439Angels
440Orioles
441Athletics
442Braves
443Rays
444Cardinals
445Marlins
446Diamondbacks
447Rangers
448Giants
449Royals
450Mets
451Astros
452Reds
453Guardians
454Red Sox
455Padres
456Tigers
457Cubs
458Yankees
459Phillies
460Mariners
461Brewers
462Blue Jays
463Dodgers

Round 16

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
464Rockies
465White Sox
466Nationals
467Twins
468Pirates
469Angels
470Orioles
471Athletics
472Braves
473Rays
474Cardinals
475Marlins
476Diamondbacks
477Rangers
478Giants
479Royals
480Mets
481Astros
482Reds
483Guardians
484Red Sox
485Padres
486Tigers
487Cubs
488Yankees
489Phillies
490Mariners
491Brewers
492Blue Jays
493Dodgers

Round 17

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
494Rockies
495White Sox
496Nationals
497Twins
498Pirates
499Angels
500Orioles
501Athletics
502Braves
503Rays
504Cardinals
505Marlins
506Diamondbacks
507Rangers
508Giants
509Royals
510Mets
511Astros
512Reds
513Guardians
514Red Sox
515Padres
516Tigers
517Cubs
518Yankees
519Phillies
520Mariners
521Brewers
522Blue Jays
523Dodgers

Round 18

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
524Rockies
525White Sox
526Nationals
527Twins
528Pirates
529Angels
530Orioles
531Athletics
532Braves
533Rays
534Cardinals
535Marlins
536Diamondbacks
537Rangers
538Giants
539Royals
540Mets
541Astros
542Reds
543Guardians
544Red Sox
545Padres
546Tigers
547Cubs
548Yankees
549Phillies
550Mariners
551Brewers
552Blue Jays
553Dodgers

Round 19

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
554Rockies
555White Sox
556Nationals
557Twins
558Pirates
559Angels
560Orioles
561Athletics
562Braves
563Rays
564Cardinals
565Marlins
566Diamondbacks
567Rangers
568Giants
569Royals
570Mets
571Astros
572Reds
573Guardians
574Red Sox
575Padres
576Tigers
577Cubs
578Yankees
579Phillies
580Mariners
581Brewers
582Blue Jays
583Dodgers

Round 20

PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool
584Rockies
585White Sox
586Nationals
587Twins
588Pirates
589Angels
590Orioles
591Athletics
592Braves
593Rays
594Cardinals
595Marlins
596Diamondbacks
597Rangers
598Giants
599Royals
600Mets
601Astros
602Reds
603Guardians
604Red Sox
605Padres
606Tigers
607Cubs
608Yankees
609Phillies
610Mariners
611Brewers
612Blue Jays
613Dodgers

Pros, cons of Angels picking Tennessee's Garrett Wright in eighth round of MLB draft

Tennessee baseball's Garrett Wright was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12 with the No. 229 overall pick.

Wright was the fourth Tennessee player selected in this year's draft. Pitcher Tegan Kuhns was picked in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals, third baseman Henry Ford went to the Rockies in the sixth round and reliever Bo Rhudy was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round.

The Angels used the No. 12 overall selection on Vols signee Jared Grindlinger, the brother of current Tennessee player Trent Grindlinger.

Wright split time between catcher and center field for the Vols as a junior this season after transferring from Wright State. He was Tennessee's leadoff hitter and led the team in batting average (.348), OPS (1.033) and hit-by-pitches (19).

Wright entered the draft ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 190 prospect in the draft and was ESPN's No. 162 prospect.

The No. 229 overall pick has a slot value of $249,300.

Pros, cons of Angels picking Garrett Wright in MLB draft

Wright has elite bat-to-ball skills and gets on base at one of the highest clips of any player in this year's draft. He isn't particularly selective at the plate but does consistently make hard contact, especially against fastballs. He does, however, lack game-changing power.

That profile doesn't lead to many walks, with only 13 this past season, but he has a knack for getting hit by pitches with 68 in three college seasons.

One of Wright's most valuable traits is his defensive versatility. He is very strong at both catcher and outfield, making just one error in 2026 and having nine assists. He likely has more long-term value as a catcher.

Garrett Wright stats at Tennessee, Wright State

Wright's first two college seasons were spent at Wright State, where he was one of the best players in the MAC. As a freshman, he hit .380 with six home runs and 28 RBIs, posting a .503 on-base percentage and 1.084 OPS. His sophomore season saw him hit .406 with eight home runs, 20 doubles, four triples and 48 RBIs. His on-base percentage was .513, aided by 28 hit-by-pitches that broke his own program record from the prior season.

Wright was a difference-maker in his one season at Tennessee despite missing the start of the season as he recovered from a broken hamate bone in his left hand. He became the team's leadoff hitter and posted a .348 batting average with nine home runs and 30 RBIs. He was particularly adept at getting on base with 13 walks and 19 hit-by-pitches, contributing to a 1.033 OPS.

In the field, Wright made just one error at Tennessee and had a fielding percentage of .994.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pros, cons of Angels picking Tennessee's Garrett Wright in eighth round of MLB draft

Sanchez starting MLB All-Star Game for National League, reports say

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez will be the starting pitcher for the National League in Tuesday's 96th All-Star Game in Philadelphia, according to reports.

Breaking: Phillies superstar pitcher Cristopher Sanchez will be the National League starting pitcher for Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 12, 2026

Sanchez has blossomed into the Phillies' ace this year, going 11-4 with a 2.62 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP and 144 strikeouts. Sanchez also pitched 50 2/3 innings without allowing a run — the longest scoreless streak by a pitcher in Phillies history. It's the longest scoreless streak for a left-hander in Major League Baseball history. Overall, it's the fifth-longest streak since 1893. Sanchez fell 8 1/3 innings short of Orel Hershiser's record.

Sanchez is the seventh Phillies pitcher to start an All-Star Game.

Cristopher Sanchez previous All-Star appearances

This is Sanchez's second All-Star Game. He opened the sixth inning in 2024 and faced two batters. He got Tampa Bay's Isaac Paredes and Cleveland's Josh Naylor to ground out.

Last season, despite an 8-2 record with a 2.50 ERA and 122 strikeouts, Sanchez was left off the NL All-Star roster.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sanchez starting MLB All-Star Game for National League, reports say

Dortmund in no rush over Kovac contract extension talks

Dortmund in no rush over Kovac contract extension talks
Dortmund in no rush over Kovac contract extension talks

Borussia Dortmund are in no rush to enter talks with head coach Niko Kovac over a new contract, says club CEO Carsten Cramer.

Kovac is entering the final year of his contract with Dortmund. and although Cramer underlines that the management is happy with his work, the club’s immediate focus lies elsewhere for now.

“The basic message remains: We are extremely satisfied with Niko. But, without wanting to reveal too much: we are still in the process of finalising the squad,” Cramer told Kicker.

“Then we will begin pre-season and, just like last year, we will start the discussions at the right time. That was not the priority task during the seven weeks of holiday,” Cramer added, emphasising that Kovac is also “completely relaxed” about his future.

“Niko hasn’t been constantly sending WhatsApp messages or using his agent to send messages on his behalf.”

Kovac took over as Dortmund coach in February 2025.

NASCAR O’Reilly Standings Right Now: O’Reilly Series Points Leaders after Atlanta, OARS The Chase Cutline

Saturday’s Focused Health 250 at Atlanta marked the 21st points race of the season for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The countdown is on for The Chase, with just three regular-season now remaining before 12 drivers compete in the 10-race chase. With the points all added up, we can now take a look at the NASCAR O’Reilly Standings right now to see where things stand for the field of full-time drivers.

Let’s jump right into the O’Reilly Series points leaders today after Atlanta. Underneath that is where you can find The Chase OARS standings with three races left in the regular season.

NASCAR O’Reilly Series Points Leaders after Atlanta

PositionDriverPointsBehind Leader
1Justin Allgaier9660
2Jesse Love726-240
3Sheldon Creed693-273
4Corey Day689-277
5Carson Kvapil682-284
6Brandon Jones664-302
7Austin Hill659-307
8Sammy Smith639-327
9Parker Retzlaff593-373
10Sam Mayer555-411
11Brent Crews540-426
12Taylor Gray539-427
13Rajah Caruth522-444
14William Sawalich518-448
15Ryan Sieg473-493
16Anthony Alfredo423-543
17Brennan Poole386-580
18Dean Thompson368-598
19Jeremy Clements362-604
20Harrison Burton319-647
21Jeb Burton IV316-650
22Blaine Perkins307-659
23Patrick Staropoli296-670
24Josh Bilicki269-697
25Austin Green262-704
26Lavar Scott236-730
27Kyle Sieg232-734
28Ryan Ellis216-750
29Garrett Smithley143-823
30Nick Sanchez138-828

NASCAR OARS Standings: The Chase Cutline with 4 Races Left

NASCAR O'Reilly Standings, NASCAR O'Reilly Series Points Leaders
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Here is the O’reilly Series The Chase cutline after 21 races.

PositionDriverBehind Cutline
13Rajah Caruth-17
14William Sawalich-21
15Ryan Sieg-66
16Anthony Alfredo-116
17Brennan Poole-153
18Dean Thompson-171
19Jeremy Clements-177
20Harrison Burton-220

Related Headlines

Goals prove decisive as Kerry overcome Dublin

Paudie Clifford in action
Paudie Clifford produced a man of the match display with five points [Getty Images]

Goals proved decisive as Kerry's quest for back-to-back All-Ireland SFC titles remains on course with a 2-18 to 0-20 victory over Dublin in Sunday's semi-final.

In scorching heat at Croke Park, Jack O'Connor's men did enough to get past a stern Dublin, who will reflect on a day where they were close to upsetting the odds, but 12 wides and two goal chances of their own passed up cost them.

It was the first championship meeting between the old rivals since Dublin won the 2023 All- Ireland final and while Ger Brennan's men have enjoyed a relatively productive campaign with wins over Donegal and Galway, the Kingdom remained a step ahead.

While David Clifford was held quiet for long spells, the Fossa man still ended up with 1-6 to his name as Kerry found a way to get him on the ball, but older brother Paudie pulled the strings with five points of his own.

For Dublin, Con O'Callaghan was well contained, but Cormac Costello and Colm Basquel stepped up, but they needed more on the day as Kerry will now face Mayo in the final on Sunday, 26 July.

Clifford strikes early but Dublin stay the course

David Clifford celebrates his early goal
Clifford hit the net in the third minute [Getty Images]

While Dublin got an early settler with a two-point free by Costello, Kerry's response was immediate as late replacement Sean O'Shea was adjudged to have been taken down inside the box by Peadar O Cofaigh-Byrne for a penalty.

David Clifford stepped up and although his rather poor effort was saved by Evan Comerford, Clifford slammed home the rebound.

And thus began the pattern for the opening half as one landed a blow and the other replied.

It was evident both sides were wary of the threat in their way as the opening half was all about patient build-ups and working opportunities in the right areas.

Kerry were just that bit more economical as although Clifford scored just one further point in the opening period, Graham O'Sullivan, Dean O'Shea and Paudie Clifford chipped in with two apiece.

Dylan Geaney could and should have grabbed a second Kerry goal when Comerford gifted him the ball from a stray kick-out, but the Dingle man thumped over with the net at his mercy.

Yet Dublin were creating their opportunities, perhaps disappointed with five wides in the opening half, but were solving the puzzle in front as Basquel kicked two points, Costello added another three between frees and play, while O'Callaghan, well tracked by Jason Foley, landed a two-pointer with a rare opportunity to get into space.

Three points on the spin approaching the break edged Dublin back ahead but an O'Shea score levelled it at 0-11 to 1-8 in what was turning into an intriguing affair.

Kerry find a way with second goal

Dublin owned the opening period of the second half, dominating Shane Murphy's restarts and working three scores.

Almost five minutes elapsed before Murphy could find a Kerry jersey and after a patient build-up of their own, David Clifford was blocked down.

Dublin countered, working the ball to O'Callaghan who was in on goal, but Murphy did enough to divert the effort onto the post as Kerry survived.

The Kingdom would hit back with a second goal as Clifford's effort dropped short and Sean O'Brien got a hand to divert in off the underside of the crossbar, wiping out that early Dublin spell.

It sparked Kerry into action as while Charlie McMorrow replied with a score, Paudie Clifford came back with two of his own, his side now enjoying more of the ball as Dublin's shooting woes continued.

David Clifford and O'Shea landed two-pointers either side of a Costello score as Kerry moved five ahead entering the final quarter and their tails were certainly up.

Sean O'Brien's shot beats Evan Comerford
Sean O'Brien palmed home Kerry's second goal [Getty Images]

While Dublin's wides' tally ticked into double figures, they managed to carve out another goal opportunity when substitute Ross McGarry was put through, but Murphy spread himself to save onto the post again and McGarry's follow-up was cleared off the line by a combination of Paul Murphy and Mike Breen.

It was a reminder Dublin were still a threat, but a Costello point was all they had to show for this mini spell as Kerry kept the board ticking to remain a in a healthy position.

The clock was against Dublin who were four behind with as many minutes to go, but the wides kept coming.

They did manage to get the gap down to a goal in the final minute, but it was Kerry hands on the kick-out as Clifford raced clear to hit the insurance point.

It was another day in which Kerry's know-how saw them through, while Dublin may look back at an opportunity missed.

Teams and scorers

Kerry: Shane Murphy; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Graham O'Sullivan (0-2), Mike Breen, Gavin White; Mark O'Shea, Sean O'Brien (1-0); Joe O'Connor, Paudie Clifford (0-5, 1x2p), Diarmuid O'Connor; David Clifford (1-5, 1x2p), Sean O'Shea (0-4, 1x2p, 1f), Dylan Geaney (0-1).

Subs: Brian O Beaglaoich for G O'Sullivan (43), Keith Evans for S O'Brien (47), Evan Looney for P Murphy (59), Armin Heinrich for G White (59), Tomas Kennedy (0-1) for D Geaney (63)

Dublin: Evan Comerford; Alex Gavin, Eoin Kennedy, David Byrne; Lee Gannon, Theo Clancy, Charlie McMorrow (0-2); Peadar O Cofaigh Byrne, Brian Howard (0-2); Niall Scully (0-1), Ciarán Kilkenny, Colm Basquel (0-3); Paddy Small (0-2), Con O'Callaghan (0-2, 1x2p), Cormac Costello (0-7, 1x2p, 1x45).

Subs: Cian Murphy for A Gavin (50), Ross McGarry for P O Cofaigh-Byrne (55), Sean Bugler (0-1) for E Kennedy (58), Sean Guiden for P Small (63)

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare)

Nets' Keon Ellis explains why he signed with Brooklyn in free-agency

LAS VEGAS -- Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Ellis could have signed anywhere in free-agency this offseason after experiencing a deep playoff run with the Cleveland Cavaliers just a few months ago. Brooklyn has been looking to add quality depth to the team over the course of the free-agency period and after they signed Ellis, he explained what led to his decision to come to the Nets.

"How much they wanted me. I think other teams were kind of offering, but I think just with how much they were offering that kind of just speaks to how much the team wants you as well," Ellis said to the media during halftime of Brooklyn's 83-76 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Las Vegas Summer League on Saturday. Ellis signed a two-year, $18 million guaranteed deal with the Nets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

"Obviously you've got some guys on the staff that you've been with before, so you kind of know the ropes a little bit," Ellis continued. "And then the opportunity here as well. So, when you combine all those things, I think they just lined up."

Ellis, 26, is coming off a 2025-26 NBA season in which he averaged 6.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game while shooting 44.0% from the field and 36.3% from behind the three-point line in 72 games played. Ellis split last season between the Sacramento Kings and Cavaliers, but he had better production with Cleveland given that he had a bigger role for them than he did for Sacramento.

Ellis joins a crowded backcourt for the Nets as Egor Demin is likely slated to be the starting shooting guard with Nolan Traore and Mikel Brown Jr. competing for the starting point guard job. Ellis, regarded as one of the better 3-and-D players in the league, should be able to bring his valuable skillset to one of the youngest teams in the Association and make his impact the way he anticipated when he signed with the Nets in the first place.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Keon Ellis explains why he signed with Brooklyn in free-agency

Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: OL Hayden Conner

The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.

Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2025, questions they face and their roster outlook.

Here is guard Hayden Conner.

Hayden Conner background, 2025 season

Conner enters his second NFL season and second with the Cardinals. He was drafted last year in the sixth round out of Texas. He began the season on injured reserve with a knee injury he suffered in the preseason. He was activated to the 53-man roster for the final six weeks of the season, was inactive one game and appeared in five games, logging 29 snaps on offense and 19 on special teams.

Hayden Conner contract details, salary cap hit

Conner is in Year 2 of his four-year rookie contract worth more than $4.1 million. He is scheduled to make almost $1.01 million in 2026, the league minimum for a second-year player, and his contract will count almost $1.05 million against the salary cap.

Roster outlook, questions he faces

As a back-of-the-roster guy last year, he is in a battle for a spot on the roster. He is a player on the roster bubble. With the addition of guard Isaac Seumalo and guard Chase Bisontis in the draft, his spot is more tenuous, but if this coaching staff sees him more as a center, he will battle Jon Gaines for the backup center job.

Will these coaches see the potential the last staff thought he had?

The battle for the backups on the offensive line is going to be an interesting one to watch.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple Podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: OL Hayden Conner

Senegal sack manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup 2026 exit

Senegal sack manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup 2026 exit
Senegal sack manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup 2026 exit

Senegal have parted company with manager Pape Thiaw after the country’s last-32 elimination at the World Cup 2026

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the decision on Sunday in a statement that read: “After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football.”

Senegal came into the World Cup with high hopes as the reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion. 

But their campaign in North America got off to a rocky start, as they lost their opening two group matches against France and Norway. 

The Lions of Teranga still scraped into the round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams following a 5-0 triumph over Iraq. 

However, the African team’s journey ended at that stage with a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, despite leading 2-0 in the 86th minute.  

Thiaw was appointed as the national team head coach in 2024, and led them to AFCON glory in January by beating Morocco in the final. 

However, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) stripped Senegal of their title two months later following a controversy in which the 45-year-old had been a main protagonist. 

Thiaw ushered his team off the pitch when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. 

The players eventually returned before Brahim Diaz’s spot-kick was saved and Senegal won in extra-time. 

Caf overturned the result of the match in March, declaring Morocco as the winners. 

Senegal have appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, hoping to regain the title. 

Key question for Colts' wide receiver position entering training camp

With training camp drawing closer, we will be highlighting the one big question that faces each Indianapolis Colts' position group.

Next up are the wide receivers. While we could focus on Alec Pierce and his ability to step into the clear-cut WR1 role, we'll instead go a different direction, focusing on one of the big training camp battles taking place this summer for WR3.

Who emerges as the Colts' third WR on the depth chart?

With Michael Pittman in Pittsburgh, the third starting wide receiver position is up for grabs. Competing for that job are several players, including Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Deion Burks.

During offseason programs, of this group, Dulin seemed to stand out most and take the early lead in this battle, although there is still a long way to go.

Without Pittman, there will be a lot of production to replace. He saw a team-high 110 targets come his way last season. That said, whether it be Dulin or someone else, whoever ends up as WR3 on the depth chart won't be solely responsible for making up for Pittman's lost production.

Rather, it will be a group effort, with the Colts also leaning on their top players -- Pierce, Downs, and Tyler Warren. And while someone has to be WR3 on paper, we could see a rotation, with multiple players filling that role, depending on the matchup and in-game situations.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Key question for Colts' wide receiver position entering training camp

Rangers put Martin on i.l., call up Teodo

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 15, 2025: Emiliano Teodo #82 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch during the eighth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Texas Rangers have placed righthanded pitcher Chris Martin on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, the team announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have recalled righthanded reliever Emiliano Teodo.

This is the third trip to the injured list this season for the 40 year old Martin, and its possible he will not be activated again. Martin, who planned to retire after 2025 but opted to return for one more season, has a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings over 16 appearances this season, and has battled a shoulder issue throughout. It would be great if rest and rehab can get him back to being a semblance of the pitcher he was previously, the reality is that he may simply be done.

To replace him the Rangers are turning to righthanded flame thrower Emiliano Teodo. Teodo can reach 100 mph on the radar gun, but has had a challenging relationship with the strike zone in his career. It was hoped that he would be able to step up in 2025 and be a meaningful part of the Rangers’ bullpen, but he instead had an awful year plagued by injury and ineffectiveness.

Teodo is up now less because he’s shown he’s ready and more because the Rangers need arms and their options are limited. He has a 3.76 ERA in 40.2 innings over 35 games, with 35 walks, 8 hit batters, and 10 wild pitches to go with 52 strikeouts. He’s allowed just 4 earned runs in 15.2 IP since the beginning of June, but has walked 16 batters in those 15.2 innings. He’s also struck out 16 batters in those 15.2 innings, but having a 1:1 K:BB ratio isn’t generally a good thing for a pitcher.

Yuki Kawamura brings excitement to Indiana Pacers Summer League team, says coach Rick Carlisle

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle — and, it seems, almost the full roster — went to Las Vegas to watch their Summer League squad compete.

Carlisle joined the ESPN broadcast during their opener to discuss the coming season, and he has been struck with the performance of Yuki Kawamura, a 25-year-old 5-foot-7 guard from Japan who has 40 games of NBA experience over two seasons.

"He's an easy guy to like," Carlisle said. "He just kind of explodes into the game. When the coach points to him on the bench, he just flies up to the scorer's table, and then stuff just happens.

"He really knows how to play. He's seeing things before they happen. He has a great sense for how to draw contact and put the defense in jail. He goes hard."

Kawamura has averaged 10 points and 3.5 assists in two Summer League games. The Pacers have games scheduled for Monday and Wednesday.

Here he comes: Tantalizing guard joining Summer League roster

Yuki Kawamura has everyone fired up 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/RHpH2KqLWgpic.twitter.com/RkbnelK9Rx

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 11, 2026

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton missed the 2025-26 season with an Achilles injury suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Carlisle said Haliburton has been playing 5-on-5 for a while.

"It's going to be a journey for him," Carlisle said. "He's aggressively attacking the summer and looking forward to being back on the court."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on Ivica Zubac

The Pacers traded for center Ivica Zubac in February. He played a handful of games before injuries slowed him. Carlisle is eager to see how he fits into the Pacers' system.

"We've not had a guy that can put the kind of rim pressure he can put on with rolls, seals, and (scoring) at the rim," Carlisle said. "There's great opportunity here."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on Jarace Walker

Jarace Walker, the former No. 8 overall draft pick entering his fourth season, got a lot of playing time in the Pacers' rough 2025-26 season. Carlisle wants to see how Walker reacts to being a vital reserve.

"We need him to be a star in his role as a system player for us," the coach said. "He has some star capabilities, but we're such an ecosystem type team that you can't approach things from an individual standpoint."

Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Yuki Kawamura brings excitement to Indiana Pacers Summer League team, says coach Rick Carlisle

Yuki Kawamura brings excitement to Indiana Pacers Summer League team, says coach Rick Carlisle

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle — and, it seems, almost the full roster — went to Las Vegas to watch their Summer League squad compete.

Carlisle joined the ESPN broadcast during their opener to discuss the coming season, and he has been struck with the performance of Yuki Kawamura, a 25-year-old 5-foot-7 guard from Japan who has 40 games of NBA experience over two seasons.

"He's an easy guy to like," Carlisle said. "He just kind of explodes into the game. When the coach points to him on the bench, he just flies up to the scorer's table, and then stuff just happens.

"He really knows how to play. He's seeing things before they happen. He has a great sense for how to draw contact and put the defense in jail. He goes hard."

Kawamura has averaged 10 points and 3.5 assists in two Summer League games. The Pacers have games scheduled for Monday and Wednesday.

Here he comes: Tantalizing guard joining Summer League roster

Yuki Kawamura has everyone fired up 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/RHpH2KqLWgpic.twitter.com/RkbnelK9Rx

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 11, 2026

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton missed the 2025-26 season with an Achilles injury suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Carlisle said Haliburton has been playing 5-on-5 for a while.

"It's going to be a journey for him," Carlisle said. "He's aggressively attacking the summer and looking forward to being back on the court."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on Ivica Zubac

The Pacers traded for center Ivica Zubac in February. He played a handful of games before injuries slowed him. Carlisle is eager to see how he fits into the Pacers' system.

"We've not had a guy that can put the kind of rim pressure he can put on with rolls, seals, and (scoring) at the rim," Carlisle said. "There's great opportunity here."

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on Jarace Walker

Jarace Walker, the former No. 8 overall draft pick entering his fourth season, got a lot of playing time in the Pacers' rough 2025-26 season. Carlisle wants to see how Walker reacts to being a vital reserve.

"We need him to be a star in his role as a system player for us," the coach said. "He has some star capabilities, but we're such an ecosystem type team that you can't approach things from an individual standpoint."

Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Yuki Kawamura brings excitement to Indiana Pacers Summer League team, says coach Rick Carlisle

Timberwolves sign Isaiah Evans: Contract details for 33rd overall pick

The Minnesota Timberwolves signed former Duke guard Isaiah Evans, the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, to a contract, the team announced on Sunday.

Evans was a third-team All-ACC selection last season, averaging 15 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 36.1% from 3-point range in 38 games. He ranked third in the conference in 3-pointers, with 101, leading the Blue Devils.

The 6-foot-6 Evans reportedly agreed to a four-year, $9.3 million pact with the Timberwolves, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The first three years of the contract are fully guaranteed, with a team option in the fourth season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Isaiah Evans to a four-year, $9.3 million deal, which includes three fully guaranteed years and a fourth-year team option, league sources told @hoopshype. Evans was the 33rd pick of the 2026 NBA Draft and was an All-ACC Team selection at Duke. pic.twitter.com/yWlm2jhTgT

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 12, 2026

Evans was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in the four-team trade involving three-time All-Star Julius Randle. The trade, agreed to on June 22, was officially completed on Friday, clearing the way for Evans to sign his second-round contract.

The 20-year-old missed the Timberwolves' summer league opener on Friday while awaiting the completion of the trade. He debuted with the team on Saturday, recording four points, five rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in 26 minutes.

Evans will have the opportunity to log extended minutes over the Timberwolves' remaining schedule in Las Vegas, which continues on Monday against Portland (11 p.m. EDT, ESPN2).

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Timberwolves sign Isaiah Evans: Contract details for 33rd overall pick

Kansas baseball’s Brady Ballinger picked by Detroit in 2026 MLB Draft

LAWRENCE — Kansas baseball just saw Brady Ballinger be selected No. 216 overall in the 2026 MLB Draft, with him becoming the third player from the program to be picked this year.

The Detroit Tigers picked Ballinger, a junior infielder/outfielder for the Jayhawks this past season, in the seventh round. Ballinger arrived ahead of the 2025 season as a transfer from the College of Southern Nevada, and received a number of All-America recognitions that year as KU reached the NCAA tournament. He continued to be a reliable player in 2026, as the Jayhawks improved upon their past success.

RELATED: Ritch Price of Kansas baseball will be inducted into ABCA Hall of Fame

Ballinger was a key part of a Kansas team that would go on to win the Big 12 Conference regular season and tournament titles, and the Lawrence Regional after that. KU would also host a super regional in the NCAA tournament, where its season would end. Ballinger would be an All-Big 12 honorable mention and make the all-tournament team for the Lawrence Regional.

Ballinger started 59 of his 60 appearances for the Jayhawks in 2026, and finished with a batting average of .283. He had 63 hits, 45 RBI and seven home runs. Now he has the opportunity to see what he can accomplish at the professional level.

Kansas Jayhawks Brady Ballinger (26) smiles in the outfield during the NCAA Lawrence Super Regional game at Hoglund Ballpark on June 6, 2026.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas baseball’s Brady Ballinger picked by Detroit in 2026 MLB Draft

Tigers' Will Vest not built for IL stint: 'You go a little crazy'

Detroit — Will Vest, with his usual mix of humor and forthrightness, talked publicly about the stress fracture in his elbow for the first time since the diagnosis.

“I’m trying to do everything I can to get back, but you can only do so much with a bone,” Vest said Sunday. “We’re at the mercy of that, waiting for it to heal. I’m drinking as much milk as I can, hoping and praying it gets better quick.”

On cue, his bullpen mate Tyler Holton set a bottle of milk in his locker.

Tigers pitcher Will Vest delivers a pitch in the ninth inning. Detroit Tigers take on the Seattle Mariners on June 5, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit. Tigers win, 7-3.

“They say this injury is common in young players who aren’t fully developed,” Vest said, acknowledging Holton’s gesture. “So I guess I’m still a kid, still growing.”

The bone in question is the olecranon, which is at the tip of the ulna (forearm bone). The diagnosis of a stress fracture came after several medical opinions, the last from Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas. A stress fracture alone would not require surgery.

Former Tigers relievers Al Alburquerque and Joel Zumaya both had full fractures of the olecranon, which required the placement of a screw to mend the bone. Both were sidelined for six months. The belief is that Vest’s recovery time won’t be nearly as long.

“It’s good that we’re not chasing our tails,” he said. “We know what it is. But at the same time, you never want to be hurt. The good news is we know what it is now. We can rest it and rehab it and see how it responds.”

Vest admitted he’s dealt with the elbow discomfort most of the season.

“Yeah, it’s been a while,” he said. “We managed it for so long, it just got to the point where I just didn’t feel good and the results weren’t good and I was kind of hurting the team. I’m glad we figured out what it was.”

Vest, who fully expects to return at some point in the second half, isn’t built for being on the shelf. He said he feels a little like a caged lion, in fact.

“It’s the worst,” he said. “The first time I went on the IL this year, the first game, you go sit in the dugout before the anthem and you know you’re not playing that day. It hit me hard. You want to be out there. You want to compete. And when you can’t, it’s the worst.

“You kind of go a little crazy. I’m just trying to get through it day by day.”

chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com

@cmccosky

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tigers' Will Vest not built for IL stint: 'You go a little crazy'

White Sox select OF Clay Burdette in the seventh round of the 2026 MLB draft (No. 195 overall)

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 24: Clay Burdette #80 bats during the 2026 Draft Combine at Chase Field on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Clay Burdette brings one of the best exit velos in Division I to the White Sox organization. | (Photo by Jill Weisleder/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

It was a back-to-back, strong-armed outfielders move from the White Sox in the seventh round, nabbing Clay Burdette from Xavier University with the No. 195 pick in the 2026 MLB draft.

Just three years ago, Burdette was regarded as one of the three best shortstops in Ohio, but blossomed as a right fielder after a transfer from Ohio State to Xavier. Ranked No. 248 on MLB’s board, the White Sox had fears that Burdette would be gone by their eighth-round pick and nabbed him despite his lower overall rank.

It’s not immediately apparent why Burdette was so slightly regarded in the MLB rankings. He boasts a strong arm for right field and the speed to see time in center. Burdette also has a proven combination of raw power and top-notch bat speed, with exit velocities among the best in Division I.

Playing in a more minor conference, as the Big East is regarded in baseball, Burdette doesn’t have a big track record of plate appearances against top-notch pitching. He also has some selectivity and swing-and-miss issues that could rear up, with 50 Ks in 2026 against just 23 walks.

For you Xavier fans, Burdette’s selection in the seventh round makes him the highest-drafted Musketeers position player ever.

On the surface, Burdette kills it with his scouting ratings, particularly for an seventh-rounder, with his running ability leading the way at 60. But a hit tool of 40 drags his overall evaluation down to 40. Seems like a chip Burdette needs to put on his shoulder.

Expect Burdette to hit the ground running and get some time in a Kannapolis later this summer, as a player who’s been overlooked of late trying to prove his mettle.


The 2026 White Sox draft storystream contains all of our draft content.

Lakers Proposed to Land Rising Spurs Star in Blockbuster Bronny James Trade

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 135-118 Lakers win over the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 135-118 Lakers win over the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a season opening game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a season opening game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Getty
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 04:  Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after missing a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on April 04, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 04: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after missing a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on April 04, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to monitor all angles in trade and the open market to further complete their post-LeBron James transition.

One proposed trade has them landing versatile wing Devin Vassell from the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers would be engaging in a direct trade for this to work. 

In the trade framework, the Lakers would acquire Vassell while sending out Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy and Bronny James to San Antonio. 

This deal would move Vassell away from San Antonio for the first time in his NBA career since being drafted No. 11 overall in 2020. 

While the Lakers have done decent business so far in the offseason, surrounding Luka Doncic with the best pieces is still a work in progress.


Lakers’ Bronny James Trade Lands Spurs Wing

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a season opening game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

The Lakers are reportedly opening up some roster slots for more incoming players this offseason. This means that a number of their players are trade chips as things stand. Vanderbilt is a notable one, sitting on a salary of $12.4 million for 2026-27. 

Vanderbilt has been a solid contributor, but the Lakers have always had him as a moving piece for any major swing. Hardy just joined from the Washington Wizards as part of the DeAndre Ayton trade and is a low-cost depth option.

For James, the Lakers guaranteed his salary for 2026-27 at $2.3 million, which also makes him an inexpensive rotational piece. However, staying in L.A. when his immediate impact is not yet sure looks unlikely, coupled with his father’s departure. 

Vassell is still committed to San Antonio, having signed a five-year, $135 million extension in 2023. The Lakers’ outgoing pieces will fall a little short of matching his salary, but not so seriously as to affect the cap space. 

If San Antonio sees it fit to clear Vassell’s deal for much more flexibility, this framework can work. Although the Lakers may have to include a future draft asset to further sweeten the deal, the wing was a vital contributor to a Spurs roster that made the NBA Finals.

Flipping three pieces for one would mean that Los Angeles would continue its search to fill the roster spot. The front office has already shown that they’ll explore a lot of free agency signings. Veteran center Kevon Looney recently signed a one-year deal as a backup center. 


Vassell’s Addition Boosts Lakers’ Perimeter Options and Fit

GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 04: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after missing a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on April 04, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

The Lakers have been reportedly linked with several wing options this offseason. With James gone as well as Rui Hachimura, their wing depth has thinned to the extent of having Quentin Grimes as the current starting small forward. He is more naturally a guard. 

At 6-foot-5, Vassell is also technically listed as a guard but is also a small forward and would bring versatility to the wings. At 25, he is still young but quite seasoned, guaranteeing a long-term, consistent contribution.

He does have secondary scoring and creation potential, which was evident with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. However, his numbers have dropped with backcourt players like De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle joining the fold.

Vassell would improve L.A.’s perimeter defense as well as stretch the floor for stars like Doncic and Austin Reaves to explore spaces. 

 

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Why did Alexander Zverev take an injection during Wimbledon final?

Alexander Zverev takes an insulin injection to manage his diabetes during the Wimbledon final (AP)

Alexander Zverev was seen taking an injection during the men’s Wimbledon final clash against Jannik Sinner as he looks to win the tournament for the very first time.

Having won the first set 7-6, Zverev was leading the second set 3-2 when he sat down on a courtside chair, at the switch of ends, and unveiled a medical pouch. He took out an insulin pen and injected it into his leg before resuming the match.

The French Open champion was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of four and the injection was a dose of insulin to manage his glucose levels both on and off court. His diagnosis is also the reason he can also use a phone during matches despite a ban on players doing so.

That is due to a medical exemption so that he can track his glucose monitor on his phone instead of using constant finger-prick checks which is quite common for people with diabetes.

An interview with BBC Sport in the build-up to the Wimbledon final saw Zverev talk about the reasons behind his phone use the German explaining “that’s why the umpires allow me to check my phone, so I don’t have to poke my finger every changeover”.

Tennis Grand Slam tournaments have a list of players that are diabetic and those players are permitted to use their phones during matches in order to monitor their glucose and inject insulin if needed.

Noting Zverev’s need to balance his blood sugar levels, Andre Agassi and Andrew Castle addressed his medical condition on BBC’s coverage of the match.

“As if there’s not enough to worry about out there in a grand slam final,” said Agassi while on commentary duty. “He doesn’t claim victim when it comes to his diabetes. It’s not a subject he cares to discuss a whole lot but at the same time he holds his head up high and goes about his work daily.”

Castle added: “It’s quite inspirational that he’s able to handle that aspect of his health and still produce this level of physical performances.”

Alexander Zverev faces Jannik Sinner in the Men's Wimbledon final (Getty)
Alexander Zverev faces Jannik Sinner in the Men's Wimbledon final (Getty)

Yet despite the close monitoring of his condition, Zverev has previously had issues on court.

A malfunctioning glucose sensor left him feeling unwell during a match against Taylor Fritz in June’s Halle Open as the French Open champion injected a higher dose of insulin than he required.

On that occassion, Zverev lost 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 and explained the problem he’d had with his glucose monitor after the match.

He said: "I had huge problems with ​the sugar because the sensor I use gave me ⁠a completely incorrect reading. It indicated very high values ​when they were actually low, so I injected much more insulin ​than I should have.

"During the match, or rather during the first 45 minutes, I had to ​consume about 350 grams of sugar. I felt absolutely terrible.

"This ​is the first time something like this has ​happened ⁠to me. I've been using these sensors since 2016 or 2017, and in nine years, I had never seen such a ⁠big error."

Brayan Bello re-joining Red Sox on Sunday — but not to start

NEW YORK — Just over five weeks since he was demoted to Triple-A Worcester after a brutal two-month start to the season, Brayan Bello is re-joining the Red Sox on Sunday — for at least one day in a different role.

Bello was called up to join the bullpen as a long relief option for the series (and first half) finale against the Mets, sources confirmed. Bello will take the spot of veteran lefty Danny Coulombe, who was designated for assignment after Saturday’s win.

As the Red Sox look to win their ninth game in a row, they’ll have rookie lefty Payton Tolle on the mound to start. But after using five different pitchers to cobble together a bullpen game in a 4-0 win Saturday, they need a long man who can cover innings if the need arises.

Bello, who hasn’t pitched at Triple-A since July 1, will fill a multi-inning role behind Tolle, who appears likely to have a shorter start than usual Sunday. Interim manager Chad Tracy hinted that Tolle — who has thrown a combined 95 ⅓ between Triple-A and the majors so far this season — will be limited as the Red Sox look to monitor his workload in his final start before the All-Star break.

Bello — who declined to speak to reporters pregame — could piggyback Tolle.

“The big thing is... over the last handful of days, how short we are bullpen-wise,” Tracy said. “(It’s) to make sure we have that amount of bullets down there and have coverage to get through the game. We’ll see. It depends on, is there gonna be a bridge needed? Is there going to be coverage at the back end (of the bullpen) or an extra-inning game? We’ll see how it plays out.”

Bello, who has made 97 starts for the Red Sox over the past four seasons and was the club’s No. 2 starter during their 2025 postseason run, had his bizarre start to this season bottom out on June 4 when he was shelled for eight runs against the Orioles at Fenway Park. After that game, he was demoted to the WooSox, where he has logged a 4.34 ERA and recorded 22 strikeouts in 18 ⅔ innings over four starts. In Worcester, he has worked with pitching coach Dan DeLucia to refine his pitch mix in hopes of being promoted again.

“His work ethic has been great,” said Tracy. “He’s done everything they’ve asked. He’s put in a lot of work taking down the starts he’s supposed to take down. He comes out the next day and he’s ready to get to work in between starts.”

That opportunity has now come, albeit in surprising fashion. Needing a starter Saturday, the Red Sox opted to promote lefty Eduardo Rivera for his first-ever start and were rewarded as Rivera pitched 3 ⅔ shutout innings. Bello had his scheduled Worcester start pushed back a day as a potential contingency plan for Sunday. Bello is also a candidate to start for the Red Sox on Friday when they have a doubleheader scheduled against the Rays to open the second half of the season. The Red Sox will need to consider various depth options with lefties Ranger Suarez and Connelly Early recently hitting the injured list.

Bello had a 6.34 ERA in 61 big league innings before being demoted. He logged a 10.35 ERA in 10 starts while pitching much better (0.71 ERA in 25 ⅓ innings) in four games following an opener. Most of Bello’s struggles came in the first inning, in which he allowed 15 runs and 19 hits in eight frames.

More Red Sox coverage

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The two physical factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final

“When you reach a semi-final you need to suffer,” said Lionel Scaloni. Although did Argentina need to suffer quite so much? Taken to extra-time by a depleted Switzerland side, just as they had been by the minnows of Cape Verde, and requiring a record-breaking comeback to see off Egypt, the defending champions’ route through the knockout stages has seemed based on suffering.

But after Switzerland were beaten in Kansas City, Scaloni kept returning to a reason why it was a struggle, one that could have pertinence for their last-four date with England in Atlanta: physicality. “Physically they are a very strong squad,” he said. “It was very difficult for us to win the duels. Switzerland are very good on a physical level.”

And perhaps Argentina are not. They have the staying power and spirit to conjure late goals – in their last three games they have scored in the 79th, 83rd, 92nd, 92nd (again), 111th, 112th and 121st minutes – but there are different types of physicality. Their most celebrated player is famously unphysical: a year from his forties, spending much of the match walking, though technically brilliant.

Lionel Messi no longer does much running (AP)
Lionel Messi no longer does much running (AP)

But his teammates may not compensate with running power. Fifa’s statistics show Argentina only 10th for sprints made, behind three teams who have played a game fewer. More remarkably, they are 48th out of 48 for average speed at which their players have moved in this tournament. Lionel Messi may be dragging them down in one respect.

Messi requires others to provide some hard graft (Reuters)
Messi requires others to provide some hard graft (Reuters)

Among players, he is 580th for average speed; even Cristiano Ronaldo is 501st, and some of those below him are goalkeepers or centre-backs whose job description involves less movement. But this is no indictment of Messi; the instructive element is that others are not compensating with lung-busting running.

Jude Bellingham, who they will face on Wednesday, ranks second for most sprints in the World Cup. The first Argentinian, Enzo Fernandez, is tied for 19th place. Some 20 players figure above any of Scaloni’s side in Fifa’s charts for what they term high-speed running.

The two players who have covered the most distance in the tournament are the Swiss central midfielders, Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka. Alexis Mac Allister is the only Argentinian in the top 20.

Argentina are through to the semi-finals but have not been at their best (AP)
Argentina are through to the semi-finals but have not been at their best (AP)

All of which could explain why Argentina laboured to turn the most obvious physical advantage – having an extra player after Breel Embolo’s red card – into greater numbers on the scoresheet. It is also worth noting that Switzerland had played 120 minutes against Colombia in the final game of the round of 16. They were down to 10 men against Argentina for an hour, stoppage time included. They only buckled in the last 10 minutes. Argentina face other European opposition next, in England, with Thomas Tuchel wanting to see Premier League pace and power from his side.

And Argentina may be susceptible to it. Both Cape Verde and Egypt were a threat on the counterattack against them; when Argentina open a game up, they risk being isolated one against one in races they may lose.

Switzerland found joy down the edges against Argentina (Reuters)
Switzerland found joy down the edges against Argentina (Reuters)

The introduction of Leandro Paredes to the side seemed designed to give a shielding presence against quick breaks. It did not entirely work against Egypt, but it may also have been a recognition that, even with the trio of Mac Allister, Fernandez and Rodrigo de Paul, Argentina had insufficient solidity in midfield.

But the policy of getting players around Messi leaves space elsewhere, primarily on the sides. Cape Verde’s first goal came from their right side, their second from their left. A feature both of Dan Ndoye’s equaliser for Switzerland and of Egypt’s disallowed second goal, and then the one that stood, was that they outflanked Argentina’s concentration of players in central areas; their full-backs can lack protection which, given the width Tuchel wants his wingers to exhibit, could offer England optimism. So, given the speed he wants, could be Argentina’s issues with quick breaks.

England’s problem may be that they are not at peak physical condition themselves. Declan Rice has been weakened by first a hamstring problem and then illness. Bukayo Saka and Reece James have had achilles and hamstring problems, respectively. John Stones’ body may be a permanent cause of concern. Like Argentina, England had to play 120 minutes on Saturday.

It is shaping up to be a semi-final between teams who have creaked but not crumbled, finding a way to find a way. Argentina have the medals to prove they can last course and distance. If they arguably have too few miles in their legs in this World Cup, they may have too many in total. Scaloni’s side against Switzerland was the oldest team in a World Cup quarter-final since Brazil in 1962; who, it may be remembered, went on to retain the trophy.

Lionel Scaloni will hope his ageing team can match England’s intensity (Reuters)
Lionel Scaloni will hope his ageing team can match England’s intensity (Reuters)

Maybe Argentina will follow suit, proving their race is not yet run; or walked, in Messi’s case. But even as they have struggled against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland, they have got better at one physical aspect of the game. A team who scored no headers in Qatar have three already. Argentina, with their mental strength, may believe the secret to success lies in the head.

Gonzaga basketball loses starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery to EuroLeague club

Gonzaga basketball suffered an unexpected loss from its starting lineup ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Starting point guard Mario Saint-Supéry officially signed with Valencia, a Spanish club in EuroLeague, on Saturday, July 11. The move leaves the Bulldogs without an established point guard next season, and they can't get an experienced replacement with the transfer portal closed.

REQUIRED READING: Nikola Kusturica, potential No. 1 pick in 2028, signs with UCLA basketball

The All-WCC freshman team honoree averaged 8.6 points with 2.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season on 41% shooting as a true freshman, starting 17 of Gonzaga's 35 games. He's reportedly signing a four-year deal with the club.

"Zag nation, thanks for everything," he wrote on Instagram.

It's the second tough break for the program this offseason, as fellow European guard Jack Kayil was drafted in the second round by the Houston Rockets and subsequently traded to the New York Knicks after initially committing to Gonzaga.

👑 El principito hará del @RoigArena su nuevo palacio 😎🧡

Cas 👉 @M_SaintSupery, talento nacional para Valencia Baskethttps://t.co/RelGjy0Esj

Val 👉 Mario Saint-Supéry, talent nacional per a Valencia Baskethttps://t.co/qVZnfFA2if

Eng 👉 Mario Saint-Supéry, a Spanish… pic.twitter.com/1fC4PUWTLZ

— Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) July 11, 2026

It's unclear why Saint-Supéry is leaving, although it's a return home for the former Liga ACB guard. He previously played for Málaga, a Liga ACB club like Valencia, his new team.

Gonzaga returns 6-foot-10 forward Braden Huff, who averaged 17.8 points with 5.6 rebounds per game this season, and replaced leading scorer Graham Ike with highly touted Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop. It'll have to rely on projected backups in its backcourt, though, which could change the dynamic for a team expected to be in the national conversation next season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gonzaga basketball loses starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery to EuroLeague club

Tour de France Stage 9 winner: Mathieu van der Poel triumphs in late scramble

Mathieu van der Poel claimed the Stage 9 victory at the Tour de France on Sunday, July 12, the third stage win of his career.

The ride that took cyclists from Malemort to Ussel was shortened by 30km due to heat.

Tobias Johannessen and Tom Pidcock finished second and third, while Tadej Pogacar maintained his overall lead.

Van der Poel, who left last year's race due to pneumonia, came out on top on Sunday with a furious final push ahead of Johannessen, Pidcock (who overcome a mechanical issue) and Alex Baudin.

"I spent a lot of energy trying to keep the break alive with all the pressure from the bunch. The roads are horrible, head winds, and we fought for it and I’m happy to finish it off," Van der Poel told TNT Sports after the stage.

Monday brings a rest day, and the race will continue on Tuesday with a mountainous 166.6-km ride from Aurillac to Le Lioran.

Here is how the leaderboard looks after 2026 Tour de France Stage 9:

More: 62-year-old Tour de France record in reach for sport's biggest star

Tour de France results: Stage 9

Final results of the 154.6-kilometer Stage 9, from Malemort to Ussel, at the 2026 Tour de France on Sunday, July 12. *Results and times are via Tour de France website*

1Mathieu van der PoelAlpecin - Premier Tech3:27:51
2Tobias JohannessenUno-X Mobility+0:00
3Tom PidcockPinarello - Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team+0:00
4Alex BaudinEF Education - EasyPost+0:00
5Filippo GannaNetcompany INEOS+6
6Mads PedersenLidl - Trek+0:00
7Michael MatthewsTeam Jayco AlUla+0:00
8Nicolas BreuillardTotalEnergies+0:00
9Jordan JegatTotalEnergies+0:00
10Sean QuinnEF Education - EasyPost+0:00

Tour de France 2026 standings

Through Stage 9

RankRiderTeamTime Gap
1Tadej PogačarUAE Team Emirates - XRG32h 17' 04"
2Jonas VingegaardTeam Visma | Lease a Bike+ 02' 42"
3Isaac Del ToroUAE Team Emirates - XRG+ 03' 27"
4Remco EvenepoelRed Bull - BORA - hansgrohe+ 03' 30"
5Juan AyusoLidl - Trek+ 03' 34"
6Paul SeixasDecathlon CMA CGM Team+ 03' 55"
7Florian LipowitzRed Bull - BORA - hansgrohe+ 04' 00"
8Lenny MartinezBahrain Victorious+ 04' 21"
9Mattias SkjelmoseLidl - Trek+ 04' 57"
10Egan BernalNetcompany INEOS+ 09' 12"

2026 Tour de France Stage 10: How to watch, schedule and distance

  • Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
  • Time: Coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. ET
  • Location: Aurillac to Le Lioran
  • Distance: 166.6 kilometers (103.5 miles)
  • Type: Mountain
  • Streaming: Peacock

Watch Tour de France with Peacock

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tour de France Stage 9 winner: Mathieu van der Poel triumphs in late scramble

Morant on trade: 'I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja'

For Portland, trading for Ja Morant was a high-upside play. The Trail Blazers land a former All-Star point guard at a minimal cost (Jerami Grant, Kris Murphy), and if it works out, it's a home run. If not, no big setback. Think of it like Portland owner Tom Dundon: They bought a distressed asset and are trying to turn it around.

For Ja Morant, it's a chance to change the narrative and prove he's still that All-Star player and a more mature one off the court. He was honest about that speaking to reporters at NBA Summer League (quotes via Ben Golliver of ESPN).

"What would I like cleared up? I think you know the answer to that. My image. [That] I'm a bad guy. I'm Ja. I've done what I've done in the past, but it's been addressed and handled already. I don't see why, years later, that's still the topic when nothing's happened since. If I was that guy, y'all wouldn't be talking to me now. I wouldn't be here...

"New home. New team. New organization. I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It's like starting all over again. ... Over the years, I've grown a lot and learned a lot. My mindset changed. I go into things differently now. I feel more mature, and I'm ready to work."

Morant is going to get his chance, playing in a backcourt with trusted veterans in Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. There is athleticism on the wing around him and a center in Donovan Clingan who sets a big screen. He's working under an offensively-minded coach in Micah Nori.

This is a great opportunity for Morant. What he does with it, what level of athleticism remains, and how much the craft of his game has grown are what we will find out next season. Can he seize the opportunity?

In Las Vegas, Morant was saying all the right things, he was hanging out with his new teammates on the sideline of Trail Blazers Summer League games. It's a promising start and there is reason for optimism in the Pacific Northwest. This is going to be an interesting season for the Trail Blazers.

Tributes paid as veteran sports journalist Jim Gracey dies

Tributes have been paid to "giant of sports journalism," Jim Gracey who has died aged 68.

Gracey, who was from Lurgan in County Armagh, worked for the newspaper The Belfast Telegraph for more than 40 years.

He joined The Belfast Telegraph in 1979 after working for the Lurgan Mail, and later became the sports editor of the paper and its sister paper, Sunday Life.

He retired in 2021.

He covered football on both the domestic stage in Northern Ireland and the international, and attended six World Cups in the course of his career.

He was also the director of the sports charity Mary Peters Trust, named after the Olympic gold medal-winning pentathlete Lady Mary Peters, who grew up in Northern Ireland.

Chief Sports Writer for the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life Steven Beacom described him as a "larger than life character and a giant of sports journalism".

"He was a man who broke huge stories, wrote the sharpest opinion pieces, interviewed stars with authority and empathy and was respected across the sporting spectrum in Northern Ireland and beyond," he added.

He also recalled Gracey's "great company," "big heart, generosity and all the fun that we had when we covered World Cup and European Championship tournaments together".

He was described as someone who gave young aspiring reporters a chance.

Such sad news about the passing of my pal Jim Gracey...a giant of journalism & a champion of Northern Ireland sport. He was also kind enough to give many young people a start in the industry and will be missed by all who knew him.
Condolences to Jim's wife Paula and his family. https://t.co/xzJi2ickxs

— Steven Beacom (@StevenBeacom5) July 12, 2026

Paul Ferguson, Head of Sport for Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life said Gracey was a "wonderful writer, headline composer and fiercely protective of his staff".

"Jim had a wonderful turn of phrase, made it his mission throughout his career to hold power to account, especially the 'suits' at the Irish FA, and was a master of uncovering emotive and fascinating details from his interviewee," he added.

He said he was a "proud son of Lurgan, football (Glenavon, Manchester United and Northern Ireland) and motorcycling were his passions," but he always made sure Northern Ireland success stories were celebrated in the paper.

He said that despite being at the helm of many sporting triumphs, it was the "human touch" that made him special.

Mervyn Whyte, the event director of the North West 200 knew the Lurgan man professionally and personally, describing him as a "great character and a great writer".

"I knew Jim for many years and he was always massively supportive of the North West 200.

"Over the years he wrote many great in-depth pieces about the North West 200. He had an in-depth knowledge of racing and especially the North West 200."

White said Gracey's death came as "major shock".

He said this year's North West 200 was the first time Gracey and his wife Paula had not been to the event "for a good number of years".

"He was a great friend to me and the North West 200," added Whyte.

Mariners Game #97 Preview and Discussion, Seattle at Tampa Bay

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners hits a single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on July 11, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mariners will play today to try to avoid going 0-6 on this road trip and being swept into the All-Star Break. Honestly? Things don’t feel great.

Lineups:

Dear Rays, you are in first place, I know things are tight around there with the stadium and all but surely you can make a gameday lineup graphic.

News:

Can you tell from the tone here Shannon is over it?

Nothing new on the Mariners injury front. Julio has continued to work out in Seattle and the hope remains he will be ready to return late this week. Donovan is expected to begin his rehab assignment in the next few days.
Pitching plans have not yet been shared.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) July 12, 2026

Today’s game information:

Game time: 10:40 PT

TV: Mariners TV

Radio: Old Reliable

Programming note: It’s also the MLB Draft and ALSO the Futures Game today, because MLB remain unable to market their product nor its future. You can find separate threads for those events on the site.

Timberwolves Proposed to Land Nikola Jokic for 5 Players, Picks in Major Trade

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on January 10, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on January 10, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Getty
Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets. Getty
DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 27: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates as he leaves the court after his team defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 27: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates as he leaves the court after his team defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Getty

Nikola Jokic may be untradeable for the Denver Nuggets, and the Serbian center has a long-standing commitment to the franchise and might look to maintain that. 

However, in any slight opportunity that the Nuggets may consider parting ways this summer, one franchise positioned to make a swing is the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

In a proposed trade, Minnesota acquires Jokic and sends Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Joan Beringer, Terrence Shannon Jr., unprotected first-round picks in 2028, 2029 and 2030, plus a 2030 second-round pick (via Memphis Grizzlies) to Denver. 

The Charlotte Hornets could swap Minnesota’s 2028 and 2029 first-rounders. 

This offseason has already witnessed two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded in a blockbuster trade. Any move for three-time MVP Jokic would be expected to command a higher return.


Timberwolves Land Nikola Jokic in Massive Trade Framework

Nikola Jokic

GettyNikola Jokic of the Nuggets.

Jokic, 31, is on a massive salary at Denver. His deal carries a cap hit of $59 million for 2026-27, which is the final guaranteed year in his deal. Following that, he will be entering a $62.8 million player option season. 

The Timberwolves already have a tough cap situation. They acquired guard LaMelo Ball from the Hornets as part of their roster upgrade around Anthony Edwards. His deal together with Edwards and Gobert has placed the franchise well over the luxury tax threshold. 

Moving Gobert clears up significant space to accommodate Jokic. However, other pieces like DiVincenzo, Beringer and Shannon Jr. would open the cap further to fully fit in the Serbian superstar’s deal. 

The Nuggets may prioritize keeping the core of Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon while adding Gobert’s defensive input. The French star is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and would provide value post-Jokic. 

Seeing the massive haul that was needed to trade Antetokounmpo, Denver’s asking price if they want to move Jokic would need a lot of future draft assets. This may be where the Timberwolves fall short because, unlike the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nuggets and their star center still have a working relationship. 


Possible Scenario for Jokic to Leave Denver

Minnesota Timberwolves v Denver Nuggets - Game Five

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 27: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates as he leaves the court after his team defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

Jokic is eligible for an extension, but has reportedly delayed any extension talk until next summer. This would enable him to get a record five-year supermax — potentially the highest in NBA history.

This would certainly mean he retires as a Nugget. However, affirming commitment is one thing, but beating the NBA cap restrictions is another. Denver is already a tight spot cap-wise and giving Jokic that huge money might mean sacrificing some of its top pieces. (*Coughs … Peyton Watson?)

There is no point in retaining Jokic if the franchise won’t be contending. This opens up the trade scenario and doing the trade now would prevent any uncertainty that comes with agreeing on a deal in the summer of 2027.

On paper, a move to Minnesota for Jokic to join Edwards and Ball would create a superteam. The three-time MVP is already the best all-around player in the league, finishing last season by leading in assists and rebounds while staying in the top 10 in points.

With Edwards entering his prime, he gains the perfect facilitator to shoulder less playmaking burden. The Timberwolves can finally break free from their postseason hiccup and challenge for a first ring in franchise history.

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Report Estupinan targeted by Aston Villa as Milan seek sale

Report Estupinan targeted by Aston Villa as Milan seek sale
Report Estupinan targeted by Aston Villa as Milan seek sale

Pervis Estupinan is on the market for Milan and transfer pundit Matteo Moretto claims that Aston Villa have asked for his availability.

The left-back was considered one of the less successful investments from last summer, as he was purchased from Brighton and Hove Albion for €17m plus up to €2m in add-ons.

He made only 22 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri last season, contributing one goal and one assist, but also getting sent off once.

Milan don’t want to keep Estupinan

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan controls the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Estupinan is not believed to be part of Milan’s plans under new coach Ruben Amorim, so his agents are looking around for alternative solutions.

According to transfer pundit Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s Italian-language YouTube channel, Aston Villa have made contact with Milan to ask about the Ecuador international.

They want to know the asking price as well as his fitness status before deciding whether to progress with negotiations.

Estupinan’s previous clubs include Villarreal, Watford, Osasuna and briefly Udinese.

He turned 28 in January and has a contract valid at San Siro until June 2030, with the asking price believed to be €14m.

Guardians, Reds make back-to-back picks in 2026 MLB Draft first round

The Guardians have built perhaps the league's best reputation for pitching development, so anytime Cleveland acquires a pitcher with a high ceiling, opposing front offices might already be assuming they'll see him in a major league setting someday, and probably with a sparkling ERA.

In the case of Liam Peterson, the Guardians had been keeping an eye on him for several years. Now he'll be part of their minor league system as one of Cleveland's highest-ranked pitching prospects.

The Guardians selected Peterson, a 6-foot-5 right-hander from the University of Florida, with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. He was ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 20 prospect entering the draft and comes with an upper-90s fastball.

It was the first time the Guardians used their top draft choice on a pitcher since 2021, when they selected Gavin Williams, another big, athletic right-handed starter.

“We’ve known him a really long time, from his days [in high school], where he was a top prospect as well,” Paul Gillespie, Guardians senior VP of scouting operations, said. “His mindset, his desire to get better, I think fits really well with our organization. … It really starts with the physical traits — size, delivery, arm action, all of those things provide him a really good foundation.”

March 20, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Floirda pitcher Liam Peterson (12) makes a pitch at Sewell-Thomas Stadium for the SEC home opener against Alabama.

Peterson is a former two-way player, giving him an athletic build capable of heavy workloads as a pitcher. His fastball hits 98-99 mph, which is combined with a curveball, slider and changeup. He just turned 21, and as a collegiate pitcher with his level of experience, Peterson is a candidate to climb the minor league ladder relatively quickly.

“I think we just have the resources and the tools to support these guys in a way that, I think, we can help them reach their ceilings,” Gillespie said. “I think the things he already does and the things he brings to the table are really hard to teach, just with the physicality, the arm speed, the stuff.

"We think when we bring him into our organization, there’s lot of things we can do with some of the finer points of pitching and refinement and those types of things.”

Reds take infielder in first round, one pick earlier

PHILADELPHIA – The Cincinnati Reds selected a shortstop in the first round of the MLB draft for the second year in a row. This time, it was Alabama's Justin Lebron with the 18th overall pick (a year after taking high school shortstop Steele Hall).

Lebron, 21, was ranked as the ninth-best overall prospect in the draft by MLB Pipeline.

"I had to struggle at times a lot, and I think that builds character," LeBron said in a video played on the draft stage in Philadelphia. "I think that builds character. I found a way."

Alabama Crimson Tide shortstop Justin Lebron (1) hits a single against the Texas Longhorns during the third inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Guardians, Reds make back-to-back picks in 2026 MLB Draft first round

Pros, cons of Phillies picking Tennessee's Bo Rhudy in 2026 MLB Draft

Tennessee baseball pitcher Bo Rhudy was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round of the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12 with the No. 219 overall pick.

Rhudy, a right-handed reliever, was the third Tennessee player selected in this year's draft. Pitcher Tegan Kuhns was picked in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals and third baseman Henry Ford went to the Rockies in the sixth round.

Rhudy transferred to Tennessee for the 2026 season after two years at Kennesaw State. He was one of the Vols' most-used relievers, making 23 appearances and posting a 3.38 ERA in 32 innings with three saves. He went 1-1 with 41 strikeouts and six walks and two hit-by-pitches.

Rhudy entered the draft as MLB Pipeline's No. 219 prospect in the draft and was ESPN's No. 201 prospect.

The No. 219 overall pick has a slot value of $267,800.

Pros, cons of Phillies picking Bo Rhudy in MLB draft

Rhudy's draft profile centers around his fastball, which was one of the best in college baseball. Although he doesn't throw as hard as some other prospects, usually sitting in the low 90s, his fastball has a high spin rate coming from a deceivingly low release point that makes it hard for batters to pick up. His fastball had a chase rate of 41 percent, swing-and-miss rate of 35 percent and in-zone swing-and-miss rate of 28 percent.

Rhudy is also a strike-thrower, ranking third in Division I in strike percentage (72 percent) last season with a fastball strike percentage of 77 percent.

Rhudy is primarily just a two-pitch pitcher with a slider complimenting the fastball, and the velocity will need to rise as he progresses in the pros. He is also exclusively a reliever with very little starting experience. The Phillies will hope he can become a effective bullpen option down the line.

Bo Rhudy stats at Tennessee, Kennesaw State

Before coming to Tennessee, Rhudy spent two seasons at Kennesaw State. As a freshman in 2024, he made 19 appearances with two starts, going 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA, six saves and 32 strikeouts in 35.2 innings. In 2025, he had a 3.16 ERA in 37 innings with 44 strikeouts, a 2-0 record and five saves.

Rhudy was a reliable option in an otherwise shaky Tennessee bullpen in 2026. In 32 innings over 23 appearances, he had a 3.38 ERA and team-leading 0.88 WHIP with a 1.90 batting average against. Rhudy struck out 41 and walked just six.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pros, cons of Phillies picking Tennessee's Bo Rhudy in 2026 MLB Draft

Pros, cons of Phillies picking Tennessee's Bo Rhudy in 2026 MLB Draft

Tennessee baseball pitcher Bo Rhudy was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round of the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12 with the No. 219 overall pick.

Rhudy, a right-handed reliever, was the third Tennessee player selected in this year's draft. Pitcher Tegan Kuhns was picked in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals and third baseman Henry Ford went to the Rockies in the sixth round.

Rhudy transferred to Tennessee for the 2026 season after two years at Kennesaw State. He was one of the Vols' most-used relievers, making 23 appearances and posting a 3.38 ERA in 32 innings with three saves. He went 1-1 with 41 strikeouts and six walks and two hit-by-pitches.

Rhudy entered the draft as MLB Pipeline's No. 219 prospect in the draft and was ESPN's No. 201 prospect.

The No. 219 overall pick has a slot value of $267,800.

Pros, cons of Phillies picking Bo Rhudy in MLB draft

Rhudy's draft profile centers around his fastball, which was one of the best in college baseball. Although he doesn't throw as hard as some other prospects, usually sitting in the low 90s, his fastball has a high spin rate coming from a deceivingly low release point that makes it hard for batters to pick up. His fastball had a chase rate of 41 percent, swing-and-miss rate of 35 percent and in-zone swing-and-miss rate of 28 percent.

Rhudy is also a strike-thrower, ranking third in Division I in strike percentage (72 percent) last season with a fastball strike percentage of 77 percent.

Rhudy is primarily just a two-pitch pitcher with a slider complimenting the fastball, and the velocity will need to rise as he progresses in the pros. He is also exclusively a reliever with very little starting experience. The Phillies will hope he can become a effective bullpen option down the line.

Bo Rhudy stats at Tennessee, Kennesaw State

Before coming to Tennessee, Rhudy spent two seasons at Kennesaw State. As a freshman in 2024, he made 19 appearances with two starts, going 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA, six saves and 32 strikeouts in 35.2 innings. In 2025, he had a 3.16 ERA in 37 innings with 44 strikeouts, a 2-0 record and five saves.

Rhudy was a reliable option in an otherwise shaky Tennessee bullpen in 2026. In 32 innings over 23 appearances, he had a 3.38 ERA and team-leading 0.88 WHIP with a 1.90 batting average against. Rhudy struck out 41 and walked just six.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pros, cons of Phillies picking Tennessee's Bo Rhudy in 2026 MLB Draft

Wales took step back against Pumas - prop Carre

Prop Rhys Carre charges with the ball under his left arm when scoring a try for Wales in Argentina
Prop Rhys Carre played in every game for Wales in the 2026 Six Nations [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Rhys Carre is proving to be hard to stop with ball in hand but the try-scoring prop believes Wales took a step back in defeat by Argentina.

Steve Tandy's men were beaten 35-21 by the Pumas in San Juan in round two of the Nations Championship.

Argentina were convincing winners as they responded to a defeat by Scotland, while Wales' mini revival was ended after Test wins against Italy and Fiji either side of a success against the Barbarians.

"Argentina had a better performance than they did last week and we probably took a step back compared to Fiji, so it was ultimately disappointing," said loose-head prop Carre.

"We are still building and have produced some good performances lately, with three in a row before this, so while it is a setback we knew it was going to be a long journey.

"Argentina are a great team and if you aren't at 100% then they are probably going to get the best of you."

Wales struck first through captain and hooker Dewi Lake from a driving line-out and, after a pair of Pumas tries, levelled thanks to Carre's carrying prowess.

The Saracens prop made it five tries in six Tests when he barged over from the second phase of a quick tap in the 22.

Carre scored a sensational try in Dublin from distance but has proved to be a weapon for the Welsh attack with training ground moves off penalties, scoring against France and Scotland in that fashion in the Six Nations.

"A lot of credit should be given to [attack coach] Matt Sherratt for putting me in the positions," said Carre, a regular under Tandy after being frozen out by Warren Gatland.

"I'm just glad that I can try to do what I can for the team – we've run the move a few times and scored off it, so I am not complaining."

After the demands of travelling from Cardiff to San Juan to face Argentina, Wales' squad move on to Durban to face South Africa on Saturday, 18 July (16:40 BST).

"The travel is what it is, we are not going to use it as an excuse," said Carre. "They are the best team in the world and we promise to give it everything that we've got and see what happens."

Lakers’ Projected Sign-and-Trade Package for Peyton Watson Revealed

Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets looks on during an NBA game.
Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets looks on during an NBA game. Getty
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 22: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 22: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Nuggets have set a massive price to pry Peyton Watson away from Denver.
The Nuggets have set a massive price to pry Peyton Watson away from Denver. Getty

The Los Angeles Lakers are positioned to make a swing for a wing addition this offseason. With LeBron James and Rui Hachimura gone, L.A.’s small forward position has been left vacant for now.

One name that has been linked as a target is Denver Nuggets star, Peyton Watson. The young versatile wing has come up as one of the options in free agency and has gained interest around the league.

In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers would acquire Watson through sign and trade and send out Jarred Vanderbilt, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy to Denver, along with a 2032 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks (2031 and 2032 via Washington Wizards).

The Lakers have focused on more attainable additions in recent weeks. The franchise may be open to revisiting links with Watson and putting forward an offer to the Nuggets. 


Lakers’ Peyton Watson Sign-and-Trade Package

GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 22: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Watson, 23, is not a regular free agent. The Nuggets tendered a qualifying offer on his expiring deal to make him a restricted free agent. This means that they are open to match any offer that comes his way. However, a sign and trade scenario is not totally undoable.

Watson’s camp is reportedly seeking a salary in the annual range of over $20 million. With Denver’s current cap constraints and repeater tax concerns, taking on such a deal over a projected four-year span is almost unfeasible.

The Lakers can open up a much-needed space to accommodate Watson while sending out pieces with lesser long-term commitments to Denver. Vanderbilt has two years left in his contract with a player option for 2027-28. Hardy also has a player option for that same season with a lesser salary of $6 million. 

Knecht’s deal also runs out in 2027-28, after which he becomes a restricted free agent, while James’ salary was guaranteed at $2.3 million for 2026-27. This gives the Nuggets a chance to have future flexibility instead of another long-term commitment. 

The Lakers would also give up draft assets in this deal as a sweetener. The future first in 2032 is one of their more valuable draft chips at the moment and they could play that card to get an immediate two-way talent. 


Watson Makes a Strong Case as an Upgrade

Denver Nuggets set massive Peyton Watson trade price

GettyThe Nuggets have set a massive price to pry Peyton Watson away from Denver.

Watson just completed a breakout season in Denver. His number jumped significantly after he spent his first three years integrating into the league. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in 54 games played. He also shot 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from beyond the arc.

Watson had more starting roles due to injuries, most notably to Aaron Gordon. He took his chance well, which is why the Nuggets want him to remain. His trajectory could be an upgrade for the Lakers in their wing position.

Watson also started from a winning culture as a rookie in the Nuggets’ 2023 title run. Although he sparingly played, staying around that strong core helped raise his ceiling, which came out when he was handed more consistent starting minutes. 

Watson would offer greater defensive upside and playmaking growth compared to Hachimura. He thrived off-ball alongside stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. This means he would have a smooth transition with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. 



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Red Sox draft picks tracker 2026: All of Boston’s Day 1 and 2 selections

The 2026 MLB Draft is underway and the Boston Red Sox have three picks on Day 1.

Boston has 19 picks this year, including No. 20 in the first round and No. 67 overall. The Red Sox acquired the 67th pick, which is a Competitive Balance Round B selection, from the Brewers on Feb. 9 in a six-player trade. In that deal, Boston acquired Caleb Durbin, Anthony Seigler and Andruw Monasterio for Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton and Shane Drohan.

Boston does not have a second-round pick or a fourth-round pick. The Sox forfeited those two selections when they signed qualified free agent Ranger Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract in January.

MassLive will be tracking all of the Red Sox’ picks on July 11 and 12:

DAY 1 PICKS: SATURDAY, JULY 11

ROUND 1 (No. 20 overall): Jake Schaffner, SS, University of North Carolina

COMPETITIVE BALANCE ROUND B (No. 67): Owen Hull, OF, University of North Carolina

ROUND 3 (No. 96): Jace Mataczynski, SS, Hudson High, Wisconsin

DAY 2 PICKS: SUNDAY, JULY 12

ROUND 5 (No. 156): Lucas Davenport, RHP, Baylor University

ROUND 6 (No. 185): Brett Lanman, LHP, Abilene Christian University

ROUND 7 (No. 214): Kide Adetuyi, LHP, Florida Atlantic University

ROUND 8 (No. 244):

ROUND 9 (No. 274):

ROUND 10 (No. 304):

ROUND 11 (No. 334):

ROUND 12 (No. 364):

ROUND 13 (No. 394):

ROUND 14 (No. 424):

ROUND 15 (No. 454):

ROUND 16 (No. 484):

ROUND 17 (No. 514):

ROUND 18 (No. 544):

ROUND 19 (No. 574):

ROUND 20 (No. 604):

More On Red Sox Prospects

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Marlins' owner makes firm Sandy Alcantara trade decision ahead of deadline

Marlins' owner makes firm Sandy Alcantara trade decision ahead of deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Marlins are having a very good 2026 season compared to preseason expectations. At 52-44, the Marlins are just 3.0 games back of the NL East lead, and one game up on a Wild Card spot with a game to go before the All-Star break.

With how good the season has gone, and this team having a legitimate chance to make the postseason, it wouldn't be a shocker if the Marlins didn't sell at the deadline. But, there's still time to make a trade or two.

However, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Marlins, thanks to owner Bruce Sherman, seemingly are not going to trade Sandy Alcantara this summer. The Marlins owner has no plans to move the former Cy Young winner.

Marlins owner steps with strong Sandy Alcantara trade stance

"Marlins owner Bruce Sherman is telling his employees that he wants to keep ace Sandy Alcantara, and has absolutely no intention of trading him at the deadline," Nightengale writes.

The Marlins are within striking distance of a postseason spot, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they wound up being buyers at the trade deadline.

But, seemingly regardless of how the rest of the summer goes before the August 3 trade deadline, Alcantara doesn't look likely to go anywhere.

MOREMets trade idea lands four prospects from White Sox for Freddy Peralta

The 30-year-old right-handed starter has a 3.99 ERA this season and is under club control for the 2027 season. Miami surely could land a haul for Alcantara this summer if it dealt him.

But, based on this report from Nightengale, with the Marlins owner sharing his ardent wish to keep the former Cy Young winner, it's looking likely Alcantara is going to stick in Miami through the 2026 trade deadline.

Thanks in part to the owner's wish and how the Marlins are in actual competition for a postseason spot, Alcantara is likely to stay in Miami through the 2026 trade deadline and the 2026 season.

More MLB news:

Van der Poel wins shortened Tour stage in 40C heat

Mathieu van der Poel celebrates
Stage nine was shortened by 30 minutes because of extreme heat [Getty Images]

Mathieu van der Poel won his third stage at the Tour de France in a sprint finish on stage nine, which was shortened due to temperatures approaching 40C.

The 31-year-old Dutchman finished ahead of Denmark's Tobias Johannessen and Great Britain's Tom Pidcock in a breakaway pack.

Pidcock was going for a second Tour stage win but was hampered by a mechanical fault.

Sunday's ninth stage from Malemort to Ussel was around 30km shorter than planned because of a "red alert" from the French authorities.

Defending champion Tadej Pogacar finished in the chasing peloton six seconds behind the winner to keep the leader's yellow jersey heading into Monday's first rest day.

Van der Poel said that it was a "super-hard day" but the heat was "for sure" better than during the first few days of the Tour.

"I was struggling and finding it difficult to recover, even from the easier [stages]," he told TNT Sports. "The past few days I've felt a bit better and today I finally had some legs to go for it."

Van der Poel had previously won stages in 2021 and 2025 and is a three-time winner of both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

A mechanical issue which surfaced at around 25km from the end of the stage held back Pidcock, who was left unable to change gear.

He kept up with the breakaway pack but could not match Van der Poel when he sprinted for the line.

"My shifter stopped working," said Pidcock. "I couldn't change gear. My bike was perfect the whole race and then today when the win was there, it doesn't work.

"Anyway, Mathieu is a difficult one to beat in a sprint situation like that. It would be difficult anyway, so I'm happy for a good day's racing. It's a nice day going into the rest day."

'Insanely hot' weather as race made 30km shorter

It took until the halfway stage for an initial eight-man breakaway to form, finally moving clear of the rest of the riders during the tricky 3.8km-long Suc au May climb.

The group never led by more than a minute and a half but just four were left as the race neared its conclusion, with Frenchman Alex Baudin joining Johannessen and Pidcock.

This is the second stage of this year's Tour to have been affected by weather, with fans told not to attend the final 40km of stage three near the Spanish-French border because of wildfires in the area.

On Sunday, more than a third of the country was placed under France's national weather service's highest level of alert.

The heat led the CPA, the association which represents professional cyclists, to say that race start times must "evolve" to "protect athletes' health" given the increasing frequency of extreme heatwaves.

Some riders have urged the Tour de France organisers to consider bringing forward start times to allow the hottest times of the day to be avoided.

Before the stage began, 35-year-old Australian Luke Durbridge, who is riding for the 12th time this year, said it was "pretty insanely hot".

"It does make a difference, we appreciate the change," Durbridge told AFP.

"Going forward, if the way global warming is going, we probably need to start changing these start times."

But Tour leader Pogacar had a more drastic solution, saying changing the start times would not help riders avoid the extreme heat.

"It's a big topic to discuss, but if I could have the power to change it all, I would change all the calendars, and I would not race in July and August in the hot places, and do a completely different calendar," he said.

Stage nine results

  1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned/Alpecin - Premier Tech) 3hrs 27mins 51secs
  2. Tobias Johannessen (Nor/Uno-X Mobility) Same time
  3. Tom Pidcock (GB/Pinarello-Q36.5) "
  4. Alex Baudin (Fra/EF Education-EasyPost) "
  5. Filippo Ganna (Ita/Netcompany-Ineos) +6secs
  6. Mads Pedersen (Den/Lidl-Trek) "
  7. Michael Matthews (Aus/Jayco-Alula) "
  8. Nicolas Breuillard (Fra/Totalenergies) "
  9. Jordan Jegat (Fra/Totalenergies) "
  10. Sean Quinn (US/EF Education - EasyPost) "

General classification after stage nine

  1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 32hrs 17mins 4secs
  2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +2mins 42secs
  3. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +3:27
  4. Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +3:30
  5. Juan Ayuso (Spa/Lidl-Trek) +3:34
  6. Paul Seixas (Fra/Decathlon-CMA CGM) +3:55
  7. Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +4:00
  8. Lenny Martinez (Fra/Bahrain-Victorious) +4:21
  9. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) +4:57
  10. Egan Bernal (Col/Netcompany-Ineos) +9:41

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FIFA to review another World Cup expansion, with 64-team format under consideration for 2030

12 July 2026 at 20:01
Despite the growing doubts surrounding the expansion to 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup has been competitive, thrilling fans around the world. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that they are already considering a possible expansion to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition.

