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The Dodgers continued their unbeaten streak in Cactus League play Thursday, taking a narrow 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch.

Tyler Glasnow made his first start of spring training , and struck out four batters while recording six straight outs. He came out for the first batter of the third inning and allowed a hit, which turned into an earned run after the runner scored following his exit from the contest.

The Dodgers took the lead in the first inning through a Freddie Freeman sacrifice fly, and extended their lead to two in the bottom of the second through a Miguel Rojas RBI single.

Their lead didn’t last long, though, as two-run homer in the top of the third from Tanner Murray leveled the score and a sacrifice fly fro, Lenyn Sosa gave the White Sox the lead. An Edgar Quero single extended their lead even further, putting the Dodgers at a two-run deficit by the end of the half inning.

L.A. didn’t just sit back, with Teoscar Hernandez plating Will Smith with a grounder to third in the bottom of the inning before hitting a solo homer to left center two innings later to even the scores once again.

The White Sox took the lead back in the top of the sixth through Curtis Mead’s solo homer off of Ben Casparius, but the Dodgers more than made up for it in the bottom of the sixth. Keston Hiura and Hyeseong Kim crushed back-to-back homers to give L.A. a one-run lead, then Josue De Paula hit an RBI single later in the inning to extend the Dodgers’ lead to two.

Chicago pulled one back in the top of the eighth for the White Sox with an RBI triple — his first hit of the spring — but Kyle Hurt and Jordan Weems managed to keep the White Sox quiet for the remainder of the game.

The win brings the Dodgers’ record to 6-0, and they stand as the only team in both the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League yet to lose a game.

The Dodgers jump straight back into action Friday, facing off against the San Francisco Giants on the road at 12:05 p.m. PT.

Earlier this week, Joan Laporta – who is running for re-election as Barcelona president – launched his new book, titled “Así salvamos al Barça” (This is how we save Barça). One of the sections was devoted to addressing the continued allegations aimed at the Catalan club regarding the Negreira case.

Laporta has regularly denied any allegations of wrongdoing in relation to Barcelona’s payments to Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees. As per Marca, he did so again in his book.

“There is no evidence to show that the payments made by FC Barcelona to companies linked to the former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees influenced the selection of referees or altered the results of matches. I invite all those who accuse us of refereeing corruption with such levity and frivolity to specify the match, the goal, the play or the suspicious act of favouritism that allegedly occurred as a result of this technical advice.”

Image via Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Laporta: Real Madrid have appointed referees for 70 years

Rather, Laporta took the opportunity to point the finger at Real Madrid. He believes the Bernabeu club have directly benefitted from a string of appointments at the CTA, dating as far back as 70 years ago.

“It is worth remembering that, for seven decades and almost uninterruptedly, the presidents of the referees’ committees, under their various names, were Real Madrid fans, former players or former managers and, in some cases, all three at the same time. That is to say, for seventy years, the members, former players or former directors of Real Madrid appointed the referees who had to dispense justice on the field of play in each and every one of the matches of La Liga and the Copa del Rey. That was, without a doubt, the biggest scandal in the history of Spanish football!”

Vincenzo Italiano feels Bologna ‘did enough over the two games’ to deserve their Europa League play-off success against SK Brann, as they prepare to face Roma or Freiburg.

The Rossoblu had the benefit of the first leg 1-0 victory in Norway, but were told as they warmed up that Fiorentina had managed to throw away a 3-0 advantage in the Conference League with Jagiellonia.

They still had a shaky start, requiring three big Lukasz Skorupski saves and a Remo Freuler goal-line clearance, but Jacob Sorensen’s red card damaged Brann.

Joao Mario eventually drilled in the winning goal after one of 13 corners, with Benjamin Dominguez hitting the woodwork in stoppages.

Italiano expected Bologna struggle

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, speaks to his players during warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“The first 20 minutes were honestly what I expected, because Brann only had one result to go for, so they were forced to come out fighting,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“We made a few too many mistakes, we could’ve done more with Rowe and Bernardeschi in good positions. Once we had an extra man, we made the most of the situation, and I think between the two games, we did enough to deserve qualification.

“Our target was to stay in the Cup competitions in March, we did it in Europe and unfortunately not the Coppa Italia.”

Another reason why Brann were moving in a different gear is that their domestic league is on hiatus, so they’ve been able to focus only on the Europa League.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Joao Mario of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Nikola Moro and Martin Vitik during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“It was very important to get the first leg result, because we knew Brann would be in good shape, especially as we have so many matches to contend with. We knew their tempo could be a problem for us, we played an intelligent game in Norway.

“They caused us issues this evening for the first 20 minutes, but we are managing to remain more solid and avoid dangerous counter-attacks, which we allowed too often in recent months.”

Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16, and will find out in tomorrow’s draw if they will be paired with SC Freiburg or their fellow Italians Roma.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna is challenged by Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson of SK Brann during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Jens Odgaard was a substitute this evening, but the coach hits back at suggestions he is no longer a first choice player for Bologna.

“I read someone this week say that Odgaard was pushed to the margins of the squad, that’s just unthinkable. We rested him with so many games, then changed strategy, but he showed when he came off the bench what he can do with that ability to keep the ball. He remains an important player for us, whether he starts or not,” insisted Italiano.

“Joao Mario is introverted, shy, and I think he needs to start smiling more. I was a little worried at first, to be honest, but he relaxed and is now showing why he played regularly for Porto and was signed by Juventus. He can play on the right or left, he did well defensively and scoring a goal today.”

They often say the NFL is a "copy cat" league, where each team is desperately seeking the "next" version of whatever has been working. Right now, the Seattle Seahawks are the talk of the town as Super Bowl LX champions... especially their quarterback, Sam Darnold.

Cast aside years ago, and perennially labeled a "bust" or constantly questioned, Darnold proved everyone wrong by helping guide the Seahawks to their second-ever Lombardi trophy. Darnold showed the league that young quarterbacks who flame out elsewhere can still reclaim their career, given the right opportunity. Now, this has teams questioning all sorts of previously held beliefs regarding certain players. The NFL is likely on the search for the next "Sam Darnold."

Football talk show host and analyst Rich Eisen recently spoke how he believes another quarterback under the tutelage of Kyle Shanahan might be the next to make this sort of leap: Mac Jones.

"Mac Jones, in my estimation, is the most likely candidate to be the next Sam Darnold of anybody else."

—@richeisen on Mac Jones' potential after being under the Kyle Shanahan system 👀

(via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/w4tW9GkaME

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 23, 2026

The comparison makes sense. Jones didn't fall out quite as hard as Darnold did, but his tenure in New England came to an unceremonious end with multiple benching's. Jones started seven games in Jacksonville last season, where he went 2-5, had eight touchdown passes against eight interceptions. However, he may have extended his career with strong play for the Niners this past season. In relief of the injured Brock Purdy, Jones went 5-3 as a starter in San Francisco, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

Jones is under contract with the Niners for another season, but that could make him incredibly attractive for an NFL team to take a chance on him. Trade for him, see what he can do, and if it's anything worthwhile, sign him to another short term deal.

Whatever the case may be, Sam Darnold's success with the Seahawks in 2025 is going to get plenty of other "cast-off" quarterbacks a second or even third look.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: NFL free agency: the NFL is on the hunt for the next "Sam Darnold"

Speculation around Jurgen Klopp's role with Red Bull is dismissed, Chelsea remain in pole position to land Murillo and Wolves' asking price for Mateus Mane is putting off Liverpool and Manchester United.

Reports that Jurgen Klopp will leave his role as head of global soccer at the Red Bull organisation are "complete nonsense and totally unfounded", says CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. (Sky Sports Germany - in German)

Liverpool are firmly in the frame for Nottingham Forest's 23-year-old Brazil defender Murillo, although Chelsea still lead the pursuit. (Teamtalk)

Serbia international Dusan Vlahovic favours a switch to Barcelona when his Juventus contract ends this summer, although Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea remain in the hunt to sign the 26-year-old forward. (Teamtalk)

Arsenal and Manchester City are considering bids of £30m for Atalanta left-back Honest Ahanor. Chelsea are also interested in the 18-year-old Nigerian. (Caught Offside)

Liverpool and Manchester United will not pay Wolves' £50m asking price for 18-year-old England youth international Mateus Mane this summer as they consider the midfielder too raw. (Football Insider)

Former Brentford striker Ivan Toney is targeting silverware in Saudi Arabia with current club Al-Ahli, but the Englishman, 29, is not ruling out a return to the Premier League. (Talksport)

Forward Nicolas Jackson is set to return to Chelsea. The 24-year-old Senegal international moved to Bayern Munich on loan last summer, but the Bundesliga champions are not keen on a permanent switch. (CFBayernInsider)

Newcastle United are looking at Brighton's Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City's English stopper James Trafford, both 23, as they target finding a long-term successor for England international Nick Pope, 33. (The i Newspaper - subscription required)

Newcastle United are also watching Union Saint-Gilloise winger Anan Khalaili. The 21-year-old Israel international has scored three times in the Champions League this season. (Mail+ - subscription required)

Liverpool's 19-year-old winger Trent Kone-Doherty, from Northern Ireland, might soon leave to join Norwegian club Molde despite being offered a new contract at Anfield. (Football Insider)

Napoli inserted a clause in the deal of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen's switch to Galatasaray which means the Turkish club will have to pay them up to £60m if they sell the 27-year-old to an Italian club. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

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It’s no secret that out of all 32 NCAA Division-I conferences, the Western Athletic Conference is one that has been hit the hardest by the conference realignment carousel. One thing is for sure: in the conference’s 64-year history, the WAC has certainly remained resilient throughout.

Losing their last charter members to the Mountain West in 1999, ceasing to sponsor FBS football in 2012, and its last-ditch attempt to create a formidable mid-major basketball conference that also happened to sponsor FCS football ultimately flamed out with a slow mass exodus of schools looking for more stable pastures and memberships in the coveted FBS level.

It was an uncertain way to kick off the 2020s, but looking back, change has been the name of the game in the WAC since its inception. Now, what’s left of the conference is giving it one last hurrah before being disbanded, realigned and rebranded come July.

For a longtime the WAC has been extremely top heavy. After the exodus of the FBS Football schools in 2013, only six different schools, out of a possible membership of eighteen different teams have brought a conference title home.

The championship spread is as follows:

New Mexico State: 6 Regular Season Championships, 6 Conference Tournament Titles

Grand Canyon: 2 Regular Season Championships, 4 Conference Tournament Titles

Utah Valley: 4 Regular Season Championships, 0 Conference Tournament Titles

Cal State Bakersfield: 1 Regular Season Championship, 1 Conference Tournament Title

Seattle: 1 Regular Season Championship, 0 Conference Tournament Titles

Stephen F. Austin: 1 Regular Season Championship, 0 Conference Tournament Titles

With Grand Canyon’s departure to the Mountain West this past summer, only one former championship program remained, Utah Valley.

The Preseason Poll appears to be holding true as we approach the end of February. Back in October the predicted order of finish was as follows:

The only real distinction may be Abilene Christian and Utah Tech swapping places in the standings. So, who are the contenders in the WAC’s final men’s basketball iteration? I’d say it’s currently a three-team title race, with one dark horse candidate in fourth, with enough games to still win it all.

Utah Valley Wolverines

Utah Valley has become a smaller carbon copy of the Utah State gig a few hours up the I-15. Coaches win in Orem; it may take a season or two, but Wolverine fans are becoming accustomed to hanging up banners inside the UCCU Center. Even as the University remains embroiled in a public legal battle against the WAC, its teams continue to challenge for championships.

Through non-conference play, the Wolverines went 10-3, with solid wins over Big West title contenders UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara. Todd Phillips logged his second straight 20-win season last week. Currently sitting atop the conference standings with a 20-7, 10-4 record.-

The Wolverines have been led by Jackson Holcombe, who boasts a Swiss army knife stat line of 15.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, a league-leading 2.4 SPG, and 1.3 BPG in just 29.1 MPG. The 6-7, 215 guard returned to Utah Valley after being a primary option off the bench for Coach Phillips last season. He’s blossomed into one of the most impactful players in the conference.

Four other Wolverines average double-digits, including sniper Tyler Hendricks (45.8% from deep on 4.9 attempts a game) and floor general Trevan Leonhardt, who averages a league-leading 6.0 APG. Utah Valley is a program anchored in top-quality defense, currently a borderline top 50 team per KenPom.

And with a lineup featuring players with high major size, length and athleticism throughout. It’s easy to see why Utah Valley sits atop the conference yet again. The only team out of the four in contention to have earned WAC hardware since their arrival to the conference thirteen seasons ago. They have four games to go on their schedule, split in half between home and away games. Not the easiest route to their 5th and final WAC championship, but what a way to go out before the program departs for the Big West this summer.

Utah Tech Trailblazers

The Trailblazers may be one of the more pleasant surprises of the season so far. Longtime Head Coach Jon Judkins is enroute to posting Utah Tech’s first ever finish above .500 in their short Division I history.

Utah Tech stumbled its way through non-conference play with a 7-7 record to show for it. But with important experience, having played three high-majors on the road and losing three games by single digits. It may have taken them some time to gel together as a unit, but the patience has paid off. Currently sitting in second, behind only .5 games with a record of 17-12 and 10-5 in WAC play.

Coach Judkins managed to retain his top freshmen talent from last season and built a title contender around them. Adding three future starters in Ethan Potter (Utah Valley), Noah Bolanga (St. Bonaventure) and Jusaun Holt (Kennesaw State) via the Portal. Along with one via local Juco Snow College in Chance Trujillo.

The Trailblazers have already played 15 conference games and have only three left on their schedule. With two being comfortably at home inside Burns Arena. Where Utah Tech is 10-2 this season, building their fortress in St. George one game at a time.

California Baptist

Rick Croy’s group enjoyed a fruitful non-conference slate, with notable wins over UC Irvine, which itself is in a battle for the Big West’s title and Oregon State. They also took on three of the top teams in the Big 12, coming up short each time, but only by a margin of 7.0 PPG against the Buffaloes and Utes. While Top-25-ranked BYU was a different story entirely.

The Lancers started conference play with a three-game losing streak. Falling on the road to Utah Valley, UT Arlington and Tarleton State, all in a week’s time. Since they’ve enjoyed the spoils of an eight-game winning streak, mostly at home. They currently boast a 19-8, 9-5 record, good enough for third in the conference.

California Baptist hasn’t been immune to the injury bug, but has kept their stars relatively healthy (only one player has played in all twenty-seven games). This has helped fuel their run in WAC play thus far. Led by Preseason WAC Player of the Year Dominique Daniels Jr. and his league leading 22.0 PPG. The under six-foot scoring guard continues to be one of the toughest defensive assignments in the conference, supported in the scoring column by Martel Williams and his 13.3 PPG.

The Lancers also embrace a defense-first philosophy. Then they rely on their dynamic scoring duo to bridge the gap when necessary. Coach Croy’s group has three of its final four games to be played at home in the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center. California Baptist is currently undefeated this season, with a 12-0 record at home. Do they have the easiest path to a regular-season title? It certainly isn’t the toughest.

UT Arlington Mavericks

The dark horse candidate still technically in the running for their first WAC title are KT Turner’s Mavericks. UT Arlington would have to win three straight to pull this off, and everyone currently in front of them in the standings would have to lose the rest of their games for them to earn a share of the title, but hey, anything’s possible, right?

Coach Turner’s group began WAC play with a hot hand, going 4-1 in their first five games. But have since struggled, including a five-game losing streak to kick off the month of February. Like others listed above, UT Arlington pride themselves on stellar defense (ranked 60th nationally per KenPom) but has struggled to put the ball in the basket.

Entering conference play, they were 8-4. Led by preseason all-conference selection Raysean Seamster and Northern Colorado transfer Marcell McCreary. The Mavericks welcomed an impressive recruiting class, but like others have fallen victim to the parity in the WAC this season. Coach Turner can certainly help get these guys to their first WAC title, but they head on the road to Stephenville and Abilene to end the regular season. Not the easiest way to finish the season.

The final standings could look different in a few weeks. But, the numbers favor Utah Valley as regular-season champions. Would fans love to see the Trailblazers, Lancers, or Mavericks earn their first-ever and last possible piece of WAC hardware? Of course, but remember, there’s always the last WAC Tournament title if the Wolverines happen to beat everyone to the finish line.

Larry Muniz is a Mountain West Basketball beat writer for Couch Potato Sports along with West Coast mid-major coverage at Mid-Major Madness.

On a happy night in Vigo, with Celta's qualification, we have learned about the four new teams that have qualified for the round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League.

The evening has been exciting, especially in Belgium with a Genk-Dinamo Zagreb match that found resolution in extra time with an unexpected 3-3. 

Bologna narrowly defeated Brann and will face either Roma or Freiburg. Forest, after eliminating a strong Fenerbahçe, will be up against Betis or Midtjylland. 

Olympique Lyon or Aston Villa await Celta in the round of 16.

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

He keeps going "endlessly."

Giroud made the difference for Lille to reach the Europa League Round of 16 by leaving his mark this Thursday (26).

He has now scored 11 goals in European tournaments since turning 35 years old.

Almost forty—he's 39—the French striker has joined a list full of stars. See below.

Lille was one of the eight teams to qualify for the Round of 16 after the second leg of the playoffs. 

Check out the highlights and possible matchups to be confirmed this Friday (27) below.

A list to respect, huh!

After losing at home 1-0, Lille needed to win at the Rajko Mitic, the Marakana.

And they opened the scoring in Serbia with Giroud, just four minutes in. 

He now figures on the list of players with 11 or more goals in major European competitions after turning 35.

It was the third goal of the 2018 World Cup champion with France in the current UEL edition.

Red Star improved in the second half, but the decision went to extra time.

And it was up to Ngoy to secure Lille's qualification at 99'.

Penalties and more excitement in the other games

After losing away 2-1, Hungarian side Ferencváros knocked out Bulgarian Ludogorets by winning 2-0.

Goals by Kanichowsky and Zachariassen still in the first half. 

There was another draw between Viktoria Plzeň and Panathinaikos.

After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, the 1-1 in Czechia took the decision to penalties.

And the Greek team won 4-3.

In the other game that kicked off at 2:45 p.m., Stuttgart managed the big advantage they built in Scotland.

They were defeated by Celtic (1-0), but had won 4-1 in the first leg. 

Bologna had already won away and confirmed their qualification by beating Norwegian side Brann again, 1-0. 

Sorensen made things harder for the visitors by being sent off at 37 minutes. And João Mário scored the game's only goal at 56'.

Celta also confirmed their favoritism with another win.

They had won 2-1 in Greece and this time beat PAOK 1-0.

Swedberg scored at 63'. 

Fenerbahce dreamed after conceding 3-0 at home. 

Akturkoglu opened the scoring at 22 after a mistake by Murillo.

And extended the lead after a penalty committed by Jair in the first attack of the second half.

Vitor Pereira had made four substitutions at once.

And Forest took control of the game.

And two of the players who came on made the difference. Play by Ola Aina and goal by Hudson-Odoi (68'). 

Fener didn’t give up. Forest had chances to tie and even turn it around, but both sides lacked precision. And the English team advanced 4-2 on aggregate. 

Only Galatasaray and Samsunspor (Conference) will represent Turkish football in the UEFA tournaments' Round of 16.

Belgian side Genk won 3-1 on Croatian soil, opening a good lead. 

And saw Dinamo Zagreb strike back in regulation time.

The visitors took the lead with Bakrar (47). Sor (51') equalized.

But Stojkovic (57' and 75') took the decision to extra time.

Extra time came, and with it, a Genk goal, with Perez Vinlof scoring an own goal (101') 

Hero in regulation, Stojkovic left the Belgian team with ten men two minutes later.

And Genk made it 3-3 thanks to Heymans (114'). Securing a 6-4 aggregate win.

Possible matchups

The UEL Round of 16 matchups will be decided this Friday (27) starting at 8 a.m. (Brasília time).

But there are already predictions, as UEFA determined the possible pairings since the playoff draw.

The teams that advanced directly to the Round of 16 and were just waiting will host the first leg matches. 

These are Lyon (1st), Aston Villa (2nd), Midtjylland (3rd), Betis (4th), Porto (5th), Braga (6th), Freiburg (7th), and Roma (8th).

See the possible matchups below: 

Ferencváros 🆚 Porto or Braga

Panathinaikos 🆚 Midtjylland or Betis

Genk 🆚 Freiburg or Roma

Celta 🆚 Lyon or Aston Villa

Stuttgart 🆚 Porto or Braga

Nottingham Forest 🆚 Midtjylland or Betis

Bologna 🆚 Freiburg or Roma

Lille 🆚 Lyon or Aston Villa

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

Northern Ireland's Josh Rock says it was a "special" feeling to hit his first Premier League nine-darter at Belfast's SSE Arena on Thursday.

The 24-year-old from Broughshane in County Antrim lost his quarter-final 6-2 to Gian van Veen of the Netherlands, but picked up a set of 18ct gold darts worth £30,000 for his perfect leg.

It was the 22nd nine-darter in the competition's history and Rock said achieving the feat more than made up for his exit on the night.

"Being from Northern Ireland and hitting a nine-darter in front of Belfast is phenomenal," Rock told BBC Sport NI's Thomas Kane.

"My consistency in the Premier League is good but tonight, the 6-2 (defeat) I don't even care. I've hit a nine-darter in front of my home crowd and enjoyed that even more.

"When it [ninth dart] left my hand and the double 12 went in, I just thought 'I've hit a nine-darter in Belfast'. My body is still shaking; I had to shake my shoulders to calm myself down, but I'm buzzing.

"Nine-darters don't come around too often, but to hit one in the Premier League in Belfast - what a feeling."

Rock is without a win in his Premier League debut season, losing 6-2 in each of his four matches and admitted he was feeling the pressure in front of his home fans.

However, he is hopeful his nine-darter in Belfast can act as a catalyst for the rest of the season.

"I hope this gives me the belief to push on for the rest of the Premier League," he added.

"I know what I can do and tonight, I didn't feel the pressure, but when I stood on that stage I felt added pressure and just wanted to perform. When I hit the first 180 and second 180, I just thought 'please hit this for everybody', and I did.

"To be classed as one of the leading players in the PDC and the world is a great feeling. From a Northern Ireland perspective, there's not a lot of us in the world but to do that in front of the home crowd is massive."

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Nate Tice & Matt Harmon join forces LIVE in Indianapolis to reveal 9 big moves they’re rooting for this NFL offseason. The duo kick things off with thoughts on the Tennessee Titans trading for former New York Jets EDGE Jermaine Johnson. In other news, the Indianapolis Colts and Anthony Richardson are seeking a trade partner, and Matt thinks the Kansas City Chiefs could be an interesting fit for the reclamation project. The duo also discuss the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars and how they should approach upgrading their offense.