FIFA decided to change the World Cup format for the 2026 edition, expanding to 48 national teams. Despite the growing doubts, the tournament has been highly competitive. Far from being satisfied, Gianni Infantino revealed that they are reviewing the possibility of expanding once again to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition.

That’s definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees (expanding it to 64 national teams) after this World Cup. When organizing a World Cup, it’s important to organize it for the whole world—not just Europe and South America… If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving,” reveals Infantino, via BlueWin.

Not only does Infantino consider this proposal a strong possibility, but so does CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez. In an interview in November 2025, he revealed that his dream would be to see the tournament played with 64 national teams. However, this does not mean the change has been approved, as internal discussions are still ongoing.

Unlike Domínguez and Infantino, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is not entirely convinced that expanding the World Cup format to 64 teams is the right decision. During a UEFA media conference in Belgrade in April 2026, he revealed that he considers it a bad idea, as it would significantly affect the qualification process. Therefore, FIFA still has important discussions to hold before adjusting the format once again.

infantino triump world cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump

China and India: Potential key markets for FIFA

Throughout the past few years, FIFA has decided to make numerous changes to soccer. Beyond the adjustment to 48 national teams at the World Cup, they have introduced changes to the rules. In addition, technology has taken on an increasingly important role. However, the possible expansion to 64 national teams could be a more commercial move, one that could have a positive impact on the sport in India and China, two key markets.

Both China and India are among the most populous countries in the world. Despite this, neither of them has played in a World Cup edition, meaning that commercial rights in those markets tend to be relatively low. With the expansion of the tournament format, they could have a greater chance of qualifying for the first time in history, representing a significant commercial shift.

This does not mean that FIFA is considering the change to a 64-team World Cup because of including China and India. However, this adjustment would have, as its main consequence, their possible qualification. If they manage to qualify, both countries could become more interested in television rights, sponsorships, and more, boosting the tournament. In addition, this could make investment in soccer in these countries grow, benefiting the sport.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match.

Beşiktaş'ta Alimpijevic dönemi uzadı

Siyah-beyazlılar istikrarı seçti: Beşiktaş Erkek Basketbol Takımı, başarılı Sırp başantrenör Dusan Alimpijevic ile 2 yıllık yeni sözleşme imzalandığını resmen duyurdu.

Beşiktaş Erkek Basketbol Takımı, istikrarı seçerek başantrenör Dusan Alimpijevic ile yeniden anlaştı. Siyah-beyazlı kulüp, Sırp çalıştırıcının sözleşmesinin 2 yıl daha uzatıldığını resmen duyurdu.

Gelecek planlaması doğrultusunda imzalanan bu yeni sözleşmeyle birlikte, Alimpijevic önümüzdeki iki sezon boyunca da Beşiktaş'ın başında yer alacak. Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, başarılı antrenöre ve takıma yeni dönemde başarı dileklerinde bulunuldu.

Hem Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi'nde hem de Avrupa arenasında iddialı konumunu korumak isteyen Beşiktaş, bu hamleyle teknik kadrodaki istikrarını korumuş oldu.

Sidiki Cherif kalıyor: Yeni forvet gelene kadar!

Fenerbahçe'de genç golcü Sidiki Cherif'in Hamburg'a kiralanması bekleniyor. Ancak ayrılık için biraz daha beklenecek. Öncelikle yeni santrforun takıma katılması gerekiyor.

Fenerbahçe Vedat Muriqi sonrasında bir santrfor takviyesi daha yapacak. Bu durumda Sidiki Cherif, 3. forvet konumuna düşüyor. Alman ekibi Hamburg, 19 yaşındaki futbolcuyu kiralamak istiyor. Yönetim bu seçeneğe sıcak bakıyor. Ancak Hamburg'dan biraz daha beklemesi istendi.

O TARİHTE İZİN VERİLECEK

Sarı-Lacivertliler'de şu anda yeni golcü konusundaki çalışmalar sürüyor. Transfer resmen tamamlandığında Sidiki Cherif'e ayrılık izni verilecek. Öte yandan 1.88 boyundaki futbolcu, yeni sezon hazırlıklarında çok iyi bir performans sergiliyor. Bu sebeple kadroda tutulabileceği de konuşuluyordu.

MALİYETİ EPEY YÜKSEKTİ

Ancak Vedat Muriqi sonrası gelecek yabancı santrforla birlikte Gineli oyuncunun şansı kalmayacak. Sidiki Cherif'in Fenerbahçe'yle 30 Haziran 2030'a kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor. Angers Kulübü'nden transferindeki detaylar ise şu şekildeydi:

Kiralama bedeli: 4 milyon euro

Satın alma maddesi: 18 milyon euro (devreye girdi)

Bonus maddeleri: 3 milyon euro

Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe karşı karşıya: Fabian Ruiz!

PSG ile mukavelesinin son senesine giren Fabian Ruiz'in geleceği belirsizliğini koruyor. Galatasaray uzun süredir İspanyol yıldızı izliyordu. Fenerbahçe'nin de devreye girebileceği öğrenildi.

Galatasaray yaklaşık 1 senedir PSG'den Fabian Ruiz'le ilgileniyor. 30 yaşındaki İspanyol futbolcunun sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2027'de bitecek. Yani kontratının son senesine girdi. 1.88 boyundaki merkez orta saha kısa süre önce, PSG ile mukavelesinin devam ettiğini ve işleri aceleye getirmeyeceğini ifade etmişti.

BU KONULARA GİRMEYELİM

Ruiz şu anda İspanya Milli Takımı'yla Dünya Kupası'nda bulunuyor. Menajerine ise turnuva bitimine kadar transfer konularına girmek istemediğini iletti. Buna PSG ile yeni sözleşme pazarlıkları da dahil... Öte yandan sıcak bir gelişme yaşandı. Galatasaray sonrasında Fenerbahçe'nin de resmen devreye girebileceği öğrenildi.

SATIŞ YAPILMASI GEREKİYOR

Fenerbahçe'deki yabancı sayısı, Galatasaray'a oranla çok daha fazla... Ayrıca orta alanda da ciddi bir kalabalık var. Kanarya'nın Ruiz hamlesi öncesinde bazı isimlere veda etmesi gerekiyor. Galatasaray'da da bazı ayrılıklar yaşanacak. Ancak rakamsal anlamda Kanarya kadar sıkıntılı değil. Dünya Kupası'nın ardından iki ezeli rakibin de pazarlıklara başlaması bekleniyor.

Galatasaray'ın Leao ilgisi devam ediyor mu? İşte son durum

Galatasaray'ın adı çok uzun bir süre Rafael Leao'yla anıldı. Son günlerde ise bu konuda fazla bir ses çıkmıyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın fikri biraz değişmiş gibi...

Milan'dan ayrılmak istediğini açıklayan Rafael Leao bir anda ortamı hareketlendirmişti. Portekizli kanat oyuncusunun adı uzun süre Galatasaray'la anıldı. Ancak son günlerde bu konuda fazla ses çıkmıyor. Yönetimin, 27 yaşındaki futbolcuyla eskisi kadar ilgilenmediği öğrenildi.

BARIŞ ALPER YILMAZ'IN VARLIĞI

Barış Alper Yılmaz'ın yüksek bir rakam karşılığında satılması bekleniyordu. Bugün itibarıyla milli futbolcu kalacak gibi gözüküyor. Rafael Leao kadroya katılırsa, Barış'ın yedek bırakılması gerekecek. Ve bu düşünce, teknik heyetin aklının ucundan bile geçmiyor...

GENÇ VE POTANSİYELLİ

Barış'ın kaldığı senaryoda onun arkasına genç ve potansiyelli bir isim eklenecek. Rafael Leao ise bu kriterlerden tamamen farklı bir konumda... Ayrıca Milan Kulübü'nün çok ciddi bir bonservis beklentisi var. Özetle Barış gitmediği sürece Rafael Leao da gelmeyecek.

Serdal Adalı, Viyana'ya gitmeyi unuttu! Beşiktaş kampına gitti

Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı, hakkında çıkan "Viyana ve Madrid'e gidiyor" iddialarını boşa çıkardı. Rotayı siyah-beyazlıların Slovakya kampına çeviren Adalı, antrenman öncesi teknik direktör Vincenzo Italiano ile keyifli bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi.

Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı’nın transfer ve temaslar için bugün Viyana’ya gideceği, ardından İspanya’nın başkenti Madrid’e geçerek İstanbul’a döneceği iddia ediliyordu. Ancak Başkan Adalı, ortaya atılan bu seyahat iddialarının aksine rotayı bambaşka bir yere kırdı ve siyah-beyazlıların Slovakya kampına çıkarma yaptı.

Sürpriz bir kararla Slovakya’daki kamp alanına ulaşan Serdal Adalı, takımın gerçekleştireceği antrenman öncesinde soluğu sahada aldı. Teknik direktör Vincenzo Italiano ile bir araya gelen Başkan Adalı, İtalyan çalıştırıcıyla neşeli ve keyifli bir sohbet gerçekleştirdi. Takımın son durumu hakkında bilgi alan Adalı’nın bu ziyareti, kamptaki moral ve motivasyonu zirveye çıkardı.

CSKA Beşiktaş'ı reddetti: 40 milyon istiyorlar!

Beşiktaş, Rus ekibi CSKA Moskova'nın 20 yaşındaki orta saha oyuncusu Matvey Kislyak için teklif sundu. Ancak geri çevrildi. CSKA'nın kafasında servet var!

Rus basınındaki haberlere göre; Beşiktaş, CSKA forması giyen Matvey Kislyak için bir teklif yaptı. Önerilen rakam ise hemen geri çevrildi. Siyah-Beyazlılar'ın masaya kaç para koyduğu bilinmiyor. Ancak CSKA'nın kafasındaki bonservis bedelinin 40 milyon euro olduğu belirtildi.

ALTYAPIDAN ÇIKMIŞTI

Kulübün altyapısından çıkan 20 yaşındaki merkez orta sahanın 30 Haziran 2029 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor. 1.80 boyundaki genç yetenek aynı zamanda Rusya Milli Takımı'nın da parçası... Matvey Kislyak, CSKA'da toplam 84 resmi maça çıktı. 13 gol ve 9 asist üretti.

O KADAR DA DEĞİL!

Beşiktaş, TFF'nin genç yabancı kriterini fazlasıyla karşılayan Matvey Kislyak'ı çok beğeniyor. Ancak CSKA'nın beklediği 40 milyon euroyu ödemeyi kesinlikle düşünmüyorlar. Özetle bugün itibarıyla transferin gerçekleşme ihtimali yok gibi... İlerleyen yıllarda durumun değişip değişmeyeceğini ise zaman gösterecek.

Ersin Destanoğlu kaç para kazanacak? 4 katını verdiler!

Beşiktaş'tan senelik 800 bin euro civarında ücret alan Ersin Destanoğlu, Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri ekibi Al-Jazira'yla 3 yıllık sözleşme imzaladı. 25 yaşındaki kalecinin yeni maaşı, eskisiyle kıyaslanmayacak düzeyde!

Beşiktaş'la kontratı 30 Haziran'da biten Ersin Destanoğlu, takımdan ayrılmaya karar vermişti. Bu süreçte kendisiyle şu takımlar ilgilendi:

Hull City

Deportivo

Göztepe

Club Brugge

Fakat 25 yaşındaki eldiven, Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri temsilcisi Al-Jazira'yla 3 senelik anlaştı.

İNANILMAZ YÜKSELİŞ

1.95 boyundaki file bekçisi, Beşiktaş'tan senelik 800 bin euro civarında maaş alıyordu. Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri'nde ise bonuslarla birlikte yaklaşık 3.2 milyon euroyu cebine koyacağı iddia edildi. Eski kazancıyla kıyaslandığında bu rakam 4 katlık bir artış demek...

Çorum'dan sürpriz hamle: Samuel Ballet

Küme düşen Antalyaspor'da özellikle Samuel Ballet'in geleceği merak ediliyordu. İsviçreli kanat oyuncusu yeniden Süper Lig'de mücadele edecek. Üstelik yepyeni bir takımla...

Geride bıraktığımız sezonun başında Como'dan Antalyaspor'a transfer olan Samuel Ballet küme düşme üzüntüsü yaşamıştı. 25 yaşındaki futbolcu, Süper Lig'de 24 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 1.720 dakika kaldı. 5 gol ve 1 asist üretti. Antalyaspor'la mukavelesi ise 30 Haziran 2027 tarihinde bitiyordu.

OPSİYON ÇİFT TARAFLIYDI

1.84 boyundaki futbolcunun kontratında +1 yıllık uzatma opsiyonu da bulunuyordu. Ancak bu madde çift taraflı... Ve görünüşe göre; Samuel Ballet, Akdeniz ekibinden ayrılacak. 25 yaşındaki oyuncunun, Süper Lig'in yeni ekiplerinden Çorum FK ile büyük oranda anlaşmaya vardığı öğrenildi.

KISA SÜRE İÇERİSİNDE

Transferin kısa süre içinde resmen açıklanması bekleniyor. Maddi detaylar da o tarihte belli olacak. Samuel Ballet'le Amed, Kocaelispor ve Samsunspor da ilgileniyordu. Ancak Çorum FK'nın elini çabuk tuttuğu belirtildi. İsviçreli oyuncunun yeni takımında göstereceği performans merakla bekleniyor.

Franculino Galatasaray'ın işini kolaylaştırabilir: Beni bırakın!

Galatasaray'ın genç forvet adayları arasında Midtjylland forması giyen Franculino da bulunuyorduu. 22 yaşındaki oyuncu, Aslan'ın ilgisini duyunca teknik heyetle bir görüşme gerçekleştirdi.

Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen'in arkasında bekleyebilecek genç bir forvet arıyor. Ve bu konudaki en önemli adaylardan biri; Midtjylland forması giyen Franculino'ydu... Sarı-Kırmızılılar, Danimarka temsilcisiyle temaslarda bulunuyor. Ve bu durum, 22 yaşındaki santrforu harekete geçirdi.

CİDDİ ŞEKİLDE GÜÇLENDİREBİLİR

Gine-Bissaulu futbolcunun teknik heyetle görüşerek Galatasaray'a gitmek istediğini söylediği iddia edildi. Bu gelişme, pazarlıklarda Cim-Bom'un elini ciddi şekilde güçlendirebilir. 1.86 boyundaki oyuncunun, Midtjylland ile 31 Aralık 2029 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor.

RENATO NHAGA'NIN VATANDAŞI

Franculino aynı zamanda Renato Nhaga'yla milli takımdan arkadaş... Eğer transfer tamamlanırsa, iki Gine-Bissaulu futbolcu Galatasaray'da buluşacak. Bu süreçte ikilinin sık sık telefon görüşmeleri yaptığı da belirtildi. Franculino, geride bıraktığımız sezonda Midtjylland ile toplam 34 resmi maça çıktı. 22 gol ve 3 asist üretti.

Beşiktaş, Jaylen Nowell'i kadrosun kattı

Beşiktaş Erkek Basketbol Takımı, ABD'li oyun kurucu Jaylen Nowell'ı kadrosuna kattı.

Siyah-beyazlı kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre yeni sezon transfer çalışmaları kapsamında 27 yaşındaki basketbolcuyla anlaşma sağlandı.

Kariyerinde Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons ve New Orleans Pelicans gibi önemli Amerikan Basketbol Ligi (NBA) ekiplerinde oynayan Nowell, son olarak Porto Riko takımı Gigantes de Carolina'da forma giydi.

Al-Jazira, kaleci Ersin Destanoğlu'nu transfer etti

Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri temsilcisi Al-Jazira, Beşiktaş'tan ayrılan Ersin Destanoğlu'nu kadrosuna kattığını duyurdu.

Kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre 7 sezon boyunca siyah-beyazlıların A takım formasını terleten 25 yaşındaki file bekçisiyle sözleşme imzalandı.

Geçen sezon Beşiktaş'ta 32 resmi maçta görev alan Ersin, siyah-beyazlı formayla 1 Süper Lig, ikişer Süper Kupa ve Türkiye Kupası şampiyonluğu yaşadı.

Aslan'ın Enciso ilgisi hangi seviyede? İşte son durum

Can Uzun ve diğer 10 numara adaylarında şu ana kadar istediği indirimleri alamayan Galatasaray, Strasbourg forması giyen Julio Enciso'yu yoklamaya başladı. Peki bu transferde son durum ne?

Galatasaray'ın 10 numaradaki en büyük hedefi, Can Uzun'du... Eintracht Frankfurt uzun süre 60 milyon euroluk serbest kalma bedelinin ödenmesini istedi. Sonrasında biraz indirim yaptılar ancak rakam yine de çok yüksekti. Sarı-Kırmızılılar doğal olarak alternatifleri yoklamaya başladı.

MİLLİ TAKIMIN PARÇASI

Ancak diğer seçeneklerin maliyetleri de beklenenin üzerine çıktı. Sarı-Kırmızılılar, sürpriz bir şekilde Strasbourg forması giyen Julio Enciso'ya yoğunlaştı. Paraguay Milli Takımı'nın formasını da giyen oyuncunun Fransız ekibiyle 30 Haziran 2029'a kadar sözleşmesi bulunuyor.

BONUSLARLA 35 MİLYON EURO

Galatasaray'ın teklifi; bonuslarla birlikte maksimum 35 milyon euroya ulaşabilecek bir öneri... Strasbourg bunu kabul ederse iş bitecek. Çünkü oyuncu cephesi, Cim-Bom'a çok sıcak bakıyor. Ancak Ligue 1 temsilcisi daha fazla bonservis talep ederse, bu dosya da kapatılacak. 22 yaşındaki Julio Enciso, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun belirlediği genç yabancı kriterini karşılıyor.

Best PC Parts Deals And Gaming Builds Of July 2026

12 July 2026 at 20:30

A close-up of a motherboard featuring the 'Republic of Gamers' branding, overlaid with a graphic from Wccftech reading 'Best PC Parts & Builds Deals July 2026.'

Building a gaming PC in 2026 has become considerably more expensive than it was only a year or so ago, and graphics cards are not solely responsible this time. The ongoing memory shortage has driven up the cost of all DRAM and NAND flash-based products, such as memory kits, SSDs, and graphics cards. For that reason, we consider approximately $1,000 to be the realistic starting point for a decent new gaming PC in July 2026. Even then, some compromises are unavoidable. Moving up to higher pricing tiers allows progressively stronger CPUs and GPUs, not to mention higher system memory and […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/best-pc-parts-deals-and-gaming-builds-of-july-2026/

Apple’s M6 iPad Pro To Get An Early 2027 Launch Alongside A Revamped Apple Pencil, Which Gets A Readily Replaceable Battery Amid Pressure From The EU

12 July 2026 at 19:56

A hand uses a stylus pen on a tablet displaying digital art of a woman's face, with three additional stylus tips shown above.

Apple has tossed its heretofore predictable M-series chip launch cadence in the air, adding a hefty dose of unpredictability into the proverbial mix. Now, however, the legendary tipster Mark Gurman is out with yet another scoop, disclosing an early 2027 launch window for the M6 iPad Pro and a re-designed Apple Pencil. Apple's early 2027 launch window is already becoming crowded with a growing array of products We reported recently that Apple has significantly revamped its silicon-related plans, settling on the launch of the M5 Ultra and the base M6 later this year, and then jumping straight to the base M7, […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apples-m6-ipad-pro-to-get-an-early-2027-launch-alongside-a-revamped-apple-pencil-which-gets-a-readily-replaceable-battery-amid-pressure-from-the-eu/

M7 Ultra To Offer Double The Maximum Unified Memory As The M5 Ultra, Potentially Opening Doors To Run 1 Trillion-Parameter Models Locally

12 July 2026 at 19:33

M7 Ultra to offer double the unified memory as the M5 Ultra

Apple is planning to skip the M6 Ultra launch, instead choosing to launch the M5 Ultra later this year, followed by the M7 Ultra after it unveils the M7 Pro and M7 Max sometime in 2027. Fortunately, the new workstation-class silicon will be worth the wait, especially for those who aspire to run multi-billion-parameter AI models on their systems but are limited by memory constraints. This is because a new report states that the M7 Ultra will feature double the unified memory of the M5 Ultra, and you’ll want to know how much RAM you can pack for the top-end […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/m7-ultra-to-offer-double-unified-memory-as-m5-ultra/

Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra: Five major differences revealed in leaks

12 July 2026 at 20:39

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra are launching this month; these two will bring a side-folding design, but their form factor has 5 major differences.

This comparison becomes necessary in the face of launching a new wide-folding device- the Fold 8. This smartphone will come with a fresh form factor, offering a unique user experience. Here’s what you should know.

Dimensions

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will be taller and adopt a full rectangular appearance, but the Fold 8 will carry a new shape that offers a wide resolution. The Fold 8 will feel more like a tablet, both in open and closed positions.

Screen

Matching their dimensions, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a wider aspect ratio for internal and external displays compared to the Fold 8 Ultra. However, the Z Fold Ultra will continue the traditional mobile experience, taller screen, and compact grip.

Weight

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 could be slightly lighter than the Fold 8 Ultra. That’s due to the reduced screen size and camera specs. However, the difference may not be huge.

Camera

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will feature two rear cameras – a main and an ultra-wide angle. On the other hand, the Fold 8 Ultra will equip a triple camera system – 200MP main, an MP ultra-wide angle, and a telephoto.

Battery

Samsung is reportedly upgrading the battery in the Fold 8 Ultra to 5000mAh, which is a 600mAh increase over the Fold 7. The Fold 8 will also serve around a 4800mAh battery, which is decent for its debut device.

Conclusion

The company will feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in these foldables, while the Flip 8 is likely to use Exynos. Another thing to mention is that all three of these will run One UI 9.0 (Android 17) out of the box.

Samsung will launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8 at the Unpacked event on July 22 in London.

The post Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra: Five major differences revealed in leaks appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Hall of Famer accuses Shakur Stevenson of ‘purposefully going missing’ after Devin Haney agreed to catchweight

12 July 2026 at 20:35

is deemed by many to be one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters, but one Hall of Fame inductee believes that Stevenson, who is usually keen for opportunities to enhance his legacy, is in the wrong for purposefully swerving a showdown with . Stevenson became a four-division world champion back in January, dominating Teofimo Lopez to […]

The post Hall of Famer accuses Shakur Stevenson of ‘purposefully going missing’ after Devin Haney agreed to catchweight appeared first on Boxing News.

Mario Balotelli: “A Seriyasında məndən güclü hücumçu görmürəm”

12 July 2026 at 19:00

İtaliyalı mərkəz hücumçusu Mario Balotelli hesab edir ki, hazırda İtaliya A Seriyasında onun səviyyəsindən yüksək mərkəz hücumçusu yoxdur.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 36 yaşını avqust ayında qeyd edəcək təcrübəli futbolçu bu barədə İtaliya mətbuatına açıqlamasında danışıb:

“Söhbət sırf fərdi keyfiyyətdən gedirsə, hazırda İtaliyada məndən daha yüksək səviyyəli hücumçu görmürəm. Güclü futbolçular çoxdur, amma onların oyun üslubu fərqlidir”, – deyə Balotelli bildirib.

Qeyd edək ki, Balotelli hazırda Birləşmiş Ərəb Əmirlikləri çempionatında çıxış edir. Təcrübəli forvard 2026-cı ilin yanvarında BƏƏ klubu “Əl-İttifaq”la 2,5 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb.

İtaliyalı futbolçu karyerası ərzində “İnter”, “Mançester Siti”, “Milan”, “Nitsa”, “Liverpul”, “Breşiya”, “Olimpik” (Marsel), “Montsa”, “Adana Dəmirspor”, “Lumessane”, “Syon”, “Cenoa” kimi klubların da formasını geyinib.

Mario Balotelli 2010-cu ilin avqustunda debüt etdiyi İtaliya yığmasının heyətində 36 oyun keçirib. O, bu oyunlarda 14 qol və 5 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.

Elitaya yüksələn klub baş məşqçisi ilə “davam” dedi

12 July 2026 at 19:38

“Venetsiya” baş məşqçisi Covanni Stroppa ilə müqaviləni uzadıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb. 57 yaşlı mütəxəssislə anlaşmanın müddəti 2029-cu ilin yayına kimi artırılıb.

Stroppa 2025-ci ilin yayından “Venetsiya”yanı çalışdırır. Komanda onun başçılığı altında ötən mövsüm B Seriyasının qalibi olub və elitaya yüksəlib.

Costacurta: ‘Maldini more important choice for Italy than new coach’

12 July 2026 at 20:01

Alessandro Costacurta claims the choice of Paolo Maldini as Italy technical director is ‘more important than the new coach’ of the Nazionale, while giving insight into the rapport with Leonardo.

After weeks of speculation and talks, the new role of technical director of the Italy squad has finally been filled with the announcement that Maldini will take over running the Azzurri.

Maldini ready to reshape Italy

EMPOLI, ITALY - OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“This is great news for Italian football, because we have brought in one of the most illuminated and sincere people in the sport,” his former Milan and Italy teammate Costacurta told Sky Sport Italia.

FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed that Maldini was always his first choice for the position, and that now the technical director will be tasked with picking the new coach.

“Malagò made the best possible choice. In fact, picking Maldini is perhaps more important than choosing the new coach,” added Costacurta.

NAPLES, ITALY - JULY 12: Paolo Maldini AC Milan Technical director and Stefano Pioli AC Milan look on coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on July 12, 2020 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 12: Paolo Maldini AC Milan Technical director and Stefano Pioli AC Milan look on coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on July 12, 2020 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

A surprising twist was the introduction of Brazilian Leonardo as a consultant, reuniting the pair who had worked together at Milan.

“They have different characteristics. Leo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct,” noted Costacurta.

“The best thing about them is that they listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”

Leonardo spent much of his career in Italy, as at Milan he was a player, a talent scout, a coach and a technical director, while he also had one season as coach of rivals Inter.

His most recent job was that of assistant technical director at Paris Saint-Germain.

Done Deal: Roma target Greenwood ready for Fenerbahce

12 July 2026 at 19:34

Having long been a target for Roma, it is reported that Mason Greenwood is heading to Istanbul for a Fenerbahce medical, with precise details of the fee to Olympique Marseille, Manchester United and Getafe.

The Giallorossi made no secret that Greenwood was their first choice for the wide left role in attack, and had been preparing a package close to the €50m asking price.

Roma lose Greenwood to Fenerbahce

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

However, Fenerbahce took a different route and started talks with the player early, agreeing personal terms on a vastly superior salary worth up to a reported €9m per season.

Now several sources in Turkiye maintain the deal is done, despite late interest from Atletico Madrid and of course Roma.

Because of the deal struck with Manchester United, the Premier League side is owed 40 per cent of the profit.

However, Sport Mediaset argue that Manchester United are instead getting 30 per cent, with an additional 10 per cent going to another of his former clubs, Getafe.

While the Italian sources have the total fee at €45m plus bonus, Fanatik in Turkiye set it at €39.5m plus add-ons, including a significant additional payment in case they win the Super Lig title.

Turkish transfer pundit Yagiz Sabuncuoglu also states that Fenerbahce have agreed all the details with Marseille and the player.

Sevilla striker Adams down to ‘final details’ for Venezia at €16m plus bonus

12 July 2026 at 19:16

Venezia are on the verge of securing Sevilla striker Akor Adams in a deal worth €16m plus add-ons, as director Filippo Antonelli confirms ‘talks are at a very advanced stage.’

The Nigeria international is 26 years old and  made the move from Montpellier to Sevilla for €5.5m in January 2025.

In the last season, he scored 10 goals with three assists in 32 LaLiga appearances for Sevilla.

Adams close to Venezia move

LEIRIA, PORTUGAL - JUNE 10: Akor Adams of Nigeria during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa on June 10, 2026 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LEIRIA, PORTUGAL – JUNE 10: Akor Adams of Nigeria during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa on June 10, 2026 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

According to multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and Tuttomercatoweb, the agreement is very close to completion.

The fixed fee will be worth around €16m plus performance-related bonuses that are linked to both the personal achievements and those of the team.

“I promise that I will tell you everything once it is all closed,” director of sport Antonelli told reporters during today’s press conference.

“The talks are at a very advanced stage, but there are still some final details to work out.”

Venezia won the Serie B title last season and earned automatic promotion into the top flight.

They have already bolstered the squad with the arrival of Albion Rrahmani from Sparta Prague, Armel Bella-Kotchap from Verona, Ale Gomes from Real Zaragoza, plus free agents Toma Basic and Thierry Correia.

Traore expected for Genoa tests on Monday in €10m Marseille agreement

12 July 2026 at 18:46

Hamed Junior Traore is expected in Italy for his Genoa medical on Monday, ready to complete a loan with option to buy move from Olympique Marseille for up to €10m.

The initial report of the deal had come from France with Footmercato, suggesting the cost of the operation would be around €8m.

Genoa can pay up to €10m for Traore

UDINE, ITALY - MAY 06:Hamed Junior Traorè of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 06:Hamed Junior Traorè of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Now the Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttomercatoweb point to a figure closer to €10m including add-ons and the cost of the loan fee.

It’s believed that Traore will arrive on Italian soil for his medical tests and to sign the contract on Monday.

He can then travel to join the rest of Daniele de Rossi’s Genoa squad in their pre-season training camp at Moena.

This represents a return to Serie A for the Ivory Coast international, who started out in the Empoli academy before moving on to Sassuolo, Napoli and Auxerre.

The 26-year-old had been sold to Bournemouth in 2023 for €25.6m, but his career stalled due to repeated injury problems, and he moved to Marseille for €7.7m.

Aston Villa linked with one of World Cup’s biggest breakout stars, valued at €14m

12 July 2026 at 20:00

Julian Quinones is wanted by Aston Villa in the Premier League, according to rumours circulating today.

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The World Cup always throws up a few new stars who get big moves after the tournament, and without doubt of this summer’s breakout names is Julian Quinones of Mexico.

The naturalised Colombian took the tournament by storm right from the first game, bagging four goals and an assist in the five games he played, and is now being linked with Premier League teams.

Able to play up front or on the wing, he’s got pace and power and an eye for goal.

Quinones wanted by Aston Villa to strengthen attack

TeamTalk claim that Quinones is wanted by Aston Villa, who have made it back to the Champions League and want to add depth and quality in attack.

Two slight issues are his age – he’s 29, and the fact that he already earns big money in the Saudi Arabian league. Both of those things make it a potentially tricky deal for Villa to pull off in PSR terms, as they aim to stay within UEFA’s limits.

He’s currently valued at just €14m on Transfermarket – we’d expect any real fee to be significantly above €20m, however, given the events of the last few weeks.

In other news…

Borussia Dortmund have made a slow start to this window, but it looks like they’ve lined up their first big deal of the summer.

Julian Alvarez is going to go for a lot more €35m this summer, if Atletico Madrid get what they want…

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‘He makes the wrong decision every time’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic rips Into Arsenal star for poor World Cup performance

12 July 2026 at 18:57

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not hold back in his assessment of Arsenal’s Noni Madueke for his performance vs Norway.

Despite England clawing their way into the World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-1 extra-time win, the winger found himself in the crosshairs of the legendary Swedish striker.

Madueke was handed a starting spot in the quarter-final clash due to Bukayo Saka managing an injury, but he failed to seize the opportunity and was hauled off by Thomas Tuchel at half-time.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic brutally slams Noni Madueke performance

Speaking as a pundit on Fox Sports, Ibrahimovic, known for his savagery, delivered a brutal verdict on Madueke’s work rate and decision-making during his 45-minute outing.

Ibrahimovic noted that the intense heat in Miami forced a hydration break, which altered the flow of the match just as Jude Bellingham was driving England forward.

“But I think they’re playing with one player less so far Madueke has been on the pitch,” Ibrahimovic said. “I have to say every time he gets the ball he makes the wrong decision, and he’s walking on the pitch.”

The Swede even brought up a controversial incident where the ball struck a spidercam cable to twist the knife further.

“Even the hydration break didn’t help him. He’s played but he’s not started every game, they started with one guy less. But if the ball touched the cable, then the cable had a better performance than Madueke, for sure.”

Zlatan went in on Madueke here. ? pic.twitter.com/CCU80rg1S7

— No Context World Cup (@NoContextEPL) July 11, 2026

Noni Madueke struggled to make an impact against Norway

The statistics from the match back up Ibrahimovic’s harsh words. Tasked with unlocking Norway’s defense from the right flank, Madueke struggled to create anything of note.

The Arsenal star finished his brief appearance with zero goals, zero assists, and failed to record a single shot or successful dribble.

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His failure to track back and support the defence left England exposed on the right side, which ultimately prompted Tuchel to make the switch at the break.

With England now preparing for a huge World Cup semi-final, Madueke’s disappointing display may have significantly damaged his hopes of reclaiming a place in the starting lineup later in the tournament.

The post ‘He makes the wrong decision every time’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic rips Into Arsenal star for poor World Cup performance appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Haaland look-alike contest draws fans in Miami

A look-alike contest celebrating Norway striker Erling Haaland drew crowds in downtown Miami ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against England.

The event was organised by content creator Emma Kate Willman after she went viral on social media over her resemblance to the football star.

Around two dozen contestants took part, showing off long blonde hair, football skills and even Haaland-inspired props.

The winner, a Norwegian holidaymaker, received two tickets to the quarter-final, while fans gathered to sing, cheer and celebrate the striker's growing popularity.

Lionel Gannon was key to Moanalua’s chemistry and state title volleyball run

Lionel Gannon saw the ups and downs from inside the building.

Moanalua’s 2026 campaign was lively, and even with solid success in preseason tournaments, there was no obvious reason to believe Na Menehune would shock the world.

The team grew stronger, turned errors into lessons and ended the OIA’s state-championship drought. Gannon was more than the best player on the best team. He was unflappable, doing all the little things with excellence as Moanalua became the first non-ILH program to win a state title since 1979.

The 6-foot-3 outside hitter’s state-tournament numbers were efficient and crucial.

>> 19 kills (.424), 1.5 blocks, one ace and four digs in a three-set quarterfinal win over Hawaii Baptist

>> 26 kills (.404), two blocks, two aces, one assist, eight digs in a four-set, semifinal win over Mid-Pacific

>> 18 kills (.250), 1.5 blocks, one assist, seven digs in the four-set win over Punahou for the crown

The senior’s reaction to top honors as the Player of the Year in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Boys Volleyball coaches and media selections was, as usual, emotionally understated and on point.

“It’s surreal, obviously. It’s everything I’ve worked for and dreamed of. Honestly, I’m just super glad we won. That’s the main thing that matters,” Gannon said. “If it wasn’t for everyone that supported me, my family, my coaches, my teammates, I would never have been able to do it.”

Alan Cabanting was voted Coach of the Year after steering Moanalua to its first state title. Le Jardin coach Makana Wade was second in the voting, followed by Punahou’s Rick Tune. Gabriel Maunupau of Mililani and Maria Taiafi-Husseini also received votes.

All season long, Cabanting put trust into his team and highly composed leaders like Gannon.

“That silent confidence is what we’re going to miss. He doesn’t talk a lot. He just shows it, models it and the boys playing around him somehow feed off that confidence,” Cabanting said, “knowing that if I mess up, Lionel’s going to be there to help us out.”

A hitter with every kind of touch on his swing plus high IQ was immeasurably valuable.

“He was so savvy with his attacks. Punahou took his cross and he hit line. There were several times where defenses took the line and the tip, and he goes deep corner into a 1-6 area. Being able to see that and knowing he doesn’t have to swing hard to get his kills,” Cabanting said

It was a season to remember.

“It all starts with the mentality that we had going into the season,” Gannon said. “All of our teammates were super bought-in into our system. We knew we had to do everything right to eventually take down Punahou. It’s cool to see a month after, I’ve known so many people for so long, it’s great. Everyone has a different personality and it’s great we were able to mesh together and form a great team chemistry.”

For one night, in the midst of chaotic Kona low weather, in a match that was postponed and moved from Laie to Pearl City, a packed house of loud spectators got to see history. In a rarity, the match was not televised due to the postponement. It felt surreal, but for Moanalua, it was about fundamentals and a defense sparked by the consistency and occasional spectacular play of libero Darric Abe.

“Punahou is one of the best serving teams. That was one of our main focuses throughout the entire season, making sure that our serve pass was really good,” Gannon said. “That allowed us to be competitive in the match. When we were down, I knew that we would never be out because we could bring it back with our serve receive.”

Star-Advertiser’s Fab 15: Boys Volleyball

Rk

Name (School)

Pos.

Notes / Stats

1

Lionel Gannon (Moanalua)

OH

63 kills at state tourney, 18 in final win vs. Punahou

2

Cameron Porter (Punahou)

OH

Closed out a brilliant career, 25 kills vs. Moanalua

3

Sava Miocinovic (Mid-Pacific)

OH

27 vs. eventual champion Moanalua in states

4

Jarryn McCutcheon (Moanalua)

OH/Opp.

Stepped up with 17 kills in the state final

5

Kanalu Akana (Punahou)

S

125 assists, 12 kills, three aces in HHSAA tourney

6

Tanoa Scanlan (Punahou)

OH

Steady player with 11, 15, 15 kills in states

7

Nikola Miocinovic (Mid-Pacific)

S

122 assists at states, including 44 vs. Moanalua

8

La‘akea Kamahele (Le Jardin)

OH

59 kills in three tourney matches for first D-II state title

9

Darric Abe (Moanalua)

L

12 digs in comeback win vs. MPI, 14 digs vs. Punahou

10

Jason Rivers (Hawaii Baptist)

OH

28 kills vs. KS-Hawaii, 17 kills in loss to Moanalua

11

Julian Romine (Mid-Pacific)

Opp/MB

19 kills, 3.5 blocks in semifinal loss to Moanalua

12

Kaito Duranceau (Mililani)

OH

43 kills, 7 aces, 24 digs at the state tourney

13

Brennan Nakayama (Le Jardin)

L

103 assists in state matches, 39 in D-II state final

14

Elau Hoopai-Waikoloa (Hana)

OH

50 kills vs. Seabury Hall, 39 kills, 4 aces vs. Pahoa

15

William Niethammer (Punahou)

L

Tallied 3 aces, 28 digs at the state tournament

Awards

* Player of the Year: Lionel Gannon (Moanalua)

* Coach of the Year: Alan Cabanting (Moanalua)

Honorable Mention

Taylor Chung (Moanalua), Nathaniel Kawai Koahou (Kamehameha), Luke Pragnell (Maui), Seth Kimura (Mililani), Nahua Lloyd (Punahou), Samuel Mokan (Hawaii Baptist), Josiah Talamoa (Pearl City), Micah Kalima-Keohohina (Radford), Cooper Long (Kamehameha), Brennan Flores (Mid-Pacific), Piikoa Kamoku (KS-Maui), Tui Ika (Radford)

Hawaii Prep World

For high school sports record books, visit .

UH quarterback Alejado ready to rise and shine for Warriors

This offseason, University of Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado is routinely clocked at 4:45.

With a lights-outs bedtime of 8:30 p.m., Alejado awakens at 4 in the morning, showers, and then arrives at UH at 4:45. Maybe earlier, never later.

“I try to be the first one there,” Alehado, 21, said of the 6 a.m. start to conditioning drills. “Start warming up my body and get ready for the workout. I’m getting older. The body takes a little bit longer to get warmed up now.”

Entering his third year — and second as QB1 — with the Rainbow Warriors, Alejado has embraced his leadership role.

“I want to set the example,” said Alejado, whose summer schedule is built around the Warriors’ training.

He attended Saturday’s UFC 329 fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where his parents own a home. He is scheduled to travel to Honolulu today, participate in Monday’s morning workout at UH, and then return to Las Vegas that afternoon ahead of this week’s Mountain West Media Days. Alejado, running back Cam Barfield, linebacker Jamih Otis, and nickelback Elijah Palmer will represent the Warriors during Wednesday’s session. All are alumni of Bishop Gorman High School, a national football powerhouse in Las Vegas.

While many high school graduates don’t see each other until their class’ 10th reunion, UH appears to have established a Bishop Gorman alumni association. There are 16 former Gaels on the Warriors’ 2026 active roster. Associate head coach Chris Brown and quarterbacks coach Chad Kapanui also coached at Bishop Gorman.

“Gorman played a huge part in all our lives,” Alejado said. “It’s a scared place. It definitely set us on the right path of life. Looking back on it — our lifestyles, our practice schedules, everything that happened with school and football and off the field — it was preparation for life after high school and going to college. It made the transition so much easier.”

Alejado, in actuality, has been training since his hanabata days in Ewa Beach. His father was a quarterback at Pearl City High. Paul Alejado made his left-handed son also practice throwing with his right hand, just in case. Micah Alejado can accurately throw right-handed passes up to 30 yards.

Galu Tagovailoa, father of Atlanta Falcons’ QB Tua Tagovailoa, was Alejado’s youth-league head coach.

Alejado moved to Las Vegas ahead of his freshman year at Saint Louis School. Jon Amano, a former Hawaii resident who coaches in Las Vegas, taught Alejado the intricacies of the run-and-shoot offense that UH uses. Bishop Gorman’s West Coast offense has run-and-shoot elements.

“At Gorman, we were training already in January and getting ready for the season in August,” Alejado recalled. “Early-morning workouts in the summer. … One-hundred degrees is 100 degrees. It’s not comfortable at all. But it makes you in shape and mentally tough.”

Alejado also has learned to adapt as he ascended the football ladder. At 5 feet 10, Alejado relies on a quick release to escape a defense of 11 angry men. His ability to throw to receivers as they break on their routes comes from post-practice sessions and tireless video studies.

“If you really want to be a mastermind and understand the game to the fullest, you have to take the proper steps to prepare and take a deep dive into the book of football,” Alejado said. “That’s the way I’ve been since I was young. I was in love with the game and the P’s and Q’s and insides and outsides of it.”

Alejado often will watch a play from an NFL telecast, then fire off a text to head coach Timmy Chang, who calls the offensive plays.

“Can we get a variation of what they’re doing into our offense?” Alejado would text.

Last season, Alejado showed grit after being injured in the season-opening victory over Stanford. He was believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain. He declined to undergo advanced testing.

“I didn’t want to know what was wrong,” he said. “I wasn’t going to look at anything until the end of the season or if I couldn’t walk anymore.”

He played the following week, aggravating the injury in the second half. He missed the next two games and, after a bye week, returned against Fresno State and started the remainder of the season.

He did not participate in movement drills ahead of the Hawaii Bowl.

“I was just trying to get the ankle ready for one last game,” he said. “It was pretty surreal how I made it through the season.”

After the victory over California in the Hawaii Bowl, during which he completed 69.6% of his throws for 274 yards and three touchdowns, it was revealed he had endured fractures to his tibia and fibula in his right ankle. The injury did not require surgery.

“I don’t think if it were my left (ankle), I would have played, definitely not,”said Alejado, referencing his push-off foot.

Alejado did not participate in contact drills the past spring training. He was cleared for sprinting in June.

“I think those five, six months helped me a lot,” Alejado said. “It’s been a long road to recovery, one that really tested me. Looking at it now, I’m 100%.”

In this era of easy transfers and lucrative name-image-likeness deals, Alejado opted to stay put.

“Coach Chang has been my No. 1 supporter ever since he gave me a scholarship,” Alejado said. “That means a lot to have a coach who believes in you and trusts you. You’ll find a lot of guys today in college football struggling to find that. People underestimate how grateful I am for having this head coach and culture around me, having my brothers around me. We care about football. I love the culture here. I love the people. I want to win some football games here.”

Alejado regularly treats the offense to lunch. Ahead of training camp, he plans to pick up the tab for a team dinner. This coming Sunday, he is the name sponsor to a youth camp (ages 6-16) at Saint Louis School.

He said he grew up attending football camps and clinics. It was where he met and played catch with Tua Tagovailoa and Marcus Mariota.

“It was fun to meet them and talk football,” Alejado said. “It was big to see how they were as people. I want to do the same.”

Former UH swimming coach releases book on Amazon

“Freestyle Biomechanics: The Science Behind The Strokes,” a book by former University of Hawaii swimming coach Jan Prins, is now available via Amazon.

The book focuses on freestyle, but also touches on “the three other competitive strokes,” said Prins, who earned a doctorate in kinesiology at Indiana in 1978 and still teaches at UH. “(It) covers … every freestyle movement from stroke pattern, body position, flutter kick, hand entry to recovery and much more.”

It is the culmination of nearly 50 years of coaching, presentations, research and video workshops Prins has conducted for competitive swimmers and coaches.

“It will become a continuous shelf reference for all swimmers, especially triathletes and adults,” said Garry Rodrigues, swim consultant to USA Triathlon for the 2028 Olympics.

The 11 Real Madrid players called up for first day of pre-season training

The 11 Real Madrid players called up for first day of pre-season training
The 11 Real Madrid players called up for first day of pre-season training

The 11 first-team players expected to report for the opening day of pre-season training at La Liga giants Real Madrid have on Sunday been revealed.

A new era is of course set to be kickstarted in Spain’s capital this coming week.

Following the return of José Mourinho to the Real Madrid bench this summer, the Portuguese will oversee his first training session on Monday morning.

A whole host of Los Blancos’ star performers will not be required to attend, owing to their respective campaigns at the World Cup in North America.

For those not called up by their nations, though, tomorrow will mark their first opportunity to impress their headmaster for the season ahead.

And as alluded to above, on the eve of the session, those called up by the Real Madrid coaching staff have been revealed.

As per a report from Blancos journalist Arancha Rodriguez, alongside a number of youth talents, the following first-team players will be in attendance at Valdebebas:

Andriy Lunin, Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Ferland Mendy, Dean Huijsen, Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo, Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono.

Conor Laird – GSFN

Leaked: Arsenal away kit photos & release date

Leaked: Arsenal away kit photos & release date
Leaked: Arsenal away kit photos & release date

Official pictures and a release date for Arsenal’s 2026/27 away kit have leaked online, with the shirt set to be made available to supporters this month.

Photos via FootyHeadlines.com

Footy Headlines report that Arsenal’s 2026/27 away kit is set to be released on July 23rd, with the new shirt going on sale in advance of the Gunners’ pre-season schedule.

Official pictures of the replica kit have also leaked online, both the short-sleeved version shown above and the long-sleeved version shown below.

Photos via FootyHeadlines.com

As per the photos, the kit is a dark blue with yellow highlights, and red on the sleeves and the collar.

The shirt uses Adidas’ Trefoil logo, rather than the three stripes, and the cannon logo rather than the Arsenal badge. The base pattern design carries on around the back and over the sleeves.

Photos via FootyHeadlines.com

The home kit has already been released, and the third kit is expected to be a paler yellow colour with navy blue accents and a thin line of red on the collar and sleeves once again.

The third-kit shirt design uses a lightning pattern, with navy shorts and socks completing the look. Few photos of the shirt have leaked so far, but the image shown below is believed to be an official promotional photo.

Photos via FootyHeadlines.com

Cristo Fernández, 'Ted Lasso' actor, plays for El Paso Locomotive FC in USL Cup match

Fútbol became real life for Cristo Fernández on Saturday night.

The “Ted Lasso” actor went from the fictional pitch for AFC Richmond to taking the field for El Paso Locomotive FC of the United Soccer League. Facing New Mexico United, Fernández entered the game as a substitute for Rubio Rubínin the 79th minute of the Locomotive’s 2-0 defeat in a USL Cup match.

El Paso and New Mexico were in a scoreless tie until the 85th minute when Joseph Quiah scored in the left corner for United. Zico Bailey found the net four minutes later on a cross from Jake LaCava for a 2-0 lead. Attendance for the match was announced at 5,011.

FUTBOL IS LIFE 🙌

Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, made his professional debut on Saturday. Fernandez was a 79th-minute substitute in El Paso Locomotive's USL Cup game vs. New Mexico United ❤️‍🔥pic.twitter.com/OgNR4N16Oc

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 12, 2026

Locomotive FC announced on Wednesday that Fernández was added to the club’s 18-man matchday roster for a home game at Southwest University Park versus New Mexico.

“Yes, it’s really him,” Locomotive FC included in Fernández’s bio on the club’s website.

Saturday’s match was actually the second time Fernández saw game action versus New Mexico. He played 30 minutes in a preseason friendly between the two clubs on Feb. 28.

Fernández, 35, signed with the Locomotive in May after training with the team for a two-month trial and playing in the aforementioned preseason friendly. Demonstrating that this wasn’t just a lark for the actor, Fernández also trained on trial with the second team of the MLS’ Chicago Fire FC in March and scored twice in a scrimmage.

“Fútbol has always been a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernández said in a statement with Locomotive FC’s announcement.

Prior to becoming an actor and gaining fame as Dani Rojas for Richmond’s Greyhounds, Fernández had aspirations of becoming a professional footballer. He played for Mexico’s Tecos Fútbol Club as a 15-year-old before a knee injury derailed those ambitions.

With a record of 5-5-4, Locomotive FC currently holds seventh place in the USL’s Western Conference standings. They visit Tulsa FC at ONEOK Field next Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

West's big reaction to another England World Cup win

An England fan is standing up and sprawled her arms out wide among a sea of other England fans.
It was another big night for England fans across the West of England [PA Media]

Thousands of people across the West came together to watch England beat Norway on Saturday, celebrating jubilantly.

England won 2-1 thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham, in response to conceding a goal by Andreas Schjelderup earlier in the game.

The win secured England's place in the semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday from 20:00 BST.

Here is how you all reacted to England taking a step closer to ending the 60-year wait for World Cup glory.

Bristol

Ryan and Freya Sedgman are looking at each other inside a church.
Ryan and Freya Sedgman decided to show the match at their wedding [BBC]

Newlyweds Ryan and Freya Sedgman decided to show the match at their reception on their wedding day, at The Mount Without.

"If you can't beat them, join them," Freya said.

"There's going to be guys sat in the corner watching on their phones, so why not show it on a bigger screen?"

Ryan said their big day was more than two years in the making, and never would have predicted England to play that night.

He said: "Initially, we didn't want it to take over the day.

"I'm a big football fan, and a lot of Freya's family are big football fans."

He added he was "a little bit surprised but very happy" when Freya approved showing the game.

Meanwhile, many thousands of fans attended The Prospect Building to watch the drama on a huge screen.

Here are some photos showing some of the best of the action.

England fans sit in shock, some with heads in hands and others with hands over their mouths.
[PA Media]
England fans on the edge of their seats watching the match on a big screen.
[PA Media]
England fans are jumping and celebrating.
[PA Media]

Gloucestershire

Now, take a look at this.

That was thousands of fans reacting to the win at Tetfest, a family festival in Tetbury.

Mark Wood, who founded Tetfest, said: "Where do I start? We had everything, the music, the people, and then we had the extra time. We got there in the end.

"Everybody behaved themselves. They've left the mess like they always do, but there we go."

He added he hopes to launch an outdoor event for the next game on Wednesday.

Speaking after the game, one fan said: "[It was] absolutely electric. I always knew they were going to win it."

Another said: "Unbelievable. They were always going to do it, they've got the mentality. It's coming home."

Somerset

Fans are standing in rows watching a screen in a large menu.
Many fans watched the match at the Cheese and Grain in Frome [BBC]

At the Cheese and Grain in Frome, so many people attended they hit capacity, according to the venue.

Rob Dahl, venue manager, said: "It's been crazy the support this World Cup has brought out.

"We've hit capacity for today's game which is wonderful.

"All of the games, including the Mexico game, had hundreds of fans screaming and shouting. It's been really nice to see.

"It's helped the bar, and we do get a higher than average bar spend per head when football is on.

"Because it's such a good atmosphere, it's positive people having a wonderful time."

A man is pictured wearing an England football jersey on a street.
Reece said England have a "better structure" [BBC]

Reece, from Frome and attended the watch-along at the venue, said: "[It was a] nice comfortable game.

"After the goal for Norway, a little bit of jitters, but Jude Bellingham carried us all the way.

"There's a better structure to this team than previous years, and Tuchel seems like a much more proactive manager than Southgate was."

Wiltshire

Crowds of people have their arms raised towards a screen, watching a football match.
Devizes Town FC held a watch-along [BBC]

It was good vibes at The Old Lane in Chippenham where many hugged each other and sang songs.

Helen, who watched the game at the pub, said: "It was fantastic, I'm so glad we won. I wasn't sure we were going to. Football's coming home."

Charlie, who also attended, said: "Incredible scenes. Cagey in parts but we'll take it next. Roll on Argentina, let's go."

People are singing and have their arms raised.
All smiles at The Old Lane pub in Chippenham after the game [BBC]

Additional reporting by Michael Cowan, Martin Evans and Jack Killah.

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More on this story

2026 Last-Chance Qualifier tee times for golfers aiming for final spot in Open Championship

In between the end of the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday and the start of the 2026 Open Championship on Thursday is the first-ever Last-Chance Qualifier.

The R&A has spiced things up a tad this year with this one-of-a-kind, 12-man qualifier for the 156th and final spot in the Open.

On Saturday, the draw was announced, with the R&A announcing that Marcus Helligkilde withdrew, opening a spot for Frazer Jones, who becomes the third amateur in this qualifier.

The grandstand surrounding the 18th green at Royal Birkdale near Southport in England, host of the 2026 Open Championship.

The Last-Chance Qualifier will be 18 holes at Royal Birkdale, hosting the Open for an 11th time.

2026 Last-Chance Qualifier tee times

TimePlayers
7:30 a.m.Matt Moloney (a), Andrew Wilson, Adri Arnaus
7:41 a.m.John Gough, Charles Huntzinger, Sam Easterbrook (a)
7:52 a.m.Joe Dean, Frazer Jones (a), Matti Schmid
8:03 a.m.Wesley Bryan, Aldrich Potgieter, Angel Hidalgo

The event starts at 8:30 a.m. local time in England, which is 2:30 a.m. ET. Live scores will be updated at TheOpen.com.

Todd Kelly is an assistant managing editor at Golfweek.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: 2026 Last-Chance Qualifier tee times for golfers aiming for final spot in Open Championship

49ers insider spotlights team's biggest offseason wild card

The Athletic's Matt Barrows singled out Jacob Cowing's third-year emergence as the most intriguing subplot of the San Francisco 49ers' 2026 offseason, with the speedy wideout drawing praise this spring after two injury-shortened seasons.

Barrows noted Cowing, who likely enters deep down the depth chart, has been one of the standouts of the spring. The receiver says he now understands how to manage the ailments that limited him early in his career.

If that’s true, he should add a speed element that was noticeably absent last year. Cowing might be the team’s fastest player, is good with the ball in his hands and is the lead candidate to return punts in 2026.

San Francisco took Cowing in the fourth round (No. 135 overall) out of Arizona in 2024, betting on a player who finished his college career with 268 catches for 4,477 yards and 27 touchdowns across stints at UTEP and Arizona. His NFL production has yet to reflect that pedigree, though. As a rookie, Cowing caught just four passes for 80 yards across 15 games while also handling 28 punt returns for 245 yards. A far more promising Year 2 never got off the ground after a hamstring injury during training camp landed him on injured reserve, wiping out his entire 2025 season.

Now healthy, Cowing enters a crowded but retooled receiver room behind free-agent addition Mike Evans, veteran Christian Kirk and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall, with second-round rookie De'Zhaun Stribling also in the mix. Head coach Kyle Shanahan made clear this spring he's encouraged by what he's seen from his returning young wideouts, especially Cowing and 2025 fourth-rounder Jordan Watkins.

"They all came back healthy," Shanahan said. "I was really excited how Jordan and Jake came back, though. You could tell they came back — it wasn't just healthy. You could tell they've been putting work in ... They've come here, to me, to play and work."

With Evans, Kirk and Pearsall projected as the top three targets, Cowing's clearest early path to snaps may come through special teams and a complementary role. But if his health holds, the tools are there for him to push for more.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers insider spotlights team's biggest offseason wild card

Colin Cowherd: 'LeBron will make you the worst defensive team'

There is some increasing speculation that LeBron James is definitely heading back to the Cleveland Cavaliers and that it is only a matter of time before he makes an official decision. Some NBA fans even seem to think that he may wait until after the final game of the World Cup, which will take place on July 19, to make an announcement so that he can ensure he gets the most attention possible.

But there is also considerable doubt that James could win the NBA championship with the Cavaliers. A number of people around the league recently expressed their cynicism that the 41-year-old is the right man to put the Cavaliers over the top, with one scout even saying, "They don’t want another old guy."

Sports commentator Colin Cowherd said that if Cleveland adds James, it will become slow and defensively challenged.

"LeBron (James) will make you the worst defensive team," Cowherd said. "Slowest player in the NBA last year was James Harden. He's a Cav. You know the second-slowest player? LeBron James, if he goes to Cleveland. They'll be the worse team in terms defensively, and they weren't very good last year, even with rim protection.

"... Slow is not what you need in the NBA. Youth, speed, and athleticism is."

Harden and Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers' starting guards, are weak defenders, and they were exposed and hunted by the New York Knicks when the Knicks swept Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals several weeks ago. James has notoriously not put much effort into that end of the floor for the last several years.

While James led the NBA in fast-break points per game this past season, he picks and chooses his spots as far as when to attack and create pace. All too often, especially in the second halves of games, he walks the ball upcourt and milks the shot clock, which is asking for trouble in the NBA.

The Cavaliers were 19th in fast-break points and 13th in pace, as well as 15th in defensive rating, this past season. If coach Kenny Atkinson wants to make them into more of a fast-breaking team that defends at a high level, James may not be the man to make that happen.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Colin Cowherd: 'LeBron will make you the worst defensive team'

Washington F to Suit Up For Americas Qualifiers with Future Uncertain

Wini Silva (Braga) has proven to be a rising prospect in South America for Brazil's men's basketball squad during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers.

Recently, the 6-foot-9 forward received the inaugural Rising Star award from FIBA after he averaged 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game over three contests in the group stage.

Silva, who has spent the past two years with Minas in the National Basketball Brazil professional league, logged 41 combined minutes against Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela with a pair of double-digit scoring outings.

The 21-year-old put up 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks in an international career-best against Venezuela back in February, which caught the attention of several college basketball programs, including Washington Huskies coach Danny Sprinkle and associate head coach Andy Hill.

In early May, the talented Brazilian big man committed to UW, the first of three new international players set to join Sprinkle's team for the upcoming 2026-27 season, but Silva and Croatian forward Boris Tisma have yet to arrive in Seattle, while Australian guard Tristan Devers began practicing with the program last month.

Around the time of Silva's verbal pledge to the Big Ten program, the NCAA adopted drastically different rules with respect to international players who have been playing professionally at any level.

Silva received compensation above the minimum salary playing for Minas over multiple seasons, different from Devers, who signed a developmental contract with the Brisbane Bullets, which could be one reason why the process is slower for the Brazilian.

Minas has another young promising player, Uruguayan guard Lucas Rodríguez, in a similar circumstance, and the Brazilian club has not been vocal about either situation. It's expected Silva's situation could take at least one more turn before mid-August, if not sooner.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington F to Suit Up For Americas Qualifiers with Future Uncertain

World Cup 2026 power rankings: who leads the pack as semi-finals loom?

Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Mikel Merino, Julián Alvarez.Composite: Guardian Design, Getty Images

1) France (no change from previous rankings)

Didier Deschamps has seen it all before and certainly does not fear even the lowest of blocks. It is clear everyone is afraid of Les Bleus, which is understandable, and they are using it to their advantage. It is admirable how teams keep France quiet for lengthy periods but the game is too long to completely silence Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Against Morocco an hour of patience was required but these forwards are used to it and Mbappé produced the magic that has powered this run, following it up with an assist. In a tournament defined by individuals, France has the best of a talented bunch.

Related: Jude Bellingham excels in parallel World Cup but cannot win trophy alone | Barney Ronay

2) Spain (no change)

Football is a simple game – you play for almost 90 minutes and then Mikel Merino pops up with a late winner. The Arsenal midfielder had only been on the pitch for 115 seconds against Belgium when he put himself in the right position at the right time. While the substitutes did their bit once again, Lamine Yamal is moving through the gears, priming himself for a matchup with Mbappé. It was hard work, harder than it had been before for La Roja but they are getting used to the quality improving each round, allowing their confidence to grow as they progress. “If anyone should be afraid it should be [France] – we knocked them out of the Euros,” Lamine Yamal said. “We have no fear.”

3) England (+1)

The unforgiving heat of Miami subdued England for much of their contest with Norway, leaving Thomas Tuchel irritated by his side’s performance. It was left to Jude Bellingham to do the business, shifting the dynamic at times when his teammates were often second best. He has forced himself into the role of England’s main man, dragging his country into the semi-finals. Tuchel’s substitutions intrigued as roles rotated, especially when they moved Bellingham out of his best position. It is clear that the No 10 needs to be as close to Harry Kane as possible if England are to stand a chance of reaching the final.

4) Argentina (-1)

The usual pattern played out as Lionel Messi used his full array of tools to chisel a way through a stubborn defence, but it was others who eventually made the difference. A first goal of the tournament for Julián Alvarez will bring confidence to the striker, especially considering the stunning nature of the strike. Every knockout game has been a battle for Lionel Scaloni’s side, the world champions unable to find consistent rhythm over 90 minutes. They tried to ease their way through against Switzerland after an early goal but that was a dangerous game they cannot afford to repeat in the semi-finals. As midfielder Leandro Paredes put it: “It seems like if there’s no suffering, it doesn’t count.”

5) Belgium (+2)

Left to rue an injury to Thibaut Courtois against Spain as Senne Lammens made the mistake that resulted in defeat. Lammens was rusty, without a minute of competitive football since the end of the Premier League season in May. Maybe that is why he fumbled a shot from distance before watching the rebound fired home by Merino. It was a misfortune as Belgium had matched Spain for long periods, with Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne thriving. But the elite will punish opponents for even the smallest errors.

6) Switzerland (+2)

The turning point against Argentina was Breel Embolo’s sending-off after a second yellow for diving via a video assistant referee (VAR) review. The score was level at the time and suddenly the Swiss were on the retreat. In extra-time, they were unable to hold on with 10 men. Prior to that, Murat Yakin’s side were precise with their tactics and pressing and will depart the US ruing what could have been.

7) Norway (-1)

Unable to find Erling Haaland for almost the entirety of the match against England limited their threat, with a fluke goal by Andreas Schjelderup required to get them into the game. Things were so bad for Haaland that he was taken off by Ståle Solbakkenfor the second half of extra-time. The lack of a plan B was evident and it is hard to be one of the best four teams in the world without some variety.

8) Morocco (-3)

Seemingly accepted defeat before kick-off against France. They played in a pragmatic, yet tedious, fashion and lacked interest in venturing into the opposition half. One shot on target told the tale of Morocco’s ambition, and it was inevitable the defence would be more important than attack for the African champions. The tactics were drilled into the side but it was only ever likely to delay Mbappé settling the match, and so it proved.

  • Rankings were assembled by a panel of Guardian World Cup writers and editors. They were asked to rank the teams in the quarter-finals in order, from first to worst. Final rankings were based on an average of the votes cast.

Rob Manfred butchers name of top pick in MLB Draft

Screenshot

The Chicago White Sox selected UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft on Saturday in Philadelphia.

Cholowsky has been an enormously praised prospect for a few years and was viewed as the clear favorite to be the top pick of the 2026 MLB Draft before the season even began.

So, much of the baseball world has been well aware of Cholowsky for a long while, and one would think that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred would be too. Or that he would at least practice how to pronounce the name before announcing it to the world during the draft.

But Manfred mispronounced Cholowsky’s name when announcing the first pick of the draft, which was shown nationally on NBC for the first time (for the first 10 picks).

THE PICK IS IN… pic.twitter.com/A28njITE9V

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 11, 2026

It’s pronounced chil-OW’-skee.

Manfred’s flub didn’t slip by MLB Draft viewers.

The good stuff. Congrats to the Cholowsky family.

(Rob mispronouncing Roch’s name when he’s been the presumptive top pick for a year+ is a 10/10 on the Can’t Happen Scale ) https://t.co/fYEFuyleoh

— Stephen Nelson (@StephenNelson) July 11, 2026

I am known to mispronounce names, but Rob Manfred just mispronounced Roch Cholowsky’s name when announcing him as the No. 1 pick.

— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) July 11, 2026

Either every single human being has been pronouncing Roch Cholowsky’s name wrong or Rob Manfred just absolutely butchered the 1st overall pick’s name.

— Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) July 11, 2026

Huge blunder by the #MLB Commissoner. Can’t happen. Not a surprise Roch was the #1 pick. Manfred has to know how to say his name. https://t.co/ulzTVyKXq9

— Tim Cates (@timcates) July 11, 2026

Cholowsky was even asked by the media about Manfred’s blunder and said (via the Associated Press/KTLA), “I didn’t hear it get butchered. I heard Roch and kind of lost it.”

Still, that’s pretty embarrassing stuff from the league’s commissioner on the big stage.

The post Rob Manfred butchers name of top pick in MLB Draft appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Lakers get major Jonathan Kuminga multi-team sign-and trade news

Lakers get major Jonathan Kuminga multi-team sign-and trade news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Things may have just gotten a bit more complicated for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. 

According to The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, the franchise’s potential Jarred Vanderbilt-focused sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks for former Golden State Warriors lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga may not be limited to just two teams after all.

“It's believed that the Lakers hope to package their lone tradeable first-round pick swap left over in 2032 along with Jarred Vanderbilt in a sign-and-trade proposal for Kuminga,” Stein wrote Friday. “Sources say Atlanta, however, has not considered taking back Vanderbilt in a deal that sends out Kuminga.”

“There are said to be multi-team scenarios that the Lakers could pursue that offload Vanderbilt to a different team than Atlanta. That would help the Lakers provide Kuminga with an offer richer than the two-year, $20 million deal that sources say they originally presented him.”

The Hawks' reported stance on acquiring Vanderbilt isn’t all that surprising. The Kentucky product’s do-it-all defense has been his calling card thus far, but he’s failed to develop other aspects of his game in Los Angeles. 

Vanderbilt has been a sub 33% three-point shooter since joining the Lakers in 2023, and isn’t as comfortable putting the ball on the floor as Los Angeles likely anticipated he’d be at this stage of his career.

If the Lakers have to find a third team to help them facilitate a sign-and-trade for a promising young NBA champion in Kuminga (who will likely be inserted into the franchise’s starting lineup), they shouldn’t make a big deal out of it.

More NBA news:

Late-July Showdown: Can Real Madrid Lock Down Vinicius’ Future?

Late-July Showdown: Can Real Madrid Lock Down Vinicius’ Future?
Late-July Showdown: Can Real Madrid Lock Down Vinicius’ Future?

Diario AS report that Vinicius Junior will meet with Real Madrid’s board in late July to continue negotiations over a contract extension, with sources inside the club described as optimistic heading into those discussions.

Where Things Stand

The stakes are straightforward: Vinicius’ current deal runs to June 30, 2027, meaning he would be free to open talks with foreign clubs on January 1 if nothing is agreed. That six-month window before free agency is the deadline both parties are working against, and it gives the late-July meeting genuine urgency.

According to the AS report, relayed by Managing Madrid, Vinicius has already rejected at least one offer from the club and is pushing for a significant salary increase. Despite that, the signal from within Bernabéu corridors is one of cautious confidence – leadership is said to have taken encouragement from recent communications with the player’s camp, and a sale was never under consideration.

A Familiar Cycle

There is a pattern here worth acknowledging. The same broadly optimistic framing accompanied earlier rounds of talks, which ultimately stalled without an agreement. Managing Madrid’s own write-up flags that tension directly: the odds of a deal being struck appear high, though that was also said before previous negotiations collapsed.

Real Madrid have been active on the contract front more broadly. Aurélien Tchouaméni, the France midfielder, recently signed an extension through 2031, and the club secured renewals with other key squad members earlier in the year. Whether they can apply the same resolution to their highest-profile outstanding case is the question hanging over the summer.

What Comes Next

The late-July meeting will reveal whether Madrid are prepared to move meaningfully on their existing offer, and whether Vinicius’ camp views that movement as sufficient. If talks progress, an agreement before the new season would remove considerable uncertainty from the squad’s planning. If they stall again, the January 1 free-agency date begins to cast a longer shadow over the club’s position.

For now, both sides appear to want the same outcome. Getting there is the harder part.

Massara Connection Could Bring Tomori to Juventus as Gatti Exit Looms

Massara Connection Could Bring Tomori to Juventus as Gatti Exit Looms
Massara Connection Could Bring Tomori to Juventus as Gatti Exit Looms

Juventus have identified Fikayo Tomori as a potential replacement for Federico Gatti, with the Milan centre-back now open to making the move to the Bianconeri, according to Get Italian Football News, citing La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Tomori’s position at Milan has become uncertain following the club’s signing of Mario Gila from Lazio, which has effectively reshuffled the defensive hierarchy at San Siro. Coventry City had been tracking the England international, but that option – a return to the Championship with a newly promoted club offering no European football – has not appealed to him.

The Massara Connection

A key factor in Juventus’s thinking is sporting director Ricky Massara, who was the architect of Tomori’s original move from Chelsea to Milan and is now operating from the Continassa. That existing relationship gives Juve a meaningful advantage in any approach. Tomori had rejected a transfer in January 2025 and turned down Tottenham around the same period, but the source reports his stance has shifted.

Gatti, meanwhile, is set to leave in search of regular starts, with Napoli the reported destination. The Partenopei need to offload a player before they can formalise that deal, which is currently stalling the entire chain – but Tomori represents a ready-made safety net for Thiago Motta’s successor Luciano Spalletti as Juve reshape their backline. The club has been active in that area already, pursuing centre-back reinforcements through multiple avenues this window.

Contract and Playing Time

Tomori’s current deal at Milan runs until 2027, meaning the Rossoneri hold real leverage and any departure would require a negotiated fee rather than a discounted exit. With defensive turnover already a theme at Juventus this summer, and Lloyd Kelly also a candidate to leave, Tomori could expect a significant role rather than squad cover. At 28, with four-plus years of Serie A experience, he fits the profile Juve are targeting – a proven defender comfortable at the top end of the table and in European competition.

76ers rookie Labaron Philon making early statement in Summer League

76ers rookie Labaron Philon making early statement in Summer League originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Labaron Philon continued his impressive start to NBA Summer League, delivering another standout performance Saturday night to lead the Sixers to a 100-93 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Philon took control when the game mattered most, scoring timely baskets in overtime and making several clutch plays down the stretch. The former Alabama star finished with a game-high 24 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal, further strengthening his case as one of the breakout performers of Summer League.

The 6-foot-3 point guard showcased an advanced offensive arsenal throughout the contest. His mid-range pull-up jumper repeatedly proved nearly impossible to defend, while his explosive first step and polished footwork consistently allowed him to create space against Indiana’s defenders.

Philon powers 76ers past Pacers with overtime heroics

Philon displayed the poise of a seasoned floor general, controlling the tempo while making smart decisions with the basketball. His ability to score from multiple levels and create opportunities for teammates has quickly become one of Philadelphia’s biggest storylines in Las Vegas.

This marks the second consecutive game in which Philon has played a pivotal role for the Sixers. In his Summer League debut against the Detroit Pistons, he recorded 18 points and seven assists, flashing the playmaking ability and confidence that made him a first-round selection out of Alabama.

Against Indiana, however, Philon looked even more comfortable operating at the NBA pace. Rather than forcing shots, he let the game come to him, taking advantage of defensive mismatches and knocking down difficult jumpers when the Sixers needed offense most.

His performance also complemented another strong outing from big man Johni Broome, who contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds as Philadelphia improved to 2-0 in Summer League play.

While Summer League results should always be viewed with perspective, Philon has already demonstrated why the 76ers were so intrigued by his combination of scoring, court vision and competitiveness. If his first two games are any indication, Philadelphia may have found another young guard capable of contributing sooner rather than later.

For a rookie still adjusting to the professional game, Philon has looked remarkably composed, and his stock continues to rise with each performance in Las Vegas.

 Sixers news: 

Smiling Princess Kate joined by husband Prince William and children Prince George and Princess Charlotte on final day of Wimbledon

princess kate waving
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Catherine, Princess of Wales waves as she attends day fourteen of the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (WireImage)

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived for the final day of Wimbledon, bringing with them their eldest two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The family were in great spirits as they stepped out in the sunshine on Sunday to watch the Men's Final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.

Princess Kate pulled out all the stops wearing a gorgeous green dress with fluted sleeves and one-shoulder draped scarf detail, with her mermaid waves looking as glorious as ever. She teamed her dress with unique bronze accessories and a purple bow brooch. 

Meanwhile, Prince William looked dapper in his signature navy suit, with Prince George looking effortlessly smart matching his dad. 

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Princess Charlotte was her mummy's mini-me sporting a bright blue dress with tie waist and ruffle sleeves. A colour Kate wore just days ago at Wimbledon! 

Prince Louis was not in attendance on this occasion, however, we have seen him on official state engagements like Trooping the Colour. Tennis matches can be notoriously long so perhaps the family questioned how the eight-year-old's attention span would cope on a long, hot day like Sunday.

See the best family photos

The Princess of Wales waves alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince William as they arrive on day 14 of Wimbledon© WireImage

Princess Kate glows in green

The royal wave

Princess Kate flashes a huge smile and waves to crowds as she steps out at Wimbledon alongside her family.

kate george charlotte© Getty Images

Kate and her children

Walking with confidence

Kate lead her family into Wimbledon confidently and her two eldest children looked incredibly smart for the special occasion. 

princess kate and family© Getty Images

Charlotte sports her longest hair yet

Princess Charlotte's mermaid hair

Princess Charlotte's beautiful mermaid hair looked just like her mother's as they walked along together. 

Father and daughter moment© AFP via Getty Images

Father and daughter moment

Prince William was a doting dad as he shared a sweet moment with his daughter, Princess Charlotte, upon arrival at Wimbledon. 

All smiles© AFP via Getty Images

All smiles

The Princess of Wales had the brightest smile on her face as she looked over at her daughter, Princess Charlotte, who sat next to her in the royal box.

Courtside chat© AFP via Getty Images

Courtside chat

Princess Kate was pictured chatting with her daughter in the royal box. Like her brother George, Charlotte is no stranger to Wimbledon, having attended previous years. 

Princess Kate's other Wimbledon appearances 

This was not Princess Kate's first appearance at Wimbledon this year, in fact, it is her third. 

The mother-of-three made a surprise appearance in SW19 on day five of the championships just days after her impressive Three Peaks Challenge. She strutted around the club in a blue Gabriela Hearst suit, surprising sporting fans as she went. 

Kate Middleton, wearing a blue suit, smiles and walks among a crowd.
Princess Kate surprised tennis fans on the fourth day of Wimbledon on Thursday (AFP via Getty Images)

On Saturday, Kate made her second appearance, this time she selected a stylish red dress to wear for the Ladies' Singles Final to see Linda Noskova crowned Wimbledon Ladies Champion. As well as her peplum belted dress which hugged her figure, Kate mermaid waves in a half-up half-down style stole the show. 

Kate Middleton waves while wearing a red dress and holding a handbag.
Kate looked so stylish at Wimbledon on Saturday (WireImage)

Kate passes down tennis love

The Princess has made no secret of her love for the racket sport. Speaking of her love of the tournament, the royal told Sue Barker on a 2017 BBC documentary: "I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. It's such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn't changed either, I think that's what's so wonderful."

She is said to have passed on her passion to her children, particularly her daughter, Princess Charlotte, who has been pictured at the event three times before now. "As a family, we play a lot," Princess Kate confessed in 2024. 

Van der Poel stays calm in the heat to win Tour de France stage nine

Former world champion Mathieu van der Poel had previously won Tour de France stages in 2021 and 2025 (Loic VENANCE)

Cobbled classics specialist Mathieu van der Poel claimed his third Tour de France win on Sunday with victory in the ninth stage, which was shortened due to intense heat.

The 31-year-old Dutchman, a former world champion, won a sprint amongst his three breakaway companions with Tobias Johannessen taking second and Tom Pidcock third.

"It was a super hard day. The start of the Tour was not great for our team, but I think, like always, we stayed calm," he said.

"We have a really nice group here and we kept believing that it will turn around... but it's really nice to go to the first rest day with a win."

Having worked as a sprint lead-out man for his Alpecin Premier Tech team-mate Jasper Philipsen -- who had finished fourth and fifth in the sprint stages -- in the previous two days, Van der Poel finally had a chance to go for a stage win for himself.

Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar came home in the chasing peloton six seconds behind the winner to maintain his lead in the overall standings ahead of Monday's first rest day.

The four-time champion leads two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard by 2min 42sec with Mexican Isaac del Toro a further 45sec back. 

Van der Poel, a three-time winner of both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix -- the two most important one-day cobbled classics -- had previously won Tour stages in 2021 and 2025.

- 'Horrible' roads -

This stage was shortened by around 30km due to a "red alert" weather warning in the central Correze region.

Temperatures once again reached close to 40C, although in parts on the stage it was nearer 30C. 

There was a furious battle from the beginning of the 154.6km run from Malemort to Ussel to make it into the day's breakaway.

It was not until about halfway through the stage that an eight-man breakaway finally went clear on the steep 3.8km-long Suc au May climb.

The group never eked out a lead of more than a minute and a half but they worked well together.

Van der Poel then attacked out of that group with 25km left on the final categorised climb of the day, the 900m-long, and equally steep, Mont Bessou.

Only Norwegian Johannessen, Frenchman Alex Baudin and Briton Pidcock were able to follow and then it was a full-throttle charge to the finish line with a 50-second lead over the significantly-reduced peloton.

The breakaway riders had plenty in the bag and even slowed down in the final kilometre in a cat-and-mouse game before the final sprint.

But when Van der Poel launched that, it was clear that he would be too strong for the others.

"I was not so sure. I spent a lot of energy trying to keep the break alive," he admitted.