Next, Nate & Matt hit on one wide receiver the New England Patriots NEED to draft, one the Las Vegas Raiders need to sign and two who we could see traded this offseason.

Later, Nate diagnoses what the Chiefs offense needs to get back on track, plus a few of his favorite defensive free agents, while Matt has one skill player the Washington Commanders need to go after in the 2026 NFL Draft.

(1:45) - Titans trade for EDGE Jermaine Johnson

(6:30) - Moves we want to see: Anthony Richardson, Jaguars & Saints offensive upgrades

(22:50) - Moves we want to see: Patriots and Raiders offensive targets, A.J. Brown & DJ Moore trades

(38:40) - Moves we want to see: Chiefs offensive upgrades, Commanders draft target, Nate’s favorite defensive FAs

(Greg Fiume & Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out all episodes of Football 301 with Nate Tice and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is upon us for the rest of the week, as the top draft prospects will test and interview for NFL teams in hopes of hearing their names called later this offseason.

But the combine isn’t only a time where teams meet with prospects. It’s also an opportunity for head coaches and executives of teams to talk with one another ahead of the new league year, where trade talk and other business can begin to happen.

Just last year, the 49ers agreed to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick during the week of the Combine. Now, with San Francisco looking to bolster its roster this offseason, could they look to make another trade or two?

If so, those conversations could start up this week, as general manager John Lynch noted that there are only a few times when most general managers are around each other to strike up those conversations.

“Oh, I think that’s accurate for sure,” Lynch said this week in regards to whether a lot of trade talks start at the Combine. “I thought you were talking like evaluations of players long before, and that sometimes is the case too. But, absolutely.

“There’s a couple, three probably, inflection points. Usually down at Mobile (at the Senior Bowl), you get most GMs are down there, then at the Combine, and then at league meetings. So, usually at one of those places, a lot of those conversations. And this week it’s kind of, everybody’s in that mindset coming off the season, now you’re really looking forward. And yes, a lot of those conversations have commenced, and the inception of them was here, and some finish here.”

The 49ers could be players in free agency this offseason with some extra money to spend, but they may also look to the trade market to fill some of their needs. One of those may be at defensive line, where San Francisco could use additional help both on the edge and in the middle. While there are some edge candidates in free agency, such as Jaelen Phillips, Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, and Khalil Mack, the 49ers could opt for a player with a better contract and send out draft capital in return.

Similarly, without much of a defensive tackle class in free agency, San Francisco could target an upgrade there via trade, as they did with Maliek Collins two years ago.

There is also the possibility of sending a player out, with Renardo Green being a rumored option for trade recently. ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Ben Solak gave an 80 percent chance that Green would be traded this offseason, noting the fit and the inconsistencies over his first two years. So perhaps those conversations could also begin to take place this week.

We’ll see what the 49ers elect to do in the coming weeks. But the trade market could be their way to upgrading and offloading their roster this offseason.

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Could Antoine Griezmann really be headed to Orlando City SC — and if so, would he be the one player capable of challenging Lionel Messi for MLS supremacy? We kick things off by diving into the rumor, the fit, and what Griezmann’s personality and playing style would mean for the league. Is this realistic, or just classic MLS chaos?

Then NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins the show. She reflects on Gotham’s improbable championship run, the weight of expectations heading into the new season, and what it’s like being a 10-year NWSL veteran who’s seen the league evolve from host families and modest crowds to sold-out stadiums. Mandy also opens up about her love of fashion and gives a thoughtful critique of the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule — explaining why raising the ceiling doesn’t necessarily raise the floor for players across the league.

We wrap with Champions League drama: Weston McKennie continues to shine, but did Juventus FC let him down again? Is it time for him to seek a bigger move? Vinícius Júnior delivers another electric performance against SL Benfica, while FK Bodø/Glimt stun Inter Milan — raising serious questions about what’s happening with Italian teams in Europe this season.

Timestamps:

(7:30) – Griezmann to Orlando!? Can he dethrone Messi in MLS?

(18:00) - Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins The Cooligans

(42:00) – Weston Mckennie continues to shine but Juve is failing him

(53:30) – Vini Jr. Shuts up Benfica with another amazing performance

(59:00) - Bodø/Glimt stun Inter Milan

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Entering this week, it looked as though the USC women’s basketball team might have finally figured things out. While Sunday’s loss to Ohio State was disappointing, the Trojans had won six in a row prior to that, and put up a strong fight against a top ten opponent.

Hence, Wednesday’s matchup with Penn State, one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, was supposed to be an easy victory. The task at hand for the Women of Troy was simple: get in, win the game, get out without an my injuries, and get ready for Sunday’s massive rivalry matchup with No. 2 UCLA.

Well, mission failed. USC let the matchup become a trap game and somehow fell 85-82 to a Penn State team that entered the contest with just three Big Ten wins.

USC’s season is not over. The Trojans will still get their shot at UCLA on Sunday, followed by the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments. But how can we expect the Women of Troy to compete with some of the best teams in the country when they could not even beat one of the worst?

At this point in the season, time is not on USC’s side. Lindsay Gottlieb and company must go back to the drawing board and get things figured out quickly, or else the Trojans will not be playing very deep into March this year.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC women’s basketball falls 88-85 to Penn State

CBS Sports moved the Florida Gators to a No. 2 seed following Wednesday night's win over the Texas Longhorns,

Bracketology experts David Cobb and Jacob Fetner made the Orange and Blue the focus of their Thursday update, noting the Gators' strong finish against the Longhorns all but guaranteed the seeding change. Florida has trended upward over the last couple of weeks, and dominating the final eight minutes of Wednesday's game helped UF secure its spot with three regular-season games left to play.

"It appeared the Gators were headed for a fight to the finish. That would have been a rarity for a Florida team that has largely rolled through its SEC schedule," Cobb wrote. "But what happened next illustrated why the Gators are trending up to the No. 2 seed line in CBS Sports Bracketology and why they should be feared as a legitimate contender to repeat as national champions."

The Gators ended things on a 23-7 run, winning by double-digits. Florida kept scoring, and Texas's offense disappeared in the clutch.

"It was a stretch of nearly perfect basketball that should serve as a warning shot to the rest of college basketball," wrote Cobb. "The Gators are coming."

Cobb pointed to Florida's improved 3-point shooting as the key difference maker. Florida made 10 or more buckets from deep just twice in its first 23 games. The Gators have done it three times in the last five games, even with an 8-for-18 performance against the Longhorns. A 44.4% night from three was a distant dream at the beginning of the season, but Todd Golden's group has gotten there.

Florida has remained in the top 15 of the KenPom efficiency ratings all season long, but expected values don't always lead to the predicted outcome. Early-season losses to projected No. 1 seeds Arizona, Duke and UConn put Florida in catch-up mode. The Gators have finally caught up, reaching the No. 7 ranking in wins above bubble, a key metric when it comes to deciding seeding for the NCAA Tournament.

"Now the question is whether there's enough runway left for Florida to creep into the No. 1 seed conversation," Cobb said. "... The Gators finally have top-eight results-based metrics to pair with top-five predictive metrics. The push for a repeat is in full swing."

It won't be easy to overtake any of those three teams mentioned above for a No. 1 seed, and Michigan has looked like a national championship contender all year. Still, Florida is making a case.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.StoryBlock

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida basketball: CBS Sports bracketology after win over Texas

The NFL recently sued the NFLPA to keep their report cards from being published to the public, but since the lawsuit, the NFLPA has stated that they will continue to run their report cards, distribute them among the union and not publish their findings on their website. That doesn’t prevent union members from leaking this information to the press, though.

On Thursday, Cheesehead TV’s Aaron Nagler was able to acquire some of the report card notes on the Green Bay Packers. Here’s what was shared:

The Green Bay Packers fell 14 spots, to 21st overall in this year’s Report Card – the steepest year-over-year decline of any team. The drop is driven largely by the decline in ratings for the training room and training staff, which now rank in the bottom third of the league. Players report a lack of space and outdated recovery equipment, along with a lack of communication and trust in the training room. These issues are a top priority players identify to be addressed.

Players report that the team does not provide gameday childcare, as most teams do, contributing to their bottom-third ranking for treatment of families. The team’s nutrition program similarly ranks near the bottom, with players wanting improved nutrition plans and more nutritious food options to better support these plans. Head coach Matt LaFleur dropped a full letter grade this season and ranks second to last in the league in respect for players.

As Nagler noted on Twitter, the Packers are currently redoing their training room, but it’s still not a great sign that the combined room and staff ranks near the bottom of the league. Green Bay fans have long complained about the team’s injury situation for years now, but there was hope that the hiring of strength and conditioning coordinator Aaron Hill in 2024 would change their fortunes. Hill came to Green Bay via the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a strength and conditioning assistant for five seasons. Over those five seasons, here’s how the 49ers ranked in terms of injury impact: 6th, 1st, 3rd, 9th and then 29th.

Since Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur’s good friend, took over the 49ers, San Francisco has been the most injured team in the NFL. After their one healthy season, Green Bay hired away a 49ers assistant to lead their strength and conditioning program.

Beyond the training room, it’s interesting to me that LaFleur “ranks second to last in the league in respect for players,” considering how many team leaders spoke up and stated that they wanted the club to retain LaFleur after the team’s playoff loss.

Either way, a historic drop in the NFLPA’s rankings is not a great look for the Packers, who generally rank high on the list. Here’s Green Bay’s history on the report card:

• 2023: 9th
• 2024: 3rd
• 2025: 7th
• 2026: 21st

—

Kalyn Kahler of ESPN has now reported the full rankings. Here’s a breakdown of them below. If grades are equal, teams are listed alphabetically.

Defensive Coordinator

1. LAC: A+
2. PHI: A+
3. SEA: A+
4. ATL: A
5. DEN: A
6. HOU: A
7. JAX: A
8. KC: A
9. LAR: A
10. MIA: A
11. NO: A
12. SF: A
13. CLE: A-
14. GB: A-
15. TB: A-
16. BAL: B+
17. CIN: B+
18. IND: B+
19. MIN: B+
20. NYJ: B+
21. BUF: B
22. CAR: B
23. DET: B
24. NE: B
25. TEN: B-
26. WAS: B-
27. ARZ: C+
28. CHI: C+
29. DAL: C
30. LV: C
31. PIT: C
32. NYG: D+

Food/Dining Area

1. DEN: A
2. HOU: A
3. LV: A
4. MIA: A
5. PHI: A
6. SF: A
7. ATL: A-
8. NO: A-
9. SEA: A-
10. WAS: A-
11. CAR: B+
12. GB: B+
13. JAX: B+
14. LAC: B+
15. NYG: B+
16. BAL: B
17. CHI: B
18. DAL: B
19. DET: B
20. IND: B
21. NYJ: B
22. TEN: B
23. BUF: B-
24. MIN: B-
25. PIT: B-
26. KC: C+
27. ARZ: C-
28. CLE: D+
29. NE: D+
30. TB: D+
31. LAR: D
32. CIN: F-

General Manager

1. CAR: A
2. DEN: A
3. IND: A
4. LAR: A
5. MIN: A
6. SEA: A
7. WAS: A
8. BAL: A-
9. BUF: A-
10. CHI: A-
11. DET: A-
12. HOU: A-
13. JAX: A-
14. LV: A-
15. MIA: A-
16. NYJ: A-
17. SF: A-
18. TB: A-
19. ATL: B+
20. GB: B+
21. KC: B+
22. LAC: B+
23. NE: B+
24. TEN: B+
25. ARZ: B
26. DAL: B
27. NO: B
28. PHI: B
29. PIT: C+
30. CIN: C
31. CLE: C
32. NYG: D+

Head Coach

1. LAR: A+
2. WAS: A+
3. CHI: A
4. DET: A
5. KC: A
6. MIN: A
7. NE: A
8. NYJ: A
9. PHI: A
10. PIT: A
11. SEA: A
12. BUF: A-
13. CAR: A-
14. CIN: A-
15. DAL: A-
16. HOU: A-
17. IND: A-
18. JAX: A-
19. NO: A-
20. SF: A-
21. ARZ: B+
22. ATL: B+
23. BAL: B
24. DEN: B
25. MIA: B
26. TB: B
27. GB: B-
28. TEN: B-
29. LAC: C+
30. LV: C+
31. NYG: C
32. CLE: C-

Arizona’s players actually liked Jonathan Gannon (B+) more than the head coach who hired him (Matt LaFleur, B-) this offseason.

Home Game Field

1. BAL: A
2. DEN: A
3. PHI: A
4. KC: A-
5. LV: A-
6. MIA: A-
7. SF: A-
8. JAX: B+
9. WAS: B+
10. ARZ: B
11. MIN: B
12. CLE: B-
13. DET: B-
14. GB: C+
15. HOU: C+
16. CHI: C
17. DAL: C
18. LAC: C
19. LAR: C
20. NO: C
21. ATL: C-
22. IND: D
23. NE: D
24. CIN: D-
25. BUF: F
26. CAR: F
27. SEA: F
28. NYG: F-
29. NYJ: F-
30. PIT: F-
31. TB: F-
32. TEN: F-

Locker Room

1. DET: A
2. GB: A
3. LV: A
4. MIN: A
5. CIN: A-
6. JAX: A-
7. LAC: A-
8. MIA: A-
9. NYJ: A-
10. CHI: B+
11. DAL: B+
12. HOU: B+
13. SEA: B+
14. ATL: B
15. BUF: B
16. NO: B
17. SF: B
18. WAS: B
19. BAL: B-
20. IND: C+
21. NE: C-
22. CAR: D+
23. TEN: D+
24. DEN: D
25. LAR: D
26. NYG: D
27. PHI: D
28. TB: D-
29. CLE: F
30. KC: F
31. ARZ: F-
32. PIT: F-

Green Bay recently built a new locker room, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they rank high here.

Nutritionist/Dietician

1. ATL: A
2. CHI: A
3. HOU: A
4. LV: A
5. NYJ: A
6. SEA: A
7. BAL: A-
8. CAR: A-
9. DET: A-
10. IND: A-
11. JAX: A-
12. KC: A-
13. LAC: A-
14. MIA: A-
15. NYG: A-
16. WAS: A-
17. DAL: B+
18. DEN: B+
19. MIN: B+
20. NO: B+
21. PHI: B+
22. SF: B+
23. ARZ: B
24. GB: B
25. LAR: B
26. NE: B
27. PIT: B
28. TEN: B
29. BUF: B-
30. TB: B-
31. CLE: C+
32. CIN: F

Offensive Coordinator

1. DAL: A
2. LAR: A
3. NE: A
4. SEA: A
5. BUF: A-
6. CAR: A-
7. CHI: A-
8. CIN: A-
9. DEN: A-
10. HOU: A-
11. MIA: A-
12. MIN: A-
13. SF: A-
14. JAX: B+
15. PIT: B+
16. WAS: B+
17. IND: B
18. TB: B
19. ARZ: B-
20. BAL: B-
21. NO: B-
22. NYJ: B-
23. KC: C+
24. NYG: C+
25. PHI: C+
26. GB: C
27. TEN: C
28. ATL: C-
29. DET: C-
30. CLE: D+
31. LAC: D-
32. LV: F

Every single team with a C+ grade or lower for offensive coordinator made a change this offseason, other than the Packers, for what that’s worth.

Position Coaches

1. BUF: A
2. LAR: A
3. CAR: A-
4. DET: A-
5. MIA: A-
6. PHI: A-
7. SEA: A-
8. SF: A-
9. ARZ: B+
10. ATL: B+
11. GB: B+
12. HOU: B+
13. MIN: B+
14. WAS: B+
15. BAL: B
16. DAL: B
17. DEN: B
18. IND: B
19. NYG: B
20. NYJ: B
21. PIT: B
22. TB: B
23. TEN: B
24. CHI: B-
25. CIN: B-
26. CLE: B-
27. NE: B-
28. NO: B-
29. KC: C+
30. LAC: C+
31. LV: C+
32. JAX: C

Special Teams Coordinator

1. JAX: A+
2. TEN: A+
3. DET: A
4. HOU: A
5. NYJ: A
6. PHI: A
7. SEA: A
8. CAR: A-
9. DEN: A-
10. LAC: A-
11. MIN: A-
12. NO: A-
13. PIT: A-
14. WAS: A-
15. ATL: B+
16. BAL: B+
17. BUF: B+
18. CIN: B+
19. DAL: B+
20. GB: B+
21. IND: B+
22. LAR: B+
23. NE: B+
24. NYG: B+
25. SF: B+
26. ARZ: B
27. KC: B
28. MIA: B
29. CHI: B-
30. TB: C+
31. LV: C-
32. CLE: D

Strength Coaches

1. MIA: A+
2. WAS: A+
3. ATL: A
4. BAL: A
5. BUF: A
6. CIN: A
7. DEN: A
8. DET: A
9. HOU: A
10. IND: A
11. JAX: A
12. LAR: A
13. LV: A
14. MIN: A
15. NO: A
16. NYJ: A
17. SEA: A
18. SF: A
19. TB: A
20. CAR: A-
21. CHI: A-
22. DAL: A-
23. NE: A-
24. PHI: A-
25. CLE: B+
26. KC: B+
27. NYG: B+
28. GB: B
29. LAC: B
30. TEN: B
31. ARZ: B-
32. PIT: B-

Team Ownership

1. BAL: A+
2. DEN: A+
3. MIN: A+
4. WAS: A+
5. ATL: A
6. DET: A
7. HOU: A
8. IND: A
9. JAX: A
10. LV: A
11. MIA: A
12. SEA: A
13. BUF: A-
14. CHI: A-
15. GB: A-
16. LAC: A-
17. NO: A-
18. SF: A-
19. DAL: B
20. LAR: B
21. NYG: B
22. NYJ: B
23. PHI: B
24. CAR: B-
25. NE: B-
26. KC: C+
27. CLE: C
28. TEN: C
29. CIN: D+
30. TB: D
31. PIT: D-
32. ARZ: F

Team Travel

1. MIA: A
2. DEN: A-
3. NO: A-
4. SEA: A-
5. ATL: B+
6. CHI: B+
7. JAX: B+
8. MIN: B+
9. NYJ: B+
10. DET: B
11. LAR: B
12. LV: B
13. BAL: B-
14. BUF: B-
15. GB: B-
16. HOU: B-
17. IND: B-
18. LAC: B-
19. WAS: B-
20. ARZ: C+
21. SF: C+
22. TEN: C+
23. DAL: C
24. NYG: C
25. CIN: C-
26. CAR: D
27. CLE: D-
28. KC: D-
29. NE: F
30. PHI: F
31. PIT: F
32. TB: F

Training Room

1. BAL: A
2. HOU: A
3. JAX: A
4. LV: A
5. MIA: A
6. NO: A
7. ATL: A-
8. CIN: A-
9. DEN: A-
10. DET: A-
11. LAC: A-
12. MIN: A-
13. SEA: A-
14. WAS: A-
15. BUF: B+
16. CAR: B
17. CHI: B
18. IND: B
19. LAR: B
20. NYJ: B
21. NYG: B-
22. PHI: B-
23. TEN: B-
24. CLE: C
25. GB: C
26. PIT: C
27. TB: C
28. KC: C-
29. NE: C-
30. SF: C-
31. ARZ: D+
32. DAL: D

Training Staff

1. ATL: A
2. DEN: A
3. HOU: A
4. LAR: A
5. LV: A
6. MIA: A
7. NO: A
8. PHI: A
9. SEA: A
10. WAS: A
11. CAR: A-
12. CIN: A-
13. JAX: A-
14. LAC: A-
15. MIN: A-
16. BUF: B+
17. DET: B+
18. IND: B+
19. NYG: B+
20. NYJ: B+
21. PIT: B+
22. TEN: B+
23. BAL: B
24. CHI: B
25. NE: B
26. ARZ: B-
27. CLE: C+
28. TB: C+
29. DAL: C
30. GB: C
31. KC: C
32. SF: C-

Treatment of Families

1. LV: A
2. MIN: A
3. ATL: B+
4. BAL: B+
5. DET: B+
6. JAX: B+
7. MIA: B+
8. NYJ: B+
9. SEA: B+
10. TEN: B+
11. WAS: B+
12. BUF: B
13. CAR: B
14. DAL: B
15. DEN: B
16. IND: B
17. NE: B
18. NO: B
19. SF: B
20. HOU: B-
21. NYG: B-
22. CHI: C+
23. GB: C+
24. LAC: C+
25. LAR: C+
26. PHI: C+
27. KC: C
28. ARZ: D+
29. TB: D
30. CLE: D-
31. PIT: F
32. CIN: F-

Weight Room

1. LV: A+
2. MIA: A+
3. ATL: A
4. BAL: A
5. BUF: A
6. CHI: A
7. DEN: A
8. DET: A
9. HOU: A
10. JAX: A
11. SF: A
12. WAS: A
13. CIN: A-
14. DAL: A-
15. GB: A-
16. LAC: A-
17. MIN: A-
18. NO: A-
19. PHI: A-
20. SEA: A-
21. TB: A-
22. CLE: B+
23. NYJ: B+
24. CAR: B
25. IND: B
26. KC: B
27. LAR: B
28. NYG: B
29. PIT: B
30. TEN: B
31. NE: C-
32. ARZ: D+

—

As a reminder, these surveys were open from November 2nd to December 11th last year, so the Packers were between 5-2-1 and 9-3-1 at the time. After the surveys closed, Green Bay lost five straight games to end the year.

If you average out the grades into letter grades, this is what the full league-wide rankings look like, unweighted (alphabetical if grades are tied):

1. DEN: A-
2. HOU: A-
3. JAX: A-
4. MIA: A-
5. MIN: A-
6. SEA: A-
7. WAS: A-
8. ATL: B+
9. BAL: B+
10. CHI: B+
11. DET: B+
12. LV: B+
13. NO: B+
14. NYJ: B+
15. SF: B+
16. BUF: B
17. CAR: B
18. DAL: B
19. GB: B
20. IND: B
21. LAC: B
22. LAR: B
23. PHI: B
24. KC: B-
25. NE: B-
26. TEN: B-
27. CIN: C+
28. NYG: C+
29. TB: C+
30. ARZ: C
31. CLE: C
32. PIT: C

Nelly Korda won the season opener but hasn't played on the LPGA since. But now we know the next two times Korda plans to see it up.

The LPGA is in midst of a three-tournament Asian swing, but Korda will be competing in the first two events when the tour returns stateside.

Korda has committed to the Fortinet Founders Cup at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, March 19-22, in Menlo Park, California, and the Ford Championship, March 26-29, at Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona.

Korda won in Orlando on Feb. 1 to kick off 2026. It'll be about seven weeks in between competitive rounds for her. She didn't win in 2025 after earning seven victories in 2024, including four in a row that spring. Her win at the 2024 Ford was the second of those four straight (but at a different golf course).

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul is also signed up to play both the Fortinet and the Ford. Korda and Thitikul won the first two events of the LPGA's 2026 season, the first time in the 20-year history the Rolex rankings the Nos. 1 and 2 players won the first two tournaments of a season.

Third-ranked Charley Hull is not on the list for the Fortinet but is set to play in Arizona at the Ford.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Nelly Korda commits to Fortinet Founders Cup, Ford Championship

Real Madrid are in the market for a new central defender, as they seek to cover off the expected departure of David Alaba, as well as the possible one of Antonio Rudiger. They have been linked with Ibrahima Konate and Nico Schlotterbeck in recent weeks, and now a new name has been added into the mix.

Previously, Real Madrid have shown a lot of interest in William Saliba, and while he signed a new Arsenal contract earlier in the season, there could be chances in the future for him to end up at the Bernabeu. For now, he is no longer being focused on, and rather, it is his centre-back partner that club bosses are considering.

According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid recently made an enquiry into the availability of Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazil international has been a standout performer for Arsenal over the last 18 months, which has led Los Blancos to view him as an ideal option to strengthen their defensive ranks.

Image via Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Arsenal stance on Gabriel exit

However, there is little chance of a deal being done. Real Madrid’s enquiry was quickly rebuffed, with Arsenal making it clear that a sale is not possible at any price. Given the 28-year-old signed a new long-term contract last summer, there is no pressure for the Premier League leaders to cave, which makes it very difficult for him to end up in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid must now consider other options. It is imperative that a top-level performer arrives this summer, especially in the event that Rudiger is not offered a new contract. It would leave Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio as their frontline central defenders, and given that the former pair have had their fair share of injury problems this season, a quality alternative is essential.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are arguably the biggest stars in men’s tennis right now, with each boasting a huge following on social media.

Alcaraz is undoubtedly the man of the moment, claiming two titles from his two tournaments in the 2026 season so far.

One of those titles arrived at the Australian Open, where he beat Djokovic in the final after the Serbian knocked out Sinner in the semifinals.

The trio fittingly occupy the top three spots in the ATP rankings, but how do their Instagram followings compare?

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Instagram followings

Considered by many as the greatest male player of all time, it is Djokovic who leads the way with 16.4 million followers on Instagram.

With 8.4 million, Alcaraz is second on the list, while third-placed Sinner has 5.1 million followers on the social media platform.

For comparison, other iconic players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have totals of 13.1 million and 21.2 million respectively.

Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner Grand Slam titles

While the three ATP icons care deeply about their fans, success on the court will be much more important to all three.

And given his age, it is unsurprisingly 38-year-old Djokovic who once again leads the younger duo in that regard, at least in terms of major glory.

He fell short of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but remains top of the men’s all-time list.

His fellow legend Nadal is second with 22 and Federer is third with 20, while Pete Sampras is next in the list with 14.

Alcaraz is creeping up the all-time leaderboard after clinching his seventh major title in Melbourne, where he completed the career Grand Slam.

Sinner can do the same if he wins the French Open, with the Italian currently boasting four Grand Slam titles.

The Spaniard has a superb 7-1 record from his finals, three of which have arrived against Sinner, who has a 4-2 finals record.

Their rivalry is unquestionably the best in men’s tennis right now, with many fans uncertain over which player will end their career with more Grand Slam titles, and indeed what their overall totals will be.

READ MORE:Naomi Osaka says Novak Djokovic has completely changed the way tennis is played

The Yankees’ bullpen has a little bit of everything. It has All-Star fireballers, sinker specialists, a splitter maestro, a couple of guys who rely on finesse rather than pure stuff, a pitch-to-contact lefty, and a few flawed, but talented arms vying for a couple of spots. It’s not hard to see that a few guys, barring an unexpected turn of events, have a spot locked up already. This is the case of David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill. One has to think that Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn will be in there, as well.

After that, there are as many as six or seven pitchers with at least an outside chance of making the roster, not to mention the fact that the team usually takes a long look at the post-spring training cuts to add names, as well. The likes of Jake Bird, Cade Winquest, Kervin Castro, Osvaldo Bido, Ángel Chivilli, Brent Headrick, and Yerry De Los Santos are actively competing to see who makes the roster, and most of them are looking good if we combine their offseason, their early-camp work, and the first few days of Grapefruit League games.

It’s still February, though, so it’s too early to even think about who makes the roster of this group and who gets left behind. What we are seeing, however, is that at least a couple of interesting names from that list could be on the outside looking.

Just because of the assets invested in them, one can conclude that Winquest, as a Rule 5 Draft pick, and Bird and Chivilli, as trade pieces that required the organization to give away prospects, could have a leg up in the competition. It’s important not to rule out a guy like Headrick, though, owner of a 3.13 ERA and 30 strikeouts in just 23 innings with the Bombers last year. His swing-and-miss stuff could definitely boost the Yankees’ bullpen and give it another lefty to complement Hill.

Yes, there is still the feeling that the Yankees are one or two quality relievers short of boasting a high-flying bullpen, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t talented hurlers in the organization with enough juice to win a spot and contribute.

Bird himself is a solid bounce-back candidate after last year’s disaster, and he has thrown 2.1 scoreless innings this spring with no walks and three strikeouts. Chivilli has big fastball velocity and two breaking balls, his changeup and slider, that had a whiff rate over 40 percent last year. Sometimes, it’s a matter of bringing in guys one or two adjustments away from unlocking the full extent of their potential, and Chivilli could be that guy.

And if the Grapefruit League ends and the Yankees are still not happy with their group of arms for the bullpen, they can always review other teams’ cuts and bring in a useful pitcher. That’s exactly how they got Yarbrough last year, and he went on to put up a 4.36 ERA in 64 frames in 2025 with long stints of dominance. On top of it all, the Yankees’ relief corps could also get some reinforcements in the form of starters, if and when Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt rejoin the rotation. The first two are expected back in April, while Schmidt is more of a second-half play.

Other unexpected names might join the bullpen mix eventually, such as Carlos Lagrange. Yes, pitching coach Matt Blake revealed on Wednesday that moving him to relief is a possibility later down the road.

There are multiple avenues for a great bullpen, and having several talented guys taking the ball in spring training and showing off the improvements they made in the postseason in a healthy competition is definitely one of them. The Yankees may not have a top-five bullpen this year, but internal competition is strong and that’s always a positive.

Our 2026 NFL Combine media recap series continues Thursday with defensive backs who will certainly clear the Detroit Lions’ football character tests. Cornerback may not be an immediate need in Detroit, but there are certainly questions beyond 2026. At safety, the injury situation could force Detroit to re-invest on the back end.

Here are five high-character standouts from the defensive back group.

Previously:

• Linebackers
• Defensive linemen
• Tight ends

Clemson CB Avieon Terrell

Size: 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Quick bio: Brother of A.J. Terrell, Avieon could be a good fit with the Lions given his press-man coverage history and eagerness to get dirty in the run game. Produced a whopping five forced fumbles in 12 games last season, along with 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.
Current draft projection: Round 1-2
Combine vibes:

I spent the first half of Terrell’s media session listening to projected top-10 pick D’Angelo Ponds, but I continued to overhear Terrell and was eventually just full drawn into his press conference (which I wanted to watch anyways).

Terrell’s size could be an issue for some teams, but I imagine the Lions will love his playing style enough to not care too much about size (think Amik Robertson).

“My favorite thing about football? Just being able to hit somebody for free,” Terrell said. “You wake up and can just go hit somebody. So I love that about football. That’s the best thing.”

Given Clemson’s down season last year (7-6), Terrell opted to take on a leadership role to help the young players navigate the adversity. When I asked him what makes good leadership, he mentioned doing all the little things as a role model.

“Watching extra film, extra work after the game, running to the line, not letting nobody walk off the field. Them little things are (for) leaders,” he said.

Arizona State CB Keith Abney

Size: 6-foot 190 pounds
Quick bio: A two-year starter at ASU, Abney is a bit undersized but known for his feistiness and ability to be a ball hawk. In his last two seasons, he produced 21 passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. In 2025, he also produced an 85.3 PFF coverage grade, good for 15th-best in the country. Was a captain, as well.
Current draft projection: Round 2
Combine vibes:

Abney sometimes gets tabbed as a zone coverage cornerback, something he is clearly trying to deny. When asked about the underrated parts of his game, he listed two things that would certainly get the Lions’ attention.

“My tackling or my man coverage,” Abney said. “I think a lot of guys view me as a zone defender, but if you turn on the tape, I do a great job (in man).”

Abney’s biggest quirk is that he was involved in competitive speed roller skating. The hobby stemmed from his desire to both compete and connect with people.

“Just meeting people. It was something that I was good at, something that was opening doors. I got to travel a lot of places, and just competing, really. The competitiveness of it. It’s either you win or you lose,” Abney said.

Texas safety Michael Taaffe

Size: 5-foot-11, 193 pounds
Quick bio: Taaffe’s story reminds me of Dan Jackson: he stayed at Texas his entire career just waiting for his opportunity. For years, that meant focusing on special teams and situational defensive play. But in the past two seasons, he’s gotten his defensive opportunity and ran with it. Taaffe excels with effort and a tremendous character that earned him the Wuerffel Trophy (more on that in a minute).
Current draft projection: Day 3
Combine vibes:

Note: Taaffe said he met with the Lions at the Combine

Taaffe had the most polished press conference of the NFL Combine. He struck me as a very impressive human being, and it started with him talking about winning the Wuerffel Trophy—which recognizes outstanding character and community services among all of college football.

“I totally believe in trying to be significant over being successful. Successful is cool, being on a plaque is cool with 10 interceptions in one season. That’s really cool. That’s what we try to work for every single day. But to be significant, to change people’s lives, I think that goes way longer than anything that this game of football can provide. What this game of football has given me, it’s given me a platform to stand in front of you great men and great women and be able to talk about what really matters in life. So that’s what football has given me. This pigskin has given me an opportunity to have the closest relationships with friends, learn life skills that will carry me for the rest of my life. Just being significant and serving the community and being a disciple in the locker room.”

Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman

Size: 6-foot, 205 pounds
Quick bio: The third brother to play safety at Purdue before transferring to Oregon in 2025, Thieneman has the opportunity to be the first of his siblings to carve out a serious NFL career. A starter for two years at Purdue and one at Oregon, Thienamen tallied at least 90 tackles in each year. Thieneman has the size, speed combination to fit multiple schemes and fill multiple positions.
Current draft projection: Round 1-2
Combine vibes:

Thieneman will hear his name called early because of his physical traits, but he’s also got the intangibles to go along with it. I was impressed by daily routine, as inspired by the hard-working mentality of his parents, and his two brothers, who also played safety at Purdue.

“That hard work and discipline. My discipline showed up (in) what I needed to do everyday. At Oregon, I had my specific set schedule. Everyday, I’d wake up at about 5, get there about 5:30, and then go through my routine and just do that everyday,” Thieneman said.

I also like how mindful he was when he transferred to Oregon. Because it’s so common these days, there is a sense players do it haphazardly. But Thieneman walked through his very deliberate process in the tough decision to move from his roots at Purdue to Oregon.

“I was looking for three things in the portal,” Thieneman said. “A great culture. Second was a defensive scheme that would prepare you for the next level playing different coverages, different rotations. And then three was that competition side on offense and defense. I felt Oregon really excelled at all three of those.”

Arizona CB/S Treydan Stukes

Size: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
Quick bio: Stukes spent his entire six-year college career at Arizona after walking on, and he eventually became the leader of the defense. He started nearly 40 games throughout his career, playing outside cornerback, nickel, and eventually safety. In the NFL, he projects either as a safety or a big nickel with good size and speed.
Current draft projection: Round 3
Combine vibes:

Enjoyed talking to Stukes, who overcame adversity by posting his best career season in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL that cost him most of his 2024 year. Stukes talked extensively about how he mentally focused during the rehab by reading seven mindfulness, wellness books—including one written by his dad.

“It taught me how to be resilient, how to be patient, and trusting the plan that been (put) on me,” Stukes said. “I learned a lot about myself during that process and I was diligent about putting in those daily deposits that help you reap the rewards you want to reap.”

One of Stukes’ biggest draws in the NFL will be his versatility. He played outside initially, moved to nickel in 2023, then played some safety this final year at Arizona.

Billy Horschel sounded off on a key change made to PGA National. Again.

At last year's Cognizant Classic, Jake Knapp opened with a 12-under 59, just the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. This came as a shock to many who grew up in an era when single-digits under par would win you the "Honda" Classic. Now, double-digits was leading after round one. 

Horschel, and eight-time PGA Tour winner, shot 66 that same day, but lamented the fact that prior to the 2024 edition of the tournament, PGA National overseeded the rough and the fairways with ryegrass. The entire property was once straight bermuda, making for a classic Florida golf challenge, especially when it was hot and windy. See: the 2015 Honda, which Padraig Harrington won at six under. 

RELATED: Ryan Gerard appears to hit bird (!) with a tee shot, still manages to hit the green

One year later, Austin Smotherman began the 2026 Cognizant Classic with a nine-under 62. Horschel shot a two-under 69. He continued to bang the Bermuda drum, while making sure to couch it with some reasonable thoughts, too. 

"I talked about it last year. This is a really good golf course. It's a very fair golf course," Horschel said Thursday. "When it blows hard, it's a challenge, and when it's sort of benign like it is today, it's gettable.

"A few years ago the rough was longer and then they started cutting it down and then they overseeded the golf course," he added. "Listen, I think the tour gets a bad rap, and it's not anything against the owners of PGA National. I understand where they would want to overseed. People want it to look pretty on TV, and if it looks pretty on TV, maybe people will want to come play it.

"But at the end of the day, as I've said for many years on the PGA Tour, I understand we are using a golf course that we don't own a lot of times, and sometimes we're at the discretion of what the owner wants to do. Obviously we give our opinion of what we think is best for the golf course and how they want to set it up and challenge it, but also, the owners have a say in it. But I think for me, as I said last year, born and raised in Florida, playing a Bermuda golf course, this far down south and playing overseed, it's going to be soft."

Horschel mentioned that PGA National is far from the only Florida golf course that has made a similar change, and it's not the only one that's done it on the tour schedule, either. TPC Sawgrass made a similar switch to rye overseed when the Players Championship moved to March, and that golf course still plays plenty difficult. 

As for PGA National, without wind, it's not the same test as it once was. And you can check the data, Horschel says. 

"I can pull it up on my phone, in '20, '21, '22, there were three times in a row where it was a top-10 hardest golf course," Horschel said. "I think it was like 4, 7, 6. Then it went to 12, and then the last two years it's been in the 30s.

"Some of it has to do with wind. There's no doubt about it. If this place doesn't blow, it's very gettable. As tour players have always talked about, it doesn't matter how long the golf course is; if it's no wind and it's soft, we're going to shoot a number."

Horschel remained adamant that the change had nothing to do with the PGA Tour, nor does he blame PGA National for doing it, a point he made on Twitter/X Wednesday evening before the tournament began. 

On Thursday, Horschel stated it was "just his take on it." 

"It's not a shot at anyone. It was just sort of commenting to someone who was taking a shot at the PGA Tour, and I sort of gave them a little more insight that it's not always in the PGA Tour's hands. If they want to try and do something, it's not always in their hands to set it up the way they want to."

RELATED: Why Bryson DeChambeau, LA Golf are parting ways

The concept of an all-star game is simple. It's a unique exhibition where a sports league brings together its best competitors to create a spectacle for fans and showcase the league to a wider audience. Stock car racing has seemingly lost that memo. NASCAR announced the format for the 2026 All-Star Race on Thursday, featuring the full Cup Series field taking the green flag for the 350-lap race. The field will eventually be reduced to 26 cars for the race's $1 million final stage.

NASCAR stated that it will have the full field compete in the two 75-lap sprint segments in lieu of its traditional All-Star Open preliminary race. After the first segment, the order of the top 26 drivers will be inverted, with the leader dropping to 26th. The ineligible drivers with the lowest combined finishing positions after the two segments will advance to the 200-lap final segment. I mention "ineligible" because the qualification criteria for the final stage are the same as those typically used for the entire event.

The race winners from both the 2025 and 2026 Cup Series seasons are locked into the final segment. This means that 17 drivers have already locked in their spots for the final stage. Former Cup Series champions are also locked in, but every active full-time champion has already won a race over the past year. Excluding the spot reserved for the Fan Vote winner, there are eight transfer spots up for grabs.

Read more: 5 Bad Driver Habits Guaranteed To Annoy Everyone Else On The Road

The NASCAR All-Star Race is lost in the wilderness

It's near-impossible to conceive a reason for NASCAR to force at least 17 drivers to puddle around for 125 laps. Drivers locked into the final segment have no reason to fight for position or risk damaging their equipment. The All-Star Open was special because it was a race without the big names. Drivers who typically didn't feature at the front of the field had the opportunity to be in the spotlight for a single afternoon and try to make a name for themselves. That opportunity still exists, it'll just be overshadowed by the all-stars loitering at the back.

While NASCAR has pushed to reinvent itself over the past few years, the All-Star Race has been lost in the wilderness since 2020. The organization made the bold decision to move the race away from Charlotte Motor Speedway, its traditional home, to Bristol in an effort to have fans in attendance during COVID-19 restrictions. The race then moved to Texas Motor Speedway, and then to the revived North Wilkesboro Speedway. With North Wilkesboro receiving a points-paying round, NASCAR shifted the All-Star Race to Dover International Speedway. The event has seemingly become a consolation prize for underperforming tracks.

Maybe NASCAR can find a recipe to bring the heat back to the All-Star Race. The season-opening Clash is seemingly doing well despite dropping its original gimmick as the pole winners' exhibition race. The event is a unique bullring affair at the infamous Bowman Gray Stadium, with a format similar to local short-track racing. The racing there is far from clean, but it's a fun exhibition to welcome everyone back for a new season.

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Read the original article on Jalopnik.

The Los Angeles Rams were aggressive in retaining key players in 2025, and they could do the same to kick off the 2026 offseason.

L.A. reportedly "hopes to extend the contract of tackle Warren McClendon Jr.," according to NFL reporter Tony Pauline. McClendon Jr., a 2023 fifth-round pick, had a breakout season in 2025 when he started 10 games for the injured Rob Havenstein. The 24-year-old had the lowest pressure rate allowed among right tackles this past season at just 2.94%.

McClendon Jr. should be in the driver's seat to keep the starting right tackle spot after Havenstein retired based on his 2025 performance. However, he only has one year left on his rookie deal and will be a free agent after the 2026 if the Rams don't re-sign him.

It's unclear what that deal would look like for McClendon Jr., considering he only started five games in his career before his breakout 2025 season. For reference, left tackle Alaric Jackson signed a three-year, $57 million deal with $35 million guaranteed before the 2025 season. Jackson, though, was the Rams full-time starter for two full seasons before he earned his new contract.

If the Rams re-sign McClendon Jr. or plan to extend him before the 2026 draft, it could alter their strategy for the first round. Many experts predict L.A. will draft a right tackle to either start or take over if McClendon Jr. leaves after 2026. But if McClendon Jr. signs a big extension, L.A. can look elsewhere in the first round.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Report: Rams looking to extend OT Warren McClendon Jr.

Betfred Super League

Wigan (24) 54

Tries: Keighran, French, Field 2, Smith 2, Eckersley, Nsemba, Forber Goals: Keighran 9

Leigh (0) 0

Wigan Warriors ran in nine tries to hammer local rivals Leigh Leopards 54-0 and continue their impressive start to the 2026 Super League season.

Tries from Adam Keighran, Bevan French, Jai Field and Harry Smith put Wigan into a dominant 24-point lead at half-time for the second match in a row.

Further tries from Field and Smith plus one each from Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba and Tom Forber after the break - as well as nine goals from Keighran on a perfect night with the boot - ensured a third league win from three for Warriors.

Leigh failed to show up during a very one-sided 'Battle of the Borough' on a disappointing night for the visitors littered with handling errors and a lack of discipline.

Wigan went ahead after 10 minutes - French fired in a short pass for Keighran to cross over from close range on the last tackle after Leigh's Lachlan Lam conceded a set of six in his own half for a late shot.

Liam Marshall dotted down for Warriors soon after but the celebrations were cut short as referee Liam Moore spotted a forward pass from French in the build-up of a flowing team move.

French then found a small gap in the Leigh backline on the right edge to roll challenges from Lam and Tesi Niu to grab Wigan's second in a dominant opening 20 minutes from the hosts.

A well-measured kick from Smith was batted back one-handed by Nsemba to full-back Field who showed a dummy before darting over for the impressive Warriors' third try.

Field turned from scorer to provider moments later, finding room in midfield before setting up Smith to dot down underneath the sticks and, after Keighran dispatched a fourth successful kick, the game was effectively over as a contest by the half-hour mark.

Moments into the second period, Leigh's Matt Davis was forced off with a head injury having taken the full force of a kick to the corner by Smith.

And Warriors stretched their legs soon after when a beautiful line break from Patrick Mago allowed the prop to pass to Smith, who unselfishly found Field to finish another free-flowing move for his second of the night.

At this stage, Wigan were playing exhibition rugby league and a miss-out pass from French cut out three Leigh defenders and found Eckersley who strolled in for Wigan's sixth try.

Nsemba then got his name on the scoresheet, getting on the end of a delicate grubber kick from Smith, before Field raced away on a wonderful break and found the supporting Smith to dive over next to the sticks.

Hooker Forber got 50-up for Warriors, barging over for his side's ninth try between the sticks before Keighran added the extras once more to seal a perfect night for Wigan.

Leigh were dealt a further blow with just a minute remaining as full-back Bailey Hodgson had to be helped off the field with a serious looking knee injury.

Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Farrell, Marshall; French, Smith; Havard, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Walters, Ellis.

Replacements: Mago, Partington, Eseh, Forber.

Leigh: Hodgson; Senior, Niu, Brand, Charnley; Cook, Lam; Ofahengaue, Horne, Mulhern, Halton, Trout, Liu.

Replacements: Hughes, Davis, Alick-Wiencke, O'Brien.

Referee: Liam Moore.

Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play and the gentlemen's clubs have the best wings in town.

The Atlanta Hawks are leaning into the city's famed hip-hop culture and history, featuring what the team is calling an "iconic cultural institution" that's definitely NSFW in an upcoming promotional night.

The team announced Wednesday it will collaborate with prominent Atlanta strip club Magic City for a one-night only, in-game celebration of hip-hop called "Magic City Monday" against the Orlando Magic on March 16.

“From the food to the music and the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” Hawks Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Proctor said in a news release.