"There was a lot of pressure from the bunch. The roads were horrible for a breakaway with a headwind the whole day.

"We fought for it and I'm happy to finish it off."

bc/ea

White Sox select Cal Scolari in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB draft (No. 137 overall)

AUSTIN, TX - JUNE 06: Oregon Ducks pitcher Cal Scolari (37) throws a pitch during the NCAA Super Regional college baseball game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oregon Ducks on June 6, 2026 at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX.
With very little college (or prep) history to go on, Cal Scolari is the first true White Sox curveball of the draft. | (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Imperfect but promising arms continue as the theme for the White Sox in the 2026 draft, as Cal Scolari is the next White Sox pick, as the 137th selection.

Due to significant injury history — TJS in high school, missing his senior year and freshman year in college, and has pitched in just one college season — Scolari was a prospect destined for the latter portion of the first 10 rounds, ranked No. 192 by MLB. The White Sox were enamored enough with Scolari’s starter potential that they ignored several first-day talents still left on the board (including José Contreras’ son, Joseph) to get him.

On the draft broadcast, the MLB draft experts characterized this aggressive choice as a “redshirt sophomore” while praising his velocity and mechanics. Scolari’s sound foundation makes it possible for him to remain a starter in the pros, which is where the White Sox likely give him some initial run.

Scolari’s top pitch, grading at 50, is his fastball, which averages 93-94 mph but has touched 98. He’s continued to have arm troubles even after a bounce-back season at Oregon in 2026, but pitched in 14 games (12 starts) and 57 innings total, including a standout start of five innings and 10 Ks vs. Washington in the Big 10 conference tournament.

Given the injury history and overall lack of workload, Scolari would seem a player destined for some kid-gloves treatment by the White Sox after the draft. Expect his true pro debut to be delayed to 2027.


The 2026 White Sox draft storystream contains all of our draft content.

Red Sox cut ties with ex-Dodgers veteran reliever amid Brayan Bello news

Boston Red Sox reliever Danny Coulombe

Red Sox cut ties with ex-Dodgers veteran reliever amid Brayan Bello news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox are surging on the field, but the front office continues to make moves they believe are best for the club. 

Boston has made a change to its pitching staff before today's game. 

According to a report from Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Red Sox designated left-hander Danny Coulombe for assignment.

The 36-year-old posted a 4.50 ERA in 22 innings with the AL East club. 

"He doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but he’s delivered a sub-3.00 ERA in each of the past four years. He heads to DFA limbo with a solid chance to find another home," Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors wrote.

"Boston has five days to work out a trade or place him on waivers," Wright added about Coulombe's DFA. "If he goes unclaimed, he has enough service time to forego a minor league assignment and enter free agency." 

The Red Sox were Coulombe's sixth team in his 12 MLB seasons. 

MOREWhat did Blue Jays get for Tommy Nance? Twins send .855 OPS catcher prospect in trade

On Sunday, Cotillo added that the Red Sox have recalled right-hander Bryan Bello from Triple-A to take Coulombe's place on the roster. 

Bello will be in Boston's bullpen for his return to the Majors, according to Cotillo. 

In four starts at Triple-A Worcester, Bello posted a 4.34 ERA with 22 strikeouts and just four walks in 18.2 innings. 

More MLB news:

Jimmy Rollins surprises Make-A-Wish kids with shopping spree

Five Make-A-Wish children visiting Philadelphia for the MLB All-Star Game were treated to a private shopping experience and an unexpected visit from former Phillies star Jimmy Rollins on Saturday.

Fanatics hosted the event at the new Mitchell & Ness flagship store in Center City as part of the children's All-Star Game wishes. Each child received $250 to shop for MLB All-Star merchandise, and Rollins helped them pick out gear during his surprise appearance.

The families will also receive premier access to major All-Star Weekend events provided by MLB, including the MLB Draft, Home Run Derby, batting practice, celebrity meet-and-greets and Tuesday's All-Star Game.

Make-A-Wish, which grants experiences to children with critical illnesses, said the weekend aimed to build emotional and physical strength through meaningful moments.

Fanatics worked with Make-A-Wish America, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley and MLB to deliver joy and memorable experiences for the families.

Is Caitlin Clark playing tonight? Latest injury update for Fever vs. Aces

Indiana Fever and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark made her return to action for the Wednesday night contest against the Los Angeles Sparks after a two-game absence.

However, Clark (back) did not play the following night against the Phoenix Mercury, as the Fever wisely sat her out on the second leg of the back-to-back with the intention of slowly working her back into regular playing time.

With the Fever taking the floor against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday night, here’s what we know about Clark’s status for the contest.

MORE: Caitlin Clark shows off new colorway for signature shoes

Is Caitlin Clark playing tonight?

Jul 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark is officially listed as probable for Sunday’s contest, but head coach Steph White revealed on Saturday that she would indeed be available against the Aces.

That said, just like she was in her return on Wednesday, Clark will be limited. The expectation is Clark will play 20 to 25 minutes, which would amount to an uptick from the previous game when she played 16 minutes.

MORE: Candace Parker says what WNBA royalty should be saying about Caitlin Clark

“Caitlin Clark will be available against Las Vegas (on Sunday), Steph White says, on a 20-25 minutes restriction,” the Indy Star’s Chloe Peterson relayed.

Shaking off the rust

Jul 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Clark clearly wasn’t herself in her first game back, which was to be expected because she hadn’t played in a game in a few weeks.

But it also didn’t help that Clark played in three-minute bursts throughout the contest, something the WNBA All-Star admitted after the game.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham recreates viral pointing meme after UFC 329

“It’s really, really hard to get into a flow,” Clark said after the game. “For the most part, I got good looks, some of them went, some of them didn’t. I probably didn’t get to have a feel for the game as I usually do, like it’s just really, really hard for me to play in that scenario, but overall, my body feels great, so that’s the positive I can take from today.”

White revealed the goal with the three-minute spurts was to help Clark build up her stamina. The Fever won’t be deploying her like that again on Sunday, though, White said.

How to watch Fever vs. Aces

When: Sunday, July 12, 9 p.m. ET

Where: Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

Watch: NBC, Peacock

Lydia Ko on husband's Evian ultimatum: 'I'm not going to caddie for a wuss'

Lydia Ko gave her caddie an A+ this week. That's notable given that she had her husband, Jun Chung, on the bag for the first time at the Amundi Evian Championship.

"Would it be an A+ for other players? I'm not really sure," she said. "But obviously he can say some things that only a husband can say, and maybe not Paul for me on a week to week."

Ko set a goal of 6 under for the final round and did one better, matching the day's best of 64 on Sunday to finish in a share of seventh at 13 under, six shots back of winner Haeran Ryu. It marked her best finish on tour since March and followed a T-15 at the KPMG Women's PGA.

Lydia Ko's husband is on the bag this week and it's going about exactly as you'd expect 🤣

(he's a DIVA 💅) pic.twitter.com/FLeyLa8VS2

— LPGA (@LPGA) July 8, 2026

Watching Chung caddie, she said, made her appreciate more what her regular looper, Paul Cormack, does on a weekly basis.

When asked about Chung's best advice this week, Ko said it was more like an ultimatum.

"He was like, 'Oh, I'm not going to caddie for a wuss,' so I think that made me be a little bit more kind of aggressive," she said.

"And then he really didn't have any bad advice. I told him to like keep up and shut up. That was kind of like my advice at the start of the week. I actually relied on him in like green reading as well, which has kind of been the thing that I struggled with on these greens the past few years."

Keep up and shut up, of course, being the golden rule for call caddies.

Lydia Ko of NEW ZEALAND plays during the first round of the Amundi Evian Championship at the EVIAN RESORT GOLF CLUB in EVIAN LES BAINS in HAUTE SAVOIE in FRANCE on July 9 2026.

At the start of the week, the subject of money came up and Chung reminded his wife that he was taking vacation days to work for her. She made $242,409 in the fourth major of the season.

"You should be honored to caddie for a Hall of Famer," Ko deadpanned.

Needless to say, they had a good time in France.

Beth Ann Nichols is a senior writer for Golfweek covering the LPGA and all things women's golf.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Lydia Ko on husband's Evian ultimatum: 'I'm not going to caddie for a wuss'

Report: Liverpool leading the race to sign Bundesliga defender

Report: Liverpool leading the race to sign Bundesliga defender
Report: Liverpool leading the race to sign Bundesliga defender

Liverpool Hold Edge Over Arsenal in Lutsharel Geertruida Transfer Battle

Liverpool’s summer planning still appears active, with right-back depth and defensive versatility among the areas under consideration as Andoni Iraola shapes his first squad at Anfield. According to Caught Offside, Lutsharel Geertruida is again emerging as a serious market opportunity, with Arsenal also in the frame.

The 25-year-old’s situation carries a familiar feel. Liverpool explored a move in January and, while personal terms were understood to be in place, the deal never reached completion. That previous work can often matter in a market where timing and clarity are decisive, and it leaves Liverpool well positioned if they choose to accelerate now.

Geertruida transfer latest

Geertruida is back at RB Leipzig after a season on loan at Sunderland, where he re-established himself through regular Premier League football. His profile remains attractive to top-level recruitment teams, particularly those seeking a defender capable of covering multiple roles without weakening the structure of the side.

He can operate at right-back, centre-back and deeper in front of the defence, which is valuable for a head coach who wants flexibility between systems. That adaptability, combined with recovery pace, comfort in possession and experience in English football, helps explain why more than one club are monitoring developments.

Photo: IMAGO

The key line from the report is clear: “Liverpool could offer him a clearer route to regular football.” In practical terms, that may prove significant. Arsenal can offer elite competition and Champions League football, but Liverpool may be able to present a more immediate pathway to meaningful minutes, especially if Iraola wants a modern full-back who can invert, defend space and support build-up.

Why Liverpool may feel confident

There is also a financial element that makes this one worth watching. Leipzig are understood to be under pressure to generate sales, and that can create value late in a window. A fee around £20m would place Geertruida firmly in the sensible business category for a player entering prime years and carrying top-level versatility.

Liverpool have already added Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, but those moves do not close the door on another defensive signing. If anything, they reinforce the sense that the club are still prepared to move opportunistically when the profile and price align.

From Liverpool’s perspective, Geertruida looks like the sort of deal that covers several needs at once. He would strengthen right-back depth, offer genuine centre-back cover and give Iraola tactical freedom across a long season. Arsenal’s interest is real, but Liverpool’s groundwork and potential route to first-team football may yet prove decisive.

Our View

From a Liverpool perspective, this report makes sense on paper, but there is every right to be cautious. Geertruida is clearly a useful footballer, and £20m for a player with Premier League exposure and positional flexibility sounds reasonable in this market. Still, there is a difference between being useful and being the right answer for a squad trying to recover momentum after a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

The concern is whether Liverpool are targeting a specialist or simply chasing versatility because it looks efficient. Supporters have seen enough windows where a multi-functional signing is presented as smart depth, only for the squad to remain short of top-end quality in key roles. If the club genuinely believe right-back needs attention, then the question should be whether Geertruida raises the level, not just whether he can cover two or three positions.

There is also the usual issue with transfer stories that hinge on a “clearer route” to minutes. That can be true, but it can also mean the player is not viewed as an automatic starter by the very biggest sides. Liverpool need players who push the first XI hard, not simply options who make the bench look healthier.

So yes, this could be a clever piece of business if the recruitment team are convinced by the fit. But supporters would be entitled to want more certainty, more ceiling and more proof that this is about upgrading the squad rather than patching holes.

Ryu claims second major of season at Evian Championship

Haeran Ryu lifts the Evian Championship trophy
Haeran Ryu missed the cut in the Evian Championship 12 months ago [Getty Images]

Evian Championship - round four

-19 H Ryu (Kor)*, B Henderson (Can)

* Ryu wins after after first hole of sudden-death play-off

Selected others; -18 A Iwai (Jpn); -15 J-H Im (Kor), M Yamashita (Jpn), M Saigo (Jpn); -13 L Ko (NZ), A Nordqvist (Swe); -11 M Stark (Swe), J Thitikul (Tha); -8 C Hull (Eng), L Woad (Eng)

Full leaderboard

South Korea's Haeran Ryu says it felt like she was in an "unreal dream" as she claimed her second major title in the space of two weeks by defeating Brooke Henderson in a play-off at the Evian Championship.

Having made history with an 11-under 60 on Saturday to lead by three shots overnight at 18 under, Ryu signed for a 71 on Sunday, with her solitary birdie arriving on the 18th in the east of France.

Ryu was forced to watch as Canada's Henderson, who began the day seven strokes adrift, charged back into contention and forced a play-off with her third eagle of the day on the final hole to sign for a seven-under 64.

However, when the 2022 winner Henderson drifted left off the tee on the extra hole and was forced to lay up, Ryu took full advantage and eventually made a birdie, with her opponent only managing a par.

"This is just a dream right now, because before three weeks [ago] I don't have a major championship, but now two in a row," said Ryu, who also triumphed at the Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine in June.

"It's an unreal dream right now. A lot of great names [are] on the trophy, and I so happy that my name is on here."

Ryu's victory means she collects the top prize of $1.4m (£1m) and becomes one of just two players to have hoovered up all four of the women's majors so far this term.

World number one Nelly Korda, who missed the cut at Evian-les-Bains, won both the Chevron Championship and the US Women's Open earlier in the season.

Ryu's recent success is all the more remarkable given she missed the cut in this event 12 months ago, and was a lowly 61st at PGA Frisco in 2025.

At one stage on Sunday it appeared as though Aki Iwai was capable of becoming a first-time major winner.

The Japanese player had a share of the lead alongside Ryu heading down the 18th, but a missed birdie putt meant she ended the tournament in third at 18 under overall.

Compatriots Miyu Yamashita and Mao Saigo finished three shots further adrift at 15 under alongside South Korea's Jin-Hee Im.

Anna Nordqvist was the leading European player at 13 under, while English duo Charley Hull and second-round leader Lottie Woad were back at eight under.

How Sophie Cunningham became UFC ring girl for a night

UFC 329 was full of surprises on Saturday night, from the disastrous Conor McGregor comeback to Paddy Pimblett blowing through Benoit Saint Denis in less than one minute.

But before Pimblett stole the show in the co-main event, it was WNBA fan favorite Sophie Cunningham who generating buzz and trending on social media.

Cunningham, who became a star thanks to her role as Caitlin Clark’s enforcer on the Indiana Fever, made an unexpected cameo as a UFC ring girl before the start of the co-main event. Cunningham walked around the Octagon to signal Round 1, and then dropped her viral finger point taunt.

MORE: Max Holloway, Sophie Cunningham recreate viral pointing memes after UFC 329

At the post-fight press conference, UFC boss Dana White explained how the Cunningham cameo came to fruition, saying it was a last-minute decision that was made on a whim “about eight minutes before she did it.”

Dana White says he hired Sophie Cunningham as the ring girl “about 8 mins before she did it” pic.twitter.com/CF4aRQ49LC

— Rosalina Lee (@YoitsRosie) July 12, 2026

“I love Sophie Cunningham,” White told the media.

“We’ve created a relationship, and she was here tonight. “When she walked in, she goes, “Oh, I want to walk around that.’ I said, ‘Then you’re gonna walk around it.'”

MORE: UFC 329 results – Conor McGregor return ends in seconds due to injury

It was as simple as that.

Cunningham was in Las Vegas ahead of the Fever’s Sunday night showdown with the A’ja Wilson and the Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena in primetime. Let’s hope that things go better for Cunningham and the Fever than they did for the UFC in the main event on Saturday night.

Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham works as a ring girl during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead

Last minute pitching changes with Jarvis & Smith back in lineup for Cardinals series finale

Jul 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Jim Jarvis (74) hits a single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Today could be the start of a beginning for the Atlanta Braves, as this game will close out the first half of the season before going into the All-Star break. JR Ritchie was originally set to take the mound today, but Danny Young (2.70 ERA) was just recently added in to replace him at the last minute. And we have a few roster adjustments made to close out the series against the St. Luis Cardinals.

Drake Baldwin will be leading off, moving Michael Harris II down to the fourth batting spot. Brewer Hicklen (.398 OPS) will be taking over right field and batting ninth. Jim Jarvis is back to occupy shortstop, while Dominic Smith will be batting sixth as the designated hitter for the day.

Jarvis, Austin Riley and Smith all average above a 2.000 OPS and .500-plus batting average against Cardinals’ Dustin May, and with his recent on-and-off-again struggles to retire his opponents early while landing his pitches in the zone, this could work in the Braves’ favor if their bats decide to wake up today.

This was already expected to be an unexpected matchup with Ritchie on the mound, but with a late scratch and adding Young, who has only pitched four games this season, with one loss attributed to him, it’s even more of a toss-up.

The Braves are looking to avoid a sweep and end on a high note despite the series’ loss, and the Cardinals are looking for their first sweep since the beginning of June.

First pitch is set for 2:15 p.m. EDT.

What Florida baseball’s Luke McNeillie brings to New York Mets

Florida baseball relief pitcher Luke McNeillie was taken in fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

The right-hander is the first Gator to be taken on the second day of the draft. McNeillie was the No. 152nd overall pick, which holds a slot value of $467,700.

McNeillie held a career-best 3.97 ERA and recorded 48 strikeouts to 17 walks in 18 appearances. However, shoulder soreness led to McNeillie missing nearly a month of the season, and he had 10 fewer appearances than the previous year.

In three years at Florida, McNeillie finished with a 5.24 career ERA, 163 strikeouts and 62 walks in 72 appearances and 122 innings of work.

His fastball sits in the mid-90s and has reached 98 mph, complemented by his slider and changeup.

The Milton, Georgia native’s best performance of the season came against rival Florida State, where he threw three scoreless innings of relief, surrendering two hits and one walk while logging a season-high of six strikeouts. Five days later, he recorded a save in 2.1 innings of relief against Arkansas.

Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What Florida baseball’s Luke McNeillie brings to New York Mets

2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals: Schedule, how to watch live, predictions

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will soon be down to just four teams.

And they are the best four teams in the world.

A whirlwind of a tournament with plenty of entertainment saw favorites France and Spain hold off stiff challenges to reach the final four. England has advanced on the other side of the bracket and Argentina are their opponents for a spot in the final.

MORE — Spain find late winner, beat Belgium

When and where are the semifinals, and who is alive to win the World Cup? When will we see Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe square off in an elimination game?

Read on for details.

Who will be in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals?

France and Spain are confirmed in one semifinal after the former beat Morocco and the latter slipped past Belgium.

England beat Norway after 120 minutes on the other side of the bracket and Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to set up an epic clash in Atlanta.

When are the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals? Dates, confirmed teams

Tuesday, July 14: Match 101 - France vs Spain- AT&T Stadium, Dallas - 3pm ET

Wednesday, July 15: Match 102 - England vs Argentina - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 3pm ET

2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal predictions — By Joe Prince-Wright

France 2-1 Spain

England 2-1 aet Argentina

Oregon's Cal Scolari lands with Chicago White Sox in MLB draft

Another Oregon Duck is headed to the Windy City.

Oregon right-handed pitcher Cal Scolari was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft with the No. 137 pick.

Scolari was a big transfer and development win for the Ducks under pitching coach Matt Florer, who brought Scolari with him to Eugene from San Diego. After being named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2025, Scolari suited up for the Ducks and continued to dominate.

Windy City Bound@whitesox don't waste any time on day 2 of the @MLBDraft picking @calscolari with the second pick of the day. Congrats Cal! #GoDuckspic.twitter.com/SJyk7Viag5

— Oregon Duck Baseball (@OregonBaseball) July 12, 2026

A regular in the weekend rotation, Scolari finished the season with a 3.32 ERA and 85 strikeouts. His mid-90s fastball paired with a wipeout slider elevated him as a prospect down the stretch. He also throws a changeup and a slow curveball.

Scolari's ability to max and match a couple of different pitches could give him upside as a starter, but he did struggle to throw strikes consistently in the postseason, which could cause the White Sox to examine his worth as a bullpen piece in the future.

The Nevada native is expected to sign with the White Sox, but he does have two more seasons of eligibility if he decides to return to Oregon. The deadline to return is July 27. If he were to return to school, Scolari would certainly take a rotation spot again and help the Ducks fill a big need next season.

Scolari is the second Duck to be drafted, following Ryan Cooney, who was picked in the third round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Oregon commit Andruw Giles was also picked in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Ducks are still waiting to hear more names called, including shortstop Maddox Molony.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon's Cal Scolari lands with Chicago White Sox in MLB draft

What Arkansas baseball’s Ethan McElvain brings to Royals in MLB Draft

Arkansas baseball pitcher Ethan McElvain was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the No. 151 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday, July 11. He is sixth draft pick this weekend for the Razorbacks.

McElvain's projected slot value at No. 151 is $476,900.

The Tennessee native just wrapped up his one-and-only season with Arkansas. The junior lefty did not pitch on the weekend until the Hogs' fourth series of the season, but he quickly demanded more innings and eventually settled into the closer role for Dave Van Horn.

McElvain went 6-0 with a 1.88 ERA and six saves across 38⅓ innings pitched. He struck out 55 batters and only issued 13 walks as one of the most-dominant relievers across the SEC.

McElvain took his pitching to new heights in 2026 thanks to better control. He spent his first two collegiate seasons at Vanderbilt, and McElvain walked 28 batters in 27⅓ innings during the 2025 season. The end result was a 7.24 ERA as a sophomore.

Arkansas began to trust McElvain for longer outings toward the tail-end of the campaign. In back-to-back appearances in May, McElvain recorded nine outs in a win over Kentucky and then 13 against Auburn at the SEC Tournament semifinal. He then earned his first start of the season in the regional final against Kansas.

What Arkansas baseball's Ethan McElvain brings to Royals

McElvain's biggest tool is his fastball velocity, which sits in the mid-90s and can reach 98 mph. It's a devastating pitch with carry that becomes particularly effective when he can locate it at the top of the strike zone.

The lefty does have a curveball and a slider, but he didn't use either pitch very much at Arkansas. Instead, he kept hitters off-balance with a cutter.

The arsenal likely limits McElvain from ever becoming a starter in the pro ranks, but he could become a high-leverage reliever after showing real mental mettle as the Arkansas closer.

Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: What Arkansas baseball’s Ethan McElvain brings to Royals in MLB Draft

Seahawks TE named by ESPN as breakout candidate for 2026

The Seattle Seahawks have several players that are due to take the next step in 2026, but AJ Barner is a particular name to watch in the upcoming season.

According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, Barner is the player for the Seahawks primed to have a breakout season in 2026.

“We somehow made it through the entire Seahawks Super Bowl run without calling Barner what he is: a rising top-10 TE,” Solak said. “There are precious few "complete" tight ends right now -- players who legitimately move the needle both as blockers and as receivers. And Barner can be both.”

Barner received the third-most targets in Seattle’s receiving corp last season with 68 and may be due for a rise in looks in 2026. Rashid Shaheed is positioned to have a larger workload next season, but his increased target share likely won’t limit Barner’s opportunities a great deal.

The 24-year-old Barner was a strong scoring threat for Seattle in 2025, having recorded seven total touchdowns from scrimmage on the year, and figures to be a favored target for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in scoring situations again in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks TE named by ESPN as breakout candidate for 2026

Trey Beard selected by Miami Marlins in the 2026 MLB draft

FSU pitcher Trey Beard has been drafted by the Miami Marlins with the No. 147 overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft. He is FSU's first draft pick of Sunday and the fourth overall.

Beard, an FAU transfer, served as FSU's No. 2 starter in his only season with the Seminoles. The lefty went 6-1 with a 3.59 ERA in 77 2/3 innings. He held opponents to a .218 batting average, allowing 38 runs on 62 hits and 26 walks, striking out 123 batters.

He was named the ACC Pitcher of the Week on March 16 after he threw 6 1/3 shutout innings against Wake Forest. He allowed just one hit and one walk, striking out a career-high 14 batters.

Beard had arguably his best performance of the season in his final outing of the season. After a rain delay knocked Wes Mendes out of FSU's do-or-die game against Coastal Carolina, Beard did not allow a run over the final four innings, with FSU winning 2-1. He struckout nine batters and allowed just one hit.

The Dunedin, Florida native spent the first two years of his career with the FAU Owls and was one of the top pitchers in the transfer portal when he signed with FSU. He made the All-ACC First Team as a sophomore after going 7-1 with a 3.14 ERA in 86 innings, striking out 118 batters and walking 32.

Beard is the second FSU pitcher taken already, joining Wes Mendes.

Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Trey Beard selected by Miami Marlins in the 2026 MLB draft

Steelers training camp: Projecting the Steelers first offensive depth chart

Shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers get together for training camp, the team will release its first official depth chart. The Steelers have multiple spot on the new-look offense up for grabs thanks to the moves new head coach Mike McCarthy has made. Here is our initial prediction for the Steelers first offensive depth chart.

Quarterback

We give Mason Rudolph the veteran nod here at the team's No. 2.

Aaron Rodgers - Mason Rudolph - Will Howard - Drew Allar

Running back

Lots of position battles here as this group shuffles through training camp and the preseason.

Jaylen Warren - Rico Dowdle - Kaleb Johnson - Eli Heidenreich - Travis Homer - Lew Nichols

Left wide receiver

We put Roman Wilson here but he could also be the No. 2 at slot receiver.

DK Metcalf - Roman Wilson - A.T. Perry - Levi Wentz

Right wide receiver

Lots of pressure on Pittman Jr. to perform with this depth.

Michael Pittman Jr. - Ben Skowronek - Joaquin Davis - Brandon Smith

Slot wide receiver

The rookie Bernard has been great in offseason work.

Germie Bernard - Kaden Wetjen - Max Hurleman

Tight end

Despite his new contract, we put Darnell Washington behind Freiermuth here.

Pat Freiermuth - Darnell Washington - Robert Tonyan - Jaheim Bell - JJ Galbreath - Lake McRee

Left tackle

It's been really quiet on the Broderick Jones news but we leave him as No. 2 for now.

Troy Fautanu - Broderick Jones - Lorenzo Thompson

Right tackle

We fully expect the rookie Iheanachor to eventually take over the starting job here.

Dylan Cook - Max Iheanachor - Jack Driscoll

Left guard

McCormick makes the move to the left with Troy Fautanu after starting at right guard last season.

Mason McCormick - Brock Hoffman - Steven Jones

Right guard

Like Cook, we feel like Spencer's hold on the starting spot is just temporary.

Spencer Anderson - Gennings Dunker - Doug Nester

Center

This is probably the least contested depth chart on offense.

Zach Frazier - Ryan McCollum - Greg Crippen

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers training camp: Projecting the Steelers first offensive depth chart

Rays have 'shown interest' in D-Backs All-Star $105 million second baseman

Ketel Marte

Rays have 'shown interest' in D-Backs All-Star $105 million second baseman originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly going to be aggressive at the MLB trade deadline this summer. That shouldn't be a huge surprise considering how good the team's looked this year, and the wide-open nature of the American League.

But who could the Rays wind up targeting this summer? Well, Tarik Skubal is one name to keep in mind, but Tampa Bay is also likely to target help at second base.

Amid such a potential interest, USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Rays have "shown interest" in trading for Arizona Diamondbacks $115 million All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte this summer.

Rays are interested in a trade for D-Backs' Ketel Marte

"They not only have their eyes on Skubal, but they have shown interest in seeing whether the Diamondbacks would move second baseman Ketel Marte and Giants All-Star second baseman Luis Arraez as a backup plan," Nightengale writes.

Marte is a 32-year-old second baseman who has been in trade rumors in recent years, as there's been buzz about the relantionship Diamondbacks and Marte not being the best.

But, for the Rays' purposes, Marte would be a huge upgrade at second base. Tampa Bay needs to upgrade its offense, and second base is the most obvious place to upgrade the roster.

MORECardinals sign JJ Wetherholt to eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension

This season, Marte, the three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and 2023 NLCS MVP, has a .259 batting average with a .780 OPS and 112 OPS+ with 17 homers, 54 RBIs, and 19 doubles with 29 walks to 56 strikeouts and 1.9 bWAR.

He'd be a huge upgrade for the Rays offensively and would slot perfectly onto the roster as their new second baseman. He's also under club control through the 2030 season with a 2031 player option on his six-year, $105 million deal.

If the Rays could somehow add Marte this summer in a deal with the Diamondbacks, it would be an incredible way to upgrade the team with one move.

While Skubal might be the bigger name, Marte could be the missing piece for this offense to truly have what it takes to go up against the best offenses in baseball.

More MLB news:

Cincinnati Reds place Nick Lodolo on 15-day IL with another blister

CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 11: Nick Lodolo #40 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Leigh Bacho/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Lefty Nick Lodolo pitched well on Saturday night against the Chicago Cubs right up until the point where he didn’t, a point that just so happened to coincide with a meatball to catcher Carson Kelly that was turned around for a 410 foot homer over the CF wall.

As it turns out, that meatball came as Lodolo developed yet another blister on his left index finger, and it was the final pitch he threw on the night. He exited in a huff – hard to blame him since he continues to be plagued by the most basic of injuries – and on Sunday the Reds placed him on the 15-day IL again to deal with the issue.

Chase Petty was recalled.

The #Reds today recalled from Triple-A Louisville RHP Chase Petty and placed on the 15-day injured list LHP Nick Lodolo (blister left index finger).

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 12, 2026

It is a bummer giganto because Lodolo had finally begun to look himself of late. Across 20.0 IP over his most recent 4 GS, he’d allowed just 14 hits while posting 18 K and a 1.35 ERA. Blisters don’t just hurt, of course, but they also impact which pitches pitchers can comfortably throw, something that can totally alter the way they approach each and every hitter – if you can’t throw your slider with confidence or without a twinge of pain, you can’t try to park it on a hitter’s back foot the way you otherwise would.

We saw how long it took Brady Singer to get back in the groove after his own bout. Now, we get to see if Lodolo can jump back into the flow after the All Star break or if it takes him longer to get his pitch-mix back to normal as he fights through this.

Rhett Lowder will presumably slide back into the rotation in Lodolo’s stead, which is a good backup plan to have. Chase Petty, who was recalled to take Lodolo’s spot on the roster, will presumably take over a late-inning relief role for the time being the way he did before being optioned.

63 days till Arizona Cardinals' opener: Remembering the 1963 season

We continue the countdown to the start of the Arizona Cardinals' regular season. Today, Saturday, July 12, is 64 days away from the Arizona Cardinals' regular-season opener on Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With 63 days until Week 1, let's look back at the 1963 season for the Cardinals.

A look back at the 1963 season for the Cardinals

The 1963 season was the first of two consecutive nine-win seasons. They went 9-5 in Wally Lemm's second year as head coach. It wasn't enough, though, to make the playoffs.

They finished fourth in the NFL in scoring, averaging 24.4 points per game and allowed 20.1 points per game, sixth in the 14-team league.

1963 individual honors, leaders

The Cardinals had five Pro Bowl players in 1963:

  • QB Charley Johnson
  • RG Ken Gray
  • C Bob DeMarco
  • LB Dale Meinert
  • S Larry Wilson

Gray and DeMarco were also both second-team All-Pros. Receiver Bobby Joe Conrad as a first-team All-Pro.

Johnson led the NFL with 423 passing attempts. He passed for 3,280 yards, 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

Joe Childress led the team with 701 rushing yards, and Bill Triplett had 652. Both had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, as Childress also caught 25 passes for 354 yards and Triplett had 31 receptions for 396 yards.

Conrad led the team and the league with 73 receptions. He had 967 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sonny Randle had 51 catches for 1,014 yards and 12 touchdowns.

On defense, cornerback Pat Fischer led with eight interceptions, while Wilson added four.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple Podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 63 days till Arizona Cardinals' opener: Remembering the 1963 season

Report: Newcastle United want to sign Serie A midfielder after collapsed deal

Report: Newcastle United want to sign Serie A midfielder after collapsed deal
Report: Newcastle United want to sign Serie A midfielder after collapsed deal

Newcastle United Move for Ederson Could Be Smart Midfield Rebuild

Newcastle United are exploring a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson after Manchester United dramatically stepped away from a proposed deal, according to Sports View. The development has quickly placed the 27-year-old back into focus as Newcastle reshape the heart of their squad.

Manchester United had reportedly “reached an agreement in principle to sign Ederson in June” before the situation changed following his Brazil commitments. After he received a late call-up and completed international duties, United “initiated a second round of medical checks” on the midfielder. What followed was unexpected, with the club then said to have “abruptly withdrew from the deal, informing Atalanta of their decision.”

That sequence has opened the door for Newcastle, who are in the market for high-level midfield additions after the £100 million departure of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur. With Bruno Guimaraes also facing an uncertain future as Arsenal continue to be linked, the need for reinforcements feels obvious. Ederson fits that profile, particularly given Newcastle’s apparent confidence in the player’s condition.

Photo IMAGO

Ederson Transfer Latest

The key point in this story is that “Newcastle’s recruitment team do not share Man United’s reservations about signing Ederson.” A “minor knee concern prompted a rethink from United”, yet Atalanta’s stance remains firm. The Italian club “insist the player is fully fit” and are ready to offer him fresh terms with only 12 months left on his current deal.

There is no sign of panic in Bergamo either. Maurizio Sarri is reportedly content to keep the midfielder involved if no agreement is reached, while Atalanta remain willing to sell at their existing valuation. For Newcastle, that creates a clear decision, move decisively now, or risk seeing the situation shift again.

Newcastle Midfield Rebuild Taking Shape

Newcastle have already brought in Sean Steur from Ajax, although he is viewed as one for the future. The expectation that Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi could also arrive underlines how active the club are in this area. Still, Ederson would represent a different level entirely, an experienced, powerful option capable of changing the feel of the midfield immediately.

For a club trying to respond quickly to major change, this is one to watch closely.

Our View

From a Newcastle supporter’s perspective, this report feels encouraging. Ederson sounds exactly the type of midfielder the club should be targeting if the aim is to stay competitive and refresh the squad with proven quality. The most reassuring line is that “Newcastle’s recruitment team do not share Man United’s reservations about signing Ederson.” If the club’s medical and recruitment staff are comfortable, that should give supporters confidence.

There is always some nervousness when a player has been dropped by another major club late in the process, especially when a “minor knee concern prompted a rethink from United”. But context matters. Atalanta “insist the player is fully fit”, and if Newcastle have done their homework properly, there is every reason to trust the process.

Losing a midfielder of Tonali’s calibre for £100 million leaves a huge gap. If Bruno Guimaraes also moves on, the rebuild becomes even more urgent. That is why this cannot be a passive window. Newcastle need players who can arrive and contribute straight away, and Ederson appears to offer that blend of physicality, maturity and top-level experience.

Supporters will also like the fact the club are looking at multiple midfielders rather than chasing one name endlessly. Sean Steur and Johan Manzambi may help the future, but Ederson looks like someone for the present. If this opportunity is real, Newcastle should move hard and try to get it done.

Source: Sports View

Lineker makes huge claim about Real Madrid star after World Cup heroics

Lineker makes huge claim about Real Madrid star after World Cup heroics
Lineker makes huge claim about Real Madrid star after World Cup heroics

After two underwhelming seasons with Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham is once again showing his very best level as he continues to star for England in the World Cup 2026. The midfielder, whose call-up to the English squad for this tournament was once in doubt, is proving to be the most decisive player for his side.

His importance was once again evident last night, as he scored a brace to help England come back from a one-goal deficit and win the quarter-final tie against Norway in extra time. With this brace, he ensured that Real Madrid is the new record holder as the club whose players have scored the most goals in a single World Cup campaign, i.e., 19.

Furthermore, these two goals, which took his tally in this competition to 6, also meant that, along with Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, he became only one of three English players to score more than 5 goals in a World Cup.

As ESPN has reported, one of these two players whose esteemed company he joined with his latest goals, Gary Lineker, had some very special words of praise for the Real Madrid midfielder as he spoke to The Rest is Football podcast.

The former English forward had no qualms in calling Bellingham a potential candidate to become the greatest player in English football history:

“I would go as far as to say I think there’s a chance that I think he could well be, or end up being, England’s greatest ever footballer. And that is a big shout.”

“We’ve had some really great players. Some of them have not necessarily done it for their country, others have… Go back to people like Bobby Charlton obviously, I would say would have to be up there.”

“You would put Harry Kane in that bracket and there are other players as well, but I think at this age, to be doing what he’s doing and grabbing England by the scruff and getting them over the line, that is superstar.”

There is no doubt that Jude Bellingham has been one of the very top performers in this World Cup. Hopefully, these performances will help him regain confidence, if he had lost any during the last few seasons. The new Merengue coach Jose Mourinho would be delighted with his performances, but would have to work out a system in which he can get the best out of the Englishman for Real Madrid, while also catering to the needs of other superstars in the team.

Suns Summer League updates. Phoenix takes on Pelicans in Vegas

LAS VEGAS – The Phoenix Suns continue NBA Summer League action July 12 against the New Orleans Pelicans at Cox Pavilion.

ESPN2 and Arizona’s Family Sports are televising the noon game.

This is the first of a back-to-back as the Suns face the Milwaukee Bucks on July 13 at Cox Pavilion at 7 p.m.

Phoenix opened Summer League action with an 81-79 comeback victory on July 10 over the Portland Trail Blazers at Cox Pavilion.

The Suns trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half.

Javonte Cooke paced Phoenix with 21 points, hitting 5-of-8 from 3. Khaman Maluach posted a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds while rookie Koa Peat added 17 points in his Summer League debut.

Visit azcentral.com for updates from Vegas.

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns Summer League updates. Phoenix takes on Pelicans in Vegas

Mookie Betts Explains Why He Won’t Visit the White House With the Dodgers

A second Los Angeles Dodgers player has revealed he will not visit the White House with the team on July 23. Four-time World Series champion and shortstop Mookie Betts said he will skip the team’s visit but explained his decision was not related to politics.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) looks on in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
Jul 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) looks on in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Instead, Betts wants to utilize that off day to spend time with his family. Betts and his wife, Brianna, welcomed their second daughter and third child, Khari, to the family in April. Betts said his family will be joining him on the roadtrip, so he wants to take advantage of the off day.

“I’m not trying to make this a whole big deal,” Betts said, per the California Post. “We just had a baby. You don’t get many days off. They’re coming [on the road trip]. And just want to hang out with the fam. That’s really kind of it. But people are gonna make it a whole bunch of other stuff.”

Which Other Player is Missing the Visit?

Utility man Kiké Hernández also announced he will not visit the White House with the team later this month. He said he will be on a rehab assignment during that time as he looks to return from the injured list soon.

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Kike Hernandez (8) fields a ground ball in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.
Apr 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Kike Hernandez (8) fields a ground ball in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

However, Hernández said he still probably would not attend the White House even if he was healthy.

Both Betts and Hernández have explained how visiting the White House is often a lose-lose situation for the players. Betts has visited the White House twice but skipped the visit after his first World Series victory with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.

Betts later decided to visit the White House in 2020 and 2024 with the Dodgers because he felt skipping the visit was a distraction to the team. Hernández also visited the White House in 2024.

“If I do [go], people are gonna hate me. If I don’t, people are gonna hate me,” Betts said, per the California Post. “So instead of trying to make everyone else happy, I’m gonna think about myself and my family.”

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The post Mookie Betts Explains Why He Won’t Visit the White House With the Dodgers appeared first on LA Sports Report.

'I'd give up any format': Amid T20 boom, South African cricketer wants to score '10,000 Test runs'

South Africa's teenage sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius has made his priorities crystal clear. Despite establishing himself in franchise leagues around the world, the 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter says he would gladly give up every other format if it meant enjoying a long and successful Test career for South Africa.

Currently representing the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC), Pretorius has been in sensational form. He recently smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 52 balls against MI New York, registering his maiden T20 century. The left-hander is also a part of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, having debuted in 2025 before being retained for the 2026 season. In South Africa's SA20 league, he emerged as Paarl Royals' leading run-scorer during his breakthrough 2024-25 campaign, while also representing the Titans in domestic cricket.

However, despite his rapid rise in white-ball cricket, Pretorius insists that Test cricket remains his ultimate ambition.

"Hopefully, I'm lucky enough to play a lot of Test cricket and be able to score 10,000 Test runs because that's a dream of mine. I'd give any format up or any cricket to play Test cricket for South Africa for as long as I can. There's nothing better than playing Test cricket. It's the pinnacle of cricket," Pretorius told Cricbuzz.




Historic start to his Test career


Pretorius has featured in just two Tests for South Africa, both against Zimbabwe in mid-2025, but has already announced himself as one of the game's brightest young talents. He has scored 235 runs in three innings at an average of 78.33, including a century and a half-century, with a career-best score of 153.

His debut innings was one for the record books. At 19 years and 93 days, Pretorius smashed 153 off 160 balls in Bulawayo to become South Africa's youngest-ever Test centurion, breaking a 61-year-old record previously held by Graeme Pollock.

The innings also saw him become the youngest player in Test history to score 150 on debut, surpassing Pakistan great Javed Miandad. His 150 came off just 157 deliveries, making it the fastest 150 by a South African in Test cricket.

Adding another feather to his cap, Pretorius joined the exclusive list of players to score a century on both their First-Class debut and Test debut.

Mariners 2026 MLB Draft Day Two: Draft Tracker and Open Thread

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 11: Commissioner of Major League Baseball Robert D. Manfred announces Ace Reese as the 24th pick by the Seattle Mariners during the 2026 MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express at Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

We’re back for a packed Day Two because again, MLB does not know how to market their own product. The second and final day of the draft is underway today and we’ll be threading all of the Mariners picks here for rounds five through twenty.

Today is also the Futures Game, headlined by a pair of Mariners pitching prospects in Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan, and we’ll have a separate thread and recap for that, as well as the usual thread and recap for today’s actual Mariners game, although that feels like a distant third against the promise of the future that will be on display today.

Mets select Longhorns star OF Aiden Robbins in the third round

After one year with the Texas Longhorns, Aiden Robbins is heading to the Big Apple. The New York Mets selected the Longhorns outfielder in the third round of the MLB Draft on Saturday night. He was one of the best players in the nation during the 2026 campaign and will soon become one of the Mets' top prospects. 

During his junior campaign, Robbins posted a .333 batting average in 60 games. He set career highs in home runs with 24, RBI with 64, and runs with 68. After spending the first two years of his college career with Seton Hall, Robbins made a name for himself in the SEC.

Really surprised to see him fall this far.

The Mets just got a steal in Texas OF Aiden Robbins

24 HRs, 1.122 OPS as the SEC Newcomer of the Year in 2026
pic.twitter.com/Eo0mln0JHi

— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) July 11, 2026

In Robbins, the Mets are getting a player who finished his college career with a .355 batting average in 156 games with Seton Hall and Texas. His excellence did not stop there, as Robbins also hit .328 in the Cape Cod League. Regardless of the level, Robbins has been a hit machine and shown no signs of slowing down. 

While Saturday was a day Robbins will never forget, some of his teammates also heard their names called. Carson Tinney was drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Twins, and Ruger Riojas was taken by the Phillies eight picks after Robbins. That trio has a bright future ahead if they can build on their success in Austin. 

With our third round selection, we have drafted Aiden Robbins, an Outfielder from the University of Texas. pic.twitter.com/DNTEqHgvkQ

— New York Mets (@Mets) July 11, 2026

Heading into the draft, Robbins was projected to be picked No.28 overall by Baseball America. The reason he went later than scouts expected was due to concerns about how his swing would fare against higher velocity and spin rates. If Robbins can avoid striking out in bunches, then he will quickly rise through the Mets system. 

Now, for Robbins, the focus will be on improving his game as much as possible so he reaches the majors and becomes a key piece of the Mets lineup. 

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Mets select Longhorns star OF Aiden Robbins in the third round

Lenovo's Legion 7a gaming laptop now comes with an RTX 5070 12GB GPU option — but it costs $3,375 paired with a Ryzen AI 9 CPU, SKU was previously limited to RTX 5060

Lenovo has just updated its current-gen Legion 7a 16-inch gaming laptop with a new GPU config: the 12GB version of the RTX 5070 mobile. Previously, the laptop 5070 was limited to just 8GB of VRAM, but Nvidia recently overhauled it, splitting the 5070 SKU into two distinct variants. Lenovo is one of the first vendors to feature the 12GB 5070 in a retail device, but it doesn't come cheap — this new Legion 7a is listed for a whopping $3,375 on Best Buy right now.

Lenovo Legion 7a with an RTX 5070 12GB GPU listed on Best Buy

(Image credit: Future)

For that money, you're getting a flagship Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 CPU, 32GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Not to mention a gorgeous 2560 x 1600 OLED display with a 240 Hz refresh rate, solid build quality, and a plethora of cutting-edge I/O. This laptop is also the perfect recipient for the upgrade since its GPU topped out at a measly RTX 5060 before, making it less powerful than the last-gen Legion 7a devices.

Now, that RTX 5060 variant was almost $600 cheaper than this new 5070-equipped model, but it's actually expanded to a $1,000 delta right now because the 5060 SKU is on sale at the moment. When Nvidia first announced RTX 50-series laptops, it said RTX 5070 devices would start at $1,299; even if you consider the upgraded VRAM, you're paying just about double of what was initially promised to you.

In all seriousness, the Legion 7a is a premium gaming laptop with all the bells and whistles so it naturally commands a higher price, AI boom or not. The RTX 5070 in here is also rated at a 115W TGP instead of the 100W baseline Nvidia has set for the GPU. Regardless, you can still find cheaper laptops kitted with the new 12GB RTX 5070, such as Lenovo's own Legion 7i with a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor.

The extra 4GB of VRAM in these devices, gained by swapping from 2GB GDDR7 modules to 3GB ones, should help improve performance in modern titles and AI workloads, especially where ray tracing is involved. Customers have already complained about Nvidia's insistence on packing 8GB video memory pools with various GPUs for years, and at this point, if you're buying a new GPU (or laptop) with that spec, you're killing any chances of future-proofing.

Ireland’s data centers consumed nearly as much electricity as every home in the country combined in 2025 — server farms gulped 23% of national power despite years of grid restrictions

12 July 2026 at 19:12

Data centers accounted for 23% of Ireland's total electricity consumption in 2025, according to data released by the country's Central Statistics Office last week. The report revealed that data center consumption rose to 7,663 GWh in 2025 from 6,973 GWh in 2024, a 10% rise in a single year. Meanwhile, consumption by the rest of the country increased by just 2% within the same period.

Viewed over a ten-year period, the 2025 figure represents a steep 360% increase from 2015, when data centers' total consumption was just 5%. The rise in consumption is even steeper when measured on a quarterly basis. Q4 2026’s consumption was 1,991 GWh, a 584% rise from Q1 2015’s 291 GWh.

“Newly compiled quarterly figures spanning 2015 to 2025 highlight a substantial increase in metered electricity consumption by data centers. Over this period, data center consumption saw a significant increase, from 291 GWh in the first quarter of 2015 to 1,991 GWh in Q4 2025, growing by 584%,” noted Dr. Grzegorz Głaczyński, an in-house statistician in the CSO’s Climate and Energy Division.

At 23%, data centers' consumption was almost as much as residential, including both urban and rural dwellings, which stood at 28%. The roll oout of these server farms — which have rapidly increased in number around the world due to the AI boom — have sparked a global debate. While they are critical to the AI technological revolution, there has been growing concern about their impact on the local communities where they are situated. Critics cite the impact of the immense electricity consumption on residents’ bills as one of many concerns.

The Republic of Ireland, with a relatively small population of around five million, is home to around 89 data centers, primarily clustered around the Greater Dublin Area. The majority and the largest belong to hyperscalers, including Microsoft, AWS, Google, and Meta, that build and operate facilities exclusively for their own cloud infrastructure, consumer apps, and AI frameworks. The rest are owned by colocation providers that lease out capacity.

While Ireland's initial data center boom was driven by traditional cloud storage and social media applications, the explosion of generative AI has led to a sharp increase. Due to fears that soaring electricity demand from server farms would cause widespread blackouts, the country's Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) issued an emergency regulatory direction in November 2021 that imposed a de facto moratorium on new data center grid connections. The policy mandated that the national grid operator, EirGrid, immediately halt the processing of standard power applications for new data facilities, requiring developers to either supply their own on-site electricity generation or relocate to unconstrained regions outside the Greater Dublin Area.

Despite the moratorium, data center consumption continued to rise steadily, to the point that the International Energy Agency predicted in 2024 that data centers would account for a third of the country's electricity consumption by 2026. The data show that the prediction remains a possibility, as the 23% figure was for 2025 and consumption has risen steadily every year.

Ireland has replaced the moratorium with a new Large Energy Users (LEU) Connection Policy, enacted by the CRU in late 2025 to manage data center growth. Under this policy, developers of new data centers (over 10 MVA) must provide 100% on-site, flexible power generation to meet demand, while sourcing at least 80% of annual electricity from new, unsubsidized renewable projects within six years of operation.

The immense electricity consumption is not unique to Ireland; surveys indicate that global data center electricity consumption will grow by 26% this year. These concerns, as well as issues over water usage and noise pollution, have led to growing anti-data sentiment in the US, with 70% of Americans reportedly opposed to siting data centers nearby. Protests have led to the cancellation of over 75 data center projects in the U.S. in Q1 2026.

Sega Dreamcast driver fixes appear in Linux 7.2-rc3 — fabled console remains in favor while iconic computing architectures like i486 fall by the wayside

12 July 2026 at 18:51

A set of updates for Sega Dreamcast hardware has been merged into the Linux 7.2-rc3 kernel this weekend. Dmitry Torokhov submitted updates addressing the legendary console’s input subsystem and Linus Torvalds merged them on Saturday. The updates even surprised Linux-focused site Phoronix, That’s probably due to context: the Dreamcast continues to enjoy support while admittedly older but real computing hardware like the i486, PowerPC 40x chips, DEC Alpha, and Itanium / IA‑64, have all been sidelined in recent times.

In brief, the updates should mean new versions of Linux will come with more stable mouse, keyboard, and joystick drivers for Dreamcast stalwarts. If you are one of the Dreamcast faithful, still satisfying your computing (and gaming) needs on the final original consumer gaming hardware from Sega, this is good news.

Reading the pull request we can see some details about the new drivers for the Dreamcast’s Maple‑bus peripherals (mouse, keyboard, controller). Specifically, there’s a “fix for a crash in Sega Dreamcast (Maple) mouse driver when opening the device, caused by missing driver data,” as well as “Fixes for Maple drivers (keyboard, mouse, joystick) to properly order setting driver data and device registration to avoid races.” In this context races refers to things happening in the wrong order to result in crashes: it’s a timing bug that’s now been quashed.

Dreamcast hangers-on will now be able to craft specialized Linux builds on CD-R for their machines. The maplemouse driver has had the now-fixed crash-inducing bug since 2017.

Phoronix also comments that Linux kernel fixes for the GD-ROM driver used by the Dreamcast and a proposal for the VMUFAT file-system driver were also seen this year.

The Sega Dreamcast launched at the end of 1998 (in Japan, and the following year in the U.S.). So, in some ways it isn’t that surprising that it is still getting Linux kernel updates when the Intel i486 (1989) has been retired from mainline support. But one might have expected stronger demand for supported Linux distributions among i486 desktop and laptop users.

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Virgin Voyages Ship Denied Entry to Turkey, then Egypt, on LGBTQ+ Cruise

12 July 2026 at 18:35

A Mediterranean cruise chartered by Atlantis Events was denied port entry twice in the same week, first in Turkey and then in Egypt, forcing organizers to rework the itinerary on a single 10-night sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady.

A large cruise ship from Virgin Voyages sails through the ocean under a colorful sunset sky. The ship's exterior, boasting significant upgrades, features multiple decks and rows of balconies, with lifeboats visible along the side. The water is calm, and the sun is setting on the horizon.
(Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

Turkey cancels two port calls

The Athens to Venice cruise, chartered by US-based Atlantis Events, departed July 5 with stops originally planned in Kusadası and Istanbul. Turkish authorities canceled both calls, saying the charter did not meet the country’s moral standards, according to CNN.

Aydın province, home to the Kusadası port, said there was “absolutely no possibility of the group in question visiting our province for an event of this nature,” adding that the charter was “known for behaviors incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values.”

Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, called the decision “pretty stunning” and said the company had made repeated attempts to get Turkish authorities to reverse course. “It’s very concerning to me when a country decides they can pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not,” he told CNN.

scarlet lady bimini

Campbell told USA Today the ship posed no different a presence in port than any other vessel. “It’s not like we’re not a gay pride rally, we’re not a march, we’re not an organization, we’re not a political statement in any way,” he said, adding that the cruise had been advertised a year in advance.

Atlantis has chartered cruises to Istanbul and Kusadası 13 times over the past 25 years without incident, according to Campbell.

Roughly 1,100 of the ship’s approximately 1,900 passengers are from the United States, with the rest coming from the UK, Canada, Australia and elsewhere, per CNN.

In place of the Turkey stops, Atlantis added calls in Alexandria, Egypt, and Crete, Greece.

Egypt pulls the plug hours before arrival

Days later, Egyptian authorities denied the ship entry to Alexandria, just hours before it was due to dock, according to USA Today.

“We were given full approval to arrive in Egypt and just four hours before we picked up the pilot and customs officers, we were told that the ship would not be allowed to enter the harbor,” Campbell said. “No explanation was given for this decision and we are very disappointed.”

Campbell said Atlantis has brought chartered cruises to Egypt at least five times without incident. “Last year we brought 2,500 guests to Alexandria and the year before 1,200, both without incident,” he said. Egyptian port authorities have not publicly stated a reason for the denial.

What’s next

With Alexandria off the itinerary, the ship is now scheduled to call at Kotor, Montenegro.

Virgin Voyages said it was “incredibly disappointed” by both denials and is working to ensure guests still have a strong trip. Atlantis Events said it hopes the situation is isolated and that both countries will welcome all guests without conditions in the future.

What Travelers Should Know About Alberta’s Sports Betting Rules Before Visiting

10 July 2026 at 18:41
A person with a backpack stands on a balcony at sunrise, overlooking a city with buildings and distant mountains under a clear sky.
Image by Greer Donovan

Most people pack for Alberta thinking about mountains, the Calgary Stampede, and the long drive between Banff and Jasper. Almost nobody packs with a thought about whether they can legally put twenty dollars on a hockey game from their hotel room. Yet that question comes up more than you might expect, especially among travelers who are used to betting freely back home and assume the rules travel with them.

They do not.

Gambling law in Canada is set province by province, the way drink prices change the moment your ship clears one country’s waters and enters another’s.

What was perfectly normal on the last leg of your trip can be a gray area the moment you cross a line on the map.

If you have spent time on cruise ships, you already understand this instinct better than you think. The casino on deck eleven stays roped off until the ship is far enough offshore, and the staff will tell you plainly that port rules and sea rules are two different things.

The Sky Princess, a large white cruise ship with blue wave designs, is docked at Port Canaveral beside a terminal building. Lifeboats line its side, with water and distant land visible under the clear sky—ready for its Winter Caribbean adventure.

Alberta works on the same logic, just with provincial borders instead of a coastline. Before you assume your usual betting app will behave the way it does at home, it helps to read the local rulebook the same way you would read a port guide.

This guide is built for the visitor, not the resident. It walks through who can bet, what identification you need, where the line between legal and illegal actually sits, and the small practicalities that trip up out-of-towners.

None of it is complicated once you see the pattern, but the pattern is not the one most travelers expect, and the cost of guessing wrong ranges from a frozen account to a deposit you cannot easily get back.

The clearest plain-language reference I leaned on while sorting this out was Legal Sports Report’s breakdown of provincial betting laws, which lays out how Alberta’s framework differs from the rest of Canada without burying you in legal jargon. Keep something like that bookmarked, because the one constant in Canadian betting law is that it keeps changing.

The One Rule That Surprises Visitors Most

Here is the thing that catches travelers off guard: in Alberta, you do not have to be a resident to bet legally. What matters is where your feet are. If you are physically inside Alberta’s borders and you meet the age requirement, you can open an account and place a wager, even if your driver’s license was issued two thousand miles away.

That sounds generous, and in a sense it is. But it cuts both ways. The moment you leave the province, the permission leaves with you.

Drive into British Columbia or Saskatchewan and the same account may behave very differently, because each of those provinces runs its own system. The bet you placed from a Calgary coffee shop is not something you can casually continue from a rest stop across the border.

This is the cruise-ship logic almost exactly. Your sea pass works beautifully while you are aboard and in the right waters.

Step off in a foreign port and the casino card in your pocket means nothing on dry land. Location, not identity, decides what you are allowed to do. Once a visitor internalizes that single idea, most of Alberta’s other rules start to make sense.

How Old You Have to Be

A casino with a poker table and chairs, offering a free cruise.

Alberta sets the minimum gambling age at 18. That applies to sports betting, casino games, lottery products, and the provincially run online platform. It is worth saying plainly because the number is not the same everywhere in Canada.

Several provinces use 19 as the cutoff, so a 18-year-old who could legally bet in Alberta might be turned away the moment they cross into a neighboring province.

For families traveling together, this matters more than it first appears. A college-age traveler old enough to bet in Alberta is not automatically old enough elsewhere, and the reverse is true too.

Treat 18 as an Alberta-specific fact, not a Canadian one, and you will avoid an awkward situation at the worst possible moment.

The age check is not a polite suggestion either. Licensed platforms verify your date of birth before they let you do anything, and there is no informal workaround for a traveler who left identification in the hotel safe.

Plan to prove your age, every time, the same way you would expect to show a passport at a gangway.

What Identification You Actually Need

Age verification in Alberta is mandatory at sign-up, and it is more thorough than the casual swipe of a card you might remember from older systems. When you register on a licensed platform, you provide personal details and supporting identification so the operator can confirm two separate things: that you are old enough, and that you are who you say you are.

For a visitor, this means bringing the kind of identification you would carry for any cross-border trip anyway. A passport, a government-issued driver’s license, and the address details tied to your accounts all help the verification go smoothly.

Out-of-province and out-of-country travelers sometimes hit a snag here, not because they are barred, but because the verification system is calibrated for documents it recognizes quickly. Give it a clean, current ID and the process is usually painless.

There is a second layer that travelers rarely anticipate: geolocation. Licensed platforms confirm your physical location with each wager, using location technology on your device rather than relying on the address you typed during sign-up.

So even after your account is verified, the system still checks, quietly, that you are actually in Alberta when you tap to place the bet. A traveler whose phone is set to the wrong region, or who is sitting just over a provincial line, can find a perfectly valid account suddenly refusing to cooperate.

A person holds two passports near an open map showing continents and travel routes, with daylight coming through a nearby window.
Image by Greer Donovan

Where Betting Is Legal, and Where It Quietly Is Not

The legal channels in Alberta are narrower than the flood of advertising might suggest. As of 2025, the province’s own platform, Play Alberta, is the established legal route for online sports betting and casino play. It is run under provincial authority, which is part of why it has been the safe default answer for anyone asking where a visitor can bet without worrying about the rules.

That picture is changing, and travelers in 2026 should know the timeline. Alberta passed the iGaming Alberta Act in 2025, creating a new corporation to oversee an open, competitive online market, the way Ontario did before it.

The regulated open market is scheduled to launch on July 13, 2026, after which privately operated, provincially licensed sportsbooks will join the field. If you are visiting around that date, expect a noisier advertising environment as new operators compete for attention, and remember that more choice does not mean fewer rules. The age requirement, the identity check, and the location check apply to every licensed operator equally, established or brand new.

For a visitor, the practical takeaway is simple: stick to platforms that are clearly licensed in Alberta, and be skeptical of any app that promises to work everywhere with no questions asked. An offshore site that ignores your location is not a convenience, it is a sign you have wandered outside the legal lane.

The licensed platforms may feel slightly more bureaucratic at sign-up, with their verification steps and location prompts, but that friction is the whole point. It is the difference between a system that has to answer to a regulator and one that answers to no one if your money or your bet ever goes missing.

Physical, in-person betting follows the same principle. Licensed casinos and venues operate under provincial oversight, and the protections that come with that, fair-play standards, dispute channels, self-exclusion options, only exist inside the regulated system. The unregulated alternatives may look identical on the surface, but they sit outside every safeguard a traveler might one day be glad to have.

A Traveler’s Checklist for Betting in Alberta

The fastest way to sort out whether you are on solid ground is to match your situation against the rule and the action. Use this before you place anything, not after.

Your situationThe rule in AlbertaWhat to do
You are a visitor, not a residentResidency does not matter; physical location doesBet only while physically inside Alberta
You are 18, traveling with family18 is the minimum here, but not in every provinceConfirm the age rule again before crossing into another province
You left your ID at the hotelVerification is required before any wagerCarry government-issued photo ID whenever you intend to bet
Your phone’s location is off or spoofedGeolocation is checked on every betEnable location services and turn off any VPN
You found an app that “works anywhere”Legal play runs through Alberta-licensed platformsAvoid offshore sites; use clearly licensed options
You are about to drive into BC or SaskatchewanEach province runs its own separate systemTreat your Alberta access as ending at the border

Keep this mental list the way you would keep a packing list. It is short, and every line on it has tripped up a confident traveler at some point.

The Cruise Analogy, Spelled Out

It is worth lingering on the comparison because it is genuinely useful, not just a cute framing. On a ship, three things govern whether you can gamble: your age, proof of who you are, and the vessel’s position in international waters. Miss any one of them and the casino doors stay shut. Alberta runs on the same three hinges, with the province standing in for the ship.

Anyone who has sorted out the logistics of a port-heavy itinerary already has the right reflexes for this.

The same care you put into checking documents and arrival logistics, the kind of planning behind a good guide on how to get from the airport to the cruise terminal, is exactly the mindset that keeps a betting question from turning into a problem. You read the local rules, you carry the right paperwork, and you do not assume the last stop’s rules apply to this one.

The biggest mental adjustment for travelers is accepting that the permission is tied to the place, not to you. Your home account, your home habits, and your home assumptions do not board the plane with you in any legally meaningful way. Alberta decides what happens in Alberta. Cross out, and you are under someone else’s rules again.

Money, Currency, and Practical Friction

Travelers tend to forget that betting is also a money-movement activity, and money movement across borders carries its own small frictions.

Wagers and any winnings on an Alberta platform are handled in Canadian dollars, so a visitor funding an account from a foreign card should expect currency conversion and possibly a foreign-transaction fee from their own bank. None of this is unique to gambling, but it is easy to overlook when you are focused on the bet itself.

Withdrawals deserve a moment of thought too. If you open an account, fund it, and bet during a short visit, you want to be sure you can actually retrieve any balance after you leave.

Verified accounts generally allow this, but the process is smoother when your identification and payment details were clean from the start. The traveler most likely to hit trouble is the one who set everything up in a hurry on day one and then tried to cash out from an airport on day five.

A sensible habit is to treat any betting account the way you treat a travel-money card: fund it modestly, keep your documentation consistent, and do not leave a balance stranded behind a verification step you never finished. The goal of a vacation wager is a bit of fun, not a logistical knot to untangle from home a month later.

It also helps to think about timing. A short trip leaves little room to resolve a verification hiccup, so if you intend to bet at all, set up and confirm the account early in the visit rather than on the last evening. That way, if the system asks for an extra document or a clearer photo of your identification, you have days to respond instead of minutes.

The travelers who run into real frustration are almost always the ones who treated a regulated financial account like a casual app download, expecting instant access and instant cash-out with no checks in between. Alberta’s system is not built for that, and neither, frankly, is any responsible one.

A person stands indoors, silhouetted against a large window, looking out at a city skyline with a tall building centered and the sun setting in the background.
Image by Greer Donovan

Staying on the Right Side of the Line

The single most reliable way to stay legal as a visitor is to use only platforms that are clearly licensed in Alberta and to keep your location honest.

Everything else, the age rule, the identification, the geolocation, follows naturally once you commit to that one discipline. The regulated system exists precisely so that a traveler does not have to become a legal expert; the safeguards are built in, but only inside the lines.

For the authoritative version of how this framework is governed, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis regulator publishes the province’s gaming legislation and policies, including the statutory framework, compliance standards, and the self-exclusion program that sits behind every licensed platform.

It is dry reading, but it is the source of truth, and it makes clear what the marketing around any individual app cannot.

If you remember nothing else, remember the cruise rule. Age, identity, location. Get all three right and you are fine. Miss one and the doors stay closed, no matter how loud the app on your phone insists otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bet on sports in Alberta if I am only visiting?

Yes. Residency is not the deciding factor; your physical location is. As long as you are inside Alberta’s borders and meet the minimum age, you can register on a licensed platform and place a wager. The permission ends the moment you leave the province, so do not plan to continue from across a border.

What is the legal gambling age for travelers in Alberta?

The minimum age in Alberta is 18, and it applies to sports betting, casino games, and the provincial online platform. Be careful not to assume that number works elsewhere in Canada, since several provinces use 19. Treat 18 as an Alberta-specific rule rather than a national one.

What identification should I bring if I want to bet during my trip?

Carry the same government-issued photo identification you would already bring for travel, such as a passport or driver’s license, plus the details tied to your payment method. Licensed platforms verify your age and identity at sign-up, and a clean, current ID makes the process fast. Without it, you will not be able to complete registration.

Why does my betting app stop working when I leave my hotel?

Licensed Alberta platforms use geolocation to confirm you are physically in the province on every wager, not just at sign-up. If your device location is disabled, set to the wrong region, or routed through a VPN, the system can block the bet even on a verified account. Enable location services and switch off any VPN before you play.

Is it safe to use an app that says it works anywhere in Canada?

Be very skeptical of any platform that claims to work everywhere with no location checks. Legal play in Alberta runs through provincially licensed platforms, and an app that ignores your location is likely operating outside the regulated system. Sticking to clearly licensed options is what keeps the built-in player protections available to you.

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Don't bother buying the Switch 2's official N64 controller — get 8BitDo's brilliant take on it instead

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller: Two-minute review

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller was primarily created for the Analogue 3D—a third-party console that emulates N64 hardware and requires real cartridges. However, it's also compatible with Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (as well as Android devices).

Now, I don't own an Analogue 3D personally (limited stock and an even more limited wallet have seen to that), but I do have a Switch 2, and the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller shines just as brightly on Nintendo's current-gen machine. I've been playing Nintendo Switch Online's roster of N64 titles with it and found it to be a fantastic (and not to mention, cheaper) alternative to the official Switch Nintendo 64 controller.

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller comes in a wide variety of colorways, most of which are available to buy at the brand's Amazon store page. The standard black and white variants can be bought for $39.99 / £34.99 (around AU$60). Meanwhile, the version that bears the N64 controller's iconic color scheme (alongside several translucent models) is a touch pricier in the US at $44.99 / £34.99 (around AU$65).

I was sent the 'Grey' model for this review, and it perfectly mimics the look and feel of the original N64 controller. The grey finish of the shell and the colored Start, A, B, and C-buttons are all accurately rendered.

The major difference is that the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller opts for a more contemporary layout, sporting two controller grips as opposed to the original N64 controller's odd but strangely comfortable trident-esque design.

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller

(Image credit: Future)

There are pros and cons to this approach. The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller's more modern flourishes do make it comfortable to hold. Additions like a Hall effect thumbstick also make for a pad that's built to last. Basically, the thing won't fall apart after a few heated sessions of Mario Party. Though the stick retains that rugged, contoured design of the original, meaning your hand won't be any better off if you stick to the 'palm method' of getting high scores in certain minigames.

Where this modern design falters slightly, though, is in the triggers and shoulder buttons. While they feel perfectly fine, the default layout in some games might feel off if you're used to the original N64 controller. That's because, with Nintendo Switch Online, the 'ZR' button is reserved for the quick menu. This relegates the left trigger as the dedicated 'Z' button by default.

That kind of was the case with the original N64 pad, too, where the Z button sat at the center-rear for your left index finger to rest on. It can just make things feel occasionally awkward on the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller.

Take Star Fox 64, for example. Because the right trigger is reserved for the quick menu, it means the left trigger and right bumper are used to barrel roll by default. In GoldenEye 007, meanwhile, the left trigger fires your weapon, while the left bumper activates manual aiming. As a result, you might find you have to dive into the quick menu and adjust control schemes on a per-game basis, which can be a bit frustrating.

Thankfully, that's the only major issue I have with the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, and it's one that wasn't hugely difficult to get used to. I did find myself bringing up the quick menu by accident, annoyingly often, though.

At least battery life is solid, at around 15-20 hours on a full charge. That's about standard for the brand's controllers like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and 8BitDo Pro 3. Not class-leading by any means, but certainly gets the job done.

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller: Specifications

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller

Price

$44.99 / £34.99 (around AU$65)

Weight

7.93oz / 225g

Dimensions

5.6 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 141 x 104 x 61mm

Compatibility

Analogue 3D, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android

Connection type

Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth LE, USB-C

Battery life

15-20 hours

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller

(Image credit: Future)

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

Whether you go for the standard colorways or a special edition like the N64 livery, it's cheaper than the official Switch-compatible N64 controller.

4.5/5

Design

It really nails the look and feel of the original N64 controller, down to how the buttons, d-pad, and thumbstick feel. Build quality is solid, and the Hall effect stick means longevity is a factor.

4.5/5

Features

The controller is fairly light on features overall. There is a dedicated Turbo button, but I found little use for it within the N64 library.

3/5

Performance

While I take issue with the awkward trigger/bumper layout, the controller is perfectly performant with excellent connectivity and solid battery life.

4/5

Total

It's a fantastic alternative to the official N64 pad on Switch, and I'd handily recommend it as the better, cheaper option. Some layout issues aside, it's another winner for 8BitDo.

4/5

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a modern way to play N64 games
The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller's modern layout makes it very accessible for contemporary audiences who might balk at the three-pronged design of the original pad.

You're on a budget
As with many 8BitDo controllers, this N64-inspired pad is incredibly friendly on the wallet, and even comes in cheaper than Nintendo's official option.

You have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription
While it's primarily designed for N64 games, you'll find the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is also well-suited to other retro titles with limited button layouts, such as the NES and Game Boy libraries.

Don't buy it if...

You want something for modern games
The lack of a second stick (you're still getting those four C-buttons here) means that you probably won't want to use the 64 Bluetooth Controller for modern hits like Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition or Donkey Kong Bananza.

That trigger/bumper issue sounds like too much of a pain
Having your index fingers rest on the left trigger and right bumper is pretty awkward and goes against modern controller design sensibilities. You can ease the issue by altering button layouts within Nintendo Switch Online, but it can be annoying to have to do this for every game you choose to play.

Also consider

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller

8BitDo Pro 3

Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller

Price

$44.99 / £34.99 (around AU$65)

$59.99 / £40 (around AU$84)

$64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95

Weight

7.93oz / 225g

8.5oz / 242g

7.4oz / 210g

Dimensions

5.6 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 141 x 104 x 61mm

6.1 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 154 x 101 x 65mm

5.5 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 140 x 100 x 65mm

Compatibility

Analogue 3D, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, iOS, Android

Nintendo Switch 2

Connection type

Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth LE, USB-C

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (Switch 2 native)

Battery life

15-20 hours

15-20 hours

Around 25-30 hours

8BitDo Pro 3
For my money, this is the best controller that can be bought for less than $60 / £40, period. It also has a retro-inspired design, but comes with so many modern flourishes and features, like drift-beating TMR sticks, swappable face buttons, a charging dock, and a beautiful d-pad. This one's great for both modern and retro titles, and I really can't sing its praises enough.

For more information, read our full 8BitDo Pro 3 review

Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller
Pretty obviously, this is a bespoke official controller for Nintendo Switch Online's GameCube library on Switch 2. It's wireless and boasts some pretty impressive battery life. It's a warts-and-all revisiting, but it arguably barely needed changing at all given how nice the original GameCube controller is. This one's also great for retro titles and is broadly compatible with Switch and Switch 2 games.

For more information, read our full Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller review.

How I tested the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller

I tested the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller for about a week, putting it through its paces with Nintendo Switch Online's dedicated N64 library. Titles played include F-Zero X, Ridge Racer 64, Star Fox 64, Pilotwings 64, Sin and Punishment, Mario Tennis, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

I tested the controller wirelessly on Nintendo Switch 2 to get a feel for battery life and connectivity, with my display of choice being the LG CX OLED TV. For audio, I find that wired is best on Switch 2 due to Bluetooth audio delay, and thus opted for the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS gaming headset.

First reviewed June - July 2026

Read more about how we test

Understanding multi-exposure photography: key terms explained, in-camera techniques, what to shoot and more

Multiple exposure photography is nothing new; it has been a staple of creative imagery since the earliest days of analog photography. However, in the digital age, it has never been easier to blend images together for creative, abstract effects. This can be done in a range of ways, from in-camera techniques using dedicated multiple exposure modes to post-processing methods using layer blend modes and complex masking.

Possibly due to the convenience of in-camera approaches, both on high-end mirrorless cameras and using smartphone apps, there has been a spike in interest in this area of photography over the past five or six years.

When leading photography workshops in urban areas, for example, I have noticed far more students of all ages who are keen to explore textures and color through the medium of stacked exposures rather than capturing literal records of famous landmarks.

Admittedly, I never used to be a huge fan of this type of imaging. It’s not that I disliked double- or multi-exposure images; I simply never found much motivation to try all of the in-camera features on offer. However, I’m also an enthusiastic painter, and quickly discovered that creatively pairing different scenes could give beautifully painterly impressions of subjects that could never be featured together in any single frame.

When shooting a city or any famous location, blending shots in-camera or at the computer can capture a collage-style image that pulls together the most interesting elements of the place in unique ways. This impressionistic approach is ideal when you find yourself unable to pick out one or two elements that truly encapsulate how a location makes you feel.

The danger in these cases is that you attempt to cram in too many details by using a wide lens, which simply turns out as a busy-looking shot without any proper focus.

A double- or multi-exposure shot is intentionally abstract and minimizes negative space, allowing the viewer to focus on several areas of the scene at the same time. It also has the power to make a subject out in what might otherwise be an unassuming element. Let’s take a closer look at how to use the technique to create shots that pop in your portfolio.

Multi-exposure modes explained

Woodland scenes captured using multiple exposures
The final image (1) comprises a double exposure of a colorful subject (2) and a bright base image (3) shot using Brighten blend modePeter Fenech
Woodland scenes captured using multiple exposures
Peter Fenech
Woodland scenes captured using multiple exposures
Peter Fenech

Using layer blend modes has become a staple tool in the photo-editing process, and many photographers have become accustomed to how each one functions with the layers below the working layer in the layers panel, in Photoshop, Affinity, or similar. Learning to create blended images in-camera can therefore take a bit of acclimatization.

Many cameras today have a range of modes listed in their respective Multiple Exposure menu. Older models, especially older DSLR cameras, might only have a single Off/On option, but the latest mirrorless models, such as the Fujifilm X-T5, Canon EOS R6 Mark III, or Nikon Z5 II, all have sophisticated systems.

The common modes across all of these brands are Additive, Average, Lighten, and Darken, although the exact terminology does vary. Additive pretty much does what it sounds like – the pixels from one frame are added to the subsequent ones.

This has the effect of summing together the exposure of each frame, which can lead to overexposure if you’re not careful. Where two already bright areas of each frame overlap, for example, the resulting blended image can suffer from highlight clipping where there was none in the individual files.

Double exposure images of the Newcastle Bridges

The Darken blend mode of a Canon camera removes the brightest pixels, filling the sky with a darker texture from the second frame (Image credit: Peter Fenech)

Double exposure images of the Newcastle Bridges

The Bright mode of a Canon camera favors the brightest pixels, filling in shadow areas with the bright reflections of the second overlaying frame (Image credit: Peter Fenech)

To combat this, it’s often necessary to underexpose each frame by around a stop in Additive mode, thereby producing a final image with a neutral (centered) exposure. Many people choose this mode if they prefer a similar experience to traditional film-era multiple exposure photography.

Next up is Average mode. With this selected, the camera will automatically adjust the exposure of each frame to compensate for exposure variations. This will give you a shot with the same brightness as a correctly exposed single frame.

Meanwhile, Bright or Lighten mode will only allow the brightest pixels from the underlying image to show through the second. This is ideal if you want a bright neon sign to show through a darker brick texture, for example.

Conversely, Darken mode has the opposite effect and prioritises the darker pixels. If you want texture from the second image to only be visible in the sky of the first, or through the breaks in the tree line of a forest, this is the mode to choose.

In many cases, trial and error play a part in successfully crafting in-camera multiple exposures, although experience definitely helps with identifying the perfect pairings of subject matter and overlays. On some cameras, there will be a mode where you can see a live preview of the blended image, which can be a big help when finalizing the composition of your shot.

A pro tip to consider here is to ensure the continuous multiple exposure option is selected in the camera menu. This gives you the option to have double- or multi-exposure mode cancelled after a preselected number of shots have been taken, or to keep it active after each frame blend is complete.

When you’re not sure when the next opportunity will come along, it’s best to use the auto-cancel option, so you don’t get caught out and produce a blended frame when you actually wanted a single frame.

However, where crafting abstract images is the whole purpose of your shoot, keeping the mode active at all times speeds up the process and allows you to shoot many variations of a composition until you have found the perfect alignment of objects.

Some cameras will also give you the option to keep the individual frames which is useful if you want to try blending manually in software.

Mulitple-exposure in-camera steps

A man holding a camera outdoors showing the multi exposure menu on-screen

(Image credit: Peter Fenech)

Step 1: choose your blend mode

If you have a darker subject that you’d like to combine with a brighter overlay, select the Darken mode. For the forest shot (above), I wanted the darker flowers to fill the bright spaces between the trees, where the sky was visible.

Step 2: work out your exposure

Don’t forget your basic exposure calculations, but tailor them to enhance the blended image. I exposed the first base image for the shadows which quickly clipped the highlights. Since I wanted a clear separation of tones for the blend, this was perfectly acceptable. For Additive mode, underexpose each frame by around one stop.

Step 3: take your first frame

Compose your base image carefully since this will determine the overall framing of the final shot. Trigger the shutter and preview it if your camera allows live previews of the blend in progress.

Step 4: shoot your overlay

Using the preview image if available, align the live view image with the ghost-like base frame until you are happy with the composition. Take the shot and preview the blended frame, checking for unintentionally excluded details. This can occur where pixels are brighter or darker than expected and are therefore missing (or over-exaggerated) in the final blend.

A man holding a camera outdoors showing the multi exposure menu on-screen

(Image credit: Peter Fenech)

Fujifilm workflow

Fujifilm

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

With a heavy focus on creative photography, the best Fujifilm cameras really lean into the Multi-exposure technique. While they feature similar blend modes to other brands, the terminology varies slightly. It’s therefore a good idea to compare modes to ensure you select the right one in any given subject-specific condition. Both Additive and Average modes are the same, but the following need a little decoding:

COMPARATIVE LIGHT - this is largely the same as Lighten or Bright mode on Nikon and Canon cameras, making bright pixels stand out against darker backgrounds.

COMPARATIVE DARK - the equivalent mode to Darken or Dark modes from other camera manufacturers. This will essentially fill bright areas with the underlying darker textures.

If you are using a Fujifilm model that has tactile controls, such as the X-T5 or X-T30 III, make sure you control your exposure by using the manual shutter speed dial, rather than by altering the f-stop from a lens-based aperture ring. This will essentially apply exposure compensation, which is critical when using Additive mode. However, this method will also ensure your depth-of-field doesn’t change between frames.

I also recommend checking out @bewaremyfuji on Instagram, who is a master of this technique — some of his multi-exposure nightscapes are particularly dynamic.

What should you shoot?

Put simply, anything with a clear outline can make a great multi-exposure shot. That’s because there is a sharp outline between the light and dark areas, which makes it easier to see where the pixels from one frame have blended with those from the next. It’s for this reason that skylines and profile portraits are popular subjects for this type of imagery. Creating a silhouette of buildings or the outline of a person makes a defined shape within which you can overlay the detail from another scene.

Equally, base layers with lots of texture or brightly colored patterns are ideal for creating those painterly style impressionistic images mentioned earlier. I like to bring together elements that look like they belong together, where natural subjects appear in the frame, but for urban images, I enjoy playing with heavy contrasts. Think natural structures like leaves, combined with industrial ironwork or brick walls.

A double exposure of an arrangement of leaves and tree bark

Average mode prevented overexposure of the areas in full sun in the background. Meanwhile, the brighter leaves stand out against the darker tree bark while showing through some of the texture (Image credit: Peter Fenech)

If the baseline detail is already quite chaotic, such as in an image of a forest, I’ll often select Additive or Average mode to create more of an overlap, leaning into the ‘messy’ state of the natural environment. For shots of cities though, I try to create sharp silhouettes where the shapes have minimal overlap, thereby crafting clearly defined zones within the composition.

Combining multiple exposures with other creative techniques, like intentional camera movement ('ICM'), can also introduce some excellent effects.

Double or multi-exposure?

Once you’ve decided to experiment with these techniques, it raises further questions: what is the difference between multiple- and double-exposures, and when should each one be used?

Double-exposure mode is the classic choice and will simplify your workflow. It’s the mode to choose while you are learning how each blend option works and are just starting out with this technique. For standard urban photography or abstract landscapes, capturing just two frames is often enough, and I’d advise you to only consider shooting more frames once you fully understand how each frame is going to impact the others.

Multiple-exposure sequences, in other words combining three or more frames, can be great for complex textures or when you want to convey the movement of a subject in motion. Capturing the subject in multiple positions in the same frame – an athlete or dancer in several positions, for example – can produce a stroboscopic look that follows a perfectly timed sequence of planned movements. This is best done from a tripod to keep the camera stationary.

Multiple exposure images of a woodland scenes
Taking a shot and flipping the camera for the second frame, using Average Mode, creates a mirror image effectPeter Fenech
Multiple exposure images of a woodland scenes
Peter Fenech

There's a sneaky way to watch the 2026 Wimbledon Men's Final for free — stream Sinner vs Zverev

Watch Jannik Sinner take on Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon Men's final as the Italian looks to defend his title at SW19.

Both players head into the match on the back of commanding straight-set victories in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. However, four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner will undoubtedly start as the favourite here, as he fights to draw level with Carlos Alcaraz on two Wimbledon titles.

Having grabbed his first Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros, this is Zverev's most important assignment if he wants to prove his mettle against this generation's best. After all, he didn't face Sinner, Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic during his French Open title run.

The best part? We've found a sneaky way to watch the final completely FREE, from wherever you are!

The hack: BBC iPlayer in the UK and 9Now in Australia – along with a couple of local streaming platforms in Switzerland – are showing the match at no cost!

But what if you're traveling outside these countries? Can you still watch the 2026 Wimbledon men's final for free - from the US or Canada? Yes, you can! Read on to find out how.

How to watch Wimbledon 2026 Men's Final for free

Wimbledon 2026 Men's Singles Final will be streamed live and for free in several countries around the world, with the best English-language coverage available in the UK on BBC iPlayer and in Australia on 9Now.

🇦🇺 Australia: 9Now
🇬🇧 UK: BBC iPlayer
🇨🇭 Switzerland: RSI / SRF

Outside these countries? You can use a VPN to watch the Wimbledon 2026 Final for free as if you were right at home.

Use a VPN to watch Wimbledon 2026 Men's Final free from anywhere

A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 75% discount, and three months for free.

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Quick start: Using a VPN to watch Wimbledon 2026 Men's Final for free

Using a VPN is incredibly simple, just follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're visiting the U.S. and want to view a British streaming service, you'd select a location from United Kingdom (like London) from the server list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to BBC iPlayer (or 9Now if you're an Aussie) and watch the 2026 Wimbledon Men's Final just like you would at home.

Which devices can I watch Wimbledon 2026 Men's Final for free with?

You can use BBC iPlayer to watch the 2026 Wimbledon Men's Final on a range of devices:

Amazon Fire (Tablets, Cube, Stick, TVs)
Android TV (please note: some models aren’t supported)
Android (Mobile & Tablet) - Android 7.0 and above
Apple TV (tvOS 14 or later)
Google TV (Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield)
Freely
Freesat (please note: some models aren’t supported)
Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes) (some models aren’t supported)
iOS (iPhone & iPad) - iOS 14 and above
LG Smart TVs (2016-2024)
NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (minimum firmware v11.5.0)
PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
Roku (Stick & Roku-OS powered TVs, minimum firmware v11.5.0)
Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and above)
Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck
Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo)
YouView (BT, Humax, Sony, TalkTalk)
Xbox (One, Series X, Series S)

The Aussie 9Now is also available of a wide range of devices:

Amazon Fire TV
Android phones and tablets (Android OS 5 and newer)
Android TV
Apple iPhones and iPads (iOS 12 or later)
Apple TV (including Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD)
Chromecast (including Chromecast with Google TV)
Chrome (latest two versions)
Fetch TV (Gen 3 or newer)
Firefox (latest two versions)
Foxtel iQ
Freeview
Hisense TV
LG Smart TV (webOS 4 or higher)
Mobile apps – download the 9Now app on your phone or tablet (iOS/Android)
Mozilla (latest two versions)
Roku (including Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+ and Roku Streambar)
Safari (latest two versions)

You may also enjoy...

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Lionel Messi breaks down Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semifinal clash: ‘Playing against England is special’

12 July 2026 at 19:16
After an important victory over Switzerland in the final minutes, Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. They will face England, in a highly competitive clash. With that in mind, Lionel Messi reflected on the upcoming encounter, recalling that famous 1986 clash.

Argentina have managed to become one of the best teams at the 2026 World Cup. Even though they had to go to extra time, they managed to defeat Switzerland, reaching the semifinals in convincing fashion. There, they will face England in a match that brings back memories of the historic 1986 encounter. With that in mind, Lionel Messi decided to reflect on the upcoming clash, making his position clear.

“Obviously, I remember everything (about the 1986 match between Argentina and England) through videos and photos. As Argentines, we constantly watch it. But I think this group is used to playing these kinds of matches. To playing games no matter who the opponent is. Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse. Personally, it will be the first time I’m going to play against them,” Lionel Messi said in the mixed zone after the match.

Lionel Messi has played 205 matches for Argentina but has never faced England. Despite the tensions that exist between the two national teams, the 39-year-old star has chosen to stay away from any historical narrative, a perspective that differs from that of many fans and Argentina legends. Instead, he has emphasized that Thomas Tuchel’s team are a powerhouse and that Argentina’s focus is simply on defeating them.

Unlike previous editions, the rivalry between Argentina and England is purely soccer-related on the pitch. With both teams having struggled to reach the semifinals, the match appears to be more evenly balanced than expected. As a result, Lionel Messi’s team could once again depend on individual talent to make the difference. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that the team still needs to improve.

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal for Argentina.

Argentina vs England: Revisiting their latest World Cup encounters

Argentina and England have faced each other five times in World Cup history. There is a 40-year gap between their first and most recent meeting. Although political tensions fueled the rivalry, the two sides have not faced each other in 24 years, making this encounter particularly significant. In their first meeting in 1962, England claimed a 3-1 victory, a result they repeated in 1966, proving to be the clear favorites.

After several years without a victory, Argentina defeated England at the 1986 World Cup in the so-called “Match of the Century,” where Diego Maradona delivered a legendary performance. They then defeated England again at the 1998 World Cup, winning on penalties in the Round of 16. However, Argentina lost their most recent meeting, which came at the 2002 World Cup, meaning the overall record does not favor Lionel Messi’s team.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final.

Brahim Diaz-Mourinho görüşmesi bekleniyor: Galatasaray pusuda

Real Madrid'le mukavelesinin son senesine giren Brahim Diaz, Galatasaray'ın radarında bulunuyor. Faslı kanat oyuncusu, Madrid'de kalmak istediğini söylemişti. Ancak fikri değişebilir!

Galatasaray'ın şu anda kanatlarında alternatif eksikliği bulunuyor. Transferde ağırlık orta saha ve forvet bölgelerine verilse de kanatlar konusunda da çalışmalar yapılıyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın alternatiflerinden biri Brahim Diaz'dı... Ancak Faslı futbolcu kısa süre önce Real Madrid'de kalmak istediğini açıkladı.

KARARINI DEĞİŞTİREBİLİR

26 yaşındaki sağ kanat oyuncusunun sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2027'de bitiyor. Yani kontratının son senesine girdi. Diaz, Jose Mourinho ile birlikte şansını yeniden denemek istiyor. Ancak ikili arasında yapılacak görüşmenin ardından Diaz ayrılmaya karar verebilir...

RESMİ TEKLİF SUNULACAK

Galatasaray, ikili arasındaki görüşmeyi bekliyor. Mourinho, Diaz'la devam etmek istemediğini söylerse Sarı-Kırmızılılar resmi teklifini sunacak. Öte yandan Faslı yıldızın adı Fenerbahçe'yle de anılıyordu. Ayrıca Roma ve Juventus kulüpleri de oyuncunun durumunu yakından takip ediyor.

Helal olsun Mete Gazoz: Altın madalya bize çok yakışıyor!

Milli okçu Mete Gazoz, Hyundai Okçuluk Dünya Kupası klasik yay erkekler finalinde İtalya'dan Mauro Nespoli'yi mağlup ederek altın madalyanın sahibi oldu.

Milli okçu Mete Gazoz, İspanya'da düzenlenen Okçuluk Dünya Kupası 4. ayak müsabakalarında altın madalya kazandı.

Türkiye Okçuluk Federasyonundan yapılan açıklamaya göre başkent Madrid'deki organizasyonda Mete Gazoz, klasik yay erkekler kategorisi finalinde İtalyan Mauro Nespoli ile karşılaştı.

Rakibini 29-27, 30-25 ve 26-25'lik setlerle 6-0 mağlup eden milli sporcu, Okçuluk Dünya Kupası'nın İspanya ayağını şampiyon olarak tamamladı.

60 milyon euro'dan kuruş inmiyorlar: Can Uzun işi buzdolabına

Galatasaray'ın somut ilgisine ve genç yıldızın yeşil ışık yakmasına rağmen, Eintracht Frankfurt Sportif Direktörü Markus Krösche'nin 60 milyon Euro'luk devasa bonservis inadı transferi çıkmaza soktu; kulüpler arası resmi temas kurulamadan süreç askıya alındı.

Galatasaray’ın genç yıldız Can Uzun için başlattığı transfer operasyonu, Eintracht Frankfurt’un astronomik bonservis duvarına çarptı. Sarı-kırmızılılar oyuncu cephesiyle somut temas kursa da Alman kulübünün 60 milyon Euro’luk inadı transferi çıkmaza soktu.

Galatasaray, genç yetenek Can Uzun’un temsilcileriyle doğrudan görüşmelere başladı. Sarı-kırmızılı yönetimin oyuncuya olan ilgisi somut seviyede ilerliyor.

Galatasaray

Sky DE'nin paylaştığı bilgilere göre Can Uzun, kariyerine Galatasaray’da veya Premier Lig’de devam etmeye oldukça sıcak bakıyor. Oyuncu tarafıyla görüşmeler sürse de, şu aşamada Galatasaray ile Eintracht Frankfurt kulüpleri arasında resmi bir bonservis pazarlığı henüz gerçekleşmedi.

Transferin önündeki en büyük engel ise Alman ekibinin katı tutumu. Sky DE muhabiri Florian Plettenberg’in aktardığı bilgiye göre; Frankfurt Sportif Direktörü Markus Krösche, oyuncu için tam 60 milyon Euro bonservis bedeli talep ediyor ve bu rakamdan geri adım atmıyor.

Galatasaray’ın somut ilgisine ve oyuncunun gelme arzusuna rağmen, Frankfurt'un talep ettiği devasa bonservis bedeli bu transfer hamlesini şimdilik buzdolabına kaldırmış durumda.

Biwin Opal DW100 RGB DDR5 48 GB (2 x 24 GB) 6000 MT/s CL28 EXPO ULL Memory Kit Review – Solid EXPO Kit But Way Overpriced Right Now

12 July 2026 at 18:55

Two Biwin DDR5 RAM modules are placed on a dark surface, with one showing a label indicating specifications.

In 2026, we live in the worst kind of memory crisis that the consumer market has ever faced. Some people call it the RAMmageddon, and others call it the RAMpocalypse. Whichever way you want to call it, one thing is set: shortages created by massive demand in the AI and data center segment have led to a severe hike in prices across all memory segments. This came at a time when memory speeds were seeing rapid updates. We saw speeds surge past 9000 MT/s, and some kits were hitting close to 10,000 MT/s. We saw the launch of CUDIMMs and […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/biwin-opal-dw100-rgb-ddr5-48-gb-2-x-24-gb-6000-mt-s-cl28-expo-ull-memory-kit-review-solid-expo-kit-but-way-overpriced-right-now/

Apple’s Chipset Development Is Unparalleled As Company Is Already Working On The M8, Flaunting Superior AI Capabilities Not To Mention Enhanced Efficiency

12 July 2026 at 18:51

Apple is already developing the M8

In the AI race, Apple isn’t the first name that you’d expect to be ahead of its rivals, but when it comes to chipsets that are tailor-made to tackle the aforementioned workloads, we doubt other names come to mind. While we have reported that the M7 is being designed to bring even better on-device AI performance to the table, the M8 is expected to surpass its predecessor in this aspect, while also being one of the company’s first silicon range to leverage a new manufacturing process. M8 could be Apple’s first 1.4nm SoC designed for powerful computing, bringing superior efficiency […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-working-on-m8-with-superior-ai-and-efficiency-features/

Heavyweight champion willing to give Derek Chisora another world title shot at 42 years old

12 July 2026 at 17:49

Derek Chisora’s defeat to Deontay Wilder was expected to confirm his retirement, but ‘Del Boy’ is still yet to formally confirm that his career has come to an end. Now, the 42-year-old could be on the verge of a world title shot – an opportunity which would undoubtedly convince him to remain in the sport.  […]

The post Heavyweight champion willing to give Derek Chisora another world title shot at 42 years old appeared first on Boxing News.

Deals: iPhone 17 Pro Max gets a price cut, Nothing Phone (4b) up for pre-order

12 July 2026 at 18:01

Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17e are on sale this week. Meanwhile, Nothing's newly unveiled Phone (4b) is now up for pre-order. Rounding out this week's deals are a couple of Google's Pixel phones, Xiaomi's 17 series, and the Samsung Galaxy A57. The Nothing Phone (4b) marks the UK brand's first "b" series phone. While there are no launch discounts on offer, the handset is now available for pre-order, with deliveries scheduled to begin on July 16. Nothing Phone (4b) pre-order coming July 16 ...

İnfantino: “Dünya çempionatı 64 komanda ilə keçirilə bilər”

12 July 2026 at 18:00

Canni Infantino dünya çempionatının iştirakçılarının sayının gələcəkdə 64 komandaya çatdırılması ehtimalını istisna etmədiyini açıqlayıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, FİFA prezidenti bu barədə jurnalistlərə açıqlamasında bildirib .

Onun sözlərinə görə, bu məsələ DÇ-2026 başa çatdıqdan sonra müzakirəyə çıxarıla bilər:

“Bu məsələni hazırkı dünya çempionatı başa çatdıqdan sonra mütləq nəzərdən keçirmək lazımdır. Dünya çempionatında iştirak etmək arzusu təkcə Avropa və Cənubi Amerika komandaları üçün deyil, bütün dünya üçün əlçatan olmalıdır”, – deyə İnfantino bildirib.

O, həmçinin 2026-cı il dünya çempionatında iştirakçı komandaların sayının 48-ə çatdırılmasını böyük uğur kimi qiymətləndirib.

Qeyd edək ki, ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikanın birgə ev sahibliyi etdiyi DÇ-2026 tarixdə ilk dəfə 48 milli komandanın iştirakı ilə keçirilir. Turnir iyulun 19-da başa çatacaq.

“Turan Tovuz”u “Şəfa”ya dəyişdi

12 July 2026 at 18:39

“Turan Tovuz”un futbolçusu Fərid Yusifli karyerasını “Şəfa”da davam etdirəcək.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Tovuz təmsilçisinin mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Klublar oyunçunun keçidi ilə bağlı razılığa gəlib.

Fərid ötən mövsüm 18 oyunda 1 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.

Lunev Estoniyada “qızıl” qazandı

12 July 2026 at 18:15

Azərbaycan atıcılıq millisinin üzvü Ruslan Lunev Estoniyanın Männiku şəhərində keçirilən “Lapua” Avropa Kubokunda növbəti möhtəşəm uğura imza atıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, atıcımız 25 metr mərkəzi atəş açma növü üzrə keçirilən yarışda yüksək nəticə göstərərək qızıl medal qazanıb.

Ruslan Lunev təsnifat mərhələsində 583 xal toplayaraq bütün rəqiblərini geridə qoyub, birinci yeri tutub və Azərbaycan bayrağını fəxri kürsünün ən yüksək pilləsində dalğalandırıb.

Azərbaycan yığmasının üzvü “Riqa”da

12 July 2026 at 17:38

Qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan milli komandasının üzvü Milana Rəhimova özünə yeni komanda tapıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yarımmüdafiəçi Latviya təmsilçisi “Riqa”ya keçib. Bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Milana ilə anlaşmanın detalları açıqlanmayıb.

Report Doekhi wanted by Lazio as free agent

12 July 2026 at 18:23

Lazio are in talks with defender Danilho Doekhi, claims transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, as he would be a free agent after leaving Union Berlin.

The Aquile need to completely revamp their defence this summer with the arrival of coach Gennaro Gattuso, and above all the exits of Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila.

They already picked up one free agent in the form of left-back Alfonso Pedraza, as the 30-year-old was out of contract with Villarreal.

Lazio looking at Doekhi

HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY - APRIL 11: Danilho Doekhi of 1.FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Voith-Arena on April 11, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Danilho Doekhi of 1.FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Voith-Arena on April 11, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

According to Romano, their next target is 28-year-old Doekhi, who is available after his deal with Union Berlin ran down on June 30.

The Dutch centre-back has no shortage of other interested parties, including Aston Villa, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven.

However, most of those approaches were earlier in the summer and the focus on him appears to have cooled, allowing Lazio to push their way into the queue.

A product of the Excelsior and Ajax youth academies, he moved to Union Berlin from Vitesse as a free agent in 2022.

Official: Frosinone renew Fini, Calvani and Cittadini loans for 2026-27

12 July 2026 at 18:06

Newly-promoted Frosinone have announced that Gabriele Calvani, Seydou Fini and Giorgio Cittadini have renewed their loans from Genoa and Atalanta.

The Canarini finished second in the Serie B table last season, securing automatic promotion back to the top flight.

They did it largely thanks to a squad packed with young talent on loan from Serie A sides.

Now those are allowed to continue the project at the Stadio Benito Stirpe, as they renewed their loan agreements for one more season.

Fini, Calvani and Cittadini stay

GENOA, ITALY - AUGUST 9: Seydou Fini of Genoa looks on during the Coppa Italia match between Genoa CFC and Reggiana at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 9, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 9: Seydou Fini of Genoa looks on during the Coppa Italia match between Genoa CFC and Reggiana at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 9, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Genoa have formally loaned defender Calvani and striker Fini for the 2026-27 campaign.

Atalanta also sealed the loan of defender Cittadini for another season.

All of those are temporary moves without options to make them permanent.

An Italy Under-21 international who just turned 20 last month, Fini scored one goal with two assists in eight appearances during his six-month loan at Frosinone.

Calvani is a 22-year-old centre-back who made 37 appearances with the Canarini last term.

Cittadini is a 24-year-old central defender who first came to Frosinone on loan in 2024, meaning this will be his third consecutive season with the club.

Roma targeted Moreira and Garnacho in double Chelsea deal

12 July 2026 at 17:46

Roma could end up doing a double deal with Chelsea, because negotiations can intensify for both Alejandro Garnacho and Diego Moreira, who is at RC Strasbourg.

The Giallorossi have abandoned hope of securing Mason Greenwood from Olympique Marseille, as he has agreed a move to Fenerbahce instead.

Moreira and Garnacho on Roma radar

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 01: Diego Moreira of Belgium in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 01: Diego Moreira of Belgium in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The next name on the list is Moreira, who turns 22 next month and who Chelsea sold to RC Strasbourg for €8.5m in the summer of 2024.

Both clubs are under the same banner of consortium BlueCo and owner Todd Boehly.

As part of that agreement, Chelsea have first refusal on the player, one that they do not seem interested in activating.

However, Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà insists that the fact the clubs are owned by the same people could see them potentially work out more favourable terms if combined with a swoop for Chelsea’s Garnacho.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Roma are offering €35m plus bonuses, including a 10 per cent sell-on fee, to buy Moreira, while they would prefer to get Garnacho on loan with an option to buy.

Considering Garnacho’s career has stalled due to a lack of playing time, first at Manchester United and then Chelsea, he would relish the opportunity to play regularly under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Their qualification for the Champions League has also helped the situation, along with the presence of Garnacho’s good friend Paulo Dybala.

Muharemovic wanted by Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth

12 July 2026 at 17:08

Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic remains a Premier League target, with Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth focus on the €40m player, as Juventus still wait.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international impressed at the 2026 World Cup and in Serie A for the Neroverdi, so is widely expected to move on this summer.

Muharemovic hot property for Sassuolo

SASSUOLO, ITALY - DECEMBER 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The asking price has been set at €40m, though Juventus would be able to get him for half that figure.

This is because he was in their youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for €2m, retaining a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

Nonetheless, Juve are still not sure whether to go ahead with the move, so this is giving time for the Premier League clubs to make a genuine offer.

According to the Corriere dello Sport and also Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, there are several English sides ready to swoop for Muharemovic at €40m.

They are Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth, who have all shown a strong interest in the 23-year-old.

Why Lautaro avoided suspension for England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final

12 July 2026 at 17:04

Lautaro Martinez struck in the 121st minute to help Argentina on their way to the 2026 World Cup semi-final in the early hours of Sunday morning, but some feel that the Inter skipper was fortunate to avoid a second yellow and a suspension for the upcoming last-four tie with England. Here’s why El Toro escaped punishment. 

How Lautaro Martinez escaped second yellow card in Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Lautaro was initially named on the substitutes’ bench for Argentina’s eventual 3-1 quarter-final win against Switzerland in Kansas City, but emerged off the bench in the 84th minute and contributed his nation’s third goal of the night in the 121st minute of the tie to put the game beyond any doubt.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 11: Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 11: Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Lautaro was on a booking at the time of his goal, and some eagle-eyed fans believe that he should have been shown a second yellow and sent off for his celebrations. Had that been the case, the Inter striker would have been suspended for the World Cup semi-final against England coming up on Wednesday night. 

That is because Lautaro jumped over the advertising hoardings and went right up to the Argentina supporters behind the goal while celebrating his 121st-minute settler. 

Under the IFAB laws of the game, a player should be shown a yellow card if he approaches supporters in a way that creates any potential crowd safety issues. 

However, as Lautaro’s celebrations in front of the stands only lasted for a brief moment, and given that he didn’t even attempt to touch or engage with the fans in front of him, the officials felt that this specific incident did not require further punishment. 

Lautaro Martinez with the icing on the cake for Argentina 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/7iHow8lZeK

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

Latest: Dortmund finally agree €30m+ fee for talented playmaker

12 July 2026 at 17:59

A top German transfer insider is reporting that Borussia Dortmund have agreed a deal for Konstantinos Karetsas.

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German transfer insider Florian Plettenberg has just dropped the breaking news that Borussia Dortmund have agreed a deal with one of their top attacking targets for the summer.

The German side have been chasing Konstantinos Karetsas for months, and now finally appear to have agreed terms with his current team, Belgian side KRC Genk.

Confusingly, Plettenberg says that the two clubs have “reached an agreement in principle,” but also claims that “negotiations… are ongoing.”

Karetsas set for move after long negotiation battle

Genk have been holding out for €35m for the Greek teenager, and we would imagine that Dortmund have had to pay most (if not all) of that. Their offers have apparently already reached €30m, so really this is coming down to some pretty small differences now.

The German side are looking ot replace Julian Brandt, who has left on a free transfer. The 18 year old Karetsas looks the perfect candidate, an elegant playmaker between the lines who can travel with the ball.

Dortmund have a great history of signing young players, and they could be onto another winner here if they get this one over the line.

In other news…

Julian Alvarez is going to go for a lot more €35m this summer, if Atletico Madrid get what they want…

Lesley Ugochukwu is going to leave Burnley for Galatasaray, and that’s good news for another Premier League team who will get a percentage of his £30m fee.

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“He doesn’t really know” – Jude Bellingam brutally fires back at Thomas Tuchel’s England criticism

12 July 2026 at 17:44

Jude Bellingham was not having any of the criticism from England manager Thomas Tuchel and fired back during his post-match interview.

Despite Bellingham scoring twice to rescue a 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, Tuchel publicly slammed his team’s performance, labeling it “sloppy” and “lucky.”

Learning of these remarks, England’s star midfielder visibly rolled his eyes, muttered “whatever,” and launched into a blunt defense of his teammates.

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Jude Bellingham says Thomas Tuchel doesn’t understand the conditions England faced

Bellingham did not hold back when asked about his manager’s harsh assessment, suggesting that the German coach was detached from the harsh physical realities on the pitch.

The match was played in grueling Miami heat and humidity, with kickoff temperatures hitting 33°C (92°F).

“Maybe he doesn’t really know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard,” Bellingham responded (via BBC MOTD) . “That’s not an easy team to play against.”

The Real Madrid superstar insisted that the squad had worked hard to build a positive tournament environment and urged the camp to sustain it.

“You’re not going to win every game making a thousand passes,” Bellingham added. “Sometimes you have to win dirty. We did that tonight.”

"Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions."?

Jude Bellingham spoke openly about Thomas Tuchel being critical of England's performance against Norway. pic.twitter.com/aJgDGEVNfX

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 12, 2026

Jude Bellingham wasnt happy about what Tuchel said after the game lmao pic.twitter.com/dMbuawIDan

— WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) July 12, 2026

 

Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham’s relationship has often been under the spotlight

The explosive post-match exchange might be a glimpse of the reported friction between England’s primary talisman and their high-profile manager.

Since Tuchel took charge, several incidents have placed the pair’s dynamic under scrutiny.

The German coach previously revealed that his mother found Bellingham’s fiery on-pitch demeanour “a bit repulsive,” a remark he later clarified was an unfortunate consequence of speaking in his second language.

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Tensions resurfaced when Bellingham was left out of a squad entirely, and again during qualifying when Tuchel told him to “accept” being substituted after a frustrated reaction against Albania.

Things boiled over again at the World Cup. Bellingham’s starting spot was reportedly in doubt before the tournament, with Tuchel seemingly leaning towards Morgan Rogers, only for Bellingham to silence the debate with standout performances, having scored six goals so far and being a contender for player of the tournament.

Some could argue that Tuchel’s demanding approach has helped bring the best out of Bellingham, who continues to deliver on football’s biggest stage.

The post “He doesn’t really know” – Jude Bellingam brutally fires back at Thomas Tuchel’s England criticism appeared first on CaughtOffside.

💣 Milan seal Rabiot, Juve-Pellegrino, Zeballos-Napoli 🤏: deals 🤑

💣 Milan seal Rabiot, Juve-Pellegrino, Zeballos-Napoli 🤏: deals 🤑

Yesterday, the quarter-finals came to an end with Argentina’s win over Switzerland, and now the World Cup gets even more exciting with the two blockbuster semi-final clashes: France-Spain and Argentina-England. 

💡 Want to stay up to date on everything happening in the USA, Mexico, and Canada? Don’t forget to bookmark the World Cup! To follow the competition, search for “World Cup” on OneFootball and click the star next to it so you don’t miss a single piece of news!

Meanwhile, the transfer market continues to heat up. Here are the most important stories of the day.


Juve, Carnevali makes a move for Pellegrino

Juventus have made their first move to sign Mateo Pellegrino, submitting an initial official offer to Parma for the Argentine striker. According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri are looking for a new centre-forward, and the Argentine’s profile has become the top priority for the management led by Carnevali.

Juventus’ offer is a loan with an obligation to buy set at €30 million, which would be triggered if the club finishes in 10th place in Serie A. A condition considered easy to meet, but one that does not convince Parma. The Emilian club would prefer to receive the €30 million immediately, without waiting for the permanent transfer clause to kick in. The negotiations therefore remain open, with Juventus now having to assess their next move.


Milan, Cardinale digs in over Rabiot

The future of Adrien Rabiot continues to be a talking point. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, despite recent rumours linking him with Napoli, Rabiot has no intention of forcing a move away. The midfielder signed a contract last summer until 2028, and his departure could only materialise in the face of a particularly significant offer.

Gerry Cardinale has reportedly already expressed his desire to keep the Frenchman, ruling out the possibility of a sale that could strengthen Napoli. In addition, coach Amorim considers Rabiot a key part of his project, envisioning him in the holding midfield role in his 3-4-2-1 system.


Inter, Doué is the alternative to Khalaili

Inter continue to wait for updates on Khalaili’s condition, with the player set to undergo further medical tests tomorrow. According to Sky Sport, the Nerazzurri remain confident and hope the checks will yield a positive result, allowing the deal to be completed.

At the moment, it is still too early to assess alternative scenarios. However, if the deal for Khalaili does not go through, Inter have already opened initial exploratory talks for Doué, a profile they could return to in the coming hours.


Napoli, Zeballos is getting closer

Napoli are close to completing the signing of Exequiel Zeballos. According to Tuttosport, talks with Boca Juniors are now in the final details, and the Azzurri are ready to secure one of the most promising talents in Argentine football. Boca Juniors are expected to receive around €10 million. As for the player, a long-term contract until 2031 is ready, with an initial salary of around €1.4 million per season.

The deal, again according to the newspaper, has entered its final stage, and Napoli are aiming to sort out the last details to complete the arrival of the Argentine winger.


Roma, D’Amico studies the formula for Garnacho

Roma continue to track Alejandro Garnacho as a reinforcement for the transfer market. According to Il Messaggero, the Giallorossi have identified the Argentine and Diego Moreira as their main targets to strengthen the squad. As for Garnacho, news emerged in recent hours of his exclusion from Chelsea’s training camp. The Blues are aiming for a permanent sale, but Roma consider the valuation of around €45-50 million too high.

For this reason, sporting director D’Amico would like to structure the deal along the lines of the Malen transfer, including conditions that would trigger an obligation to buy, such as a certain number of goals or Roma qualifying for next season’s Champions League.


Lazio, Doekhi emerges as a defensive option

Lazio continue to work in the market in search of defensive reinforcements following the major departures of Romagnoli, who moved to Saudi Arabia, and Gila, fresh from signing with Milan. With the market virtually at a standstill and the need to sell before thinking about any incomings, the Biancocelesti are looking into a free transfer signing. According to Fabrizio Romano, Lazio have set their sights on Danilho Doekhi. 

The defender, formerly of Union Berlin, represents a free-agent opportunity and is on Lazio’s shortlist, with initial contacts already having been made. 


Fiorentina, gap with Trabzonspor over Oulai

Among the profiles Fiorentina are following for midfield is Christ Inao Oulai, currently at Trabzonspor. According to La Nazione, the Viola have repeatedly stated that the player is not a concrete transfer target, but reports from Turkey continue to link him with Paratici’s side.

Trabzonspor value Oulai at around €40 million, a price considered very high. Fiorentina, on the other hand, could go a little above €20 million, leaving a significant gap between the parties.

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

Elite LSU baseball signee removes name from MLB Draft, will attend LSU

A top LSU baseball signee is removing his name from the MLB Draft and officially making plans to attend LSU. Right-handed pitcher Coleton Brady announced his intentions to play college baseball, passing up a chance to be picked in this weekend's MLB Draft.

The Athletic ranked Brady as the No. 71 prospect in the draft. This is a massive get for Jay Johnson and the Tigers. MLB.com wasn't quite as high on Brady as The Athletic, but he was still a top-200 prospect.

"The big right-hander uses a cross-fire delivery that creates some deception and adds some quality to his breaking ball. He moves easily down the mound and fills up the strike zone, with upside to all of his offerings and a good chance to be a starter long-term," wrote the MLB.com scouting report.

Brady is only 17-years old. He stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs over 200 pounds. He has all the tools to be a quality pitcher in the SEC.

#LSU signee RHP Coleton Brady is taking his name out of the draft and coming to school.

Brady is the No. 71 player in the draft, per The Athletic’s draft rankings. He’s young. Doesn’t turn 18 until October. pic.twitter.com/at373auI9P

— Koki Riley (@KokiRiley) July 12, 2026

All things considered, the first day went well for LSU baseball's recruiting class. Only three of LSU's high school signees were picked, meaning there's a good chance a handful of talented prospects make it to campus.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Elite LSU baseball signee removes name from MLB Draft, will attend LSU

Atlético CEO gives update on move for Fred

Atlético CEO gives update on move for Fred
Atlético CEO gives update on move for Fred

The negotiations involving Atlético-MG and midfielder Fred have entered a new chapter, but there is still no imminent outcome for the Atlético fans.

The CEO of the Minas Gerais club, Pedro Daniel, spoke openly about the talks, making it clear that completing the deal is seen as very difficult at the moment.

The main obstacle is Fred’s contract with the Turkish club, which runs until June 2027.

Since Galo’s board has already decided it will not make major investments in the transfer window that opens on July 20, the deal would only be viable if the player terminates his contract with Fenerbahce.

The player returned to the Turkish club at the end of June, but Atlético continues to monitor the situation closely. Pedro Daniel explained the scenario:

"It’s public that we’ve had some talks with him, but it depends much more on a decision by the club [Fenerbahce] than by us. We saw that the number of foreign players allowed in the Turkish market has changed, so there may be some movement there, but we have to wait."

Alternatives for the future

Despite the financial and contractual difficulties right now, the mutual interest keeps the negotiations alive in the long term. Fred has never hidden his desire to return to Brazilian football to play for Atlético, the club he supports.

If the termination does not happen in this transfer window, the midfielder will be able to sign a pre-contract starting at the end of the year. Last season, Fred was an important player for Fenerbahce: he played 45 matches, scored four goals, and provided five assists in the campaign that earned the team the national runners-up spot.

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

Wins for Blaze and Lancashire in T20 Blast

Charli Knott, of The Blaze, batting
Charli Knott has made unbeaten half-centuries in her past two innings for The Blaze [Shutterstock]

The Blaze and Lancashire ended their group stage campaigns with victories in the T20 Blast.

Charli Knott hit a vital 84 not out as The Blaze warmed up for Friday's finals day by edging to a three-wicket win over Yorkshire at Headingley.

Meanwhile, Lancashire needed an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 60 between Skye Thomas and Kate Cross to beat Durham at Emirates Old Trafford.

In Sunday's other games, Surrey are playing top-of-the-table Hampshire, while Somerset are hosting Essex.

Knott stars in Blaze win

A notable all-round display from Australian all-rounder Knott helped The Blaze to a helter-skelter victory over Yorkshire.

Last year's semi-finalists had already qualified for The Kia Oval showpiece but clinched their eighth win in 12 games thanks to bowling the hosts out for 122 and recovering from 41-5 in the eighth over of their chase.

Left-arm swing bowler Grace Ballinger returned 3-31, while Charley Phillips and Kirstie Gordon struck twice apiece added to two run outs.

But Knott's miserly 1-19 from four overs of off-spin was followed up by a brilliant and composed career best 84 not out off 57 balls.

Yorkshire had three batters make 23 and captain Lauren Winfield-Hill top-scoring with 29 as they missed the chance to claim a fourth straight win.

Academy leg-spinner Holly Garton impressed with 2-17 as The Blaze won with five balls remaining.

Thomas and Cross lead Lancs to win

Wicketkeeper-batter Thomas made an outstanding 55 not out off 38 balls on her senior Lancashire debut to secure a four-wicket victory for her side against Durham.

Having posted just 132-6 in their 20 overs, with skipper Hollie Armitage making 30 and Venus Weerappuli taking 2-20, Durham rose to the task of defending that low score in impressive fashion.

Heather Graham took two wickets as Lancashire slumped to 75-6 in the 13th over but Thomas and the experienced Cross put on an unbroken 60 in seven overs to put a dent in the record of a side who will appear in the Blast finals day on Friday.

Match details supplied by the ECB Reporters' Network supported by Rothesay.

Ryan Blaney wins pole and Team Penske teammate Joey Logano is 2nd at NASCAR Atlanta qualifying

HAMPTON, Ga. — Team Penske Fords claimed the front row spots for Sunday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway.

Ryan Blaney won the pole with a lap time of 30.815 seconds at 179.912 mph on Saturday.

Blaney’s teammate, Joey Logano, was second with a lap time of 30.851 seconds at 179.702 mph.

“Feels good to have a Penske front row,” Blaney said, adding he also can work well with other Ford drivers. “Hopefully we’ll be able to get organized at some point but it’s nice that Joey and I are starting at the front.”

Blaney is third in the Cup Series points race. Points leader Denny Hamlin and second-place Tyler Reddick qualified 28th and 31st, respectively, in their 23XI Racing Toyotas.

“They normally don’t qualify great at these speedways,” Blaney said, adding he expects the Toyota cars “can probably be aggressive in the draft. ... You look at the spring race here. The Toyotas were really good in the race.”

Reddick won at EchoPark Speedway on Feb. 22.

Kyle Larson was third in qualifying, followed by Austin Dillon and Daniel Suarez. Hendrick Motorsports teammates Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott qualified sixth and seventh, respectively. Elliott won last summer’s race at his home track near Atlanta.

Austin Cindric, Ross Chastain and Brad Keselowski rounded out the top 10.

Aces crush Mercury, 106-58, for third-largest blowout in WNBA history

The Phoenix Mercury began a two-game road trip against the two best teams in the WNBA by nearly making history — but not the kind of history that anyone associated with the team might choose to remember.

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Mercury 106-58 on Saturday, a 48-point loss that was the third-worst in WNBA history. A'ja Wilson led all scorers with 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. And in her WNBA debut, Justine Pissott added 19 points off the bench, shooting 5-for-6 on 3-pointers.

Believe it or not, this was a rematch of the WNBA Finals, which the Aces won in a four-game sweep for their third championship in four seasons. The Mercury also defeated the Aces 99-66 in their 2026 season opener.

Run back Justine Pissott's 10 minutes of absolute DOMINANCE in the @LVAces' win 🔥

10 MIN | 19 PTS | 5 3PM

🏆 WNBA debut record: 5 made 3-pointers https://t.co/2EfjOiwo2gpic.twitter.com/sdbs5Si9p3

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 12, 2026

The Aces took a 29-9 lead after the first quarter and had a 57-22 edge at halftime. With nearly seven minutes remaining in the game, Las Vegas led by 54 points, 92-38.

The largest blowout in WNBA history is a 59-point win by the Minnesota Lynx over the Indiana Fever, 111-52, in 2017. The Lynx put together a 37-0 run in that game.

Monique Akoa Makani scored 13 points to lead the Mercury and Lexi Held added 11 points. They were the only Mercury players to score in double figures, as the team shot 35% from the floor. Phoenix lost its third consecutive game to drop to 8-16, the fourth-worst record in the WNBA.

#Mercury Nate Tibbetts on "totally unacceptable" 106-58 loss to Las Vegas, most one-sided defeat in team history #WNBApic.twitter.com/k4F9aC1Fkt

— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) July 12, 2026

"The reality is, we can't have any more of these," Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said afterward. "It's time for us to make a move if we're going to make a move. You don't want to come out and play like that."

"Extremely disappointed for everyone involved — the players, the staff, the organization, the fans, everybody," he added. "That was completely unacceptable."

Pissott scored her 19 points in just 10 minutes. Her five 3-pointers were the most ever for a player making her WNBA debut.

A second-round pick in this year's draft (No. 25 overall) by the Indiana Fever out of Vanderbilt, the 22-year-old played through training camp on a player development contract. After being waived this week, she quickly signed with the Aces.

Up next for the Aces is a prime-time matchup with the Fever scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Caitlin Clark is expected to play for Indiana, but will be on a restriction of 20-25 minutes as she continues to recover from a back injury, according to head coach Stephanie White.

The Mercury play the Lynx — tied for the WNBA's top record with the Aces at 17-6 — on Monday in Minnesota.

Official: Frosinone renew Fini, Calvani and Cittadini loans for 2026-27

Official: Frosinone renew Fini, Calvani and Cittadini loans for 2026-27
Official: Frosinone renew Fini, Calvani and Cittadini loans for 2026-27

Newly-promoted Frosinone have announced that Gabriele Calvani, Seydou Fini and Giorgio Cittadini have renewed their loans from Genoa and Atalanta.

The Canarini finished second in the Serie B table last season, securing automatic promotion back to the top flight.

They did it largely thanks to a squad packed with young talent on loan from Serie A sides.

Now those are allowed to continue the project at the Stadio Benito Stirpe, as they renewed their loan agreements for one more season.

Fini, Calvani and Cittadini stay

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 9: Seydou Fini of Genoa looks on during the Coppa Italia match between Genoa CFC and Reggiana at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 9, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Genoa have formally loaned defender Calvani and striker Fini for the 2026-27 campaign.

Atalanta also sealed the loan of defender Cittadini for another season.

All of those are temporary moves without options to make them permanent.

An Italy Under-21 international who just turned 20 last month, Fini scored one goal with two assists in eight appearances during his six-month loan at Frosinone.

Calvani is a 22-year-old centre-back who made 37 appearances with the Canarini last term.

Cittadini is a 24-year-old central defender who first came to Frosinone on loan in 2024, meaning this will be his third consecutive season with the club.

Look: Cooper Kupp back in L.A. training with Puka Nacua ahead of camp

Cooper Kupp is heading into his second season with the Seattle Seahawks after being cut by the Los Angeles Rams last year, but he still hasn’t completely left Southern California or his former Rams teammates.

A new video from The Village, where several current and former Rams players work out, shows Kupp training with his good friend Puka Nacua. Both players are getting ready for their respective training camps, which begin later this month.

Kupp was a mentor to Nacua during their two seasons together with the Rams in 2023 and 2024, and it seems he’s still maintaining that “big brother” role to the young receiver in L.A.

Red Sox 2nd Draft Pick is 6-foot-4 NCAA Star

Red Sox 2nd Draft Pick is 6-foot-4 NCAA Star originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox scouting department clearly didn't mind going to Chapel Hill.

Their first two picks in the 2026 MLB Draft were from the University of North Carolina.

That includes Jake Schaffner, who could be the shortstop of the future.

It also includes Owen Hull, who went off the board at No. 67 overall and we'll focus on here.

He was technically part of the Competitive Balance Round B, but he's more or less a second-round pick.

Hull is one of those guys who looks the part from the moment he gets off the bus, standing 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds.

He had an oddly slow start to his college career at George Mason, but he eventually became one of the best players in college baseball for the Tar Heels.

"After going just 4-for-22 as a George Mason freshman in 2024, Hull slashed .367/.474/.557 and ranked fourth in NCAA Division I in runs (83) and 10th in steals (42) last spring," MLB.com wrote in its draft blurb about Hull. "He boosted his line to .393/.500/.615 after transferring to North Carolina, finishing second in D-I in hits (103) and RBI (87) and third in doubles (27) while leading the Tar Heels to a runner-up finish at the College World Series. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he offers one of the best combinations of physicality and athleticism in the college ranks."

MORE: Who is the best Red Sox draft pick ever?

The only question mark is the nature of Hull's swing.

"The complicating factor with Hull is that scouts don't love his unorthodox left-handed swing, which can get rigid and features so-so bat speed," MLB.com writes. "He controls the strike zone well and makes hard contact with ease, but he also hits a lot of balls on the ground. He did start to hit for more power later in the season and has enough raw pop to produce 15-20 homers annually as a pro if he can make adjustments."

The Red Sox will be hoping that the results of the swing continue to be good, regardless of the swing itself.

Hull has enough speed to potentially play centerfield, or he could end up in right.

Either way, it's a Tar Heel blue tint to this year's Red Sox draft class.

More Red Sox

Mbappé completes training session after injury scare against Morocco

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé trained with the rest of the group after experiencing some physical problems during France’s win against Morocco in the FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals. Mbappé completed the training session and will be ready to face Spain in the Semifinals next Tuesday.

The French striker has been leading France during the tournament, so having him healthy and ready to go will be crucial for coach Didier Deschamps.

Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba couldn’t train with their teammates, so it will be interesting to see if they are able to recover in time for Tuesday’s match. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni remains ‘doubtful’ for Tuesday’s game and he’s missed France’s last two matches with a thigh injury that has been problematic for him and the French national team.

Edwin Díaz starts rehab assignment, Kyle Hurt optioned to Triple-A

Los Angeles, CA - June 16, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz works out before an MLB game against the Tampa Bay Rays at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz officially started a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday night, tossing a scoreless inning for Class-A Ontario with two strikeouts and a single allowed.

Díaz needed only 11 pitches, eight of them for strikes in his first game action in 83 days. Making his way back from arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, Díaz is expected back at some point shortly after the All-Star break. After his outing, Díaz told reporters in Ontario he might need three more rehab games before being ready for return.

ladies and gentleman, EDWIN DÍAZ pic.twitter.com/lR2NINeLIH

— Ontario Tower Buzzers (@towerbuzzers) July 12, 2026

Player of the day

Tyler Gough walked four but also struck out five in his three scoreless innings for Great Lakes.

The 22-year-old right-hander, who was acquired from the Mariners for left-hander Robinson Ortiz on November 16, has pitched 13 scoreless innings since joining Great Lakes. After missing nearly two months on the injured list, Gough between Ontario and Great Lakes has a 0.81 ERA in eight starts and 33 1/3 innings, with 39 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

Rain washed away Oklahoma City’s Saturday game against the El Paso Chihuahuas (Padres), which served as a blessing for the Comets.

Oklahoma City’s scheduled starter was Landon Knack, but he was called up to eat innings Saturday after the Dodgers used a bullpen game on Friday. The move to necessitate space on the 40-man roster with Knack coming off the 60-day injured list was Charlie Barnes, the scheduled Sunday starter for the Comets, was designated for assignment.

Oklahoma City and El Paso will make up Saturday’s rainout on August 26, which means they only have to cover nine innings on the mound this weekend instead of 18.

Double-A Tulsa

Peter Heubeck gave up seven runs and couldn’t finish the first inning in the Drillers’ blowout loss to the Springfield Cardinals, which was shortened by rain to only six innings.

Taylor Young hit a two-run double in defeat.

Josue De Paula and Mike Sirota left the Drillers to head to Philadelphia for the Futures Game on Sunday. Kole Myers had two singles and two RBI while playing left field on Saturday, with Kendall George in center field and Zyhir Hope in right field.

High-A Great Lakes

Charles Davalan hit a game-winning home run in the eighth inning in the Loons’ victory over the Dayton Dragons (Reds). His two-run shot turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead and culminated a Great Lakes comeback from once down 2-0.

CHUCKY D GIVES US THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/i8z9JsD2oq

— Great Lakes Loons (@greatlakesloons) July 12, 2026

Class-A Ontario

Tower Buzzers outfielder Landyn Vidourek walked with the bases loaded, bringing home the winning run in the eighth inning to beat the Inland Empire 66ers (Mariners). Ontario walked four times in the inning, two against Caleb Franzen and two by Jean Muñoz.

Corner man Easton Shelton, playing first base, homered again on Saturday. His 25 home runs are a whopping 10 more than the second-place home run hitter in the California League (his teammate, outfielder Ching-Hsien Ko).

Transactions

Triple-A: Reliever Kyle Hurt, who had steadily climbed Dave Roberts’ bullpen trust tree with a strong first half in Los Angeles, fell off his lofty perch of late and was optioned to Oklahoma City on Saturday when Landon Knack was activated off the 60-day injured list and Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment. In his first 18 appearances for the Dodgers this year, through the end of May, Hurt had a 1.00 ERA, 2.23 xERA, 21 strikeouts and four walks. But since the start of June, Hurt in 14 games had a 10.13 ERA, 5.28 xERA, 17 strikeouts, and 12 walks, and allowed six total runs over his last two games.

Double-A: 19-year-old infielder Reyli Mariano was promoted to Tulsa from the Arizona Complex League for roster coverage, and played all five defensive innings at second base in his Double-A debut, going 0-for-1 with a walk.

Saturday scores

Sunday schedule

  • 10:05 a.m. PT: Tulsa (Christian Zazueta) vs. Springfield (Braden Davis)
  • 10:05 a.m.: Great Lakes (Isaac Ayon) vs. Dayton (Ovis Portes)
  • 11:05 a.m.: Oklahoma City (Jose Rodriguez) vs. El Paso (Sean Boyle)
  • 4:05 pm.: Ontario (TBA) vs. Inland Empire (Jack Bowery)

When Will LeBron James Sign? Latest Projected Timetable for the NBA Legend’s Free-Agency Decision

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. © Erik Williams-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. © Erik Williams-Imagn Images

It has been the biggest domino for NBA free agency this year. After eight seasons, LeBron James announced his decision to move on from the Los Angeles Lakers. It marked the end of his longest continuous stint with a single franchise.

Immediately, it slotted him at the top of the unrestricted free agents list, even at 41. So far, no official decision has been made, as a number of teams keep vying for his services. Now, we are trying to piece together when that decision will come through.

The LeBron James Timeline

The rumors of teams trying to add him to the mix stretched back to before the postseason ended. At the time, the two teams in the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, were in the thick of the conversation.

But over time, the list has only continued to grow. A reunion with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers was always going to be the storybook ending. But a return to the Miami Heat, especially after they added Giannis Antetokounmpo to the mix, was also a potential pathway.

Other contenders, like the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers, have also become legitimate possibilities as the offseason has dragged on. Through all of it, the Golden State Warriors, with the pipedream of pairing James with Stephen Curry, have been lurking in the background.

Still, no decision has come to pass yet. And fans are starting to wonder. The communication from his camp, though, has been relatively straightforward. During the latest episode of the “Game Over” podcast, his agent, Rich Paul, made it clear.

With regards to a timeline, he claimed, “There is none. I wish I knew. He’s taking his time. He’s really evaluating things. I’ve really left him alone. Play golf, do the things you need to do. He understands where things are. When he’s ready, he’ll let me know.”

Paul has put forward a similar message during all his recent media appearances. And the reasoning might go back to a hint James gave much earlier in the year about his future with free agency.

During an episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, the four-time MVP made it clear that he was going to take his sweet time before arriving at a decision. Moreover, he even gave an approximate idea of when fans can expect a definitive answer.

“I haven’t even really thought about it too much. Obviously, I understand that I’m a free agent and I can control my own destiny,” he explained near the end of May, before chalking down a timetable.

“I haven’t even taken my family vacation yet, which is going to happen after the Memorial Day. That’s kind of the thing at the forefront of my mind. But I think at some point up in June, late June, as July rolls around free agency starts to get going and as July’s rolling maybe into August we start to kind of like get a feel of what my future may look like.”

MORE: ‘Something Special To Watch’ – Analyst Details How Bulls Rookie Caleb Wilson Sets Himself Apart From ‘Most Young Players’

As an unrestricted free agent for the first time in nearly a decade, James holds all the cards on the table. As a result, it isn’t incomprehensible that he wants to take his sweet time before finalizing a deal.

And, as the evidence suggests, it might be a while before the basketball world knows where his potential swansong is going to be.

Two phone calls between Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. changed the course of contract talks – report

Two phone calls between Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. changed the course of contract talks – report
Two phone calls between Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. changed the course of contract talks – report

The Vinicius Jr.-Real Madrid renewal saga is back in the limelight after the player’s campaign at the FIFA World Cup came to an end.

The global event did, however, have a direct effect on the player’s future as it showed the whole world the class that the Brazilian star represents.

Not only did his performances re-establish him as one of the best in the business but also reignited the flame in Real Madrid’s administration to push for a renewal, even if it meant offering better terms.

Phone calls that changed it all

As reported by Miguel Serrano (h/t The Madrid Zone) in a recent update, two recent phone calls between the club and the player changed everything in the situation.

Mourinho’s phone call made a big impact. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

Both parties were at odds over the economic demands placed by the player. Real Madrid refused to place him on the same pedestal as Kylian Mbappe, but the player saw it as a dealbreaker from his point.

In recent days, however, direct communication between the club and Vinicius restarted in the form of two phone calls.

One of the calls was made directly by Jose Mourinho and involved the manager emphasising what an important pillar the Brazilian will be in his project. He stressed the importance of the renewal, and his involvement made a massive difference.

While there continue to be varied reports, the general consensus is that Real Madrid are closer than ever to securing the player’s continuity now. Only time will tell if that is indeed the case.

A queer development

Just when matters seemed to be going positively between the club and the player, a rather queer development has popped up which is being interpreted as a cause of internal concern.

Vinicius’ Instagram profile is generating concern. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Earlier today, Vinicius changed his Instagram profile image to black and removed all mentions of Real Madrid in the description of his account.

Further, the player has also taken down all club-related posts pinned on his profile in what can only be interpreted as a concerning development.

This is, however, not the first time the player has made such a move, and Los Blancos will hope this is just one more of his many sudden impulsive decisions. After all, renewing him is key at this point, albeit not at any cost.

Report – Ajax Take Interest in Out-of-Favor Roma Striker

Report – Ajax Take Interest in Out-of-Favor Roma Striker
Report – Ajax Take Interest in Out-of-Favor Roma Striker

Artem Dovbyk’s career at Roma is drawing to a close, with the Ukrainian striker set to leave the Stadio Olimpico after two years. According to Calciomercato, Ajax have joined the race to sign the 29-year-old.

Roma dashed out €30.5 million plus €5.5 million in bonuses to secure Dovbyk’s services in 2024. He was on fire at Girona, winning La Liga’s Golden Boot award in the 2023/24 season, which made the Serie A giants believe he could be an answer to their scoring problems.

However, Dovbyk has never settled into life in Serie A. Last season was disappointing for the robust center-forward, as he made just 14 league appearances and scored three goals. Needless to say, he has fallen out of favor with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

After being deemed surplus to requirements, he’s now preparing to leave Roma. Despite his underwhelming year, the Giallorossi have slapped a €23 million price tag on his shoulders and seem unwilling to budge on their valuation.

Our take on Roma & Dovbyk

With Donyell Malen joining the club on a permanent basis, Roma are keen to offload Dovbyk, especially now that they’re pursuing several high-profile targets. In addition to Strasbourg starlet Diego Moreira, they’ve also set their sights on Chelsea outcast Alejandro Garnacho.

Therefore, they must raise funds through player sales, with Dovbyk expected to be one of the first players shown the exit door. Ajax would be able to offer him regular first-team action, but whether they’d be willing to meet Roma’s asking price remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Daniele De Rossi is reportedly eager to bring the Roma flop to Genoa, though it would likely require the Giallorossi to lower their demands.

Wallace: 'There's a buzz in the community' about Springfield basketball

Jul. 12—Thirty-two years ago, coach Larry Ham let senior Chris Wallace, the star quarterback for the South High School football team, call the plays on defense for the basketball team.

"I'm offense on the football field," Wallace said, "but when it comes to basketball, I think it starts and stops with who's playing defense and who's getting after 50-50 balls and who's winning the rebound war."

That was Wallace's thinking in the 1993-94 season, and it remains his philosophy as he prepares for his first season as the head coach of the Springfield boys basketball team.

"(Defense) dictates a lot of what we do offensively," Wallace said, "and that's getting out and trying to score off the break. If we can't, we'll get into what we do, but that's the precedent we're trying to set right now with our student-athletes."

Springfield announced the hiring of Wallace on June 1. Wallace replaces Matt Yinger, who stepped down in April. Yinger was 28-48 over three seasons.

Wallace will remain the offensive coordinator of Springfield's football team. He said the basketball team will practice in the evening after the football team when the seasons overlap.

The basketball team, which includes many football players, will play its first game in mid-December. That has often been the schedule for Springfield, whose football team has made a habit of deep playoff runs.

"If I have to do double duty, that means we're doing what we're supposed to do on the football field," Wallace said.

Springfield has suffered seven straight losing seasons in basketball. Springfield football was in a similar place when Maurice Douglass took over the program in 2014, having won a combined total of four games in the three previous seasons. Douglass turned the program into a winner in his third season and a state power in his sixth. Springfield then reached the state championship game three seasons in a row.

Wallace has similar goals.

"Those are the same set of kids that did what they did on the football field," Wallace said, "so the expectation doesn't change. Once you set a standard, that's what the goal is, and I think our kids will say that without a doubt. That's where we see ourselves."

For Wallace, the path to that level of success begins with building a culture with the basketball program.

"The one thing that I talked to my assistant coaches about is we all agree right now there's no culture for basketball, and that's where it has to start," he said. "We created a culture with football. We created a sense of belonging. That's something that people value. We hold each other accountable, from the trainers all the way to the kids. That's what we're going to try to do with basketball as well. I think it can happen, but it takes the kids saying, 'Hey, this is what we're going to do. This is how we're going to do things. This is what our standard is going to be as players. As student-athletes, we're going to hold each other to this standard.' If you get that player-led atmosphere, we can start to build. Right now, our talk is we want to play late into March."

Wallace has plenty of experience with the program. He has worked as a varsity assistant basketball coach, a freshman head coach and a junior varsity coach.

Wallace takes over the program as his son, Christopher, enters his senior year. Christopher played quarterback for the football team but was limited to three games in basketball as a junior because of an injury.

Wallace has known many of the basketball players since they were in elementary school. He got to know them through his work as a community mentor supervisor for the school district.

"It's been exciting to see them grow in multiple sports," he said.

Wallace has already started working with them on the court. The Wildcats played at the Midwest Live event in Sandusky, Ohio, in June. They're also holding open gyms at the high school. He has seen good numbers and is excited about the young players.

"We've got a good young class of incoming freshmen and sophomores that are committed to the game," Wallace said, "and are showing up and working hard. We're young on the varsity level as well. We've got three or four sophomores that are going to be contributing, and we've got a couple juniors, and then we've got some seniors at the guard spots as well."

If Wallace achieves his goals, he'll add another chapter to Springfield's rich basketball history. Springfield won state championships in 1925 and 1950. North reached the state semifinals in 1995 and 1997. Ham guided South to seven conference championships and five district titles in 14 seasons.

Wallace knows about the past success of Springfield and North and South high schools, before they combined, as well as anyone.

Wallace is the rare athlete who not only played for South's Larry Ham but also for North's Eddie Ford. Wallace started his high school career at North and finished at South. His Springfield basketball experience goes back even further than that.

"I used to lay the jerseys out when I was a kid for Doug Ratstatter and Don Henderson and company," Wallace said. "I used to be in those locker rooms because my brother went to North. My older cousin, Steve Victoria, went to North. I went to North my first couple years, but even when I was a kid, my sisters cheered for South. I knew the Pepper Begos, the Scott Thomases, the Karlton Claybornes, the Jason Gees."

Some of those former Springfield basketball standouts called to congratulate Wallace on getting the job. They told him, "I know you're going to bring back that attitude and that toughness that we brought on the court in both gyms out on the north side and the south side."

"There's a buzz in the community," Wallace said, "and I'm excited about that."

Mikel Arteta’s son trains with Arsenal u21s

Mikel Arteta’s son trains with Arsenal u21s
Mikel Arteta’s son trains with Arsenal u21s

Mikel Arteta’s son spent time training with the Arsenal u21s this week, after signing scholarship terms with the club.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League

Gabriel Arteta Bernal was pictured in training with the Arsenal u21s this week, with the u21 team returning to pre-season training after their summer break.

The Premier League confirmed in June that Mikel Arteta’s son Gabriel had signed scholarship terms with the Gunners, including him on their ‘retained list’ for players under contract with Arsenal beyond June 30th.

The 17-year-old is technically old enough for a professional contract, but for now he’s just on a scholarship deal in north London.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Arteta Jr. made a couple of appearances for the Arsenal u17s last season, playing in a 1-1 friendly draw with Shrewsbury Town and a 3-3 Premier League Cup draw with Watford last October.

The teenage winger then stepped up to the u18s in April and May, making four u18 Premier League appearances for the side.

The youngster has also linked up with Arsenal pre-season training camps in the past, though his involvement in pre-season training in 2023 was actually helping out the coaching staff, rather than joining in with the drills as a player.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Arsenal generally use rotated teams in the Premier League Cup and friendly matches, so it’s not a surprise that Gabriel got his first opportunities to play for the Gunners in those circumstances.

But stepping up to the u18s in competitive matches, signing a scholarship deal, and training with the u21s is more concrete progress, and it suggests the 17-year-old could be set for further opportunities with the u18s this season.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Which team poses the biggest threat to the Eagles’ NFC East threepeat?

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 26: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants during the third quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Eagles are the favorites to win the NFC East for a third consecutive year, something that had not been done since the Eagles won four-straight NFC East titles from 2001-2004.

The Eagles should have no problems threepeating—but, they could receive a challenge from a team that has gotten gradually better over the last few years, and that’s the New York Giants, who split with the Eagles last season. It may seem strange here, considering the Giants finished 4-13 last season—the second-worst record in the NFC behind the 3-14 Arizona Cardinals.

Here, however, are a few things to consider: New York lost two games in overtime last year, one in which the Dallas Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey had to boot a 64-yard game-tying field goal in the final seconds of regulation, and another in Denver when the Giants blew a 19-0 four-quarter lead. The Giants lost four games by four points or less, two of those four came against the NFC North champion Chicago Bears and AFC West champion Denver Broncos.

It’s a fan-friendly team that has become highly competitive.

Now consider the addition of Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh, who in his previous 18 years as a head coach in Baltimore has amassed a 180-113 record, with just three losing seasons, and is 13-11 in the postseason. The Giants have had one winning season (9-7-1 in 2022) in the last nine years, and haven’t won the NFC East since 2011, when they won the Super Bowl.

Harbaugh brings a Super Bowl pedigree and will make a culture change to a franchise longing for a difference-maker.

Defensively, the Giants’ core of young talent with Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux will cause the Eagles problems for years to come. Offensively, much will depend on the health of quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is exciting to watch, unpredictable and prone to injury due to a penchant for playing reckless.

Another gaping question the Giants face is the health of wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was lost in the fourth game last season when he tore the ACL in his right leg against the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished with 18 receptions on 35 targets for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Nabors could be back for Week 1, and if not, definitely by the first month of the season.

Something that cannot be ignored is the Giants thrashed the Eagles last season in Week 6, 34-17, on national TV. Head-to-head, the game did not show much of a difference between the Eagles and the Giants.

The Giants pose possibly the biggest threat to the Eagles threepeat.

Will it happen?

Probably not.

But the Grand Canyon gap that once separated these two franchises is considerably closer than it was a year ago. Harbaugh can still coach. If Dart played for the Eagles, Philly would love him, and human bulldozer and Cam Skattebo.

Who knows what the Eagles will look like under Sean Mannion. There is a chance that they will be formidable once again on offense, but that area is still a major unknown, along with an aging, worn offensive line that is collectively piecing itself together from an injury-plagued 2025 season. The Eagles should threepeat as NFC East champions. They should get as far as the NFC championship, and possibly beyond. The window on this group is closing over the next few years. It seems to be just opening 85 miles north.

Amundi Evian Championship 2026 prize money: Full payout from $9.1 million purse

Brooke Henderson and Haeran Ryu are in a playoff to determine the winner of the Amundi Evian Championship.

The champion will claim $1.4 million from the $9.1 million purse. The runner-up will earn more than $835,000.

Here's how the purse will be paid out in France (will be updated with individual payouts when made available).

2026 Amundi Evian Championship prize money payout

  • WIN: $1.4 million
  • 2: $835,391.12
  • 3: $606,016.92
  • 4: $468,801.42
  • 5: $377,333.52
  • 6: $308,725.77
  • 7: $258,415.24
  • 8: $226,401.93
  • 9: $203,532.68
  • 10: $185,235.46
  • 11: $171,510.28
  • 12: $160,075.65
  • 13: $150,013.55
  • 14: $140,869.48
  • 15: $132,634.37
  • 16: $125,317.30
  • 17: $118,918.28
  • 18: $113,428.20
  • 19: $108,856.17
  • 20: $105,193.09
  • 21: $101,539.10
  • 22: $97,876.02
  • 23: $94,222.03
  • 24: $90,558.95
  • 25: $87,359.44
  • 26: $84,159.93
  • 27: $80,951.32
  • 28: $77,751.81
  • 29: $74,552.30
  • 30: $71,807.26
  • 31: $69,062.22
  • 32: $66,317.19
  • 33: $63,572.15
  • 34: $60,827.11
  • 35: $58,545.64
  • 36: $56,255.08
  • 37: $53,973.61
  • 38: $51,683.05
  • 39: $49,392.49
  • 40: $47,565.49
  • 41: $45,738.50
  • 42: $43,911.50
  • 43: $42,075.42
  • 44: $40,248.42
  • 45: $38,875.91
  • 46: $37,503.39
  • 47: $36,130.87
  • 48: $34,758.35
  • 49: $33,385.83
  • 50: $32,013.31
  • 51: $31,104.36
  • 52: $30,186.32
  • 53: $29,268.28
  • 54: $28,359.32
  • 55: $27,441.28
  • 56: $26,523.24
  • 57: $25,614.29
  • 58: $24,696.24
  • 59: $23,787.29
  • 60: $22,869.25
  • 61: $22,414.78
  • 62: $21,951.22

Scotland's great entertainers scintillating and sloppy in South Africa

Ben White reaches for the line to score Scotland's fourth try in Pretoria
Ben White reaches for the line to score Scotland's fourth try against South Africa [Getty Images]

It was a masterpiece, a passage of rugby perfection towards the end of a monstrous Test match against the world champions in the altitude of Pretoria.

The epic sweep of Ben White's try brought Scotland to within seven points of South Africa. Before dealing with the defeat - as sore as any in their long list of near-misses - it's no harm to dwell on that score because it was one of the great ones from a Scottish team, a move that lasted one minute and fifty seconds and involved 10 different players, all making inroads with their power, their timing, their footwork, their skill-set, all making good decisions in an absolute maelstrom.

White's last act was his 12th involvement in that move. Gregor Hiddleston, the brilliant replacement hooker, got his hands on the ball five times. Max Williamson, another mighty bench man, had three significant carries.

Finn Russell, the totem in attack, didn't touch it once. It was a try that illustrated the talent that exists across the span of this Scotland squad, not just where the acknowledged superstars reside. When it comes out of them, it's irresistible and almost impossible to stop.

With 10 minutes to go, the momentum was theirs, somehow. They'd been 14-0 down and 35-14 down, but now they were full of menace.

Four tries scored - they hadn't scored a single one in their previous two meetings with South Africa - and 28 points on the board - more points than they'd scored in 29 of their previous 30 games against the Boks - they came again with a vengeance.

With eight minutes left, Tom Jordan put boot to ball in an attempt to find Kyle Steyn on the right wing. The logic was understandable given that Steyn is one of the finest players in the world when the ball is in the air around him. And Steyn only had one Bok - Grant Williams - anywhere near him.

How Jordan would like to take that moment back, though. He had a six-on-two overlap at his mercy, but he went for the kick-pass, which was spilled by Steyn. Chance gone and game gone. So thrillingly close and yet so heartbreakingly far away.

Scotland's capacity to get you out of your seat one minute and then have you cowering behind the couch the next is long-established. As a team they have sore heads from all the dunts they're taking from that glass ceiling.

Pretoria was the latest chapter in the story of a team with exhilarating ability but also a destructive chink their armor.

After Ben-Jason Dixon's yellow card at the start of the second half - a head-on-head which could and probably should have been a red - Scotland left the Boks off the hook.

Their later heroics later could not overcome their own sloppiness.

In quick succession, and after wondrous attacking, Ewan Ashman was held up over the line, Jack Dempsey spilled a pass inside the Bok 22 and then Ashman knocked on at the back of a maul.

That error led to Elrigh Louw making it 21-14. A flurry of penalties gave Damian Willemse the field position to make it 28-14. Another flurry of Scottish penalties and it was 35-14.

Twenty-one South African points conceded in eight minutes followed by 14 Scottish points scored in two minutes. That's the light and shade of this Scotland team. They're like a fighter in the ring, taking punishment but standing toe-to-toe and getting shots away regardless.

They had 11 visits to the South Africa 22 and averaged 2.5 points per visit. South Africa had eight entries and averaged 5.2 points. That speaks to the chances created and the chances not taken.

It also reflects that despite Scotland's fantastic ability to score epic tries they concede too many times - six tries lost to the Boks, five to the Pumas, six to the Irish, six to the French.

They won two of those games, but 50% is not where they want to be, it's not the return of a champion team. The are the great entertainers when they need to be the great executioners.

'No such thing as a poor Springbok team'

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu breaks with the ball against South Africa
Captain Sione Tuipulotu led superbly for Scotland [Getty Images]

Against the Boks, Scotland had more territory, more carries, more metres gained. They had 17 clean breaks to South Africa's four, beat 47 defenders where South Africa beat only 19. The Boks missed 47 tackles and still won off 38% territory.

We don't get to see inside the soul of rugby players on days like that, which is probably just as well. The pain of contributing so much and yet feeling so lousy at the end of it must be acute.

Scotland have never beaten South Africa in South Africa. Before Saturday, it was a dozen years since they last had a chance.

The new Nations Championship means that they won't have to wait nearly as long for another opportunity, but for some in the Scotland team it might still be too long. For those guys, this was the moment, and it passed.

The Boks, it has to be said, were in full experimental mode. This was their second string, which made Scotland's loss all the more angsty. When will they have a weakened South Africa on the ropes again?

There was no Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx or Thomas du Toit in the front-row, no Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager or Franco Mostert in the second-row, no Siya Kolisi or Jasper Wiese in the back-row. Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse were not involved. Neither were Canan Moodie, Damian de Allende, Mannie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Andre Esterhuizen and Cobus Reinach. That's over 950 Test caps missing.

There is, of course, no such thing as a poor Springbok team. They could field three or four world class outfits, all with the power to beat most other nations.

Rassie Erasmus is building depth for the next World Cup and this was another milestone in that process. Scotland threw everything at his understudies and they battled on to win. On current form, France are their only real danger in Australia next year.

It's not cool to lavish praise on a losing team, but it's hard to avoid it in this case. Praise and a bit of pity and some frustration, too.

As good as they are individually and collectively - Sione Tuipulotu is one of the best players and leaders in the global game - they still don't have that precious commodity of finding a way to win consistently.

That mission continues, by parts engrossing and maddening. They've got Fiji on next at Murrayfield and even when Gregor Townsend makes the changes he has signalled they should win it comfortably.

Two victories and a four-try bonus point defeat would represent a strong first instalment of the Nations Championship. It would leave everybody wanting more, hoping against hope, as ever, that the great Scotland breakthrough is still possible.

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McCullum sacked as England Test head coach

Brendon McCullum looks on during an England training session
Brendon McCullum became England Test head coach in May 2022 [Getty Images]

Brendon McCullum has been sacked as Test coach in another staggering twist in the unravelling of the England team.

Two weeks after Ben Stokes made the stunning announcement to step down as captain and retire from international cricket, McCullum's exit brings a definitive end to the Bazball era.

The New Zealander will continue as England's white-ball coach, but leaves the Test team following a string of poor results and several off-field incidents.

Director of cricket Rob Key will remain in his position, with the decision to remove McCullum coming after the hierarchy of the England and Wales Cricket Board spent time reflecting on the situation surrounding the men's team.

"I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together," said McCullum. "There've been some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but that's all part of taking on a challenge like this.

"Of course I'm gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision. My focus now is on giving everything I've got to the white-ball teams and helping England keep moving forward."

England have lost seven of their past nine Tests, including the 4-1 Ashes hammering in Australia.

McCullum, Stokes and Key were backed to remain in charge following that defeat, only for England to be beaten 2-1 by New Zealand.

The defeat by the Black Caps – England's first in a home series of at least three Tests for 14 years – was overshadowed by a nightclub incident involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson, then Stokes' abrupt retirement.

Now, the England Test team has no head coach and no captain, with the next series against Pakistan beginning on 19 August.

Harry Brook appears favourite to be named as Test captain, though that appointment could now hinge on the identity of the next head coach.

Since 1999, England have had only two English head coaches of the Test team. Peter Moores did the job twice, while Chris Silverwood was McCullum's predecessor.

Zimbabwean Andy Flower, who was in charge when England won the Ashes in Australia in 2010-11, would be the standout candidate to replace McCullum, though it is not known if he could be lured from the franchise world.

Homegrown candidates might include Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson, or his fellow former England spinner Gareth Batty, now in charge at Surrey. Legendary former all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is head coach of England Lions, though has previously said he does not want the job with the senior team.

Australian Ryan Campbell has impressed at Durham, while ex-Australia coach Darren Lehmann is now head coach at Northants.

In remaining as white-ball coach, McCullum can continue to build on the improvements made by England's limited-overs team. The victory over India on Saturday gave England a 4-0 T20 series win over the world champions and put them at number one in the world rankings.

McCullum combined the Test and white-ball roles in 2024, two years after he first took charge of the Test team. When he arrived as Test coach in 2022, he initially embarked on a spell of superb results earned with some breathtaking cricket.

The partnership with Stokes – the Bazball style – revitalised an England team that had won only one of its previous 17 Tests.

With some swashbuckling batting, England earned famous wins over New Zealand at Trent Bridge, India at Edgbaston and Pakistan in Rawalpindi, the latter the beginning of a 3-0 series win. Overall, England won 10 of their first 11 Tests under McCullum and Stokes.

However, since that initial period of success, England have lost 19 and won 17 of 38 Tests, beginning with a heart-stopping one-run defeat by New Zealand in Wellington, sustained after England enforced the follow-on.

England fell 2-0 down in the home Ashes of 2023, yet turned it around to draw 2-2 and perhaps would have won the urn had rain not washed out almost the entire last two days of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

The tour of India in 2024 began with another famous win in Hyderabad, only to decline into a 4-1 series defeat.

On returning home from India, Stokes, McCullum and Key set their sights on the Ashes tour of 2025-26, including ending the career of England's all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson.

England formed a plan to hit Australia with pace and assembled arguably their most hostile attack in more than 50 years for the trip down under.

But the tour fell apart in a blur of inadequate planning, poor performances and allegations of a drinking culture.

After playing only one warm-up match against the Lions, England were in a strong position in the first Test in Perth – 105 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand shortly after lunch on the second day. In an astonishing implosion, England were beaten before the day was out and never recovered.

Although England won the fourth Test in Melbourne, their first win in Australia for 14 years, their performances elsewhere were abject – a threadbare squad left ill-prepared for the demands of a tour down under.

Off the field, England's reputation by their public drinking in Noosa, when opener Ben Duckett was filmed, apparently drunk.

Worse was to come at the end of the Ashes tour, when it emerged Brook had been struck by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international on the tour of New Zealand that preceded the trip to Australia.

After they were backed to remain in their jobs, McCullum and Stokes attempted to distance themselves from rumours of a rift that had supposedly developed in Australia.

England added to their backroom staff to aid preparation and implemented a midnight curfew in an attempt to avoid further controversy.

There was optimism when they won the first Test of the home summer against New Zealand at Lord's, however the nightclub incident that unfolded when Stokes was celebrating that win sparked the chain of events that has left England in turmoil.

McCullum's contract with the white-ball team runs to the end of the 50-over World Cup in southern Africa next autumn.

Now, England must find a head coach of the Test team who can work alongside McCullum's big character and relaxed approach.

'It began with a bang, it ended with a bang'

Analysis by chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew

It began with a bang, it ended with a bang. You read the ECB stuff and you wonder why they've sacked him. It's extraordinary things they've said here – he leaves the Test team well set and poised to achieve great things, so why have they sacked him?

They sacked him because of a lot of ill-discipline, the Ashes – an awful lot was said about that both on and off the field. Off the field is just as important here. The lack of discipline there has been. That, I suspect, has been Richard Gould's primary concern here.

He looks at the cricketing landscape, particularly in the men's team, and it's like it's been napalmed. The image of the men's game is very, very poor. They have to be seen to be gaining discipline and taking more control of the English game.