Magic City Kitchen will serve two versions of their "world famous" lemon pepper wings, Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ, named after Atlanta-native and three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year-winner Lou Williams.

More NBA: Suns owner willing to pay millions to get best NBA players in dunk, 3-point contests

What else is planned for 'Magic City Monday'?

The Hawks' celebration of "Magic City Monday" doesn't stop at wings. Atlanta rapper and entrepreneur T.I. is expected to perform at halftime.

Being that Tip is back home in Atlanta, at the State Farm Arena, it'll be interesting to see if he'll perform any recent cuts including diss tracks toward rapper and entrepreneur Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Keeping it so ATL, the organization tabbed native DJ Esco to provide the pregame tunes.

Before the game, ticketed fans will have a chance to view a recording of the Hawks AF Podcast featuring a conversation with Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney and T.I., hosted by comedian D.C. Young Fly, another Atlanta native.

“We doin’ this one for the city ... Magic City,” T.I. said in a news release.

Why is Magic City famous?

Magic City has become influential not only in Atlanta but as a tourist stop for those who visit the city. Ask NBA players who have a road game against the Hawks about the lore of Magic City wings.

Williams famously couldn't help but visit the spot for its wings in 2020 when he was excused from the NBA Bubble in Orlando to attend a funeral, while everyone was social distancing due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The moment went viral after a photo he snapped with rapper Jack Harlow during the visit that was posted to social media.

"We had our masks on, I thought we did it how we were supposed to do it," Williams said, explaining the incident during a June 2025 episode of Gil's Arena, a podcast hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas with Nick Young, Kenyon Martin, Rashad McCants and Josiah Johnson.

He continued: "I want to put this to bed. I didn't sneak out the bubble to go to Magic City. They excused me from the bubble to go to a funeral. ...The funeral home was a block away from Magic [City]. I've been staying in a hotel [in the NBA bubble in Orlando] eating hotel room service food. Magic got good food, this is my hometown and if you know ATL, we eat in our strip clubs. That's where you can find the best food."

Williams received a 10-day quarantine for violating safety protocols but maintains that the league's focus was on him going to a strip club rather than his real reason for going – the food.

The incident did two things: birthed the nickname "Lemon Pepper Lou" and also cemented Magic City's kitchen's place as the stuff of NBA and Atlanta legend.

But long before Williams's visit, the site was a landmark for Atlanta and its visitors, which is the focus of the documentary "Magic City: An American Fantasy" that discusses the impact of the club on Atlanta music, sports and culture through interviews with Atlanta rappers Big Boi, Killer Mike and T.I., along with other celebrities and artists who they discuss its role in hip-hop and Black culture.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks to feature prominent strip club in upcoming promotion

He might not have been able to secure the win vs. the Denver Nuggets for the Boston Celtics by himself this past Wednesday (Feb. 25) night, but Celtics point guard Derrick White has been impressive for Boston this season, and even Nuggets coach David Adelman admitted as much ahead of the tilt his team would win 103-84.

"One thing he does is he plays the same way every night," said Adelman of White's consistency. "And there's a lot to be said for that. And I think, from the San Antonio (Spurs) days, it's incredible when he came in the league how much you just went under everything with him. He's going to drive the ball with his right hand – that's what he does."

"And he just turned himself into a confident 3-point shooter," he added. "That makes you have to make a decision nightly because if he does get downhill, he's so effective."

"I think he's over a block a game for a guard," continued the Denver coach. "Just a complete basketball player. That trade really worked out for them and he just compliments whoever he plays with so well."

"It's funny he used to be in our gym in the summers and he's back home playing pickup. And just to see where his career has gone, it's (made him) a very well-deserved, just a really good all-around basketball player."

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Denver coach David Adelman lauds growth of Celtics guard Derrick White

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina will discover their opponents in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in Friday’s UEFA draws, as Italian football enters the Round of 16.

There are still four representatives of Serie A in the knockout phase of the UEFA tournaments.

Atalanta overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off, and will learn on Friday if they are to face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.

UEFA could give us an Italian derby

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli #61 with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

There is a good chance of an Italian derby in the Europa League Round of 16, because Roma already went through as one of the top eight in the league phase.

Bologna eliminated SK Brann 2-0 on aggregate and will be paired either with Roma or SC Freiburg in Friday’s draw.

Roma’s situation is a little more complicated, as they might also be drawn against Bologna, Genk or GNK Dinamo Zagreb.

FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal with Giovanni Fabbian of ACF Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Fiorentina are the sole Italian representatives in the Conference League, and squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time, 5-4 on aggregate.

Their next test will be against either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the last 16.

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini spoke to BBC Sport recently. He gave a sharp, thoughtful take on why captain Granit Xhaka’s return is such a big deal for the Black Cats. Currently, Sunderland are navigating a rough patch of inconsistent form. Gabbiadini admitted the team aren’t just a one-man show. Even so, he made it clear that the 33-year-old Swiss international has a level of presence that almost no one else in the squad can match.

Gabbiadini Backs Xhaka Return To Steady Sunderland’s Wobbling Premier League Campaign

The ex-striker pointed out how important Xhaka is as an anchor in the middle of the pitch. Xhaka is the type of player who is happy to sit back, dictate the play, and keep everyone else calm. A young Sunderland side have clearly felt his absence while he was out with that ankle injury. Looking past Xhaka’s own game, Gabbiadini also touched on the constant lineup changes Régis Le Bris has dealt with lately.

He suggested that never having a settled team has only made things harder. On top of that, he noted that new signings always need a bit of time to find their feet. For a squad full of players still learning the ropes in the Premier League, a dip in results was always likely. Still, his overall outlook was positive. Gabbiadini saw this slump as a temporary hurdle rather than a total breakdown.

“They’re not a one-man team, but he is very important, of course, he is. He brings so much experience to a team that is still pretty green.

“You’ve got to be careful not to get too despondent or carried away. To get the captain back in the middle of the park, somebody who’s a little bit more anchored and happy to just sit and control the game will make a difference.

“There’s been quite a lot of change in the team. It hasn’t been a particularly consistent team selection over the past few weeks – maybe that has been an issue as well. And new faces, as it always takes time when new faces come into the dressing room.

“We’ve lost some people and brought some new people in. They’ve got to hit the ground running, and it’s not easy to do that.

“Most of the players have not had long Premier League careers or played that many games in the Premier League at all. Some of them haven’t played many games, full stop. If there’s a little bit of a lull, that’s to be expected.”

— Marco Gabbiadini, as quoted by BBC Sport

Does Xhaka’s Return Prove Sunderland’s Real Problem Was Mental, Not Tactical?

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Granit Xhaka of Sunderland reacts during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Fulham at Stadium of Light on February 22, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The timing of this matters a lot. As of February 26, 2026, Sunderland are in a fantastic spot for a club just promoted to the top flight for the first time since 2017. Xhaka was back in the mix for the weekend game against Fulham.

What Gabbiadini is really getting at is that the team have a leadership gap, not just a tactical one. Sunderland’s other midfield options, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, and Habib Diarra, have plenty of energy and skill. But none of them have the scar tissue and grit that Xhaka brings. He has earned over 120 caps for Switzerland, and you can’t buy that kind of know-how.

Le Bris himself has called Xhaka a leader that the rest of the group naturally follow. You just can’t expect a 22-year-old to provide that same sense of stability in the middle of a season. Gabbiadini also made a fair point about how much the summer overhaul affected the team. Sunderland brought in a lot of new faces, and that kind of chemistry takes months, not weeks, to build. In the end, what looks like a tactical breakdown on the pitch is often just a group of young players looking for a leader to steady the ship when things get chaotic. Now, they finally have that leader back.

Colorado Buffaloes defensive pass rush coordinator Warren Sapp will not return for the 2026 season, Brandon Krisztal reports. He coached with the Buffaloes for three seasons beginning in 2023 under head coach Deion Sanders.

Sapp had a decorated career in the NFL spanning 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders. He registered 578 tackles, 96.5 sacks and 91 tackles for loss from his defensive tackle position, earning him four first-team All-Pro selections. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013, the first player in Buccaneers history to do so.

Multiple reports suggest that Sapp didn't see a coaching career after playing, but was hired by Sanders in 2023 to lead the defensive line and pass rush unit.

During his tenure, the Buffaloes finished 63rd (2023), 16th (2024) and 129th (2025) in total sacks, with production making a clear downturn last season as Colorado struggled through a 3-9 campaign and a 15th place finish in the Big 12.

Sapp's departure comes just days after Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston was hired away by the Denver Broncos and Chris Marve, who was formerly the linebackers coach, was promoted to replace Livingston.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Pass rush coordinator Warren Sapp won't return for 4th season

2026 Premier League Darts Night 4 Belfast live results, scores and schedule: Josh Rock nails epic 9-darter in front of home crowd originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Gian van Veen survives a match dart in a last-leg decider against Gerwyn Price, winning 6-5, and setting up a clash between himself and Stephen Bunting in the final.

Night 4 of the 2026 Premier League of Darts takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with Josh Rock's reunion as the major storyline heading into the night.

For the quarterfinal round, Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton kick off the evening in what could be a high-scoring clash.

Next, Stephen Bunting will look to try and win his first PL match of 2026, as he faces 2025 PL champion Luke Humphries.

Michael van Gerwen will return after an absence on Night 3, taking on Gerwyn Price, who is fresh off a PC event title on Wednesday.

Lastly, Gian van Veen will return after a thrilling final run in Poland, which included a nine-darter, to play Josh Rock.

2026 Premier League Darts Night 4 results, scores and schedule

Here is the schedule and the results from Night 4 of the 2026 PL.

MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts Night 4 draw, match predictions and 3 storylines to watch in Belfast

Quarterfinals

MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts schedule, scores, results and updated table

Semifinals

MORE: Watch Beau Greaves become the first woman to hit 9-darter on PDC circuit

Final

More darts articles:

• Luke Littler contract details: Teenage phenom signs richest endorsement deal in darts history
• PDC announces darts schedule for 2026: World Championship, Premier League and more
• Ranking the best PDC Darts moments from 2025: 9-darters to shocking upsets
• 2026 Premier League Darts prize money explained
• 2026 Premier League of Darts: Get to know the 8 participants
• 2026 Poland Darts Open: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained

Nick Caserio might be in the market for a quarterback one day soon, but could simply just take on over as QB1 for 2026?

One would argue that his accuracy is better than C.J. Stroud's with just a single throw.

Caserio appeared on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show" live from the Lucas Oil Stadium at the NFL Scouting Combine and was tasked his throwing a ball through a hole for the charity of his choosing. The only caveat? It had to be a sprial.

Well Caserio, a former quarterback at John Carroll University, had to show the crew that not only does his team own McAfee's Indianapolis Colts twice a season, but he also still has enough left in the tank to drop jaws and look the part of competent signal-caller.

Here's a clip of Caserio drilling the target on live televison.

FOR A $100,000 DONATION 😂😂

NICK CASERIO WITH A STRIKE #PMSLivehttps://t.co/W8CU5O26GWpic.twitter.com/RZ8DydxlIu

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 26, 2026

No, the Texans aren't trading Stroud entering Year 4. No, there's no plan for Houston to find a new quarterback in the future.

But if the offensive line could be fixed and the run game is stable, could the GM get a few passes in a live game? It's not out of the question.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans GM Nick Caserio looks like QB1 after interview on Pat McAfee

Bears GM reveals why he's excited for Caleb Williams' future originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For years, the Chicago Bears suffered in quarterback purgatory, but with Caleb Williams, the franchise finally feels like it might have their guy.

Year 1 wasn't too good, but under Ben Johnson in Year 2, yeah, the differences were noticeable. So much so that the Bears, as we look towards Caleb's third season, will be seen as a genuine playoff contender, if not more.

And with Williams in line to get a new contract in the next few seasons, the Bears will have a decision to make.

But for general manager Ryan Poles, if Williams shows consistency, it's an open-and-shut case.

"I want to be clear: Anyone that's watched the league long enough knows that for quarterback play, it's consistency," Poles said via the Chicago Sun-Times. "Can you stack years on top of each other? We still have steps to go. I don't want to make it like he's already [there]. He knows he's got work to do.

"But if all of that falls into place, we have to understand how that changes our formula as we move forward. That's a great thing to be on that path. I feel like we have a long-term quarterback solution. It makes me excited."

More:Mike Evans' agent drops huge update over Buccaneers future

Bears finally have their guy

The performance jump we saw from Williams in Year 2 was superb. He threw seven more TDs (27 total), to just seven interceptions, while having more passing yards, and 42 fewer sacks. 

Not to mention going from five wins to 11.

So, the path forward is clear, especially under Johnson, and as we enter Year 2 with Williams and Johnson as a quarterback/play-caller tandem, the expectation is that Williams will continue to ascend.

Of course, Poles wants consistency, and that is the next thing Williams has to get into his arsenal of weapons, but that is tough for everyone.

But if the gap between his worst game and his best game can shrink, then when it is Williams' turn at the negotiation table, he'll be set. And so too will the Bears.

More NFL news:

• Analyst offers horror 4-word prediction for Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs
• Analyst claims Ravens out of Super Bowl bubble, but rationale is wrong
• Bengals give stunning Trey Hendrickson future quote that fans will love
• Bills fans will love Joe Brady's latest quote as franchise hits reset
• Ravens make incredible contract offer to free agent star 
• Dolphins the biggest loser of scouting combine press conference
• Buccaneers make Mike Evans stance perfectly clear

Dustin Dopirak: Rick Carlisle: "Toppin will play tonight. He will be on a minutes restriction and it's safe to assume he'll be a minutes restriction the rest of the season."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Obi Toppin cleared for first game since October

Jamal Collier: CavsDonovan Mitchell is listed as OUT for tomorrow’s game against the Pistons with a strained right groin. James Harden (thumb) is once again listed as questionable. He had his thumb wrapped heavily as he exited the locker room Wednesday night in Milwaukee

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Donovan Mitchell is listed as OUT for tomorrow’s game …

James Ham: Keegan Murray is officially listed as out with a left ankle sprain. Russell Westbrook is also out with a right thigh contusion. Malik Monk is questionable with right ankle soreness. Sabonis, Hunter, Cardwell and LaVine remain OUT.

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Keegan Murray is officially listed as out with a left …

Bob Costas, Doug Collins and Mike Fratello never all called a game together when they were teammates at NBC a quarter-century ago. That'll change on Tuesday — in a throwback night for the network's NBA coverage. NBC has announced plans for Costas, Collins and Fratello to handle the courtside duties Tuesday when Victor Wembanyama — who wasn't even born when that trio was involved in NBC's NBA coverage in the early 2000s — and the San Antonio Spurs take on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Houston Chronicle

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: NBC has announced plans for Costas, Collins and …

Jim Gray will be the sideline reporter for that game, and NBC said it plans to incorporate “reminiscent and familiar components” from how games aired in the 1995-96 season, including the graphics package.

Houston Chronicle

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jim Gray will be the sideline reporter for that game, …

Also coming back from the past: the studio team. Hannah Storm, Isiah Thomas and P.J. Carlesimo will handle a throwback version of “NBA Showtime” starting at 7 p.m. Eastern, an hour before the game broadcast.

Houston Chronicle

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Hannah Storm, Isiah Thomas and P.J. Carlesimo will …

President Donald Trump is inviting multiple college sports figures to a roundtable at the White House next week, Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported. The group includes former Alabama coach Nick Saban, former Florida star Tim Tebow and Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell.

Trump has been vocal about his willingness to play a role in settling the college athletics landscape in the NIL and transfer portal era. Saban and Campbell were previously expected to spearhead a presidential commission on college sports, though those plans were later paused. The roundtable is expected to take place March 6, Dellenger reported.

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The list of invitees also includes former Florida and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, Notre Dame athletics director Pete Bevacqua and Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman. Bevacqua’s predecessor, Jack Swarbrick, was also invited, along with at least one athletics director from each Power Four conference. ADs from Wake Forest, Indiana, Iowa State and Oklahoma are part of the group.

Other prominent figures from outside college sports were also invited, according to Dellenger. Golf legend Tiger Woods, LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also received invitations to the roundtable. Trump is expected to serve as chair alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and New York Yankees president Randy Levine as vice chairs.

This story will be updated.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The latest season of “Drive to Survive” will also be available to U.S. viewers on Apple TV as part of a collaboration with Netflix.

The eighth season of the popular Formula 1 series launches Friday. “Drive to Survive” has been credited with helping to increase the popularity of the global motorsports series.

The show will recap the 2025 season, which included the firing of Christian Horner as Red Bull's team principal, Lewis Hamilton's first year at Ferrari and McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri vying for the championship. Norris won his first F1 title by two points over Max Verstappen.

Apple TV has a new five-year deal as F1's U.S. broadcast partner. The season begins with next week's Australian Grand Prix.

Netflix will also carry Apple TV's feed of the Canadian Grand Prix for U.S. viewers from May 22-24.

“I've known (Netflix co-CEO) Ted (Sarandos) for a long time. We've worked together before and we had this idea,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, said Thursday during a briefing about Apple's coverage plans. “Netflix has done an amazing job with ‘Drive to Survive’ and we thought it would be great if we could offer it to our customers and at the same time we’d like Netflix customers that have been watching ‘Drive to Survive’ to be able to see a race on Netflix, and that’s what we’re doing with the Canadian Grand Prix.”

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

• Record full-year revenue of $113.5 billion, up 19% year-over-year
• Record full-year diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $8.68, up 36% year over year, and record full-year non-GAAP diluted EPS of $10.30, up 27%
• Record full-year cash flow from operations of $11.2 billion
• Announcing a cash dividend increase of 20% and $10 billion increase in share repurchase authorization
• FY27 guidance: Full-year revenue growth of 23% at the midpoint, diluted EPS growth of 33% at the midpoint, and non-GAAP diluted EPS growth of 25% at the midpoint

Symnote is a simple symptom diary for iPhone that helps you log how you feel, track conditions and triggers, and keep health notes in one calm place. It stores data on your device and requires no account, so you stay in control. You can use clear timelines and entries to see changes over time and walk into appointments prepared.

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Travelers are facing significant disruptions at Boston Logan International Airport today. With 18 cancellations and 145 delays, major airlines including JetBlue, El Al, LATAM Brasil, and Korean Air are experiencing serious operational challenges. These delays and cancellations are affecting flights not just within the United States, but also to Europe, Latin America, and other destinations. Passengers flying to key cities such as New York, São Paulo, and Frankfurt are among those suffering the most. The situation is frustrating, as travelers struggle to find alternative arrangements and manage long wait times at the airport.

Many passengers are advised to stay updated by checking their flight status through their respective airlines or Boston Logan’s official website. The ongoing disruptions highlight the unpredictable nature of air travel and the impact on both domestic and international routes.

Overview of Today’s Delays and Cancellations

Total Delays: 145
Total Cancellations: 18

The delays have been widespread, affecting various airlines flying in and out of Boston Logan, with some delays causing ripple effects at other airports in the U.S. and beyond. Passengers traveling on routes from Boston Logan are advised to check with their airlines regularly for updates, as delays are expected to continue for several hours. The disruptions are due to a mix of factors, including weather-related issues, technical problems, and other operational challenges.

Airports and Airlines Affected

Several airports and airlines are directly impacted by the delays and cancellations. Boston Logan is not just seeing disruptions for flights originating from the U.S., but international travel has also been severely affected.

Domestic Airports Affected

Washington D.C.’s Reagan National (DCA) saw delays in 21% of its flights to and from Logan, while Palm Beach International (PBI) reported delays affecting 45% of its flights. Other major U.S. airports that saw significant delays include:

• Orlando International (MCO) with 23% of its flights delayed
• Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) in Puerto Rico, which saw 50% of flights delayed
• Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT) with 27% of delays
• John F. Kennedy International (JFK) in New York, seeing 17% of flights delayed

International airports also felt the impact, with Frankfurt International (FRA), Yampa Valley (HDN), and Daytona Beach International (DAB) reporting cancellations of 100% of their scheduled flights.

International Airports Affected

Beyond domestic disruptions, international destinations like São Paulo-Guarulhos International (GRU) in Brazil, Sangster International (MBJ) in Jamaica, and Key West International (EYW) in Florida were hit by 100% cancellations. Additionally, airports such as Zurich (Kloten) (ZRH) and Ben Gurion International (TLV) in Israel had one flight cancellation each, causing further disturbances to global travel.

Airlines Impacted

Numerous airlines flying in and out of Boston Logan are experiencing operational delays. High delays were noted with:

• Spirit Airlines, facing delays in 45% of their flights today.
• Palm Beach International (PBI) and Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) airports are seeing disruptions mainly through JetBlue and American Airlines operations.
• Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are also facing delayed operations impacting their schedules.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers affected by these disruptions, the situation is understandably frustrating. Here are some steps to take for smoother travel in the wake of today’s events:

1. Check for Real-Time Updates: Keep checking your flight status regularly through Boston Logan’s official website or your airline’s app. The airport and airlines will provide live updates on delays and cancellations.
2. Contact Airlines Directly: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, get in touch with the airline for rebooking options. Many airlines are offering alternatives to get you to your destination as quickly as possible.
3. Consider Alternative Routes: If your travel is time-sensitive, explore alternate airports nearby, including Reagan National (DCA), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark Liberty International (EWR) for potential flights, although these airports may also face delays.
4. Stay Informed About Connecting Flights: For passengers with connecting flights, check the status of both legs of your journey. Delays at one airport can affect flights on both ends of the trip.
5. Be Prepared for Longer Wait Times: With multiple flight cancellations and delays, expect longer-than-usual wait times at the airport. It’s advisable to bring essentials like snacks, drinks, and entertainment while you wait.

Conclusion: Impact on Global and Domestic Travel

The travel disruptions at Boston Logan International Airport reflect a larger issue of operational challenges faced by airports and airlines globally. With flights delayed at major airports across the U.S. and internationally, travelers are advised to stay patient and proactive in managing their travel plans. This disruption underscores the importance of being flexible and well-informed when traveling, especially during periods of unexpected delays and cancellations.

Source: FlightAware

The tourism and hospitality industry in Croatia will undergo major changes in 2026 because international hotel brands plan to open their first high-end hotels in the country. The upcoming luxury hotel openings will transform Croatia’s global reputation which will draw wealthy tourists to the country and establish it as a top Mediterranean vacation spot.

Croatia, long known for its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage, is becoming an increasingly attractive investment hub for global hotel brands. This growing interest reflects the country’s rising prominence in Eastern Mediterranean tourism, as it emerges as a fresh alternative to more established destinations like Greece and Turkey. These developments signal a new era of luxury hospitality in Croatia, designed to cater to the evolving tastes of modern travellers seeking unique, exclusive experiences.

International Brands Paving the Way for Luxury Tourism

One of the most notable projects is the extensive investment being made by international hospitality giants. The Singaporean HPL Group has committed over EUR100 million to the redevelopment of the former Kupari Resort, which will become a new Four Seasons property. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the Four Seasons hotel promises to offer unparalleled luxury in one of Croatia’s most sought-after coastal regions. This is expected to set a new benchmark for luxury tourism in the country, drawing high-net-worth visitors looking for five-star experiences in a serene and picturesque environment.

Accor is also making its mark in Croatia. The hotel group will debut its upscale Movenpick brand in the country, with a 156-room resort set to rise in Split. The Movenpick Split will offer a unique combination of both resort-style relaxation and urban accessibility, situated by the stunning Croatian coast. It is expected to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, reinforcing Croatia’s position as a versatile destination for various travel segments.

Marriott International is not far behind. The hospitality giant will soon open two new properties in Croatia. The first will be located in Icici, with 180 rooms that promise to deliver a luxury experience for visitors to this picturesque area. Moreover, Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand will welcome a revamped Grand Hotel Bonavia in Rijeka, slated for relaunch in late 2026. This 150-room hotel will undergo a complete renovation, catering to a design-conscious clientele seeking an elevated stay on the Adriatic coast.

Local Investment Boosts Croatia’s Luxury Hotel Market

Alongside global players, local investors are also contributing to Croatia’s growing hospitality landscape. Prosperus Growth Sedam, a Croatian investment group, has launched a takeover bid for Medora Hoteli i Ljetovalista, a hotel company with a proven track record in the region. With this acquisition, Prosperus plans to expand its portfolio, including the management of the Medora Auri Beach Resort. This acquisition not only increases the number of high-end accommodations in Croatia but also shows confidence in the country’s tourism potential.

Additionally, Croatian company Valamar is making waves in the market with its launch of a trio of co-located properties in Porec. The Pical Suites, Pical Family Hotel, and Pical Hotel, scheduled to open in the first half of 2026, will cater to a diverse range of visitors, from families to couples and solo travellers. These properties are designed to complement each other, offering a unique and tailored experience to guests seeking a luxurious stay in one of Croatia’s most charming coastal towns.

Boosting Croatia’s Tourism Appeal: A Sustainable Future

Sustainability is at the forefront of many new hotel projects, as Croatia positions itself as a destination for eco-conscious travellers. Grand Metropolitan Hotels is developing Venari Lodges, a boutique wellness resort in the wilderness of Janja Gora, near the Plitvice Lakes. The resort, set to open in 2027, will feature 60 lodges designed with sustainability in mind, showcasing the stunning Croatian landscape while minimising environmental impact. As part of Grand Met’s Brionj Luxury Hotel Collection, Venari Lodges promises to be a standout destination for those seeking relaxation amidst nature’s beauty.

This commitment to sustainability and unique design will help Croatia stand out as a luxury destination that not only caters to the affluent traveller but also values environmental preservation. With an emphasis on sustainable tourism, Croatia is solidifying its future as a high-end destination that meets the demands of the eco-conscious market.

What These Developments Mean for Croatia’s Hospitality Industry

The influx of luxury hotels and international brands in Croatia is set to provide a significant boost to the country’s hospitality sector. As new properties open across the country, they will offer fresh opportunities for job creation, stimulate the local economy, and attract high-spending visitors from around the globe. The increased investment will also encourage further growth in ancillary sectors such as local tourism services, restaurants, and retail, creating a multiplier effect for the economy.

Furthermore, the diversification of Croatia’s hotel offerings ensures that it can cater to a broader range of visitors, from those seeking a relaxing beach holiday to those in search of adventure and cultural exploration. The mix of luxury, wellness, and sustainable tourism products allows Croatia to stand out in an increasingly competitive Mediterranean market.

Local Communities to Benefit from Hotel Expansion

As major international brands enter the Croatian market, local communities are poised to benefit from increased tourism and associated revenue. The projects are expected to create numerous jobs in the hospitality, construction, and service industries, while also boosting local businesses that support the tourism sector. From restaurants to guided tours, the ripple effect of new hotels and resorts will contribute to the vibrancy of local economies, particularly in less urbanised regions of the country.

Tourism authorities in Croatia are optimistic about the long-term impact of these investments. According to the Croatian Tourism Board, the hospitality developments align with the country’s broader strategy to increase the quality of its tourism offering and provide high-end experiences to meet the needs of modern travellers. These initiatives will further help Croatia establish itself as a premier destination for luxury and sustainable tourism.

The Future of Croatia’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Shows Bright Prospects

Multiple upcoming luxury hotels will establish Croatia as a leading Mediterranean tourist destination which it will achieve by 2026. The hospitality sector will undergo a major transformation because international brands enter the market and local companies make substantial investments to attract high-spending tourists from throughout the globe. Croatia develops new projects which focus on sustainability to serve the high-end market while creating a responsible tourism destination that will bring visitors to the country for many years. The Croatian hospitality industry will experience growth through these projects which will create an exciting future for both visitors and the industry itself.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs has opened The Sauna Summit, which serves as the core of their wellness expansion that presents the most extensive sauna collection in the United States, together with Glenwood Springs’ first public sauna and plunge pool facility. The property marks its 10th anniversary by introducing a new sauna experience that combines traditional sauna culture with contrast therapy to help guests achieve better recovery, relaxation and overall health. The Sauna Summit will attract wellness seekers who want to experience the health benefits of thermal therapy.

Known for its geothermal mineral pools, Iron Mountain Hot Springs has long been a top attraction in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The addition of The Sauna Summit elevates the experience, providing guests with access to five distinct thermal features and three dedicated plunge pools designed to provide deep therapeutic benefits. Whether for muscle recovery, improved sleep, or stress relief, The Sauna Summit offers diverse saunas and a guided approach to contrast therapy, ensuring every guest can tailor their experience to their wellness goals.

The Sauna Summit: U.S.’s Most Diverse Sauna Collection

The Sauna Summit features a truly unique and varied sauna experience, offering some of the most diverse sauna types available in the U.S. Guests can choose from five different sauna styles, each designed to support various health benefits through heat therapy, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy. These saunas include:

• Steam Room – Inspired by the Turkish Hammam, this sauna offers humid heat that supports skin detoxification, promotes respiratory relief, and helps open pores.
• Traditional Sauna – With Finnish Barrel Sauna influences, the deep, dry heat boosts circulation, reduces stress, and aids in muscle recovery.
• Red Light Clay Sauna – Modeled after the South Korean Hanjeungmak, this sauna uses radiant heat and red light to support joint comfort, detoxification, and cellular recovery.
• Aromatherapy Sauna – Inspired by the Russian Banya, herbal-infused heat stimulates circulation, eases muscle tension, and promotes relaxation of the nervous system.
• Salt Sauna – Based on the Polish Salt Room, this sauna helps with respiratory health, skin balance, and overall relaxation by infusing the air with healing minerals.

Each sauna type provides a unique experience, helping visitors tap into the healing power of heat while also enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy and chromotherapy.

The Benefits of Contrast Therapy at The Sauna Summit

The Sauna Summit is more than just a space to relax, it’s a destination for contrast therapy, which combines hot saunas with cold plunges to promote recovery and well-being. Contrast therapy has long been recognized for its ability to reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, support better sleep, and even enhance the skin’s appearance.

The new wellness expansion includes three dedicated plunge pools designed to complement the saunas, providing guests with an effective way to balance the intense heat with cold immersion. Whether you’re looking to improve cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, or reduce stress, the property’s guided circuits are designed to meet specific health goals. Guests can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of contrast therapy at their own pace or follow a structured routine led by expert wellness guides.

A Social and Rejuvenating Experience

The Sauna Summit isn’t just about personal wellness, it’s also designed to foster connection. The wellness space is intentionally crafted to create an open, inviting atmosphere where guests can relax, unwind, and share time together. Whether you’re visiting solo, with a partner, or with family and friends, the experience encourages a communal sense of well-being while offering a sanctuary to reset your body and mind.

Aaron McCallister, General Manager of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, explains, “The Sauna Summit is designed to offer a holistic wellness experience that supports recovery, relaxation, and deep rejuvenation. By introducing sauna culture, cold plunges, and intentional contrast therapy, we’re expanding our offerings and ensuring our guests leave feeling restored and revitalized.”

Exclusive Access and Premier Wellness Experience

The Sauna Summit is exclusively available to guests with Premier Access (21+) and is included with their visit. Guests can enjoy the full range of sauna and plunge pool experiences, as well as the guided wellness circuits that target specific health needs.

For those seeking a slopes-to-soak experience, The Sauna Summit pairs perfectly with outdoor activities such as skiing in winter or hiking year-round. Iron Mountain Hot Springs remains an ideal destination to unwind after an active day, whether it’s in the heat of a sauna or by soaking in the geothermal mineral pools.

Embrace Wellness at Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ Sauna Summit

The Sauna Summit opening has boosted Iron Mountain Hot Springs status as the leading wellness destination in Colorado. The unique combination of various saunas, plunge pools and contrast therapy enables visitors to experience a unique method of revitalising their bodies and calming their minds. The Sauna Summit provides thermal experiences that support relaxation and wellness goals, making it an essential part of any visitor’s experience in Glenwood Springs.

Ballyhoo Media is looking to transform waterway advertising all over the U.S. The Hornblower Group recently partnered with Hornblower Group to, for the first time, offer waterway advertising services to the entire country. Hornblower Group is one of the largest ferry service operators in the U.S., and Ballyhoo Media has made significant contributions to waterway advertising, especially via vessel wraps and digital billboards.

Through this partnership, waterway advertising will be available for the first time in all major U.S. urban centers and will be enhanced by Hornblower’s fleet and Ballyhoo’s ten years of experience in waterway advertising.

Ballyhoo Media Goes National

Ballyhoo Media has partnered with Hornblower Group, establishing new national advertising opportunities for the company. Ballyhoo has pioneered advertising on waterways with ferry wraps, digital billboards on boats, and other experiential campaigns targeting commuters, tourists, and residents. From New York to Seattle and San Francisco to Miami, Ballyhoo has provided advertising for local, regional, and national clients integrated into the high-impact advertising offered by transit agencies and maritime operators.

In partnership with Hornblower, Ballyhoo Media will be able to use Hornblower’s passenger vessels, allowing for greater scope and surface area for innovative advertising.

Hornblower Group’s Involvement in the Partnership

Hornblower Group is key to the partnership as they run several water taxis and ferries in different cities, including tourist hotspots like Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty, and Alcatraz. They also run an entertainment division, City Cruises, that includes dining cruises and sightseeing boat rides, providing a transport and leisure service.

Hornblower serves over 20 million guests a year, making it one of the biggest ferry service providers in North America. Their partnership with Ballyhoo Media also provides them with the ability to improve their advertising and marketing, thus providing them with the ability to capture more customers via location based adverts, and location based adverts.

Both companies have a lot of experience working together in different areas. Their partnership has worked successfully in the past with high-profile campaigns such as the St. Patrick’s Day activations in Chicago. These campaigns collaborated with Jameson Irish Whiskey and demonstrated Ballyhoo’s ability to capture more revenue and integrate marketing with the busy maritime areas.

The collaboration with both firms in Chicago showed a strong synergy, with the ability to harness the excitement and energy of bustling maritime environments like the popular Chicago River dyeing event that draws thousands of spectators. The collaboration allows the integration of Hornblower’s wide range and stream of Ballyhoo’s innovative placement to create an advertising hub that speaks to the local, national, and international markets.

Partnership Expansion Across the US

Following the official formation of the partnership with Hornblower, the two companies have started to plan their collaboration to be rolled out nationwide, starting with Hornblower’s Potomac Water Taxi service. This marks the beginning of the expansion of waterway advertising to be integrated into Hornblower’s numerous vessels in partnership in a phased format. The collaboration provides an effective advertising channel to commuters, tourists, and residents while utilizing Hornblower’s established market position as a leading ferry and water taxi operator in the US.

The combination of Ballyhoo’s extensive experience in integrating advertising within the maritime sector and Hornblower’s own fleet of vessels means a new way of capturing consumers’ attention through advertising on the water. This partnership allows brands to access a new way of reaching consumers. With the integration of advertising within Hornblower voyages, consumers’ experiences will be enhanced with new ways of interacting with brands.

The Future of Maritime Advertising

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the future of this partnership. Each executive emphasizes how the partnership improves the entire maritime advertising sector. Tyler Zlatin, Ballyhoo Media Chief Revenue Officer, expects what he describes as a “1+1=3 effect” within the entire maritime industry, and, in particular, advertising on ferries and water taxis, which have historically been relatively overlooked.

Zlatin believes the partnership will further establish both companies as the forefront leaders in waterway advertising and create the groundwork for even more advertising opportunities. He is confident the partnership will improve experiential marketing within the maritime industry and will provide new ways for brands to engage with customers in transit.

Dan Russell, Senior Vice President of City Cruises at Hornblower Group, shares the excitement. He notes that the partnership with Ballyhoo Media will help integrate advertising onto Hornblower’s fleet. He values the partnership for the ability to reach audiences toward a more innovative advertising approach, especially at waterfronts and tourist hotspots.

Conclusion

Ballyhoo Media and Hornblower Group’s partnership is set to change the maritime advertising sector. The combination of Ballyhoo’s waterway advertising expertise with Hornblower’s extensive fleet of ferries and water taxis will provide a unique, high-value opportunity for advertisers in highly visible locations. With the Potomac Water Taxi and Hornblower’s varied fleet, the expanded partnership positions the two companies to provide exceptional advertising that will last in the minds of passengers for years to come.

A massive wave of flight disruptions is currently sweeping across Asia, leaving thousands of travellers stranded in terminal lounges. Heavy operational strain has officially hit major aviation hubs in China, India and Malaysia. Consequently, scheduling boards now display a staggering 1,461 delays and 93 total cancellations. This regional paralysis stems from a sudden backlog affecting both international gateways and smaller regional strips. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia faces significant hurdles as Batik Air manages high cancellation rates in Jakarta and Makassar. Meanwhile, the northern routes through Japan remain equally unstable. Japan Air Commuter has already been forced to scrap dozens of flights, isolating several island communities. Passengers across the continent now face long waits as ground crews struggle to restore order. This report investigates the specific data behind these groundings. It highlights the carriers and cities currently bearing the brunt of this logistical crisis.

Major Airports Affected

The logistical strain has been felt most acutely at high-capacity international gateways. In India, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai faced an overwhelming volume of delays. While cancellations remained low at these sites, the cumulative delay count exceeded 500 flights, creating a massive backlog for ground handling and terminal services.

In Southeast Asia, the situation in Indonesia was particularly concentrated at Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta International, where 18 cancellations and 192 delays were logged. Further east, Sultan Hasanuddin International and Lombok International also reported notable interruptions. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International stood out as a primary point of concern; although only 7 flights were cancelled, a massive 470 delays were recorded, representing the highest single-airport delay count in the region today.

Regional connectivity in China was also hit hard. Yining Airport emerged as a focal point of the crisis with 13 cancellations and 18 delays, while Hotan, Liuzhou and Aksu all reported consistent disruptions. In Japan, the impact was felt across a string of airports including Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Yakushima and Tsushima, where a mix of cancellations and delays halted the smooth flow of domestic and short-haul international traffic.

Impacted Airlines

The operational burden of these delays and cancellations has been distributed across several prominent carriers.

In China, China Express Airlines and Chengdu Airlines bore the brunt of the schedule changes, particularly in the Xinjiang region. China Express Airlines recorded a total of 9 cancellations and 12 delays across multiple locations, while Chengdu Airlines saw 16 cancellations and 6 delays.

In India, the low-cost giant IndiGo was heavily impacted, particularly at the Delhi and Mumbai hubs, racking up 4 cancellations and a combined 208 delays. SpiceJet also faced challenges in Mumbai with 2 cancellations and 32 delays.

The maritime and island geographies of Indonesia and Japan saw their primary carriers struggling to maintain punctuality. Batik Air was significantly affected, reporting 18 cancellations and 56 delays across Jakarta, Makassar and Lombok. Garuda Indonesia and TransNusa also faced minor setbacks. In Japan, regional specialists Japan Air Commuter and ANA Wings were forced to scrap a combined 27 flights, with Japan Air Commuter specifically seeing 21 cancellations.

Finally, in Malaysia, AirAsia faced a monumental task in managing its fleet at Kuala Lumpur International. With 7 cancellations and 245 delays, the carrier’s network was stretched thin, impacting a vast number of travellers reliant on the low-cost model for regional transit.

Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other airlines.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The sheer volume of grounded travellers is expected to have a tangible impact on the local tourism sectors within these nations. In India and Malaysia, where the delay counts reached into the hundreds, the “knock-on” effect for hotel bookings and pre-arranged tours is likely to be substantial. When nearly 500 flights are delayed in a single hub like Kuala Lumpur, the local hospitality infrastructure is often forced to absorb thousands of unexpected guests, while simultaneously dealing with “no-shows” at destination cities.

In China, the disruptions at regional airports like Yining and Hotan may dampen the influx of visitors to these burgeoning tourism spots. Similarly, in Indonesia, the cancellations in Lombok—a premier holiday destination—directly interrupt the flow of international and domestic tourists, potentially leading to a loss in revenue for local resorts and transport providers.

The situation in Japan is equally sensitive. Because the cancellations were focused on regional airports like Yakushima and Tsushima, remote communities that rely heavily on air links for tourism and essential supplies are disproportionately affected. When 8 flights are cancelled at a small terminal like Yakushima, it can represent a significant portion of the day’s total visitor arrivals, immediately impacting local businesses.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently caught in the midst of this regional paralysis across Asia, several steps are recommended by aviation experts to mitigate the inconvenience.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Passengers are advised to monitor official airline apps and airport flight boards constantly. In hubs like Jakarta or Mumbai, where delays are high, boarding gates can change rapidly as the schedule is re-organised.
• Documentation: All travellers should ensure they keep digital and physical copies of their boarding passes and any communication received from the airline. This is essential for any future insurance claims or compensation requests.
• Alternative Routing: In instances of cancellation, particularly with carriers like Batik Air or China Express, passengers should enquire about being re-routed through secondary hubs, though availability may be limited given the widespread nature of the disruption.
• Communication: It is vital to stay in touch with accommodation providers at the destination. Many hotels in India, China, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia have flexible policies regarding late check-ins if the delay is verified by an airline statement.

As the day progresses, the focus for these airlines and airports remains on clearing the backlog of 1,461 delayed flights. While the immediate priority is safety and the re-accommodation of stranded travellers, the long-term goal will be restoring the integrity of the Asian aviation network.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.

Belgium unites France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden in travel turbulence as snow and strikes paralyse Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rome Fiumicino, Stockholm Arlanda, Milan Bergamo, Naples International and more European airports as Italy grounds flights — and this is not a routine travel disruption. Belgium unites France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden in travel turbulence as snow and strikes paralyse Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rome Fiumicino, Stockholm Arlanda, Milan Bergamo, Naples International and more European airports as Italy grounds flights in a cascading aviation shock that is spreading by the hour.

First, snow shuts down runways. Then, strikes freeze staffing. As a result, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol slows. Rome Fiumicino stalls. Stockholm Arlanda struggles. Milan Bergamo and Naples International see schedules collapse. Meanwhile, Italy grounds flights, amplifying the pressure across Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and beyond.

Travel turbulence is no longer isolated. It is systemic. Snow and strikes paralyse operations simultaneously. Italy grounds flights while Belgium, France, Netherlands and Sweden feel the aftershocks. European airports brace for deeper instability.

Now, passengers face cancellations. Airlines face losses. Airports face congestion. And Europe faces uncertainty. Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story to understand how Belgium unites France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden in travel turbulence as snow and strikes paralyse key hubs and Italy grounds flights across the continent.

Europe’s aviation network is once again under sustained operational stress as two destabilising forces converge: coordinated strike action in southern Europe and severe winter weather across northern and central hubs. The combined impact has triggered hundreds of cancellations, nearly a thousand reported delays, and widespread passenger disruption stretching from Italy to Scandinavia.

What makes this episode particularly significant is not just the number of flights affected, but the geographic spread and structural vulnerability it exposes within Europe’s interconnected air transport system.

Italy at the Epicentre: Nationwide Aviation Strike Grounds Hundreds of Flights

The most acute disruption is unfolding in Italy, where a national aviation strike has grounded approximately 300 flights and generated more than 168 delays and at least 67 confirmed cancellations across key airports.

Major hubs including Rome Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan Linate Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport, Naples International Airport, and Milan Bergamo Airport are all reporting operational instability.

The strike involves pilots, cabin crew, and ground handling personnel, reducing departure capacity and slowing aircraft turnaround times. Even where minimum service guarantees apply under Italian labour law, flight banks have been thinned dramatically to preserve operational safety and compliance.

At Rome Fiumicino, Italy’s primary international gateway, the impact has extended beyond domestic services to European and long-haul connections. Aircraft rotations have been disrupted as inbound flights arrive without sufficient ground staff to process baggage, refuel aircraft, or prepare cabins for departure.

Milan Malpensa, a key northern hub serving both intercontinental and low-cost traffic, has experienced terminal congestion as passengers seek rebooking options amid constrained staffing. At Milan Linate, domestic routes have borne a disproportionate share of cancellations due to their high frequency and shorter sector lengths, which depend heavily on rapid turnaround.

The strike’s ripple effects are not confined within Italy. Aircraft and crews scheduled to operate onward services into Germany, France, and the Netherlands are being repositioned or held, creating downstream scheduling gaps across Europe.

Northern Europe: Snow, Ice and De-Icing Bottlenecks

While Italy grapples with labour unrest, northern and western Europe are contending with persistent winter weather.

At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, snow and freezing rain have reduced runway throughput and extended de-icing queues. Schiphol’s operational model relies on tightly sequenced departure waves linking short-haul European arrivals with long-haul intercontinental services. When de-icing extends turnaround times by even 20–30 minutes per aircraft, cumulative delay effects multiply rapidly.

Runway clearing operations require temporary suspension of take-offs and landings. Each suspension reduces hourly movement capacity, forcing air traffic control to re-sequence arrivals and hold aircraft in the air. This, in turn, increases fuel burn and may trigger crew duty time limitations.

In Scandinavia, Stockholm Arlanda Airport has reported operational slowdowns due to snow accumulation and runway clearing requirements. Although Nordic airports are well-equipped for winter operations, persistent snowfall combined with freezing temperatures extends ground handling times.

In Germany, residual weather-related delays continue to affect rotations through Munich Airport, where earlier snowfall caused significant backlogs. Night curfew restrictions at Munich have compounded recovery efforts; once departure windows are missed, flights cannot simply be rescheduled late into the evening.