Who will come in? No idea at all. I don't think it will be someone as loose – and that was very positive at the start. It's important to remember that when McCullum and Stokes did take over, English cricket was in a real mess and they did revolutionise it and they won 10 of the first 11 Test matches they played together and in wonderful, unforgettable ways.

I'll be very interested to see who they appoint as coach. At the moment all the really top ones seem to be very comfortably positioned with the nice pickings of franchise cricket that pays them well and means they're not away from home for months and I don't think there's the scrutiny that the England coach has. He really is under the spotlight, like the England captain.

‘Lasted Longer In the Ring Than (Conor) McGregor’ – WNBA World Reacts to Sophie Cunningham’s Appearance at UFC329

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (right) jokes with Max Holloway following UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (right) jokes with Max Holloway following UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With her Sports Illustrated appearance and viral pointing meme, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has been everywhere lately.

She was seen Saturday night again, at the UFC 329 event.

The WNBA World Reacts as Sophie Cunningham Attends Conor McGregor’s UCF Return

Cunningham was the ring girl for the bout between Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis, where the Englishman walked away with a win by submission. Pimblett only took 52 seconds to prove his worth on the night.

Cunningham also posed for a picture with Max Holloway, where the pair hit their famous celebrations. Holloway was also declared the winner after Conor McGregor walked away with an injury.

McGregor immediately injured his knee going for a kick and was defeated by Holloway just over a minute into the fight.

Being that McGregor is one of the sport’s all-time most popular fighters, and it was his first fight in over five years, it was a star-studded event. Cunningham was in attendance, even serving as a ring girl at one point.

Between the nonstop talk around Fever star Caitlin Clark and some early up-and-down play in Indiana, Cunningham was probably just happy to be away from the basketball world for a night.

The WNBA world had plenty to say about Cunningham’s appearance. Some came after McGregor, joking that Cunningham was in the ring longer than the former champ.

“Sophie Cunningham lasted longer in the ring than McGregor man,” HoosierSpeaker posted on X.

Veteran football writer Scott Kacsmar had the same thought. “She lasted in the ring longer than McGregor,” Kacsmar said.

Barstool Sports had a video of Cunningham’s appearance as a ring girl. It was as if everyone was equally surprised to see Cunningham complete a random side quest.

UCF President and CEO Dana White was asked when he hired Cunningham as a ring girl.

“About eight minutes before she did it,” White said, via Rosalina Lee. “I love Sophie Cunningham. We’ve created a relationship and she was here tonight. When she walked in, she goes I wanna walk around and I said then you’re going to walk around it. She’s fun.”

Some fans believe this official cements Cunningham as a mainstream celebrity.

“Yea man, Sophie Cunningham has officially arrived into the mainstream,” Ben Daniel of the Ben Daniel Podcast said.

It’s hard to argue with that right now. It isn’t just happening off the court for Cunningham. She is averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 22.7 minutes per game with impressive shooting numbers. She’s shooting 47.2% from the field and 40.0% from three.

The Fever will return to action Sunday night when they take on the Las Vegas Ace. The game tips at 9:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on NBC and Peacock.

What happened to Conor McGregor? UFC 329 ends abruptly as 37-year-old appears to blow out knee vs. Max Holloway

What happened to Conor McGregor? UFC 329 ends abruptly as 37-year-old appears to blow out knee vs. Max Holloway originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While MMA fans finally received their long-awaited wish to see Conor McGregor back in the cage, the joy was short-lived after the fighter went down with an injury in the opening round.

Shortly after the opening bell, McGregor ran right at Max Holloway in the center of the Octagon. The Irishman threw an erratic, off-balance kick toward the Hawaii native, in which his right leg landed awkwardly and pushed forward, causing what many are calling an internal right knee injury. Dana White has stated his belief that McGregor injured his ACL in the mishap.

McGregor initially continued to power through the pain despite Holloway pleading with the referee to give his opponent time because he was visibly injured. However, "The Notorious" was unable to put any weight on that right knee and was forced to call it quits on his return.

Here's the latest after The Notorious' return ended early due to injury.

MORE: Full card highlights from McGregor vs. Holloway 2

What happened to Conor McGregor?

Holloway defeated McGregor with 3:54 remaining in the first round after the referee was forced to stop the bout. "The Notorious" could not continue due to an apparent knee injury, which the broadcast later shared was "a right internal knee injury." After unleashing just one kick in the opening sequence, McGregor's right leg awkwardly landed on the canvas. After that, the fighter was unable to put any sort of weight on his right leg, and eventually was forced to bow out of his return.

Here is a look at McGregor's kick that caused his lingering injury.

RIGHT ON THE FIRST KICK 😳

Max Holloway gets his hand raised tonight!

[ #UFC329 | LIVE ON @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/8Y5MR1wJ4s

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 12, 2026

In the ensuing seconds, McGregor hobbled around the cage, with Holloway even asking the referee to stop the fight because the Irishman was obviously injured. Here's when McGregor shook his head at the referee, and forfeited his long-awaited return into the octagon:

THIS FIGHT IS OVER IN ROUND 1 😳

Max Holloway defeats Conor McGregor!

[ #UFC329 | LIVE ON @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/fxSnBev6CM

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 12, 2026

A lone positive for McGregor was that tonight's injury occurred on his right leg. In his most recent fight prior to tonight's bout, McGregor broke a part of his left leg, so the damage may have been far more severe had it happened to his opposite leg. Here's a look at McGregor walking out after his defeat:

Conor McGregor is walking with a limp after his apparent leg injury. pic.twitter.com/vdEAQ4GFLu

— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2026

According to UFC CEO Dana White, McGregor's outlook is far from promising. "We're assuming blown ACL," White said during the postfight press conference. "The doctors think the same thing too."

🚨 Dana White's immediate reaction to Conor McGregor's injury:

"I was expecting AT LEAST a one round war... We're assuming blown ACL. The doctor's think the same thing too." #UFC329pic.twitter.com/yQ5AXEumhD

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 12, 2026

At the moment, there is no official diagnosis for McGregor's exact injury. That said, the Nortorious One did weigh in hours after the conclusion of the fight via Twitter.

My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 12, 2026

MORE: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 full card recap: Who won every fight?

Conor McGregor injury history

This is not the first time The Notorious has been injured inside the Octagon. Here is McGregor's injury history:

DateInjuryOpponentTime until next fight
Aug. 17, 2013Torn ACLMax Holloway11 months
July 10, 2021Broken tibiaDustin Poirier5 years
July 12, 2026TBDMax HollowayTBD

Will Conor McGregor ever fight again?

At the moment, it does not look likely that McGregor will ever step foot into the Octagon again. The former all-time great appears to have another road to recovery ahead after injuring himself for the second-straight fight.

At this stage of his career, tonight's fight was most likely McGregor's final time strapping into the gloves in the UFC.

MORE: Why is Conor McGregor called "The Notorious?"

Bowling: Dayton bowlers roll to Senior Olympic gold

Jul. 12—A bit of arm twisting paid big dividends for several local senior bowlers.

Mandy Wilson recruited friends Ann Coleman and Dana Bone to compete in the recent Ohio Senior Olympics. The trio of Dayton area bowlers did more than compete, they struck their way to gold medal finishes and qualified for the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

"I knew some people who had competed in this in the past, but I never had," Wilson, 67, said. "I saw flyers at some local bowling centers and basically talked the two of them into it."

The Ohio Senior Olympics include a variety of events including archery, basketball, cycling, swimming, volleyball and bowling. The event is designed to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and healthy competition among athletes 50 and older.

Wilson opened the competition at H.P. Lanes, in Columbus, with singles play — winning the women's 65-69 age division. The singles competition, both the men's and women's, includes eight divisions from 50-54 to 90-94.

"There was a married couple in their 90s competing," Wilson said. "I hope I can keep bowling till I'm 90."

Coleman, 56, earned a singles silver medal in the 55-59 division, also qualifying for the national games.

"It really helps to come out of Dayton because of the caliber of bowlers we are used to seeing," Coleman said. "You know you have to bowl your best."

Day 2 meant doubles play and Wilson and Coleman took the gold in the women's 55-59 division.

"Our goal is always to win, but we didn't know anything about this tournament, so we wanted to at least medal," Coleman said.

Two gold medals in hand, Wilson picked up her third in the mixed doubles event with Bone in the 60-64 division.

"I am incredibly fortunate to not only be awarded the gold medal for my age group ... but also win the gold medal for the mixed doubles with my great friend Mandy," Bone said. "We have bowled many events and bowled well, but to win a gold medal with her made the results even more special."

Special, but a bit surprising.

"I did not expect to win all three events," Wilson said. "I think it will be a lot tougher in Tulsa."

Coleman also picked up a third medal at the Ohio Senior Olympics, a silver in mixed doubles with partner Norm Dendler. All the medalists qualified for the National Senior Games.

"It sounds like a true Olympic event, thousands of athletes competing in many different sports at a very high level," Coleman said. "It is kind of cool to be going."

Wilson is excited to meet some new people and, of course, try to bring home some more hardware.

"If I'm going to win something, I want it to be against tough competition," she said.

Five contenders to replace Brendon McCullum as England Test coach

Andy Flower has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Brendon McCullum (PA Archive)

England are on the hunt for a new Test head coach after Brendon McCullum was stood down from the role.

McCullum, who will remain in charge of England’s white-ball teams, has paid the price for the wretched Ashes in Australia in the winter and a chaotic 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand to start the Test summer.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will have to move quickly to appoint a replacement, with Pakistan due to visit for three Tests from 19 August.

With a home Ashes less than a year away, the new hire will have task of forging a quick and fruitful relationship with the individual that succeeds Ben Stokes as Test captain – with Harry Brook seemingly the leading option.

But who will the new skipper be working under? Here are five possible contenders to replace McCullum.

Andy Flower

Andy Flower has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Brendon McCullum (PA Archive)
Andy Flower has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Brendon McCullum (PA Archive)

Having already led England to No 1 in the world, could the Zimbabwean be persuaded back for a second stint in charge of the team? Flower was the hard taskmaster that arguably took England to their highest heights in Test cricket, overseeing series wins in Australia and India and combining well with Andrew Strauss. His tenure ended with relations fraying within the side, but Flower seems to have softened since, and has become one of the most highly-regarded T20 coaches on the franchise circuit, winning back-to-back IPL titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Andrew Flintoff

Andrew Flintoff is England Lions head coach (PA Archive)
Andrew Flintoff is England Lions head coach (PA Archive)

Flintoff has sort of fallen into elite coaching, picking up part-time roles with England while recovering from a horror car crash in 2022. He has proved to be well-liked by those working under him and above him, though, during his time with the England Lions, bringing through a number of now Test regulars. Close to Rob Key, who remains as ECB managing director of men’s cricket, a promotion might be seen as hasty and perhaps not a total regime change – and Flintoff has just taken a role with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash, too.

Jonathan Trott

 (Getty)
(Getty)

There is a lot to like about way the former England batter has forged his coaching career, taking on a demanding role with Afghanistan and thriving despite not being able to visit the nation during his time in charge. It was in white-ball cricket that a team on the rise excelled under Trott, reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, but it was against the red ball that Trott was at his best as a player, and the role could well suit him. The 45-year-old has previously expressed a desire to coach England one day.

Gareth Batty

Surrey head coach Gareth Batty won three straight County Championship crowns (PA Wire)
Surrey head coach Gareth Batty won three straight County Championship crowns (PA Wire)

The leading candidate from the County Championship, Batty’s Surrey may have relinquished their grip on the domestic game but the ex-England spinner is a shrewd operator. Would he leave the Oval? Perhaps not, with the Surrey set-up under Alec Stewart seeming to suit him well. Other contenders in the county game may include Richard Dawson, impressing with Glamorgan after a spell as an assistant with the national team, but the time for Peter Moores or Mickey Arthur has probably gone.

Justin Langer

Justin Langer formerly coached Australia (PA Wire)
Justin Langer formerly coached Australia (PA Wire)

Speculative, surely? Langer was not necessarily friendly with the entirety of the Australian dressing room during his time in charge, yet success was achieved under the sometimes-combative Western Australian. A smart cricketer and coach, Langer would be an intriguing introduction to an environment perhaps in need of a firmer hand at the tiller. His former teammate Jason Gillespie has long been linked with the role and has strong knowledge of the English game from spells at Sussex and Yorkshire.

Lakers' Jon Elmore fills stat sheet in Summer League breakthrough

Lakers' Jon Elmore fills stat sheet in Summer League breakthrough originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jon Elmore didn't get a chance to show what he could do in the Los Angeles Lakers' first NBA Summer League game in Las Vegas.

On Saturday, though, Elmore got to play, and in 19 minutes, he proved he can contend with the rest of the players in these games.

Elmore is 30 years old, balding, and not your typical-looking NBA player.

But his skills? He's a bucket.

He was a legend at Marshall University and his filled it up in various places around the world since college.

Elmore has never played an NBA game, although he was very good in the G League last season for the Stockton Kings.

On Saturday night, he took three shots, all from beyond the arc, and hit two of them.

Sergio De Larrea with a gorgeous high lob to Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu for the alley-oop dunk (with replays).
Jon Elmore with the corner 3 at the other end. pic.twitter.com/2ACk1LvDXt

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 12, 2026

MORE: This NBA rookie is jumping on his foul shots

He filled the stat sheet beyond his six points. Elmore had five assists, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

He turned it over just once, and he was a plus-16 in his 19 minutes.

A guy like Elmore playing at Summer League isn't just trying to impress the Lakers. He's hoping to catch the eye of someone from any of the NBA's teams.

If he keeps playing like that, he'll have a chance.

More NBA news:

How and when to watch the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby on streaming

With the MLB All-Star break now upon us, fans of the "Midsummer Classic" are gearing up to see competition amongst the league's biggest stars — including the annual Home Run Derby.

Changes are coming to this year's Home Run Derby event format. Major League Baseball is doing away with the timer system that's been in place since 2015.

Instead of trying to race the clock to hit has many home runs as possible, competitors will now get a set amount of swings to deposit baseballs over the outfield walls. Participants will start each round with a finite number of swings: 20 in Round 1, 15 in Round 2 and 15 again in the final round, according to MLB.com.

Due to the set number of swings, batters will not be facing an "outs" system like in years past. Instead, each swing counts toward a player's total. If a competitor hits a home run on their final swing, then that batter gets to keep swinging until they fail to hit a homer. In theory, a player could hit more than 20 homers in Round 1 despite the aforementioned swing allotment.

Here's what fans need to know ahead of this year's competition.

When is the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby? How to watch on streaming

The 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13.

For the first time in the league’s history, the derby will be streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Where is the 2026 Home Run Derby?

This year's MLB All-Star festivities will be played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

How many players compete in the Home Run Derby?

The Home Run Derby will feature eight competitors eyeing home run supremacy.

Who's competing in this year's Home Run Derby?

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 25: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates his home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 25, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Young Tampa Bay Rays superstar Junior Caminero announced on June 30 that he'd be the first batter competing in this year's competition. The rest of the field, including two hometown Phillies, is as follows (with their home run totals at the break in parentheses):

How will the MLB Home Run Derby determine tiebreakers?

Tiebreakers in this year's Home Run Derby competition will be determined by home run distance in Round 1, and then by a three-swing swing-off if necessary in Rounds 2 and 3.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: How and when to watch the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby on streaming

Social media reacts to LSU star Derek Curiel being picked by Pirates

Derek Curiel is a top-five draft pick. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected the former LSU Baseball star at No. 5 overall in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday. He is the fourth former Tiger taken in the top five since 2023, joining Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews and Kade Anderson.

Several mock drafts leading up to the draft had Curiel going in the teens and high twenties. He was the No. 12 prospect on the MLB's prospect rankings for the 2026 draft class, but his top five selection marks a major vote of confidence by the Pirates' front office.

Two years at LSU developed Curiel into one of the most versatile prospects in the draft class. He started in left and right field and center field, flashing the leather and showing his ability to cover ground quickly. He also maintained a spot in the top half of the batting order, holding the leadoff spot for much of his freshman year.

As a true freshman, Curiel helped the Tigers win their second national title in three years. He earned several All-American accolades and enjoyed increased success at the plate in 2026. He finished his career at LSU batting .349 with a .975 OPS, 171 hits, 131 runs, and 101 RBI over two seasons.

How did social media react to Curiel's selection?

The first surprise of the 2026 draft with Derek Curiel going No. 5 overall to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Curiel's showed out on the highest stage of college baseball for LSU, and is a safe floor bat for the Pirates here.

(per @JoeDoyleMiLB) pic.twitter.com/NEy5LkQKQO

— Tobey Schulman (@tschulmanreport) July 11, 2026

2026 #MLBDraft
Pick: 5
Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Player: Derek Curiel (OF)
From: LSU

One of the best pure hitters in the class with an above-average or better blend of contact, approach, and speed. Probably more of a 10-15 HR bat, though.#LetsGoBucs

— Eric Cross (@EricCrossMLB) July 11, 2026

1.5 Pirates - Derek Curiel

The first real surprise of the first round. Curiel is a blue chip guy. He makes tons of contact and hit the ball harder this year. Launch angle is an issue. Passive approach. Improved in CF. Would assume he’s taking a discount here.

Grade: C+

— Nae 🧬 (@NaeNaeTakes) July 11, 2026

Derek Curiel, from LSU, goes 5 to @Pirates. Pirates clearly see him as an impact bat with ceiling. #MLBdraft

— Jeremy Booth (@_JeremyBooth) July 11, 2026

The Pirates are taking Derek Curiel at No. 5.

One of the best hit tools in the draft. Very strong defense in center.

PROFILE👇pic.twitter.com/odMTLDRnSa

— Over-Slot Baseball (@OverSlot_) July 11, 2026

Several MLB analysts praised Curiel's abilities in the outfield and at the plate. Some seemed surprised at the pick by the Pirates and offered commentary about their rationale behind the pick.

Congrats to @DerekCuriel@LSUbaseball 1st rd. 5th overall to the @Pirates this kid is a winner! #4everlsu#ThePowerHousepic.twitter.com/B6xJ4X0qhV

— Ben McDonald (@realbenmcdonald) July 11, 2026

DO IT @DerekCuriel!!!! https://t.co/DVzgU3RAWO

— Josh Jordan (@CoachJordan2) July 11, 2026

One of Curiel's former LSU teammates, Eddie Yamin, displayed his excitement over the top five selection. LSU assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Josh Jordan did the same for his former player.

DC6!!!!!
Let’s Geaux Brother @DerekCuriel

— Eddie Yamin IV (@Eddie_YaminIV) July 11, 2026

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Social media reacts to LSU star Derek Curiel being picked by Pirates

Analysts give Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback room ample respect

The Ohio State Buckeyes get a lot of recognition for how great their receiver rooms have been over the last few years. The Buckeyes' quarterbacks help the receivers look good. This upcoming season, Julian Sayin is trying to back up the hype.

In a recent article, Blake Brockermeyer lists the Buckeyes' quarterback room as one of the best in the country. Here is what he had to say about the Buckeyes signal callers:

"Ohio State returns Julian Sayin, who looked elite for most of last season before the Buckeyes' offensive line was outmatched late in the year.

Sayin showed ridiculous accuracy, completing 77% of his passes for more than 3,600 yards while doing a strong job protecting the football as a first-year starter. He should have more authority this season to check plays and audible at the line of scrimmage, and Ohio State is once again loaded across the entire offense.

Behind him, Tavien St. Clair is one of the more talented backup options in the country. He got 13 reps last season, was a top recruit in the 2024 class and looked fantastic in the spring game. His biggest hurdle may simply be waiting to see whether Sayin returns for another season or leaves for the NFL."

Julian Sayin made quite the impression last season with a great quarterback statistical season in his freshman year. He looked poised beyond his years, and he was historically efficient this season. Saying having another great season seems extremely evident with the weapons he has and last year's success. If Sayin is ready to leave after this year, Ohio State will be in great hands with Tavien St. Clair, who has superstar potential.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Analysts give Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback room ample respect

Three realistic Verstappen replacements at Red Bull nobody is talking about

Should the reports that emerged in recent days prove accurate, Oscar Piastri would become Red Bull's designated successor to Max Verstappen. However, the Formula 1 grid is packed with other talented and experienced drivers who could also fit the bill.

The past week has been dominated by a flurry of driver market speculation, even though nothing has been announced yet.
The four-time world champion has been heavily linked with a sensational move to McLaren as Lando Norris' potential new teammate, a scenario that would almost certainly force Piastri to look elsewhere. In that case, Red Bull would appear to be the most logical destination, completing what would be one of the most remarkable driver swaps in modern Formula 1 history.

The 2026 Formula 1 grid is undoubtedly one of the strongest in the sport's history in terms of overall talent, featuring multiple world champions in the latter stages of their careers, drivers at their peak, and a new generation of rising stars, many of whom are already shaping both the present and the future of Formula 1.

Fernando Alonso: The safe pair of hands

Approaching his 45th birthday in just over two weeks, Alonso still has the hunger of a rookie. The two-time world champion was briefly linked with a move to Red Bull a few years ago, but ultimately remained committed to Aston Martin. So far, however, that decision has failed to deliver the expected results, with the exception of the impressive 2023 campaign, despite the high hopes surrounding the team's Adrian Newey-led 2026 project.

The Spaniard has yet to make a decision on his future, and with time no longer on his side, it is becoming increasingly clear that the final chapter of his Formula 1 career is approaching. As things stand, his long-awaited dream of securing a third world title looks more like a distant hope than a realistic target. For Red Bull, signing a driver of Alonso's calibre would help soften the blow of losing someone like Verstappen, while also giving the two-time world champion one final opportunity to chase the success that has eluded him for so long.

Photo: Race Pictures
Photo: Race Pictures

Photo: Race Pictures

Carlos Sainz: The Red Bull move that never happened

Having begun his Formula 1 career through Red Bull's junior programme, the Spaniard ultimately took a different path from the one usually followed by the academy's top prospects. His future with the team changed in 2016, when Red Bull opted to promote Verstappen in his place following Daniil Kvyat's demotion.

Since then, Sainz has raced for a wide range of teams, from midfield outfits such as Renault and Williams to front-running giants like McLaren and Ferrari. At every stop, he has consistently made a positive impact, often leaving his teams in a stronger position than when he joined.

Now 31, the Madrid-born driver is firmly in the prime of his career and knows the Williams project could cost him valuable years if James Vowles and his team fail to unlock its potential after a season that has so far proved difficult. If Red Bull were looking for a proven, experienced driver with an established track record at top teams, there are few stronger candidates than him.

Arvid Lindblad: The next Max Verstappen?

The riskiest option of the three, but arguably the one with the highest long-term upside. The young British driver earned a reputation throughout the junior categories for his exceptional raw speed, although it was often accompanied by inconsistency and costly mistakes.

His rookie Formula 1 campaign, however, has been close to flawless. Lindblad has shown impressive pace on almost every weekend, made very few errors and displayed a level of composure far beyond his years. While comparisons across generations are never entirely fair, if Red Bull were looking for the closest thing to a new Verstappen, few candidates would fit the profile better.

Photo: Race Pictures
Photo: Race Pictures

Photo: Race Pictures

🟥 Embolo row: Argentina aided or dive? Replays divide social media 🤯

🟥 Embolo row: Argentina aided or dive? Replays divide social media 🤯

A decision destined to divide opinions. In the 72nd minute of Argentina-Switzerland, with the score at 1-1 and the Swiss enjoying their best spell of the match, Breel Embolo was sent off for a second yellow after a VAR review.

Want to stay up to date on everything happening in the USA, Mexico and Canada? Don’t forget to bookmark the World Cup! To follow the tournament, search for "World Cup" on OneFootball and click the star next to it so you don’t miss a single story!

Referee João Pinheiro had initially penalized Paredes, but the footage completely changed everything: the yellow card for the Argentine was rescinded, the Swiss forward was booked for simulation, and the result was a red card.


Murat Yakin’s side held on until extra time before surrendering to goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, which sealed the final 3-1 scoreline.

On social media, however, the match is still not over: accusations of favoritism, opposing interpretations of the rules, and one question that has gone viral. Was Embolo’s sending-off really the right call?


💥 What happened between Embolo and Paredes

Switzerland had just equalized in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, wiping out Argentina’s lead scored by Alexis Mac Allister. Five minutes later, Embolo, who had already been booked in the first half for a late challenge on Paredes, tried to get past the Argentine midfielder and went down after the challenge.

Pinheiro blew for a foul and showed a yellow card to Paredes. VAR then called the referee over to the monitor: according to the officials’ reconstruction, Embolo had started going down before any possible contact, therefore trying to win a free kick through simulation. The Portuguese referee revoked Paredes’ booking and showed a second yellow to the Swiss player, who left the pitch in tears.


✅ Why VAR was allowed to intervene

The review was not a protocol mistake. New provisions approved by IFAB in 2026 allow VAR to intervene on red cards resulting from a clearly incorrect second yellow and in cases of “mistaken identity,” when the referee punishes the wrong player or even the wrong team.

In the Kansas City case, the officiating team deemed that it was not Paredes who committed the infringement, but Embolo who simulated. The rules therefore allowed the initial decision to be overturned, the punishment reversed, and the striker booked. From a procedural point of view, the intervention was therefore permitted.

The real debate concerns the technical assessment: was the fall an obvious dive, or simply a normal attempt to avoid Paredes’ challenge? The footage shows Embolo losing his balance before the more significant contact, but the subjective nature of the incident is precisely what fueled the protests.


🔎 Replay analysis is split: correct decision or VAR too intrusive?

Several international analyses judged the sending-off correct from a regulatory standpoint.

Christina Unkel, former FIFA referee and CBS Sports analyst, explained that the decision is consistent with the Miguel Almiron precedent in United States-Paraguay, but also warned: "We are entering the zone of re-refereeing the match."

The risk is that VAR no longer merely corrects decisive errors, but ends up reassessing subjective incidents in midfield as well.

The Almiron precedent had already divided the refereeing world. On that occasion, VAR had removed a booking for American Tim Ream and punished the Paraguayan for simulation.

Pierluigi Collina also commented on the incident, though with a different view from the previous one: “From a refereeing point of view, this was the correct decision. The replay clearly shows that there was no contact from Paredes.”


😡 Switzerland erupts: «This rule ruined the match»

Murat Yakin did not challenge only the card, but the whole principle used to arrive at the sending-off: «It was a harmless situation. This rule ruined the match». The Swiss coach nonetheless explicitly ruled out any conspiracy or systematic preferential treatment toward Argentina.

Manuel Akanji was even harsher: «I had never played in such a one-sided match». The defender pointed out that Argentina had received no yellow cards in the first 90 minutes, while Remo Freuler called the decision «a disaster».

Granit Xhaka said Embolo was devastated and could not understand why he had been sent off.


🤯 'Argentina helped' VS 'obvious dive' on social media

Two sides immediately formed on social media. On one side were those who called it a “rigged” World Cup, linking the incident to previous refereeing controversies that had accompanied Argentina’s run.

On the other, many users considered Embolo’s attempt to exaggerate the fall obvious, arguing that simulation should always be punished with the same severity.

The timing amplified every suspicion: Switzerland had just made it 1-1 and was causing La Albiceleste real problems.


✍️ A sending-off already in the history books

Embolo became the first player ever sent off at a World Cup through this new interpretation of “mistaken identity”: it was only the second time in the tournament that a booking had been overturned under this protocol, after the Almiron-Ream case.

The rule and its interpretation have divided public opinion and sparked huge controversy.

VAR was allowed to intervene and the second yellow is fully justified under the rules, but it remains debatable whether a fall can be judged as simulation rather than accidental. A fine line that can determine not only a single incident but the outcome of a match with enormous weight, such as a World Cup quarter-final.

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

Bengals' Tee Higgins might take issue with Stefon Diggs’ comments

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is often widely hailed as the best No. 2 in the NFL while often being cited as a true No. 1 who just happens to play on the same team as Ja’Marr Chase. 

Just don’t tell that to free-agent wideout Stefon Diggs. 

During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Diggs proclaimed he’s the best No. 2 in the NFL. 

“My opinion, I can compete with anybody,” Diggs said. “But take those as your ones (WR1), right? You can't name a number two better than me. There's not a number two on a team.”

Diggs just had 1,013  yards and four scores over 17 games in New England before getting released. Impressive numbers, considering he was 32 and coming off a torn ACL. 

Higgins is in a different bracket when it comes to so-called No. 2 wideouts, though. He only had 846 yards over 15 games last year, but scored 11 times. He’s scored 21 times over the last two seasons and is on that four-year deal worth $115 million, so comparisons aren’t even really that fair these days. 

All in good offseason fun, though. Diggs is confident and it isn’t that far off from the stuff Chase says. But Bengals fans would probably rightfully argue that the conversation about top No. 2 wideouts starts behind Higgins’ name.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' Tee Higgins might take issue with Stefon Diggs’ comments

Steinbach has modest Summer League outing vs. New Orleans Pelicans

After introducing himself to the NBA Summer League with a double-double, former Washington Huskies star forward Hannes Steinbach's second game with the Charlotte Hornets was a lot quieter.

In a 95-91 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the No. 14 overall pick in June's draft came off the bench and played 22 minutes, tallying 7 points on a 2-for-5 day from the field, while adding 6 rebounds and a block.

It wasn't the best day for the 6-foot-11 German, who posted a plus/minus of -10, while he also committed 3 turnovers and 3 fouls. However, his minutes in the Summer League feel like more of a formality than anything else, as the Hornets are expecting Steinbach to play a key role as a rookie.

autograph sesh w/ hannes ✍️ pic.twitter.com/VEPsBjVFix

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 12, 2026

The addition of Steinbach could help propel Charlotte towards the status of the league's best rebounding team, after finishing No. 5 in the category last season, averaging 46.1 per game, even after trading forward Miles Bridges, who finished second on the Hornets with 5.8 boards per contest last year.

Between Steinbach, who pulled in a nation's best 11.8 rebounds per game during his one year at Washington, which propelled him to All-Big Ten Third Team honors, and a trade for Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid, who grabbed 6.2 boards per game last year, Charlotte has put together a dominant frontcourt alongside center Moussa Diabaté, who led the team with 8.9 rebounds per contest last season.

For the second straight game, former Washington guard Terrell Brown Jr. did not see the floor for the Hornets. Charlotte will return to the floor on Sunday, July 12, at 2:00 p.m PT to take on the Boston Celtics.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Steinbach has modest Summer League outing vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Derek Fisher: Lakers fans not loving LeBron's tenure is 'confusing'

Over the last couple of weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers have been making what has thus far been a quick and painless transition from the LeBron James era to the true start of the Luka Doncic era. James officially decided to leave the Lakers in free agency on June 30, and the team moved swiftly to trade for center Walker Kessler and nab guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, big man Sandro Mamukelashvili and center Kevon Looney in free agency.

There are quite a few Lakers fans who have been doing back flips ever since James decided to bid farewell to the Purple and Gold. It may be a breath of fresh air in some ways for the franchise, but the 41-year-old did play eight years for it and make it relevant again upon his arrival in 2018, not to mention leading it to the NBA championship in 2020.

Derek Fisher, who won five NBA titles alongside Kobe Bryant, told Yahoo Sports Daily that he doesn't understand why Lakers fans don't appreciate James' time with the team more than they do.

“A lot of people in L.A. didn’t love LeBron’s time here and it’s been confusing to me,” Fisher said. “The reaction to him deciding not to return to L.A., a lot of people have celebrated it and almost had a parade as though this is the greatest thing ever. I’m not saying this is doomsday for the Lakers by any means. I think the organization will be fine, it’s been here for 80 years, it’ll be fine. But, I’m surprised at the reaction for sure and yeah, I think people have moved on, a lot of fans have.”

Fisher was then asked why fans didn't embrace James the way they embraced previous Lakers greats.

“That’s a great question,” he said. “You think about the greats of Lakers' past, many of those guys were kind of born and raised as Lakers for the most part. You think about James Worthy -- No. 1 draft pick. You think about Magic Johnson, even though Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar], formerly Lew Alcindor, was traded to L.A., he spent a considerable amount of time here in Los Angeles and really felt like a piece of the fabric of L.A. And so many greats, even Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal), eight years here and it’s like people forgot he played in Orlando as well. But it’s the years here in L.A. that changed everything. Obviously, Kobe being here for 20 seasons. I think other stars felt more like they became who they were as Lakers and I think a lot of Lakers fans had a difficult time receiving the fact that LeBron was already LeBron before he got here.”

Unlike the legends Fisher mentioned, James came to Los Angeles late in his career. He already had a full body of work at that time, and there was even a perception among some fans that he was infringing on Bryant's territory, although Bryant gave his blessing for James to take the franchise torch.

The four-time MVP averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists during his time with the Lakers in the regular season, as well as 25.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game in six postseason appearances with L.A. He may have enhanced his legacy during that time simply by continuing to play at his usual level into his 40s and establishing the greatest longevity of any NBA player ever.

It is anyone's guess which team James will suit up with this fall. But even if plenty of Lakers fans won't want to admit it, he made his mark on the storied team's history.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Derek Fisher: Lakers fans not loving LeBron's tenure is 'confusing'

Jaylen Waddle trains with Ja'Marr Chase, shows off trick play potential with big arm

Star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been working out in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ahead of the start of Denver Broncos training camp in Englewood, Colorado, later this month.

Tevin Allen and Tyrie Allen of “Gold Feet Global” have been training a group of NFL receivers including Ja'Marr Chase, Zay Flowers, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Odell Beckham Jr. and Waddle this summer.

Here are some photos from Gold Feet's Instagram page:

And here's some video footage of Waddle and Chase running routes:

What do you notice about these reps between Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle?🤔 pic.twitter.com/YOitVyf8Rj

— Trev🗣️ (@Boisabronco) July 7, 2026

Joshua Cox, a South Florida content creator, also shared a video of Waddle throwing a perfect pass to hit a field goal crossbar:

"QB1 @jaylenwaddle is in mid season form … Hashtag More Than A Receiver 😂," @_joshuacox captioned the video.

With an arm like that, perhaps a trick play could be added to Denver's playbook this summer. Waddle completed his first career pass attempt with the Miami Dolphins last year, an eight-yard completion. We'll see if he adds to his passing stats in Denver this fall.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/XDid you knowThese 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Jaylen Waddle trains with Ja'Marr Chase, shows off trick play potential with big arm

‘What Is Everyone So Afraid of?’ — NFL Podcaster Calls Out ESPN, Media’s Silence on Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel Scandal

Collage featuring FOOTBALL-NFL/ and FOOTBALL-NFL/.
Collage featuring FOOTBALL-NFL/ and FOOTBALL-NFL/.

Dianna Russini’s alleged relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel continues to dominate NFL offseason discussion. The controversy has lingered for months, and the attention only grew after Russini stepped away from The Athletic on April 14.

Since then, she has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, leaving many questions unanswered. Because of that, Tony Farmer, host of the “Last Men Standing” podcast, called out ESPN, media outlets, and others.

NFL Podcaster Questions ESPN, Media’s Stance on Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel Controversy

On his X account, Farmer questioned why ESPN and several major media organizations have said so little about the Russini and Vrabel controversy.

One of Farmer’s biggest concerns centers on the Associated Press.

“Associated Press – won’t release ballots,” he wrote. “ESPN – mostly silent, Mike Vrabel – silent for weeks, Dianna Russini – haven’t heard from her since resignation, NFL – one very small statement.”

Russini served as one of the 50 voters for the NFL’s Coach of the Year award, which Vrabel ultimately won. Although the AP published every voter’s ballot the previous year, it chose not to release Russini’s ballot from last season.

BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM:PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator

That difference has only fueled more debate surrounding the handling of the situation. Farmer also revealed he contacted the AP reporter who covered Russini’s resignation 74 days ago, but never received a reply.

The controversy started after Page Six published photos in early April showing Russini and Vrabel holding hands at an adults-only resort in Arizona. Soon afterward, more photos and videos surfaced online.

Some reportedly dated back to 2020 and appeared to show the pair allegedly kissing inside a New York City bar, raising fresh questions about how long the alleged relationship had existed.

PREDICT THE NFL SEASON:PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor

The timeline also placed ESPN under added scrutiny. At the time, Russini worked for ESPN while Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans. Despite renewed attention on those past connections, ESPN has not publicly addressed the criticism, adding to the silence that Farmer continues to challenge.

However, Farmer’s criticism is beyond ESPN and the Associated Press. In the same X post, he questioned why several high-profile figures and organizations have stayed quiet.

“Adam Schefter – hasn’t tweeted “Russini” since pre-April,” he also wrote in his X post. “Mike Silver – See Adam Schefter, Athletic – Still no findings, Robert Kraft – silence, Steve Levy – won’t address Russini tweet, Jets – won’t address Russini’s Morgan Moses tweet, Eagles – won’t address A.J. Brown tampering concern, Daboll, KOC, J.J. – won’t address bodycam footage, Pats beat writers – won’t ask tough questions, What is everyone so afraid of?”

Meanwhile, the broader debate has moved beyond one alleged relationship. Critics have raised concerns about journalistic standards, possible voting bias for league awards, and whether media connections influenced player movement.

They argue that those relationships create conflicts that deserve closer review. Still, the NFL determined the matter did not warrant a formal investigation, a decision that continues to split opinion.

Further scrutiny came from bodycam footage tied to Russini’s traffic stop. During the encounter, she showed the officer text messages exchanged with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell while trying to avoid a ticket for texting while driving.

However, the footage did not show the FaceTime call with an NFL head coach that she had previously claimed on a podcast.

For now, many observers remain focused on The Athletic’s internal review. The publication continues to investigate Russini’s reporting, and its findings could arrive at any time.

Until those results become public, though, the questions surrounding the controversy remain unanswered and continue fueling the debate.

Wimbledon men's final: Score, live updates as Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev face off

We're down to the final two in the Wimbledon men's singles event, as No. 1 Jannik Sinner takes on No. 2 Alexander Zverev on Sunday in a quest to defend his 2025 title.

Both Sinner and Zverev cruised through the semifinals with straight-set victories over Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fery, respectively. While Sinner won last year’s Wimbledon title over Carlos Alcaraz, he’s looking to rebound after getting bounced from this year’s French Open in the second round. Zverev, meanwhile, picked up his first Grand Slam victory at Roland-Garros weeks ago, with Sinner out of the picture.

Despite Zverev finally breaking through in a Grand Slam, Sinner is the heavy favorite at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at -450, per BetMGM.

Where to watch the Wimbledon men's final

Jannik Sinner-Alexander Zverev start time: 11 a.m. ET
Location: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
TV channel: ESPN

Follow along with Yahoo Sports for the latest from the Wimbledon men's singles final.

Yankees Birthday of the Day: Chasen Shreve

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 21: Pitcher Chasen Shreve #45 of the New York Yankees is hugged by catcher Austin Romine #28 after the final out of the 9th inning in an interleague MLB baseball game against the New York Mets on July 21, 2018 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Yankees won 7-6. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For Yankees fans who watched the team during the mid-2010s, Chasen Shreve inspires a lot of emotions, most of which are negative. Acquired via trade for one of the organization’s biggest could-have-beens in Manny Bañuelos, he spent parts of four seasons in pinstripes. At times, the lefty looked like a dominant pitcher who was going to anchor the Yankees’ bullpen for years; at other times, he may as well have been throwing batting practice. No matter how he pitched, though, there was never a doubt that he left it all out on the field, and for that, Shreve ought to be remembered fondly for his contributions to several teams — some of which were certainly better than others.

Chasen Dean Shreve
Born: July 12, 1990 (Las Vegas, NV)
Yankees Tenure: 2015-2018 (majors); 2022 and 2024 (minors)

A native of Las Vegas, Shreve put himself on the map while at Bonanza High School, being named to the Nevada All-State second team for his senior season. He then went on to play for the College of Southern Nevada, where he played alongside then-catcher Bryce Harper during his JUCO season between high school and the draft. Both players were then selected in the 2010 MLB Draft, with Harper of course going first overall to the Washington Nationals, and Shreve falling to the 11th round, where he was selected by the Atlanta Braves.

Over the next three years, Shreve steadily climbed the farm, making his MLB debut for Atlanta on July 19, 2014 — just over a week after his 24th birthday. Between a five-cameo appearance across the final week of July and an extended run during September, he flashed great potential as a reliever, allowing just one run in 12.1 innings across 15 appearances. His performance against right-handed bats — he limited them to just a .167/.200/.208 slash line — despite being a southpaw inspired hope that he might be more than just a lefty specialist.

That hope would not be tested in Atlanta, however. Looking to add some rotation depth, the Braves rang in 2015 by flipping a pair of relievers, the youngster Shreve and the veteran David Carpenter, to the Yankees in exchange for the injured former top prospect, Manny Bañuelos (seriously, the deal went through on January 1, 2015). While Carpenter was at the time the name that drew more attention, as the Yankees had some openings in the bullpen due to the departure of David Robertson in free agency and the trade that sent Shawn Kelley to San Diego, Shreve was ultimately the one who played a bigger part of the 2015 bullpen.

After making his Yankees debut on April 6th, Shreve made himself an instant fan favorite just four days later. Thanks to a Chase Headley homer in the bottom of the ninth, the Yankees and Red Sox found themselves headed to extra innings having already exhausted their bullpens, with the Yankees already having used four pitchers to get through regulation. After Chris Martin, Justin Wilson, Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller, and Carpenter came and went, manager Joe Girardi turned the ball over to the rookie Shreve in the 12th.

He went an efficient 3.1 innings, allowing just three hits while striking four. While the Bombers ultimately lost, as Esmil Rogers allowed the Red Sox to rally in both the 18th and the 19th innings, it certainly wasn’t Shreve’s fault.

While he never had to go that long again, Shreve became a reliable multi-inning bullpen weapon for Girardi, capable of going one or two innings on a regular basis. Through September 5th, he had a 1.86 ERA, and had 60 strikeouts in 53.1 innings for a team that went on to win a playoff spot. Unfortunately, in what would become a pattern, Shreve utterly collapsed in September; across his final nine appearances, he managed to go just five innings, walking six batters and allowing four home runs. Because of this, his end-of-season numbers did not quite represent his full-season performance: 3.09 ERA, 4.92 WHIP, 1.406 WHIP.

Shreve was not used in the one-game Wild Card loss to Houston and never quite hit those heights ever again. He struggled out of the gate in 2016, posting a 5.21 ERA before hitting the injured list in May with a left shoulder strain. After returning in July, he bounced between Triple-A Scranton and the Bronx, and while his MLB numbers over that stretch don’t seem pretty — he had a 5.14 ERA in 14 innings — they don’t tell the full story: half of his eight earned runs came in one disastrous inning on August 16th, as Shreve, Adam Warren, and Blake Parker combined to allow eight runs to turn a 6-4 lead into a 12-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

More pleasantly, Shreve’s next appearance saw him come on in relief of Ben Heller in the bottom of the 10th on August 30th. Handed a bases loaded jam with just one out, Shreve struck out Kendrys Morales and got Salvador Perez to fly out to secure his first of two career saves.

Shreve spent all of 2017 and the first half of 2018 on the Scranton shuttle, unquestionably on the periphery of the bullpen picture and outside of their eventual playoff plans. On July 21, 2018, he recorded his second career save, this time against the New York Mets. After Aroldis Chapman began the inning by allowing a walk, a single, two walks, and a hit batsman, Aaron Boone called on Shreve to preserve a 7-5 lead with the bases loaded and nobody out. He traded two outs for one run on a ground-ball double play, then got Wilmer Flores to bounce back to the pitcher, to rescue Chapman and preserve the win.

That, however, would be Shreve’s last big highlight in pinstripes. Less than a week later, the Yankees sent him and Giovanny Gallegos to St. Louis Cardinals for international bonus pool money and an apparent Quadruple-A first baseman named Luke Voit. And while I’m sure that Yankees fans don’t exactly look upon this trade with regret, I will never not be touched by Shreve’s interview immediately after being informed of the trade — a reminder that, at the end of the day, these guys are people first and foremost.

Following his Yankees career, Shreve bounced around quite a bit. He spent the remainder of 2018 and all of 2019 in the St. Louis organization, then signed with the Mets for what would be the shortened 2020 season.

2021 was spent with the Pirates, the first half of 2022 with the Mets, and the final two months in Scranton on a minor-league contract with the Yankees (though he never made it back to the Bronx). The Tigers picked him up for 2023, his last extended run in the Majors, before designated him for assignment in August; he finished that season in the Reds organization. He began 2024 in the Rangers’ system, spent July with Scranton, and August with the Rockies, where he made one final big-league appearance. He made one last attempt to crack an MLB roster by accepting an invitation to spring training with the Braves in 2025, before being released in April.

While he has yet to officially announce his retirement, Shreve is not currently in an MLB organization. If this is in fact it for him, Shreve can hang up the cleats content in the knowledge that while he never quite recaptured the dominance he flashed early in his career across 11 different seasons, he was nonetheless an important part of some memorable Yankees squads.


See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.

Pre-Snap Reads: Sale of Seahawks to Khosla family all but finalized

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - DECEMBER 03: Engineer Vinod Khosla and Neeru Khosla attend the 2018 Breakthrough Prize at NASA Ames Research Center on December 3, 2017 in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The wait is over. Or was it a wait? As loyal and informed Seattle Seahawks fans, we knew that after Paul Allen’s passing, the team would have to be sold at some point relatively soon. Fast forward several years. Looks as if the Paul Allen Trust, led by his sister Jodi Allen, have sold our beloved squad to what seems like a pretty cool group of people. DO NOT fret more than a moment on the fact that the same interest owns a 3-ish% share of the San Francisco 49ers. Soon that share will be sold, per NFL bylaws.

Instead, we here at Field Gulls implore you to explore the links below, and in and around the site, over the next several days. do your research, and get to know the new stewards of our favorite American Football Team, the Seattle Seahawks. Thanks for being here. Go, ‘Hawks!

#np The Distance by Cake

Seattle Seahawks News

Seahawks sold to Sun Microsystems founder – Seaside Joe
Vinod Khosla is the new majority owner of the Seattle Seahawks

Khosla family group agrees to buy Seahawks for reported record price – Seattle Sports
The sale, which is subject to owner approval, is reportedly for an NFL-record $9.6 billion.

Estate of Paul G. Allen Reaches Agreement to Sell Seattle Seahawks – Seahawks.com
he Estate of Paul G. Allen today announced it has entered into a formal sale agreement with an ownership group led by the Khosla family, including Vinod Khosla, for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise. The Khosla family will become the team’s controlling owner.

Seahawks sale: Answers to five key questions about what’s next – The Seattle Times
We know who will likely be the next owners of the Seahawks, answering a question that has lingered for months. Here are the answers to five questions about what’s next.

Seahawks have sale agreement for an NFL-record $9.6B, with 49ers part-owners – The News Tribune
The Seahawks have been sold. For a record price. To an investor in their archrival.

New Seahawks owners should take note of how Allen family handled business | Commentary – The Spokesman-Review
If I were a ride-or-die, face-paint-wearing Seahawks fan whose mood was entirely dependent on how they performed each week, here are the 10 words I would tell the new owners: Congratulations on the purchase, now stay out of the way.

Seahawks to Be Sold to Group Led by Vinod, Neal Khosla for Record $9.6 Billion – Emerald City Spectrum
Just a few weeks away from the start of training camp, the Seattle Seahawks will soon have a new ownership group calling the shots after a record-setting investment to purchase the franchise.

The Seahawks have been sold – Seahawks Draft Blog
Timing wise, it wasn’t ideal.

Why All Eyes Should Be on Jadarian Price for Seahawks Training Camp – si.com
In April, Seattle used a first-round pick on a running back for the first time since 2018. Jadarian Price could have an immediate impact on the reigning champs.

Did the Seahawks get better, worse or stay the same for 2026? – ESPN.com
After allowing the fewest points in the NFL, earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed and winning the Super Bowl in convincing fashion, the Seattle Seahawks lost a handful of key players over the offseason. And then they nearly repeated as world champions.

Khosla-led group agrees to buy Seahawks; sources say $9.6 billion – ESPN.com
A group led by San Francisco 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla has agreed to purchase the Seattle Seahawks, it was announced Saturday.

Group including 49ers minority owner agrees to buy Seahawks for what is said to be record price – The Athletic
The Paul Allen Estate has agreed to sell the Seattle Seahawks to a group led by the Khosla family, which owns a minority interest in the San Francisco 49ers, the estate announced Saturday.

EMERGENCY POD! Seahawks Sold To Khosla Family – Hawkblogger
The Estate of Paul Allen has reached an agreement to sell the Seahawks to The Khosla family for $9.6B. The sale will become official in the next 1-2 months. I tell you my immediate reactions to the news on this emergency podcast edition of Real Hawk Talk.

REACTION: Khosla Family Agrees To Buy Seahawks – Cause For Concern or Celebration? – Seahawks Forever w/ Dan Viens
The Seattle Seahawks ownership search has taken a stunning turn.

NFC West News

What can the Cardinals expect from TE Tip Reiman? – Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals have a new offensive system. If you are a fan of the team, you know this; you just haven’t seen how it will actually work with live players. Team OTAs and minicamps have been the only glimpse so far.

2026 may be a breakout year for Dominick Puni – Niners Nation
Dominick Puni is the only 49er on Bucky Brooks’ offensive breakout list. The PCL injury context makes the case stronger.

What’s next for the Rams’ left tackle situation following the latest Alaric Jackson news – Turf Show Times
Jackson got good news in court this week, but it doesn’t clear up much for the Rams.

Mets Morning News: Bo Bichette dealing with soreness, getting to know the Mets’ first three draft picks

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 11: Commissioner of Major League Baseball Robert D. Manfred Jr. announces Carson Wiggins as the 27th overall pick by the New York Mets during the 2026 MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express at Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Meet the Mets

The Mets were shut out for the ninth time this season, falling to the Red Sox 4-0 at Citi Field. A pair of two-run homers powered the Red Sox and for the second day in a row, the Mets failed to get the big hit with runners on.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue, MLB.com, Newsday, New York Post

Zach Thornton will be called up to pitch today in the series finale against the Red Sox. The Mets have not yet indicated whether he will start the game or be used in bulk relief.

Bo Bichette is dealing with some lower body soreness that has caused him to miss the past couple of games. According to manager Andy Green, he’ll use the All-Star break to reset and rest.

Yesterday the Mets selected Carson Wiggins with the 27th overall pick in the MLB Draft. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com wrote up a profile of the flamethrowing righty, who has not thrown many college innings due to Tommy John surgery.

The Mets Player Development Twitter account posted videos of analysis Mets’ third-round pick Aiden Robbins and the Mets’ fourth-round pick Shane Sdao.

Juan Soto considered participating in this year’s Home Run Derby, but ultimately decided not to do it.

Yesterday the Mets provided updates on two righty relievers they had designated for assignment. Alex Carrillo was released and Matt Seelinger was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse.

Marcus Semien, who is working his way back from a left hip flexor strain, is ready to begin a rehab assignment, but it may have to wait until after the All-Star break.

The Mets shouldn’t hold back and should make all of their relievers available in trade, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Around the National League East

The Yankees crushed three home runs in the eighth to make a late-inning comeback against the Nationals, who fell to the on this day aptly named Bronx Bombers 4-2.

After three years in Japan, Foster Griffin is now an All-Star with the Nationals.

Cristopher Sánchez was dominant again, striking out seven in the Phillies’ 4-2 victory over the Tigers and making his case to start the All-Star Game in his team’s home city.

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler was asked to participate in the All-Star Game as an injury replacement, but felt disrespected to be the fifth choice and therefore declined.

The Marlins lost to the Guardians 4-1, as Cleveland racked up a whopping 11 hits against Miami pitching.

The Braves lost to the Cardinals by the same 4-1 score, as Lars Nootbaar struck early with a three-run homer in the first for St. Louis off Reynaldo López.

Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, will have at least one more rehab outing after a rough appearance on Saturday with Triple-A Gwinnett.

Around Major League Baseball

You can find full coverage of the first day of the MLB Draft on MLB.com, Baseball Prospectus, Baseball America, and Fangraphs. MLB.com sums up all the big storylines from Day 1 of the draft.

The MLB Draft is raptly consumed by diehards and sickos, but the league is not doing a good job broadening its appeal to the wider fanbase, writes Michael Baumann of Fangraphs.

Madison Shipman made her debut as an analyst in the Blue Jays booth yesterday, making her the first woman to work a Blue Jays game on Sportsnet.

White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters was selected to the American League All-Star roster to replace the injured Nick Kurtz.

Jacob Misiorowski was scratched from his scheduled start today due to arm fatigue. He will unfortunately miss the All-Star Game as well.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

You can follow along with all the Mets’ draft picks in the 2026 MLB Draft with our handy minors team’s handy tracker. Meanwhile, Thomas Henderson covered the signing of the Mets’ first round pick Carson Wiggins and Lukas Vlahos covered the Mets’ next two selections: Aiden Robbins at 92nd overall and Shane Sdao 120th overall.

Steve Sypa wrote up profiles on all three of the Mets’ picks on the first day of the drat (Carson Wiggins, Aiden Robbins, and Shane Sdao).

This Date in Mets History

The 1988 All-Star Game was played on July 12 and the Mets sent four representatives that year.

Max Holloway reveals what Conor McGregor said to him after injuring knee at UFC 329

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Max Holloway of the United States lands a punch against Conor McGregor of Ireland in their welterweight bout during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Max Holloway didn’t get to exchange too many strikes with Conor McGregor at UFC 329, but they did exchange words during their fight.

Saturday’s main event ended in disappointment for McGregor, who was fighting for the first time since breaking his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Again, a McGregor leg injury proved to be his downfall, as he struggled to find his footing after throwing an opening flying kick, and never recovered. With McGregor obviously having suffered another injury, referee Mike Beltran called the fight off a little over a minute into Round 1.

In his post-fight interview, Holloway praised McGregor for wanting the fight to continue and he elaborated on the conversation speaking to reporters after the event.

“I had the man weak in the knees, I guess,” Holloway said. “All jokes aside, I just hope he’s good. I know Conor’s been battling some stuff. Looked like he’d really been changing. He found God, he had his kids in there, so during the fight you could obviously tell his demeanor changed. Shout out to the ref, I was trying to tell the ref sooner.

“This guy’s kids are front row, I don’t to see him take unnecessary damage, try and stop the fight, but this is how crazy Conor is: The first time he’s on the ground, I was punching him and he’s like, ‘Fight! Fight!’ I was like, ‘OK.’ That’s why I backed up, I said, ‘Stand up then, let’s fight.’ He fell back down and then the fight was called.”

In the lead-up to the fight, McGregor did dozens of interviews, claiming he was a changed man who had dedicated himself to religion and rededicated himself to training, following years of questionable public behavior, including numerous legal issues.

Holloway appreciates McGregor approaching their matchup with a more positive approach to fight promotion, but admitted something felt off with the former two-division champion.

“Even with him walking into the octagon, it just didn’t seem like the same Conor,” Holloway said. “He was still there to fight, but I thought he would be a little bit more rowdy, a little bit more crazy. He looked, like, really, really calm, like super calm, so I was just kind of like, ‘Oh wow, let’s see how this goes.’ Of course, I knew he was going to attack me with something and it was that kick, so it sucks.”

Holloway also used his post-fight microphone time to suggest he and McGregor meet in a trilogy, though when such a bout would take place is unclear with the severity of McGregor’s injury unknown.

One thing Holloway is confident about is that he’s unlikely to compete again in 2026.

“He was talking about this ‘170 domain,’” Holloway said, referring their fight taking place at welterweight. “I put in this 170 work. We worked our assess off here, especially after turning around so fast after that March fight and to come back. I want to feel this domain that he’s talking about, this 170 Conor that he’s talking about, this different world. That’s what I want.

“I want to see what his injury is and, as for me, I’m down to come back 2027. With that March fight and this fight, I know I came out unscathed, but I owe my family some time. I owe my wife and my son some time, some family time, so that’s what I’m focused on. You guys are going to see ‘Blessed’ return back in 2027.”

Glaring Newcastle Mistake Revealed After Elliot Anderson’s Transfer to Man City

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 23: Elliot Anderson of England looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, United States. (Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Former Magpie academy player Elliot Anderson’s rise keeps becoming a more uncomfortable story for Newcastle United each passing day.

NUFC, who sold the academy graduate during a period of PSR pressure, seemingly committed a blatant mistake in that transaction, and one that is now coming back to haunt them following Anderson’s British-record sale to Man City.

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle do not have a sell-on clause or buy-back clause in Anderson’s deal as the midfielder completed his move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for a ridiculous £130 million fee, per the BBC.

Newcastle sold Anderson to Forest for £35million, as the Magpies were under pressure at the time to sell a homegrown player because of PSR concerns.

CaughtOffside noted that even a 20 or 25 percent sell-on clause would have produced a significant windfall for Newcastle of around £25-30 million.

For context, the Magpies spent £25 million on backup goalie Ewen Jaouen.

Purple Row After Dark: Is the Derby still a Home Run?

DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Hunter Goodman #15 of the Colorado Rockies hits a two run home run in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on July 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I have always found the Home Run Derby to be one of the most exciting events on the baseball calendar every year. There is something simple and satisfying about seeing people swing as hard as they can and smash baseballs as far as possible.

This season a combination of factors have transpired that have conspired to somewhat dampen my particular enthusiasm for the event.

  1. The rules have changed such that participants no longer have a time limit but instead a limited number of swings.
  2. Hunter Goodman, who is tied for fourth most home runs in the majors, wasn’t named as a participant.

Losing out on the frenetic pace of recent derbies was one thing but having a Rockies hitter who had a legitimate case to participate be snubbed has somewhat dimmed my excitement for this otherwise incredible event.

There are still plenty of exciting names in the derby (Jordan Walker!) and it will still be fun to baseballs get smashed but, for me, I worry something will feel missing from past years.

So, that brings me to our question:

If you were commissioner, would you make any changes to the Home Run Derby?

Would you want changes to the actual rules of how the Derby is played or perhaps a difference in the participant selection process?

Let us know in the comments!


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Braves Minor League Recap: Patrick Clohisy, Rowdy Tellez, and the Stripers flex their muscles

MESA, AZ - NOVEMBER 09: Patrick Clohisy #24 of the Atlanta Braves hits an RBI single in the ninth inning during the 2025 Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game between the American League Fall Stars and the National League Fall Stars at Sloan Park on Sunday, November 9, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

(54-38) Memphis Redbirds 2, (45-45) Gwinnett Stripers 9

  • Patrick Clohisy, CF: 2-for-4, HR, 2B, BB, 2 RBI, 2 R, .265/.349/.459
  • Rowdy Tellez, 1B: 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, R, .259/.367/.492
  • Jair Camargo, DH: 3-for-4, HR, 2B, RBI, 2 R, .236/.276/.345
  • AJ Smith-Shawver, SP: 2.1IP 5H 2ER 3BB 2K, 7.71 ERA

The Stripers clawed their way back to .500 with a dominant win over the Redbirds thanks to a strong pitching effort by the Gwinnett staff, and some explosive hitting.

AJ Smith-Shawver got the rehab start and was okay – clearly running out of gas around the 40 pitch mark for the second start in the row. AJ’s mechanics seemingly disappeared at time, with his pitching shoulder often dipping making his arm whip around more which led to his velocity decreasing a bit as he sat more in the 95-96 range. Smith-Shawver was strong up until that 40 pitch mark – seeing just two over the minimum as he entered the third inning. It was the third that the command wavered, walking two and surrendering three singles and driving in two runs. He was replaced by Carlos Carassco (3IP 1H 0R 4BB 2K) who needed just one pitch to end the bases loaded, 1 out threat that Smith-Shawver left. Carlos was strong, working around some walks, to register three one hit innings. Following Carlos was Anderson Pilar (2.2IP 0H 0R 0BB 4K) who was dominant – striking out four over 2.2 scoreless innings of work himself. Finally, it was Joel Payamps (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K) who worked the final inning and secured the win for the Stripers.

Offensively, it was a barrage for the Stripers who hit three home runs and collected 11 hits. Rowdy Tellez continued his hot form – by driving in two with a single in the first inning. He added another pair of runs in the third inning when he connected on his 10th home run of the season. The following inning it was Jair Camargo who added a solo shot in the fourth to push the Stripers lead to 5-2. Two innings later it was Patrick Clohisy, who was making his Triple-A debut, who connected on a two run home run himself to push it to 7-2.

CLUBBED BY CLOHISY.

HAVE YOURSELF A DEBUT, PATRICK!@GeorgiaAccesspic.twitter.com/Ymw1IrJa5D

— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) July 12, 2026

Finally, Sandy León and Cal Conley drove in the final two runs of the game, both in the bottom of the eighth, to extend the Stripers dominant lead to 9-2.

(32-54) Birmingham Barons 2, (39-42) Columbus Clingstones 3

  • Dalton McIntyre, CF: 1-for-4, RBI, .289/.438/.447
  • Will Verdung, 1B: 2-for-4, R, .145/.234/.217
  • Ambioris Tavarez, 2B: 2-for-3, R, 2B, .186/.297/.311
  • Brett Sears, SP: 6.2IP 4H 2ER 1BB 8K, 3.99 ERA
  • Owen Hackman, RP: 1.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K

Box Score

An absolutely brilliant pitching performance by the Clingstones pitching staff did the heavy lifting in a tight 3-2 over the Barons.

Brett Sears got the start and put together a really strong start, registering 18 whiffs across 6.2 innings of work. He allowed a total of just four hits including a double, and solo home run. Sears saw just one over the minimum until the fifth inning when he ran into his first bit of trouble when he allowed a one out, run scoring double. He would then get back on track, getting the next five outs before allowing that solo shot in the seventh inning. Sears would get replaced by Owen Hackman (1.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K) who was…also dominant, striking out three over his 1.1 innings of work, including striking out the final two batters he would face. Tyler LaPorte (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K) worked the final inning, picking up his fourth save of the season, as he pounded the zone throwing 8 strikes on 10 pitches while picking up four whiffs.

Offensively, the Clingstones got just enough done to secure the win. Drew Compton got the fun going in the first inning as he singled in Luke Waddell, who had earlier doubled, to give Columbus the 1-0 lead. The Clingstones would then be held scoreless the next three innings until Dalton McIntyre singled in Ambioris Tavarez to drive in the second run of the game. It was one inning later when this time Tyler Tolve drove in what was eventually the game winning hit via a dribbler to third that allowed Will Verdung to score.

Tyler Tolve. Corner Pocket pic.twitter.com/1Ls5a6Cl6v

— Columbus Clingstones (@GoClingstones) July 11, 2026

(41-42) Rome Emperors 1, (41-43) Hudson Valley Renegades 7

  • Tate Southisene, 0-for-4, BB, .217/.366/.396
  • John Gil, 2B: 1-for-5, SB. .250/.346/.394
  • Eric Hartman, CF: 1-for-3, 2B, BB, .281/.359/.543
  • Dixon Williams, 1B: 1-for-2, 2B, R, 2 BB, 2 SB, .222/.332/.419
  • Matieu Curtis, SP: 2.2IP 1H 1ER 2BB 7K, 4.43 ERA

Box Score

The talented Emperors offense ran into an absolutely dominant pitching performance by the Hudson Valley Renegades – striking out 12 times, while collecting just four hits. They went a painful 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position, stranding 10 on base.

Matieu Curtis got the start and put the Emperors in a good place as he struck out seven across just 2.2 innings of work. He struck out the side in the first inning, while working around a pair of walks in the second while picking up another two strikeouts. After picking up his sixth strikeout at the start of the third, the first blemish occurred as Curtis allowed a one out double, stolen base, and a balk drove in the first run of the game for the Renegades. Drew Christo (2IP 4H 3ER 1BB 2K) relieved Matieu in the third and surrendered what ended up being the game winning solo home run to his first batter seen. Drew would go on to surrender three more runs in his two innings of work before he was replaced by Jarret Whorff (1.1IP 3H 2ER 0BB 1K) who ran into double himself – allowing another pair of runs in his innings of work. Jacob Shafer (2IP 1H 1ER 2BB 2K) was the final pitcher utilized for the Clingstones and allowed a run himself across a pair of innings. In totality, the Clingstones pitching staff surrendered seven runs on nine hits hits and five walks.

Offensively, it was a struggle. The Emperors made things interesting in the first inning, loading the bases but were unable to cash in on any real opportunities until the fourth inning when Dixon Williams led off a double. Dixon would steal third, and then come into score on a wild pitch. That would end up being the only run scored. They would threaten throughout the game but never get the big hit that they needed. Starting pitcher Rory Fox for the Renegades was dominant – striking out nine across five innings of work.

(48-36) Hickory Crawdads 13, (48-38) Augusta GreenJackets 4

  • Luis Guanipa, CF: 2-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI, .307/.364/.465
  • Conor Essenburg, RF: 1-for-2, 2B, RBI, 2 BB, .259/.401/.465
  • Cody Miller, 3B: 1-for-3, 2 BB, R, .217/.365/.400
  • Cooper McMurray, 1B: 2-for-4, 2 R, .236/.384/.406
  • Michael Martinez, DH: 2-for-3, R, .252/.331/.462
  • Davis Polo, SP: 1IP 3H 5R 4ER 3BB 1K, 4.21 ERA

Box Score

The GreenJackets were unable to overcome porous defense, as they committed five errors, while the pitching staff allowed an appalling fourteen walks and nine hits.

Davis Polo got the start and it just wasn’t his day – as he allowed five runs, four earned, threw two wild pitches, allowed a run to score on a balk, and allowed a stolen base. As he lasted just a single inning, the game quickly fell apart as the GreenJackets had to turn to the bullpen to cover at least eight innings. Adiel Melendez (2IP 3H 3R 2ER 0BB 2K) was the first man up, surrendering three total runs across two innings of work. Logan Forsythe (1.1IP 0H 3ER 2BB 1K) replace Adiel, and surrendered three earned runs despite not allowing a single hit. The GreenJackets then turned to Lews Sifontes (1IP 2H 1R 4BB 0K) who struggled with his command – walking four in his single inning of work. With the game all but settled at this point, the GreenJackets turned to a pair of position prospects who not only saved more arms, but had the best results on the mound. Joe Olsavasky (2.2IP 0H 1ER 4BB 2K) was the first one up, surrendering an earned run in his 2.2 innings of work. Hayden Friese (1IP 1H 0R 1BB 1K) was the only player on the team to record a scoreless inning.

There wasn’t much the GreenJackets could do to overcome that bad defense and poor pitching, but still did an admirable job – scoring four runs on eight total hits. They were held scoreless until the seventh inning when Luis Guanipa collected his 16th double of the season – driving in Cooper McMurray. Conor Essenburg would follow that up with a sacrifice fly that drove in Michael Martinez to give Augusta a pair of runs. They added on another run in the eighth when Cody Miller walked, took second and then third on a pair of wild pitches before being driven in by Austin Machado on a ground out. Their final run scored came in the bottom of the ninth, when it was again Luis Guanipa that singled and drove in Cooper McMurray for the GreenJackets fourth run.

(14-35) FCL Braves 5, (33-17) FCL Rays 13

  • Manuel Campos, SS: 1-for-4, R, .306/.407/.442
  • Jorwin Pulido, DH: 0-for-3, BB, RBI, R, .341/.429/471
  • Andrew McCutchen, LF: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, .200/.429/.400
  • Johan Rodriguez, 1B: 2-for-3, 2B, RBI, R, .276/.338/.439
  • Luisberth Valdez, SP: 2.2IP 5H 7ER 4BB 0K, 12.46 ERA

Box Score

(14-14) DSL Orioles Black 10, (8-20) DSL Braves 3

  • Jose Manon, 3B: 2-for-4, R, .290/.396/.398
  • Edelson Cabral, SS: 1-for-3, BB, R, RBI, .289/.429/.446
  • Durban Arnedo, 2B: 2-for-4, .200/.273/.250
  • Hector Aguilar, SP: 3IP 6H 5ER 4BB 0K, 22.50 ERA

Box Score

How to live stream Sinner vs Zverev: Men’s Final 2026 Wimbledon, TV channel

Jannik Sinner is targeting a 10th consecutive win over Alexander Zverev when the pair clash in the men’s final of Wimbledon 2026 on Sunday.

Jul 10, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Alexander Zverev (GER) hits a forehand against Arthur Fery (GBR) (not pictured) in a gentlemen’s singles semi-final of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

How to Watch Wimbledon: Men’s Final

  • Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
  • Time: 11 AM EDT
  • Channel: ESPN
  • Stream: Fubo (try for free)

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is one win away from successfully defending his Wimbledon title, but needs to dispatch Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s decider to do so. The top two seeds will contest the men’s final at SW19 for the second straight year as No. 2 Zverev aims to add to his haul.

– Live stream Wimbledon with Fubo –

Unlike Sinner, Zverev already has Grand Slam silverware in the bag this season after finally breaking his duck at the French Open last month. By progressing to the last hurdle in London, the German has now reached the finals of all four majors, but his crown at Roland Garros remains his only reward for those efforts.

Sinner, meanwhile, has already become a veteran at these business ends of the Grand Slams and demonstrated that with a straight-sets win over Novak Djokovic in Friday’s semifinals. Zverev had an even more straightforward run past Arthur Fery, setting the stage for a true clash of giants in the final match of the tournament.

It was only three years ago that Zverev boasted a 4-1 advantage in the head-to-head record between these two, but Sinner has since gone on a tear of nine straight wins in the rivalry. This will be the first time the tennis titans have met on grass, however, adding an element of unpredictability to proceedings.

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Orioles minor league recap 7/12: Pitching dominates as every affiliate wins

Feb 18, 2026; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Nestor German (89) poses for media day. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Triple-A: Norfolk Tides 3, Syracuse Mets 2

Nestor German was the story in this Tides win, twirling a dazzling outing of seven shutout innings, the longest outing of his professional career. He had more strikeouts (six) than baserunners (five), and it came against a Syracuse lineup in which all nine batters were guys with major league experience, including blink-and-you-missed-them former Orioles Cristian Pache and Vidal Bruján. It was German’s second straight scoreless start. What a performance by the Orioles’ #11 prospect (per MLB Pipeline).

Tides cleanup hitter Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit his 17th homer with Norfolk, and Heston Kjerstad went 0-for-3 but contributed a sac fly. Leadoff man Enrique Bradfield Jr., who as of yesterday is no longer the only EBJ in the organization, went 0-for-3 with a walk.

The Tides nearly blew a 3-0 lead in the ninth when lefty Andrew Magno had a rare bad outing, giving up two runs to raise his season ERA to a still-awesome 1.04, but he held on for his sixth save. Before that, Yaramil Hiraldo, whom the O’s activated from the IL and optioned yesterday, worked a perfect eighth.

Box score

Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox 9, Akron RubberDucks (Guardians) 0

The Baysox dominated on every side of the ball, not only erupting for nine runs on 10 hits but also throwing a two-hit shutout. It was maybe their most all-around well-played victory of the season.

Let’s start on the mound, where #4 prospect Luis De León had the kind of outing that makes scouts drool over him. Just like Nestor German, he delivered the longest outing of his professional career, but he one-upped German by tossing eight scoreless innings. Wowza! Before tonight, De León’s career high for innings in a game was six, and even that he only did once. Also like German, De León had more strikeouts (five) than baserunners (three). I think it’s safe to say this was the best outing of his professional career. For good measure, reliever Juan Rojas struck out the side in the ninth.

Then there’s the Chesapeake offense, which certainly brought the lumber on this night. Leadoff man Douglas Hodo III set the tone with a homer, a double, and five RBIs. Three other Baysox had multi-hit games, including Aron Estrada, Griff O’Ferrall, and recently acquired Dom Keegan. Thomas Sosa added a homer. The Baysox went 5-for-12 with runners in scoring position. They scored two of their runs against former O’s minor league Carter Rustad, who was traded for Johnathan Rodríguez in March.

Box score

High-A: Frederick Keys 6, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (Phillies) 4 — Game 1, 7 inn.

In their regularly scheduled Saturday game, the Keys scored six unanswered runs to rally back from an early 3-0 deficit. The top five hitters in the lineup were a combined 7-for-14, which my rudimentary math skills tell me is a .500 average. Wehiwa Aloy starred with two hits, including his 13th home run. Victor Figueroa, Randal Diaz, and Colin Tuft each added an RBI. The Keys also had four steals in five attempts.

Tall lefty Boston Bateman picked up the win with a solid five-inning effort, giving up three runs and striking out six. Righty Trent Turzenski, making his first appearance in High-A this year, worked a scoreless ninth for the save. The seven-inning game clocked in at under two hours (1:58).

Box score

High-A: Jersey Shore 2, Frederick 1 — Game 2, 7 inn.

The Keys had to settle for a doubleheader split, dropping the nightcap in a makeup of Thursday’s rainout. The productive offense from the opener disappeared in game 2, with Frederick managing only two hits in their seven innings of play. Aloy provided one, an RBI single in the third, and #9 hitter Alfredo Velásquez had the other. Jersey Shore starter Ramon Marquez, the Phillies’ #9 prospect, racked up nine strikeouts in five innings.

The BlueClaws, like the Keys, also had only two hits, but unfortunately they came back-to-back in the second — a single and a two-run homer — to provide the margin of victory. That spoiled an otherwise strong outing by Keys lefty Caden Hunter, who went five frames, walked three, and struck out eight. This game was even quicker than the first one, at just one hour and 50 minutes.

Orioles #2 prospect Ike Irish did not play in either game of the doubleheader, although no injury has been reported.

Box score

Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 8, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox) 0

Yet another stupendous pitching performance by an O’s affiliate on this night. You love to see it. This time it was Christian Rodriguez who delivered the goods, firing seven scoreless innings. That matched a career high for the 24-year-old righty. Rodriguez scattered five hits, walked one, and struck out four. When is the last time that three different Orioles minor leaguers pitched 7+ innings on the same day? I would venture to say it’s been a long time, if ever. Relievers Adrian Heredia and Luis Beltrán completed the combined shutout with a scoreless inning apiece, combining for five strikeouts.

The Shorebirds’ offense erupted for a 13-hit attack, including three apiece by center fielder Braylon Whitaker and catcher Adriander Mejía. Home runs by Félix Amparo, Jose Perez, and Andrés Nolaya helped lead the Delmarva rout.

Box score

Sunday’s scheduled games:

  • Norfolk: vs. Syracuse, 1:05 PM. Starter: Cade Povich (0-2, 5.31)
  • Chesapeake: at Akron, 1:05 PM. Starter: TBD
  • Frederick: vs. Jersey Shore, 2:00 PM. Starter: Patrick Reilly (Frederick season debut)
  • Delmarva: vs. Kannapolis, 5:05 PM.Starter: Dalton Neuschwander (1-6, 7.10)

64 Days, 64 tackles by Jaylen Watson last year for Chiefs to make up

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 19: Jaylen Watson #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Dont'e Thornton Jr. #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders on a first quarter pass catch during the NFL 2025 game between Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Kansas City, United States. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We are 64 days away from the Kansas City Chiefs‘ season-opening game against the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football” in Week 1.

The No. 64 jersey was going to be worn by former Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris before he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons this summer.

As a Super Bowl champion, he’s among this group, but the No. 64 was originally donned by a league champion as well:

The top No. 64s in franchise history

Curt Merz (1962 – 1968)

Merz won two AFL championships with the franchise, the first as a defensive end on the Dallas Texans, then as a right guard on the 1966 Chiefs, who lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl I.

Billy Krisher (1960 – 1961)

Rudy Niswanger (2006 – 2010)

The best name of the group: Eric Kush (2013)

64: Tackles by Jaylen Watson last season, the most of the cornerbacks

It remains to be seen how much the Chiefs’ secondary will miss Los Angeles Rams cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie, who led the team’s cornerbacks in tackles last season with 64 and 63, respectively. Those marks were the fifth and sixth-highest totals on the team.

Watson used physicality to succeed in Kansas City, whether it was effective press-man coverage or sound tackling on the perimeter against runs off the edge. In 2025, Watson missed tackles at a rate of 5.8% according to Pro Football Focus. Only linebacker Drue Tranquill (3.7%) and safety Bryan Cook (5.6%) had lower rates among the defense.

This year’s top pick has a high standard to meet, but rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane has more to focus on than pass coverage to fill the shoes of Watson on the outside. It will also be important to evaluate the tackling of the other cornerbacks on the roster during the preseason, remembering how essential that skills is to starrting at cornerback in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme.

Ware ready for a reset in move from Heat to Bucks, ‘more of a chance to flourish’

LAS VEGAS — By the time the machinations were over and the trade that sent him from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Heat was done, it was clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo had gotten what he wanted with the career reset.

Less clear, but perhaps just as needed, was Kel’el Ware going in the other direction in the deal, afforded a reset with the Bucks after a pair of uneven, rocky seasons with the Heat.

“I mean, I kind of figured it was going to happen,” Ware said at Thomas & Mack Center as he watched the Bucks play at the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. “So I was just preparing myself. I mean, it was everywhere, I mean, you kind of see, especially speaking with my agents and things like that. So you kind of get a gist of what’s going to happen.”

And then it happened, with Ware, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and significant draft capital going out in the deal that brought back Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Bucks.

For Ware, these first two NBA seasons have been a rollercoaster for more than the constant links to trade possibilities, including several times being mentioned during his first season in a possible Heat trade for Kevin Durant and then at February’s trade deadline linked to Atentokinmpo.

Also at play was a seeming lack of trust from Heat coach Erik Spoelstra when it came to role and playing time, often accompanied by tough-love criticism.

“Um, I feel like, you know, his decision was how he played me,” Ware said, without directly getting into his view on how he should have or could have been utilized.

In fact, it was a year ago, last July, when Spoelstra took the atypical approach of criticizing a returning player about summer-league play.

“There’s layers to this with Kel’el,” Spoelstra said in Las Vegas last July. “A big part of this is he has to really embrace and improve his professionalism, his consistency, his approach every single day. He has to get better with that. It’s learning how to become a pro.

“The talent is there. The professionalism and consistency has to improve and it is. Our standards are not going to change and our expectations and how fast we want that to improve for him are not going to change. But he has to get better at it, he has to take ownership of it.”