France has also seen weather-driven schedule reductions at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where airlines trimmed operations in response to snow alerts and ice risk.

The Structural Weakness: Interconnected Network Vulnerability

Europe’s aviation system functions as an integrated, high-density network. Aircraft typically complete multiple rotations per day across several countries. A single delay at departure can cascade across multiple destinations.

When a Rome-based aircraft fails to depart on schedule due to strike participation, its subsequent sectors into Frankfurt or Amsterdam may be cancelled. When snow slows departures at Schiphol, aircraft intended for Italy or France arrive late, compounding scheduling pressure already strained by labour shortages.

This interconnectedness explains how 936 Europe-wide delays and at least 82 cancellations have been recorded within a single disruption window. What begins as a localized labour dispute or weather event quickly becomes a continent-wide scheduling recalibration.

Low-cost carriers are particularly exposed to such disruptions. Their business models depend on rapid aircraft rotation and minimal buffer time between sectors. When turnaround windows are extended by de-icing or constrained by strike-limited staffing, recovery becomes mathematically complex.

Passenger Impact: Rebooking Strain and Terminal Congestion

Passengers across affected airports are facing extended waiting times, overnight disruptions, and rebooking uncertainty.

In Italy, terminal congestion has intensified at Rome and Milan as travellers queue at service desks seeking alternative routing. In northern hubs, delays have forced airlines to consolidate flights, leaving limited seat availability on remaining departures.

Snow-related delays create additional passenger challenges. Even when flights operate, de-icing queues can extend boarding times by hours. Baggage delivery may be delayed due to reduced ground crew availability.

Hotels near major hubs fill quickly during large-scale cancellations. Under European passenger rights regulations, airlines must provide accommodation and meals in certain circumstances. However, compensation rules differ depending on whether disruption is classified as extraordinary weather or internal labour action.

Belgium: Strike Risk on the Horizon

Beyond current disruptions, Belgium has entered a high-risk phase ahead of planned strike action affecting Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

Advance advisories suggest that security personnel and baggage handlers may participate in a coordinated walkout. If realized at scale, departure operations could face near-total suspension on strike days.

Charleroi, a major base for low-cost carriers, would be particularly vulnerable given its reliance on streamlined, high-frequency short-haul services.

Economic and Operational Implications

For airlines, the financial consequences include lost ticket revenue, crew repositioning costs, and increased operational expenditure from extended ground handling and fuel burn during holding patterns.

Airports incur additional snow removal costs and face reputational risks when passengers are stranded or departures halted. The aviation sector operates on narrow margins; repeated winter disruptions erode profitability and strain customer confidence.

From a systemic perspective, the current episode reinforces concerns about capacity resilience. European airports operate near peak utilisation throughout the year. Environmental restrictions limit runway expansion, and strict night curfews constrain recovery flexibility.

Simultaneously, labour relations remain tense across multiple countries, raising the likelihood of additional industrial action during peak travel windows.

Climate Volatility and the Future of Winter Operations

Meteorological patterns across Europe have grown increasingly volatile. Freezing rain events and rapid temperature swings present operational challenges more severe than traditional snowfall.

Airports invest heavily in de-icing equipment and snow removal fleets, yet the unpredictability of precipitation intensity makes staffing and resource allocation complex.

The convergence of climate volatility and labour unrest creates a compounded risk environment for European aviation during winter months.

Outlook: Continued Instability Likely

With winter systems continuing to move across northern Europe and labour negotiations ongoing in several countries, further instability cannot be ruled out.

Airlines are adjusting schedules proactively, consolidating flights to preserve network integrity. Passengers are advised to monitor flight status closely and allow additional connection time.

For now, Europe’s aviation system remains operational—but under strain.

Snow blankets runways in the north. Strike lines disrupt departures in the south. And between them lies a network whose efficiency is both its strength and its vulnerability.

The coming days will determine whether recovery stabilizes operations or whether Europe’s airports remain locked in a cycle of disruption driven by weather and workforce tension alike.

Europe’s aviation turbulence is no longer abstract — it is unfolding directly at airport level. Official airport communications confirm mounting operational pressure as snowstorms and strike action converge across multiple European gateways. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol continues to issue weather-related advisories tied to snow clearance operations and reduced runway throughput. In Italy, Rome Fiumicino Airport has published passenger notices linked to nationwide aviation strikes, while Milan Bergamo Airport has updated travelers regarding schedule adjustments caused by labour action. Naples International Airport has also advised passengers to monitor departures closely amid strike-related service disruption.

In Scandinavia, Stockholm Arlanda Airport remains in active winter operations mode, issuing guidance on snow management procedures and possible delay accumulation. Meanwhile, Brussels Airport has formally warned passengers of planned industrial action that could significantly reduce departures, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport has flagged potential strike-sensitive schedule interruptions affecting low-cost carriers.

These official airport platforms provide direct confirmation of real-time conditions, including cancellations, delay advisories, staffing constraints, and operational adjustments. Collectively, the updates from Schiphol, Rome, Milan Bergamo, Naples, Stockholm Arlanda, Brussels, and Charleroi demonstrate how snow and strikes are compressing runway capacity, limiting ground handling flexibility, and disrupting passenger flows across Europe. The situation remains fluid, and airport-level notices continue to offer the clearest operational insight into how travel turbulence is unfolding on the ground.

Backroads, which serves as the worldwide leader in active travel, has introduced a new program which allows travellers to book private group journeys for 2027 while paying the 2026 rates. Backroads offers private groups the opportunity to book their travel through more than 250 top adventures, which include 3000 departure options until April 15 2026, when the special rates will end. Backroads allows groups to customise their trips according to their needs by providing multiple options for both trip dates and trip routes.

Backroads, founded in 1979, has always been at the forefront of creating unforgettable experiences for active travellers. Since 2020, the company has seen a significant surge in private trip bookings, with demand driven by the increasing popularity of hiking and walking trips. The flexibility to choose specific dates for private groups, ensuring no other guests are booked, offers unparalleled customisation, making it easier for groups to plan and travel on their own terms.

Early Access to Private Trip Dates for 2027

Travelers interested in booking private trips for 2027 can now take advantage of early access to available dates. With over 7,000 private trip dates available from April onward, Backroads offers private groups the opportunity to secure their preferred dates at 2026 prices before April 15, 2026. By booking early, private group organizers can ensure their group gets the best pricing while having the ability to customize the trip’s itinerary, making it the ideal experience for everyone.

Whether your group is interested in a biking trip through Europe’s scenic countryside or a hiking adventure in Alaska’s pristine wilderness, Backroads offers an array of expertly designed itineraries. The company ensures world-class accommodations and experienced Trip Leaders, making it easier than ever to plan a private adventure.

Special Benefits for Private Group Organizers

Private group organizers are rewarded with significant savings, ranging from 25 to 100 percent off their trip price, depending on the size of the group. Groups of 12 or more receive these discounts, making private trips even more affordable. The platform allows group leaders to reserve dates set aside specifically for private bookings or to take over scheduled departures that have not yet been booked by other guests.

Additionally, private group trips come with a number of benefits, including the opportunity to travel at your own pace while enjoying access to Backroads’ vast network of expert resources, from luxury hotels to top-tier activities. With Backroads’ Private Reserve Trips, smaller groups of 10 guests now have the opportunity to take advantage of discounted prices for select 2026 departures. This option, designed for groups who prefer a more intimate travel experience, is available for popular destinations such as Italy’s Dolomites, Alaska, Provence, and emerging destinations like the Azores and the Scottish Highlands.

More Options Than Ever for Customizing Your 2027 Adventure

Backroads offers hundreds of active travel options, with trips tailored for every type of adventurer. Whether it’s biking, hiking, or a multi-adventure tour, the platform makes it easy for private groups to choose from a wide variety of destinations and experiences. Travelers can design the perfect itinerary that aligns with their group’s interests and schedule. From challenging biking routes through Europe to family-friendly hiking trips in the US, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Beyond the traditional biking and hiking adventures, Backroads also offers specialized trips for different groups, including women’s adventures, family trips for different age groups, and even culinary tours. With options like Active Ocean & River Cruises and Safari tours, travelers can embark on a truly diverse range of active vacations.

Simplified Planning for Private Group Travel

Backroads has simplified the often-complicated logistics of private group travel. The platform removes the stress of coordination by offering a comprehensive suite of services that make it easy to organize travel for groups of all sizes. From reserving the best accommodations to offering expert Trip Leaders who handle all details, Backroads ensures that organizing a private trip is as easy as enjoying the adventure itself.

Secure Your 2027 Private Group Adventure with Backroads

Backroads has created an exceptional vacation planning process for private groups who want to organize their ideal active vacation in 2027. The travel service offers private groups more than 1000 travel dates together with its top-tier travel packages and special discounts which expire on April 15 2026 to create their next special trip at a budget-friendly price. Backroads enables travelers to experience active travel through their outdoor adventure programs which showcase the picturesque Dolomites and their family-friendly biking routes throughout the United States because of both their wide-ranging expertise and their customized travel services.

Brunei maintains its strong ranking in international travel with its strong passport ranking. This is an improvement from its previous ranking of 20th in 2025, which shows the country’s strong mobility in the international arena. Although the country’s passport has made positive progress in its ranking, the number of visa-free countries that Brunei passport holders can visit has slightly decreased from 166 countries in 2025 to 163 countries in 2026. However, this slight change does not affect the strength of the country’s passport, which is still one of the strongest in Southeast Asia and the world.

Brunei’s Passport: A Symbol of Global Mobility

The Brunei passport continues to be an asset for its citizens, offering visa-free access to 163 countries. Despite the small dip in the number of accessible destinations compared to last year, Brunei’s passport still remains one of the world’s most powerful, providing significant freedom of movement for tourists, business owners, and diplomats.

The improvement in its ranking to 19th is a testament to the country’s continued global diplomacy and its efforts to build stronger international ties. Brunei’s passport not only provides access to popular tourist destinations but also facilitates easier movement for business, trade, and education purposes across the globe.

Europe: Access to Key Economies and Cultural Hubs

In Europe, Brunei’s passport provides visa-free access to major destinations, including Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. These countries are economic powerhouses and cultural capitals, making them attractive for Bruneian business people and tourists alike.

With access to the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries, Bruneians can move freely within much of Europe, giving them access to one of the world’s most integrated economic regions. Whether for business or leisure, this visa-free access significantly enhances Brunei’s position as a global player in international relations and tourism.

Asia: Enhancing Global Engagement with Key Markets

In Asia, Brunei passport holders enjoy visa-free access to prominent countries such as Japan, South Korea and Cambodia. These countries represent some of Asia’s most influential economies, known for their technological advancements, industrial power and high standard of living.

As a Southeast Asian country, Brunei offers visa-free access to many of its regional neighbors, enhancing travel opportunities within Southeast Asia. Countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand remain easily accessible for Brunei passport holders, facilitating regional trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

The ease of travel to Japan and South Korea allows Bruneian entrepreneurs and business owners to engage in trade partnerships, investment ventures, and technology exchanges. Additionally, Singapore, a key business hub in Asia, offers immense opportunities for Bruneian investors and tourists seeking to engage with one of the world’s most prosperous economies.

Africa: Limited Access, Yet Strategic Opportunities

While Africa offers fewer visa-free destinations for Bruneian passport holders, the country still maintains access to strategic countries such as Egypt and Mauritius. Egypt is a growing economic force in Africa and offers business opportunities in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and technology.

Mauritius, a popular tourist destination known for its luxury resorts and tropical beaches, also provides an excellent opportunity for Bruneian tourists to enjoy exotic holidays while engaging in the island’s growing tourism and financial sectors.

Americas & Caribbean: Strengthening Diplomatic and Trade Ties

In the Americas, Brunei passport holders have visa-free access to countries like United States, Canada and Panama. These nations play a key role in South America and Central America, and offer vital trade relations and business opportunities for Bruneians. United States, as the largest economy in the Americas, offers a wealth of prospects for investment and business partnerships.

Additionally, United States and Canada provide key access points to North American markets and serve as important gateways to engage in trade and tourism within the Americas. In the Caribbean, Brunei maintains visa-free access to islands like Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. These islands are popular for tourism, and Bruneians can use their visa-free status to explore the Caribbean, strengthening cultural exchanges and tourism between the regions.

Oceania: Key Access to the Pacific

Oceania remains a region with limited visa-free access for Bruneian passport holders, but countries such as Australia and New Zealand are still accessible. These nations are known for their advanced economies and tourism industries.

Australia, a major trading partner and economic hub in the Pacific, offers Bruneian businesses opportunities to explore investment and partnership opportunities. Similarly, New Zealand offers tourism and cultural exchange possibilities for Bruneians looking to engage with one of the most beautiful countries in the Pacific.

TTW’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan, says: “Brunei’s new visa-free travel access to 168 countries as of Early 2026 is a game-changer for global tourism. As nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand Japan, Italy France, Egypt, United States, Canada and Australia welcome Brunei tourists with open arms, we can expect an influx of travelers eager to explore new destinations. This move not only boosts tourism but also strengthens Brunei’s position as a key player in the global travel market. With access to iconic landmarks, rich cultural experiences, and natural wonders, travelers from Brunei are now in a prime position to embark on new adventures across the world, all while contributing to the growing cultural exchange and international tourism boom.”

Visa‑Free / Visa‑On‑Arrival Destinations for Passport Holders of Brunei:

• Albania
• American Samoa (ETA)
• Andorra
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Aruba
• Australia (ETA)
• Austria
• Bahrain (VOA)
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• British Virgin Islands
• Bulgaria
• Burundi (VOA)
• Cambodia
• Canada (ETA)
• Cape Verde Islands (VOA)
• Cayman Islands
• China
• Colombia
• Comoro Islands (VOA)
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Curacao
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Djibouti (VOA)
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt (VOA)
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• eSwatini
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guam
• Guatemala
• Guinea-Bissau (VOA)
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Ireland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan (VOA)
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kuwait (VOA)
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Latvia
• Lesotho
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao (SAR China)
• Madagascar (VOA)
• Malaysia
• Maldives (VOA)
• Malta
• Marshall Islands (VOA)
• Mauritius
• Mayotte
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Mozambique (VOA)
• Myanmar
• Namibia (VOA)
• NepalVOA
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand (ETA)
• Nicaragua
• Niue (VOA)
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Norway
• Oman
• Palau Islands (VOA)
• Panama
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico (ETA)
• Qatar (VOA)
• Reunion
• Romania
• Russian Federation (ETA)
• Rwanda
• Samoa (VOA)
• San Marino
• Saudi Arabia (VOA)
• Senegal
• Seychelles (ETA)
• Sierra Leone (VOA)
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands (VOA)
• South Korea (ETA)
• Spain
• Sri Lanka (ETA)
• St. Helena
• St. Kitts and NevisETA
• St. Lucia
• St. Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
• Tajikistan (VOA)
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• The Bahamas
• The Gambia
• Timor-Leste (VOA)
• Tonga (VOA)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Tuvalu (VOA)
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates (VOA)
• United Kingdom (ETA)
• United States (ETA)
• US Virgin Islands (ETA)
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Vietnam
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe (VOA)

Brunei’s Key Airlines: Connecting the World

Despite being a small nation, Brunei is well-connected to the global travel network through key airlines that facilitate international travel. Major airlines operating out of Brunei include:

• Royal Brunei Airlines: The national carrier, Royal Brunei, offers flights to key destinations in Asia, Europe, and Australia, making it a key player in connecting Brunei to the rest of the world.
• Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines provides seamless connections between Brunei and global cities, particularly in Asia, Europe, and North America, enhancing Brunei’s global reach.

These airlines play an important role in ensuring that Bruneian citizens can easily access key international markets while enhancing tourism and business opportunities.

Brunei’s Key Airports Supporting International Connectivity

Brunei’s international air travel is supported by its major international gateway, which plays a crucial role in connecting the country to the world:

• Brunei International Airport (BWN): Located in Bandar Seri Begawan, this airport is the main international hub for Royal Brunei Airlines and other international carriers. Offering direct flights to Europe, Asia, and Australia, the airport helps facilitate global mobility for Bruneian citizens.

Brunei’s Continued Global Strength

Despite a slight decline in the number of visa-free countries available, Brunei’s passport remains a powerful asset, providing visa-free access to 163 countries and territories. This continues to position Brunei as a global leader in mobility, enhancing its economic, cultural, and diplomatic presence across the world.

Amid the ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are facing increasing financial strain as they continue to work without pay. This has led many officers to search for alternative employment opportunities, raising concerns about potential travel disruptions in the near future. As the shutdown lingers, the situation threatens to impact airport operations, with longer wait times and reduced TSA services on the horizon.

TSA Workers Struggle Without Pay, Facing Growing Uncertainty

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, TSA officers are starting to look for other job opportunities as the partial shutdown drags on. While TSA wait times remain manageable for now, officers, including Robert Castaneda, have voiced frustration over the impact of working without compensation. Castaneda expressed that the ongoing financial uncertainty is making it difficult for TSA officers to plan their personal and professional lives. Many agents rely on their paychecks to support their families, and without clarity on when they will be compensated, the stress continues to build.

During a previous shutdown, Castaneda mentioned that it took several months for some TSA officers to receive their back pay. This delay in pay has led to growing dissatisfaction among TSA workers, many of whom have started to look for job alternatives in order to protect their financial well-being.

The continuous uncertainty about the shutdown has left many TSA agents questioning their future in the agency. For some, this situation has sparked the need for a “backup plan,” as they cannot continue working without pay indefinitely.

Potential Disruptions as TSA Staffing Shortages Loom

As the shutdown continues with no end in sight, the possibility of TSA officers choosing to skip work increases. According to U.S. Representative Carlos A. Giménez of Florida, the longer the shutdown persists, the higher the likelihood of significant disruptions to air travel. While he has not yet seen widespread delays at TSA checkpoints, Giménez warned that this could change if TSA agents continue to leave their posts due to non-payment.

Giménez indicated that travel disruptions would have a cascading effect, impacting not only airport security operations but also flights, hotels, and the broader travel industry. The potential for TSA officers to skip work or even quit their jobs could lead to extended wait times at security checkpoints and further delays in airport operations.

U.S. Government Response: Suspension of TSA PreCheck and Lane Closures

In response to the growing concerns over TSA staffing shortages, U.S. Secretary Kristi Noem has suggested that certain TSA services, including TSA PreCheck, may be suspended if the shutdown continues. TSA PreCheck, a service that allows passengers to bypass standard security screening for faster processing, could face temporary suspension due to the lack of available TSA officers to staff these lanes.

Noem has further hinted that the government may need to close specific TSA lanes if the shortage of staff becomes severe. This would result in even longer lines and slower screening times for travelers, further exacerbating the effects of the government shutdown.

TSA Workers’ Challenges and Growing Frustration

As the partial shutdown drags on, TSA workers are finding it increasingly difficult to continue performing their duties without pay. The situation is putting additional pressure on TSA officers, who are already tasked with ensuring airport security while managing increasing passenger volumes. TSA agents have expressed that the lack of pay is taking a toll on their morale, and many are actively seeking alternative employment in an attempt to ensure their financial stability.

The financial strain has been exacerbated by the ongoing uncertainty about when the shutdown will end. Many TSA workers, despite their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of passengers, are starting to look for new opportunities outside of the agency.

The Broader Impact on U.S. Travel and Airline Operations

The growing frustration among TSA workers is raising concerns across the broader travel industry. With over 400 million passengers traveling through U.S. airports annually, TSA officers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of air travel. Any significant disruption to TSA operations could lead to a ripple effect across the entire travel industry, including airlines, airports, and hotels.

The potential for long security lines and canceled or delayed flights due to TSA staffing shortages could cause significant inconvenience for travelers. Airlines and airports may struggle to maintain smooth operations if TSA agents continue to be absent from their posts. This could also impact international travelers who rely on TSA PreCheck for quicker processing, as the suspension of this service would cause further delays at checkpoints.

Conclusion: The Growing Threat of TSA Disruptions

As the government shutdown continues with no clear resolution, TSA officers are facing significant challenges that could lead to major disruptions at U.S. airports. With many TSA agents considering leaving their positions due to the financial strain of working without pay, the threat of longer security lines and delays looms large. Travelers may soon experience the consequences of the ongoing shutdown, with increased wait times, potential suspensions of TSA PreCheck, and more chaotic airport conditions.

The situation remains fluid, and while the TSA continues to function for now, the ongoing uncertainty means that travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions in the coming weeks. The TSA’s ability to maintain normal operations depends on resolving the financial concerns of its workers, and without a resolution, the future of smooth air travel remains uncertain.

Singapore is making a significant move to change its tourism sector through its increased partnership with Ant International which is being led by the Singapore Tourism Board. The renewed partnership is set to significantly boost Singapore’s global appeal as a premier travel destination while enhancing the experience for international visitors. The partnership uses Alipay+ technology to create an efficient visitor experience which includes easy mobile payment options and custom travel suggestions while generating fresh business opportunities for nearby enterprises.

Uniting Digital Innovation and Tourism Growth

The partnership, which dates back to 2018, seeks to leverage the growing importance of digital technology in tourism. As part of the deal, the Singapore Tourism Board and Ant International will focus on elevating Singapore’s position within the global tourism market, offering an innovative digital infrastructure that caters to mobile-first travellers. This new phase of the partnership will enable a more secure, seamless travel experience through Alipay+, a unified wallet gateway that supports multiple international payment methods. The use of Alipay+ allows tourists from 17 countries and regions to use their familiar home payment apps while spending in Singapore.

Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board, stated that the partnership will help the country respond to evolving traveller demands by creating smoother and more accessible experiences. The integration of Alipay+ will not only facilitate easier transactions but also foster growth in the tourism sector through joint marketing initiatives that promote the destination to key markets.

Positive Economic Impact for Singapore’s Tourism

The results of this partnership are already tangible. In 2025, data from Alipay+ showed that Singapore saw a record-breaking rise in tourism spending. With transactions increasing by 36% year-on-year, Singapore’s tourism sector was significantly boosted, with notable contributions from attractions, accommodation services, and even local hawker stalls. This increase is reflective of the country’s growing appeal, particularly among travellers from key markets like Mainland China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and South Korea.

Moreover, the partnership has demonstrated its ability to enhance the experience for both large enterprises and small businesses. According to Alipay+, the use of SGQR (Singapore’s QR code standard) saw a substantial increase, almost tripling the year before. This provides a clear indication of the importance of digital payment solutions in driving consumer spending, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Singapore.

Shaping the Future of Travel with Artificial Intelligence

In an effort to stay ahead of emerging trends, the partnership also focuses on future-proofing the tourism sector through artificial intelligence (AI). The use of data and technology from Ant International will allow the tourism board to forecast visitor trends and respond with targeted marketing strategies. Additionally, Alipay+ has introduced cutting-edge AI-driven services that cater to the modern traveller’s needs, such as the Alipay+ Voyager AI travel agent. This innovative service, available within six of Asia’s largest superapps, provides personalised recommendations, local transportation services, and even translation tools for international visitors.

Further innovations include exclusive in-app rewards for Singapore’s top attractions and the launch of new features like the Cheers mini-programme, designed to improve engagement with Chinese travellers. This deepens Singapore’s strategy to tap into the growing demand for mobile-first travel solutions, allowing the country to stay ahead of its competitors in the digital tourism landscape.

High-Profile Marketing Campaigns to Boost Global Visibility

The partnership has also ramped up global visibility through high-profile marketing campaigns. These campaigns have featured renowned celebrities such as Chinese actor Dylan Wang, who will continue to promote Singapore in 2026. By showcasing shopping, cultural attractions, and local dining experiences, the campaigns aim to engage millions of travellers in Singapore’s key inbound markets.

Not only do these campaigns highlight the country’s top tourist destinations, but they also reinforce the use of Alipay+ for seamless digital connectivity. This marketing push is expected to translate directly into increased visits and spending, especially from regional markets where Alipay+ is already widely used.

The Future of Singapore’s Tourism Industry

The Singapore Tourism Board and Ant International partnership will create a new method for tourists to understand and explore Singapore. The partnership will create a mobile-based system which improves visitor experiences while supporting local businesses and it will create long-term benefits for the city’s tourism sector. Singapore has established itself as a digital tourism leader because it recognizes that modern travel requires digital connections. The country is prepared to host upcoming travelers from around the world.

Google has released Android 17 Beta 2 for Pixel phones and tablets. This is only two weeks after the first Beta. The update brings new tools, privacy improvements, and fixes for many problems. It makes devices more stable and easier to use.

Android 17 Beta 2 update is live for Pixel works on Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7 series, 8 series, 9 series, 10 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. It is also available for the Android Emulator. Users can join the Android Beta Program to get the update directly on their devices.

What’s new in Android 17 Beta 2

This Beta 2 includes features to make using phones easier. You can now bubble apps by long-pressing the app icon. On big screens, there is a bubble bar to keep all bubbles organized. The EyeDropper tool lets apps pick colors from the screen without extra permissions. The Contacts Picker gives temporary access to contacts, so apps don’t need full access.

Image – Android 17

Touchpads now work like mice, making gestures smoother. The Interactive Chooser helps apps adjust their layout so menus and options appear in the right place.

The Handoff API lets you continue work on another device, like moving from your phone to a tablet. Indoor navigation is improved with Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and WiFi-based proximity detection is better. Apps can also check data speeds to improve video or music streaming.

Android 17 Beta 2 fixes many problems from before. Apps no longer crash as often, and UI glitches and freezes are reduced. SMS OTP messages are delayed for safety. Pixel devices users can try out new features by participating in beta program. Stay tuned for more information.

The post Google’s Android 17 Beta 2 update is now live – Check out new features and bug fixes appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung is once again in the spotlight with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. The new phones will be available from March 11, and people can already pre-order them. During the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event, Samsung announced about Galaxy AI on its devices.

In addition to the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 4 series. It comes with new AI features to improve sound and make listening more enjoyable.

Along with these product launches, Samsung shared an important message about Galaxy AI. Samsung Ghana posted on X that the company is extending Galaxy AI across all its devices to meet everyone. This is a big step for Samsung.

This means Galaxy AI will now work on almost all Galaxy devices. It is not just for smartphones anymore. Tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds now also use Galaxy AI. This helps devices work smarter and connect better with each other.

Galaxy AI is already available on many Galaxy products, and Samsung plans to expand these features even more. The company wants to make everyday tasks easier and improve the overall user experience.

Samsung is building a fully connected and intelligent ecosystem. With the new product launch and the expansion of Galaxy AI, the company is moving towards a smarter future for all its users. Stay tuned.

The post Samsung bringing Galaxy AI to all devices for smarter experience appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Apple is set to announce several new products next week and Tim Cook just joined in on the teasers with a short video clearly hinting at new MacBooks and iPads. A big week ahead. It all starts Monday morning! #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/PQ9gM2Gl2r— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 26, 2026 Cupertino is expected to use press releases for its upcoming launches, with a total of 7 devices expected. The iPhone 17e is one of them, and it’s expected to be joined by the long-rumored A18 Pro-powered MacBook, a new baseline iPad with the A18 chip, 11" and 13" iPad Airs powered by the Apple M4 chip...

This week, Vinicius Junior was under the spotlight following his clash with Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica. However, the Brazilian winger also made headlines for his performance on the ball, breaking a record previously held by Neymar.

With his late goal in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Benfica at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Vinicius became the Brazilian player with the most goals in Champions League knockout-stage history. Vini reached 14 goals in those European elimination matches — a mark no other Brazilian had previously achieved.

He first scored in a knockout game against Liverpool in the quarterfinals of the 2020-21 season. The following year, he found the net again against the same opponent, delivering what was arguably the most important goal of his career: the lone strike in Real Madrid’s 1-0 win in the final. In 2024, he scored in another final, this time against Borussia Dortmund.

Vinicius’ rise in this ranking pushed Neymar into second place. The Santos star had held the record for most goals by a Brazilian in Champions League knockout matches, thanks to his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with a total of 13.

Who are the top scorers in Champions League knockout stages?

Vinicius Junior’s numbers with Real Madrid are impressive, but they remain far from the historic marks set by some of the competition’s all-time greats. In fact, the Brazilian winger is not yet among the top 25 scorers in Champions League knockout-stage history.

The top spot, unsurprisingly, belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo, the competition’s all-time leading scorer. Ronaldo netted 67 goals in knockout matches — 18 more than Lionel Messi, who sits second with 49. Alfredo Di Stefano (49), Eusebio (47) and Ferenc Puskas (36) round out the top five.

Further down the list is the first player who still has an opportunity to add to his tally. Robert Lewandowski ranks sixth with 34 knockout-stage goals, tied with Karim Benzema and Gerd Muller. The next active player in Europe is Kylian Mbappe, who sits 12th with 24 goals.

Vinicius climbs the all-time Champions League scoring list

At just 25 years old, Vinicius Junior’s overall production is remarkable. Combining group-stage and knockout-stage matches, the Brazilian winger ranks among the top 30 scorers in UEFA Champions League history. With 32 goals, he is tied with Juventus legend David Trezeguet and Bayern Munich icon Arjen Robben.

Among players still active in European leagues, Vini ranks inside the top eight. Only Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann and Edin Dzeko have scored more Champions League goals.

Match Overview

Nicaragua U20 and Martinique U20 meet in a pivotal CONCACAF U20 Championship showdown, with both sides eager to use the tournament as a springboard for their national programs. While neither entered as a favorite, the stakes remain high—Martinique is chasing its best performance yet.

Meanwhile, Nicaragua is looking to build on recent momentum and showcase its rising talent on a major regional stage. With future stars ready to seize their moment, this matchup could deliver plenty of intensity and promise—don’t miss it.

Ivan Toney is hell-bent on stopping Cristiano Ronaldo from making further Saudi Pro League history, and the English striker has sent a strong warning message to the Portuguese superstar. As Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli push for supremacy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney are locked in a fierce duel for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, with the title race intensifying alongside their personal contest.

Ronaldo entered the 2025-26 campaign aiming to cement his dominance after already winning the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. Toney, however, has emerged as a relentless challenger, threatening not only the Portuguese’s individual ambitions but also the balance of power at the top of the table.

The stakes are historic. Should Ronaldo finish as top scorer once again, he would become the first European player in Saudi Pro League history to win three consecutive Golden Boot awards. His numbers underline why such a feat seemed inevitable. In 2023-24, Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 31 matches. He followed that with 25 goals last season, and he currently sits on 21 goals from 21 games in the ongoing campaign. Even at 41, his output remains extraordinary.

Yet the margin for error has narrowed. A brief absence earlier in the season, reportedly linked to frustrations over transfer dealings, saw Al-Nassr’s captain miss two fixtures. In a race this tight, those missed matches could prove decisive.

Despite that, Ronaldo responded emphatically, scoring in key victories including a dominant 5-0 win over Al-Najma, where he converted from the penalty spot and even unveiled a new celebration, temporarily shelving his iconic “Siu.” Al-Nassr currently sits top of the table with 58 points, just two ahead of Al-Ahli on 56, as the 34-game season enters its decisive stretch.

What did Ivan Toney say?

If Ronaldo is chasing immortality, Ivan Toney is chasing belief, and he is brimming with it. The England international, speaking to talkSPORT, delivered a confident message that now echoes across the league: “Every time I step onto the pitch, I feel like I’m going to score, I’ve got that confidence at the moment,” Toney said.

He added: “But that’s always good, having a striker in a team that feels like it’s going to score goals and can score goals. And obviously, it’s helping at the moment, considering where we are in the table, so it’s good.”

Toney currently leads the scoring charts with 23 goals, two more than Ronaldo. His only blemish this season was a rare penalty miss, his first since April 2023, which could have pushed him even further ahead.

The 29-year-old’s form has been electric. He has scored three hat-tricks in his last seven matches, including a standout performance against Al-Najma. His sharp finishing, aerial strength, and clinical penalty-taking have transformed Al-Ahli into a genuine title contender.

Pressure mounts in three-horse race

The duel is not isolated. Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah remains close behind in the scoring standings, while Brendan Rodgers’ side sits on 53 points, capable of influencing the title outcome. Still, the spotlight remains firmly on Ronaldo and Toney.

Ronaldo brings unmatched longevity. Since turning 30, he has scored more than 500 career goals, surpassing his tally from his younger years, a statistic almost unheard of in modern football. He is also chasing the mythical 1,000 career goal milestone, sitting just 36 away.

Toney, meanwhile, sees the Saudi Pro League as both a proving ground and a pathway back to international prominence, with ambitions of representing England at the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe have both worn the white shirt of Real Madrid with the weight of history on their shoulders. One arrived as the most expensive player the game had ever seen; the other stepped into the Spanish capital as a global icon expected to define a new era. Now, as debates rage across social media and fan forums, a fascinating comparison has resurfaced: Ronaldo vs. Mbappe in their first 90 games for the club, and the numbers reveal a striking truth.

At first glance, Mbappe’s start feels electric, almost untouchable. Yet beneath the surface, the statistical benchmark set by Ronaldo more than a decade ago still stands firm. The mystery lies not in whether Mbappe has been brilliant — he has — but in just how high Ronaldo set the bar during his own opening chapter in Madrid.

After years of speculation, near-transfers, and dramatic twists, the France captain finally made his long-awaited move to the Spanish capital. The spotlight was immediate and intense. The Santiago Bernabeu expected fireworks, and the French superstar delivered.

In his first 90 appearances, Mbappe has produced 82 goals and 10 assists, totaling 92 direct goal contributions. For a player adjusting to a new league, new tactical demands, and the unique pressure of Madrid’s shirt, that return is nothing short of extraordinary.

His acceleration has shredded defensive lines. His intelligent movement between defenders has created chaos. Whether curling shots into the far corner or blasting them past stranded goalkeepers, the 27-year-old has ignited the Bernabeu with moments of brilliance. Few debuts in Madrid’s history have felt this explosive, and yet, comparison is unavoidable.

The Ronaldo benchmark revealed

Here is where the debate intensifies. When Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in 2009, he carried the expectations of a record-breaking transfer and the burden of dethroning Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The rivalry with Lionel Messi was at fever pitch. Every match felt like a referendum on greatness.

And Ronaldo responded with numbers that still feel surreal. In his first 90 games for Real Madrid, Ronaldo registered 86 goals and 24 assists, a staggering 110 goal contributions. Even more remarkably, he achieved this while scoring just 13 penalties, compared to Mbappe’s 19 in the same span. The contrast sharpens when laid bare:

Mbappe (first 90 games)

• 82 goals
• 10 assists
• 92 goal contributions
• 19 penalties scored

Ronaldo (first 90 games)

• 86 goals
• 24 assists
• 110 goal contributions
• 13 penalties scored

The difference in assists is particularly eye-catching. Ronaldo was not merely a finisher; he was a creator, a transition engine, an aerial threat, and a long-range marksman rolled into one. His influence stretched far beyond the penalty area. While penalties are part of the game and require composure, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s lower tally from the spot underscores just how devastating he was from open play.

UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 play-off turunda eşleştiği Juventus'u eleyen Galatasaray'da Uruguaylı oyuncu Lucas Torreira, sosyal medya hesabından bir paylaşım yaptı.

Galatasaray'ın başarılı orta saha oyuncusu Lucas Torreira, Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde oynanan Juventus maçının ardından taraftarlara umut dolu mesajlar verdi.

Sahadaki oyunun beklentilerin altında kaldığını kabul eden Uruguaylı yıldız, "Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki en iyi gecemiz olmadığını biliyoruz, ancak bu harika takımın sıkı çalışma ve disiplinle birlikte neler başardığını unutamayız" dedi.

"BİRLİKTE HAYAL KURMAYA DEVAM"

Beklentilerin altında kalan performansa rağmen hedeflerinden sapmadıklarını belirten Torreira, "Bugün Galatasaray'ı bu büyük turnuvada ilk 16 takım arasına yerleştirdik. Birlikte hayal kurmaya devam edelim. Güçlü bir etki yaratmaya devam etmek istiyoruz" sözleriyle paylaşımını bitirdi.

SMS Grup Efeler Ligi'nin 21. haftasında Ziraat Bankkart, deplasmanda Galatasaray HDI Sigorta'yı 3-0 yendi.

Ziraat Bankkart,SMS Grup Efeler Ligi'nin 21. haftasında deplasmanda Galatasaray HDI Sigorta'yı 3-0 yendi.

Bu sonuçla bir maçı eksik Ziraat Bankkart, ligdeki 18. galibiyetini elde ederek liderliğe yükselirken sarı-kırmızılılar, 5. kez mağlup oldu.

Salon: Burhan Felek Vestel

Hakemler: İsmail Yıldırım, İbrahim Acar

Galatasaray HDI Sigorta: Jaeschke, Ahmet Tümer, Arslan Ekşi, Gökçen Yüksel, Alonso, Patry (Hasan Yeşilbudak, Caner Ergül, Doğukan Ulu, Wright, Tatarov)

Ziraat Bankkart: Murat Yenipazar, Fornal, Bedirhan Bülbül, Abdelaziz, Clevenot, Emre Savaş (Berkay Bayraktar, Ahmet Karataş, Burakhan Tosun)

Setler: 17-25, 21-25, 22-25

Süre: 91 dakika (29, 28, 34)

UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 play-off aşaması rövanş maçında Shkendija'yı 4-0 yenerek tur atlayan Samsunspor'un futbol direktörü Fuat Çapa, Avrupa'da son 16'ya kaldıkları için mutlu olduklarını söyledi.

Çapa, maç sonrası gazetecilere açıklamasında, özellikle maçın ikinci yarısında iyi oynadıklarını belirterek "Son haftalarda beklentinin altındaydık. Aldığımız 4-0'lık galibiyet çok güzel oldu. Umarım bundan sonra oynayacağımız karşılaşmalara da yansır. Avrupa'da son 16'ya kalmak çok sevindirici." dedi.

Ligde beklentin altında kaldıklarına dikkati çeken Çapa, "Daha önümüzde yeterli hafta var. Bunu en iyi şekilde değerlendirip, bundan sonraki hedefleri de belirleyerek ligdeki durumumuz netleşecek. Ondan sonra artık hem gelecek sezonun planlaması, hem Avrupa kupaları, hem Türkiye kupasında iddialı devam etmek istiyoruz. Stada gelip bizi destekleyenlere teşekkür etmemiz gerekiyor. Ülke puanına katkı sağladık. Bu da bizim adımıza çok güzel. Dün Galatasaray'dan sonra inşallah bugün Fenerbahçe de güzel sonuç alır. Onlar da ülke puanına katkı sağlamış olur. Sevindirici bir akşam oldu hem skor hem oyun olarak." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Maçta iki gol kaydeden Samsunsporlu Marius Mouandilmadji, mutlu olduklarını vurgulayarak, "Attığım goller ve takımıma katkı sağladığım için çok mutluyum. Takım halinde de zaten son 16'ya kaldığımız için çok ama çok gururluyuz." diye konuştu.

Mouandilmadji, lige odaklanacaklarını sözlerine ekledi.

FIBA Kadınlar Avrupa Kupası yarı final ilk maçında Çimsa ÇBK Mersin, deplasmanda Fransa'nın BLMA takımını 70-68 yendi.

FIBA Kadınlar Avrupa Kupası yarı final ilk maçında Çimsa ÇBK Mersin, deplasmanda Fransa'nın BLMA takımını 70-68 yendi.

Karşılaşmanın rövanşı, 4 Mart Çarşamba günü saat 20.00'de Servet Tazegül Spor Salonu'nda oynanacak.

Salon: Palais des Sports de Lattes

Hakemler: Kirile Tvauri (Gürcistan), Skirmantas Letukas (Danimarka), Sara Mansson (İsveç)

BLMA: Lambert 2, Cisse 12, Rabot 5, Angloma 11, Breen 12, Hoppie, Pospisilova 11, Diallo 7, Bernies 8

Çimsa ÇBK Mersin: Juskaite 12, Allen 8, Geiselsoder 11, Burke 16, Iagupova 13, Büşra Akbaş 8, Asena Yalçın, Sinem Ataş, Sventoraite 2

1. Periyot: 21-20

Devre: 36-40

3. Periyot: 52-54

UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 play-off aşaması rövanş maçında Shkendija'yı 4-0 yenen ve tur atlayan Samsunspor'un teknik direktörü Thorsten Fink, tarihi bir başarı elde ettiklerini söyledi.

Fink, maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, oyuncularını tebrik etti.

Ülke puanı katkıda bulunduklarını anlatan Fink, "Tarihi bir başarı elde ettik. Galatasaray da biz de ülke puanına katkıda bulunduk. Hoca olarak ben bu galibiyetten ötürü mutluyum. İlk yarı açıkçası en iyi performansımızı gösteremedik. Tabii gol yememeye de dikkat ettik. Birinci golden sonra oyunun kilidini açtık diyebiliriz. Daha sonrasında daha hızlı bir şekilde oynamaya başladık ve pas kalitemiz de gayet iyiydi ve rakibimize de herhangi bir fırsat vermedik. Küçük de olsa bir şans vermedik ikinci yarıda rakibimize. Sadece şuan kurayı dört gözle beklediğimizi söyleyebiliriz. Takımımızda Konferans Ligi'nin en skorer oyuncusu da bulunuyor; Marius. Tabii biraz riskliydi açıkçası iki forvetle oynamak ama o riski almak istemiştik, kazanmak istemiştik. 4-0 kazanmak da açıkçası çok daha iyiydi." diye konuştu.

Samsunspor'un geçen yılı iyi geçirdiğini hatırlatan Fink, "Bu yıl takımızda hiç Avrupa'da oynamamış oyuncular da var. Bazı genç oyuncularımız da var. Ritmi farklı olan oyuncularımız da var aynı zamanda. Her zaman özeldir tabii bu durumlarda göreve gelmek. Her zaman daha iyisi olmak istenir. Daha iyi oynamak istiyoruz ve insanlar her zaman sizden daha iyisini beklerler. Bence kulüp geçmişte çok doğru işler yaptı. Belki şampiyon olmadı ama sonuç olarak 7. sıradayız. Türkiye'de beklentilerin çok yüksek olduğunu zaten biliyorum her zaman. Bence kulüp çok iyi, çok doğru işler yapıyor. Şimdi gidebildiğimiz kadar Konferans Ligi'nde ileriye gitmek istiyoruz. Her şey mümkün. Ben tecrübeli bir hocayım ve bu durumlarla nasıl başa çıkmam gerektiğini biliyorum ve bir planım var. Bu planlar doğrultusunda da neleri daha iyi yapabiliriz, bunları oyuncularıma aşılamaya çalışıyorum ve dört gözle bir sonraki karşılaşmayı bekliyorum." şeklinde konuştu.

Bir sonraki turdaki rakipleri İspanyol ekibi Rayo Vallecano ve Ukrayna'dan Shakhtar Donetsk takımı hakkında da konuşan Fink, "Elbette kurayı bekleyeceğiz. Rayo Vallecano ve Shakhtar Donetsk rakibimiz olabilir. Kim olacağını şu an bilmiyoruz. Ama iki rakip de güçlü olacaktır. Tabii favori olmayacağız belki de ama sürprizi gerçekleştirebiliriz. İki takıma karşı oynayacak olmaktan ötürü de mutlu olduğumu belirtmem gerekiyor. Ama hedefimiz tabi o turu da geçmek olacaktır." ifadelerini kullandı.

Beşiktaş camiası, ramazan ayı dolayısıyla düzenlenen iftarda sanatçılar ve basın mensuplarıyla bir araya geldi.

Tüpraş Stadı'nda bulunan White Pepper Restoran'da gerçekleştirilen iftar programına Beşiktaş Kulübü Başkanı Serdal Adalı, yönetim kurulu üyeleri, siyah-beyazlı takımın eski futbolcuları, sanat camiasının önde gelen isimleriyle Beşiktaş'ı takip eden basın mensupları katıldı.

Programda konuşan Serdal Adalı, siyah-beyazlı kulübe verdikleri hizmetten ve kattıkları değerden dolayı basın mensupları ile sanatçılara teşekkür ederek, şunları kaydetti:

"Beşiktaş'ımız, son zamanlardaki yükselişiyle taraftarına, camiasına moral vermeye, Beşiktaşlıları mutlu etmeye başladı. Yakaladığımız bu olumlu havanın daha güçlü bir şekilde devamını sağlamak için, sizlerin Beşiktaş menfaatlerini gözetecek, birlik beraberliğimizi güçlendirecek bir yol izlemeniz çok önemli. Birlik beraberliğini, ruhunu, özgüvenini yeniden yakalamış bir Beşiktaş'ın önünde hiçbir engelin duramayacağını bir kez daha belirtiyor, Beşiktaş'ımızı hep birlikte layık olduğu güzel günlere taşıyacağımıza yürekten inanıyorum. Bu anlamlı geceye katılarak Beşiktaş ailesine duyduğunuz aidiyeti bir kez daha gösterdiğiniz için teşekkür ediyor, Ramazan ayının bizlere ve Beşiktaş'ımıza sağlık, mutluluk, başarı getirmesini temenni ediyorum."

İftar programının ilgi odağı ise siyah-beyazlıların Güney Koreli golcüsü Hyeon-gyu Oh oldu.