With the Heat, there was the constant urgency to win every moment, amid a desperate battle during Ware’s two seasons for playoff seeding, winding up in the play-in bracket both years, without a single playoff-game victory during his tenure.

Now with the Bucks, the pressure figures to lessen and the development perhaps to be heightened, on a team largely taking the long view with a roster loaded with young prospects, including getting No. 13 pick Nate Ament in last month’s draft from the Heat.

“Obviously where I’m at now, you know, it’s a young team,” Ware, 22, said. “I have more of a chance to flourish. So I’m excited for that.”

To a degree this could mean a renewal, after Spoelstra never seemed fully committed to playing Ware in a leading role alongside starting center Bam Adebayo, despite Adebayo voicing that as a preference.

“I mean, yeah, you know, a fresh start,” said the 7-footer selected out of Indiana by the Heat with the No. 15 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, “getting more minutes with that, being able to go out there just work on my game more, the game-situation things.”

With such a young Bucks roster, Ware also recognizes that he will be arriving as somewhat of a veteran.

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“Yeah, for sure. I feel like I developed in my second year, And even after my second year, I feel like I developed, developed going into my third year,” he said, with that third season upcoming. “I was able to, I guess, grow up more mentally in Miami.”

Now getting to further grow with the three Heat teammates arriving at his side, as well.

“That helps out a lot more,” Ware said of his first NBA trade. “Some guys, they get traded, but they’re by themselves. So, yeah. I would say it helps to have three guys with me.”

Ware offered that comment seated next to Herro and Jaquez, as the three watched Jakucionis in action for the Bucks’ summer roster.

And, so, a fresh start, but also with fond memories of where this NBA ride started.

“Like I said, it’s growing from it,” Ware said. “That’s why I say I grew more mentally in Miami, just going through that, just dealing with that.”

World Cup Games Today: Time & Channel For Sunday’s World Cup Schedule

Planning to watch the next World Cup matches? Here you can find everything you need to know and take a look at the upcoming World Cup schedule.

World Cup schedule today

Here are the World Cup matchups for Sunday, July 12.

DateGameTime (ET)TV Info
Sunday, July 12Off DayN/AN/A

Where can I watch the World Cup matches?

All 104 matches in the World Cup will air exclusively in English on FOX, FS1, and the FOX One app. For Spanish-language broadcasts, all games can be found on Telemundo and on streaming service Peacock.

How to watch World Cup for free?

If you want to watch World Cup games without a cable, satellite, or streaming subscription, you can view them on FOX with an HD digital antenna.

Where can I stream World Cup matches?

world cup
REUTERS

If you are looking to stream World Cup games in 2026, FOX One will be the home for all 104 matches. You can also find them on YouTube TV or Fubo (via FOX and FS1). Both services currently have weeklong free trials.

Upcoming 2026 World Cup schedule

Get a look at the upcoming games on the 2026 World Cup schedule.

DateGameTime (ET)TV Info
Tuesday, July 14France vs. Spain3:00 PMFOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Wednesday, July 15TBD vs. TBD3:00 PMFOX, Telemundo, FOX One

When did the 2026 World Cup start?

The 2026 edition of the World Cup began on Thursday, June 11, with games at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, Mexico.

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Opinion: Arsenal’s England stars answered the call when it mattered most

Opinion: Arsenal’s England stars answered the call when it mattered most
Opinion: Arsenal’s England stars answered the call when it mattered most

England may have needed another Jude Bellingham masterclass to overcome Norway, but Arsenal’s representatives also played an important role in helping the Three Lions reach the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.

Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze all made valuable contributions during a dramatic night in Miami, and Liam Harding believes the Gunners once again did both club and country proud.

Arsenal’s players rose to the occasion

Last night, England marginally beat Norway 2-1 after extra time to book their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, where they will face Argentina.

It certainly wasn’t Thomas Tuchel’s side at their fluent best.

After 36 minutes, Norway took a surprise lead when Andreas Schjelderup’s looping cross-shot beat Jordan Pickford and nestled into the top corner. Thankfully, Jude Bellingham responded in first-half stoppage time, driving into the box before firing an equaliser into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

With England struggling to gain control, Tuchel made a bold double substitution at half-time.

Declan Rice, who showed immense courage to complete the opening 45 minutes while battling a stomach illness, made way for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. At the same time, Chelsea’s Noni Madueke was replaced by Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as England searched for greater attacking urgency.

Rice deserves enormous credit for putting the team first. Even though he clearly wasn’t at full fitness, he still gave everything before making way at the interval.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Saka and Eze helped change the game

Both substitutes made an immediate difference.

Eze produced a disciplined display through the middle, injecting fresh energy into England’s attacking play while also working tirelessly without the ball. According to ESPN’s statistics, he made five recoveries, an impressive return for an attacking midfielder, while also creating two important opportunities.

Saka was equally influential after replacing Madueke.

The Arsenal winger immediately offered greater width and purpose down England’s right-hand side, finishing the match with an 82 per cent passing accuracy while forcing two important saves from Norway. He also came agonisingly close to creating what would have been the winning goal in normal time, delivering a superb low cross across the six-yard box that neither Harry Kane nor Eze could convert.

With penalties looming, Jude Bellingham once again proved England’s match-winner, reacting quickest after Ørjan Nyland spilled Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort to score the decisive goal and seal a 2-1 victory.

Ultimately, the scoreline didn’t fully reflect the chaos of the contest.

Underdogs Norway were unfortunate not to take England all the way, with the Three Lions often struggling in the demanding 34-degree Florida heat.

However, England found a way to win, and Arsenal’s players certainly played their part.

Rice’s determination, combined with the impact made by Saka and Eze from the bench, showed exactly why Gunners continue to play such an important role on the international stage.

Bring on Argentina.

Liam Harding

What did you make of the performances from Arsenal’s England contingent, Gooners? Let us know your player ratings and thoughts in the comments below. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENT

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Former Raiders QB Derek Carr hopes Mendoza breaks all his records

STATELINE, NEVADA - JULY 9: Derek Carr, NFL quarterback, tees off on the 15th hole prior to the American Century Championship 2026 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 9, 2026 in Stateline, Nevada. (Photo by Al Chang/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted a new quarterback in 2026 by selecting Fernando Mendoza as the number one pick. He was the highest drafted quarterback for the franchise since they took Derek Carr in 2014 in the second round.

Carr played for the Raiders for nine seasons, helping lead them to two playoff appearances during his tenure. While it didn’t lead to many playoff wins, it was still the first time the organization had stability at the position since Rich Gannon. Now with Mendoza looking to take the reins as the next franchise QB, Raider Nation is hoping for the former Heisman Trophy to leave even more lasting memories.

Carr was attending a golf charity event this weekend and was asked about his thoughts on Mendoza taking over the franchise. He hopes the young quarterback can break all his franchise records as the Raiders’ signal-caller.

Was able to ask former #Raiders QB Derek Carr how he feels about Fernando Mendoza

“I love him man, I hope he breaks all my records” pic.twitter.com/QwXynES5Ba

— Raiders Lead (@RaidersLead) July 9, 2026

Raider Nation is hoping for the same results for Mendoza, who comes in the pedigree of winning after securing the national championship in 2026.

In other Raiders links:

  • Who is on the roster bubble for training camp: The Tape Don’t Lie crew goes over who they believe is on the roster bubble heading into training camp on the latest Friday Night Live.
  • Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Hits Stage In Las Vegas: With the sack summit happening this weekend in Las Vegas Crosby hit the stage for the after party.
  • Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza, family present $500,000 gift for MS research: Mendoza’s family made a great move by presenting a gift of $500,000 for MS research.

Rapidus challenges TSMC with lower 2nm wafer pricing

Rapidus reportedly aims to undercut TSMC with its 2nm wafer prices Rapidus is aiming to challenge TSMC with its new 2nm lithography node. The new node will enter mass production in 2027, and will reportedly undercut TSMC with lower wafer prices. With this tactic, Rapidus aims to gain a foothold within the leading edge foundry […]

The post Rapidus challenges TSMC with lower 2nm wafer pricing appeared first on OC3D.

Grab a blazing-fast dual-interface M.2 SSD enclosure for just $59 on Amazon — Asus' tool-less ROG Strix Aiolos is 14% off right now, featuring transfer speeds up to 20 Gbps

We all know by now that flash storage is facing unprecedented demand due to the AI boom; while not as unattainable as memory, it's still severely overpriced compared to last year. If you have an old M.2 SSD lying around that you'd like to appreciate more during these trying times, you can use an enclosure to turn it into a super-fast external drive. As such, we've found a deal on Asus' ROG Strix Aiolos, which has dropped down to just $59 on Amazon right now.

All-time low price

With transfer speeds up to 20 Gbps, this dual-interface M.2 enclosure can take any SSD and convert it into a high-speed portable drive in seconds, thanks to its tool-free installation. It also happens to look sleek while doing so. View Deal

The ROG Strix Aiolos is a premium, high-end M.2 SSD enclosure with transfer speeds up to 20 Gbps, enabled by a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface that terminates in a USB-C port. Asus is using a Realtek RTL9220 controller, which allows it to take either a PCIe-based NVMe SSD or a SATA-based SSD and connect it to the aforementioned USB interface. It supports M.2-2242/2260/2280 sizes, but not M.2-2230.

You get a tool-less assembly with the Aiolos since it features a push-to-open mechanism for quick removals and installations. The enclosure is made from metal and has a hook on one end with a fabric loop for attaching it to backpacks and such. The body is also wrapped around in rubber to make it grippier on flat surfaces like when it's sitting on a desk. Frankly, the entire thing looks like a miniaturized ROG Astral graphics card.

Being an Asus ROG Strix product, there's an RGB strip running along the top that's controllable through software. Speaking of which, the Aiolos ships with a key for a basic version of the ROG SSD Dashboard so you can monitor your drive in real time. It can track SSD health, remaining capacity, show SMART info, and check temps. You can definitely get cheaper M.2 enclosures, but for just $59 right now, you're not getting one as fancy, or perhaps as fast, as the Aiolos.

If you're looking for more savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, gaming chair, or CPU Deals pages.

Sotheby’s video showcases working Apple-1 serial number 01-0033 — part of its upcoming History of Science & Technology sale

12 July 2026 at 17:08

Sotheby’s is preparing a blockbuster History of Science & Technology sale packed with amazing artifacts and collectors’ items. While there are many items that could justify being singled out, the famous auction house has chosen to spotlight a working sample of the Apple-1 computer serial number 01-0033 (1976) on its YouTube channel. Remember this first 50 hand-built-by-Wozniak batch has a place in history as the first commercial Apple computers ever sold.

In the video above you can see Harry Sadler, the original and current owner of the Apple-1 computer up for auction, preparing, booting and demonstrating this ancient ‘pre-built.’ Sadler underlines that his rare example was bought from the Byte Shop in 1976. While he ended up working in IT, Sadler said that it was mainly a hobbyist machine, for experimenting, tinkering with BASIC, and so on.

Interesting, Sadler took his Apple-1 back to the Byte Shop after a couple of weeks to get a minor repair done. There he met Steve Jobs and inquired about vacancies at Apple Computer. Nothing came of that because of admitted inexperience, but in 2010 Steve Jobs visited and bought the Siri Inc. startup, where Sadler was the 10th employee. So, Sadler did actually end up working for Apple.

The estimate for this machine is $300,000 - $500,000. It comes with original accessories like a cassette deck and keyboard, vintage monitor. There’s also an original Apple-1 Operation Manual, In-house copy of Apple Basic Manual, Apple-1 Cassette Interface Manual, Microchess manual, and various software on cassettes

I think this is rather high, as one of the rare wooden case models known as the ‘Moore Apple-1’ only achieved $475,000 (w/BP) for its client last year.

Other notable computers in the sale

This Sotheby’s sale has quite a few other notable computers among the tech artifacts listed. For example, there’s the Steve Jobs stage-used NeXT Computer from the ‘NeXT Introduction’ in 1988, and a similar model for European demos. Then there’s a Mark-8 minicomputer from 1974, a MITS Altair 8800 computer from 1974, as well as some complete sealed vintage Mac systems from early on in Apple’s history.

On the more scientific side of things, there’s lots of interesting artifacts associated with, owned, or used by iconic individuals like Thomas Alva Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Richard Feynman, and even Albert Einstein.

The History of Science & Technology takes place on July 15, starting at 14:00 EDT live in Sotheby’s saleroom at 945 Madison Avenue in New York.

Windows 95 didn’t detect installers, it ‘guessed’ based on the file name, says veteran dev — it simply checked for words like setup, install, inst, or localized equivalents

12 July 2026 at 16:48

Windows 95 worked out whether a setup program had run by reading the executable's name and checking it against a short list of hard-coded words, according to Microsoft engineer and semi-official Windows historian Raymond Chen, sharing the details via his Old New Thing blog. A filename containing "setup," "install," or "inst" flagged the program as an installer, which triggered the operating system's routine for repairing system files that installers had damaged. Three non-English entries appeared on the same list, which Chen identified as his own guesses at Italian, Turkish, and Hungarian.

The full match list ran to six terms: setup, install, inst, imposta, ayarla, and felrak. Chen wrote that "install" was redundant, because any name containing it already contains "inst," and speculated that the shorter entry was added later to catch installers named along the lines of "blahinst" without anyone deleting the original. A program whose own name produced no match got a second test, with Windows 95 checking whether the word "Setup" appeared anywhere in the path to the executable. A separate live check ran after any multimedia driver was installed through an INF file, added because those drivers frequently overwrote system DLLs.

This heuristic gated a recovery mechanism Chen described in March. Installers of the period overwrote system files without checking versions, disregarding Microsoft's rule that a file should only ever be replaced by a newer one. An installer carrying Windows 3.1 copies of shared DLLs, for example, would bury the newer Windows 95 versions underneath them, and every program that relied on the current files would break.

Windows 95 kept backup copies of commonly clobbered files in a hidden C:\Windows\SYSBCKUP directory. It would then let each installer finish, check its work, and restore the correct versions where the installer had downgraded them. This safety net depended entirely on correctly guessing that an installer had run, so a setup routine with an unusual name slipped past it, while an ordinary program named something like instant.exe tripped it for nothing.

The file check was often deferred until the next boot rather than run immediately, with Chen explaining that some installers, unable to replace a file already in use, would drop back to MS-DOS, run a batch file to swap the file, and restart Windows, so the cleanup pass had to wait for the reboot to catch anything the batch file had altered.

Windows 2000 debuted a new approach

Microsoft dropped this approach in Windows 2000, which introduced Windows File Protection. That system registers for file-change notifications through Winlogon restores protected files from a cache at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache, with no filename guessing and no waiting for a setup program to complete.

Then, Windows ME shipped a comparable System File Protection, and Vista onward moved to Windows Resource Protection, which guards files using access-control lists instead. The sfc /scannow command that Windows 11 users still run to repair system files descends directly from that work, having replaced a 1995 mechanism that decided when to act by scanning filenames for the word "setup."

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Windows 11's smallest upgrade shows a big commitment from Microsoft

Windows Central

Windows 11 has a new search box on the way, or at least a slightly larger one. The search box within the Windows 11 Start menu will be four pixels taller if a change that's currently in preview ships to everyone.

That's four more entire pixels of height dedicated to searching for files or using the improved search capabilities of Windows 11. The change, which was accidentally included in release notes for a preview build, was the butt of jokes. But I think it also shows something bigger (pun intended).

Windows 11 has had design inconsistencies for years. Context menus are a mess and the operating system has a mix of features that originated in different decades. The Windows K2 initiative aims to reduce the pain points of Windows 11. As part of the push, Microsoft will also iron out inconsistencies.

Biggest News of the Week

Semantic Search coming to Windows 11.
Windows 11 reset to factory settings
A closeup of the Lenovo Legion Go 2's SSD with a metal plate extending over it from the fan.
Xbox One Backward Compatibility
Windows 11 desktop with the Taskbar at the top showing smaller Start menu and the Settings app opened.
Windows 11 desktop and the BleachBit tool opened.

With the development of Windows 11, if design consistency is thought about at all, it's an afterthought. The OS is several operating systems in a trenchcoat, resulting in a mismatched design.

But even within individual apps or settings, Windows 11's design lacks polish. The infamous one pixel border around apps infuriates some people and has been a hot-button topic for years.

If you look hard enough, you'll find tiny issues throughout the design of Windows 11. Windows not aligning or inconsistent menus do not break the operating system, but they do make it look unpolished. If Microsoft wants to convince people it cares about Windows 11, the OS needs to look like a finished product.

The context menus in Recall / Click To Do having even more rounded corners in the latest Windows 11 preview build can only mean one of either two things: Windows is about to get ROUNDER or Windows is back to not caring about UI consistency pic.twitter.com/uAs7KevA16February 18, 2025

Small changes like resizing the search box in the taskbar, which appears to have been done to align with Copilot Search, add up. Attention to detail matters.

While the Windows K2 initiative may be felt most through its impact on RAM usage or other elements that affect performance, it can also give Windows 11 a refreshed look that improves the overall computing experience.

Shopping with Sean

A growing number of Windows 11 laptops are on sale. If you need a budget-friendly convertible, a premium-quality clamshell laptop under $1,000, or a brand-new laptop with a Snapdragon X2 and a beautiful OLED display, there are sales worth a look.


"Lenovo's 16-inch Yoga 7i 2-in-1 has strong positives for travelers who refuse to compromise on screen size and would benefit from a transforming screen." ~ Ben Wilson, Senior Editor

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐½View Deal

As portable as it gets, this iconic 13-inch XPS laptop features Qualcomm's high-end, first-generation Snapdragon X processor for all-day battery life and a gorgeous (non-touch) OLED screen.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐View Deal

HP's new OmniBook Ultra is the best Snapdragon X2 laptop we've tested yet, complete with a gorgeous design, incredible keyboard and trackpad, best-in-class touchscreen OLED display, and incredible battery life and performance.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐View Deal

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The Nvidia Shield TV is one of my favorite streaming gadgets ever — but the base model is no longer on sale, and may not come back

  • The Nvidia Shield TV (2019) is out of stock pretty much everywhere
  • Nvidia says it's down to consumer demand for the streaming device
  • It's not yet clear if we'll ever get more stock or a replacement gadget

While there hasn't been any new Nvidia Shield TV hardware for seven years now, the streaming devices continue to be popular — but it looks as though it could finally be the end of the road for the cheapest base model in the series.

As spotted by Android Authority, this $149 / £129 model is now out of stock via Nvidia's official channels, and Nvidia has stopped short of promising that those stock levels will be replenished anytime soon.

In a statement to Android Authority, Nvidia said the Shield TV was out of stock "due to demand", and that there was nothing to say "regarding future availability at this time" — so make of that what you will.

Nvidia also took the opportunity to highlight that all Shield TV models continue to get software updates and continue to be supported by Nvidia, even though it's now more than a decade since the first of these gadgets went on sale.

More to come?

Nvidia Shield TV (2019) pictured on a wooden surface

The latest Nvidia Shield TV launched in 2019 (Image credit: Future)

Both the base model Shield TV and the more premium Shield TV Pro were given a refresh in 2019, and Nvidia says the Pro version is still on sale. Whether or not Nvidia is planning to let the stock run down on that model too remains to be seen.

I've had several Shield TVs down the years, and have always been impressed with the hardware and the software on offer. They support a wide variety of apps and games, come with local storage, and can be customized in a variety of ways too.

Even something like the recently launched Google TV Streamer only just about catches up to everything that's possible with the Shield TV boxes — and that's saying something considering Nvidia's devices made their debut in 2015.

Nvidia execs are on the record as saying they're open to the idea of new Shield TV hardware in the future, so hopefully this clearing out of stock will be followed by a brand new model in the not too distant future.

What the next generation of FSR, XeSS, and DLSS means for the future of PC gaming

The PC gaming landscape has changed dramatically in the last handful of years. We've seen the slow and steady move away from native (purely rasterized) performance and onto the crutch of AI-powered upscaling technology. Whether Nvidia DLSS, Intel XeSS, or FSR 4, Multi-Frame Generation, or "fake frames", have become a core part of the experience.

It doesn't really matter how powerful the best graphics cards are anymore, as AI-powered upscaling has shifted the playable performance expectations across the board. We see this as standard in the system requirements for today's demanding PC games; it's a huge asterisk that developers use to claim otherwise unheard of FPS in intensive software.

Are the likes of Nvidia DLSS, Intel XeSS, and AMD FSR just a failsafe to make up for poor software optimization? That's part of the story, sure, but it's far more nuanced than that. As computing components become more expensive, and AI muscles its way into the territory in a more aggressive manner, the two, which used to go hand in hand, have now become inherently parasitic in a wanton race to the bottom if things are not course-corrected. Here's what AI-powered upscaling means for the future of PC gaming.

Nvidia DLSS 5 is the first symptom of a wider issue

I've been a champion of DLSS for many years, primarily for how it can boost weaker graphics cards to give users playable framerates. It's an ever-evolving AI-powered tech that's continuing to improve and deepen. Some of its best features include Ray Reconstruction, which makes Path Tracing more viable, Frame Generation/MFG, and DLAA for smoother anti-aliasing. When used as an assist to your hardware, it can be the difference between smooth and stuttering, but DLSS 5 is where things simply went too far.

Instead of being a supporting tool, as with DLSS 4.5's Dynamic MFG, the only thing people can take away from DLSS 5 is how AI is actively impacting image quality, and not for good reasons. Described as a "breakthrough in visual fidelity for games", and said to bridge the "cinematic gap", this upcoming AI model uses an algorithm to re-color and overlay motion vectors.

DLSS 5's showcase of results is troubling to say the least. At best, it slightly improves the lighting in EA FC, and at worst, it completely overwrites the distinct visual art style of PC games like Starfield, Resident Evil Requiem, and Hogwarts Legacy. Sure, the lighting is a little better, but it comes at the cost of a flat and artificial-looking brightness of the entire scene, making everything (ironically) look far more lifeless and void of personality.

Nvidia tends to be the frontrunner that AMD and Intel later catch up to. With the DLSS 5 release date still unconfirmed, but claimed to be coming in the autumn of 2026, we (likely) won't see the full ramifications of this on the wider gaming industry until next year, but when this glorified AI-filter drops, it's likely to become an ingrained option in many flagship titles. There's a reason why Team Green started by showing off some of the largest games from the most well-known publishers and developers in the business; if you enforce it at the top, the rest will follow for fear of being left behind.

The frightening reality of how expensive new graphics cards could be

An RTX 5090 sitting on top of its retail packaging against a green background

Nvidia's next generation of graphics cards will have AI at the forefront, and they will not come cheap (Image credit: Future)

It's no exaggeration to say that 2026 is one of the worst times on record to build a custom gaming PC. DDR4 and DDR5 RAM prices have skyrocketed due to the global supply of memory modules being drained en masse to build data centers, and the less said about what's happened to flash memory found in the best SSDs, the better. While these individual components doubling in price overnight is already troubling, there are even worse consequences for graphics cards, made all the more infuriating by the fact that it's a self-destructive cycle with (seemingly) no end in sight.

Graphics cards rely on VRAM to have enough bandwidth to perform properly. For Nvidia's current-generation RTX 50 series, that's the superfast, denser GDDR7, whereas AMD and Intel are still using the slower, older GDDR6 standard. As memory modules are becoming scarcer, it massively drives up the price for core components, such as the Samsung, Micron, and SK hynix memory modules needed to build the video cards in the first place.

Put simply, graphics cards will become more expensive because manufacturers are too busy building data centers with the components, meaning the end consumer ends up paying considerably more. We've already seen countless examples of this, such as the Steam Machine's overpriced nature, the Steam Deck's price increase, and even how it's made the PS5 and Xbox Series X more expensive six years in than at launch.

We've seen prices of graphics cards increase massively since the semiconductor shortage, which plagued the RTX 30 series launch. You paid more, you got less, and now the manufacturers know they can overcharge you. In a computing landscape where components can shoot up anywhere from 20 to 50% overnight, it puts the reinforced focus on DLSS, XeSS, and FSR as a necessity rather than an optional helping hand.

The future of AI-powered upscaling is a necessity

The Steam Machine, a black cube, on a beige background

The Steam Machine relies on AMD FSR to hit Machine Verified status (1080p at 30 FPS) (Image credit: Valve)

While we're heading towards more expensive graphics cards that rely on AI upscaling tech just to keep up, we can also look at what the future of DLSS, XeSS, and FSR will need to do to keep up. We've already established that DLSS 5 made a contentious call with its AI art filter, but what about real-world, practical uses in 2027 and beyond?

Intel XeSS 3 launched with Multi-Frame Generation, which was rolled out to both its Alchemist and Battlemage graphics cards, even bringing true MFG to handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and Acer Predator Atlas 8. To look positively at AI-upscaling tech in this regard, its major benefit will be to make handheld gaming PCs, such as a Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go S successor, more competitive.

The most recent update to AMD's AI-powered upscaling tech, FSR 4 Redstone, still trails behind DLSS 4.5, which means Team Red will need to strike back with FSR 5 to have a chance at dethroning Nvidia while it is down. AMD's image quality is far better than it used to be, even though its frame pacing leaves a lot to be desired. Based on the track record, from what I've seen from Intel and AMD, XeSS and FSR look to continue to iterate on the core fundamental technologies, whereas Nvidia is looking to do its own thing in counter to what was expected.

The future of AI upscaling tech becomes two-fold. Ideally, enabling any of these settings should be as normal and natural as turning on TAA (temporal anti-aliasing) and forgetting about it. It's easy to forget that there was a time when such a setting was contentious, and now it's almost universally used across the board. It's a similar story to when Nvidia's PhysX SDK was pushed so heavily, as it's now a default setting that's enabled within game engines as standard.

So, AI-powered upscaling is best when it's not noticeable. If you're playing a game and you're noticing smooth performance and a high average FPS, then it's doing its job properly. Problems only really arise when that tech tries to overtake the core experience rather than in support of it, and chiefly as a symptom of a wider problem that we're still experiencing. AI-trained algorithms need data servers; we're making more of those, which means taking away the resources to build graphics cards, meaning you'll pay more for them when the Nvidia RTX 60 series, Intel Celestial, and AMD RDNA 5 eventually roll out.

Will native performance ever be relevant again?

I mentioned above about the asterisk of estimated performance when a game's benchmarks and recommended system requirements go live. Oftentimes, these developer/publisher-approved tables promise 30-60 FPS as standard, and try to discreetly hide that DLSS, FSR, and XeSS are needed to hit that cap. It's something that Valve is just as guilty of with its somewhat questionable claims of 4K60, which was walked back when using FSR.

When the biggest and most well-known entity in PC gaming makes a move like this, the gaming world takes notice, particularly with who Valve was targeting in the first place. If FSR is essential for playable framerates, then it becomes non-negotiable; a forced standard, an excuse for developers to rush out unoptimized games, which have plagued countless PC ports over the last five years.

We find ourselves at a crossroads then. AI-powered upscaling does just as much harm as it does good; it is simultaneously the answer to (and cause of) a fair amount of the problems we're currently experiencing as PC gamers, as the benefits and cons constantly battle out for pole position. It looks as though AMD and Intel are on the right track, even if Nvidia is pacing its own trail, one that (hopefully) isn't followed by its competition. If we're already expected to pay four figures for a "mid-range" GPU, let us hope that it can perform decently enough.

Heartstopper Forever release date and time on Netflix — how to stream Nick and Charlie's final farewell in the US, UK and Australia

I almost can't write too much of an intro because I'll cry, but Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie's (Joe Locke) beautiful love story is about to come to a close in Heartstopper Forever.

Since 2022, Heartstopper has captivated the hearts of Netflix subscribers, faithfully adapting the graphic novel series by Alice Oseman of the same name. In fact, if this is all too much for you, you can literally relive the ending again — Oseman has just published its sixth installment.

Frankly, I think Heartstopper will really live up to its "forever" subtitle. But when does Heartstopper Forever arrive on Netflix?

What time can I watch Heartstopper Forever on Netflix?

Heartstopper Forever drops on Netflix on July 17, 2026.

As for exact time, it should be the standard 12am PT release that we saw across seasons 1-3.

For global regions, here's when you need to be prepared:

  • US – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • Canada – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • UK – 8am BST
  • India – 12:30pm IST
  • Singapore – 3pm SGT
  • Australia – 6pm AEST
  • New Zealand – 8pm NZDT

When do new episodes of Heartstopper Forever come out?

Nick and Charlie lie on a bed

(Image credit: Netflix)

Heartstopper Forever isn't actually season 4... it's a feature-length film.

According to the streamer, it's clocking in with a runtime of 114 minutes, so that basically the equivalent of 4.5 episodes.

Sadly, this will be it for the show's run on Netflix.

Benfica ile Stassin savaşı: Beşiktaş izlemeye devam ediyor

Galatasaray ve Beşiktaş'ın radarına giren Saint-Étienne'in 21 yaşındaki Belçikalı golcüsü Lucas Stassin için Portekiz ekibi Braga da devreye girdi; 15 milyon Euro değerindeki genç santrafor için Avrupa'da transfer savaşı başladı.

Süper Lig’de şampiyonluk ve kadro yapılanması adına transfer çalışmaları tüm hızıyla sürerken, devlerin radarına Fransa’dan genç bir golcü takıldı. Yabancı santrafor takviyesi için düğmeye basan Galatasaray, Saint-Étienne forması giyen Lucas Stassin’i transfer gündemine ekledi.

Uzun süredir Beşiktaş’ın da izleme komitesi listesinde yer alan 21 yaşındaki Belçikalı golcü için Avrupa’da da büyük bir transfer yarışı başladı.

Galatasaray ve Beşiktaş’ın takibindeki genç yıldız için Avrupa'dan ilk ciddi hamle Portekiz'den geldi. Portekiz’in yüksek tirajlı spor gazetelerinden O Jogo’nun paylaştığı bilgilere göre; Braga, Belçikalı golcüyü kadrosuna katmak için resmen devreye girdi.

Braga Teknik Direktörü Carlos Vicens’in, Stassin’i kendi oyun planına oldukça uygun bulduğu ve bu transferde ısrarcı olduğu belirtildi.

Fransa Ligue 1 ekibi Saint-Étienne ile 2028 yılına kadar sözleşmesi bulunan Lucas Stassin, son dönemdeki performansıyla transfer piyasasının en gözde isimlerinden biri haline geldi. Güncel piyasa değeri 15 milyon Euro civarında gösterilen genç santrafor için önümüzdeki günlerde kulüpler arasındaki pazarlıkların ve transfer rekabetinin çok daha kızışması bekleniyor.

Oulai için çıldırıyorlar: Bu hafta Trabzon'a geliyorlar

İtalyan devi Fiorentina, Trabzonspor'un genç yeteneği Christ Oulai transferini bitirmek için düğmeye bastı; Çizme temsilcisinin yetkilileri resmi görüşmeleri gerçekleştirmek üzere önümüzdeki hafta Türkiye'ye geliyor.

Trabzonspor'un genç yeteneği Christ Oulai için İtalyan devi resmen harekete geçti. Serie A ekibi Fiorentina, Fırtına'nın yükselen değerini kadrosuna katmakta oldukça kararlı.

Trabzonspor

İtalyan basınından Tuttomercato'nun paylaştığı özel bilgilere göre; Fiorentina kulüp yetkilileri, bu transferi noktalamak üzere önümüzdeki hafta Türkiye'ye geliyor.

Çizme temsilcisinin, Trabzonspor yönetimiyle masaya oturarak resmi teklifini sunması ve transfer şartlarını detaylandırması bekleniyor. Genç yıldız adayının geleceğinin bu kritik görüşmenin ardından netlik kazanacağı konuşuluyor.

Midtjylland, Beşiktaş'ı korkuttu: İngiliz ekibini 6-0 yendiler

Beşiktaş'ın Avrupa'daki rakiplerinden Midtjylland, hazırlık maçında karşılaştığı İngiliz ekibi Cardiff City'yi %69 topa sahip olma oranı ve 17 şutla domine ederek 6-0 mağlup etti; siyah-beyazlılara Beşiktaş maçı öncesi çok net bir gözdağı verdi.

Beşiktaş’ın UEFA Avrupa Ligi'ndeki rakibi Midtjylland, hazırlık maçında İngiliz ekibi Cardiff City’yi gol yağmuruna tutarak 6-0 gibi ezici bir skorla mağlup etti. Siyah-beyazlılara adeta gözdağı veren Danimarka temsilcisi, baştan sona üstün oynadığı karşılaşmada gövde gösterisi yaptı.

Gol Yağmuru İkinci Yarıda Başladı: Midtjylland'a farklı galibiyeti getiren golleri 18'de Valdemar Andreasen, 36'da Franculino, 39'da Victor Bak Jensen, 49' ve 50'de Friday Etim, 56'da Júnior Brumado kaydetti.

Maç boyunca topa %69 oranında sahip olan Midtjylland, Cardiff kalesine tam 17 şut gönderdi ve bunların 9'unda isabet buldu. Gol beklentisi (xG) oranında 2.18'e ulaşan Danimarka ekibi, bitiricilikteki kusursuz performansıyla dikkat çekti.

Sahada adım atacak yer bırakmayan, agresif (25 faul) ve dominant bir oyun sergileyen Midtjylland, Beşiktaş maçı öncesi ne kadar formda ve tehlikeli olduğunu net bir şekilde kanıtladı.

Gençlerbirliği'nden Premier Lige: Sezonun transfer bombası

Gençlerbirliği'nin 18 yaşındaki Gineli orta saha oyuncusu Ousmane Diabaté, sergilediği etkileyici performansla Premier Lig kulüplerinin radarına girdi; Tottenham ve Brentford'ın yakından takip ettiği genç yetenek için Brentford, bonuslarla birlikte 3 milyon sterlinlik bir teklifle transfer yarışında öne geçti.

Türkiye'ye geleli henüz birkaç ay olan 18 yaşındaki Gineli yetenek Ousmane Diabaté, sergilediği göz kamaştırıcı performansla dünya devlerini peşine taktı.

Gençlerbirliği altyapısında hızla basamakları tırmanıp A takıma yükselen genç orta saha oyuncusu, Premier Lig ekiplerinin radarına girdi.

Londra temsilcisi Tottenham ve ligin dişli ekiplerinden Brentford, Gineli orta saha oyuncusunu yakından takip ediyor. Daily Mail'in haberine göre, transfer yarışında şu an en ciddi adımı Brentford attı.

Brentford, bu genç yeteneği kadrosuna katabilmek için ek bonuslarla birlikte yaklaşık 3 milyon sterlin ödemeye hazır. Kısa sürede scoutların dikkatini çeken Diabaté'nin, yakın zamanda Premier Lig'e imza atarak kariyerinde dev bir sıçrama yapması bekleniyor.

Beşiktaş'tan Rum kesimine

Beşiktaş, kadrosunda sınırlı rol bulan Kamerunlu orta saha oyuncusu Jean Onana'nın transferi için Kıbrıs Rum Kesimi ekiplerinden Aris Limassol ile görüşmelere başladı. Siyah-beyazlı yönetimin transfere onay verdiği ve görüşmelerin kalıcı transfer üzerinden ilerlediği öğrenildi.

Beşiktaş’ta geleceği merak konusu olan Jean Onana için sıcak bir transfer gelişmesi yaşanıyor. Bir dizi kiralık dönemin ardından bu yaz siyah-beyazlı ekibe geri dönen 26 yaşındaki defansif orta saha oyuncusu, yeni sezon öncesi orta sahasını güçlendirmek isteyen Kıbrıs Ligi ekiplerinden Aris Limassol’un radarına girdi.

Besıktas

Beşiktaş yönetimi, geçen sezon Süper Lig’de beklentilerin altında kalan ve teknik heyetin planları arasında yer almayan Kamerunlu oyuncu için gelecek teklifleri değerlendirme kararı aldı. Siyah-beyazlıların görüşmelere açık olduğu ve oyuncu için yaklaşık 1 milyon euro bonservis bedeli belirlediği ifade edildi. Bu rakamın, Limassol ekibi için kalıcı bir transferi mümkün kılabileceği belirtiliyor. Pazarlıklarda, oyuncunun Beşiktaş ile 30 Haziran 2027’ye kadar devam eden sözleşmesindeki kalan yıllık ücret dengeleri de dikkate alınıyor.

Temmuz 2023’te Fransa’nın Lens kulübünden 4.04 milyon euro gibi ciddi bir bonservis bedeliyle transfer edilen Yaounde doğumlu oyuncu, İstanbul’da beklentileri karşılayamadı. Beşiktaş’ta forma giydiği süreçte Marsilya ve iki farklı dönemde Genoa’ya kiralanan Onana, istikrarlı bir grafik çizemedi.

Oulai'ye büyük onur: Yılın en iyisi seçildi

Fildişi Sahili Futbol Galası'nda yılın oyuncusuna verilen "Yaya Touré Ödülü"nün sahibi, Trabzonspor'un 20 yaşındaki orta sahası Christ Inao Oulaï oldu; genç yıldız, bordo-mavili formayla ve milli takımla sergilediği performansla ülkesinde zirveye oturdu.

Fildişi Sahili Futbol Galası’nın 5. edisyonunda, yılın en iyi Fildişi Sahilli oyuncusuna verilen prestijli "Yaya Touré Ödülü" sahibini buldu. Betclic Côte d'Ivoire tarafından organize edilen gecede ödül, Trabzonspor forması giyen Christ Inao Oulaï’ye takdim edildi.

Eski JAC Angré ve SC Bastia oyuncusu olan 20 yaşındaki orta saha, bu sezon sergilediği performansla Fildişi Sahili'nin en büyük isimlerini geride bırakmayı başardı.

Sezon boyunca bordo-mavili formayla 28 maça çıkan genç yetenek, takımına 2 gol ve 4 asistlik katkı sağladı.

Trabzonspor

Fas’ta düzenlenen Afrika Uluslar Kupası’ndaki göz dolduran performansı ve 2026 Dünya Kupası kadrosunda yer alması, onu milli takım orta sahasının vazgeçilmez lideri yaptı.

Genç yaşına rağmen oyunu yönlendirme ve takımını maestro gibi yönetme yeteneğiyle övgü toplayan Oulaï, Fildişi Sahili yeni jenerasyonunun en parlak ismi olduğunu bu ödülle kanıtladı.

AMD Radeon Drivers Silently Add Multi Frame Generation “MFG 8x”, Ray Regeneration, and Neural Radiance Overrides, Hinting At A Bigger FSR Push

12 July 2026 at 16:55

An AMD Radeon graphics card is displayed next to text that reads 'AMD FSR MFG Up To 8x' against a red and black geometric background.

AMD's latest Radeon drivers silently added Multi-Frame Generation (MFG 8x) modes along with other FSR overrides, as exposed in RadeonTuner. AMD Seems To Be Cooking FSR MFG 8x (Multi-Frame Generation) Tech, Surpassing NVIDIA's MFG 6x Mode AMD has been teasing FSR Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) support for its Radeon GPU in the latest drivers for a while. The last FSR Redstone update saw preliminary support added to the ADLX FidelityFX SDK. Although MFG is not available across any Radeon GPU yet, the listed feature will allow users to select a desired frame generation ratio for "optimal performance & visual quality". This was […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amd-radeon-drivers-hid-multi-frame-generation-mfg-8x-ray-regeneration-neural-radiance-overrides-hinting-at-a-bigger-fsr-push/

How come iPhones are getting more aggressive battery upgrades than Galaxy flagships?

12 July 2026 at 16:12

This year, Apple is planning to give the iPhone its biggest battery upgrade. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy flagships are still using the old battery packs.

A recent filing of the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s battery revealed a battery capacity of 5500mAh. This will be the biggest battery ever featured in an iPhone. Over the past two years, Apple has paid special attention to this segment, and the iPhone 17 Pro has become a stepping stone to its new ambitions.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have adopted a new aluminum unibody design that helped Apple engineers make space to distribute important components inside the wide camera bump, while making more space for an extended battery. As a result, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max come with a bigger battery.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max brought a 3582mAh and 4685mAh battery, respectively. The 17 Pro and Pro Max have 4252mAh and 5088mAh batteries, respectively. These statistics stand for the eSIM version, but the physical SIM version also had substantial upgrades.

However, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will take these numbers to the next level, especially the Pro Max. As revealed by tipster Ice Universe, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will come with over a 5500mAh battery, which is a huge gain from its predecessor.

What’s interesting is that Apple has more control over its software and hardware, compared to Samsung. This may help it gain major feats with the 2nm A20 Pro chipset. The tipster also predicts that this iPhone could fight against a 7000mAh battery phone.

Samsung

Meanwhile, Samsung has been using the 5000mAh battery for the past six generations of the S-series Ultra flagship. Throughout this time, it relied on the chipset’s power efficiency to increase its battery performance.

However, we’re in a time where Chinese phone makers are promoting large batteries as a feature. Even Apple is going after this important component, which leaves Samsung lagging in the race.

What you should know is that Apple is using the Lithium-ion battery to increase its capacity. In the process, it’s ready to sacrifice some thinness for the upcoming iPhone. Meanwhile, Samsung may have been waiting for a miracle to strike past its battery problem, but we still have months to see which path it takes for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

The post How come iPhones are getting more aggressive battery upgrades than Galaxy flagships? appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Legion 7a: Lenovo finally releases 16-inch gaming laptop with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 and 12 GB VRAM

Lenovo has updated one of its recent 16-inch gaming laptops. Arriving only a few months after its initial release, the new Legion 7a can now be configured with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, which was missing at launch. Lenovo has opted for Nvidia's newer variant, which brings 12 GB VRAM to the table too.

Paolo Maldini İtaliya millisində texniki direktor təyin olundu

12 July 2026 at 17:00

Futbol üzrə İtaliya milli komandasına yeni texniki direktoru vəzifəsinə bu ölkənin əfsanəvi oyunçularından sayılan Paolo Maldini gətirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə İtaliya Futbol Federasiyasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

İtaliya Futbol Federasiyasının (FIGC) prezidenti Covanni Malaqo əfsanəvi futbolçu Paolo Maldininin federasiyanın texniki direktoru təyin olunduğunu rəsmən açıqlayıb. Maldini bu vəzifədə Leonardo ilə birlikdə çalışacaq. “Milan”ın sabiq futbolçusu və funksioneri olan Leonardo texniki direktorun müşaviri (advisor) funksiyasını yerinə yetirəcək.

Bununla yanaşı, Covanni Malaqo Paolo Maldiniyə “Club Italia” strukturunun prezidentliyini də həvalə edib. Bu qurum İtaliyanın bütün milli komandalarının fəaliyyətinin əlaqələndirilməsinə cavabdehdir.

Malaqo yeni təyinatla bağlı fikirlərini belə ifadə edib:

“Paolo Maldini hər zaman əsas namizədim olub. Düşünürdüm ki, FIGC-nin texniki sektoruna rəhbərlik etmək üçün ən doğru şəxs odur. Bu vəzifə yalnız əsas millini deyil, bütün aşağı yaş qruplarından ibarət yığmaları da əhatə edir.

Son iki həftə ərzində bütün layihələri detallı şəkildə müzakirə etdik. Paolo ilk gündən Leonardo ilə birlikdə işləmək istədiyini bildirdi. Çünki qarşıda böyük, çətin və məsuliyyətli işlər var. Buna görə çox məmnunam. Leonardoya böyük hörmətim var.

Onlar eyni məqsədə xidmət edən iki mühüm simadır. Qarşıda dördillik layihə dayanır. Məqsədimiz 2030-cu il dünya çempionatına qədər olan dövrdə, aralıqda keçiriləcək Avropa çempionatını da nəzərə alaraq, İtaliya futbolunu daha da inkişaf etdirməkdir”.

Seneqal millisinin baş məşqçisi istefaya göndərildi

12 July 2026 at 16:00

Seneqal Futbol Federasiyası (FSF) milli komandanın baş məşqçisi Pape Tiav ilə yolların ayrılması proseduruna başlanıldığını rəsmən açıqlayıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, qərar Seneqal yığmasının DÇ-2026-nın 1/16 final mərhələsində Belçikaya məğlub olaraq turnirlə vidalaşmasından sonra qəbul edilib.

Federasiyanın bəyanatında deyilir:

“İyulun 11-də milli komandanın baş məşqçisi Pap Tiav və onun bütün məşqçilər korpusu ilə əməkdaşlığa xitam verilməsi proseduruna başlanılması barədə qərar qəbul olunub. Komandanın idman nəticələri və gələcək perspektivləri hərtərəfli qiymətləndirildikdən sonra İcraiyyə Komitəsi Seneqal futbolunun maraqları naminə bu addımın atılmasını zəruri hesab edib”.

45 yaşlı mütəxəssis 2024-cü ildən milliyə rəhbərlik edirdi. Onun rəhbərliyi altında komanda 2026-cı ildə Afrika Millətlər Kubokunun qalibi olsa da, daha sonra final görüşündə Mərakeşlə oyundan sonra baş məşqçi və futbolçuların davranışına görə Afrika Futbol Konfederasiyası (CAF) Seneqal yığmasına texniki məğlubiyyət vermişdi.

Pap Tiav futbolçu karyerası ərzində də millinin formasını geyinib və 2002-ci ildə Afrika Millətlər Kubokunun gümüş medalını qazanıb.

Lionel Messi DÇ-də daha 2 rekorda imza atdı, 2 seriyası qırıldı

12 July 2026 at 13:00

Argentina millisinin kapitanı Lionel Messi DÇ-2026-nın 1/4 finalında İsveçrə ilə keçirilən oyunda dünya çempionatları tarixinə daha iki rekord yazdırıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 39 yaşlı hücumçu start heyətində meydana çıxmaqla dünya çempionatlarının pley-off mərhələlərində keçirdiyi oyunların sayını 15-ə çatdırıb və bu göstəricidə Almaniya millisinin sabiq hücumçusu Miroslav Klozenu geridə qoyaraq mütləq rekordçu olub. Messi daha əvvəl Kloze ilə birlikdə 14 oyunla ilk pilləni bölüşürdü.

Bununla yanaşı, argentinalı ulduz qarşılaşmada Aleksis Makallisterin vurduğu ilk qolda məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub. Bununla da o, dünya çempionatları tarixində məhsuldar ötürmələrinin sayını 10-a çatdırmış ilk futbolçu kimi tarixə düşüb.

Qeyd edək ki, Lionel Messi əvvəlki – Misirlə 1/8 final matçında (3:2) dünya çempionatları tarixinin məhsuldar ötürmələr üzrə rekordunu yeniləmiş, bu göstəricidə həmyerlisi Dieqo Maradonanı geridə qoymuşdu.

Lakin İsveçrə ilə görüşdə qol vura bilməyən Messi iki rekord seriyasının da başa çatmasına səbəb olub. O, DÇ-2022-nin 1/8 finalından bəri davam edən ardıcıl doqquz oyunluq qol seriyasını başa vurub. Bu müddətdə argentinalı hücumçu 13 dəfə fərqlənmişdi.

Bundan başqa, onun dünya çempionatlarının pley-off mərhələsində ardıcıl altı oyunda qol vurmaq seriyası da qırılıb. Messi DÇ-2022-də pley-offun dörd görüşündə, DÇ-2026-da isə ilk iki pley-off matçında rəqib qapısına yol tapmışdı.

Hazırda ABŞ klubu “İnter Mayami”nin formasını geyinən Lionel Messi karyerası ərzində “Barselona” və PSJ-də çıxış edib. O, Argentina millisinin heyətində 2022-ci ildə dünya çempionu olub, 2014-cü ildə gümüş medal qazanıb, həmçinin iki dəfə Amerika Kubokunun (2021, 2024) qalibi olub. Messi həmçinin 8 dəfə “Qızıl top” mükafatına layiq görülməklə də rekordçudur.

DÇ-2026: Yarımfinal cütləri bəlli oldu

12 July 2026 at 12:00

ABŞ, Kanada və Meksikanın birgə ev sahibliyi etdiyi futbol üzrə dünya çempionatının (DÇ-2026) yarımfinal mərhələsinin cütləri müəyyənləşib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu raundda üz-üzə gələcək bütün komandaların adlarına 1/4 finalın son oyunundan sonra aydınlıq gəlib.

Argentina millisi İsveçrə üzərindəki inamlı qələbə sayəsində sonuncu yarımfinalçı olub.

Xatırladaq ki, daha öncə Fransa, İspaniya və İngiltərə milli komandaları da yarımfinala yüksəlmişdilər.

Beləliklə, mundialın yarımfinal mərhələsində aşağıdakı qarşılaşmalar baş tutacaq:

14 iyul
23:00. Fransa – İspaniya
Arlinqton şəhər stadionu. Texas, ABŞ.

15 iyul
23:00. İngiltərə – Argentina
Kanzas Siti şəhər stadionu. Missuri, ABŞ

Qeyd edək ki, DÇ-2026-ya iyulun 19-da keçiriləcək final qarşılaşması ilə yekun vurulacaq. Bundan öncə isə 3-cü yer uğrunda qarşılaşma baş tutacaq.

Skaloni: “Bu gün şans da bizim tərəfdə idi”

12 July 2026 at 11:00

Futbol üzrə Argentina millisinin baş məşqçisi Lionel Skaloni DÇ-2026-nın 1/4 finalında İsveçrə üzərində qazandıqları 3:1 hesablı qələbəni şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis rəqibin komandası üçün ciddi problemlər yaratdığını bildirib:

“Bu gün həqiqətən çox əziyyət çəkdik. Bilirdik ki, rəqib fiziki cəhətdən çox güclü komandadır. Düşünürəm ki, onlar bizə ciddi çətinliklər yaratdılar. Bəzi məqamlarda vəziyyətdən çıxış yolu tapa bilmirdik.

Açığını desəm, bu gün şans da bizim tərəfdə idi. Rəqibin futbolçularından biri qırmızı vərəqə aldı və bundan sonra hücumlarımızı daha da artırdıq. Reallığı qəbul etməliyik – hələ üzərində işləməli olduğumuz məqamlar var. Amma istənilən halda, qələbə qazanmaq hər zaman xoşdur”, deyə Skaloni vurğulayıb.

İsveçrə millisinin baş məşqçisi Murat Yakın isə uduzduqları oyundan sonra hakim qərarlarını sərt tənqid edib. O, xüsusilə Bril Emboloya göstərilmiş ikinci sarı vərəqənin haqsız olduğunu bildirib:

“Brel Embolonun ikinci sarı vərəqə alması üçün heç bir əsas görmədim. Bu, tamamilə adi oyun epizodu idi. Hakimin səhvi bizi cəzalandırdı və qəbuledilməz qərar ucbatından bu şəkildə mübarizəni dayandırmalı olduq.

Hakim və VAR-ın həmin qərarı necə qəbul etdiyini başa düşmürəm. Məhz bu qərar oyunun taleyini həll etdi. Bir daha təkrar edirəm, həmin epizodda sarı vərəqə göstərilməsi üçün heç bir səbəb yox idi. Belə vəziyyətdə hakim sadəcə oyunu davam etdirməli idi”.

Xatırladaq ki, Argentina millisi İsveçrəni 3:1 hesabı ilə məğlub edərək DÇ-2026-nın yarımfinalında İngiltərə yığmasına rəqib olub.

DÇ-2026: Argentina sonuncu yarımfinalçı oldu

12 July 2026 at 08:00

Amerika Birləşmiş Ştatları (ABŞ), Kanada və Meksikada təşkil edilmiş futbol üzrə sayca 23-cü dünya çempionatı (DÇ-2026) davam edir.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu gün 1/4 final mərhələsinin oyunlarına yekun vurulub.

Sonuncu yarımfinalçının adına Argentina – İsveçrə oyununda aydınlıq gəlib. Kanzas Siti şəhərində (Missuri, ABŞ) təşkil edilmiş bu matç Cənubi Amerika təmsilçisinin əzmkar qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.

Maçtın əsas vaxtı 1:1 hesablı heç-heçə ilə yekunlaşıb. Qalib hər biri 15 dəqiqədən ibarət əlavə hissələrdə müəyyənləşib.

Qalib komandanın heyətində Aleksis Makallister, Xulian Alvares və Lautaro Martines fərqləniblər. İsveçrənin tək qoluna isə Dan Ndoye imza atıb.

Qeyd edək ki, Argentina seçməsi yarımfinalda İngiltərə ilə qarşılaşacaq. Digər yarımfinal görüşündə isə İspaniya və Fransa yığmaları üz-üzə gələcəklər.

DÇ-2026
1/4 final
12 iyul

Argentina – İsveçrə 3:1
Qollar: Aleksis Makallister, 10. Xulian Alvares, 112. Lautaro Martines, 120+1 – Dan Ndoye, 67.

DÇ: Azərbaycan millisinin heyəti bilindi

12 July 2026 at 16:50

Azərbaycanın güləş üzrə U-17 milli komandalarının Bakıda keçiriləcək dünya çempionatı üçün ilkin heyəti açıqlanıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, iştirak ərizəsində 29 güləşçi yer alıb.

Onlardan 10-u sərbəst, 9-u qadın, 10-u isə yunan-Roma güləşində mübarizə aparacaq.

Sərbəst güləş:

45 kq. Tunar Həsənov

48 kq. Hüseyn Rzazadə

51 kq. İbrahim Həsənov

55 kq. Abbas Şəfiyev

60 kq. Elcan Həsənov

65 kq. Rəşid Nəzərov

71 kq. Tunar Quliyev

80 kq. Nihad Süleymanlı

92 kq. Elgün Kərimli

110 kq. Hakim Tağıyev

Qadın güləşi:

40 kq. Gülxanım Şirinova

43 kq. Məryəm Əmralı

46 kq. Nuray Cəfərli

49 kq. Xədicə Qurbanzadə

53 kq. Fatimə Bayramova

57 kq. Ülviyyə Musayeva

61 kq. Fidan Babayeva

65 kq. Rana Nuriyeva

69 kq. Simurə Abdullayeva

Yunan-Roma güləşi:

45 kq. Əli Cavadlı

48 kq. Ömər Salmanov

51 kq. Əbdürrəhman Hüseynli

55 kq. Qurban Məcnunov

60 kq. Elmir Çərkəzov

65 kq. Orxan Həbibli

71 kq. Əli Məmmədov

80 kq. İsfahan Həsənov

92 kq. Zöhrab Səfərov

110 kq. Məhəmməd Mustafayev

U-17 dünya çempionatı iyulun 27-dən avqustun 2-dək Milli Gimnastika Arenasında keçiriləcək.

“Çelsi”dən “Sportinq”ə

12 July 2026 at 16:24

“Çelsi” futbolçusu Cesse Derrini icarəyə verib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, 19 yaşlı vinger 2026/27 mövsümünü “Sportinq”də keçirəcək. Bu barədə Portuqaliya klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Cinah hücumçusu “Çelsi”nin əsas komandasında Premyer Liqada 1 oyuna çıxıb. O, “zadəganlar”ın U-21 kollektivində 27 oyunda 6 qol vurub, 4 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.

Skaloni: “Bəxtimiz gətirdi”

12 July 2026 at 15:39

Argentina millisinin baş məşqçisi Lionel Skaloni DÇ-2026-da 1/4 finalda İsveçrəyə qalib gəldikləri oyundan sonra fikirlərini bölüşüb.

Futbolpress.az xarici KİV-ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis qələbəni belə şərh edib:

“Çətin oyun oldu, sona qədər mübarizə apardıq. Açığı, bəxtimiz gətirdi. Bəzi tərəflərimizi daha yaxşılaşdırmalıyıq. Qarşıda İngiltərə ilə vacib oyun var. Çətin görüş olacaq, matça qədər tam hazır olmalıyıq”.

İngiltərə – Argentina oyunu iyulun 15-də keçiriləcək.

Guardiola re-appears on Italy head coach shortlist after Maldini appointment

12 July 2026 at 16:52

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are the new technical leaders of the Italy national team set-up, and reports on Sunday claim that Pep Guardiola has again become an option for the vacant national team head coach role under the new leadership. 

Could Italy make a move for Guardiola under Maldini and Leonardo leadership?

The FIGC have recently confirmed that Maldini has been appointed as the federation’s new technical director and President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by his former Milan teammate, ex-Rossoneri and PSG director Leonardo as an advisor.

Maldini’s is a four-year project, and with unprecedented powers in his new role, he is expected to make widespread changes to the way that the national team and youth systems operate. 

However, up first on his agenda is the appointment of a new head coach. 

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 11: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

For weeks, the two frontrunners have been Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Conte has the backing of the Serie A clubs, while Mancini has a long-standing relationship with FIGC President Giovanni Malagò. 

FIGC President Giovanni Malago (left) with coach Roberto Mancini (right): @coppa_canottieri via Instagram.
FIGC President Giovanni Malago (left) with coach Roberto Mancini (right): @coppa_canottieri via Instagram.

Both have held the role previously, boast vast levels of management experience, but both come with their fair share of complaints as well: There are concerns that Conte might not be the best fit on a tactical level, while Mancini’s decision to leave Italy in order to join Saudi Arabia 2023 is still a bitter pill for some to swallow. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, neither Conte nor Mancini are ‘at the top of Maldini and Leonardo’s list’. Now, Guardiola has come back into the frame and the pink paper insists that the former Manchester City and Barcelona tactician is no longer a ‘fantasy’ option. 

The biggest issue with Guardiola is his salary, which La Gazzetta dello Sport claims was close to €25m gross during his final season with Manchester City in 2025-26. 

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

The Serie A clubs are expected to make a contribution towards the salary of the new head coach in order to help bring in a top-level CT, but even so, they would not be able to provide for a salary anywhere near the level that Guardiola was earning at The Etihad.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there is still hope, but much will depend on the discussions that take place between the key figures in this new Italy project, i.e. Maldini and Leonardo. The fact that Guardiola is reportedly keen to step into international management at some stage of his career also helps Italy. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport also suggests that Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo could be among the alternative options if Italy decide against Conte, Mancini or Guardiola.

 

Milan pre-season squad of 26 includes teenagers eager to impress

12 July 2026 at 16:50

Coach Ruben Amorim has named a 26-man squad for the first part of Milan pre-season training, including new buy Mario Gila, while some young and loan players will get a chance to impress him.

The Rossoneri come together at the Milanello training camp on Monday July 13, where the work really begins for the new tactician.

Gila is thrown straight into the mix after completing his transfer from Lazio, but Goncalo Ramos is still on vacation after Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - JULY 11: Goncalo Ramos #9 of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during a Paris Saint-Germain Training Session ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Rutgers University on July 11, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – JULY 11: Goncalo Ramos #9 of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during a Paris Saint-Germain Training Session ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Rutgers University on July 11, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Amorim has said he wants to evaluate the squad at his disposal before making any further decisions on who Milan should buy or sell this summer.

Players returning from loan who are eager to impress him include Samuel Chukwueze, Francesco Camarda and Yunus Musah.

Youngsters trying to keep a spot at Milan include 18-year-old winger Aurelien Guernier, who just joined from Birmingham City, and striker Andrej Kostic.

Christian Comotto is fresh from Italy’s participation in the European Under-19 Championship.

Kevin Zeroli is not included, as he finished the season late with Juve Stabia in the Serie B promotion play-offs, but is not expected to remain with the Rossoneri.

Warren Bondo is not part of their plans and will work separately with a trainer until he can find a new club.

Milan squad for pre-season:

Bouyer, Pittarella, P Terracciano, Torriani; Athekame, Bartesaghi, Gabbia, Gila, Karaca, Odogu, Pavlovic, F Terracciano, Tomori; A Cisse, Comotto, Fofana, Loftus-Cheek, Musah, Ricci; Camarda, Chukwueze, Guernier, Idrissi, Kostic, Nkunku, Ossola

Capello: ‘Nobody better than Maldini for Italy, Mancini mistake too big to forget’

12 July 2026 at 16:19

Fabio Capello believes that the FIGC have made the right call in appointing Paolo Maldini as its new technical director, is pleased to see Leonardo joining him as an advisor, but says that Roberto Mancini’s previous mistakes are too great to simply forget: ‘I’ve already said I would go with Conte’. 

Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC and has also been named the President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor. 

This is the beginning of a new era for the Italy national team following the departures of previous FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon following the failure to get past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March. 

Gravina has recently been replaced by Giovanni Malagò, who, as of Saturday night, has made his first significant appointment in the Italy national team set-up by bringing in Maldini. Next up is a decision on a new head coach with Mancini, Antonio Conte and even potentially Pep Guardiola, again, among the frontrunners.

Capello has given his verdict on the recent appointment of Maldini, Leonardo and the potential next CT in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Capello: ‘Maldini was the first name on Italy’s list, he’s the person we need’

Capello is convinced about Maldini’s qualities, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Nobody better than him would be able to do it.” 

He continued: “I’m really happy about it. Paolo was the first name on their list and they’ve got him, he’s definitely the person we need. I’m happy for the national team and also for him. He’s serious, capable and attentive. He doesn’t speak, he works. He has ideas, he will have a well-defined project in his mind already.” 

Capello also gave his verdict on the appointment of Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor to Maldini. 

“He’s another guy who knows a lot about football,” said Capello. “If Maldini wanted him to be close by, bringing together a partnership that was born in Milan, it is because there is so much to do. 

“We have to recover on multiple different fronts, obviously starting with the young talents. They’ve chosen to take on a big commitment because they are clearly convinced by it. I will repeat: They are both serious, and more importantly, they understand football.”

EMPOLI, ITALY - OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

What did Capello learn from watching Maldini up close during his time with Milan? 

“Everyone has seen what he did with the Rossoneri,” said Capello. “He’s not a yes man, he wants to have the freedom to change things, he has an exact plan and wants to make that happen.” 

And how important is it that Maldini is given full control to make the changes that he wants to?

“It’s very positive. Without that, he would have never accepted,” Capello insists. “Someone like him has to be free to put his ideas to good use. I’m sure that he won’t have made much of a fuss on an economic level, more so that he wants to be able to put the ideas he has in mind into practice, and in that way, he can be really useful.”

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale (L) of AC Milan and AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini (R) before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale (L) of AC Milan and AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini (R) before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan won the Serie A title with Maldini as a director, but he ended up leaving the club at the end of the following season after a series of disagreements with the club ownership. 

Capello says: “We have to consider that relationship with the owners. It’s difficult when yo hit turbulence. You really have to understand the history behind that. The Scudetto victory was incredible, but it’s true that things got a bit complicated after that. I know Paolo has charisma, that he is a winner and has been a key figure everywhere he has been.”

Leonardo also has plenty of history with Milan, and also as a director at PSG. Asked if he is ‘too’ used to having money readily available to spend at those clubs, Capello said “But money has nothing to do with it. It’s all about ideas, not resources. 

“You have to be able to understand what is missing and what needs to happen, and then find the way to achieve those goals. Additionally, Leo is a great person, which doesn’t hurt. He and Paolo are coming in strong in their beliefs, ideas and skills. Theirs will be a clear project and I’m curious to see how it will develop when they present it, beginning with the next head coach.”

And who would Capello pick if he were in charge? 

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 11: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“I’ve already said Conte, who has done well with the Azzurri, Mancini is also good, but leaving the national team up the creek a few days before a series of important matches is too big to forget.”

Milan and Amorim interested in Manchester United defender Mazraoui

12 July 2026 at 15:43

Reports in Italy claim that Ruben Amorim is interested in the possibility of reuniting with his former Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, who remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028. 

Report: Milan head coach Amorim likes Manchester United defender Mazraoui

Milan are seeking new reinforcements for their defensive department this summer, and according to reports from Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Mazraoui is a player and individual that Amorim likes.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Noussair Mazraoui #3 of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 09: Noussair Mazraoui #3 of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

There have not been any direct talks between the two clubs at this stage, but the Morocco international is a player that is of interest to the Rossoneri according to the latest updates. 

Mazraoui is under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2028, with a club option to extend that deal for a further 12 months until the summer of 2029. 

Ruben Amorim smiles at his first Milan press conference (acmilan.com)
Ruben Amorim smiles at his first Milan press conference (acmilan.com)

The recently-eliminated World Cup quarter-finalist brings versatility that will be useful for Amorim in Milan. The Rossoneri played in a 3-5-2 under Massimiliano Allegri last term and are expected to start in a 3-4-2-1 under Amorim, and Mazraoui could feasibly cover in a number of roles in both of those formations, as he has done with Manchester United. 

If Milan were to progress with a deal to sign Mazraoui, it is expected that they would seek to deploy him on the right of their back three.

Legendary no.10s: Messi gifts Baggio Argentina shirt after World Cup quarter-final

12 July 2026 at 15:29

Greatness recognises greatness: Lionel Messi was photographed alongside Italy legend Roberto Baggio and gave him a match-worn shirt shortly after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Messi and Baggio team up for iconic photograph

Baggio was in attendance in Kansas City as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra-time to book their place in the World Cup semi-final for the third time in four tournaments. 

Baggio was photographed alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, widely recognised as the greatest player of all time, and was given one of his match-worn shirts after the full-time whistle. 

“Thank you, Leo, for your precious gift and for your affection. I love you lots, my friend,” wrote Baggio , all smiles in a picture posted to his Instagram profile.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Roberto Baggio (@robertobaggio)

Atletico Madrid’s massive attacker asking price reinforced by World Cup screamer

12 July 2026 at 15:44

Julian Alvarez’s difficult transfer situation won’t be sorted out until after the World Cup, but a great goal has strengthened Atletico’s bargaining position.

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Argentina (with the help of the referee) made it to the World Cup semi finals overnight with a 3-1 win after extra time. The goal that put them ahead was one of the best of the tournament so far, a curling strike into the far top corner from outside the box in extra time from Julian Alvarez.

Barcelona will have to spend mega money to sign Alvarez

According to AS, this means one thing – the monster €150m price tag that Atletico Madrid have put on their star attacker has hardened even further after his latest impressive showing.

They’ve said they’ve not interested in selling, and until a team start bidding at that level, we believe them. Barcelona are going to do all they can to put the pressure on, but unless Alvarez is really willing to burn some bridges, a transfer this summer still looks unlikely.

The face-off between player and club could get ugly, and there will be many teams waiting to see if an opportunity is created by that.

In other news…

Lesley Ugochukwu is going to leave Burnley for Galatasaray, and that’s good news for another Premier League team who will get a percentage of his £30m fee.

Arsenal have been told to sign a talented left winger who has slightly lost his way in recent years, especially if they can get him for a good price.

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The Most Important Packers: No. 17 — C Sean Rhyan

Green Bay Packers v Pittsburgh Steelers - NFL 2025

Sean Rhyan (75) of the Green Bay Packers blocks during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 26, 2025.

Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers were arguably the most disappointing team in football last year. And perhaps no one did less with more than Packers’ coach Matt LaFleur.

Green Bay headed into the 2025 season with one of the NFL’s top rosters, then traded for star defensive end Micah Parsons 10 days before the year began. Suddenly, Packer Nation was dreaming of their first Super Bowl appearance since 2010.

Instead, Green Bay went a remarkably unsatisfying 9-8-1 overall and was the NFC’s No. 7 seed for a third consecutive year. The Packers then blew a 21-3 halftime lead in the Wild Card round against Chicago, gave up 25 fourth quarter points and eventually suffered a shocking 31-27 loss to the arch-rival Bears.

“No way you should lose games in this league when you’re up that much,” running back Josh Jacobs said.

Green Bay, which began the year 9-3-1, finished the season with five straight losses. The Packers now enter 2026 with the league’s fourth-longest losing streak.

Collapsing late in games was the story of Green Bay’s 2025 campaign.

Green Bay had double digit leads in the final minutes twice against Chicago and also vs. Cleveland and somehow went 0-3 in those games. The Packers’ odds of losing all three contests were 1-in-250,000, yet they somehow did it.

“That (expletive), it’s starting to get damn-near embarrassing,” safety Javon Bullard said.

Rebounding won’t be easy as the Packers were hit hard in free agency and didn't have a first round draft pick.

Green Bay’s first training camp practice is July 29. Between now and then I will count down the ‘30 Most Important Packers’ heading into the 2026 campaign.

At No. 17 is center Sean Rhyan.

No. 17

Sean Rhyan, C

Last season

Rhyan started the first four games of 2025 at right guard and averaged 62.3 snaps per game. But he played just 11 snaps while backing up Jordan Morgan in Week 6, then didn't play a single offensive snap in Week 7.

After getting benched, Rhyan summed up his chances of returning to Green Bay in 2026 by saying: “I don't know. Right now it doesn't look good.”

Things changed, though, when center Elgton Jenkins suffered a season-ending fractured fibula on Nov. 10 against Philadelphia. Rhyan immediately moved to center, learned a new position on the fly and improved as the season went along.

Ryhan finished the year with an overall grade of 58.5 from Pro Football Focus that ranked 31st out of 40 qualifying centers. The Packers liked what they saw, though, and gave Rhyan a three-year, $33 million extension that contained an $11 million signing bonus before he hit free agency in March.

“Man, if you told me that I would be here with a second contract about a year ago, or even, you know, eight months, I would have said, yeah, you must have some crystal ball that I don't know about,” Rhyan said.

Career to date

Rhyan, a third round draft pick in 2022, was suspended the final six games of his rookie season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. That ended a tough rookie year in which Rhyan played just one snap, and that came on special teams.

Rhyan started the 2023 season where he spent the 2022 campaign — on the bench. By midseason, though, he had impressed enough during practice and began platooning with former Packer Jon Runyan.

From Week 9 on, Rhyan played 183 snaps at right guard, didn't allow a sack and didn't have a penalty. According to league data, the Packers averaged 0.78 more yards per rushing attempt with Rhyan on the field versus when he wasn’t in the lineup.

In 2024, Rhyan started all 17 games at right guard and had a respectable season. Rhyan allowed four sacks, had six penalties, and allowed 24 pressures.

Rhyan’s pass blocking grade from PFF was 69.4, which ranked 38th out of 136 guards. His run blocking grade was 58.4, which ranked 87th.

Rhyan split time with 2024 first round draft pick Jordan Morgan the first two months of 2024. In early November, though, Morgan was placed on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury and Rhyan played all but eight snaps in the final 10 games.

Outlook

Rhyan improved enough at center as 2025 unfolded that the Packers believe he can develop into a high level starter.

Rhyan (6-5, 325) has unique athleticism for an interior lineman, impressive strength and is incredibly bright.

Rhyan’s vertical jump of 34-1/2” was No. 1 among all guards at the NFL Combine in 2022. He set shot put and discus records while attending San Juan Hills High School (Calif.) and qualified to play on the feeder team for the Olympic USA rugby team. Rhyan also posted a 29 on the 50-question Wonderlic test, which is eight points higher than the NFL average.

That rare blend of bulk and brains could help Rhyan eventually develop into a quality center.

Rhyan had opportunities in free agency to play center or guard with whatever team he signed with, but eventually chose to stay in Green Bay and be a center moving forward.

“I think towards the end … it was coming down to the point of, like, I could get signed as a guard,” Rhayn said of his experience in free agency. “But you know, going back through and kind of looking and breaking down the last few games (of 2025) and the level of play that we were all able to accomplish playing center, I think, it was good, and I enjoyed it.

“So, yeah, stick with it, you know what I mean? Like, you never know, it could be four years into the league and all of a sudden, you find a new position. So, yeah, I think towards the end there, it kind of did come down to whether I wanted to play guard or center, and everything worked out.”

They said it …

“I thought Sean, obviously, pressed into that duty unexpectedly, I thought he got better each game. It was about Game 3 or 4 of starting at center, he was playing at a very high level. Less experience but more stout in there because he’s just a really physical, strong guy. With (Anthony) Belton coming to the right guard spot and him playing center, our ability to move people inside got better as the year went on because of that.” — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on Rhyan

“When we lost Elgton, he stepped up and just kind of took control of it. There were mistakes, for sure, but you know, as we progressed through the season, he just kept getting better and better and better. And I thought, you know, I thought maybe this was probably his best position is to play center in the NFL. So it was good to watch him out there take command of the offense, making the calls and doing, getting a set up front.” — Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Rhyan moving to center

I’m so excited for Sean and coming in here and his journey to get to where he’s at, and it paying off for him. We’ve all been around Sean, we know what kind of guy he is. He’s going to be out there, he’s going to practice, he’s going to play no matter what, and I’m excited because I think his best football is ahead of him and he does too, and he’s going to continue to improve every day. To have (had) an offseason for him to just work on the center position, it’s going to be tremendous.” — Packers offensive line coach Luke Butkus on Rhyan


The Top 30

No. 30 — Trey Smack

No. 29 — Barryn Sorrell

No. 28 — Chris McClellan

No. 27 — Isaiah McDuffie

No. 26 — Daniel Whelan

No. 25 — Tyrod Taylor

No. 24 — Benjamin St. Juste

No. 23 — Skyy Moore

N0. 22 — Brandon Cisse

No. 21 — Anthony Belton

No. 20 — Javon Bullard

No. 19 — Aaron Banks

No. 18 — Javon Hargrave

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

ACC schools ranked academically by U.S. News for 2026-27

The Atlantic Coast Conference has long marketed itself as the premier conference for balancing athletic success with academic excellence, and the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report continue to reinforce that reputation.

The publication recently released its 2026-27 Best National Universities rankings, evaluating nearly 1,700 institutions across the country. The ACC once again boasts one of the strongest academic profiles among the Power Four conferences, with multiple universities landing inside the nation's top 30 and nearly every football member finishing within the top 100 nationally.

Of the ACC’s 17 football-playing universities, 16 are ranked among the top 100 National Universities. Louisville, which placed No. 158 nationally, is the conference’s only football member outside the top 100.

Here's how every ACC football program stacks up academically entering the 2026-27 academic year, according to U.S. News & World Report's National University Rankings:

17. University of Louisville

City: Louisville, Kentucky

2025 ACC Rank: 17

Undergraduate enrollment: 17,208

U.S. News & World Report ranking 2026: No. 158

In-state cost: $13,942

Acceptance rate: 79%

16. Southern Methodist University

City: Dallas, Texas

2025 ACC Rank: 16

Undergraduate enrollment: 7,115

U.S. News & World Report ranking 2026: No. 88

In-state cost: $64,460

Acceptance rate: 52%

15. Clemson University

City: Clemson, South Carolina

Undergraduate enrollment: 23,401

U.S. News ranking: No. 86 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $15,554

Acceptance rate: 38%

14. Syracuse University

City: Syracuse, New York

Undergraduate enrollment: 15,957

U.S. News ranking: No. 75 (tied)

Tuition and fees: $68,429

Acceptance rate: 46%

13. University of Pittsburgh

City: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Undergraduate enrollment: 20,418

U.S. News ranking: No. 69 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $22,736

Acceptance rate: 58%

12. University of Miami

City: Coral Gables, Florida

Undergraduate enrollment: 13,250

U.S. News ranking: No. 64 (tied)

Tuition and fees: $65,430

Acceptance rate: 19%

11. North Carolina State University

City: Raleigh, North Carolina

Undergraduate enrollment: 28,422

U.S. News ranking: No. 64 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $9,028

Acceptance rate: 42%

10. Florida State University

City: Tallahassee, Florida

Undergraduate enrollment: 32,720

U.S. News ranking: No. 51 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $6,517

Acceptance rate: 24%

9. Virginia Tech University

City: Blacksburg, Virginia

Undergraduate enrollment31,035

U.S. News ranking: No. 51 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $16,450

Acceptance rate: 55%

8. Wake Forest University

City: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Undergraduate enrollment: 5,490

U.S. News ranking: No. 51 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $70,332

Acceptance rate: 22%

7. Boston College University

City: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Undergraduate enrollment: 9,654

U.S. News ranking: No. 36 (tied)

Tuition and fees: $73,508

Acceptance rate: 16%

6. Georgia Institute of Technology

City: Atlanta, Georgia

Undergraduate enrollment: 20,592

U.S. News ranking: No. 32 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $12,008

Acceptance rate: 14%

5. University of North Carolina

City: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Undergraduate enrollment: 21,075

U.S. News ranking: No. 26 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $9,096

Acceptance rate: 15%

4. University of Virginia

City: Charlottesville, Virginia

Undergraduate enrollment: 17,901

U.S. News ranking: No. 26 (tied)

In-state tuition and fees: $23,897

Acceptance rate: 17%

3. University of California

City: Berkley, California

Undergraduate enrollment: 33,469

U.S. News ranking: No. 15 (tie)

In-state tuition and fees: $17,721

Acceptance rate: 11%

2. Duke University

City: Durham, North Carolina

Undergraduate enrollment: 6,523

U.S. News ranking: No. 7 (tied)

Cost: $73,172

Acceptance rate: 6%

1. Stanford University

City: Stanford, California

Undergraduate enrollment in fall 2023: 7,904

U.S. News ranking: No. 4 (tied)

Cost: $68,544

Acceptance rate: 4%

Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: ACC schools ranked academically by U.S. News for 2026-27

‘Jude Bellingham is the best’ – Argentina fans admit England fears before World Cup semi-final

Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

Argentina fans are not underestimating England ahead of their World Cup semi-final in Atlanta next week.

Argentina reached the semi-final with an unconvincing 3-1 victory over Switzerland after extra time on Saturday.

England also needed extra time to beat Norway in the quarter-final, as Jude Bellingham scored twice in a 2-1 win.

Lionel Messi is now set to play against England for the first time in his international career, and it will surely be a blockbuster.

The two teams have been rivals since the Falklands War in 1982, in which they fought over the British Overseas Territory.

Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images

The Argentinian players and supporters have not forgotten the conflict, as they often sing about England during their celebrations.

However, several Argentina fans have shown Thomas Tuchel’s side plenty of respect ahead of the clash.

Argentina fans believe England will be tough test in World Cup semi-final

Argentina and England have followed similar paths to the World Cup semi-final, often relying on character rather than quality.

Following England’s victory over Norway, the Argentina fans know they will be in for a tough match in Atlanta next week.

“The whole England team is very strong,” said an Argentine supporter. “Yeah, we have to worry about Harry Kane,” replied another.

“Bellingham and Kane are a very high level,” and “Jude Bellingham is the best,” were two more responses.

Indeed, Kane and Bellingham have been England’s two best players at this tournament, scoring a combined 11 goals.

However, some Argentina fans are feeling confident of beating England for the third time at the World Cup.

“I’m not going to come on the BBC and tell you we’re not going to f—— win the game. Of course, we’re going to win the game,” said one supporter.

Three others answered: “England, easy peasy,” “We’re going to get a win,” and “Oh, we feel confident.”

Meanwhile, another explained that Argentina’s “heart” is their biggest strength, which could lead them to consecutive World Cup finals.

“[England] have to worry about the Argentine heart. You have to worry about that,” she declared.

Read more:

What WWE’s Sluggish SummerSlam Ticket Sales Say About Its Booking

SmackDown

Cody Rhodes will face CM Punk at SummerSlam. (Credit: Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty Images)

WWE via Getty Images

WWE SummerSlam is pro wrestling’s biggest party of the summer. Well, at least it’s supposed to be.

But in 2026? Arguably WWE’s second-biggest PLE behind only WrestleMania sure doesn’t feel like it. In fact, sluggish SummerSlam ticket sales point to a widening gap between the TV product that WWE is delivering and what its fans actually want to see.

The latest SummerSlam ticket sales update from WrestleTix shows a massive dropoff in ticket sales for SummerSlam 2026 in comparison to SummerSlam 2025. SummerSlam Saturday, for example, currently sits at just over 22,000 tickets sold, a figure that pales in comparison to last year’s Saturday event, which surpassed 50,000 tickets sold:

That, according to WrestleVotes, “has been a concern internally for weeks.” As it should be.

WWE recently added what should be a highly anticipated WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes to SummerSlam, which was likely done in an effort to help boost ticket sales. But just a few weeks out from WWE’s next “Big Four” PLE, it’s clear that lackluster SummerSlam ticket sales speak to a bigger problem: a WWE TV product that is trending downward.

WWE’s live event attendance continues to slide toward pre-boom period levels while Raw viewership recently hit an all-time low on Netflix as SmackDown hit a five-month low as well. Although the post-WrestleMania period for WWE is traditionally a down one for the company, the state of WWE’s current product feels even lower than usual.

Perhaps there is an explanation for that. The period from roughly mid-2022 to mid-2025 has been widely recognized as WWE’s biggest boom since the Attitude Era of the late 1990s. The returns of Punk and Rhodes as well as the rise of Roman Reigns and The Bloodline were two key reasons why WWE had felt so hot for the past few years.

Ironically enough, WWE is still relying heavily on those prominent stars (Reigns, Rhodes, Punk, etc.) to carry the product en route to SummerSlam. Reigns will be defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins while Rhodes and Punk will battle over the WWE title.

That feels like a staying pattern, built up on the with the premesis that WWE officials essentially don’t view anyone outside of these stars and a select few others as legitimate main event stars. That, combined with the departure of John Cena and injuries to key stars like Rhea Ripley, have created a less-than-compelling road to SummerSlam. The show’s card is one built largely upon the same core of top stars as the majority of the rest of the roster is overshadowed and overlooked.

The natural reaction from fans is to become disillusioned with what has become a supbar TV product from WWE, which is still charging exorbitant prices at a time when Raw and SmackDown are not exactly extraordinary. That may have worked a couple of years ago when WWE was sizzling hit, but as it’s cooled off and continues to do so, fans will be less inclined to spend their hard-earned money on a poorly booked product that has casted off popular mainstays like Sheamus and The New Day in recent months.

One of the biggest weaknesses of WWE’s recent SummerSlam booking, however, is its refusal to push new stars to the top. Oba Femi inexplicably delayed, or maybe forfeited, his guaranteed world title shot at SummerSlam. Jacob Fatu is playing second fiddle to Reigns yet again. Bron Breakker’s once massive singles push is fading out with a whimper. Sami Zayn won the WWE title a couple of weeks ago, held it for just nine days and now doesn’t have a clear SummerSlam match.

These creative miscues highlight WWE’s woes on the road to SummerSlam, which is tracking to have a half-empty stadium as a result. How WWE digs itself out of this hole is anyone’s guess, and there is no easy solution or quick fix. The boom period that peaked in 2024 probably isn’t coming back anytime soon, but improvements to the product must be made in order to turn things around.

WWE needs to focus more on stars like Fatu and Breakker, build enthralling long-term rivalries and utilize overlooked talents. Otherwise, SummerSlam’s sluggish ticket sales won’t be the exception. They’ll become the norm.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Myles Garrett riles up Rams fans with photo of Aaron Donald's jersey

With seemingly each passing day, a new sign points toward Aaron Donald potentially coming out of retirement and returning to the Los Angeles Rams. On Friday, he was spotted working out at the Rams’ facility in Woodland Hills, something he’s reportedly done frequently in his two years since retiring.

Then on Saturday night, Myles Garrett posted a photo of his framed and signed Aaron Donald jersey with the caption, “Unpacking” and a shrugging emoji. Donald’s message to Garrett on the jersey was “Keep ballin, stay hungry + stay grindin”.

Naturally, Garrett’s post sent fans into a frenzy, speculating about what it means for Donald’s plans this season. Does Garrett know something that we don’t? Is Garrett really just unpacking and getting settled into his new place. Regardless, he knew what he was doing with this post.

It’s a bat signal to the Rams legend, who’s thinking about teaming up with Garrett for one season in L.A.

Myles Garrett on his IG story 👀 pic.twitter.com/i59RpJMNue

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) July 12, 2026

WAKE UP MYLES GARRETT JUST POSTED THIS ON IG pic.twitter.com/yzFTPcHXpM

— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) July 12, 2026

Myles Garrett via Instagram

The build continues pic.twitter.com/Cn6mKKxB6y

— RamsActive (@ramsactive) July 12, 2026

Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, showing off his signed #Rams Aaron Donald Jersey from the 2019 Season!

We all know this is a slick recruitment post, for A.D. to make a return this season...#RamsHousepic.twitter.com/Qz6hAxuwVG

— Ian (Rams Up Podcast) (@RamsUp_Ian) July 12, 2026

Fans on the Rams subreddit are convinced this means Donald is coming out of retirement to play for the Rams, though there has been no confirmation of that happening just yet.

Garrett would love to play alongside Donald, but he said he hasn't been trying to recruit him. He's letting Donald make the decision on his own time, but no matter what, it's at least in consideration for the former All-Pro defensive tackle.

With training camp around the corner, we should get some more clarity on Donald's plans in the coming weeks and months.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Myles Garrett riles up Rams fans with photo of Aaron Donald's jersey

FIFA finds "no evidence" that ball hit wire in key moment of England vs. Norway quarterfinal

Sometimes, life imitates art. And football imitates football.

During a Vikings-Browns game in England last season, a field goal attempt by Minnesota kicker Will Reichard apparently struck an overhead wire. (The league strongly prefers that this not be mentioned. So we won't.) During Saturday's England-Norway game in Miami, the ball apparently struck an overhead wire during first-half stoppage time of the World Cup quarterfinal, setting the stage for the decisive goal by England's Jude Bellingham.

FIFA apparently would also strongly prefer that it not be mentioned.

Via ESPN, FIFA claims there is "no evidence" that the ball hit a foreign object.

The rules require play to be stopped with a drop ball to resume the action, if it's noticed. Because it wasn't noticed, England won possession of the ball and soon thereafter scored.

"Before England's goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball," FIFA said in a statement.

The snafu in the Vikings-Browns game, which will not be mentioned, eventually was attributed by the NFL to an "optical illusion." (At first, the league said there was "no clear view" that Reichard's kick had struck a wire.)

Here’s the clip of the key moment from Sunday. The ball clearly moves in a sudden and abrupt way.

It's a good thing that no one will be mentioning it.

La Masia starlet closes in on Girona move as Barcelona retain 50% future stake

La Masia starlet closes in on Girona move as Barcelona retain 50% future stake
La Masia starlet closes in on Girona move as Barcelona retain 50% future stake

Barça Atletic not moving up from the fourth division last season has left them with a very difficult decision to make on the futures of a number of players.

Many young starlets who were part of Juliano Belletti’s squad for the reserve team last season would have outgrown that division and need to play for a different club at a higher level.

This has seen some sales take place, and the latest one to join the list could be Brian Farinas. The 20-year-old is close to joining Girona from Barcelona.

The operation is expected to be a permanent transfer rather than a simple loan. According to Mundo Deportivo, the move could be completed for around €1.5 million, while Barcelona would retain 50 percent of the player’s rights.

Earlier today, it was reported that Girona had not yet reached an agreement with their Catalan rivals to sign Farinas, despite mutual interest among all parties involved.

However, the latest information suggests that negotiations are advanced and that the La Masia starlet could soon be announced as a new Girona player.

Farinas ready for a higher level

Barcelona believe Farinas needs more game-time at a higher level. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Farinas enjoyed a productive campaign under Juliano Belletti at Barça Atletic, recording five goals and seven assists across 33 appearances.

He also trained with Hansi Flick’s first team on occasion, but the route to regular senior minutes remains crowded.

A move to Girona would allow him to play in the Segunda Division, a clear step up from the Segunda Federacion.

After establishing himself with the reserves, the midfielder now needs a more demanding weekly environment to continue progressing.

Barcelona protect their investment

The reported structure makes sense for Barça.

Receiving €1.5 million provides an immediate return, while keeping 50% of his rights ensures the club can benefit financially if Farinas develops and is sold later.

Barcelona can buy Farinas back for cheap. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Barcelona have had to become smarter when managing La Masia departures.

Not every promising player can reach Flick’s first team, especially in midfield, but allowing talent to leave without protection can become costly if that player later succeeds elsewhere.

Farinas remains under contract until 2028 and has been at the club since joining from Villarreal in 2018.

His exit should therefore be viewed as a development decision rather than Barcelona simply giving up on an academy player.

Girona can offer senior responsibility, competitive minutes and a familiar Catalan environment.

For Farinas, that combination may be more valuable now than another season waiting for occasional first-team opportunities.

The deal still needs to be signed off, but right now, it does look imminent, and it remains to be seen how Farinas gets on at Girona next season.

World Cup star Christ Oulai: Fiorentina make key progress in move

World Cup star Christ Oulai: Fiorentina make key progress in move
World Cup star Christ Oulai: Fiorentina make key progress in move

Serie A side Fiorentina have bolstered their squad with the arrivals of Viery, Arthur Atta, Alex Jimenez and Radu Dragusin and are making major progress in a move for Trabzonspor’s World Cup star Christ Oulai.

The midfielder was impressive for Cote D’Ivoire some weeks ago and this has caught La Viola’s attention.

Tuttomercatowebreport that talks between Fiorentina and the Turkish club are quite heated. In fact, they have reached the start of what is a formal agreement, making sure that next week will be key to closing the deal.

Oulai is yet to return to Istanbul after the World Cup too and this has caused a hold-up in the move for a few days.

The midfielder’s entourage is pushing for the deal and there is optimism a deal should go through soon. As things stand, the two clubs could agree to a €30m plus bonuses deal, with Trabzonspor also likely to have a sell-on percentage in the move.

Another big move

Fiorentina are clearly not taking anything for granted after their scrapes with relegation last season. They are signing proven players that will directly bolster their side and even if Oulai is a bit of a risk, he is coming off a high and there is every chance it could work out.

Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN

'One or two' potential incomings at Dundee United

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin
Jim Goodwin (left) oversaw a 1-0 win at Forthbank Stadium on Saturday [SNS]

Jim Goodwin revealed Dundee United have "one or two" potential incomings following his side's 1-0 win at Stirling Albion.

Zac Sapsford's added-time penalty gave United a winning start to their Premier Sports Cup group.

"We've got one or two in the pipeline at the moment that are bubbling away," Goodwin told Premier Sports.

"We would expect to have a bit of positive news, I would imagine either over the weekend or early part of next week on one in particular.

"We certainly need a couple of wide players at least."

Republic of Ireland's Will Ferry, who can play wide on the left in attacking and defending positions, was not in the Tangerines' squad at Forthbank Stadium and has been linked with a move away from Tannadice.

Meanwhile, Goodwin says 16-year-old substitute Cohen Leiper "thoroughly deserves" his plaudits after making an impact against Stirling.

"I'm delighted for Cohen," Goodwin said of the wide man.

"You could even hear the supporters there beside him - the excitement that young wingers give to the crowd when they just go and get at people.

"That's what we're trying to encourage him to do in training. He got his rewards."

Summer Roundup, Schedule: Bats help Shrewsbury pick up sweep

Baseball

American Legion

Shrewsbury 10, Hudson 8: Owen Mongeon homered and drove in a pair, Tommy Kursonis singled, doubled and drove in a run and Jackson Lucarelli singled and drove in two as host Post 397 (14-7) held on to top Post 100 (10-11) at Fitton Field.

Joey Farrell singled in a run and Charlie Hammel added a sacrifice fly as Hudson rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh, but Mongeon came in to seal the win with a pair of strikeouts. Jackson Libby singled twice, scored twice and drove in a pair and Shamus Rowe doubled and drove in two for Post 100.

Shrewsbury 13, Vernon Hill 9: Drew O'Connell was 2 for 4 with a double and three RBIs, Connor Mudd was 2 for 2 with a triple, four runs and one RBI, Jackson Lucarelli was 2 for 4 with a double, Cam Kelly was 2 for 2 with two runs and one RBI and Xavier Sanchez singled twice and drove in two to send host Post 397 (14-7) past Post 435 (0-20) at Fitton Field.

Tommy Kursonis also doubled and drove in two for Shrewsbury, which had 14 hits and scored six runs in the third inning to take a 9-2 lead.

Kamauri Hughes, Noah Jolly (RBI), Yuandel Ortiz (2 RBIs) and Eddy Cordero (2 RBIs) all had two hits for Vernon Hill, while Zach Braconnier doubled and scored twice.

Leominster 9, North County 0: Danny Nelson (6 IP, 5 H, 9 Ks) and Jake Notaro (1 IP, 0 H) combined on a five-hit shutout and Troy Leighton (double, RBI), Liam Bridgham (run) and Cam Cirone (double, RBI, 2 runs) all had two hits to send visiting Post 151 past Post 193.

Nolan Tetreault doubled, scored twice and drove in a pair for Leominster.

Adam Adams singled twice for North County.

Cherry Valley 9, Vernon Hill 8: Andrew Cloutier was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs, while Nolan Remington and Patrick Shilale (RBI) each had two hits as host Post 443 (19-2) held on to top Post 435 (0-20).

Leo Lamacchia was 3 for 3 with one RBI, Ethan Sonnenberg singled twice and drove in a pair and Zach Braconnier singled, tripled and drove in a run for Vernon Hill.

Milford 10, Framingham 0: Nick Pedroli struck out four and scattered six hits over five innings and also was 2 for 5 with a double and RBI from the leadoff spot as host Post 59 (18-3) blanked Post 117 (9-12).

Brady Iarussi was 3 for 4 with one RBI, Ben Maiorano (double, 2 RBIs), Jackson Fournier (2 RBIs) and Josh Bouchard (2 RBIs) all had two hits and Gavin Metcalf drove in a pair for Milford.

Northbridge 8, Cherry Valley 1: Luke Charron struck out nine and gave up one run on two hits over seven innings as visiting Post 343 (13-9) topped Post 443 (11-10).

Dylan Diosomito was 3 for 4 with three doubles and one RBI from the leadoff spot for Northbridge, while Jake Costello singled, doubled, scored twice and drove in a run, Alex Vosburgh doubled and drove in three, Cody Veneziano singled twice and drove in a run and Willem Haker doubled and scored for Post 343.

Braden Beando doubled for Cherry Valley.

Futures Collegiate League

New Britain 3, Bravehearts 1: Trey LeMay (7 IP, 5 Ks) and Max Jarvis (2 IP) combined on a two-hitter as the host Bees (20-16) topped the Bravehearts (19-20), who have lost five straight.

Former Oakmont Regional star Caleb Allen, who pitches for Bentley, went 5⅓ innings for Worcester and gave up three runs on eight hits while fanning five. Liam Childs and Lane Leclair tossed 2⅔ innings of shutout relief, but the Bravehearts bats couldn't get going.

Sunday's local games

Baseball

American Legion

Grafton at Northborough (2), 10 a.m. (Memorial)

Hudson vs. North County, noon (Riverside)

Shrewsbury at Framingham, 7 p.m. (Bowditch)

Main South vs. Vernon Hill, 7 p.m. (Tivnan)

Schedule may change due to weather, field conditions, or postponements.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Summer Roundup, Schedule: Bats help Shrewsbury pick up sweep

Eric Musselman knows USC basketball must meet Big Ten's high standard

Eric Musselman's first two years at USC basketball have been difficult. In Year 1, he had to throw together a roster on the fly and was not in a position to succeed. In Year 2, he assembled a quality roster but watched it get devoured by injuries. In Year 3, Musselman has crafted a top-20-quality roster with Sweet 16 expectations. He knows he and his program have to rise to meet the high standard established by the Big Ten, which won the national title this past season with Michigan beating UConn in the final. He talked to USC athletics about the challenges posed to him in his first few seasons on the job.

"When I look back on my career, I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps by coaching in the NBA, coaching in college, and taking teams to NCAA tournaments. From that aspect, I feel like if he's been watching us, he would be proud of what we've done thus far. But I know that we have a lot more to go," Musselman said. "These three years at USC have been great. It's been a great learning experience. I knew being the first USC men's basketball coach to coach in the Big Ten would be challenging for the first two or three years. As a new program in a league that has historically been phenomenal with hall of fame coaches, I don't think anyone on our staff thought that this was going to be easy. But that's what you want. You want to go against the best and you want to be the best. So I think that the future for USC basketball is looking really good right now.

"We still have a lot of areas we have to improve in, but we felt like last year in year two, we were much better than where we were in year one. We've had some unfortunate injuries, but at one point, we were 18-6, which gets forgotten way too often. A team can't overcome losing a player who averaged 20 points and six assists per game. You can maybe overcome it for eight or nine games, but no team in the country can lose a guy averaging 20 and 6 and not feel it at some point. This year, we feel like this is our best team. It's a team that's got size, depth, experience, and McDonald's All-Americans on it, so I think we should be excited. But in our league, for instance, Illinois is bringing basically everybody back from a team that had the best offense in all of college basketball. I think that if you look over a 10-to-30 year period, the Big Ten is the premier conference for football and basketball."

The Big Ten is once again loaded, but this time, USC appears ready to handle itself and make a deep run in March Madness.

Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Eric Musselman knows USC basketball must meet Big Ten's high standard

UNC baseball MLB draft tracker: Where Tar Heel players and signees are selected

UNC baseball had four players selected on the opening day of the 2026 MLB Draft, which wraps up on Sunday, July 12.

The Tar Heels saw shortstop Jake Schaffner become the program’s 27th first-round pick when Shaffner was picked by the Boston Red Sox at No. 20 overall. UNC is one of just four college baseball programs to have a first-round pick in each of the last three years. 

Star outfielder Owen Hull will join Schaffner in Boston after being selected in the second round at No. 67 overall. UNC pitchers Jason DeCaro (No. 80 by Pittsburgh Pirates) and Ryan Lynch (No. 97 by San Diego Padres) rounded out the Tar Heels picked on Day 1. 

UNC will have other players selected on the final day of the 20-round draft, including second baseman Gavin Gallaher, first baseman Erik Paulsen, catcher Macon Winslow, pitcher Folger Boaz and incoming freshman Harrison Ailshie. 

LYNCH: What UNC baseball’s Ryan Lynch brings to San Diego Padres

TOP PITCHER: What UNC baseball’s Jason DeCaro brings to Pittsburgh Pirates

O ZONE: What UNC baseball’s Owen Hull brings to Boston Red Sox

TOP TAR HEEL: What UNC baseball’s Jake Schaffner brings to Boston Red Sox

Here is every UNC player, transfer commit and high school signee taken in the 2026 MLB Draft. 

How many UNC baseball players have been picked in MLB Draft? 

The Tar Heels had four players selected on the first day of the 2026 MLB Draft:

P Ryan Lynch

Drafted: Round 3 (97th overall) by San Diego Padres 

What to know: A sophomore righty with a lot of velocity, Lynch has a good fastball and sinker, along with some off-speed stuff to keep batters off balance. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound pitcher had a 3.72 ERA and 10-5 record in two seasons with the Tar Heels. He started out as a bullpen guy before cracking the starting rotation. Lynch finished with 162 strikeouts and 61 walks in 159 ⅔ innings. 

P Jason DeCaro

Drafted: Round 3 (80th overall) by Pittsburgh Pirates

What to know: The junior right-handed pitcher was UNC’s top pitcher in the starting rotation for most of his three seasons in Chapel Hill. DeCaro logged a 26-7 record and 3.46 ERA in 53 starts and 270 ⅓ innings. He had 247 strikeouts and 112 walks. As a junior, DeCaro had an 11-3 record and career-best 2.47 ERA. 

OF Owen Hull

Drafted: Round 2 (67th overall) by Boston Red Sox 

What to know: A junior outfielder who joined the Tar Heels after two seasons at George Mason, Hull became one of the top hitters in college baseball. He led UNC in batting average (.393), hits (103) and RBIs (87). A left-handed batter and right-handed outfielder, Hull is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound prospect. He had 27 doubles and nine home runs. 

SS Jake Schaffner

Drafted: Round 1 (20th overall) by Boston Red Sox 

What to know: A junior infielder and UNC’s highest draft pick since 2015, Schaffner played one season for the Tar Heels after two years at North Dakota State. The former Summit League Defensive Player of the Year was UNC’s leadoff hitter, finishing with a .356 batting average and 85 runs. A left-handed batter and righty in the field, Schaffner had 96 hits, including 19 doubles, eight triples and six home runs, along with 50 RBIs. He also had 26 stolen bases.  

Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC baseball MLB draft tracker: Where Tar Heel players and signees are selected

Ex-Panthers AGM Predicts Sunny Mehta’s Next Move in New Jersey

Ex-Panthers AGM Predicts Sunny Mehta’s Next Move in New Jersey
Ex-Panthers AGM Predicts Sunny Mehta’s Next Move in New Jersey

Sunny Mehta wasted little time putting his own stamp on the New Jersey Devils, turning an offseason filled with difficult decisions into one centered on flexibility and opportunity. Instead of chasing quick fixes, the new general manager has reshaped the roster, created financial breathing room, and stocked the organization with valuable future assets.

These moves have shifted the conversation from what New Jersey had to fix to what it can afford to do next.

Steve Werier Predicts Sunny Mehta’s Next Move in New Jersey

Former Florida Panthers assistant general manager Steve Werier sees Mehta’s biggest accomplishment as something that won’t show up on a scoresheet.

During an appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Werier explained that Mehta has quietly built a roster with enough flexibility to attack the market from multiple directions instead of forcing a single path.

Looking at the Devils’ offseason, Werier praised the work already completed before speculating about what could come next.

“I think he has options, which is the big win for him, right? He was able to get out from the Markstrom contract without having to open up that second buyout window and buy him out. He signed Rytsiak to an easily manageable number on a bridge deal. He brought in some draft picks for Simon Nemec without committing cap space there, which I think is a smart move.”

These moves fundamentally changed New Jersey’s outlook. By moving Jacob Markstrom’s $6 million AAV contract without retaining salary or resorting to a buyout, Mehta cleared a major financial obstacle while preserving flexibility.

He also secured a team-friendly bridge contract for Arseny Gritsyuk and converted Simon Nemec into premium draft capital, strengthening both the organization’s present and future. But one of his biggest accomplishments has been signing an extension for captain Nico Hischier to a 5-year, $11.7 million AAV contract, which would start in 2027-28.

The Devils now sit with $7,627,500 in available cap space while carrying a full 23-man roster, leaving Mehta free to pursue impact additions rather than spending resources on depth signings.

This flexibility is there because Utah matched New Jersey’s one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet for Barrett Hayton, instantly returning that money to the Devils’ salary cap.

With extra draft picks and healthy cap space, New Jersey has positioned itself to explore several avenues, including adding a top-six forward, pursuing another high-profile trade, or reinforcing its goaltending group. The organization has enough financial room to remain patient instead of reacting to every opportunity that surfaces during the offseason.

Werier believes that patience is exactly what makes the Devils dangerous.

“And so now, the best thing I’d say about Sunny’s position is, who knows? But he has options. He has cap space, he has picks, and I don’t know where he’ll go with it. But he’s a poker player. He’s got a lot of outs, and I bet he uses some.”

The comparison fits Mehta’s background as a former professional poker player, where success often comes from staying disciplined until the right opportunity presents itself. Rather than cornering himself with expensive commitments, he has built a position of strength that allows the Devils to respond when the market shifts.

ALSO READ: Canucks Urged To Raid Maple Leafs For $46,500,000 Winger Matthew Knies

Whether that next move comes through a blockbuster trade, free agency, or another creative roster maneuver, Werier believes Mehta has already accomplished the most important objective. He has given New Jersey options, and in today’s NHL, that may be the franchise’s biggest advantage.

Cowboys lack a proven one-on-one winner off the edge and training camp may expose that fast

Jerry Jones

Cowboys lack a proven one-on-one winner off the edge and training camp may expose that fast originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Following the 2025 trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys' pass rush struggled, resulting in an NFL-worst 30.1 points allowed per game. 

The team attempted to patch it heading into the new season by hiring defensive coordinator Christian Parker and acquiring Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary. But according to Locked On Cowboys, the fix still has a hole in it.

During a recent episode, hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool expressed concern over the lack of a proven, one-on-one winning edge rusher for the Cowboys. 

"If we're talking about pure edge rushers winning one-on-one situations, I think you have an argument that we don't have a lot of certainty there," McCool said. "If you start talking about what the Cowboys have on the interior, and their ability to hopefully create double teams or... free those guys up so everyone's getting one-on-ones — I think that helped last year."

That’s the bet Dallas is making by letting Williams and Clark collapse the pocket from the inside so the edges don't have to win clean reps. It’s a real path, but it leans heavily on scheme instead of pure talent. When Parsons was with the team, he used to erase that gap all by himself. Gary is productive, but he has never had to carry a pass-rush room as the lone "alpha."

Behind him, the depth is incredibly shaky. Donovan Ezeiruaku is still working his way back from a late-January hip surgery that sidelined him all spring. While he is on track for training camp, the staff will have to nurse him along early. 

Then there is first-round rookie Malachi Lawrence. The UCF product took first-team reps this spring and is projected to play 40% to 45% of snaps as a third-down speed specialist, but he is completely unproven. Neither has shown they can beat an NFL tackle yet.

Training camp reps won't lie. If nobody separates by the preseason, Dallas might be forced to hunt the free-agent market before Week 1. They seem cold on Von Miller, but Jerry Jones could easily pivot to remaining veterans like Haason Reddick, Derek Barnett, or Yannick Ngakoue if the kids falter in Oxnard.

More NFL news: 

Why Declan Rice was substituted against Norway

Why Declan Rice was substituted against Norway
Why Declan Rice was substituted against Norway

Thomas Tuchel has explained why Declan Rice was substituted during England’s World Cup quarter-final win over Norway on Saturday night.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Arsenal’s Declan Rice managed to make the starting lineup for England’s game against Norway on Saturday, but he was withdrawn at half-time as part of a double change.

When asked whether the decision was tactical or enforced by Rice’s recent illness, Thomas Tuchel suggested it was a bit of both.

The primary aim was to bring on a more offensive player for the second half, but the reason Rice was selected to make way over Elliot Anderson was that he’d been struggling with illness during the week.

Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“Declan, we made a decision in half-time to become more offensive, to have a bit of an offensive shift,” Tuchel explained.

“We had to take Elliott [Anderson] or Declan out [and] knowing that Declan struggled after the last three days where he was most of the time in bed, I knew he cannot survive 90 minutes.

“There was a possibility that it goes 120 [minutes], so I didn’t want to waste another change, so the decision was to take Declan out earlier than he needed to go out, just to save us another change later down the match.”

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

The explanation makes sense, though it’s obviously not ideal that England needed to use Rice at all, in a week of illness struggles. Having the game off completely would have been preferable.

England have just a few days to rest now, with the World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday. Win or lose, the team will have another match at the weekend.

After that, Rice and co. can finally begin their summer holidays, a matter of days before some of their club teammates return for pre-season.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Messi excited for first ever meeting with England

Messi excited for first ever meeting with England
Messi excited for first ever meeting with England

Lionel Messi says he is relishing facing England for the first time in his career when Argentina take on the Three Lions in the World Cup semi finals.

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time following England’s win over Norway to set up the final four clash in Atlanta.

“It’s always special to play a big team. It never happened to me, playing against England. This is the first time,” Messi said after his side’s quarter-final win.

“A World Cup semi final is always a special match. Now we’ll rest and get ready for that. We’re coming from a lot of wear and tear having played another extra-time match and sometimes it shows.

“We have to enjoy it and experience it just like the fans do. We have to make the most of these moments, because we went a long time without being world champions and now we’re in the semi finals again, fighting for the top prize, and we don’t know when this might happen again.”

“The team is digging deep and finding something extra. We came away with a very hard fought victory (against Switzerland).”

Victor Wembanyama's $50 million move has Carter Bryant saying what everyone was thinking

Victor Wembanyama's $50 million move has Carter Bryant saying what everyone was thinking originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Victor Wembanyama has officially signed a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs. The new deal will pay him an average of $50.4 million annually and includes a player option for the final year.

However, the biggest talking point around the NBA is that the franchise star voluntarily gave up more than $50 million that he could have earned under a larger extension.

The decision did not come as a surprise to Spurs young star Carter Bryant. Speaking ahead of San Antonio's Summer League game on Saturday, Bryant shared his thoughts on Wembanyama's willingness to sacrifice a significant amount of money in order to help the organization.

"I don't think anybody was surprised. He's a winner. Whatever he can do to make the team better, that's what he's going to do every time,” Bryant said.

Like Bryant, fans will also accept that money has never appeared to be the driving force behind Wembanyama's career decisions. Back in December, the Spurs superstar was asked whether the NBA Cup prize money served as extra motivation. Wembanyama made it clear that accumulating wealth has never been one of his life's primary goals.

The French big man earned All-NBA First Team honors and won the Defensive Player of the Year award last season. Hence, he became fully eligible for a "Rose Rule" supermax extension worth up to 30% of the salary cap.

Instead, he opted for a standard 25% maximum contract without any salary escalators. By doing so, Wembanyama has provided the Spurs with valuable financial flexibility under the NBA's restrictive tax apron rules. The front office now has more room to strengthen the roster and continue building a championship-caliber team around its young superstar.

More NBA news:

Georgia football's future nonconference schedule

The Georgia Bulldogs have a ever-changing future nonconference schedule. Georgia will some of the nation's elite college football programs over the years if things go as planned.

Conference realignment has thrown a wrench in some of Georgia's plans, but the Georgia fans can't complain too much. Georgia is slated to play at least 10 Power Four opponents in every season for the foreseeable future.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to play elite schools like Ohio State and Clemson over the next decade. Of course, Georgia is set to continue its annual rivalry with Georgia Tech through the 2037 season.

Georgia's future schedule is subject to change (including the dates and locations). The biggest factor that recently changed Georgia's future nonconference schedule was the SEC expanding to nine conference games beginning in 2026. Georgia can now only play three opponents in nonconference action as opposed to four.

Conference realignment can also always impact future schedules. Since this article focuses on Georgia's future schedule, we don't have UGA's 2026 schedule included. If you wish to look at Georgia's 2026 schedule, then we've included it here.

What nonconference opponents does Georgia football have scheduled for the future?

2027 schedule

A general view of the the line of scrimmaged during a game between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia and the Louisville Cardinals no longer plan to play in 2026 and 2027 with the SEC expanding to a nine-game conference schedule. Georgia also cancelled a 2027 game with Florida State. Georgia's schedule remains as it currently is in 2027, then the Dawgs would face 10 Power Four opponents during the regular season. We'd expect for the Bulldogs to add a pair of cupcake opponents (non-Power Four) to complete their 2027 schedule.

Another thing to watch in 2027 is will Georgia Tech continue playing Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta when the Yellow Jackets have a home game?

2028 schedule

  • Nov. 25: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home)

Georgia cancelled 2028 games with Florida State and Florida A&M. However, Georgia and Florida State are in talks to schedule a 2028 neutral site game, which has been rumored to be in Nashville.

2029 schedule

Georgia wide receiver London Humphreys (16) drives past Clemson safety Khalil Barnes (7) for a touchdown

  • Sept. 15: Clemson Tigers (away)
  • Nov. 24: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away)

Clemson and Georgia are scheduled to face each other in the regular season in 2029 for the first time since the 2024 season opener. The Georgia-Clemson game could be moved to a neutral site like Charlotte or Atlanta. As it stands, Georgia would be set to play at Clemson for the first time since 2013, which was the last time the Tigers beat Georgia. Georgia has won eight of the last nine games in the series.

2030 schedule

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) during the first half of the Big Ten championship game

  • Aug. 31: Clemson Tigers (home)
  • Sept. 7: North Carolina A&T Aggies (home)
  • Sept. 14: Ohio State Buckeyes (home)
  • Nov. 30: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home)

Something's got to give. Georgia can't schedule four nonconference opponents in 2030. That's guaranteed to change. We doubt Georgia will play Ohio State, Clemson and Georgia Tech in the same year, but man that would be a fun schedule. Ohio State has never played in Sanford Stadium.

2031 schedule

Joel Klatt before a NCAA football game between Iowa and Ohio State

  • Aug. 30: Ohio State Buckeyes (away)
  • Sept. 6: Western Carolina Catamounts (home)
  • Nov. 29: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away)

Georgia has also never played at Ohio State. This would be a really awesome road game for Dawgs fans and this is a better time of year (in terms of weather) to go to Ohio.

2032 schedule

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney smiles watching wide receiver drills during Clemson football 2025 practice at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex in Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 1, 2025.

  • Sept. 4: Clemson Tigers (home)
  • Nov. 27: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home)

Georgia plays its two biggest ACC rivals in 2032. UGA is set to play Clemson four times between 2029 and 2033. Time will tell if the two programs follow through with those plans.

2033 schedule

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key leads the team on the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs

  • Sept. 3: Clemson Tigers (away)
  • Nov. 26: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away)

Georgia canceled a future series with NC State in 2033 and 2034. The Bulldogs are still scheduled to play two ACC opponents in 2033. The Dawgs would probably add a non-Power Four opponent to this schedule.

2034 schedule and beyond

Georgia Tech is the only team on Georgia's future schedule beyond 2034. Georgia is scheduled to play Tech through 2037. The only question is where will the two programs play each other in the future (home versus neutral site)? All of Georgia's future scheduled games are according to FBSchedules.com.

Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X, or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia football's future nonconference schedule

Conor McGregor UFC 329 warm-up video should quiet pre-fight injury rumors

UFC 329 provided an exciting night of fights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, but the event came to an unfortunate end when Conor McGregor suffered a knee injury to prematurely end his highly anticipated comeback to the Octagon.

McGregor rushed Max Holloway seconds into the fight and threw a leaping kick, before coming up limp after an awkward landing. From there, the former two-division champ struggled to keep his footing and the fight was ultimately called off by referee Mike Beltran just over a minute into the bout.

The lackluster ending to the even led to conspiracy theories online, with many pointing out that McGregor may have been injured before stepping into the cage.

MORE: UFC 329 results – Conor McGregor return ends in seconds due to injury

A video of McGregor appearing to lose his footing while taking off his shoes before entering the Octagon sparked the theory, and the UFC answered by sharing their own video of McGregor’s pre-fight warm-up. In that video, McGregor is seens warming up by throwing kicks similar to what he opened up his bout against Holloway with, and showing no signs of having a compromised knee.

Conor McGregor’s warm-up moments before walking out at #UFC329. pic.twitter.com/tLfK01Jie3

— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026

Will that be enough to quiet the conspiracies? Probably not, despite video from the actual fight showing McGregor’s knee buckle from an awkward landing. It won’t be until an official diagnosis is confirmed that we will learn more about where everything went wrong.

For his part, McGregor has also denied any pre-existing injury in a statement on social media following the heartbreaking loss.

MORE: Did Conor McGregor knee injury happen before UFC 329?

“My head gasket is gone,” McGregor wrote on X. “Destroyed. I had no injury/injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.

“I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened. The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow.”

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (left) attempts to get up after falling against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

As McGregor now prepares to recover from his latest leg injury, we’ll have to wait and see whether this is the last we have seen of the former two-division champion inside of the cage.

Holloway, meanwhile, will now have to decide whether he wants to wait for a potential McGregor trilogy fight in 2027, or whether he will make another run at UFC gold.

Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead

4 overlooked Rangers after flurry of offseason moves, including Matt Rempe

With all the analysis of the New York Rangers roster following a flurry of offseason moves, there appear to be several players being overlooked, or at least flying under the radar with training camp roughly two months away.

That’s understandable, considering all the attention placed on the acquisition of stud sniper Pavel Dorofeyev, the selection of Alberts Smits with the No. 5 overall pick in this year’s draft, and a brand-new second defense pairing of Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi now in place. Plus, there are several new and intriguing prospects like Liam Greentree, Cole Beaudoin, and Jacob Battaglia added to the pipeline. And don’t forget that there was finally a trade resolution with popular veteran Vincent Trocheck, whom the Rangers moved to the Utah Mammoth on July 1.

So, there’re bound to be players overlooked amid the comings and goings in a busy summer for the Rangers.

Let’s take a look at which players best fit this category, and what the fit is for each with the Rangers moving forward.

Matt Rempe

NHL: New York Rangers at New York Islanders
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

What a difference a year makes for Matt Rempe. Last summer, the towering forward was all the rage, his offseason workouts and progress toward becoming an NHL regular documented and dissected on social media. This summer? Crickets. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Away from the cameras and spotlight, Rempe continues to do what he does best: work hard. The fan favorite proved won over coach Mike Sullivan right from the get-go in 2025-26, a fourth-line regular throughout the preseason and the first nine games of the regular season. Using his improved skating skills, massive 6-foot-9 frame, and determination to be a more complete hockey player and less of a fighter, Rempe made an impact, especially on the forecheck. That is until he shredded his thumb in his only fight of the season, Oct. 23 against Ryan Reaves of the San Jose Sharks. Rempe had thumb surgery, and then another one after being a shell of his former self in his lineup return in mid-December. Hopefully, that second surgery sets Rempe right for 2026-27 and he resumes his path as an effective, aggressive force. In many circles, Rempe’s been out of sight, out of mind, what with the emergence of Jaroslav Chmelar and Adam Sykora, and others, as fourth-line options. But he’ll get every opportunity in training camp to re-establish himself in the bottom six.

Juuso Parssinen

NHL: San Jose Sharks at New York Rangers
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season couldn’t have gone much worse for Juuso Parssinen. He started out 2025-26 as an extra forward on the Rangers roster, though did have three points (two goals, one assist) in the first five games he did get into, which is worth noting considering the team’s scoring struggles and his limited ice-time. But Sullivan didn’t trust him with a bigger role than a bottom-six fill-in, and by late November Parssinen found himself demoted to Hartford of the American Hockey League. Several injuries derailed him in the minors, and he played just 15 games there (seven points; five goals, two assists). Recalled by the Rangers after the Olympic break, Parssinen played six games in March, saw limited ice-time again and didn’t record a point, finishing the season with three points in 20 games. Because he’s 25 years old, can play both center and on the wing, and has 157 games of NHL experience, Parssinen could be a candidate to replace Jonny Brodzinski (who left in free agency) as the 13th forward in New York. That is if Parssinen can win the trust of the coaching staff.

Scott Morrow

NHL: New York Rangers at Anaheim Ducks
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A year ago, we listed Scott Morrow as the No. 2 prospect in the Rangers organization. But now the bloom is a bit off the rose, as the old saying goes. Acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the K’Andre Miller trade last summer, Morrow is an offense-first right-shot defenseman — ideally the puck mover and distributor that Sullivan longed for and said the Rangers needed in his breakup day media availability. It wasn’t that Morrow was awful in his 29 games with the Rangers, but he certainly didn’t distinguish himself as a must in the lineup. When opportunity presented itself, with Adam Fox missing 27 games over two extended injury absences, Morrow wasn’t even trusted by Sullivan to quarterback the top power-play unit, his specialty. Morrow finished with six assists, and was also largely unspectacular in 34 games with Hartford (19 points; five goals, 14 assists). The Rangers appear set on the right side next season with Fox, Durzi, and Braden Schneider, so Morrow could start out in Hartford again. The 23-year-old’s best path to an NHL opportunity, other than injury to one of the regulars, is if the Rangers trade Schneider, which feels unlikely at this point. But a bounce-back season for a young defenseman with his offensive skill set could vault Morrow right back into New York’s long-term future.

Urho Vaakanainen

NHL: New York Rangers at Anaheim Ducks
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Just nine months ago, Urho Vaakanainen was in the Opening Night lineup for the Rangers, this after they moved quickly the previous offseason to lock up the then-restricted free agent with a two-year, $3.1 million contract. He played in the first seven games and 14 of 19 to begin the season before losing his spot in the top-six of the defense corps, replaced by rookie Matthew Robertson. He got into 20 games the rest of the season, finishing with six assists, trusted with only an average of 13:51 TOI over 34 games. Vaakanainen, a first-round pick by the Boston Bruins in the 2017 NHL Draft, remains a decent option as the extra defenseman, but could he surprise and win back a bottom-pair role in training camp? The 27-year-old did play well, helping Finland finish first at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, so perhaps there’s more Sullivan and assistant David Quinn can extract from him next season. But at first blush, he’s an overlooked option because the Rangers added Pettersson to the left side of their defense corps, Robertson remains on the roster, Smits is expected to get every opportunity to prove he belongs in the NHL as an 18-year-old, and rookie Drew Fortescue can’t be counted out after a solid nine-game cameo to close out the 2025-26 season.

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Watch Iowa basketball stars in Sunday's NBA Summer League games

NBA Summer League action continues today from the bright lights and glamour of Las Vegas, Nev., as former Iowa basketball standouts Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort, and Josh Dix will play in the Oklahoma City Thunder's second game from Sin City tonight.

While the Thunder lost their first matchup on Friday night to the Los Angeles Lakers, Stirtz led the team in scoring with 18 points on 7 of 14 shooting, including 3 of 8 from 3-point range, to pair with two assists, one steal, and one block in 28 minutes.

Sandfort followed the 2026 No. 16 overall draft pick's offensive production with 10 points of his own on 4 of 9 shooting and 2 of 5 from deep and seven rebounds, while Dix contributed eight points on an efficient 3 of 6 from the floor and 2 of 5 from long range.

Watch Iowa stars in NBA Summer League

The opponent tonight for the trio of former Hawkeyes and the Thunder will be the Golden State Warriors, who are coming off a 101-90 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

How to watch Iowa basketball players in NBA Summer League

The Thunder and Warriors will tip off at 5 p.m. CT from the Thomas & Mack Center on Amazon Prime Video.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews

This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Watch Iowa basketball stars in Sunday's NBA Summer League games

Bruce Thornton continues to show two-way production in NBA Summer League

After scoring 27 points on 7-for-18 shooting in his Houston Rockets debut, Bruce Thornton looked to follow up that performance Saturday against the Toronto Raptors on the second night of a back-to-back. While Thornton didn't quite match his scoring output from Friday's game, the former Ohio State Buckeye once again showed the polish that made him a steal at the beginning of the second round.

In 32 minutes, Thornton scored 17 points to go along with six rebounds, six assists and a whopping five steals. Although he missed 11 shots for the second straight night (6-for-17 shooting), Thornton converted on 50% of his 3-pointers and is now 6-for-14 from beyond the arc in his first two games.

Although Thornton already figures to be in the Rockets rotation this upcoming season, the opportunity to develop under veteran guards like Marcus Smart and Fred VanVleet will only benefit his career for seasons to come.

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Bruce Thornton continues to show two-way production in NBA Summer League

Curtis High didn’t look far to find its next varsity baseball coach

The Curtis High School baseball program didn’t need to look beyond its dugout to find its next varsity baseball coach.

Nate Angelo, who has been an assistant to Bryan Robinson for 12 years, is taking over the program, the school announced this week. Robinson, who coached the Vikings for 14 years, stepped down after the 2026 season to spend more time with his two daughters, he told The News Tribune.

“It feels the same, I’ve been around (Curtis) for so long,” Angelo told The News Tribune on a phone call on Friday afternoon.

Angelo is a 1998 Curtis High School grad who played baseball for the Vikings before playing two seasons of Division III college baseball, one at the University of Mary Washington (formerly Mary Washington College) in Virginia, before returning home and playing his sophomore year at the University of Puget Sound.

Angelo then followed his high school sweetheart Jenny Swanson — now his wife, Jenny Angelo — to Texas Christian University, where Jenny received a soccer scholarship. Nate walked on to the baseball team there.

Their oldest son, Riley, graduated from Curtis this spring. He was a 4A SPSL all-league and TNT All-Area first-team selection after hitting .435 with six doubles and a home run in the spring, leading Curtis to the state tournament. Their middle son, Levi, plays soccer and football at Curtis, and their youngest, Gannon, played on the varsity baseball team as a freshman last spring.

“We put them in everything,” Angelo said. “Jenny and I wanted them to find their passion, learn to work hard. We think sports have taught us as much as life. It’s just worked out. It’s so fun to watch them come into their own.”

Angelo, who works for a wealth-management firm, also has been coaching a national travel team at New Level (Puyallup) the past few years and has a vision of fast-paced practices at Curtis.

“If we double down on discipline, have intent, fast-paced practice environments, we’re gonna be able to compete at a high level,” he said. “The more small-group attention, fast-paced, lots of reps, multiple balls moving in multiple directions, all of that helps slow the game down when you’re in the game.

“Our goal is to make practice fast, intense, competitive, all with the underlying idea of having a good time and having fun.”

Curtis posted a 17-9 record last spring and advanced to the Class 4A state tournament quarterfinals after knocking off West Valley of Yakima in the opening round.

Abdukodir Khusanov’s agent sheds light on Newcastle talks before 2025 Man City transfer

Abdukodir Khusanov’s agent sheds light on Newcastle talks before 2025 Man City transfer
Abdukodir Khusanov’s agent sheds light on Newcastle talks before 2025 Man City transfer
  • Khusanov’s agent has confirmed Newcastle United held concrete talks to sign the Man City defender
  • Agent Gairat Khasbiullin says the two parties established a “great rapport” during negotiations
  • Newcastle were first to congratulate Khusanov on completing his move to Man City in January 2025

The agent of Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov has revealed that Newcastle United held concrete talks to sign the Uzbekistan international before the defender ultimately completed his move to the Etihad Stadium, adding that a warm relationship between the two parties has been maintained ever since.

Abdukodir Khusanov arrived at Manchester City in January 2025, joining from French club RC Lens in a deal that represented one of the more eye-catching winter window additions of recent years, with the Uzbekistan international’s performances in Ligue 1 having drawn sustained interest from a number of prominent clubs across Europe ahead of the transfer.

Gairat Khasbiullin, who represents Khusanov, has now broken his silence on the nature of that interest, shedding new light on how close Newcastle United came to securing a player who has since gone on to establish himself as a regular starter in Manchester City’s defence under the management structures overseen by director of football Hugo Viana.

Exclusive: Former Man City defender tips Abdukodir Khusanov for Real Madrid transfer interest

Reports at the time of Khusanov’s signing had linked Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain with interest in the centre-back alongside Newcastle, though the agent’s account suggests that of those clubs, only the Magpies progressed to a level that could genuinely be described as concrete rather than exploratory.

The revelation arrives at a moment of considerable activity in the transfer market, with Newcastle themselves among the clubs most active in reshaping their squad ahead of the new season, and with Khusanov’s future at the Etihad Stadium understood to remain a subject of ongoing assessment as new manager Enzo Maresca evaluates every member of his inherited squad.

Khasbiullin: “Great rapport with Magpies” as Newcastle congratulate Khusanov on City move

As reported by Sport Express and relayed by Sport Witness, Khasbiullin confirmed that while several clubs were linked with Khusanov, only Newcastle reached the stage of substantive negotiations.

“Newcastle. The others may have shown interest, just like many other teams. It never got to the point of concrete talks,” said the agent. “But we established a great rapport with the Magpies. I have great respect for their management, and they were the first to congratulate us on Khusanov’s move to City.”

Khasbiullin elaborated further on the nature of the ongoing relationship with Newcastle, revealing that the goodwill generated during those talks has been preserved and developed into something more durable: “We maintain a warm relationship with them. I think that someday a player from Uzbekistan will end up at Newcastle.”

The agent also offered a window into his broader approach to maintaining relationships with clubs even when deals ultimately fail to materialise: “In general, I try to get along well with everyone I’ve negotiated with, sending holiday greetings and congratulations on important victories. When I travel to England, we have dinner together. Yes, that deal didn’t go through, but they really wanted him, and no one held a grudge. They say: whenever you’re planning to visit us, just give us a call in advance, and a box at St. James’ Park is at your disposal.”

Abdukodir Khusanov reflects on horror Chelsea debut and sensational Manchester City rise since

What does the agent’s account reveal about Khusanov’s Manchester City future?

The warmth of Khasbiullin’s language around Newcastle, combined with his suggestion that a Uzbek player could yet end up at St. James’ Park, inevitably raises the question of whether his client could be among those to make that journey at some point in the future – particularly given the uncertainty that surrounds several members of Maresca’s inherited defensive unit as the summer rebuild continues at the Etihad Stadium.

Khusanov has, by the agent’s own account and by any reasonable measure, delivered consistently since joining Manchester City, winning the EFL Cup and the FA Cup in his debut season at the club – honours that would suggest a player firmly embedded within the culture and standards of the Etihad Stadium rather than one on the fringes of its plans.

Nevertheless, the scale of the changes Viana is overseeing this summer means that few positions can be considered entirely settled until Maresca has completed his full assessment of the squad, and Newcastle’s maintained relationship with Khasbiullin ensures that whatever conversations are required, the lines of communication between the two clubs are firmly and warmly open.

Whether Khusanov begins the 2026-27 season as a Manchester City player or whether the “great rapport” between his agent and Newcastle eventually translates into something more concrete remains to be seen – but Khasbiullin’s candid account confirms that the Magpies have never truly moved on from a player they came closer to signing than anyone previously knew.

“Excited by that”: Lord Coe gushes over his ambitious plan for Old Trafford project

“Excited by that”: Lord Coe gushes over his ambitious plan for Old Trafford project
“Excited by that”: Lord Coe gushes over his ambitious plan for Old Trafford project

Lord Coe, chairman of the Mayoral Development Corporation that is spearheading the construction of a new stadium for Manchester United and the regeneration of the surrounding area, has shared his exciting vision.

Big update

Last month, United announced that they had secured 25 acres of land, where their proposed 100,000-seater stadium will sit.

The land was acquired from industrial company Indurent.

Then last week, the Red Devils confirmed that the new ground will be located approximately 350 metres to the north-west of Old Trafford’s existing site. It stands between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way.

These latest plans represent a shift from the initial concepts unveiled back in March of last year, which proposed building United’s new stadium on Freightliner-owned land just to the west of Old Trafford. Talks with Freightliner collapsed due to a significant difference in valuation of the land.

Freightliner were asking for around £400m for the plot, a price that far exceeded United’s estimated valuation of roughly £50m.

Collette Roche, United’s chief executive overseeing the new stadium project, assured that the build will not interfere with team schedules or the matchday experience.

Lord Coe sat down with the BBC to articulate his vision for the project, which is gradually moving toward fruition.

Ambitious plan

He told the news outlet that there was “no point in letting [the stadium] sit alone without the massive legacy benefits you can get.”

Lord Coe explained that he is “enthused by the thought that there’s going to be a world-class, iconic football stadium.” He added, “I love football and sport changes lives, particularly of young people.”

“We’re going to create cohesive, inclusive and engaging communities for people. And we’re going to improve educational attainment and health outcomes and create 15,000 homes in the first wave. I’m excited by that.”

Lord Coe compared it to how the Montjuic area of Barcelona was transformed by the 1992 Olympics.

“Nobody ever travelled to (that area). It was derelict wharf land. Now it’s a new city inside an old one. London was a good example of that. So, for the catalytic impact of having sport sitting at the heart of the project, first of all, people understand that.”

“People love sport and they love sport here in a way that few other parts of the world really get. Secondly, there’s always a timeline involved with sports. The stadium needs to be constructed, and you’ve got events you want to put into it.”

“That brings a sort of an intellectual rigour to the other parts of the project as well.”

United are next in action next weekend when they kick off pre-season against Wrexham.

Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

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De Ligt Training at Carrington With Club Confident Back Issue Is Resolved

De Ligt Training at Carrington With Club Confident Back Issue Is Resolved
De Ligt Training at Carrington With Club Confident Back Issue Is Resolved

Matthijs de Ligt is back at Carrington and working through an individual recovery programme following the back surgery he underwent in May, according to the Manchester Evening News – though the 26-year-old remains absent from United’s main pre-season group as the new campaign approaches.

The MEN reports that de Ligt was not pictured among the senior players who returned to United’s training complex on Thursday, but confirmed he is on-site and following a tailored rehabilitation plan. The centre-back had also been completing fitness work abroad during the summer before resuming activity at Carrington.

Crucially, there is reported optimism inside the club about his trajectory. According to the Manchester Evening News via The Peoples Person, there is confidence at United that his back issue is now behind him following the operation.

“There is confidence that his back issue is behind him after surgery.” – Manchester Evening News

A Defender Yet to Feature Under Carrick

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De Ligt missed the entire second half of the 2025-26 season after the back problem worsened to the point where surgery became necessary. The issue also ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, with a Netherlands call-up never a realistic prospect once the operation was confirmed for May.

It means de Ligt has yet to play a single minute under Michael Carrick. That context makes his return to fitness more than a routine injury update – it is effectively his debut under a new manager still working out his best defensive combinations.

The next meaningful marker will be whether de Ligt transitions from individual work to full team training, which would signal a competitive return is within reach. An involvement in the opening weeks of 2026-27 looks unlikely given the pace of recovery, though the club’s reported confidence is at least encouraging.

United’s Defensive Depth Remains a Concern

De Ligt’s absence compounds a pre-existing problem. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire all carry significant injury histories, and according to the MEN, all the focus at United this summer is on strengthening the midfield – with no planned additions to the backline despite those defensive concerns.

It goes without saying that another defensive injury before de Ligt is back in contention would leave Carrick dangerously short. United’s centre-back options cannot afford that kind of disruption right now.

For now, De Ligt’s presence at Carrington – even in a limited, individual capacity – is the first concrete sign that the Dutchman is moving in the right direction after a miserable end to last season.

Sir Nick Faldo explains how to play a knockdown shot ahead of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

Photo by Matthew Lewis/R&A/R&A via Getty Images
Photo by Matthew Lewis/R&A/R&A via Getty Images

No one has been more successful at The Open Championship over the last 40 years than Sir Nick Faldo, with the Englishman lifting the Claret Jug three times during his career.

Faldo won half of his six major titles on British soil. He won his first major championship at Muirfield in 1987, famously making 18 pars in the final round.

Muirfield would also prove to be the site of his third Open Championship triumph in 1992. Faldo clinched victory at St Andrews two years earlier.

So there are not many better players for amateurs to learn from when it comes to some of the skills required to play links golf.

Sir Nick Faldo shares how to hit a knockdown iron shot

There will be plenty of golfers who attempt a knockdown shot over the coming days at Royal Birkdale.

The knockdown shot is designed to send the ball on a lower trajectory in the hope of preventing it being impacted by the wind.

And speaking in a video on his own YouTube channel as he tackled Birkdale himself, Faldo explained what amateurs should be attempting to do if they want to produce a punchy shot.

Photo by R&A via Getty Images
Photo by R&A via Getty Images

“Seventh hole, par three, a lot of changes. The old tee is way over there, 100 yards, completely different direction. It was flat before. Now they’ve decided to come up the hill, the green is completely brand new. They’ve lifted the green. And obviously all these roll-offs, and look at the size of it. And of course, being up here on top of the hill, really exposed. This is going to be fun,” he said.

“So I am now going to demonstrate how you play a little knockdown shot. It’s 140 adjusted to 135, so that would be a nine iron for me. So you grab an eight, one club more.

“You’re going to put your right thumb in your right ear [at the top of the backswing], keep the right knee really solid. Soft arms, almost feel like you break them, Harry Vardon, collect the ball, and do the same going through. Right thumb into your left ear.”

It should be noted that Faldo hit a sublime shot to just short of the pin. So he has definitely not lost his incredible touch.

The current weather forecast for the opening two rounds of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

A lot will be said about the draw for the opening two rounds in Southport this coming week.

The draw can have a big say in deciding who wins the Claret Jug on Sunday. Wyndham Clark certainly benefitted at Shinnecock Hills from kicking off his US Open late on Thursday.

But perhaps that will not be as much of a factor at Royal Birkdale. Of course, the United Kingdom is currently experiencing another heatwave.

As shown by the Met Office, the weather for Thursday is set to be fairly consistent, though it will be considerably cooler for those in the morning wave.

The winds, meanwhile, are set to be no stronger than 10 miles per hour.

And Friday is set to be a similar story. So it appears that Birkdale is going to provide about as fair a test as links golf can.

Opinion: Former Gunner’s World Cup controversy shows why politics should stay out of football

Opinion: Former Gunner’s World Cup controversy shows why politics should stay out of football
Opinion: Former Gunner’s World Cup controversy shows why politics should stay out of football

Former Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun has unexpectedly found himself at the centre of one of the biggest talking points of the World Cup this week.

After the USA striker’s suspension was overturned following intervention from United States President Donald Trump, the incident has sparked debate across football. Liam Harding believes it raises an important question about whether politics should ever have a place in football’s disciplinary processes.

Football and politics should never become intertwined

Without trying to get too academic, I can recall during one of my first seminars at university while studying sports journalism discussing whether football and politics intertwine with one another, and recently that has certainly been the case.

I personally think that those of us who are decent people (not perfect), but with strong morals and values, can healthily agree that America’s President Donald Trump should not have intervened by asking FIFA to review former Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun’s suspension, regardless of whether FIFA insists the final decision was made independently.

According to the BBC, Trump later confirmed he had asked FIFA to review Balogun’s one-match suspension because he “didn’t think it was a foul”. FIFA subsequently suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, allowing the USA striker to face Belgium in the Round of 16. The decision drew criticism from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and England manager Thomas Tuchel.

At the end of the day, rules are rules and they shouldn’t be broken. Without trying to be too matter of fact, in this instance it is more about fairness, sportsmanship and integrity than greed or power.

Trump is arguably a controversial figure in world politics, let alone football, and even last year he intervened during Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebrations after being told not to do so. This latest episode is another example of politics entering football, while at the same time bringing renewed attention to FIFA’s reputation, which has faced criticism in the media over recent decades.

When a player receives a red card, unless it is widely considered a clear mistake, it is generally accepted as part of the rules and regulations of the game, no matter how frustrating it may be for the player, club or, in this case, a nation. Balogun ultimately played as the United States were beaten 4-1 by Leandro Trossard’s Belgium in the last 16.

The integrity of football must always come first

If this sort of political behaviour became acceptable, where would the rules of the game, which we have followed for well over a century, stand?

Could political figures begin influencing suspensions, disciplinary rulings or other footballing decisions whenever national interests were involved?

More pressure would inevitably be placed on football’s regulatory authorities, potentially turning the game on its head at a time when many supporters already disagree with aspects of modern football.

That includes record-breaking transfer fees which many clubs simply cannot compete with, financial inequalities and the growing commercialisation of the sport.

On the pitch, one player may score the goals, but it still takes a team of 11 to win, draw or lose a football match.

Red cards, introduced at the 1970 World Cup, remain one of the game’s most important disciplinary measures and should be respected by everyone, regardless of their status, unless there is overwhelming evidence that the referee has made a clear error.

Arsenal supporters will remember Balogun’s rise through Hale End before his eventual move away from the Emirates, making this an unusual story with a genuine Gunners connection.

I sincerely hope this sort of situation does not happen again.

I personally like to believe that the vast majority of senior politicians would avoid becoming involved in football’s disciplinary matters to the same extent.

As they say, football is football.

What do you think, Gooners? Should politics have any place in football’s disciplinary decisions, or should the game’s governing bodies remain completely independent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Liam Harding

What do you think, Gooners? Should political figures have any involvement in football’s disciplinary processes, or should the sport remain completely independent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENT

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2026 MLB Home Run Derby: How to watch, start time, new TV channel, and more

MLB All-Star Week is upon us, and you know what that means: It's time for the 2026 Home Run Derby. All the All-Star action, including the derby, is taking place at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 2026 derby participants include St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, Boston's Willson Contreras, Kansas City's Jac Caglianone, Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero, and the New York Yankees' Ben Rice. This year's MLB Home Run Derby will stream on Netflix this Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

Here's what you need to know to tune in to Major League Baseball's 2026 All-Star Week. Oh, and if you want to buy tickets to catch the All-Star Game in person, there are still some available.

How to watch the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby:

Dates: July 13, 2026

Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

TV channels: N/A

Streaming: Netflix

When is the MLB Home Run Derby?

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will take place on Monday, July 13, 2026, starting at 8 p.m. ET.

What channel is the Home Run Derby on?

This year, the MLB Home Run Derby will stream on Netflix.

How to watch the MLB Home Run Derby:

Who is participating in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby?

  • Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals)

  • Willson Contreras (Boston Red Sox)

  • Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals)

  • Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays)

  • Ben Rice (New York Yankees)

  • More participants TBA

MLB All-Star Week schedule:

All times Eastern

July 10

  • HBCU Swingman Classic: 7 p.m. (MLB Network)

July 11

  • 2026 MLB Draft: 1 p.m. (NBC, additional coverage on Peacock, MLB Network and MLB.com.)

July 12

  • MLB All-Star Futures Game: 12 p.m. (NBC)

  • All-Star 3-on-3 (following Futures Game)

July 13

  • MLB Home Run Derby: 8 p.m. (Netflix)

July 14

  • MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show: 2 p.m. (MLB Network)

  • MLB All-Star Game: 8 p.m. (Fox)

Barcelona and Dortmund Agree €30m Deal to Sign Karim Adeyemi

Barcelona and Dortmund Agree €30m Deal to Sign Karim Adeyemi
Barcelona and Dortmund Agree €30m Deal to Sign Karim Adeyemi

Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement on the transfer of Karim Adeyemi for a figure in the region of €30 million, bonuses included. Matteo Moretto reported the development on X on Friday, attributing the original information to Fabrizio Romano.

From Verbal Agreement to Fee Settled

The progression here has been swift. Earlier reporting had established that Adeyemi – the German international winger who joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022 – had a verbal agreement with the Blaugrana over personal terms. The Moretto post confirms that the club-to-club dimension has now also been resolved, with both sides aligned on the financial structure of the deal.

That represents meaningful movement. Dortmund hold a contract with Adeyemi until June 2027, which gave them negotiating weight, and the reported fee sits below the €40–45 million market valuations that had been attached to him on major data sites. Whether the bonus mechanisms built into the €30m package close that gap will depend on their structure, but it suggests Barcelona drove a firm bargain.

For context on how this pursuit developed, Barcelona’s interest in Adeyemi had been building over recent months, with the player himself understood to be receptive to the move.

The Player and His Profile

Adeyemi is a left-sided attacker, predominantly a winger but capable of operating centrally, whose primary asset is pace and pressing intensity. His breakout campaign at Salzburg – 19 league goals and a haul of assists across competitions in 2021–22 – was what triggered Dortmund’s original investment. His time in the Bundesliga has produced moments of genuine quality without the consistency that would have made him untouchable.

He is a full Germany international, which adds a layer of marketability and resale logic for a club that has increasingly factored those considerations into its recruitment. At 24, he fits Barcelona’s preference for high-ceiling attackers with years of development still ahead.

The Adeyemi signing is part of a broader push by Barcelona to reshape the front line this summer. Further attacking reinforcements are also being explored by the club, underlining the scale of what Barcelona is attempting to execute in this window.

What Happens Next

With the fee agreed between the clubs and personal terms previously understood to be in place, the remaining steps are procedural rather than substantive: medical, contract signing, and then the always-pertinent question of registration under La Liga’s financial framework. Barcelona’s ability to register new signings has been a recurring constraint, and Adeyemi’s wage demands – unspecified in current reporting – will determine how cleanly that process runs.

For Dortmund, the sale makes financial sense. They are recouping a meaningful sum on a player with a year left beyond this window, and the club’s own recruitment is active as they reshape their squad in parallel, with midfield reinforcement among the areas they are understood to be addressing. The Sporting CP and Denmark international Morten Hjulmand is one player who has been discussed in that context.

Jerry Jones could trade Cowboys’ shakiest offensive piece to solve linebacker room

Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones could trade Cowboys’ shakiest offensive piece to solve linebacker room originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jordyn Brooks has been on the Dallas Cowboys' radar for months, and now Dallas may have found the trade chip that gets a deal done. 

FanSided's Wynston Wilcox suggested trading Guyton and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for the linebacker. The move would let Jerry Jones move on from an offensive line vulnerability while upgrading the defense.

The logic centers on Dallas' offensive line, which ranked No. 18 recently, with a significant portion of that lower grade tracing back to Guyton. Over 650 snaps in 2025, he earned a 57.5 overall PFF grade, ranking 71st out of 89 qualified tackles. 

His pass protection was worse, ranking 81st after allowing 31 pressures, two sacks, and six quarterback hits. Dallas has already prepared for a potential roster change. They drafted Penn State Nittany Lions' Drew Shelton in the fourth round as a swing tackle, and journeyman Nate Thomas has 17 games of experience if Guyton is traded.

On the flip side, Brooks is coming off a solid year. He actually led the entire NFL with 183 tackles last season, adding 3.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He’s entering the final year of the three-year, $26.25 million contract, and Miami's GM Jon-Eric Sullivan seems open to trading him since the Dolphins want to get younger. 

Wilcox thinks Dallas will take their time with this, penning, "The Cowboys are going to see what their young players do through the preseason and evaluate if it's worth turning to more stability. Once they're hovering around a playoff spot, they'll make a desperate move and that feels like this."

This trade makes sense for Dallas. Their defense struggled last year, giving up a league-worst 30.1 points per game. Putting Brooks next to DeMarvion Overshown would fix their depth issues at linebacker.

However, giving up on Guyton this early will be a very tough call since he was a first-round pick. But if his film shows he cannot handle left tackle, trading him for a top defender is exactly the kind of value Jerry Jones looks for.

More NFL news: 

Big stars and old rivals - what to expect in semi-finals

Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi
[BBC]

The World Cup continues to deliver drama and unforgettable moments, and the field is now down to just four nations as we head into the semi-finals.

France, Spain, England and Argentina are now two wins away from the world title and with a place in the final at stake, the margin for error is now almost non-existent.

So what can we look forward to in the last-four ties? This is your guide to the World Cup semi-finals.

Mbappe v Yamal - European heavyweights go head-to-head

France v Spain, Dallas Stadium, Tuesday 20:00 BST

What to watch out for: With two of Europe's strongest squads going up against each other, this fixture has all the ingredients for becoming a World Cup classic.

Kylian Mbappe dominated the headlines again as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the semi-finals, taking his tally to eight goals for the tournament and moving just one behind Lionel Messi in the race to become the World Cup's all-time top scorer.

But France's biggest strength is their quality across the pitch, with Ousmane Dembele sealing the quarter-final victory and taking his own tally to five goals.

Michael Olise has provided the creative spark for Didier Deschamps' side and leads the competition with five assists.

That depth could prove vital for the two-time winners against a Spain side, who beat them 2-1 in the semi-finals on their way to winning the Euros in 2024.

There is a sense that Spain's best football is yet to come.

Their star attraction Lamine Yamal is yet to truly announce himself at the World Cup. The Barcelona winger has scored only once - against Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

Four-goal Mikel Oyarzabal has blanked in the past two matches, so Luis de la Fuente's side have needed late intervention from substitute Mikel Merino to edge past both Portugal and Belgium in the knockout rounds.

Looking to add to their 2010 triumph, Spain would hope Yamal, who will turn 19 on the eve of the tie, picks the semi-final to deliver a performance that justifies his talent.

Key stats: France will be playing in their eighth World Cup semi-final, equalling Brazil, with only Germany (12) featuring in more.

Spain are on the longest unbeaten run in their history and have now avoided defeat in each of their past 36 matches since a 1-0 loss to Colombia in March 2024. They have won 27 and drawn nine of their matches during that period.

This will be just the second World Cup meeting between the sides. Les Blues came from behind to win 3-1 when they met in the last 16 in 2006.

How to follow: Listen to full BBC Radio 5 Live commentary on BBC Sounds and follow live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

A rivalry renewed - old foes meet

England v Argentina, Atlanta Stadium, Wednesday 20:00 BST

What to watch out for: This will be England's second World Cup semi-final since 2018, but defending champions Argentina stand in the Three Lions' way of a first appearance in the final in 60 years.

It's a fixture fraught with passion and rivalry - falling 40 years after Diego Maradona almost single-handedly dumped England out in the quarter-final stage in Mexico.

This time, Argentina have another superstar number 10 in their ranks. Lionel Messi has never faced England, and what bigger stage to do so for the first time than in a World Cup semi-final.

Messi, who became the World Cup's all-time top goalscorer this tournament, currently leads the Golden Boot race alongside France's Kylian Mbappe, with both on eight goals.

But England have their own iconic 10 in Jude Bellingham, who has scored twice in each of their past two knockout games - the first player to achieve such a feat since Maradona in 1986 - while captain Harry Kane is level with his team-mate on six goals so far this summer.

Neither nation have really been at their free-flowing peak so far this World Cup, battling and scrapping to victories in the knockout stages to reach this point.

It would not be a surprise to see Wednesday's meeting also reduced to a battle of passionate wills, even if Thomas Tuchel has demanded his side show more quality than they did in the quarter-final win over Norway.

Key stats: England have reached the semi-finals in four major tournaments since 2018 - as many as they reached in their history prior to the 2018 World Cup.

The Three Lions have won four consecutive World Cup games, their longest winning run within a single edition since 1966.

Tuchel is only the second England manager to go unbeaten in his first six World Cup games in charge - the previous was Alf Ramsey in 1966, who had the exact same record after six matches (won five, drawn one).

Argentina have reached the World Cup last four for the third time in the past four editions - 2014, 2022, 2026. Prior to 2014, they hadn't reached the semi-final since 1990.

How to follow: Watch on BBC One and iPlayer, listen to full Radio 5 Live commentary on BBC Sounds and follow live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

Cowboys' linebacker uncertainty has one obvious blockbuster solution sitting in Miami

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Cowboys' linebacker uncertainty has one obvious blockbuster solution sitting in Miami originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Cowboys adjusted their front seven this offseason, but the linebacker position remains unsettled. Dee Winters and DeMarvion Overshown are the projected Week 1 starters, while young options Shemar James and Jaishawn Barham compete for the third linebacker spot. 

Since the depth chart lacks experienced depth, Dallas Cowboys On SI's Mike Moraitis highlighted Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks as a logical trade target to secure the position.

The issues with the current group are pretty clear at this point. Winters is a functional but limited starter, Overshown is recovering from serious knee injuries that hindered his past two seasons, and Barham and James lack NFL experience. These uncertainties are risky for a defense trying to improve after allowing a league-worst 30.1 points per game in 2025. Brooks would resolve those concerns. 

The 28-year-old is coming off an All-Pro season and Moraitis summarized his potential impact, noting, "Brooks would be just what the doctor ordered for the Cowboys to remedy that issue. He'd amount to a massive upgrade to the Cowboys' run defense and would add more speed to the unit, too."

The finances work for both teams. Miami is rebuilding under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and Brooks is in the final year of his contract without an extension. 

Moraitis added, "It makes all the sense in the world for the Dolphins to sell high on a player who could very well be on the decline by the time Miami is finished with its rebuild." 

For Dallas, adding an All-Pro run defender next to Overshown would resolve months of linebacker rumors, which have also included veteran Bobby Wagner as a backup option.

No deal is set yet. Dallas has been linked to Brooks since the spring without making a move, and Miami has not said he is available. Still, if the Cowboys want to fix their linebacker issues before Week 1, Brooks is their most effective option.

More NFL news: 

Super Bowl champion pass rusher unhappy in Arizona, and Jerry Jones should be paying close attention

Jerry Jones

Super Bowl champion pass rusher unhappy in Arizona, and Jerry Jones should be paying close attention originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Josh Sweat produced on the field for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025. Off the field, the situation is complicated, giving Jerry Jones and the Dallas front office a reason to monitor the player's availability. 

Sweat, who signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona, skipped the team's voluntary offseason program. He reported only for mandatory minicamp to avoid fines and did not participate in on-field work. 

Reporters indicate his absence stems from organizational disagreement, despite Sweat achieving a career-high 12 sacks last season. That impressive production is exactly why Dallas should keep tabs on the situation. 

Sweat, who earned his championship ring at Super Bowl LIX, actually had the absolute best season of his career last year, putting up 30 tackles while playing in all 17 games. His numbers were a massive bright spot for an Arizona defense that finished tied for the third-fewest sacks in the entire league.

His frustration mainly stems from a coaching change. Jonathan Gannon, who coached Sweat back in Philly and convinced him to sign with Arizona in the first place, was fired in January after an underwhelming 4-13 season. Now, Sweat is stuck playing for a brand-new coaching staff he never signed up for.

NFLTradeRumors’ Logan Ulrich didn't mince words on the fallout last month, penning, "There's no shortage of reasons for him to be frustrated with the Cardinals right now, and the rest of the league knows it."

Dallas' fit is obvious when you look at it. The Cowboys' edge group is still pretty unproven. For example, Rashan Gary hasn't topped 7.5 sacks in either of the last two seasons, Malachi Lawrence and Donovan Ezeiruaku are both still raw, and Sam Williams is still developing. 

For right now, Arizona insists Sweat isn't going anywhere. Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort hasn't shown any rush to move him, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport completely dismissed all recent Green Bay Packers rumors. 

But Sweat's contract has no guaranteed money left after this season. If Arizona falls out of the playoff race, the Nov. 3 trade deadline could change everything and Cowboys owner would be smart to stay ready.

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Will Work For Golf: The Royal Birkdale Artisans Club has one of the sweetest deals going

Did you know there’s an exclusive golf club with its own clubhouse that grants access to play a top-20 course in the world every day, and membership is free?

Yes, you read that right.

It all started in 1931 when 32 working-class tradesmen came to an agreement with Royal Birkdale Golf Club. In exchange for access to the course, these golfers would volunteer their labor to help maintain it.

Thus, the Royal Birkdale Artisans Golf Club was born.

The definition of an artisan is a “skilled craft worker who makes or creates material objects partly or entirely by hand.” The current captain is a window fitter. Other members work as gas engineers, electricians, barbers, floor fitters, bricklayers, builders and bus drivers. There are about 60 artisan clubs at courses in England, with similar arrangements established at courses such as Royal Liverpool, Sunningdale, Walton Heath, West Lancashire and Formby.

“Membership is via an application process,” says Aiden Coulton, the Royal Birkdale Artisans Club secretary, “and there’s an interview to understand suitability to the Artisan golf way of life.”

I had to ask the obvious follow-up.

“The Artisan way of life is built on friendship, duty and our shared love of golf. We work together as a team to look after a valuable part of Royal Birkdale’s history.”

More From Golf Digest True or False British Open 2026: How important is being on the 'right side' of the draw? What the stats say British Open Preview The secret to links golf? It’s not technical Golf Digest Logo British Open 2026: 5 ways Royal Birkdale has changed since its last Open

To apply for membership, you must live within 10 miles of Royal Birkdale and volunteer two hours every week to help maintain the course. Each member is given a purple vest, their uniform for working on the course, with the words “Royal Birkdale Golf Club Artisan” on the back. Every hour and job is strictly tracked, and there are clear consequences for non-adherence, namely your access to play the course is withdrawn.

Reporting to Royal Birkdale’s course manager Sean McClean, the Artisans fill divots, rake bunkers, trim sprinkler heads, pick balls on the range and do whatever tasks are needed to look after one of world’s top links courses. Membership is capped at just 32, matching the number of original members.

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WORK HARD, PLAY HARD: Rounds start on hole No. 5, steps from the clubhouse.

“Divoting is my favorite job,” Coulton says. “Walking the fairways early in the morning is very peaceful, and you can clearly see the impact our work has on the course, especially when the Open is coming to town.”

Coulton doesn’t work in a conventional artisan trade—he’s a banker. “In the past there was an expectation of artisan work, so that’s why historically a lot of hands-on trade workers were members,” he says. “Nowadays, there is no requirement or restriction on membership based on profession. Rather, it is based more on ability and willingness to complete the course duties required. We teach each member what to do, like how to properly rake bunkers. It’s harder than most people would think.”

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HOLDING COURT (From left) Mark Galley, Chris Hind, Allan Brandon, Aiden Coulton, Jimmy Singleton.

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From their quaint brick clubhouse located next to the fourth green of the course, the Artisans often gather and watch visiting golfers from around the world stroll past. The building, built in 1897, was originally the pro shop for Royal Birkdale. However, when the iconic art-deco clubhouse opened in 1935, the club donated the old pro shop to the Artisans, giving them their own space to meet, change into golf shoes and make a well-earned cup of tea after their weekly chores are complete.

MORE: The best courses in the United Kingdom and Ireland

As for playing the course, if they’ve completed their weekly tasks, the Artisans can tee off any day before 8:30 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Members often gather at first light to start on the fifth hole, just steps from their clubhouse. Competitions are held on Sundays with regular matches against other Artisans clubs and annual fixtures against Royal Birkdale’s men’s and women’s clubs. Handicap Indexes range from 2 to 20, with Carl Westby, a 3-handicap and postman, adding his name to the list of club champions last summer.

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Retired gas engineer Jimmy Singleton trims a sprinkler.

One night each year, the Artisans don jacket and tie for the club’s annual prize-giving. Hosted by Royal Birkdale in its famed white clubhouse, the night is a highlight for the 32 members and an opportunity to feel an even stronger connection to the main club.