Tüpraş Stadı Kartal Yuvası mağazasında gerçekleştirilen imza gününün ardından iftar programına katılan 24 yaşındaki futbolcu, başkan Serdal Adalı ile bir süre sohbet etti.

UEFA Konferans Ligi son 16 play-off aşaması rövanş maçında Samsunspor'a 4-0 yenilerek kupadan elenen Shkendija'nın teknik direktörü Jeton Bekjiri, ilk golden sonra morallerinin bozulduğunu söyledi.

Bekjiri maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, Samsunspor'u tebrik etti.

İlk yarıda çok iyi olduklarını anlatan Bekjiri, "İlk golden sonra moralimiz bozuldu. Bence biz bayağı iyi oynadık. Ben böyle bir sonuç beklemiyordum. Penaltıdan sonra ister istemez takımın morali düştü. Tabi ki bu sonuç bizim için iyi olmadı." dedi.

Artık bu maçtan sonra Avrupa'dan elendiklerini anlatan Bekjiri, "Bizim için bu maç da yeni bir deneyimdi. Bundan sonra kendi ligimizde elimizden ne geliyorsa yapmaya çalışacağız. Ben inanıyorum ki bundan sonra kendi ligimizde iyi sonuçlar bizi beklemektedir." ifadesini kullandı.

Bekjiri, Samsun'da olmaktan büyük onur duyduklarını belirterek, "Samsunspor ciddi bir rakipti bizim için. Yenilenerek buradan ayrılıyoruz. Buradan güzel ders çıkartacağız." şeklinde konuştu.

Beşiktaş'ta 'Feda' sezonunun inşa ruhu geri döndü. Sergen Yalçın, sadece skor odaklı değil, kulübün genetiğindeki 'pes etmeyen ve saldıran' kimliğini yeniden sahaya sürmeye başladı. Göztepe karşısında alınan 4-0'lık galibiyet, sadece üç puanın değil, gelecek sezonun kadro mirasının da temeli olarak görülüyor.

Beşiktaş'ta Göztepe maçında oynanan oyun, camianın aklına unutulmaz "Feda" sezonunu getirdi. Sergen Yalçın önderliğindeki yapılanma sadece bir skor başarısı değil, kulübün genetiğine dönüş yolculuğu olarak değerlendirilmeye başlandı.

Camianın bazı kesimleri Göztepe karşısında alınan 4-0'lık net galibiyeti, sadece 3 puan değil; gelecekteki başarıların "miladı" olarak değerlendirmeyi tercih ediyor. Kolay pes etmeyen, Göztepe gibi bir rakibe karşı kurulan mutlak üstünlük yüzünden bu maçın, gelecek sezonun kadro planlaması ve oyun karakteri için bir "temel taşı" olduğu iddiası güçlü şekilde dillendiriliyor.

Beşiktaş’ın meşhur "Feda" sezonu en güçlü kadroyu kurma amacı taşımıyordu. Asıl gaye, kulübün genetiğini hatırlatan bir iskelet oluşturmaktı. Bugün Sergen Yalçın da benzer bir vizyonla hareket ediyor. Beşiktaş’ın genetiğindeki gibi saldıran, pes etmeyen, terinin son damlasına kadar sahaya koyan bir takım üstünde çalışıyor.

Yalçın'ın hedefindeki profil üç ana unsur üzerine kurulu:

- Yüksek Tansiyon: Rakibi her an baskı altında tutan bir oyun.

-Vazgeçmeyen Karakter: Maçın her anında oyunun içinde kalma iradesi.

-Genetik Kodlar: Kulübün özünde olan "savaşçı" kimliğin sahaya yansıtılması.

Feda sezonu, ardından gelen şampiyonlukların nasıl ki temelini oluşturduysa; bugünkü hamlelerin de benzer bir etki yaratması hayal ediliyor. Beşiktaş yönetimi ve teknik heyet, kısa vadeli sonuçlardan ziyade, gelecek sezona güçlü bir oyun mirası bırakmayı hedefliyor.

Göztepe galibiyetiyle şov yapan Beşiktaş, "dev avcısı" Kocaelispor deplasmanına hem galibiyet hem de gelecek sezonun planlaması için çıkıyor. Sergen Yalçın'ın pas oyununa karşı Kocaeli'nin fiziksel gücü çarpışacak. Parlayan Junior Olaitan'ın performansı, siyah-beyazlıların transfer rotasını da belirleyecek.

Beşiktaş, Göztepe karşısında aldığı 4-0’lık görkemli galibiyetle moral depoladı. Gözler Kocaeli deplasmanına çevrildi. Sergen Yalçın bu maçta da sergilenen dominant futbol istikrarını korumayı hedefliyor.

Göztepe karşısında sezonun en iyi oyunlarından birini oynayan Beşiktaş’ta, Yalçın’ın Kocaeli deplasmanında da büyük oranda aynı 11’i sahaya sürmesi bekleniyor. Takımın yakaladığı uyumdan memnun olan tecrübeli teknik adam, sadece savunma hattında küçük bir rotasyona gitmek zorunda kalacak. Göztepe maçında sakatlanan Emirhan Topçu'nun yerine, Kocaeli’nin fiziksel güce dayalı oyun yapısına karşı Felix Uduokhai’nin sol stoperde görev alması gündemde.

Kocaelispor, bu sezon sahasında sergilediği performansla ligin devlerine geçit vermiyor. Özellikle Galatasaray’ı 1-0 mağlup ettikleri maçta ortaya koydukları fiziksel ve dirençli futbol, Beşiktaş teknik heyeti için bir uyarı niteliğinde. Beşiktaş’ın bu maçtaki stratejisi Göztepe maçındaki gibi topa sahip olup pas trafiğini yöneterek rakibin fiziksel direncini kırmak olacak.

Göztepe maçında eski takımına karşı golünü atan ve Yalçın’ın saha içinde serbestlik tanıdığı Junior Olaitan, Kocaeli maçının kilit ismi olmaya aday. Olaitan, gelecek sezonun şampiyonluk kadrosu için bir "rotasyon oyuncusu" olarak transfer edildi. Gösterdiği performansla as takımın vazgeçilmezi olabileceğini kanıtladı. Sergen Yalçın’ın hücum hattındaki jokerine bu maçta da büyük sorumluluk düşecek.

Siyah-beyazlı yönetim, şimdiden gelecek sezonun transfer planlamasına başlamış durumda. Ancak yapılacak takviyelerin niteliği, mevcut oyuncuların sezon sonuna kadar (Kocaeli maçı dahil) göstereceği performansa göre şekillenecek.

Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16 after another 1-0 victory over SK Brann, decided by Joao Mario after an early red card.

The Rossoblu started 2026 in disastrous form, but managed to turn a corner recently with three consecutive victories in all competition, including the 1-0 first leg result in Norway decided by Santiago Castro. Juan Miranda joined Charalampos Lykogiannis on the treatment table, while Brann were still missing Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson. These sides also met here during the league phase in November, and it ended 0-0 despite Lykogiannis seeing red in the opening half-hour.

The winners will face either Roma or Freiburg in the Round of 16, with the draw held on February 27.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

There was a big Brann chance in the opening minutes, as Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson volleyed from a corner through a sea of legs, making it an extraordinary Lukasz Skorupski reaction save with one hand.

The visitors had an even clearer scoring opportunity on 19 minutes, as Skorupski managed to slow down the Noah Holm effort, allowing Remo Freuler to get back for a decisive goal-line clearance.

However, Brann were reduced to 10 men after just 37 minutes when Jacob Sorensen tried and failed to control a bouncing ball, and on the way back down he landed studs-first above Freuler’s knee. It was clumsy more than malicious, much like the Lykogiannis red card when these sides met here in November, but so high that it could not be ignored.

Nonetheless, 10-man Brann still had another great chance moments later, when Thorsteinsson’s curler from outside the area forced a flying Skorupski one-handed save.

Felix Horn Myhre had a very similar error to Sorensen, catching Lewis Ferguson on the arm with a high boot, but this didn’t even warrant a yellow card.

Nadir Zortea’s ferocious cross-shot tested the goalkeeper at the near post after the restart, then Jhon Lucumi’s looping header forced a wonderful flying Mathias Dyngeland save at the top corner.

Bologna continued to pour forward and Rowe’s pull-back from the by-line was deflected, so Joao Mario controlled from 14 yards and hit the half-volley into the near bottom corner.

Substitute Riccardo Orsolini fired straight at the goalkeeper from the edge of the area, then forced another save at the near post.

Orsolini was ready to tap in the Benajmin Dominguez roll across from the left, until a desperate clearance from six yards.

A similar situation saw Rowe pull back from the by-line, only for Dominguez to fire over, then Jens Odgaard’s scuffed finish was put out by Boakye.

In stoppages, Orsolini’s acrobatic bicycle-kick volley was also charged down, but Dominguez was unlucky when he drilled onto the base of the upright.

Bologna 1-0 Brann (2-0 agg)

Joao Mario 56 (Bo)

Sent off: Sorensen 37 (Br)

26-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Brann

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Martin Vitik		28'
		37'		Jacob Lungi Sörensen
Federico Bernardeschi		41'

2nd half

João Mário		56'
		78'		Rasmus Holten
Riccardo Orsolini		80'

Match statistic

61

Possession %

39

16

Total shots

7

5

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

2

8

Blocked shots

2

13

Corners

1

3

Offsides

0

15

Fouls

9

Bologna

Brann

Starting lineups

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

João Mário

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

62'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

79'

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

73'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

61'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

79'

1

Mathias Dyngeland

Goalkeeper

21

Denzel De Roeve

Defender

3

Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen

Defender

17

Joachim Soltvedt

Defender

85'

4

Nana Kwame Boakye

Defender

8

Felix Horn Myhre

Midfielder

18

Jacob Lungi Sörensen

Midfielder

16

Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson

Attacker

73'

10

Kristall Máni Ingason

Attacker

60'

29

Noah Jean Holm

Attacker

86'

14

Ulrik Mathisen

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

70

Davide Baroncioni

Defender

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

61'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

62'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

73'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

79'

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

79'

24

Mathias Engevik Klausen

Goalkeeper

41

Lars Remmem

Midfielder

27

Mads Sande

Attacker

39

Julian Lægreid

Attacker

40

Jesper Nerhus Eikrem

Midfielder

12

Simen Vidtun Nilsen

Goalkeeper

25

Niklas Jensen Wassberg

Midfielder

23

Thore Pedersen

Defender

60'

43

Rasmus Holten

Defender

73'

32

Markus Haaland

Attacker

73'

20

Vetle Dragsnes

Defender

85'

11

Bard Finne

Attacker

86'

Paolo Vanoli explains where Fiorentina got it so very wrong in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia. ‘We had the first leg in our minds.’

This was meant to be a relatively simple evening after winning the first leg 3-0 in Poland, but it proved to be anything but, as Jagiellonia won 3-0 at the Stadio Franchi with a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick to force extra time.

The Viola did squeeze through 5-4 on aggregate, as Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a double deflection on Moise Kean’s strike from a corner got them over the line, despite David De Gea’s howler on Jesus Imaz.

Vanoli survived Fiorentina scare

“What I really didn’t want was to go to extra time,” confessed Vanoli on Sky Sport Italia.

“We’ve got to realise that no matter what the result of the first leg, this is a totally new and different match. I didn’t want us to waste energy ahead of a tough Serie A game with Udinese, and so extra time was really not helpful.

“Having said that, we mustn’t see everything negative. I prefer to see this as another valuable lesson, as the team did come out of its shell eventually.”

Fiorentina had seemingly found their form before this with three consecutive victories in all competition, but this was a huge step backwards in terms of attitude and concentration.

“I had told the players to be more careful, that we had only won the first leg thanks to three set play situations. We made the mistake of stepping onto the field with the first leg result in our minds, and made life unnecessarily complicated for ourselves.”

There were also more injury setbacks, as Luca Lezzerini and Manor Solomon went off with muscular issues, though Albert Gudmundsson made his comeback in extra time.

“Both Solomon and Lezzerini felt pain in the rectus femoris, so I doubt either will be available for Monday,” explained Vanoli.

“Gosens had trauma to his cheekbone in extra time too, so that needs to be evaluated by the medical staff.”

The Tuscans will now go into the Conference League Round of 16, and tomorrow in the draw they’ll discover if they are facing RC Strasbourg or Rakow.

“I like the Conference League, I think it helps give us experience to keep improving,” concluded Vanoli.

“We have to change mentality and attitude, because it is different to Serie A. Whoever we get in the draw, we’ll think about it after the Udinese match.”

Moise Kean and Giovanni Fabbian both believe the chaotic 5-4 aggregate win over Jagiellonia in the Conference League will be ‘a valuable lesson’ for Fiorentina, and discuss who scored the goal.

The Viola had thought the job was done for this play-off in the first leg when winning 3-0 in Poland, but threw it away by the 49^th minute to a Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick.

It went to extra time, where Nicolò Fagioli’s lob and a confusing double ricochet off Kean’s effort proved enough, despite David De Gea letting a Jesus Imaz long-range strike squirm in.

Fiorentina risked astonishing exit

“We were a little tired going into the game, but we still should’ve had clearer heads than this,” Kean told Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle and 120 minutes of football.

“We must always keep on learning from our mistakes. It is all about the mentality, we just have to improve on these situations.”

The goal on that corner was initially given to Kean, though it seemed to ricochet off Fabbian and then Jagiellonia midfielder Romanczuk.

“I have no idea who scored the goal, Fabbian told me he turned it in. The important thing is that we scored and went through,” shrugged Kean.

Just as Fiorentina had seemingly turned a corner with three consecutive victories in all competition, this was a big setback in terms of confidence and performance.

“On the goal, the ball definitely hit me. I don’t know if it was instinct or what, but I put my leg in there. The important thing is that we qualified,” Fabbian told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s disappointing we got into this situation, we could’ve handled it better, and it all depends on us.

“We’ve got to build on the reaction and remember how many aspects we still need to work on, to keep improving. We need to give our all every time we set foot on the pitch. We know what our targets are and must be at the disposal of the coach.

“There are moments in football when you lose concentration, as games seem easy on paper, but there’s no such thing in the modern game. I think this will be a valuable lesson.”

Fiorentina threw away a 3-0 first leg lead to Bartosz Mazurek’s hat-trick, but eventually squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time to reach the Conference League last 16.

The Viola finally found form with three consecutive wins in all competition, including a 3-0 first leg success in Poland. Jagiellonia welcomed back Afimico Pululu and Taras Romanczuk, who were suspended last week.

The winners will face either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the Round of 16, with the draw on February 27.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Giovanni Fabbian almost managed to intercept a shaky back-pass, while Roberto Piccoli’s header from a corner was parried.

Slawomir Abramowicz got it all wrong playing out from the back, but made up for his error by making the save on Piccoli at the near post.

Instead, Jagiellonia got the opening goal when Bartosz Mazurek completed a give and go with Pululu, as Luca Lezzerini managed only to slow down the shot rather than keep it out.

Pululu’s header was too weak to trouble Lezzerini, but Jagiellonia lost Kamil Jozwiak to a groin injury after just 36 minutes.

Lezzerini punched a free kick into a crowd and was fortunate that Bernardo Vital ballooned the rebound over an empty net.

On the stroke of half-time, Jagiellonia reduced the aggregate deficit to just one goal, as Mazurek’s effort took a big deflection off Pietro Comuzzo to loop up into the net.

There was more bad news, as Lezzerini picked up a muscular injury and was replaced by David De Gea at half-time.

They came out with a different attitude and substitute Jack Harrison set up a Piccoli header well smothered, but were caught out on the counter to wipe out their first leg lead.

Piccoli wanted a free kick when losing the ball to spark the counter, but it was rolled across from the right, Pululu kept it going and Dodo slipped, allowing Mazurek to complete his hat-trick totally undisturbed at the back post from nine yards.

Nicolò Fagioli’s strike was deflected for a corner, while Manor Solomon’s attempt was charged down, with Fagioli blasting the rebound over.

Jagiellonia also threatened a fourth, but Imaz saw his first touch let him down on a smart through ball.

Piccoli nodded over from seven yards, although the cross was seemingly better placed for Fabbian behind him, and Moise Kean ballooned over from the edge of the box with the last kick of normal time.

It went to extra time, where Kean controlled with his back to goal to have a shot charged down, then scuffed another strike into the goalkeeper’s arms.

The impressive Solomon limped off injured for the return of Albert Gudmundsson, but Fiorentina finally restored their lead on aggregate.

It was a chaotic situation from goalkeeper Abramowicz, who wildly rushed out to punch clear and crashed into his own teammate, allowing Fagioli to intelligently lob into an empty net from the edge of the area.

Robin Gosens nearly scored another, forcing the fingertip save, and they netted on the resulting chaotic corner. Kean’s effort was probably going wide until it ricocheted in off Fabbian’s shin and then Romanczuk from point-blank range.

It still wasn’t over, as De Gea with an uncharacteristic howler completely failed to deal with a long-range Jesus Imaz strike and let it squirm over him.

Bernardo Vital let the situation get to him and received a second yellow card for insulting the referee.

Fiorentina 2-4 Jagiellonia aet (5-4 agg)

B Mazurek 23, 45+3, 49 (J), Fagioli 107 (F), Romanczuk og 114 (F), Imaz 118 (J)

Sent off: Bernardo Vital 120 (J)

26-02-2026 17:45

1/16 Final

Artemio Franchi Stadium

Fiorentina

Jagiellonia Białystok

2 1

2 - 4

Player statistic

1st half

Pietro Comuzzo		7'
		17'		Kamil Jozwiak
		23'		Bartosz Mazurek
		45+3'		Bartosz Mazurek

2nd half

		49'		Bartosz Mazurek (Assist: Afimico Pululu)
		75'		Samed Bazdar
Marin Pongracic		77'

Extra time

		94'		Álex Pozo
Dodô		101'
		105+1'		Taras Romanczuk
Nicolò Fagioli		107'
		110'		Bernardo Vital
Taras Romanczuk		114'
		118'		Jesús Imaz (Assist: Andy Pelmard)
		120'		Bernardo Vital

Match statistic

50

Possession %

50

22

Total shots

15

8

Shots on target

10

9

Shots off target

5

5

Blocked shots

0

6

Corners

3

0

Offsides

1

20

Fouls

22

Fiorentina

Jagiellonia Białystok

Starting lineups

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

46'

2

Dodô

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

62'

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

46'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

62'

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

89'

50

Slawomir Abramowicz

Goalkeeper

70

Andy Pelmard

Defender

27

Bartlomiej Wdowik

Defender

13

Bernardo Vital

Defender

7

Álex Pozo

Midfielder

117'

86

Bartosz Mazurek

Midfielder

106'

11

Jesús Imaz

Midfielder

15

Norbert Wojtuszek

Midfielder

66'

6

Taras Romanczuk

Midfielder

10

Afimico Pululu

Attacker

72

Kamil Jozwiak

Attacker

36'

Substitutes

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

63

Piergiorgio Bonanno

Midfielder

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

100'

Manor Solomon

Attacker

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

46'

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

46'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

62'

20

Moise Kean

Attacker

89'

66

Adrian Damasiewicz

Goalkeeper

85

Eryk Kozlowski

Midfielder

17

Youssuf Sylla

Attacker

9

Dimitris Rallis

Attacker

106'

4

Yuki Kobayashi

Defender

117'

14

Samed Bazdar

Attacker

66'

8

Dawid Drachal

Midfielder

31

Leon Flach

Midfielder

89'

Newcastle United are interested in signing Zeki Celik from AS Roma at the end of the season.

According to a report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle are hoping to secure his signature at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

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The player will be out of contract in the summer, and the 29-year-old could be a very useful acquisition for the Premier League club. They need to find a quality long-term replacement for Kiran Trippier, and the Roma star could be ideal for them. He has the quality and experience to thrive in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact in English football.

Along with Newcastle, Fulham are also interested in signing the 29-year-old.

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for the 29-year-old defender, and it remains to be seen whether he is willing to join Newcastle.

They are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, and they could offer him a lucrative contract. The Turkish international is demanding wages of €4 million per season, and Newcastle certainly have the finances to meet them. In addition, they have an ambitious project, and he could be attracted to the idea of joining them. They managed to win a domestic trophy last season, and they will look to establish themselves as a top club.

Meanwhile, the defender has played alongside Sven Botman at Lille, and it will be interesting to see whether the Newcastle defender can convince his former teammate to join the club in the summer.

The post Newcastle join Fulham in the race for 29-year-old wide player who wants €4m/season appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham United regret the decision not to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the start of the season. 

The striker was heavily linked with a move to the London club at the start of the season when he was available on a free transfer. However, former West Ham manager Graham Potter was not keen on the move.

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Calvert-Lewin has done quite well since joining Leeds United, and West Ham could certainly have used a quality striker like him. They have struggled to score this season, and the former Everton star would have been a very useful option for them. The 28-year-old 10 Premier League goals this season.

A club source has now confirmed that Potter was not keen on the move, and he stopped the club from signing a centre forward.

“Yes, we regret not signing Calvert-Lewin, especially on a free transfer,” a senior spokesman for West Ham’s owners told Hammers News.

“But Mr Potter didn’t want a forward and would not let us sign or buy one.

“Nuno came in and immediately identified that he wanted two, and it has helped us massively.”

There is no doubt that the former Everton striker would have been a bargain acquisition for the London club. Signing a player of his quality on a free transfer should have been a no-brainer for West Ham.

Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo quickly identified the need for goal scorers upon his arrival, and West Ham has signed Taty Castellanos and Pablo in January. It will be interesting to see if they can secure safety in the Premier League. They are currently fighting for survival in the top flight. A quality striker from the start of the season would not have left them in this position.

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Leeds United attacker Joe Gelhardt is currently on loan at Hull city and he is expected to leave the club permanently in the summer.

The Tigers will look to sign him permanently, and Leeds United are prepared to sanction his departure for a fee of around £3-5 million, as per TEAMtalk. The 23-year-old does not have a future with them, and it makes sense for the Premier League club to sell him permanently.

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Meanwhile, the player will look to sort out his long-term future as well and focus on his football. He has done quite well for the Tigers during his loan with them, and joining them permanently would be ideal for him. At 23, he needs to play regularly in order to fulfil his potential. Returning to Leeds United would not make any sense for him, especially when he is unlikely to get opportunities with them.

It will be interesting to see if Hull City is willing to pay the asking price for the talented striker. He could be a long-term asset for them, and he could easily justify the investment in future. It could be a deal worth doing for them. The 23-year-old has 11 goals to his name in the Championship this season.

Meanwhile, Leeds should look to bring in a quality striker at the end of the season as well. Selling their fringe players will help them raise funds for their own signings. They are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see if they can stay up. They have a talented team and they will be desperate to established themselves as Premier League regulars.

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