“It’s a club within the club to us,” says Alan Brough, a Royal Birkdale member. “We’re very grateful for the work the team does. I usually see them on my evening rounds in the twilight, divoting. They are always cheerful and encouraging, clearly enthusiastic for the game. The Captains Match with the Artisans is a great annual fixture. During the round, we are invited into the Artisans clubhouse, which is full of interesting pictures and artifacts and their fantastic hospitality.”

Of course, the Artisans’ hospitality always extends when The Open comes to town.

“Pros will often stop during practice days and have a look at the clubhouse. Phil Mickelson took a picture with us in 2008, Colin Montgomerie always stopped in, and Christy O’Connor, Jr., even came in during a rain delay once to drink whisky and play cards.” 

One Artisan, Jimmy Singleton, has witnessed every Open at Birkdale since 1976. The 76-year-old former gas engineer has seen Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, Ian Baker-Finch, Mark O’Meara, Padraig Harrington and Jordan Spieth all lift the claret jug on the 18th green of the course he calls home.

When the Women’s British Open came to Birkdale in 2005, Singleton walked a practice round with Birdie Kim, the reigning U.S. Women’s Open champion, and her caddie. “We met on the first tee, and she introduced herself as Birdie Kim, to which I said, ‘Nice to meet you, I’m Bogey Jim!’”

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CLEARLY MARKED Members of the Royal Birkdale Artisans Club dress accordingly for playing and caretaking.

That story and others from Open weeks are recounted often in the Artisans’ clubhouse. The main room, no more than 300 square feet, is decorated on all sides with images from Open Championships, photos of players stopping in and champions boards celebrating the various winners of Artisans competitions dating back 96 years—all hand-built by the members, of course.

“We do all the maintenance,” Coulton says. “Painting the interior, upgrading fixtures, electrical work, whatever’s needed. The range of skills within the membership helps the club stay self-sufficient.”

If you’re lucky enough to play Royal Birkdale, on your way to the fifth tee you can stop and see through the gap in the hedge to a door. On that door is a sign with a poem.

As the earth is not meant to be carried away, The divots you cut in the course of your play Should be neatly replaced by your caddie or you with their roots to the Earth and their blades to the blue.

More From Golf Digest History lesson British Open 2026: The Open rota courses, ranked Golf Digest Logo Bobby Jones and The Immortal Shot That Almost Never Was Golf Digest Logo The oldest golf clubhouse in the world?

Dylan Harper didn't hesitate naming the two NBA stars who gave him the most trouble

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Dylan Harper didn't hesitate naming the two NBA stars who gave him the most trouble originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Antonio Spurs are coming off an outstanding season that saw them reach the NBA Finals for the first time in a decade. Rookie standout Dylan Harper emerged as one of the team's biggest contributors throughout that impressive postseason run, although San Antonio ultimately came up short in its quest for the championship.

During a recent interview, Harper was asked to identify the toughest player he had to defend this season. The Spurs rookie didn't need much time to think before giving his response, immediately naming Oklahoma City Thunder stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams as the most challenging matchup he faced.

“SGA and JDub. We beat them, but… damn… them two kinda hard,” Harper said.

Harper and the Spurs punched their ticket to the NBA Finals after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game Western Conference Finals series. Although San Antonio had enjoyed success against the Thunder during the regular season, the conference finals proved to be a far more demanding challenge. The series went the distance before the Spurs secured a 4-3 victory.

Coming off an MVP-winning regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased why he is regarded as one of the league's elite scorers. Williams complemented him perfectly as Oklahoma City's second star.. Even while dealing with injuries late in the series, Williams continued to make his presence felt, particularly with his rebounding and all-around impact.

Throughout the seven-game battle against the Thunder, Harper also played an important role in San Antonio's rotation. However, despite overcoming Oklahoma City to reach the Finals, the Spurs were unable to finish the job, ultimately falling to the New York Knicks in the championship series.

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'Animals', Hand of God and Beckham - Argentina and England's World Cup rivalry

Michael Owen, Diego Maradona and David Beckham
[Getty Images]

It's a footballing rivalry that goes back generations.

England v Argentina for a place in the World Cup final. Iconic. Generational. Classic. It's hard to find the words to do the occasion justice.

On Wednesday in Atlanta, Lionel Messi will be playing against England for the first time in his career as the defending world champions bid to stop Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions ending 60 years of hurt.

It's a World Cup rivalry that started back in 1962 and has featured wonder goals, controversy and red cards ever since.

But it's not just an on-field rivalry. Political tensions, especially around the Falklands War in the 1980s, dominate the relationship between the two nations. Argentina players and fans still reference the conflict in football songs.

Before one of England's biggest matches in history, BBC Sport takes a look back at the World Cup rivalry between the two sides.

It may surprise many that of the five World Cup matches played between the two sides, it is England that are on top, but it has been a while since they won one that really mattered.

With their last World Cup meeting back in 2002, many of the countries' younger generations won't even remember the rivalry, so BBC Sport revisits six decades of controversy.

1962: England 3-1 Argentina (Rancagua, Chile -group stage)

A tame affair compared to what was to follow.

Goals from Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves put England into an unassailable 3-0 lead, with a late consolation from Argentina.

Both sides finished the group stage with a win, defeat and a loss, but England edged through at the expense of Argentina thanks to a superior goal difference.

The Three Lions were knocked out by Brazil in the quarter-finals.

1966: England 1-0 Argentina (Wembley, England - quarter-finals)

Was this the moment the footballing rivalry between the two sides really developed? Possibly. Probably.

The two teams met in the quarter-finals in a match Argentina, to this day, insist they were robbed in, claiming Geoff Hurst's winning goal was offside.

That was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to controversy though, with Argentina captain Antonio Rattin sent off after just 33 minutes for two offences in the space of three minutes.

The first was for a trip on Bobby Charlton, the second was for continuing to argue with German referee Rudolf Kreitlein.

The match was delayed for almost eight minutes as Rattin refused to leave the pitch.

England held on, in an incredibly ill-tempered affair, with Three Lions boss Alf Ramsey describing the Argentine side as 'animals' and insisting that his players did not swap shirts.

England's 1966 World Cup-winning defender George Cohen reflected on the match in the Guardian in 2009.

"Tackling is fine," he said. "But it was some of the snidey things, the spitting and pulling the short hairs on your neck, pulling your ear. They were trying to intimidate us. The trouble was when they found out they weren't going to get their way they fell into some of the worst excesses I've ever seen.

"I just consider it the greatest shame that they didn't play the game they were capable of. We might even have got beaten but they just should have got on and shown what they could do.

"There was a lot of commotion in the tunnel after the game. Nobody was allowed out so we didn't see it."

The match is also believed to have led to the introduction of red and yellow cards, which were first used in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Previously, referees had to rely on verbal warnings.

Rattin, who represented Argentina from 1959 to 1969 and played at the 1962 and 1966 World Cups, died at the age of 89 on Saturday.

1986: Argentina 2-1 England (Mexico City, Mexico - quarter-final)

Diego Maradona
[Getty Images]

The Hand of God. Sigh.

This quarter-final was played just four years after the two countries had fought the Falklands War. This wasn't just a football rivalry, political tensions were huge as well.

The Argentine media and public framed the match as a way to express their resentment at the conflict, while their British counterparts also leaned into it, using nationalistic language to heighten the animosity between the countries.

BBC World Service's Lourdes Heredia, who was at the game in the Azteca Stadium, said: "My father wasn't sure about his 'princesses going'. He was worried that tensions between Argentina and England fans would spill over. My mother didn't hesitate. A once in a lifetime opportunity."

It provided a moment no English football fan from that era will ever forget as the genius that was Diego Maradona punched Argentina into the lead against England. Literally.

The Argentine number 10 leapt for a ball with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton but, somehow unnoticed, he opted to punch the ball into the empty net. If only VAR was around then.

To be fair to Maradona, he then scored probably the greatest World Cup goal of all time as he dribbled through half the England team, rounded Shilton and slotted home to double Argentina's lead.

"When I lived and worked in Argentina, people regularly brought up the Hand of God," said Heredia. "But this is to forget that the second goal was just spectacular - almost unbelievable."

Gary Lineker pulled one back late on but it was to no avail as England crashed out in the most controversial of circumstances

It took until 2005 for Maradona to apologise. An apology Shilton rejected,

To rub salt into the wound, Argentina went on to beat West Germany in the final to lift the trophy.

1998: Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina win 4-3 on pens) (St Etienne, France - last 16)

A match David Beckham will never forget.

The game will always be remembered for his kick out at Argentina's Diego Simeone and subsequent red card.

Prior to that Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer had traded penalties, before Michael Owen scored one of his country's greatest World Cup goals to give England a 2-1 lead.

Owen burst past the Argentine defence to score a spectacular solo goal, before a clever free-kick saw Javier Zanetti level the scores before the break.

After Beckham's red, England bravely hung on and even thought they had won it when Sol Campbell headed home in the 81st minute, only for it it to be ruled out for a push.

The match went to penalties which, after misses by David Batty and Paul Ince, Argentina prevailed in, before being knocked out themselves in the next round by the Netherlands.

To stoke the tensions in the rivalry further, Simeone admitted a year later: "Let's just say the referee fell into the trap.

"It was also a difficult one for him to have avoided because I went down well and in moments like that there's a lot of tension.

"You could say that my falling transformed a yellow card into a red card. But in fact, the most appropriate punishment was a yellow one."

David Beckham
Whie lying on the floor, Beckham swung his leg up and kicked out at Argentina midfielder Simeone, who collapsed to the ground [Getty Images]

2002: Argentina 0-1 England (Sapporo, Japan - group stage)

This was the match that will be remembered as redemption for Beckham.

The then England skipper scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, after Owen was chopped down by Mauricio Pochettino - yes, that one.

Having only drawn with Sweden in their opening group game, it was a crucial win for the Three Lions.

A goalless draw for England against Nigeria in the final match saw them progress, while Argentina - who concluded with a 1-1 draw against Sweden - were eliminated before the knockouts for the first time since 1962.

England went on to beat Denmark in the last 16 before being knocked out by Brazil - and Ronaldinho's impudent free-kick - in the quarters.

BBC Sport's chief football reporter Phil McNulty remembers: "The futuristic Sapporo Dome was the scene of redemption for Beckham and England at the 2002 World Cup in Japan.

"Lingering tensions between the teams in the wake of Beckham's red card against Argentina in France four years earlier, along with a painful defeat on penalties in the last 16, made this a highly-charged occasion.

"And it was England - led by Sven-Goran Eriksson with Marcelo Bielsa his opposite number - who came out on top with a 1-0 win, fittingly scored from the spot by Beckham a minute before half-time, contentiously awarded after future Spurs manager Pochettino was adjudged to have fouled Owen."

Rice in bed for nearly three days before Norway game - Tuchel

England boss Thomas Tuchel says Declan Rice spent most of the three days before their World Cup quarter-final win against Norway in bed with sickness.

Rice started the 2-1 victory against Norway but looked like he was struggling in the stifling heat of the Miami Stadium before being substituted after the break for Arsenal team-mate Eberechi Eze.

England went 1-0 down when Andreas Schjelderup scored for Norway before Jude Bellingham equalised just before half-time, and also grabbed the winner for the Three Lions during extra time.

The win set up a semi-final against Argentina, who beat Switzerland, that will kick off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 15 July and be shown live across the BBC.

"We had some players struggling in the heat," said Tuchel. "Ezri Konsa was one of them with cramps and the hamstrings.

"Declan, we made a decision in half-time to become more offensive, to have a bit of an offensive shift.

"I made the decision when we were 1-0 down and didn't want to go back on the decision because of the equaliser."

Rice was a doubt for the Norway game as he had already been suffering with a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, and it was exacerbated by illness.

He trained on the eve of the quarter-final but made way at the break.

Tuchel added: "We had to take Elliot [Anderson] or Declan out [and] knowing that Declan struggled after the last three days where he was most of the time in bed, I knew he cannot survive 90 minutes.

"There was a possibility that it goes 120 [minutes], so I didn't want to waste another change, so the decision was to take Declan out earlier than he needed to go out, just to save us another change later down the match."

Rice, who helped Arsenal win last season's Premier League title, has started five of England's six matches at the 2026 World Cup, with the group game against Panama being the only one he has missed.

'Not happy with the performance' - so why do England keep winning?

Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, speaks with Jude Bellingham #10 during a hydration break in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Bellingham was England's hero again on Saturday, scoring twice in the quarter-final win over Norway [Getty Images]

England fought hard to beat Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, but manager Thomas Tuchel is clearly concerned.

"We made life very difficult for ourselves," Tuchel said. "The result is fantastic but I'm not happy with the performance."

He did follow these quotes up by commending the players for their heart: "I'm impressed with the effort, team spirit and belief to overcome adversity.

"But I am also a football coach and I think we can play better. We had a lot of momentum swings for both teams. We made life difficult in the way we played, sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough."

So, what did he want to see? And more importantly, if the side aren't playing as they should be, why do they keep on winning?

How does Tuchel want England to play?

When Tuchel selected his World Cup squad, it was clear that he had a specific style of play in mind.

Players were selected based on how well they could perform in predefined roles – think Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers competing for the number 10 shirt pre-tournament.

These fixed roles are underpinned by a number of key principles, some of which are:

  1. Dominate possession
  2. Press aggressively
  3. Play deliberate passes to entice opposition pressure
  4. After enticing pressure, accelerate play, looking to find forwards in space
  5. Against defensive blocks, attack down the flanks, using wide triangles and rotations to create chances

Througout the World Cup we have seen these in glimpses, but Tuchel is unsatisfied.

What did Tuchel want to see against Norway?

Almost all of the issues Tuchel mentioned after the game were about how his side played on the ball, so for context, we need to look at England's attacking and Norway's defensive set-up.

Stale Solbakken's men defended in a 4-5-1 shape, blocking space, with England attacking in a 3-2-5 shape on the ball.

Marc Guehi, John Stones and Ezri Konsa made up the first line. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson formed the two in midfield. Left-back Nico O'Reilly joined the front four, giving them an extra player against Norway's back line.

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing England's attacking shape and Norway's defensive shape
England's 3-2-5 attacking shape against Norway's 4-5-1 [BBC]

In his post-match critique Tuchel said England were "not repetitive enough", an uncommon phrase.

What he was most likely referring to was that he did not see his side have longer spells of possession consisting of lots of short passing, aimed at drawing Norway out.

This is something the German manager wants because it opens up space to find attackers in, either out wide or with long balls over the top.

In the group stage against Ghana, who also defended in a 4-5-1 block, Tuchel was heard telling his players to play "short, short, short" before looking for a "long switch", something we actually saw from England in the first quarter against Norway.

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing England building up play down the left before switching play to the right.
In the 10th minute, England have six players on the left side of the pitch. With Norway drawn in that direction, Kane then switches play to find Madueke free, ready to dribble at his full-back one against one [BBC]

By playing numerous short passes on one flank, England drew the Norwegians towards the ball before quickly playing to the far-side winger in space, often Anderson playing long to Noni Madueke.

The wingers didn't capitalise on these moments but England showed glimpses of Tuchel's ideal attacking principles.

As the game went on, this repetitive baiting of pressure was seen less.

England struggled to hold the ball, with their first-half possession of 68% dropping to 44% in the second half.

The untapped potential of England's wide triangles

Positional rotations in the wide triangles for Tuchel were supposed to be the key attacking tactic England were to lean on throughout the tournament.

Much of Tuchel's post-match frustrations likely will have come from the fact that Norway's 4-5-1 gave the Three Lions the perfect conditions to use them, but England were "not fast enough".

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing England's attack down the right.
In the second half, an animated Tuchel urges the player on the ball forward to commit Norway's midfield, with the potential of an overload on the flank easy to manufacture here. Saka and Eze are both in space. Instead a safe pass is played to full-back Konsa [BBC]

The wide midfielders of Norway did not drop into the defensive line, instead holding their position in line with the central midfielders. Behind them, Norway kept a narrow back four.

This gave England multiple possible solutions through their wide triangles.

Using Anthony Gordon, Anderson and O'Reilly as an example below, we see the England winger move from a left-wing position into a more narrow position inside the Norweigan right-back, Julian Ryerson.

Norway's right midfielder, Alexander Sorloth, holds his zone, which means O'Reilly or Anderson could move into the space out wide behind him.

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing England's attack down the left.
An example of England's wide rotations: Gordon moves central as Anderson pulls out wide. Both aren't directly marked against Norway's zonal defence. O'Reilly, on the ball, passes it back to Guehi rather than forward [BBC]

The zonal defending of Norway meant they were not tracking the movement of the England players, but instead looking to defend whoever arrived in their zone.

If England players were to run, off the ball, into spaces that were empty, they would have found themselves free. Playing quickly into these wide players then would have almost certainly given England numbers around the opposition full-back.

Frustratingly for Tuchel, similar patterns worked for Iraq and France against Norway, both sides who arguably don't put as much emphasis on this approach compared to the ex-Chelsea manager's England.

Screen grab from Iraq vs Norway showing Iraq's attack down the left for their goal.
Teams have scored against Norway's organised 4-5-1 through rotations and dangerous runs out wide. This situation, with the attacker arriving in the final third unmarked, led to a goal for Iraq following a cross [BBC]

'Fearful' and 'sloppy'

Continuing with the example below, the ball isn't played into the free players out wide quickly enough and instead Guehi finds himself on the ball at a walking pace.

England fail to recognise where the space is early and instead of looking to play through the wide areas, the Manchester City defender forces a pass through the middle, losing the ball in a dangerous area.

This is an example of what Tuchel was likely eluding to when using the word "sloppy".

Assistant coach Anthony Barry's half-time quotes provide valuable insight at this tournament. In England's opener against Croatia, he said: "[We were] not playing through the gaps, not [accelerating] our game the way we wanted to. We fell back into some fearful patterns."

Although England have found a way to arrive at the semi-finals, this assessment still holds elements of truth five games later.

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing Guehi's central play, leading to a turnover.
While trailing, England were well set up to attack down their left. Instead the ball was moved in-field to Guehi, who lost possession attempting to find Bellingham [BBC]

How do England keep winning?

Tuchel's side were unable to exploit Norway's defensive weaknesses when the game looked like an attack v defending drill. They did, however, still win the game.

For England's first goal, Orjan Nyland's long goal-kick landed at Anderson's feet. Norway, preparing to compete for the punt long to Sorloth, were caught in a disorganised defensive shape.

Recognising the space that opened, Anderson powerfully carried the ball up the pitch. His direct run towards Ryerson, and behind Sorloth, committed the right-back, giving Gordon the chance to run down the flank unmarked.

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing Norway's disorganised shape in the lead-up to England's first goal.
Norway's 4-5-1 is disjointed as they are set up to contest the goal-kick. Anderson smartly takes advantage of this space [BBC]

Centre-back Kristoffer Ajer has to come across to defend Gordon. With Ajer pulled across, midfielder Sander Berge dropped into the defensive line, something Norway don't do in their organised shape.

This opened up the pass centrally into Bellingham who, arriving late, was unmarked, before his impressive finish.

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing the domino effect of Norway's movement that resulted in England's opening goal.
Ryerson is forced out to Anderson, which forces Ajer across to Gordon. This in turn forces Berge into defence and opens up space for Bellingham (yellow) to receive the ball [BBC]

Interestingly these details cropped up in England's opening goal against Mexico. After a quick turnover against a disorganised defence, Rice powerfully carried the ball up the pitch, running at the full-back and delaying him from getting out to Saka.

The late run of Bellingham is found with the Mexican centre-back being pulled away from England's number 10 – this time by a forward run from Kane.

It's a testament to England's players taking advantage of the opposition's momentary disorganisation and showcasing skills that come naturally to them. It's hard to coach Bellingham's timing and instinct, or Rice and Anderson's ball-carrying.

For England's winner on Saturday, Norway again were not in their 4-5-1 shape, disorganised this time after defending a corner.

In the phase of play following this, England seized the moment, with players leaning on their standout traits. Morgan Rogers' ball-striking from distance, a strength of his, was parried by Nyland before being tapped home following expert anticipation from Bellingham.

Screen grab from England vs Norway showing Rogers shot leading to Bellingham's second goal.
In the phase of play after a corner, Norway find themselves defending deep in the box. This gives Rogers space outside the area, something that would not occur against Norway's 4-5-1. His powerful strike results in a rebound that Bellingham finishes [BBC]

Post game, Bellingham said: "The game is split into loads of different facets – technical, tactical, and, the biggest one is psychological, managing adversity."

The manner in which England's players have stepped up, appearing to thrive in chaotic game-states, is commendable, and shows not only a psychological strength but a level of individual footballing quality too.

For Tuchel, "performance helps you win games", and it is his job to create the conditions that more reliably give England chances throughout a match.

With Argentina in the semi-finals, a team that have shown vulnerabilities out wide, he will undoubtedly remain fixated on getting his wide triangles to work.

Wallace grand slam sparks offense as Red Wings roll behind Champlain

The Rochester Red Wings defeated the Worcester Red Sox 10-3 Saturday at Polar Park.

Rochester opened the scoring in the first inning when Harry Ford hit a solo home run to left-center field.

Trey Lipscomb extended the lead in the second inning with a two-run homer to left, scoring Andrew Pinckney, who had singled earlier in the inning.

Cayden Wallace hit a grand slam in the fourth inning after Lipscomb singled, Joey Wiemer doubled and Riley Adams was hit by a pitch, giving Rochester a 7-0 lead.

The Red Wings added another run in the sixth inning when Christian Franklin and Wallace reached base before Ford doubled to left, making it 8-0.

Worcester scored its first run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Braiden Ward walked and scored on Nick Sogard's triple to right.

Rochester responded in the eighth inning when Adams doubled and scored on Franklin's groundout, extending the lead to 9-1.

The Red Sox added two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning when Max Ferguson walked and scored on Ward's triple to left, and Ward scored on Vinny Capra's groundout, cutting the deficit to 9-3.

Brady House hit a solo home run in the ninth inning to close out the scoring for Rochester.

Chandler Champlain was dominant, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Sogard's two-out RBI triple. Champlain earned the win for the Red Wings, allowing one run on one hit over six innings with three strikeouts and two walks. Michael Sansone took the loss for Worcester, giving up seven runs including three home runs over five innings.

Information gathered from milb.com.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Wallace grand slam sparks offense as Red Wings roll behind Champlain

Capello: ‘Nobody better than Maldini for Italy, Mancini mistake too big to forget’

Capello: ‘Nobody better than Maldini for Italy, Mancini mistake too big to forget’
Capello: ‘Nobody better than Maldini for Italy, Mancini mistake too big to forget’

Fabio Capello believes that the FIGC have made the right call in appointing Paolo Maldini as its new technical director, is pleased to see Leonardo joining him as an advisor, but says that Roberto Mancini’s previous mistakes are too great to simply forget: ‘I’ve already said I would go with Conte’.

Maldini has recently been appointed as the new technical director of the FIGC and has also been named the President of Club Italia on a four-year contract that will see him through until the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor.

This is the beginning of a new era for the Italy national team following the departures of previous FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon following the failure to get past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March.

Gravina has recently been replaced by Giovanni Malagò, who, as of Saturday night, has made his first significant appointment in the Italy national team set-up by bringing in Maldini. Next up is a decision on a new head coach with Mancini, Antonio Conte and even potentially Pep Guardiola, again, among the frontrunners.

Capello has given his verdict on the recent appointment of Maldini, Leonardo and the potential next CT in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Capello: ‘Maldini was the first name on Italy’s list, he’s the person we need’

Capello is convinced about Maldini’s qualities, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Nobody better than him would be able to do it.”

He continued: “I’m really happy about it. Paolo was the first name on their list and they’ve got him, he’s definitely the person we need. I’m happy for the national team and also for him. He’s serious, capable and attentive. He doesn’t speak, he works. He has ideas, he will have a well-defined project in his mind already.”

Capello also gave his verdict on the appointment of Leonardo, who will serve as an advisor to Maldini.

“He’s another guy who knows a lot about football,” said Capello. “If Maldini wanted him to be close by, bringing together a partnership that was born in Milan, it is because there is so much to do.

“We have to recover on multiple different fronts, obviously starting with the young talents. They’ve chosen to take on a big commitment because they are clearly convinced by it. I will repeat: They are both serious, and more importantly, they understand football.”

EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Paolo Maldini of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC MIlan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 1, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

What did Capello learn from watching Maldini up close during his time with Milan?

“Everyone has seen what he did with the Rossoneri,” said Capello. “He’s not a yes man, he wants to have the freedom to change things, he has an exact plan and wants to make that happen.”

And how important is it that Maldini is given full control to make the changes that he wants to?

“It’s very positive. Without that, he would have never accepted,” Capello insists. “Someone like him has to be free to put his ideas to good use. I’m sure that he won’t have made much of a fuss on an economic level, more so that he wants to be able to put the ideas he has in mind into practice, and in that way, he can be really useful.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale (L) of AC Milan and AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini (R) before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan won the Serie A title with Maldini as a director, but he ended up leaving the club at the end of the following season after a series of disagreements with the club ownership.

Capello says: “We have to consider that relationship with the owners. It’s difficult when yo hit turbulence. You really have to understand the history behind that. The Scudetto victory was incredible, but it’s true that things got a bit complicated after that. I know Paolo has charisma, that he is a winner and has been a key figure everywhere he has been.”

Leonardo also has plenty of history with Milan, and also as a director at PSG. Asked if he is ‘too’ used to having money readily available to spend at those clubs, Capello said “But money has nothing to do with it. It’s all about ideas, not resources.

“You have to be able to understand what is missing and what needs to happen, and then find the way to achieve those goals. Additionally, Leo is a great person, which doesn’t hurt. He and Paolo are coming in strong in their beliefs, ideas and skills. Theirs will be a clear project and I’m curious to see how it will develop when they present it, beginning with the next head coach.”

And who would Capello pick if he were in charge?

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“I’ve already said Conte, who has done well with the Azzurri, Mancini is also good, but leaving the national team up the creek a few days before a series of important matches is too big to forget.”

Tension? Bellingham hits back at England boss's criticism 👀

Tension? Bellingham hits back at England boss's criticism
Tension? Bellingham hits back at England boss's criticism 👀

Scorer of both goals in the win over Norway, the midfielder publicly disagreed with the coach’s assessment and came to the defense of the England squad.

England secured their place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway, decided in extra time.

Right after the final whistle, English Team coach Thomas Tuchel of Germany gave an interview to British broadcaster ITV and showed clear dissatisfaction with the football his players produced, despite the positive result.

The German manager said the team "made life difficult for themselves," describing the performance as careless.

Tuchel pointed to tactical mistakes, a lack of speed, and inconsistency, concluding that the team had the "necessary luck" to go through.

Bellingham, who scored the equalizer in the second half and the winner in the first half of extra time, was then interviewed by the BBC.

Asked whether Tuchel’s comments reflected the high level of internal demands, the Real Madrid No. 10 did not hesitate to disagree with his coach:

"Maybe. Or maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in these kinds of conditions against players like Erling Haaland, Odegaard, Nusa, and Sorloth. They’re not an easy team to play against."

The midfielder made a point of shielding his teammates, praising the group and the resilience shown on the pitch:

"We try to create a positive environment, and we need to keep that going into the semifinals. I can’t praise my teammates enough," he said.

"You can’t win every game, always have the ball, complete a thousand passes. Sometimes we have to win the ugly way, and we did that again tonight," he added.

The factor of 'extreme conditions'

Bellingham’s outburst about the match "conditions" reflects the team’s physical exhaustion.

Tuchel himself later revealed that defensive midfielder Declan Rice had spent nearly three days in bed before the match.

Even while weakened, Rice was named in the starting lineup and showed visible difficulty coping with the suffocating heat during the game.

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

FlexWork Sports fumbled Tetairoa McMillan youth football camp

The far more clickable headline would be that Panthers receiver and 2025 NFL offensive rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan was a no-show for a youth football camp on Wednesday, July 1. But it seems at this point to be not a McMillan problem but an issue created by FlexWork Sports Management, which handled (or, more accurately, mishandled) the event.

Via the Asheville (N.C.) Citizen Times, parents and kids showed up for the camp at Reynolds High School on July 1. No one else did.

Per the Times, several parents who had paid for the camp said they received emails transferring their registrations to a camp featuring Panthers receiver Xavier Leggette in Charlotte on May 17. They claimed, however, that some of the emails arrived after May 17 — without a corresponding retrofitted DeLorean capable of doing some serious shit when it hits 88 miles per hour.

Other parents told the Times they didn't receive any email about the change.

The Times reports that FlexWork "advertised the camp and was supposed to host it," and "did not respond to multiple requests for comment."

A McMillan rep told the Times that the camp had been canceled in February, and that he had not been part of the planning of the event. (It's unclear whether McMillan ever committed to doing the camp.)

FlexWork, per the Times, promoted the camp in a Facebook post on October 19, 2025, explaining that boys and girls from six to 16 could “[l]earn skills from Tetairoa" and “[g]et a pic with the star” and “get swag.” The cost was roughly $100, those who attended the camp that didn't happen told the Times.

Beyond the snafu regarding FlexWork and McMillan, Reynolds coach Chandler Greer said the school tried to contact FlexWork but received no response. The school apparently attempted to inform FlexWork that the field wouldn't be available for use that day.

Obviously, the folks who signed up for the camp should get full refunds. If FlexWork isn't going to respond to media efforts to address the situation, someone in North Carolina with legal authority to get their attention — and to sanction them accordingly — should. A lawsuit also may be in order.

As to McMillan and any other players who are contacted by a third party to conduct an offseason youth camp, be careful who you deal with. Even if it's not your fault when the whole thing goes sideways, you'll get dragged into the mess.

In this case, McMillan may want to consider legal action of his own against FlexWork. It's his name that will be dragged through the mud over this, even if he had no responsibility for what transpired.

Chelsea fix asking price for Alejandro Garnacho, next few hours key

Chelsea fix asking price for Alejandro Garnacho, next few hours key
Chelsea fix asking price for Alejandro Garnacho, next few hours key

Roma have been looking to sign Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho and finally bring the Argentine to the Serie A. A move looks complex but initial movements are taking shape.

La Gazzetta dello Sportreport that the Italian side are working to make attacking signings, with Diego Moreira also a target.

For Garnacho, they are waiting for Chelsea to open up to the possibility of an initial loan with an option to buy. This formula worked quite well for Donyell Malen and they hope it also works out for the Argentine.

Chelsea would like to cash in on a permanent transfer, but have yet to receive a concrete offer of €50 million for the Argentine. That is also the attacker’s price tag and should hand the Blues acapital gain.

The next few hours could bring a turning point to the negotiations, based on the offer proposed by the Giallorossi. Garnacho, on his part, is interested in moving to Roma and Paulo Dybala’s presence can hold the key to the move.

Player should push for move

Garnacho needs a move that develops him and takes him to another level. Gian Piero Gasperini’s system has done that for many players and the ex-Manchester United’s skillset suits what the Italian demands. That is exactly why Garnacho should consider pushing for the deal.

Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN

Brotherhood Summer League Update As Brown, Keel, And

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: William Kyle III #45 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Maliq Brown #15 of the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on July 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Former Blue Devil Maliq Brown was in action Saturday night for the San Antonio Spurs in Summer League play, and the Spurs gave him 24 minutes, and he produced: Brown got 8 points and 8 rebounds, 4 of them offensive, and also had 2 steals and 1 block. Clearly, he’s making an impression.

Also making an impression: on Friday night, Cameron Boozer squared off against former UNC star Caleb Wilson, scoring 23 points (7-12/1-1), and pulling down 6 rebounds, while passing out 4 assists.

Wilson had a great game as well, with 35 points (12-21/7-11), and 5 rebounds.

However, Boozer stripped Wilson in the open court and took the ball in for a dunk, and even better, got the last laugh, as Memphis won, 97-96.

Also making a serious impression: on Friday, Trevor Keels burned Milwaukee for 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, and on Saturday, vs. Orlando, he exploded for 32 points (12-19/6-10), including 12 points in the fourth quarter alone.

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Report – Inter Set Sights on Highly-Rated Ligue 1 Wingback

Report – Inter Set Sights on Highly-Rated Ligue 1 Wingback
Report – Inter Set Sights on Highly-Rated Ligue 1 Wingback

Serie A champions Inter remain in the market for Denzel Dumfries’ long-term heir amid concerns surrounding Anan Khalaili’s arrival. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nerazzurri have identified Strasbourg starlet Guela Doue as a fallback option.

Despite finding an agreement with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise over Khalaili’s transfer to Giuseppe Meazza, the transfer is at risk of collapsing. The Belgian giants have already sanctioned the 21-year-old’s €25 million sale, yet the player’s physical issues threaten to prevent the deal from crossing the finish line.

Meanwhile, Inter are eager to find a suitable replacement for Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid. Marco Palestra had long been Beppe Marotta’s ideal candidate, only for the former Atalanta starlet to turn down the Nerazzurri in favor of a big-money move to Chelsea.

With Palestra out of the picture and Khalaili’s arrival now in jeopardy, Inter have reportedly set their sights on Doue.

Our take on Inter & Doue

Formerly linked with Milan, Doue has enjoyed a notable rise to stardom at Strasbourg, emerging as one of the fastest-growing talents in Ligue 1. Unlike his brother, Desire Doue, who plays for France, the 23-year-old represented Ivory Coast at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, producing a string of impressive displays on the biggest stage.

However, Inter would likely have to allocate substantial funds to sign Doue, whose market value exceeds Khalaili’s €25m valuation. On the bright side, Strasbourg are reportedly open to selling their prized assets this summer after failing to secure European football.

In addition to Doue, who would be a major upgrade on Luis Henrique, Inter remain interested in Fiorentina stalwart Dodo and Genoa youngster Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

Jose Mourinho and Antonio Pintus agree joint plan for Real Madrid next season

Jose Mourinho and Antonio Pintus agree joint plan for Real Madrid next season
Jose Mourinho and Antonio Pintus agree joint plan for Real Madrid next season

Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager at the beginning of the summer, and it was always important that he forged good relationships with the backroom staff.

A couple of days ago, it was revealed that the Portuguese tactician and Antonio Pintus are set to work together at Real Madrid after reaching a shared understanding over how their responsibilities can benefit the first team.

According to Diario AS, neither Mourinho nor Pintus imposed conditions on the other before beginning the partnership.

Their collaboration has been built through direct discussion and a mutual belief that combining their work can help Madrid improve.

Pintus retains his wider club role

Pintus will retain his role in the new look technical setup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Pintus had already defined responsibilities within Real Madrid as the general coordinator of physical performance across the club’s teams and age groups.

That position extends beyond the senior squad, which makes the new arrangement especially important.

He is not simply returning to a traditional role under the first-team coach, but bringing his broader physical-performance work into closer contact with Mourinho’s plans.

There is no hidden power struggle behind the decision. Mourinho and Pintus have instead agreed that working together can serve the first team better than operating separately.

Mourinho values physical authority

For Mourinho, the partnership makes clear sporting sense.

His teams have always depended on structure, intensity and players being physically ready to carry out demanding tactical instructions.

Pintus brings profound knowledge of Madrid, their squad and the physical standards required across a long season.

That experience should help Mourinho manage workloads while still maintaining the intensity he expects in training and matches.

There will naturally be interest in how authority is divided, especially because both men have strong reputations and clear ideas.

Mourinho is clear about his authority in the team. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

However, there is no doubt that Jose is the captain of the ship, and it is he who will call the shots should it come to it.

A sensible move for Real Madrid

From a Madrid perspective, that is encouraging. The club do not need internal tension between major figures at the start of a new cycle.

They need clear communication and a united plan. The partnership could also be valuable in injury prevention, recovery work and preparing players for the physical demands of multiple competitions.

Mourinho will set the direction, while Pintus can provide detailed support around performance and conditioning.

Real Madrid’s standards leave little room for departments working in isolation. It is quite welcome that both Jose and Pintus understand that.

The real test will come during the season, but the foundation is in place. It remains to be seen whether Mourinho and Pintus can ensure that the numerous injury issues of recent seasons do not creep back into the 2026-27 campaign.

World Cup: Day 31 quarterfinal recap

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jude Bellingham and Djed Spence of England look on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We are down to four teams left in the 2026 World Cup — France, Spain, England, and Argentina. If those were the four teams you expected to make the semifinal before the tournament began, well, congratulations — you like picking tournament favorites. In this case, however, you were right. We’ve got a reboot of the Franco-Spanish war from 1635 on one side, and the Falklands war of 1982 on the other. Any team could beat any other team. It’s gonna be a fun one.

We also don’t have any football games until Tuesday. That’s wild. I’ve ingested so much football over the past month that I’ll spend the break sitting in the corner with my knees under my chin rocking back and forth and shaking with withdrawal symptoms.

Day 31 Quarterfinal Recap

Norway 1-2 England

Goals: Schjlederup (32’) | Bellingham (45+2’, 93’)

If you want, there’s plenty of controversy to talk about in this one, not least being a goal kick that apparently? deflected off of a spidercam cable and led to one of England’s goals, plus a Norway goal that was called back after Erling Haaland shoved a dude in the chest before the corner. Was it good football? Ehhhhhhhh. England came out playing at half speed for the first 20 minutes and only kicked it into gear in the second half. But Jude Bellingham is Good at Football™ and Djed Spence again showed Thomas Tuchel why he should be starting every match with an impressive late substitute appearance. England move on to face Argentina.

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Goals: Mac Allister (10’), Alvarez (112’), Lautaro Martinez (120+1’) | Ndoye (67’)

I’ll admit I didn’t stay up late to watch this one and am relying on highlights for this summary. In short: Alexis Mac Allister looks like the most sunburned person in Argentina, and the Swiss deserved to lose for that absolutely ludicrous flop by Breel Embolo that resulted in a second yellow card and his sending off. Alvarez’s extra time goal was a magnificent strike.


So. It’s down to the Final Four (ERROR – trademark infringed, sending corporate enforcement bots). Who do you think will meet in the final? Put it in the comments and let’s chat.

Indiana Fever make key Caitlin Clark decision after frustration over minutes restriction

Caitlin Clark IMAGN 07092026

Indiana Fever make key Caitlin Clark decision after frustration over minutes restriction originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Fever are changing their approach with Caitlin Clark. After the All-Star guard expressed frustration with how her minutes were managed during her return from a back injury, Indiana is adjusting its rotation ahead of Sunday's marquee showdown against the Las Vegas Aces.

Clark is officially set to return to the lineup, but the Fever have made one important decision that could help her get back into rhythm much faster.

Fever change plan for Caitlin Clark's return

Head coach Stephanie White confirmed Saturday that Clark will play against the Aces after sitting out Indiana's most recent game against the Phoenix Mercury. Clark will still be on a minutes restriction, with White saying she is expected to play between 20 and 25 minutes.

However, according to Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star, Indiana does not plan to use Clark in the same stop-and-start rotation that frustrated her during Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. Instead of playing in short bursts of just a few minutes at a time, Clark is expected to receive longer stretches on the floor, giving her a better opportunity to establish a rhythm offensively.

It's a significant adjustment after Clark openly admitted the previous plan made it difficult to impact the game.

They will not be doing the same minutes strategy of 3-minute bursts, Steph White added. https://t.co/lts068Z6hQ

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) July 11, 2026

Clark explained why the previous restriction was difficult

Clark returned against Los Angeles after missing two games with a back injury and spending nearly two weeks away from game action. She played just 16 minutes, finishing with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal in Indiana's 106-92 loss. Following the game, Clark didn't hide her frustration with the way those minutes were distributed.

"It's just really hard when you're playing three minutes, (sub) out, three minutes, three minutes, then you're on the bench," Clark said.

"It's really, really hard to get into a flow. For the most part, I got good looks, some of them went, some of them didn't. I probably didn't get to have a feel for the game as I usually do. It's just really, really hard for me to play in that scenario."

For one of the league's highest-usage guards, finding a rhythm is a critical part of her game, making Indiana's adjustment an important one.

MORESophie Cunningham makes surprise appearance as UFC ring girl at Conor McGregor fight

Fever need Clark at her best against A'ja Wilson, Aces

Even with the revised rotation, Indiana will continue monitoring Clark's workload as she works her way back to full strength. Clark has averaged roughly 30 minutes per game this season, so Sunday's expected 20-to-25-minute workload represents another step toward returning to her normal role.

The timing couldn't be more important. The Fever face one of their toughest tests of the season against an Aces team that enters the matchup 17-6 after dismantling the Phoenix Mercury 106-58 on Saturday.

Las Vegas has also welcomed back four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, who has immediately returned to dominant form. Wilson followed a 32-point, 10-rebound performance against the Portland Fire with 21 points and 15 rebounds in just 25 minutes against Phoenix. Indiana hopes Clark's revised rotation will allow her to settle into the game more naturally and make the kind of impact the Fever need against one of the WNBA's premier championship contenders.

After making her feelings known following her previous return, Clark will now get an opportunity to play under a plan designed to help her do what she does best: control the game from the opening tip until it's time to come off the floor.

More WNBA news:

FCC approves orbital space mirrors, first test satellites will launch this year — large spacecraft reflects sunlight to Earth’s surface for construction sites, search-and-rescue lighting, and more

Reflect Orbital, a California startup that markets itself as “The Sunlight Company” and aims to make “clean, abundant energy available on demand,” has just received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch the Eärendil-1. According to Space News, this is a low-earth orbit satellite equipped with four 18-meter (~60ft) thin-film reflectors designed to reflect sunlight on specific areas on Earth. This deployment will test the spacecraft’s capabilities in extending daylight for several minutes, which can be used from lighting construction sites and search-and-rescue operations to increasing solar farm energy production.

“We’re grateful to the FCC for recognizing the importance of testing novel technologies in space,” Ben Nowack, chief executive of Reflect Orbital, said in a statement. “This license is the first step toward rigorously testing our technology’s efficacy and the safeguards we have developed.” While the company envisions launching two satellites into space this year, it says on its website that it wants to deploy more than 50,000 satellites by 2035, allowing it to provide “up to 36,000 lux for hours comparable to daylight” or “up to 100 lux 24/7 comparable to indoor working areas.”

This idea is similar to the Icarus satellite developed by the antagonist in the James Bond movie Die Another Day, which was supposed to deliver “light and warmth to the darkest parts of the world” and “grow crops the year round, bringing an end to hunger.” The Reflect Orbital satellite could potentially achieve the same things, but experts from various fields are concerned about its potential adverse effects.

Astronomers from across the world criticized the project, saying it would make it harder to observe the night sky and could even be dangerous to sensitive instruments and people using telescopes. The Chief Scientist of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Tony Tyson, said that this plan to light up the ground using orbital mirrors was “even crazier” than the Starlink satellite constellations that have been affecting nighttime observations. The European Southern Observatory (ESO), which operates several telescopes in the Chilean desert, said that Reflect Orbital’s full deployment “would increase the background sky brightness at its facilities by a factor of three to four, limiting the ability of telescopes to detect faint objects.”

The orbital space mirror’s potential for disrupting astronomy is even greater than the threat posed by Elon Musk’s planned million-satellite Orbital Data Center and China’s planned competing project. But aside from making it harder for astronomers and scientists to survey the night sky, environmentalists also raised their reservations, saying that artificially extending daytime could disrupt the day-and-night cycles that the biology of living beings — from plants and animals to humans — rely on.

Unfortunately, the FCC said that scientific and environmental concerns were outside its jurisdiction. The government regulator only deals with “interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.” Instead, it appears that the project’s critics should reach out to the EPA and NASA, as these are the relevant agencies that deal with concerns regarding space and astronomy. But even if the FCC had authority over the issues raised by its critics, it seems that the project will still push through as it considers that “…it is in the public interest to make spectrum available to encourage companies to test new and innovative space activities, as it promotes American innovation and the new services and economic growth that come from that innovation.”

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4 power supply review: Verified Gold efficiency with mainstream pricing

12 July 2026 at 16:05

Cooler Master occupies an unusual position in the power supply market. Founded in Taiwan in 1992 and best known for the cases and coolers that made its name, the company has spent more than two decades selling PSUs without ever being a PSU manufacturer in the strict sense. Like most brands in this space, it commissions platforms from numerous OEMs, and the quality of a given Cooler Master unit has historically tracked the quality of whoever built it. The MWE line sits at the volume end of the company's catalog: sensible, mainstream units aimed at builders who want a dependable supply without paying for a flagship badge. We take a closer look at the Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4 to see if it belongs among our list of the best power supplies in the market today.

The MWE Gold V4 series is the latest iteration of that formula, and it arrives with more substance than the mid-range positioning suggests. The platform was developed by Gospower in collaboration with Cooler Master, and it is currently dedicated to them - you will not find this design wearing another brand's sticker for the time being. The series is fully compliant with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1, carries a native 12V-2x6 connector, and introduces Cooler Master's patent-pending GPU Shield current-monitoring feature alongside a digital control scheme for the PFC and LLC stages. The 750W model reviewed here targets the heart of the mainstream gaming market, backed by a ten-year warranty and a $119 MSRP.

Specifications and Design

Cooler Master MWE Gold V4 750W Power specifications ( Rated @ 40 °C )

RAIL

+3.3V

+5V

+12V

+5Vsb

-12V

MAX OUTPUT

20A

20A

62.5A

3A

0.3A

120W

120W

750W

15W

3.6W

TOTAL

750W

AC INPUT

100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz

MSRP

$119

In the Box

The MWE Gold 750 V4 ships in a cardboard box with a purple-blue sleeve wrapped around plain kraft board, a render of the unit on the front, and the important badges - ATX 3.1 with 12V-2x6, PCIe 5.1 readiness, the 80 PLUS Gold logo, and the ten-year warranty shield - laid out along the bottom edge. It is a clean, honest presentation for the class, with the GPU Shield feature called out in its own corner.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Inside, the supply is sandwiched between protective packaging. The bundle is basic: the AC power cord, a set of mounting screws, a handful of zip ties, and a few reusable Velcro straps, plus a leaflet explaining Cooler Master's recommended PCIe cable installation practices. There are no cable combs, no tester, and no storage pouch, which is a defensible economy at this price point, even if competitors occasionally throw in more.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The modular cables themselves are all-black, flat ribbon types. The 12V-2x6 cable uses the two-color connector design that the ATX 3.1 spec encourages, making an incompletely seated plug easy to spot, but we would argue that dark purple was not the best choice for this application. Wire gauges are appropriate throughout, and the flat design makes routing behind a motherboard tray painless.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Cooler Master MWE Gold V4 750W

Connector type

Hardwired

Modular

ATX 24 Pin

-

1

EPS 4+4 Pin

-

1

EPS 8 Pin

-

1

PCI-E 5.0

-

1

PCI-E 8 Pin

-

4

SATA

-

6

Molex

-

3

Floppy

-

-

External Appearance

At 140 x 150 x 86 mm, the MWE Gold 750 V4 is a compact ATX unit - 140 mm of depth is as short as modern PSUs practically get, and it will drop into any case that accepts an ATX supply at all, with room to spare for cable slack. The rhombille tiling fan grille stands out, framed by four exposed screws, with a thin gold pinstripe and gold MWE branding on the side panels, providing the only decoration on an otherwise all-black chassis. The finish deserves a mildly critical word. It is smooth and appealing - not a bad paint job by any means - it simply is not as special as the rest of the unit's feature sheet might lead you to expect.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware

The rear face carries the AC receptacle and a receded main rocker switch surrounded by a generous perforated exhaust area. There is no switch for the semi-passive fan mode - the Zero RPM behavior is automatic and not user-selectable, which some builders will not appreciate. The front face hosts the fully modular connector bay, clearly silkscreened, with a shared 8-pin socket group for the PCIe and CPU cables, the native 12V-2x6 socket, and a small indicator LED between them. The specifications sticker lies on the top face.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

That small LED is the visible face of GPU Shield, Cooler Master's patent-pending current-management feature, and the marketing centerpiece of the V4 series. The circuit monitors the current flowing through the individual pins of the 12V-2x6 connector in real time, and if it detects an abnormal draw on any of them - the classic signature of a poorly seated or damaged connector - it intervenes and flags the fault through the LED. Given how much grief melting connectors have caused over the past few years, a per-pin watchdog on a $119 unit is a genuinely useful inclusion rather than a gimmick, even if we hope most owners never see the LED do anything at all.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware

Internal Design

Cooling is handled by a 120 mm Hong Hua HA1225H12F-Z fan, a hydrodynamic bearing (HDB) model rated for 2400 RPM at 0.58A. Hong Hua is a familiar name inside value-oriented and mid-range PSUs, and while it lacks the cachet of a premium Japanese fan, the HDB variant is a reasonable, durable choice at this tier, and its ceiling speed gives the platform plenty of thermal headroom to call on.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

As noted in the introduction, the platform is a Gospower design produced in collaboration with Cooler Master and currently exclusive to them, so there is a clear answer to the perennial 'who really makes it' question. The layout is clean and modern, with sizable heatsinks for the power output, vertical daughterboards for the minor rails, and generous helpings of grey silicone glue securing the components.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware

The transient filtering stage begins on a small PCB behind the AC receptacle and continues on the main board, with two Y capacitors, two X capacitors, two filtering inductors, and a MOV - a basic but complete filter without omissions. A relay handles inrush current bypass duty alongside the usual NTC thermistor. Two bridge rectifiers are mounted on their own heatsink, feeding the APFC stage, whose boost components share the long heatsink with the primary inversion stage MOSFETs. A single 590 μF capacitor from TK (Toshin Kogyo), a renowned Japanese manufacturer.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware

The primary inversion stage uses a half-bridge LLC resonant topology, the mature and cost-effective arrangement that dominates this class, with Cooler Master claiming the digital tuning of the PFC and LLC stages is worth roughly three points of efficiency over the previous MWE generation - a dubious claim as the unit still lands on Gold-level efficiency class. On the secondary side, the 12V rail is generated by four MOSFETs arranged in synchronous rectification on the main PCB, while the 3.3V and 5V rails are derived from DC-to-DC converters on a vertical daughterboard. Secondary filtering leans heavily on CapXon capacitors.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Cold Test Results (25°C Ambient)

Cold Test Results (25°C Ambient)

For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware

At 25°C ambient, the MWE Gold 750 V4 delivers exactly the efficiency profile its badge promises. It averaged 90.4% at 230 VAC and 89.3% at 115 VAC across the nominal load range, peaking at 92.6% (230 VAC) near 50% load and holding 90.2% even at a sustained 750W. The curve is not exactly flat, but there is no dramatic full-load sag. The figures sit comfortably within 80Plus Gold territory. What the unit does not yet have is a Cybenetics certification: at the time of writing, there is no entry for the MPM-75F4-AFG in the Cybenetics database.

Acoustically, the cold run is very good news. The Zero RPM mode keeps the fan completely stopped up to almost 40% load (roughly up to 300W), which covers desktop work and light gaming outright. The fan spins up at about 40% load, registering a whisper-quiet 31.6 dB(A), and ramps gently from there, crossing 39 dB(A) only past 80% load and topping out at 44.2 dB(A) at a sustained 750W. Thermal performance gives no cause for concern, with the primary and secondary heatsinks reaching just 64°C and 66°C, respectively, at full load.

Hot Test Results (~45°C Ambient)

Hot Test Results (~45°C Ambient)

Inside the hotbox at roughly 45°C ambient - slightly above the unit's own 40°C rating - efficiency drops by about two percentage points, averaging 88.4% at 230 VAC and 87.4% at 115 VAC, with full-load figures of 86.5% and 85.2% respectively. That degradation is significant but entirely ordinary for the temperature delta, especially considering a unit that is now operating beyond its rated envelope.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware
Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4
Tom's Hardware

Noise is where the heat reshapes the unit's character. The fan abandons its passive mode sooner and climbs steadily to 47.8 dB(A) at full output - a level you will definitely hear, though short of the wind-tunnel territory some compact Gold units reach under the same conditions. Internal temperatures are the figures to watch: the primary heatsink reached about 104°C and the secondary about 105°C at full load. The platform held composure, and component ratings give some reassurance, but sustained full-load operation in a 45°C environment is clearly not this unit's design brief, nor should it be for any mainstream 750W supply.

PSU Quality and Bottom Line

Power Supply Quality

Voltage regulation is relatively solid for the class. Across the 20% to 100% load span, the 12V rail moved by 0.9%, the 3.3V rail by 1.1%, and the 5V rail by 1.4%. Nothing here approaches the sub-1% figures of premium digital platforms, but every rail stays comfortably tight, and the 12V line - the only one modern systems seriously stress - is well controlled at under 1% regulation.

Ripple suppression follows the same pattern of honest adequacy. The 12V rail peaked at 54 mV under full load and 50 mV under the 12V-focused cross-load test, while the 5V and 3.3V rails topped out at 32 mV and 30 mV. Against the 120 mV and 50 mV ATX design limits, these are comfortable passes with roughly 55% headroom on the critical rail, though enthusiast-class platforms routinely halve these numbers. For the components a 750W Gold unit will realistically feed, the filtering is more than sufficient.

During our thorough assessment, we evaluate the essential protection features of every power supply unit we review, including Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP).

All protection mechanisms were verified and triggered correctly during testing. With the unit hot, OCP tripped at 134% on the 3.3V rail, 136% on the 5V rail, and 128% (80A) on the 12V rail, with OPP shutting the unit down at roughly 130% of rated output, or about 975W. These thresholds are on the generous side for a mainstream unit but not unexpectedly so.

Main Output

Load (Watts)

151.48 W

378.52 W

564.3 W

748.7 W

Load (Percent)

20.22%

50.47%

75.24%

99.83%

Amperes

Volts

Amperes

Volts

Amperes

Volts

Amperes

Volts

3.3 V

1.8

3.37

4.5

3.36

6.75

3.34

9

3.33

5 V

1.8

5.1

4.5

5.09

6.75

5.05

9

5.02

12 V

11.25

12.11

28.14

12.1

42.2

12.03

56.27

11.97

Line

Regulation

Voltage Ripple (mV)

(20% to 100% load)

20% Load

50% Load

75% Load

100% Load

CL1
12V

CL2
3.3V + 5V

3.3V

1.3%

26

18

26

30

22

30

5V

1.5%

26

22

28

32

22

30

12V

1.2%

18

24

36

54

50

24

Bottom Line

The MWE Gold 750 V4 is a well-judged mainstream power supply that knows exactly what it is trying to be. The Gospower-built platform - developed jointly with Cooler Master and currently dedicated to them - is modern where it matters: ATX 3.1 compliance with a native 12V-2x6 connector, digital control of the PFC and LLC stages, and the GPU Shield monitoring feature as a genuinely novel extra at this price. The engineering fundamentals are in noticeably better shape than the MWE badge historically implied, and the 12V-2x6 connector protection can bring sales from worried consumers.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The measurements back the badge without embarrassing it. Efficiency lands squarely and honestly in Gold territory with a predictable curve, and its 80Plus listing is real and verifiable. Regulation and ripple are comfortably within specification on every rail, with the 12V line particularly steady, even if neither metric threatens the enthusiast tier. Acoustics at normal ambient temperatures are a quiet strength, with a true fanless window covering 300W of load and restrained ramping beyond it.

The compromises are easy to enumerate and, mostly, easy to live with. The capacitor selection is almost entirely Taiwanese, leaning on CapXon polymers - fine parts, but the ten-year warranty is doing some load-bearing work there. The unit gets audible under sustained heavy load in hot environments, where the internal temperatures also climb higher than we would like. None of these is a genuine weakness at this price point - they are simply the fingerprints a $119 budget inevitably leaves somewhere.

Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 V4

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

At an MSRP of $119 and with retail pricing typically drifting below that figure, the value calculus is straightforward. There are quieter units, better-built units, and units with prestigious component sheets - all of them costing meaningfully more. For a mainstream ATX 3.1 build around a mid-range or upper-mid-range graphics card, the MWE Gold 750 V4 delivers verified Gold efficiency, current-generation connectivity, unusual protective touches, and a decade of warranty coverage at a price that undercuts most of the units it competes with. That is an easy recommendation, delivered with only minor reservations.

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Microsoft wants to integrate your smartphone more deeply with Windows 11: Plans major UX enhancements that will make your PC and phone more seamlessly connected

Microsoft is exploring several improvements to the Windows 11 shell and user experience that will incorporate your smartphone into more aspects of the OS. According to my sources who are familiar with these plans, the company is working to expand and improve Phone Link's smartphone integration experiences so that they feel more native to Windows.

First up, I hear that the Phone Companion in Start is set to receive a handful of upgrades. It's gaining the ability to show more recent activities, with users being able to scroll through the list without needing to open the Phone Link app. I've also heard that users will be able to hover over activities to see more information, such as an entire message or photo.

I've also heard that a new dedicated smartphone flyout is being tested, which will exist on the Taskbar in the system tray. The phone icon will be present whenever your phone is connected, and clicking on it will open a flyout that provides the user with overview of their phone status.

Mockup of the phone link system tray flyout

Mockup of the new smartphone flyout on the system tray. (Image credit: Windows Central)

It'll feature buttons to toggle things like do not disturb, vibrate mode, find phone, and more. You'll also be able to share files directly to your phone by dragging them to the icon.

Another feature Microsoft is looking into is syncing your clipboard history between your phone and PC using Windows 11's dedicated Clipboard feature. Currently, you can sync your clipboard from your phone and PC, but it only remembers the last thing you copied. Clipboard history would provide you with a synced list of everything that has been copied.

Microsoft is also working on a new dedicated Messages app for Windows 11 which will sync your phone's SMS conversations and let you respond and start chats with your contacts. This experience builds upon the messages feature already present in the Phone Link app, but will exist as a standalone app that can be pinned and launched from the Start menu.

Mockup of the messages app

Mockup of what the new messages app will look like. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Sources say that all of these features are being explored and prototyped internally, but that doesn't guarantee they'll ship as described. The company is likely planning to gather feedback from Insiders before committing to ship anything concrete.

I understand that the goal of these improvements is to slowly integrate Phone Link capabilities natively across the Windows shell. Phone Link has existed as a standalone app on top of Windows 11, but over the last year or so we've slowly seen new smartphone integration features added directly to the Windows OS, circumventing the Phone Link app entirely.

Features such as the ability to see your phone's file system and photos in the File Explorer app, or utilize your phones camera as a webcam on your PC are just two examples of how Microsoft have already been working to integrate your smartphone more seamlessly into the Windows 11 UX.

I don't know what the future holds for Phone Link app itself, but it's clear that Microsoft is not done with tying your phone to your PC. It's working on more improvements that will make your smartphone feel like a natural extension of your computer, with experiences that feel native to the Windows UX.

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Marshall’s new big and bullish home speaker is just as much of a delight on the eyes as it is on the ears, and it blew me away with its rumbling bass and amp-inspired aesthetic

Marshall Stanmore IV review

If you want to invite a speaker that looks as good as it sounds into your living room, then the new Marshall Stanmore IV could be a great pick for you. It aims to deliver everything its predecessor did, but better, with a broader soundstage, enhanced bass, and superior controls.

And as someone who owns (and loves) the previous model in this line, best believe I was expecting big things from the Stanmore IV. Luckily, it delivered, offering up impressive sound, a solid set of features, and an eye-catching design. But is it worth its relatively premium price tag? Here’s what I think after many hours of testing.

But before we decide whether the Marshall Stanmore IV can sit alongside the very best Bluetooth speakers, let’s take a look under the hood. This thing essentially uses the same setup as its sibling, the Marshall Acton IV, but crucially with a larger woofer. That means you’re getting a single 5-inch sub with 60W of amplification alongside two 0.75-inch tweeters with 25W of amplification. The result? Big, commanding, and engrossing sound.

I started by firing up Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz, and the Stanmore IV handled it masterfully. Wailing electric guitars had excellent tonal accuracy and cut through with clarity; vocals also sounded driven and emotive.

Moving over to a deeper track, like Vision of Love by Lewis Taylor, and the Stanmore IV continued to impress. Deep bass pumping through the track hit with tremendous impact while remaining regimented and clean. But thumping low-end never came at the expense of sounds elsewhere in the frequency range. High-pitched drums sounded expressive and vibrant, while vocals in the mid-range were granted plenty of room to play in. Bass can even reach down to 38Hz, meaning you get brilliant, low extension — even sub-bass comes through with vigor and confidence.

LDAC is also on board now for higher-res Bluetooth listening, which helped to illuminate breathy vocal details in Black Eye by Allie X. And even though I’d argue the speaker has a more energetic sound signature, with a lot of focus on the hard-hitting low end, it still supplies a detailed, nuanced listen.

One of the limitations of the Stanmore IV’s little sibling, the Acton IV was its stereo playback. Although it whipped up a decent impression of stereo sound, its small size made it a little difficult to create the most meaningful sense of separation. But the larger, wider build of the Stanmore IV takes things up a notch, and in Jimi Hendrix's Foxey Lady I picked up on a stronger sense of separation, with lead guitar brilliantly placed on the right.

And, more generally speaking, the Stanmore IV whips up a broad, engrossing soundstage. Marshall has improved the tweeters and waveguides on this model to help disperse sound more evenly and provide room-filling sound. However the extra width has been achieved, it certainly gets the nod from me.

Marshall’s Dynamic Loudness tech also ensured that tracks maintained admirable clarity, even at higher volumes. Of course, you can still expect a bit of compression at 100%, say, but I was impressed with the speaker’s control in the upper echelons of loudness. The Stanmore IV is even better in this regard than the smaller Acton IV — perhaps thanks to its larger woofer and larger cabinet size.

Overall, the Stanmore IV provides powerful, driven, and exciting sound, with commendable depth and expression. It's bullish and confident, but still takes time to smell the flowers — and its wider soundstage and refined bass even helps it surpass its already impressive predecessor.

Man holding the Marshall Stanmore IV

(Image credit: Future)

But now it’s time to move on from sound and look at a few of the features you can enjoy on the Stanmore IV. If you’ve already seen my Marshall Acton IV review, then you’ll get the gist of what’s on board. The Stanmore IV uses the newer Marshall app, enabling you to save three EQ calibrations (using a five-band equalizer), and you can use the M button to cycle between these if you like. The app also opens up placement compensation, enabling you to optimize the speaker’s audio output depending on its positioning, and there’s an option to change the brightness of the LED indicators.

Like the Stanmore III, there’s also RCA and 3.5mm connectivity, allowing you to hook up a turntable, or connect the speaker up to an AUX cable.

Something I wish the Stanmore IV did have is Wi-Fi connectivity. Not only does Wi-Fi provide the highest quality wireless listening experience, but it also prevents pesky sounds from your device — like phone calls and notifications — blasting from the speaker. What’s more, this is a home speaker, so it could easily have a stable connection to your home network at all times.

Marshall has multi-room covered with Auracast tech, which enables a bunch of its speakers to pair together, but I would’ve loved to have seen Wi-Fi onboard for the most seamless, quality-focused listening experience.

Another thing the Stanmore IV leaves out is voice assistant capabilities. Unlike models such as the Sonos Era 100 or Bose Lifestyle Ultra, there’s no smart voice control onboard. Although this is a function that I personally don’t tend to use on speakers, I know that some may wish for it on a model designed primarily for home use.

But something that’s sure to be a hit with most is the Stanmore IV’s design. This thing is an absolute beauty, and although it looks very similar to its predecessor, I’d argue that there’s no need to fix something that’s not broken. The new Stanmore stuns with a gorgeous faux leather exterior, beautiful speaker grille, and luxurious golden detailing. It looks like a true statement piece, and an item that will complement any living space (while still producing excellent audio).

As was the case on the Acton IV, buttons and control knobs are also perfectly responsive and pleasing to use, and there are also onboard EQ controls for altering bass and treble levels if you want to make some changes in a pinch.

So, now we come to the big question. Is the Marshall Stanmore IV worth the money? Well, it’s not the cheapest speaker around, with a price tag of $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$679, making it $100 / £90 / AU$180 more than the Acton IV. On the surface, that may seem like a significant jump for a speaker that’s almost identical — bar a larger cabinet and slightly larger woofer. But these seemingly small changes actually make a significant difference, in my view.

It maintains tighter control at the highest volumes, and also produces the seismic sound that Marshall has become associated with. And that’s not to do the Acton down — it’s just to say that I think you get your money’s worth when stepping up to the Stanmore. I’d also say that the Stanmore competes well against rivals in its price category, with a lower price tag yet more might than a rival like the Denon Home 400. I’d also argue it produces a more striking sound than a model like the Sonos Roam 2 — though you do miss out on Wi-Fi and a few smart features.

Overall, the Marshall Stanmore IV is a great speaker that produces energetic, impactful sound, alongside a stunning look and nifty companion app. Yes, I would’ve loved to have seen Wi-Fi on board, but with LDAC for higher-res Bluetooth streaming added into the mix, I’d still happily recommend this musical maestro from Marshall.

Person turning control knob on the Marshall Stanmore IV

(Image credit: Future)

Marshall Stanmore IV review: price & release date

  • $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$679
  • First released July 2026

The Marshall Stanmore IV was released in July 2026, around four years after its predecessor hit the shelves. This newer model launched alongside the Marshall Acton IV, which is — in essence — a smaller version of the Stanmore. This model comes in at $399.99 / £349.99 (AU$580).

Marshall Stanmore IV review: specs

Weight

8.8lbs / 4kg

Dimensions

13.8 x 8 x 7.3 inches / 350 x 203 x 185mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, RCA

Speaker drivers

1 x 5-inch 60W woofer / 2 x 0.75-inch 25W tweeters

Waterproofing

Not stated

Marshall Stanmore IV connected to power

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Marshall Stanmore IV?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Multi-room with Auracast, new app works well, LDAC brought in, but lack of Wi-Fi is a shame.

4/5

Performance

Impactful yet detailed audio with tremendous depth, control, and power.

5/5

Design

Very similar to predecessor, but gorgeous amp-inspired aesthetic is massively appealing.

4.5/5

Value

It’s pricey, but stacks up well against competition.

4/5

Buy it if…

You’re focused on getting amazing sound quality
I have to say, the Stanmore IV surprised me by just how good it sounded — even though I already loved its predecessor. Bass is phenomenally powerful yet regimented, mids are driven yet layered, and treble is vibrant yet controlled. Throw in LDAC for higher-res listening and a decently wide soundstage, and you’ve got a great-sounding speaker.

You want a speaker that’s a statement piece
Although the Stanmore IV sounds great, it’s something else that truly helps it to stand out: its design. It maintains that gorgeous amp-inspired aesthetic that’s become synonymous with the Marshall brand, with enticing golden detailing, quality faux-leather casing, and the brand’s iconic logo front a center.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re looking for a portable speaker
When using the Stanmore IV, you’ll need to keep it hooked up to the mains. As a result, it’s better-suited to home use rather than being taken on the road. If you want a more portable option, I’d strongly recommend the Marshall Kilburn III, or awesome non-Marshall alternatives like the JBL Xtreme 5.

You want a smart speaker with Wi-Fi
The Stanmore IV is designed for the home, but it doesn’t have the smart features you’d expect from a rival like Sonos, say. For instance, it leaves out Wi-Fi connectivity (no AirPlay or Spotify connect), which is the most seamless and high-quality way to enjoy music wirelessly. It also leaves out voice assistant compatibility. If those features are important to you, I’d suggest checking out my alternatives below…

Marshall Stanmore IV review: also consider

Marshall Stanmore IV

Sonos Move 2

Klipsch The Three Plus

Price

$399.99 / £349.99 (AU$580)

$449 / £449 / AU$799

$399 / £379 / AU$529

Weight

8.8lbs / 4kg

6.6lbs / 3kg

10.6lbs / 4.8kg

Dimensions

13.8 x 8 x 7.3 inches / 350 x 203 x 185mm

6.3 x 9.5 x 5 inches / 160 x 241 x 127mm

7 x 14 x 8.4 inches / 178 x 355 x 213mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, RCA

Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.3, RCA, USB-C, digital optical

Speaker drivers

1 x 5-inch 60W woofer / 2 x 0.75-inch 25W tweeters

2 x angled tweeters, 1 x mid-woofer

2 x 57mm full-range drivers, 1 x 133mm subwoofer

Sonos Move 2
I’ve used the Sonos Move 2 plenty of times, and I absolutely love it. It plates up gorgeous, detailed audio, alongside seamless Wi-Fi streaming, multi-room capabilities, and convenient voice assistant functionality. It also has a 24-hour battery life, enabling you to take it on the go, and it looks incredibly stylish as well. You can’t ask for much more. Read our full Sonos Move 2 review.

Klipsch The Three Plus
Here’s another stylish speaker that seriously impressed us. Klipsch’s The Three Plus speaker offers assertive and intricate audio, fantastic build quality, and plenty of connectivity options. Read our full Klipsch The Three Plus review.

Marshall logo on the Marshall Stanmore IV

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Marshall Stanmore IV

  • Spent days testing the speaker
  • Used at our dedicated music testing space at Future Labs
  • Mainly streamed music over Tidal

I tested the Marshall Stanmore IV over the course of a few days, during which time I listened to hours worth of music and exhausted every feature the speaker had to offer.

Most of the time, I used the Stanmore IV in our dedicated music testing room at Future Labs, where I mainly streamed tunes via Tidal on my Xiaomi 17. To begin with, I sifted through the tracks in our TechRadar reference playlist — which features songs from a wide variety of genres — but I also bumped a bunch of tunes from my personal library.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar. I’ve reviewed everything from premium wireless headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 through to Dolby Atmos soundbars such as the JBL Bar 1300MK2. I’ve also tested more than 50 Bluetooth speakers, including lots of Marshall models, including the Marshall Middleton II and Acton IV.

The DIY energy boom is here — 30 US states are planning to legalize plug-in solar tech, as home battery installations quietly hit a record high

There's no mistaking the growing momentum behind small-scale, low-cost solar panel installations: panels you can plug into a standard wall outlet, without the expense, time, or paperwork of a full rooftop installation.

Now widely established in Europe (where the tech is best known as 'balcony solar'), we're starting to see a wave of American states move towards legalizing these plug-in panels as well. Utah was the first in 2025, and there are now proposals in 30 other states to make the devices available to buy.

They're perfect for renters as well as homeowners. You can take them with you if and when you move. Additionally, they offer some respite from the energy price crisis, and they're becoming increasingly widely available.

At the same time, we're seeing a record number of homes in the US installing battery energy systems, hooked up to rooftop solar or the grid — another way to reduce electricity costs and provide a backup for a creaking national power system. Here's what's happening with home energy tech right now, and where it's going next.

Plug-in solar: the state of play

Utah set the ball rolling for plug-in solar in the US by passing House Bill 340 in March 2025. It means that portable solar panels or rooftop panels — up to a total capacity of 1,200 watts (typically four roof panels) can be plugged into a regular outlet. These panel systems use an integrated microinverter to convert the panels' DC output into household AC, ready for use.

In the default setup, this means the energy produced by plugged-in 'balcony' panels will be taken up by your home appliances first, before they try to access the grid. While battery connectivity is possible, the general idea is that the energy isn't stored anywhere — it's just pushed into your home for use as needed.

Estimates suggest you can shave around 10% off your electricity bill, though this will vary a lot depending on factors like electricity prices and how much sunshine you get. You can think of it as a way of getting a sizable chunk off your bill, rather than something that's going to replace the power grid entirely. The kits themselves start at around $500 and go up from there.

plug-in solar

Bright Saver is tracking plug-in solar legislation (above) – blue states have 'active' legislation, green ones have 'passed' legislation, while yellow have 'passed one chamber'. (Image credit: Bright Saver)

Now other states are following Utah's lead. According to The Cool Down, more than 30 states have drafted some form of bill, while six states have already enacted related laws. You can keep track of what's happening via the Bright Saver tracker, which provides updates for each state and a handy interactive graphic showing the overall picture.

You'll notice quite a few states are at the 'deferred' stage, which means the decision on legislation has been put off to a later date. A lot of these deferrals are on safety grounds: the argument from utility companies is that feeding power into household wiring (rather than just taking it out) comes with risks, and that more needs to be done to protect both consumers and the power grid.

The UL 3700 safety certification, freshly put into place this year, should help here. Plug-and-play solar panels with this certification attached will have built-in safeguards to prevent systems from being overloaded and to stop power flowing back into lines. It's a badge to look for if you're buying this kind of equipment.

Home battery installations

Home battery tech is separate but related, and as Ars Technica reports, records are being broken for battery installations: 673 megawatts of energy storage were brought online in the first quarter of 2026, the highest that figure has ever been.

The key driver here matches up with plug-in solar: rapidly rising electricity costs. The batteries can either store energy from rooftop solar panels, or bank electricity at off-peak times ready to be used during on-peak times. Plus, these appliances offer protection against power outages and help save money.

Unlike plug-in solar panels, home batteries do require a professional installation, the cost of which can be added on top of a typical $10,000-and-up price of the battery itself. It'll take years to pay that back in savings, but it will be paid back — it depends largely on whether you're using solar panels, how many panels you're using, and your home's electricity demand.

Tesla Powerall 3

Tesla is one of the companies that will sell you a home battery (Image credit: Tesla)

There are even moves to tap into this stored energy to help meet the huge energy demands of AI. Companies including Tesla will pay you on an ongoing basis if you allow them to control when your battery charges up and releases power — helping to manage stress on the overall power grid, especially during peak times.

While today's plug-in solar systems aren't designed to connect to big home batteries directly — though they can certainly operate alongside each other in the same home — a selection of them now come with their own portable batteries. As both technologies get more common and issues like safety certifications get sorted out, it's certainly plausible that future plug-in solar kits will be able to feed home batteries.

With the potential cost savings, worries over power grid reliability, and the increasingly convenient (and legal) ways to get all of this set up, it's no wonder that plug-in solar and battery energy technology is growing in popularity — and all the signs are that these devices are likely to become much more widely used in the near future.

How to watch Sinner vs Zverev: Free Streams and TV Channels for Wimbledon Men's Final 2026

  • Watch Sinner vs Zverev free on BBC iPlayer (UK) / 9Now (Australia)
  • Unlock your stream with Surfshark
  • Start time: 11am ET / 4pm BST / 1am AEST (Sun)

Watch Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon 2026 final live streams as the top two seeds meet in what should be a high-quality showdown at Wimbledon. Expect huge serves, powerful groundstrokes and some delicate touches around the net as the two imposing figures meet for the 15th time.

Sinner’s title defence may have started shakily as he was pushed to five sets by Miomir Kecmanović, but since coming through that match he has looked untouchable. The Italian has breezed through the rounds without dropping a set and looked back to his very best as he eased past Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Key to the victory was a remarkable serving display that saw Sinner win 88 percent of points behind his first serve. He also fired down 16 aces and saved the only break point he faced. He’ll aim to deliver an equally ruthless display against Zverev, a player he has beaten nine times in a row.

Zverev has also utilised his own massive serve to dominate at the All England Club, dropping just two sets on his run to the final. He also showed the quality of his return against home favorite Arthur Fery in the last four, finding great depth and consistently rushing his somewhat overwhelmed opponent.

It was an impressive performance from Zverev who has been playing with an extra air of confidence after claiming his first Grand Slam title in his fourth major final at Roland Garros. Having overcome one Italian (Flavio Cobolli) to lift the French Open title, he’ll hope he can defeat another to win his first Wimbledon crown.

Here's how to watch Sinner vs Zverev in the Wimbledon final 2026 from anywhere in the world and potentially for FREE.

Can you watch Sinner vs Zverev for free?

Yes. The Wimbledon 2026 women's final between Sinner vs Zverev is being shown on free-to-air BBC One in the UK, with live streaming available through BBC iPlayer.

In Australia Channel 9 are also showing it free, with live streaming available via 9Now.

Traveling abroad today? You can use a VPN to watch this Wimbledon women's final for free as if you were right at home.

Use a VPN to watch Sinner vs Zverev live streams

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the tennis on your usual subscription?

You can still watch Sinner vs Zverev live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software can make your devices appear to be back in your home country regardless of where you are, making it ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. One of our favorites is Surfshark – we explain why in our Surfshark review.

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How to watch Sinner vs Zverev live streams in the US

US flag banner

In the US, you can watch Sinner vs Zverev thanks to ESPN with coverage across their main channel.

ESPN Select will also have live streams and costs $12.99/month or $129.99/year, but you can bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for $19.99/month.

If you don't have ESPN on cable, they're available through Sling – specifically the Orange plan, which starts at $4.99/day and has weekly and monthly plans available as well.

Alternatively, ESPN channels are also carried by Fubo, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, each of which offers a free trial to new users.

Outside of the US? Use a VPN whilst you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.

How to watch Sinner vs Zverev live streams in the UK

UK flag

(Image credit: Other)

In the UK, Sinner vs Zverev will be shown on free-to-air on BBC One, as well as via the BBC iPlayer streaming service.

All you need is an account, a TV Licence and a UK postcode (e.g.HA9 0WS). Sign up here!

If you're out of the UK but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.

How to watch Sinner vs Zverev live streams in Australia

Australian flag

(Image credit: free)

Wimbledon 2026, including Sinner vs Zverev, is free-to-air on Channel 9 and 9Now in Australia, with live streaming available via the 9Now platform.

Stan Sport will also have all the action from Centre Court and costs AU$20/month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.

Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like SurfShark to watch all the action as if you were back home.

How to watch Sinner vs Zverev in Canada

Canada

(Image credit: Other)

In Canada, Wimbledon 2026, including Sinner vs Zverev, is exclusive to TSN.

If you don't have cable, the TSN Plus streaming service costs CA$29.99/month or CA$249.99/year. However, you can currently get three months for CA$59.99.

If you're out of Canada but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.

Sinner vs Zverev: Match Information

What time does Sinner vs Zverev start?

Sinner vs Zverev starts at 11am ET / 8am PT / 4pm BST and 1am AEST (Sun).

What is the Sinner vs Zverev head-to-head?

Sinner has a 10-4 record against Zverev and has won his last nine games against the German.

What is the weather at Wimbledon today?

It's a hot one with the temperature forecasted at 29°C (84.2°F).

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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